RM Commando 1946 - present

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'3 Commando Brigade RM'

At the end of the war and without notice a decision was made to disband the Army Commandos. Demobilization commenced almost immediately with some Commando Units being merged for short periods as numbers dwindled.
The RM Commandos did not escape the cutbacks being reduced from nine units down to three.
  • October 1946 after the disbandment of the merged No.1/5 (Army) Commando, 3 Commando Brigade, still in the Far East, was redesignated as 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines.

ACID, Omar

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Omar Acid received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017.

ADAMS, Alan Maclean

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Corporal Alan Adams received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland [1].
  • Appointed M.B.E. (Military Division)(rank Warrant Officer Class 1) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland  2004/5 [2].
  • Short Service Commission (late entry) Regular Army - 12 January 2005 Alan Maclean Adams (563268) to be Captain on probation (formerly Royal Marines) [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 54212, page 15368.

ADDIS, Alan

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Marine Alan Addis was serving with Naval Party 8901 when he disappeared in suspicious circumstances on the Falkland Islands in 1980.  [Sources: AFM ROH / Numerous online reports.]
 

AHERN, Gerard

41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Marine Gerard Ahern, from Darwen Lancashire, died whilst a prisoner of war in Korea.
Extract from an article in the Lancashire Telegraph 28th January 2004

ALEXANDER, David Crichton

Major General David Crichton Alexander
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Major General David Alexander was appointed C.B. (Military Division) on 12 June 1976 [1].
  • 1969–1970 (Lieutenant Colonel) Officer Commanding 40 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 46919, page 8016.
[2] + [Image] Globe and Laurel October 1970.
 

ALLAN, Brian Gavin

Royal Marines
Sergeant Brian Allan was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 2003.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 57269, page 5129.
 

ALLEN, Thomas Charles

Cdo. Log. Regt.

Marine Thomas Allen, Garrison Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment RM, died as a result of a road traffic accident in Winchester.

Sources
AFM ROH
Globe and Laurel, July - August 1977 edition.
Navy News July 1977, p8.
 

ALMOND, Bernard Alan

45 Cdo. RM

Marine Bernard Almond died in service, cause unknown to this archive.

Source: AFM ROH.

Notes
Unit shown as on AFM ROH. His death was announced in Navy News issue Aug 1961, p10, with his unit shown as 41 Commando RM.

ANDREWS, Trevor John

SBS
Sergeant Trevor Andrews was  a member of the SBS personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951. 

ANRUDE, Jack

Lieutenant Jack Anrude
40 Cdo. RM
Lieutenant Jack Anrude was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2010 [1].
 
Lt. Anrude led his troop out of Patrol Base Hanjar accompanying an Afghan Special Forces unit to speak with locals at a mosque. 

ARMSTRONG, Liam Peter

Marine Liam Armstrong MC
45 Cdo. RM
Marine Liam Armstrong was awarded the Military Cross  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2002.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 56920, page 5274.
[Image] BBC News online 4 Dec. 2006.
 

ARNOLD, David James

SBS
Sergeant David Arnold, SBS formerly 45 Commando, died during operations in Aden [1].
  • On August 7, 1964, the marines were conducting operations in the Radafan Mountains. Sgt Arnold was killed during a planned night ambush near the village of Dhala, a centre of intense dissident activity.
    He is commemorated on the Special Boat Service Memorial in Poole and also at the National Memorial Arboretum. Sgt Arnold was also a noted racing canoeist, winning several events in the early 1960s, including the Devizes to Westminster Race [2]. 

ASH, Martin

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Martin Ash was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in 2014.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 60728, page N5 (New Years Honours).
 

ASHENDEN, Steven

Royal Marines
Marine Steven Ashenden was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 56373, page 12745.
 

ASHFIELD, Stuart James

Cdo. Log. Regt.
Marine Stuart Ashfield died [1] whilst deployed to Norway on a training exercise [2]. He was driving a Land Rover when it was involved in a collision with a coach [3].
 
