Prisoners of War
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Displaying 1 - 300 of 827'Volunteers from Spain, 50 ME Commando'
The following is a list of Spanish volunteers who became prisoners of war in Crete 2 June 1941. They were originally attested into The Queen's Royal Regiment and attached No.50 Middle East Commando before their Commando was amalgamated with No.52 Middle East Commando to form 'D' Battalion of Layforce on deployment to Crete.
Sources
War Office, Prisoners of War Lists, WW2, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
*Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34, 35, 45, and 69
ABDALE, Edward
Corporal
2656404
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Private Edward Abdale was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/54.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).
ABERDIEN, Archibald
Marine
EX/ 4096
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Archibald Aberdien was taken prisoner of war on 8 June 1944 during operations in Normandy, France.
Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Achives file WO392/7.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Achives file WO392/7.
Royal Marine POWs / National Archives file ADM201/111.
ABRAHAM, George Henry
Known as:
Ted
Private
5958457
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private George Abraham was wounded on 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).
- 7 June 1944 wounded and missing during operations at Normandy, later found to be a prisoner of war.
- Post war member of the Commando Association from Bideford, Devon.
Sources
ABRAHAMS, Arthur Thomas
Private
5949273
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Arthur Abrahams was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11 (Stalag 8B)..
ABRAHAMS, John, C.
Served as :
Alias of BAKER
Gunner
6471801
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner John Abrahams was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and Malati Bridge (3 Commando Bridge), later found to be a prisoner of war [1].
POW Records show surname Abrahams alongside an alias of Baker [2][3].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
POW Records show surname Abrahams alongside an alias of Baker [2][3].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
ABRAM, Cyril Henry
Rifleman
6922005
No 2 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Executed
Rifleman Cyril Abram was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
ADAMSON, Alexander Naismith
Lance Corporal
2754001
ME Commando Depot
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal Alexander Adamson, Depot Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Glasgow.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/96
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/96
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
ADAMSON, Ronald H.
Private
2756312
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Private Ronald Adamson was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D in Germany.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
ADDERTON, Victor
Private
4974035
No 3 Commando
Small Scale Raiding Force
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Victor Adderton was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe [1][2].
ALBALADEJO, Alexander
Private
13808266
6100503
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Alexander Albaladejo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been wounded, captured and later transported to Stalag 344.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/30; WO417/34; and WO417/92.
ALEXANDER, Charles Henry
Trooper
14241760
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Leicester Police
Lance Corporal Charles Alexander was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had volunteered as part of the Police Intakes to the Commandos.
In 1939 he was a Police Constable in Leicester residing at 7 The Cresent, Melton Mowbray.
ALLARDICE, William Dallas
Private
2879652
Middle East Commando
London Scottish The Gordon Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Private William Allardice received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his escape from captivity as a prisoner of war.
Recommendation
ALLEN, Ronald
Driver I/C
2591915
No 7 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Driver Ronald Allen was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4A and Stalag 4B.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
ALTASS, Derek
Private
4698558
No 6 Commando
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Private Derek Altass was reported as missing on 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm near El Aroussa, Tunisa), later found to be a prisoner of war.
Post war member of the Commando Association with whom they lost contact.
Sources
ALVAREZ, Jose
Corporal
6100504
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Jose Alvarez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
ANDREWS, Albert Mailly
Rifleman
6916421
No 2 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Military Medal (MM)
Rifleman Albert Andrews was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HM Submarine Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941. His party could not be re-embarked and were captured [1][2][3].
Recommendation
ANDREWS, William
Sergeant
6397511
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Sergeant William Andrews was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bow, London.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
ANNETTS, George Henry
Corporal
4075165
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Corporal George Annetts was reported missing during operations in North Africa 2 March 1943, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/58; WO417/59.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
ARMITAGE, H.E.
Private
4546729
No 2 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment
Private Armitage, 3 Troop, was reported missing on 13 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy, before being found to be a prisoner of war. He was last seen fit an well on 10 September patrolling the Eastern slopes of Liberatore Hill in the company of Pte. Brinkley and Cpl. Hawkins.
ARMSTRONG, Robert
Private
3452445
No 3 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Private Robert Armstrong was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). Later found to be prisoner of war.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Largs, Ayrshire.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/65 and WO417/66.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Largs, Ayrshire.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/65 and WO417/66.
ASHCROFT, Arthur
Known as:
The Hawk
Private
2929623
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Arthur Ashcroft, 5 Troop, was one of the Commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot , the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner war after the raid, he was later transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.
- 25 April 1940 posted to 'X' Company 1st Liverpool Scottish.
ASHLEY-COOPER, Anthony John Percy Hugh Michael
Captain
71380
'Layforce'
Life Guards
28.03.1941 Captain, 'A' Company, 'D' Bn., Layforce at Geneifa.
01.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary (List of Officers 'D' Bn Layforce).
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/2 and WO417/9.
ASPDEN, Jack
Lance Bombardier (later Major)
318595
370978
No 9 Commando
Royal Artillery
Loyal Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lance Bombardier Jack Aspden, aged 21 and from Preston, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][2][2a][5].
ASTBURY, Albert Ernest
Sergeant
918259
No 6 Commando
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Albert Astbury, No.6 Commando, died during operations in Germany [1]. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at the River Aller crossing.
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Astbury, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham.
ATKIN, Ernest
Lance Corporal
7896888
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Lance Corporal Ernest Atkin was reported missing in April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia Raid), later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Hull.
AULD, Luke Patchcott
Corporal
2931015
No 4 Independent Company
No 6 Commando
ME Commando Depot
SBS
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Corporal Luke Auld was reported missing 14 September 1942 during an SBS operation in Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war. He escaped from captivity via Switzerland, the report of his interview there being dated 24 September 1943. Post war member of the Commando Association from Aintree, Liverpool.
AUSTIN, James Herbert
Bombardier
2083573
No 2 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier James Austin was reported missing 6 June 1944 whilst serving in the Adriatic, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/82.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
CBF List of No.2 Cdo.
BACKHOUSE, Charles, R.
Corporal
2931647
SAS
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Charles Backhouse served with No.2 Commando before joining the 1st S.A.S. [1].
He received a Mention in Despatches for his escape having been taken prisoner of war whilst serving with the 1st SAS [2].
Recommendation
BAILEY, Arthur, A.
Marine
CH/X 104476
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Arthur Bailey, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944.
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives files ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
BAILEY, Leonard George
Private
14731383
No 6 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Leonard Bailey was reported missing, wounded, and believed a prisoner of war on 24 January 1945, later confirmed as having died of wounds whilst in enemy hands.
His Commando was engaged in operations at Maasbracht and Brachterbeek on this date.
Stepson of Mr. R.C. Hiscocks, of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Sources
BAIRD, John William
Trooper
295210
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper John Baird, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/94 (1945).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/94 (1945).
German Record Cards of British PoWs / National Archives file WO416/15/108 (Stalag 3D).
BALE, John Henry
Known as:
Jack
Private
14241608
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Newport Borough Police
Private John Bale was reported missing 2 December 1942 during operations in North Africa (Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy [1][1a].
1943 escaped from captivity to a neutral country [2][2a].
1944 repatriated back to the UK [3].
BANKS, Ronald Douglas
Private
6351872 & 373245
No 3 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Ronald Banks, attached to Commando Group, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field [1].
- 19 August 1942 (Private) No.3 Commando) was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war [2].
BARBER, H.J.
Known as:
John, forenames believed to be Harold James
Private
5779882
No 2 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Private H.J. Barber, known as John, was wrongly reported killed in action on 13 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy, before being confirmed as alive and a prisoner of war. A former Carpenter and Joiner from Suffolk he was serving in No.2 Commando 5 Troop, 'B' Section, No.3 Sub-Section.
Sources
BARBOUR, Alexander, E.
Private
5956234
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Alexander Barbour was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/18/68.
BARDENS, John Henry
Gunner
14241811
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Plymouth City Police
Gunner John Bardens was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war.
John was a serving Police Officer from Plymouth who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the police Intakes that commenced in 1942.
BARNARD, John William
Private
6143343
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Private John Barnard was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia), later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21 (Camp 59) and WO392/11 (Stalag 4F)..
BARNES, Reginald Arthur
Fusilier
6461913
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Fusilier Barnes was reported wounded and missing 7 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/81 and WO418/82.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
BARNETT, Edgar Albert
Lance Bombardier
933008
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Edgar Barnett was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
RA Attestations Register for 1939.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/27, WO417/91.
BARNETT, William Henry
Fusilier
6459325
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier William Barnett was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BARRETT, Edwin Charles
Private
5438535
No 3 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Private Edwin Barrett was taken prisoner during operations at Dieppe and later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf Poland..
Sources
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Sources
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/20/227.
BARRINGTON, Derek, A.
Corporal (later Sergeant)
5440990
No 3 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Corporal Derek Barrington was wounded on 27 December 1941 during operations at Vaagso, Norway [1].
In 1943 he was reported as prisoner of war during operations in Sicily [2][3][4].
Post war member of the Commando Association [5].
BARROSO, Montiano
Served as :
Surname seen elsewhere as Banoso and Banosa
Lance Sergeant
6100505
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Lance Sergeant Montiano Barroso, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
BARROW, Henry
Marine
PLY/X103998
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7 (Marlag and Milad Nord).
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/20/418 (Stalag 12A)
BARRY, John
Private
4122804
No 6 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Private John Barry was reported missing during operations in North Africa on 26 February 1943 (Battle for Steamroller Farm) later found to be a prisoner of war.
BARWICK, Arthur
Private
5504046
No 7 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Private Barwick was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
BATEMAN, Sidney Gordon
Bombardier
930701
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Sidney Bateman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bedfordshire.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BAYLISS, Leonard Frank
Known as:
Len
Lance Sergeant
6467968
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Lance Sergeant Len Bayliss, 3 Troop, was in Lieutenant John Roderick's Assault Party on HMS Campbeltown during the raid on St Nazaire. Wounded and prisoner of war.
Sources
BEADLE, Jeffrey Charles
Major
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Temporary Lieutenant Jeffrey Charles Beadle was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry, leadership and outstanding determination whilst serving in Commando operations in the Adriatic, June, 1944, specifically the attack on Brac Island [more....] [1].
BEATTIE, Alexander
Corporal
2886105
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders
Corporal Alexander Beattie was taken prisoner of war on 21 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ.
BEAUMONT, William Blair
Private
2756409
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Died on war service
Private William Beaumont, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died in Germany whilst a prisoner of war. He had been reported missing on 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Son of Alex and Margaret Pearce Beaumont, of Cardenden, Fife.
Sources
CWGC.
BEDDOWS, Herbert
Known as:
Bert
Private
5783477
No 3 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Private Herbert Beddows, 4 troop, was wounded and taken prisoner of war on 7 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France. Post war member of the Commando Association.
BEEDELL, Lawrence Henry
Known as:
Harry
Trooper
326889
50ME Commando
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper 'Harry' Beedell, 50ME Commando and 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete, later discovered captured on 1st June.
Post war member of the Commando Association, employed in his early life as a Farm Baliff later as a Purser on cross channel ferries. Member of the Middle East Commando Historical Research Group (MECHRG).
BEESLEY, Harold Edwin
WO1 Regimental Sergeant Major
549217
No 3 Commando
13th/18th Royal Hussars
Regimental Sergeant Major Harold Beesley died whilst a prisoner of war in Poland having been captured during operations at Dieppe, France.
BELL, William White
Known as:
Dingle
Acting Lance Corporal
6461342
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Lance Corporal William Bell, 6 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 during Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 192.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/43.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/11.
BENTLEY, Charles
Fusilier
14241648
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Cheshire Constabulary
1939 Charles Bentley was a Police Civilian Clerk residing in Goostrey, Cheshire [1].
15 January 1940 joined Cheshire Constabulary as a Police Officer [1a].
14 September 1942 No.1 Commando (from the Police Intakes who volunteered that year) [2].
BENTLEY, W
Lance Corporal
6398076
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal Bentley was was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war
BERRY, Donald
Sergeant
3443124
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Sergeant Donald Berry was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/25, and WO417/31.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Stalag 18A), WO392/21 (Camp 65).
BERRY, James Arthur
Private
14241649
No 1 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Cheshire County Constabulary
20 February 1939 joined Cheshire Constabulary - Police Constable 256 residing at 113 West Street, Crewe. 1942 volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes.
4 March 1943 reported missing in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war.
BETTY, Arthur John
Private (later Captain)
14241813 and 35447
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Gloucestershire
Private Arthur Betty was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands. In 1944 he is reported no longer a prisoner of war [1][1a].
BIBBEY, Newman James
Marine
CH/X 104688
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Newman Bibbey, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944.
Sources
Sources
German Record Cards of British PoWs / National Archives file WO416/29/188.
National Archives files ADM201/111.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
National Archives files ADM201/111.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
BIRCH, Frederick
Known as:
Fred
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
2931860
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
51ME Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant Frederick Birch served in No.7 Commando taking part in operations at Bardia and Crete before moving to 51 Middle East Commando. He was attached to 'C' Bn Layforce for Operation Flipper after which he was taken prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/36, WO417/37, and WO417/96.
BIRD, Raymond Douglas
Private
5828120
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Private Raymond Bird, aged 21 and from Fleetwood, Lowestoft, was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.
Source
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives WO417/24.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/21.
BISHOP, Ronald, C.
Private
5627758
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Private Ronald Bishop was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 306.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1.
BLACK, Graeme Delamere
Captain
106240
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Military Cross (MC)
Executed
Captain Graeme Black DSO, MC, was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven Commandos of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
BLACKWELL, Alun Trevor
Lance Corporal
3655742
No 2 Commando
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
South Lancashire Regt (Prince of Wales Volunteers)
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Private Alun Blackwell enlisted with the South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales Volunteers) in October 1939. In 1940 he volunteered for the Independent Companies and took part in the Scissors Force expedition to Norway. He was later selected for a Special Operations Executive operation in Tunisa in 1941.