Stuart left Tarring High School at the age of 16 to become a Royal Marines cadet. He was one of the outstanding members of 8th Worthing Sea Scouts and was also a member of Worthing Swimming Club [3]. 
 
Sources:
[1] AFM ROH.
[2] Palace Barracks Memorial website.

ASHLEY, Scott

Royal Marines
Acting Major Scott Ashley was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in June 2014 [1].
  • 1 October 2014 promoted Major [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 60895, page B6 (H.M. Birthday Honours).
[2] London Gazette Supp. 61031, page 20825.
 

ASHTON, Paul

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Paul Ashton received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April 2006 to 30th September 2006.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 58183, page 17355.
 

ASKWITH, Graham

40 Cdo. RM
Marine Graham Askwith received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in Borneo on the 1st January 1964. He had been recommended for the Military Medal.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 43492, page 9824.
National Archives file WO373/139/37.
 

ATKINS, Steven Mark

RM Poole
Marine Steven Atkins received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st February 1979 to 30th April 1979 [1].
  • 1982 awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 47984, page 13234.
[2] London Gazette 49105, page 11945.
[2] Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct.1982 edition.
 

AUBERTIN, Jack Stanley

45 Cdo. RM
Sergeant Jack Aubertin was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39507, page 1880.
National Archives file WO 373/130/123.
 

BABB, Ronald Benjamin

41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Corporal Ronald Babb died [1] in the Korean war during a raid on the night of 6th/7th October, when two troops of the Commando landed under the command of Major D. L. St. M. Aldridge, R.M., at Churonjang.  A rail and road tunnel was blown up with two tons of explosive and completely blocked [2] . 
 
Extract from the Western Morning News - Thursday 12 October 1950

BAILEY, David Lindsay

40 Cdo. RM
Lieutenant Colonel David Bailey was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) on the 12th June 1971 [1].
  • 22 October 1970 to 22 March 1972  Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 45384, page 5961. Her Majesty's Birthday Honours.
[2] The Light Blue Lanyard, author Maj. J.C. Beadle MBE, MC, RM.

BAINBRIDGE, Stephen Paul

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Stephen Bainbridge was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field during the period 1st October 2003 and 31st March 2004.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 57402, page 11252.
 

BAINES, James

41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Acting Quartermaster Sergeant James Baines B.E.M. was awarded the Military Medal during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. [1].
 

BAIZLEY, Michael John

45 Cdo. RM
Major Michael Baizley was appointed M.B.E., (Military Division),  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 1st to 15th February 1965.

BAKER, Roy

41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Corporal Roy Baker, 41 Independent Commando RM, was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat 'V' decoration bestowed by the President of the United States of America, for gallant and distinguished services during operations in the Korean war.

BALDWIN, David

45 Cdo. RM
Sergeant David Baldwin died near Akanthou in the Karpas Peninsula during operations in Cyprus. He and Marine David Whitham were killed when their patrol landed by helicopter and came under ‘friendly fire’.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Cyprus Emergency Deaths 1955-1960.
British Cyprus Memorial Trust Book of Remembrance.
 
 

BALLANCE, John

45 Cdo. RM
Corporal John Ballance was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
 
A spokesman for the MoD said: "Despite a heavy weight of enemy fire, Ballance and a comrade relentlessly cleared a route towards stricken casualties. With complete disregard for his own safety, Ballance repeatedly ran from cover into fire to manage the evacuation of a casualty and continue the battle" [2].
 
Sources

BALMENT, Robert Ernest

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Robert Balment was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August to 31st October 1980.
 
Sources
London Gazette 48583, page 5527.
 

BANFORD, Garry Lee

Royal Marines
Corporal Garry Banford received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2007 to 31st March 2008.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 58776, page 11242.
 

BARFOOT, Wayne

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Wayne Barfoot received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 59924, page 18717.
 