BLAKE, D.L.
Corporal
295168
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Corporal Blake, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/93 (1945).
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BLASCO, Vicente
Lance Corporal
6100545
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Lance Corporal Vicente Blasco, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
BLINT, Woolf
Lance Sergeant
3323752.
No 6 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Lance Sergeant Woolf Blint was an instructor at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry in 1942 prior to joining No.6 Commando [1].
26 February 1943 reported missing in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm at El Arousa, Tunisia), later confirmed as wounded and a prisoner of war [2][3][4].
BLYTHE, William
Known as:
Bill
Lance Corporal
2930644
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal William Blythe, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on Motor Launch ML 177 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.
BOAST, E.A.
Corporal
6457716
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Corporal Boast was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BOGLE, James
Known as:
Jim
Private
2888381
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders
Private James Bogle was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. After his release in 1945 he served two years in Germany in the Scottish Rifles*.
BOND, Edward Alfred
Second Lieutenant
170240
'Layforce'
Sherwood Foresters
28.03.1941 Geneifa, Second Lieutenant 'A' Company of 'D' Bn Layforce
---.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28/3/1941 (List of 'D' Bn Layforce Officers).
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.
German Record Cards of British PoWs / National Archives file WO416/34/355 (Oflag 10C).
BOOKER, Clifford
Lance Corporal
5729301
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Clifford Booker was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete [1][2]. He had been captured on 29 May 1941 [3].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BORWICK, Michael George
Temporary Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
64017
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots Greys, Royal Armoured Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
- 25 February 1941, Kastelorizzo, Captain, 50 Middle East Commando, engaged in Operation Abstention [1].
- 28 March 1941, Geneifa, Captain, 'C' Company, 'D' Bn., Layforce [2].
BOWEN, Alfred Leighton
Known as:
Leighton
Trooper
318358
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
North Somerset Yeomanry
1938 joined the North Somerset Yeomanry rank Trooper.
20 February 1940 arrive in Palestine with his Regiment.
March 1940 injury to knee from horse kick.
August 1940 posted to Air Defence Operations Room at Haifa *.
5 January 1941 posted back to North Somerset Yeomanry.
BOYD, John, M.
Fusilier
6980161
No 4 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Fusilier Boyd was reported wounded and missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/48, WO417/52, and WO417/93.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BOYLE, Peter, J.
Fusilier
6458472
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Peter Boyle was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BRADBURY, Cyril Thomas
Private
5956518
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Cyril Bradbury was taken prisoner of war on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe France. He died whilst a prisoner of war.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/49 and WO417/52.
BRADLEY, John Stanton
Guardsman
2659428
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman John Bradley, a Journalist born in Margate Kent, was attested into the Coldstream Guards on 23 October 1939 aged 26. Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 344 in Poland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/34.
BRADLEY, John, R.
Private
4752870
No 7 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private John Bradley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had been captured on 29 May 1941.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27, WO417/33 and WO417/93.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27, WO417/33 and WO417/93.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.
BRADLEY, Richard
Known as:
Dick
Lance Sergeant
5344190
No 2 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Richard Bradley, 1 troop, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being wounded and captured during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942.
BRANSCOMBE, Leslie
Gunner
1525627
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Leslie Branscombe was reported missing in North Africa on 26 February 1943 (Battle of Steamroller Farm at El Arousa, Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war initially in Italy before being transported to Austria.
BRAVO, Jose
Private
6100551
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Jose Bravo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
BRETT, Gerrard
Lieutenant (later Captain)
126498
No 12 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Brett was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire 27/28 March 1942. Wounded on board HMS Campbeltown and later prisoner of war [1][1a][2][2a].
Recommendation
BRIGHT, Gerald Kitchener
Known as:
Tankie
Lance Sergeant
4974182
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Sergeant Gerald Bright was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on board HMS Campbeltown. Post war member of the Commando Association from Sheffield.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/43.
BRINKLEY, James
Private
6104149
No 2 Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Brinkley, 3 Troop, was reported missing 13 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy. He was last seen fit and well on 10 September 1943 patrolling the Eastern slopes of Liberatore Hill in the company of Pte. Armitage and Cpl. Hawkins. Later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Germany.
BRISTOW, William Frederick
Gunner
927388
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died whilst a prisoner of war
Gunner William Bristow died from an intestinal obstruction at Salonica Greece whilst a Prisoner of War. He had been taken prisoner during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941.
Sources
CWGC.
German Record Cards of British POWs / WO416/42/342.
BRITTAIN, E.
Private
4746370
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private Brittain, attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26 and WO417/91.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.
BRITTLEBANK, John
Bombardier
930882
No 3 Commando
No 8 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Bombardier John Brittlebank served in both No.3 and No.8 Commando [1] before joining 1 S.B.S. [2]. He was taken prisoner of war and later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [3][3a].
Recommendation
BROWN, A.J.J.
Marine
PLY/X110894
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Brown, 'B' Troop, was taken prisoner of war 11 June 1944 during operations at Rots and Le Hamel, France.
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt P.K.W. Johnson RM, published 1946 for veterans.
[Image] 'B' Troop photo in 46RM Cdo Gallery.
BROWN, J.
Lance Corporal
305201
50ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Lance Corporal J. Brown was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands [1][1a][1b].
- 1944 reported no longer a prisoner of war [2].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists WO417/23.
BROWN, Jack
Trooper
326038
Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Jack Brown, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
BROWN, James
Known as:
Jim
Private
2988948
No 5 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Private James Brown was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being captured during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942.
BROWN, Louis Walter
Known as:
Ben
Sergeant
2929147
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant Louis 'Ben' Brown, aged 24 and from Liverpool, served in 5 Troop and took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Embarking on board HMS Campbeltown, he was wounded during the raid and reported missing, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/11.
Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/11.
BROWN, Robert Frederick
Known as:
Nosher
Lance Corporal (Acting Corporal)
3856668
No 3 Commando
Royal Engineers
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Robert Brown received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service after his capture on 29 March 1942 during Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire. One of the commando contingent who landed from ML 262 he was reported missing, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Recommendation
Recommendation
BROWN, Robert Hall
Lance Sergeant
2879761
No 2 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Robert Brown, No 2 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941. His party could not be re-embarked and were captured [1][2][3].
BROWN, Walter George
Sergeant
4743130
No 6 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Sergeant Walter Brown was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in Tunisia (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be a prisoner of war.
BRUCE, Charles
Sergeant
2758668
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Black Watch
Sergeant Charles Bruce, from Brechin, Angus, was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war at Camp 59 in Italy from which he managed to escape back to allied lines after the Italian Armistice. Post war member of the Commando Association last residing in Australia.
BRUNT, Morris Raymond
Private
14241787
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Birmingham City Police
Private Morris Brunt was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands.
In 1943 he escaped captivity via Switzerland eventually returning to the UK in 1944.
BUCKLEY, Alfred, J.T.
Corporal
4856362
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Corporal Alfred Buckley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BULLEN, John
Private
6398836
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private John Bullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BURFORD, Norman Alan
Corporal
5571232
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Norman Burford was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1]. This occurred during No.7 Commando's rearguard action on Crete. On 2 June 1941 he was reported missing; found to have been taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 383 [2][2a].
Sources
BURGESS, Neville Arthur
Able Seaman
C/JX354547
No 14 Commando
HMS Fox, RN
Executed
Able Seaman Neville Burgess was one of the raiding party at Kopervik, Norway (Operation Checkmate). He was captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
BURKE, Patrick Oliver
Private
7265212
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Private Patrick Burke, R.A.M.C. attached No.1 Commando, was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association (Leicester) with whom they lost contact.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/56 and WO417/93.
BURLEY, Hedley, R.J.
Marine
PO/X4062
Special Service Brigade
Royal Marines
Sources
German Record Cards of British POW's / National Archives file WO416/51/68.
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
BURN, Michael Clive
Known as:
Micky
Captain
74087
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Michael Burn, 6 troop, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was in charge of the commando contingent on board motor launch ML 192. Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Recommendation
BURT, Joseph Smith Swan
Corporal
EX/784
4 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Marines
Corporal Joseph Burt, 4 Special Service Brigade, was taken prisoner of war on 7 June 1944 at Cherbourg, France.
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 (Marlag and Milag Nord).
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/52/87 (Stalag 12A).
BURTON, William John
Temporary Captain
63868
'Layforce'
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
York and Lancaster Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
28 March 1941, Geneifa, 'C' Company Commander, 'D' Bn., Layforce.
June 1941 Prisoner of war during operations at Crete. Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28 March 1941.
BUSHE, Patrick
Known as:
Paddy
Rifleman
7014446
No 2 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Rifleman Patrick Bushe, 6 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 177.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/42.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/11.
BUTLER, Howard Herbert Cosens
Corporal
2927900
No 9 Commando
No 11 Commando
SBS
South Lancashire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Howard Butler, 'M' Section of the Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He had previously served in No.9 and No.11 Commando.
BUTLER, Ronald Herbert
Lance Sergeant
5774300
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Ronald Butler was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot, the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of the Commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown and was a prisoner of war after the raid.
Recommendation
BUTLER, Roy
Private
4802679
No 6 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment
Private Roy Butler was reported missing 6 January 1943, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/56, WO417/57, and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/11 (Stalag 4C) and WO417/21 (PG70)
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/98/246 (Stalag 4B).
BUXTON, Leslie, J.
Lance Bombardier
5499823
No 8 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Leslie Buxton was wounded 12 June 1941 during operations in Libya [1].
- 18 January 1943 reported missing during operations in Libya later found to be a prisoner of war [2][3].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
BYRNE, John Vincent
Known as:
Jack
Corporal later Company Sergeant Major
2060658
No 11 Commando
SAS
No 6 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
3 May 1940 wounded at Dunkirk France serving as a Private with 1st Bn. Gordon Highlanders, British Expeditionary Force [1].
Attached to and served with No.11 Commando 8 Troop (Layforce) until disbanded [5][7].
Joined 'L' Detachment Special Air Service 1941 attaining rank of Corporal [2][3][3a].
CADDIS, James
Fusilier
3128842
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Fusilier James Caddis was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/53/431.
CAIRNS, Bernard McNamara
Private
3192140
No 7 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Private Bernard Cairns was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4F).
German Record Cards of British POW's / National Archives file WO416/54/155 (Stalag 3D).
CALLAWAY, Thomas, Frederick
Known as:
Cab
Corporal
5499065
No 12 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Thomas Callaway was one of the commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.
He was reported missing but later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
St Nazaire Society website.
CAMPBELL, Hugh Alexander Henry
Gunner
891088
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Hugh Campbell was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4A in Germany.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.
CAMPBELL, Roderick
Gunner
1442866
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Roderick Campbell was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4G in Germany.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.
CANNON, Peter Macdermack
Gunner
919866
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Peter Cannon was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4C in the Sudetenland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1939.
CANTLEY, William, J.
Corporal
1881409
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Corporal William Cantley was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
- 4 October 1939 enlisted aged 33.
- 12 October 1940 attached No.7 Commando
- 11 November 1940 (short lived commando restructuring) 3 Special Service Battalion.
- 31 January 1941 attached 'Layforce' embarked UK for the Middle East.
CARMONA, Miguel
Private
6100553
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Miguel Carmona, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
CARR, Francis Arthur
Sergeant
1867740
No 5 Commando
Royal Engineers
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Francis Carr was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was the senior NCO of a demolition party led by Lieut Burtinshaw on board HMS Campbeltown [1][2]. He was reported missing later found to be a prisoner of war [3][3a][3b].
CARR, Richard Philip
Captain
90121
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Richard Carr, 1 troop, was attached to the Commandos from the Royal Artillery. He was taken prisoner of war early in 1942 and, despite several escape attempts, remained in captivity for the remainder of the war. POW Camps Oflag 5 and Oflag 79.
CARR, Thomas
Corporal
5382064
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Corporal Thomas Carr, R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando, was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
CARROLL, John Joseph
Fusilier
6469540
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Fusilier John Carroll, 3 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 177.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939045 / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.
Casualty Lists 1939045 / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.
CARTER, A.E.F.
Marine
CH/X 103822
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
[Source: National Archives files ADM201/111, Royal Marines Prisoners of War].
CARTER, Albert George
Fusilier
6140785
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Fusilier Albert Carter was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/60.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Stalag344), WO392/21 (Camp PG66).
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/60.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Stalag344), WO392/21 (Camp PG66).
Royal Welch Fusiliers Transfers In Register 1939.
CARTWRIGHT, Ronald Frederick
Gunner
5256423
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Ronald Cartwright, No.1 Section of No.6 Troop, was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
CASSIDY, Philip
Private
3312715
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Philip Cassidy was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/60/115.
CASTELLANO, Francisco
Private
6100507
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Francisco Castellano, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34..
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
CAUDELL, Raymond Douglas
Lance Corporal
140951
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps
Lance Corporal Raymond Caudell from Hertfordshire was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C).
CEVANTES, Santiago
Private
6100546
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Santiago Cevantes, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, WO417/42, and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
CHADWICK, Norman Stanley
Lance Corporal
3655756
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Lance Corporal Norman Chadwick was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/61/292.
CHALLINTON, William A.
Lance Sergeant
3515161
No 2 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Lance Sergeant William Challinton, 5 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after the raid at St Nazaire, France, later found to be a prisoner of war. One of an assault party who disembarked from HMS Campbeltown, their role to destroy enemy coastal defence guns covering the dry dock area, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry.
CHAMBERLAIN, Walter William Robert James
Known as:
Bill
Lance Sergeant
5933153
No 1 Commando
Cambridge/Suffolk Regiment
Lance Sergeant Walter Chamberlain was reported wounded and missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked for the raid on board HMS Campbeltown.