BARKER, Alfred

42 Cdo. RM
Sergeant Alfred Barker was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service on 29 February 1952 during operations at Rawang, which is located in Selangor, Malaya.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39584, page 3523.
National Archives file WO 373/131/7.
 

BARNES, Charles Ernest

41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Sergeant Charles Barnes, 'B' Troop, died during operations at Hodo Pando, Korea. He was part of a raiding party that landed by canoe and were engaged in a daylong firefight. Sergeant Barnes received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service with 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, in operations in Korea. 
 

BARNES, Michael Roger

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Roger Barnes was awarded The Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st May 1974-31st July 1974.
 
Sources
London Gazette 46456, page 221.
 

BARTON, Francis Christopher

40 Cdo. RM
Major Francis Barton received a Mention in Despatches in 1951 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services with 40 Commando RM in Malaya [1].
  • 31 December 1960 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 1 January 1964 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
  • 1 January 1966 (Major General) appointed C.B. (Military Division) [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39361, page 5432.

BATEMAN, Richard

Royal Marines
Corporal Richard Bateman was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009.

BAVIN, Richard Julian Ebblewhite

Royal Marines
Lieut. Colonel Richard Bavin OBE was killed whilst on board a US Marine Corps transport plane that crashed into Mount Tobin, Nevada during a snowstorm.  18 US servicemen also died in the crash.  He was serving as the UK Royal Marines representative at the Quantico Education and Development Centre.
 
He had previously served in 42RM Commando during WW2 *, and was a member of the Commando Association. On the 8th June 1963 the then Major Bavin had been appointed OBE.
 

BEADON, Colin John Alexander

Royal Marines
Captain Colin Beadon was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distingushed services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 1994 [1]
  • 1994 promoted Major [2].
  • 2 June 2007 (Lieutenant Colonel) to retired list [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 54028, page 6609.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 53724, page 9604.
[3] London Gazette Supp. 58345, page 8034.

BEASLEY, Nicholas

Royal Marines
Sergeant Nicholas Beasley died 2 weeks before his retirement after 22 years service.  At the time he was serving on the staff at the Royal Navy's basic training establishment, HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall. His career included service in Iraq and tours of duty in Northern Ireland.
[Source:  AFM ROH / Northants Telegraph dated 11/8/2010]
 

BELL, Alan William

Royal Marines
Sergeant Alan Bell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 48237, page 9373.
 

BELL, Thomas Matthew

CTCRM
Marine Thomas Bell from Gateshead, was serving at the Commando Training Centre RM at the time of his death.  He and his colleagues were celebrating the end of their training at Penhale Camp near Perranporth, Cornwall. On the way back to his quarters along the cliff path he accidentally fell to his death.  The Coroner recorded a verdit of Misadventure.
 
Sources
AFM ROH
Newcastle Journal - Saturday 7 July 1984

BENNETT, Henry

45RM Commando
Acting Company Sergeant Major Henry Bennett was awarded the Military Medal [1] for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe whilst serving with 45RM Commando [2]. Post war he remained in service and in 1954 was serving as a Sergeant with 40 Commando RM [3]. 
 

BENSLEY, James

James Bensley
RM Reserve
Corporal James Bensley, a Royal Marines Reservist with the R.M.F.V.R. (Tyne), died [1] in a parachute training exercise at Poole, Dorset [2]. A former Gunner in No.1 Commando during WW2 [2], James Bensley had left the Army and was married with a child, residing at Isobella Street, Newcastle, and working as a clerk with the Ministry of Pensions [3]. A Coroner later recorded a verdict of accidental death [4].
 
Sources
[1] AFM ROH.

BEST, James Nigel

40 Cdo. RM
Acting Lieutenant James best received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Borneo Territories during the period 24th December 1962 to 23rd June 1963.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43189, page 10451.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Major J.C. Beadle MBE MC.
 

BETTERIDGE, Michael John

Royal Marines
Corporal Michael Betteridge was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field, dated 20th June 1994 [1].
  • 30 December 2000 (Sergeant) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 54212, page 15370.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 56070, page 5.
 