CHANDLER, Jack Henry
Marine
CH/X 105641
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Jack Chandler, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944.
Sources
CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
National Archives files ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
Sources
CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
National Archives files ADM201/111 and WO392/7.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
CHANT, Stuart Whitemore
Known as:
Surname later CHANT-SEMPILL
Lieutenant (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
105159
No 5 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Private (Cadet) Chant, Artists Rifles TA, granted an emergency commission 22 October 1939 rank Second Lieutenant having attended 163rd O.C.T.U. [1].
- October 1940 volunteered for the Army Commandos; attached to No.5 Commando [2].
CHAPMAN, Charles
Known as:
Charlie
Private
3658109
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Private Charles Chapman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association last known residing Ancoats, Manchester.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
CHAPMAN, George William
Signalman
14220497
Brigade Signals
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman George Chapman, Brigade Signals, was reported missing 25 December 1943, later reported to be a prisoner of war. He was involved in a reconnaissance raid along the coast of Gravelines, France, between Calais and Dunkirk, codenamed Hardtack 11. Post war member of the Commando Association from Arundel, Sussex.
Sources
CHAPMAN, Kenneth Harold
Private
5958297
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Kenneth Chapman was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Termoli, Italy, between the 3rd and 6th October 1943 [1][2].
Recommendation
CHAPPELL, Ernest Lionel Desmond
Known as:
Des
Lance Sergeant
4198350
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Lance Sergeant Ernest Chappell, known as Des, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 306 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner he was subsequently transported to Stalag 383 at Hohenfels Germany.
CHARLWOOD, Harry
Marine
CH/X 105642.
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Marine Harry Charlwood, 'B' troop, was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during the attack on Rots, Normandy, 11 June 1944. Wounded, captured and a prisoner of war until liberated when the prison camp was overrun by the 11th Armoured Division near Lubeck in May 1945.
CHEESEMAN, H.A.
Known as:
Alfred
Private
6145046
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Private Alfred Cheeseman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Ontario, Canada.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/94.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/94.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
CHEETHAM, John Frederick
Known as:
Jack
Corporal
2930999
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Corporal Jack Cheetham, 5 Troop, was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown.
Sources
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/48.
CHITTY, Wyndham Roland, G.P.
Known as:
first name seen elsewhere as William
Lance Sergeant
6844883
No 3 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Lance Sergeant Wyndham Chitty was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be prisoner of war. [1][1a].
1944 reported back in the UK [2].
Post war member of the Commando Association [3].
Sources
CHIVERS, Frederick, J.
Lance Corporal
5107918
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal Frederick Chivers was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
CHUDLEY, William Henry Albert
Lance Bombardier
882221
No 2 Commando
Royal Artillery
Executed
Lance Bombardier William Chudley was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
Sources
CWGC.
CWGC.
CHUNG, Ronald Robert Fong
Known as:
Ron
Corporal
1889265
No 12 Commando
Royal Engineers
Corporal Ron Chung was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid.
Post war Ron was a regular attendee at Commando Association events. His son Martin also completed Commando training and received his own green beret on 30 May 1980.
CHURCHER, George
Lance Sergeant
6897997
No 3 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Lance Sergeant George Churcher, 5 Troop, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and a prisoner of war.
CHURCHILL, John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming (Lt Col)
Known as:
Mad Jack
Lieutenant Colonel
34657
No 2 Commando
No 3 Commando
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Military Cross (MC)
After a brief spell as 2i/c No 5 Commando, the then Major John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming Churchill (later affectionately known by some as Mad Jack) moved to 2i/c No 3 Commando. Wounded during Operation Archery at Vaagso 27 December 1941.
CLAY, Alfred
Bombardier
815069
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Alfred Clay was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
RA Attestation records.
CLEAVELEY, Francis, G.
Private
5186173
No 4 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Private Francis Cleaveley was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/52 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
CLELLAND, Frank
Fusilier
3129351
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Fusilier Frank Clelland from Kirkconnel was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
CLEMENT, Robert Andrew
Lieutenant
88691
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Lieutenant Robert Clement was reported wounded 19 August 1942, and a prisoner of war, during operations at Dieppe, France. Post war member of the Commando Association from Dunlop, Ayrshire.
- 16 February 1966 (Lieutenant) (Royal Scots Fusliers T.A.) ceased to belong to the T.A. Reserve of Officers.
Sources
CLETO, Sanchez
Private
6100554
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Sanchez Cleto, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/20.
CLIBBORN, William Cuthbert
Known as:
Bill
Lieutenant
90842
No 2 Commando
No 3 Independent Company
Essex Regiment
Lieutenant William Clibborn, 2 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and become a prisoner of war. He embarked on ML 447 for the raid.
Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1.
COCHRANE, Archibald Leman
Known as:
Archie
Captain
136278
'Layforce'
Royal Army Medical Corps
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Professor Archibald Cochrane, CBE, MB, FRCP, was the Medical Officer of 'D' Bn. Layforce (50 and 52 Middle East Commandos). He was taken prisoner of war during operations at Crete continuing his work as a Doctor in the prison camps.
- 1 November 1945 appoined M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst a Prisoner of War.
COCKIN, Robert
Lance Corporal
3654681
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Lance Corporal Robert Cockin, 4 Troop, aged 22 and from Stockton, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He embarked on Motor Launch ML 267 which was hit by enemy fire and sank.
CODD, Lawrence Joseph
Signalman
2332748
No 11 Commando
No 2 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Lawrence Codd, No.2 Commando, was reported missing 6 June 1944, later found to be a prisoner of war. At this time a small number of commandos from No.2 Commando were engaged in a failed attempt to locate and liberate their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel 'Jack' Churchill, who had been captured during Operation Flounced on the island of Brac a few days earlier.
COFORD, Alan, E.
Marine
CH/X 105643
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Alan Coford, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy.
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives file ADM201/111.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives file ADM201/111.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.
COGGINS, Ernest Dennis
Private
5955773
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Ernest Dennis Coggins was reported missing on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe France, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bristol.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
COLEMAN, Nicholas John
Lance Corporal
2656171
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal Nicholas Coleman, M.M., was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4B in Germany [1][2].
- A Labourer from West Hartlepool he was attested on 21 October 1933 aged 18 years 11 months [3].
COLGROVE, Frederick
Known as:
Fred
Private
5953029
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Fred Colgrove was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Dalston, London E8.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
COLLINGWOOD, Fred
Private
4454318
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Wiltshire Regiment
Private Fred Collingwood was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C).
COLVIN, Felix Beale
Lieutenant Colonel
78288
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Felix Beale Colvin was Commanding Officer of No.7 Commando until taken sick during operations on Crete. Major Wylie was appointed by Laycock to take his place [1].
Lt. Col. Colvin was taken prisoner of war and subsequently received a Mention in Despatches for his actions whilst in captivity [2][3].