BEVAN, Christopher John

42 Cdo. RM
Marine Christopher Bevan died in a traffic accident in Plymouth. 
[Sources: AFM ROH / naval-history.net]
 
Notes
1.  Date of death shown as on AFM ROH;
2. The Naval history website shows the following: 
Friday, 12 June 1981  Royal Marines, 42 Commando, road accident at Plymouth, Devon
BEVAN, Christopher J, Marine, P040432F,

BEVERLEY, Henry York la Roche

Royal Marines
Lieutenant General Henry York La Roche Beverley, O.B.E., was appointed K.C.B. (Military Division) on the 31st December 1990 [1].
  • April 1978 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM [2].
  • 1979 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August 1978 to 31st October 1978 [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 52382, page 2.

BEVIS, Timothy John

Royal Marines
Lieutenant Timothy Bevis received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1986 [1].
  • 13 December 2015 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 31 May 2016 promoted Major General [3].
  • 28 December 2019 appointed C.B. (Military Divisionj [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 50710, page 14517.
[2] London Gazette 61256, page B6. Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List.
[3] London Gazette 61603, page 12653.

BEWLEY, Neil

45 Cdo. RM
Marine Neil Bewley was shot and killed during operations in Turf Lodge, Belfast, Northern Ireland. [Source:  AFM ROH / Northern Ireland - An Agony Continued author Ken Wharton.]
 

BILLINGHAM, Paul Jonathon

Royal Marines
Staff Sergeant Paul Billingham, serving with the Parachute Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2013 to 30 June 2014 [1]. 
  • 26 August 2008 (Corporal) (Royal Marines) awarded the Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 61155, page 3471.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 58804, page 12962.
 

BIRCH, Marc John

Cpl. Marc Birch
45 Cdo. RM

Corporal Marc Birch died whilst deployed on operations with X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Group, Royal Marines. The company was conducting an operation alongside Afghan National Army troops to dominate areas posing a dangerous threat to British forces and the local Afghan population. Whilst acting as Second-in-Command of the Quick Reaction Force in support of a company operation, Corporal Birch was killed by a suspected enemy suicide bomber.

BIRDSALL, Steven James

Marine Steven Birdsall
40 Cdo. RM
Marine Steven Birdsall died during operations in Afghanistan. 
During the late afternoon of Sunday 13 June 2010, Bravo Company was providing security to Royal Engineers who were reinforcing the defences at one of the UK Check Points in Sangin.
At approximately 1629hrs local time, Marine Birdsall received a gunshot wound and was immediately evacuated to Camp Bastion's Role 3 Hospital where his condition was listed as critical.

BISHOP, Andrew Ronald

45 Cdo. RM
Corporal Andrew Bishop was awarded the Military Medal for his actions during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation
On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines, launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters. Initially, until eventually detected by the enemy, they achieved brilliant surprise.

BISPHAM, Matthew

42 Cdo. RM
Marine Matthew Bispham was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan [1].
 
On 13 January 2007 Bispham’s company conducted a deliberate attack onto a hill and compounds. The enemy fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades from a group of compounds and all Troops were pinned down by the accuracy of the fire. Bispham’s group was tasked to assault.

BLAKEWAY, Benet Carr

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Marine Benet Blakeway, HQ 3 Commando Brigade, died during operations in Cyprus. He, and QMS Alfred Wheeler, both perished from exposure on anti-terrorist operations after their vehicle fell into a deep gully in the Troodos Mountains during a blizzard [1].
 

BLIGHT, Timothy

Royal Marines
Lance Corporal Timothy Blight was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 51296, page 4325 dated 12 April 1988..
 

BLYTH, Eric Joseph

45 Cdo. RM
Sergeant Eric Blyth received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service with 45 Commando in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964 [1].

BOGLE, Dexter

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Marine Dexter Bogle received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011.
 

BOTHAM, Grenville

Royal Marines
Warrant Officer 2 Grenville Botham was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) on the 19 June 2000 [1].
  • 25 April 2006 (Warrant Officer 1) awarded the Meritorious Service Medal [2].
  • 1996 (Sergeant) Zulu Company 45 Commando RM [3].
  • 2007 RSM at the Commando Training Centre RM [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 55879, page 5.
[2] London Gazette supp. 57965, page 5682.

BRADFORD, John Gwyther

45 Cdo. RM
Surgeon Lieutenant John Bradford, attached to 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished services in the Operations in the Near East, October-December, 1956.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 41092, page 3418.
 

BRAMBLE, George

41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Marine George Bramble was awarded the Military Medal during the Korean war for gallant and distinguished service. [1]. He later also received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service in operations in Korean waters. [2].
  • 29 November 1950 wounded during operations at Chosin Resevoir [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 39230, page 2749.
[2] London Gazette 39660, page 5208.
[3] British Casualties Korean War 1950-53.

BRAND, Douglas John

45 Cdo. RM
Lieutenant Douglas Brand was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate during the period 1st to 15th February 1965.
 
Recommendation

BRAY, Matthew

Royal Marines
Second Lieutenant Matthew Bray received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of services in the former Republic of Yugoslavia during the period April 1993 to November 1993.
  • 1993 promoted Lieutenant.
Sources
London Gazette 53653, page 6168.
 

BREAM, George Leonard

Captain Leonard George Bream
48RM Commando

George Leonard Bream, or 'Percy', as he was known in the Corps, was born on June 1st 1919 in the hamlet of Buckworth, Huntingdonshire. He was the middle son of a a family of six, his father being a farm labourer. After leaving school with a basic education he moved to his eldest sister's home in Luton where he at first worked as a market trader, and then in a gent's outfitters. In 1938 with talk of trouble in Europe he joined The Royal Marines. In 1944 he joined the newly formed 48RM Commando after successfully completing his training at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry.

BRIGGS, Harold

Harold Briggs RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Sergeant Harold Briggs was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) on 31 December 1976 [1]. He was serving as an Intelligence sergeant in 3 Commando Brigade at the time.

BROWN, Adam Robert

Marine Adam Brown
40 Cdo. RM

Marine Adam Brown died during operations in Afghanistan. 

He was conducting a reassurance patrol as part of 3 Troop, Alpha Company 40 RM Cdo., to provide security for the locals in the area. At approximately 1750hrs on Sunday 1 August, there was an explosion in the vicinity of his patrol base and he was killed instantly in the blast. [Source: MOD]

BROWN, W.E.

41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Marine W.E. Brown was reported missing during operations in Korea, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
British Casualties, Korean War 1950-1953.
 

BROWNING, James Gardner

3 Cdo. Bde. RM

Corporal James Browning, HQ 3 Commando Bde. RM,  was reported missing presumed drowned, after the cessation of hostilities on the Falklands, when caught in a sudden squall whilst in a dinghy off Port Stanley. He had previously served in 45 Commando workshops. 

BRUCE, Robert James

Major Robert Bruce
Royal Marines
Major Robert Bruce was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12857.
[Image] From an ITV film on an open day at Eastney.
 
Notes
In 2013 Major Robert Bruce was director of the Royal Marines Museum.

BUCHANAN, Craig Andrew

Marine Craig Andrew Buchanan 40 Commando
40 Cdo. RM
Marine Craig Buchanan was awarded the Military Cross for his immense bravery and remarkable composure under fire when his patrol was attacked by a rogue Afghan policeman, during the period 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 60647, page 19570.

BURDETT, Julian

45 Cdo. RM
Corporal Julian Burdett was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation
On the night of 11th/ 12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters, ten kilometres to the west of Port Stanley. 

BURGESS, George

Royal Marines
Lance Corporal George Burgess recieved The Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 59554, page 18537,  24 September 2010.
 