CONNOLLY, John Henry
Corporal (acting Sergeant)
5500110
335137
No 6 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant John Connolly was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He had been captured at Bizerta on the 15 December 1942 and taken via Palermo to Campo 70 at Monturano, Italy. He and 2 other NCO's escaped on 12 July 1943, and made their way towards Switzerland , However after walking 120 miles they were recaptured on 22 July 943, returned to the Camp,
CONNOLLY, William Andrew
Lance Sergeant
6139725
No 3 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Lance Sergeant William Connolly was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
German Record Cards of British POW's / National Archives file WO416/74/335.
COOK, Frank, B.
Fusilier
6458666
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Frank Cook was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
COOK, George, M.
Lance Corporal
2754904
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal George Cook was reported missing 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/75/194.
COOPER, Kenneth Cornford
Lance Corporal
7903119
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Cooper was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be prisoner of war. He is reported back in the UK in 1944.
COPLAND, William Oranmore
Major
50169
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
South Lancashire Regiment
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Major William Copland was second in command of No 2 Commando. He had previously served with No 4 Independent Company. Major Copland was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. Subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished service.
Recommendation
CORDA, Francisco
Known as:
seen elsewhere as JORDA or FORDA
Lance Corporal
6100521
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn., Layforce. Reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 21A at Thorn, Poland.
Notes/Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/10 shows surname as CORDA (Stalag 21A)
COUTTS, John Davies
Corporal
4746052
52ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Corporal John Coutts was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during his escape from a Prisoner of War Camp at Salonika, Greece [1][2].
COWIE, Aikman Duncan
Gunner
884272
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Aikman Cowie was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
RA Attestation records.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
RA Attestation records.
COX, Charles Frederick
Private
5950061
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Charles Cox was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
COX, Victor John
Known as:
Jack
Sergeant
5671612
No 12 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Executed
Sergeant Victor John 'Jack' Cox, No 12 Commando, was assigned to No.14 Commando for Operation Checkmate. He was captured on the raid at Kopervik in Norway on 29th April 1943. He was imprisoned and later executed after being taken to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and shot.
CRAIG, John
Private
14241657
No 2 Commando
Black Watch
Police Force not known
Private John Craig from Blackpool served in 'A' Section, No.2 Sub-Section of 5 Troop. He was reported missing 13 September 1943 whilst with Rfn. A. Davies in a forward section post on Hill 321 at Vietri Sul Mare, Italy, which was overrun by the enemy for a period of 2 hours. Both were later found to be prisoners of war.
CRAIG, Robert, P.
Private
3311330
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Robert Craig was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1943 he is reported repatriated and no longer a prisoner.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/33 and WO417/68.
CRAMPTON, Jack Barraclough
Lance Corporal
1892271
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Died whilst a prisoner of war
Lance Corporal Jack Crampton, 3 Special Service Bn. died in Berlin as a prisoner of war. He had been reported missing, later found to have been taken prisoner in Crete on 2 June 1941.
Son of Fred and Beatrice Crampton, of Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire.
Son of Fred and Beatrice Crampton, of Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire.
Sources
CWGC.
CRAPNELL, John James
Lance Corporal
5823141
No 6 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Lance Corporal John Crapnell was reported missing during operations in North Africa on 26 February 1943 (Battle for Steamroller Farm) later found to be a prisoner of war.
CRAWFORD, Thomas, McG.
Private
2752178
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Private Thomas Crawford, Middle East Commando Depot, was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
CREW, John William
Known as:
Jack
Sergeant
5947714
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Sergeant John Crew, No.7 Commando, known as 'Jack', was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941. He had served in No.4 Commando prior to embarking with No.7 Commando for the Middle East. Post war member of the Commando Association from Harpenden.
Sources
Sources
CROOKE, Alexander
Bombardier
6202077
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Alexander Crooke was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Suffolk.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
CROSS, Walter
Guardsman
2658849
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman Walter Cross from Hull was reported wounded and missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a][3].
- Repatriated to the UK in 1944 [2] and medically discharged 25 December 1944 due to wounds resulting in the loss of his right eye and a fractured skull [3][3a].
CROSSAN, William George
Trooper
410677
50ME Commando
Royal Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper William Crossan was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11, WO392/21.
CROXTON, Michael John
Bombardier (later Major)
917046
334592
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
North Staffordshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Croix de Guerre (France)
Bombardier Michael Croxton, No.6 Commando 5 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his escape from captivity whilst a prisoner of war. He had been captured during the Battle of Steamroller Farm on 26 February 1943. He was aged 22 at the time and from Tittensor, Staffordshire.
Recommendation
CRUICKSHANKS, John
Sapper
1877778
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper John Cruickshanks was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/32.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
CUDBY, John
Fusilier
6468006
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Fusilier John Cudby, 6 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML177 for the raid. Post war member of the Commando Association from Workington.
CULLEN, John
Private
2756121
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private John Cullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/84/355.
CUMMINGS, John
Lieutenant
77341
No 3 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment
Lieutenant John Cummings was reported missing 13 September 1943 after being seriously wounded and taken prisoner of war during operations in Italy. After recovery from his wounds he was repatriated to the UK the following year.
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 82
CURTIS, Eric Gordon
Private
6349613
No 2 Commando
Queens Own Royal West Kent
Executed
Private Eric Curtis was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
Sources
CWGC.
CWGC.
DALGLEISH, John George
Acting Corporal
5507071
No 3 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal John Dalgleish, No.1 Section of No.6 Troop, was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DARGUE, T.D.
Sergeant
4387897
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Sergeant Dargue was reported wounded and prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
DARTS, Frederick Joshua
Known as:
Freddy
Sergeant
5949117
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Sergeant Frederick Darts was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during operations in Sicily [1].
Taken prisoner during the Sicily operations he was later transported to Stalag XVIIIA at Wolfsberg (Kärnten) [2]. Post war member of the Commando Association [3].
DAVIDSON, Alexander
Private
2888515
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders
Private Alexander Davidson was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DAVIES, Arthur Henry William
Rifleman
14241793
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Stoke on Trent Police
Rifleman Arthur Davies served in 'A' Section, No.2 Sub-Section of 5 Troop. He was reported missing 13 September 1943 whilst with Pte. John. Craig in a forward section post on Hill 321 at Vietri Sul Mare, Italy, which was overrun by the enemy for a period of 2 hours. Both were later found to be prisoners of war.
DAVIES, William Henry
Regimental Sergeant Major
819092
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Regimental Sergeant Major William Davies was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be a prisoner of war.
DAVIS, Major Edgerton
Private
1895607
No 6 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper M.E. Davis was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from County Antrim.
DAVIS, Stanley Berkeley Edward
Known as:
Dai
Lance Sergeant
6459239
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Lance Sergeant Stanley 'Dai' Davis, 3 Troop, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid. Post war member of the Commando Association from Surrey.
Sources
DAW, Herbert Frank
Corporal
14241846
No 3 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
??
Lance Corporal Herbert Daw was was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and Malati Bridge (3 Commando Bridge), later found to be a prisoner of war.