BURTENSHAW, Derek Edward

40 Cdo. RM
Marine Derek Burtenshaw died in an air crash at Luqa airport, Malta. The Valleta aircraft of 70 Sqn. landed onto the grass next to the runway when its aileron jammed, hit the runway control caravan, and burst into flames. Marine Ronald Don also died. They had been taking part in an exercise from the Suez Canal Zone.
 

BURTON, Nathaniel Paul

CTCRM
Junior Marine Nathaniel Burton drowned in a remote pool on Dartmoor.  He was 11 weeks into his 30-week Commando training course and was taking part in a river crossing exercise at Crazy Well Pool, near Burrator reservoir.
[Sources: AFM ROH / BBC News online 16th Oct. 1998.]
 

BUTCHERS, Peter John

45 Cdo. RM
Marine Peter Butchers from Paignton Devon was attached to the Mortar Platoon. He died when a mortar bomb exploded in the barrel during a live firing training exercise on Otterburn Ranges, Northumberland. Also killed were Marines Anthony Helstrip and Glenn Miller.
 
Sources

BUTTERY, George Desmond

46RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM

Quartermaster Sergeant George Buttery, 40 Commando RM,  who had served as a Marine in 46RM Commando during WW2, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  

BUXTON, James George

45 Cdo. RM
Colour Sergeant James Buxton was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division), for gallant and distinguished service with 45 Commando, Royal Marines, in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39675, page 5527.
National Archives file WO 373/131/73.
 

BYE, Francis Clifford Edward

Holding Operational Commando
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Lieutenant Francis Clifford Edward Bye served in the Holding Operational Commando in April 1945 [1].
  • May 1966 to July 1967 Commanding Officer 45 Commando [2].
  • 1 January 1968 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
Sources
[1] See Linked Content below.
[2] Four Five, The Story of 45 Commando RM, author David Young.
[3] London Gazette 44484, page 6.
 

BYRNE, Kenneth

Royal Marines
Colour Sergeant Kenneth Byrne received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Borneo Territories, and in supporting operations during the period 24th June to 23rd December 1964.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43691, page 5981
 

CAMERON, Charles Peter

Major Charles Peter Cameron
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
Major Charles Cameron, OC 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron [1][2], was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during operations on the Falkland Islands [2].
 
Citation
"Major Cameron is the Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron. 

CAMPBELL, Gordon Alexander

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Lance Corporal Gordon Campbell died during training  at the Pontrilas Army Training Area near Hereford involving fast roping from a helicopter. During his nine years in the Corps he had served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. His funeral with full military honours, took place at Oldmeldrum Parish Church, Aberdeenshire.  
[Sources: AFM ROH / MOD FOI Request ref 2015/09430/ BBC Online]
 
Notes

CAMPBELL, Robert Adair

45 Cdo. RM
Major Robert Adair Campbell received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct  in recognition of distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area during the period 8th-14th May 1965 [1].
  • 1971 Lieutenant Colonel commanding 41 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 43773, page 8973.

[2] Globe and Laurel june 1971 edition.

CAMPBELL-SMITH, Richard Carl

Mne Richard Campbell-Smith CTCRM
CTCRM

Marine Recruit Richard Campbell-Smith was four weeks from the end of his 32-week course at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon, when he reportedly scratched his legs while running. He was admitted to the base medical unit, and later taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where he died on 2 November. 

A post-mortem examination showed heart and respiratory failure, and traces of infection with the toxin Panton Valentine Leukocidin were found.  A verdict of accidental death was recorded.[Sources: AFM ROH / BBC News report online]

CANTERBURY, Derrin Mark

Royal Marines
Sergeant Derrin Canterbury received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
  • 4 January 2016 commissioned Lieutenant and appointed to the Trained Strength 17 March 2016 [2].
  • 4 January 2018 promoted Captain [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15641.
[2] London Gazette Supp. 61565, page 9724.