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 68.
DAWNAY, Guy Nicholas
Lieutenant (later Major)
73131
No 3 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Lieutenant Guy Dawnay was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Released from captivity in 1945 he remained in military service with the South Wales Borderers until 1967, final rank attained Major.
DAY, Stanley Ambrose
Captain
70873
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Royal Corps of Signals
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Stanley Day, adjutant of No 2 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot, the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of Lt. Col. Newman's HQ party on board MGB 314 and was taken prisoner after the raid. He was held at Oflag 9A/H at Spangenberg, Germany.
DAY, William, C.
Lance Corporal
1875966
No 3 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal William Day took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire. Embarking on motor launch ML262 he was taken prisoner after the raid and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.
Sources
British Army Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/11.
DE LA TORRE, Luis Eric Rupert
Known as:
Eric
Lance Corporal
7611796
No 3 Commando
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lance Corporal Eric de la Torre took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. Embarked on motor launch ML262, taken prisoner after the raid, and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland [1][2].
-
Post war honorary Secretary of the St. Nazaire Society for many years [2].
DE NOBRIGA, Derrick John
Sergeant
6896540
No 2 Commando
The King's Royal Rifle Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Sergeant Derrick John de Nobriga was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941. His party couldnot be re-embarked and were captured [1][2][3].
DE WAARD, Willie
Sergeant
132
No 10 Commando
-
Sergeant Willie De-Waard, No.10 (IA) Commando 2 Troop 'Dutch' was wounded and taken prisoner of war on 24 September 1944 during operations at Oosterbeek, Holland. He was one of the twelve Dutch commandos who were attached to the 1st Airborne for Operation Market Garden at Arnhem.
DEAN, Frank
Acting Sergeant
2657630
'Layforce'
Coldstream Guards
Sergeant Frank Dean, attached Layforce, was reported a prisoner of war having been captured on 28 January 1942 at Benghazi.
Sources
Coldstream Guards Registers.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/42, WO417/94
DEAN, Frederick Edward
Marine
CH/X 103465
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Frederick Dean, 'B' Troop, was taken prisoner of war on 11 June 1944 during operations at Rots, France.
DEAN, Horace
Private
5675816
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Private Horace Dean was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/92/322.
DEERY, Stewart
Sergeant
6977293
No 12 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Stewart Deery, No.12 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid and was taken prisoner of war afterwards [1][a][1b][2][2a].
Recommendation
DENHOLM, Robert
Trooper
403856
52ME Commando
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Robert Denholm from Inveresk was reported missing during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He was a Reservist who was called up at the outbreak of war.
Sources
Casualty lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/31, WO417/94.
DENISON, Mallinson Charles
Known as:
Bung
Lieutenant (later Major)
145047
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Mentioned in Despatches
Croix de Guerre (France)
Lieutenant Mallinson Charles Denison, 3 Troop, was one of the Commando contingent for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He embarked on HMS Campbeltown in charge of a small protection party to cover the personnel carrying out demolitions on the dry dock. After heavy street fighting and when all ammunition was spent he was captured and became a prisoner of war.
DEWICK, Holford Simpson
Marine
PO/X4736
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Holford Dewick, aged 20 and from Clubmoor in Liverpool, was captured during operations at Dieppe, France.
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 (M&MN) and WO392/7 (Stalag 8C).
DIAZ, J.
Corporal
6100509
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal J. Diaz, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DIAZ, Juan
Corporal
6100533
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Juan Diaz, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/39.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/10, WO392/11, and WO392/20.
DICKERSON, Leslie John
Private
7349578
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Private Leslie Dickerson, R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando, was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4B.
DICKINSON, John, L.
Known as:
Jack
Lance Corporal
14241642
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Yorkshire Constabulary
Lance Corporal John Dickinson was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DIPLOCK, Anthony Bruce
Lance Corporal
6291999
No 4 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Lance Corporal Anthony Diplock was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, later found to have been wounded and prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Broadstairs, Kent.
DOCKERILL, Arthur Henry
Lance Sergeant
940903
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Lance Sergeant Arthur Dockerill was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry during the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. He was part of a Lt. Chant's demolition team that embarked on board HMS Campbeltown. Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Recommendation
DOCKERILL, Graham Dennis
Fusilier
6482233
Special Service Brigade
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Graham Dockerill, HQ Special Service Brigade and No.1 Commando, was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Graham was a serving Metropolitan Police Officer (PC 615G, warrant number 127981) who volunteered for the Commandos and was part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942.
Sources
Sources
DOLBY, William Arthur Watkins
Private
14241623
No 3 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
South Yorkshire Police
Private William Dolby was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge), later found to be a prisoner of war.
A serving Police Officer from Wombwell near Barnsley he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes.
DOLLERY, Edmund Charles
Temporary Regimental Sergeant Major
PO/ 216782
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
HQ Troop. Prisoner of War 7 June 1944 Port en Bessin, France.
Sources
Prisoners of War / National Archives files ADM 201/111 and WO392/7.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/99/148 (shows camp as Stalag XX11A Limburg).
DONALD, Matthew Ewing
Marine
EX/4118
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Matthew Donald was taken prisoner of war 6 June 1944 in France.
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 (Marlag and Milag Nord) and WO392/7.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/99/284 (Stalag 12A).
DONOVAN, James
Private
5948105
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private James Donovan, No.1 Section of No.6 Troop, was reported missing on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
DOWLING, W.G.
Private
5500848
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Private W.G. Dowling was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war
DRAIN, Frederick, T.
Private
5949825
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Frederick Drain was reported missing after Operation Ambassador, a raid on Guernsey in July 1940. He was later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 8B.
DREWITT, Glanville
Private
3959808
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Glanville Drewitt, 52 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He also served in 50 Middle East Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association, London Branch.
DRIVER, Frank
Gunner
1431687
No 2 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Frank Driver was reported missing 13 September 1943 during operations in Italy (Salerno), later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Hull.
DRIVER, John
Fusilier
14241662
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Preston Borough Police
Fusilier John Driver was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando bridge), later found to be a prisoner of war.
A serving Police Officer from Preston he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was Police Constable 128 residing Linnet Street, Preston.
DRORI, Avishalom
Corporal
PAL/14538
51ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Corporal Avishalom Druri was Jewish and from Palestine. He volunteered for the British Army and was first posted to the Pioneer Corps before being attached to 51 Middle East Commando. He later joined 'C' Battalion Layforce (No.11 Commando) and was taken prisoner of war during the raid on Rommel's HQ (Operation Flipper).
DUGUID, William, D.
Lance Corporal
3251304
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Lance Corporal William Duguid was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DUMPER, Dennis
Corporal
6139501
No 3 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Corporal Dennis Dumper was reported missing after Operation Ambassador, a raid on Guernsey in July 1940, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DUNBAR, W.
Sergeant
2986278
SBS
Middle East Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant W. Dunbar, 'M' Section of the Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.