CAPEWELL, David Andrew

3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Colonel David Capewell was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division)  15 June 2002 [1].
  • 2000/1 (Lieutenant Colonel) Officer Commanding 40 Commando RM [2].
  • July 2007 (Brigadier) (Brigade Commander) 3 Commando Bde. RM [3].
  • 31 December 2013 (Lieutenant General) appointed K.C.M.G. (Military Division) [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 56595, page 5 (H.M. Birthday Honours).
[2] Globe and Laurel Nov/Dec. 2000.

CAPPER, Francis William

Royal Marines
Sergeant Francis Capper was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1974 - 31st January 1975.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 46614, page 8051.
 

CARTER, Dean

Comacchio Gp. RM

Marine Dean Carter died when he slipped off a cliff top footpath near Plymouth. His body was found near Stoke Beach and he is believed to have slipped when part of the footpath collapsed.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Navy News published 1st August 1995.

CARTER, Kevin Charles

Royal Marines
Sergeant Kevin Carter was awarded the George Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan. [1].
  • October 2004 (Warrant Officer 2) received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at sea  [2].

CARTER, Robert Ponsonby

45 Cdo. RM
Captain Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1]. 
  • Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services during operations at Tapah, Malaya, between 1 January and 30 June 1951 [2] [3].

CARTY, Michael Gareth

Royal Marines
Major Michael Carty was awarded the US Air Medal conferred by the President of the United States of America  in recognition of meritorious, gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in the field.
 
Source
London Gazette 62283, page 8434 published 11 May 2018.
 

CATTELL, William Howard James

40 Cdo. RM

Marine William Cattell from Birmingham was found shot dead in South Vietnam whilst absent from his unit in Plymouth since April.  He was found on Highway 555 leading to Quang Tri city. 

Sources
AFM ROH
Birmingham Daily Post - Thursday 03 August 1972
British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk); The British Library Board.
 

CECIL, John

CSgt. John Cecil
3 Cdo. Bde. RM

Colour Sergeant John Cecil,  UK Landing Force Command Support Group, died in a helicopter crash.

At around midnight GMT on Friday 21 March 2003, a US Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crashed south of the Kuwait border with US and UK personnel aboard; there were no survivors. Eight personnel from 3 Commando Brigade died in the accident, along with four US aircrew. [Source: MOD]

CHADWICK, James

40 Cdo. RM
Marine James Chadwick died when a 3 tonne vehicle he was driving ran off the road during the hours of darkness in the Lenggong area of Malaya.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Maj. J.C. Beadle MBE, MC, RM.
 

CHARNOCK, Andrew

CTCRM
Marine Recruit Andrew Charnock collapsed and died from heat exhaustion during a 30-mile training run on Dartmoor. He was in the final stage of training with the Royal Marines.
[Source: AFM ROH / Daily Mirror and other media reports 10 July 1997]
 

CHEESEMAN, Daniel James Edward

Major Daniel Cheeseman
40 Cdo. RM
Major Daniel Cheeseman, 40 Commando RM, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2007 to 31st March 2008 [1].
  • 30 June 2010 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
  • 2012 Chief of Staff, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM [3].
  • 2013 Officer Commanding 45 Commando Group RM [4].
  • 1 September 2015 promoted Colonel [5].
Sources

CHEESEMAN, Kevin John

45 Cdo. RM
Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Cheeseman was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15639.
 

CHICKEN, Simon Timothy

Royal Marines
Captain Simon Chicken was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1994 to 31st March 1995 [1].
  • 2001 (Lieutenant Colonel) Commanding Officer 45 Commando Group [2].
  • 29 April 2003 (Colonel) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2002 [3].
  • 1 November 2011 (Brigadier) promoted to Major General [4].

CHISNALL, David Alan

WO1 David Chisnall
42 Cdo. RM
Colour Sergeant David Chisnall was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980 [1].
  • 16 April 1982 promoted Warrant Officer 1, and RSM of 42 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 48237, page 9373.
[2] Globe and Laurel Mar/Apr 1982.
[Image] Globe and Laurel May 1982.
 

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