DUNCAN, George Ian Alistair
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
132481
No 11 Commando
SBS
Black Watch
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant George Duncan served No 11 Commando and Layforce before moving to the Special Boat Section as a Temporary Captain. He was awarded the Military Cross
DUNGATE, Walter Henry
Sergeant
816399
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant Walter Dungate was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be prisoner of war [1][1a].
- Attested into the Royal Artillery in 1930 [2].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
[1a] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
[1a] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
DUNK, Leonard
Fusilier
3449378
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Fusilier Leonard Dunk was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/28 and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 and WO392/21.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/28 and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 and WO392/21.
DUNKERLEY, Piers Montague
Captain
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
1940 appointed probationary Second Lieutenant Royal Marines [1a][1b].
April 1944 (Lieutenant) RM Holding Commando [2].
6 June 1944, 45RM Commando 'B' Troop, Normandy, France [3a][3b].
April 1944 (Lieutenant) RM Holding Commando [2].
6 June 1944, 45RM Commando 'B' Troop, Normandy, France [3a][3b].
7 June 1944, Prisoner of War [4].
Sources
DUNKLEY, Eric Cambrai
Trooper
14241764
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Northamptonshire Constabulary
Trooper Eric Dunkley was reported wounded and missing 5 October 1943 at Termoli Italy, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DUNLOP, James Manson
Lance Corporal
14226329
45RM Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Lance Corporal James Dunlop, Medical Orderly of 'E' Troop, volunteered to remain with casualties during operations at Franceville- Plage, Normandy, 7 June 1944. He was taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 12A in Germany.
Sources
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/79.
EARL, Dennis Victor
Private
14317744
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Wiltshire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Bristol Police Force
Trooper Dennis Earl was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war.
A serving Police Officer he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable, single, and residing at 37 Cotham Vale, Bristol.
ECKMAN, William John
Private
3772667
No 2 Commando
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Private William Eckman, from Everton Liverpool, served in 4 Troop and was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 306 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported as missing he was later found to be a prisoner of war.
EDNEY, Frank Leslie
Private
6205420
No 7 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Private Frank Edney was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete; found to have been taken prisoner and subsequently transported to Stalag 8B Lamsdorf Poland (renamed Stalag 344).
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/29.
EDWARDS, Denis Gold
Private
5253147
No 5 Commando
Worcestershire Regiment
Private Denis Edwards was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Charot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/49.
EDWARDS, Harry
Fusilier
6458488
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Harry Edwards was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
EDWARDS, P.
Guardsman
2720703
No 3 Commando
Irish Guards
Guardsman Edwards was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war imprisoned in Poland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/52 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
EDWARDS, Reginald William
WO2 Company Sergeant Major
5958979
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Company Sergeant Major Reginald Edwards died on 8 November 1944 as a result of an accident in the UK [1][2].
Normandy June 1944
ELLINGHAM, John Robert
Private
5933349
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Private John Ellingham was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
ELLIOTT, Alfred John
Private
3773017
No 2 Commando
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Mentioned in Despatches
Croix de Guerre (France)
Private Alfred Elliott, 3 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the Commando raid at St Nazaire on 28/29 March 1942. Embarking on board HMS Campbeltown he was taken prisoner after the raid and later imprisoned at Stalag 344 Lamsdorf* and Stalag 3A Luckenwalde**.
Recommendation
ELLIOTT, Thomas Wilson
Gunner
3598665
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Thomas Elliott was reported wounded and missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Cleveland.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/54.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/54.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
ELLIS, Arthur Alfred Burdon
Captain
191508
No 3 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Captain Arthur Ellis was reported missing 26 August 1943 during early Italian beach reconnaissance. Subsequently reported as dying of wounds whilst a prisoner of war in German hands.
Sources
CWGC.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/5 (3 reports).
ELY, H.P.
Lance Corporal
3191999
No 7 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Lance Corporal Ely was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid). Later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy. In 1943 he was reported no longer a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/26, and WO417/69.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.
EMMOTT, Harry
Company Sergeant Major
3446285
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Company Sergeant Major Harry Emmott was reported missing on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe France, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Yatton, Avon.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
ETCHES, William Whitson
Known as:
Bill
Lieutenant (later Colonel)
112866
No 3 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant William Etches, a veteran of the Lofoten and Vaagso raids in Norway 1941 (he received a Mention in Despatches during the latter) [1], was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at St Nazaire in
ETHELSTONE, Harry
Private
5670462
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
Somerset Light Infantry
Private Harry Ethelstone was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Originally shown on Casualty Lists as No.7 Commando attached 'A Bn., Layforce this was amended to No.8 Commando attached 'A' Bn., Layforce.
EVANS, Clifford Gregory
Lance Corporal
4078187
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal Clifford Evans was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. The following year he escaped at Munsterberg, Germany, from a working detachment out of Stalag VIIIA, Gorlitz. Successfully making his way to Sweden he was later repatriated to the UK.
EVANS, Earl Michael
Corporal (Acting Lance Sergeant)
3959724
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Acting Lance Sergeant Evans was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 306 for the raid.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Caerphilly.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/3.
EVANS, Frank
Private
5617635
No 2 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Private Frank Evans took part in the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. He embarked on motor launch ML262 and was reported missing after the raid, but was subsequently found to have been taken prisoner. He was transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland. He had earlier also served at the S.T.C. and No.3 Commando*.
Sources
EVANS, T.W.
Private
3960772
No 7 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Private Evans was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
- 10 September 1943 escaped from captivity.
Sources
Casualties Lists / National Archives file WO417/24 and WO417/26.
EVERETT, William, J.
Known as:
Bill
Private
14241614
No 3 Commando
Welch Regiment
Cardiff City Police
Private William Everett was reported missing 14 July 1943 serving with No.3 Commando during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war.
A serving Police Officer from Cardiff he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes and resumed his Police service after the war ended.
Sources
Sources
EVERITT, Harry, C.
Lance Corporal
1866574
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal Harry Everitt, a veteran of Dunkirk, was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Registers of Royal Engineers 1900-1949.
Casualty Lists / National Archives WO417/15, WO417/19, WO417/24, and WO417/26.
FAHY, James or John
Private
3771871
No 2 Commando
King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Private Fahy, 4 troop, embarked on ML 177 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/41.
FAIRBRIDGE, A.F.H.
Fusilier
3452795
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Fusilier Fairbridge served in No.4 Commando before embarking with Layforce for the Middle East. He was reported missing during operations at Cyrenaica on 20 April 1941 (Bardia Raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.
FAJARDO, Joaquin
Private
6100512
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Joaquin Fajardo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C. Liberated in 1945.
FARMER, H.
Private
4746551
50ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment 2nd Bn.
Private Farmer was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (Operation Abstention), later found to be a prisoner of war.
FARMER, Idris Lawrence
Known as:
Frank
Private
885113
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Welch Regiment
1938 attested into the Royal Artillery [1].
17.03.1939 posted Welch Regiment [1].
02.12.1942 (No.1 Commando) prisoner of war during operations in North Africa [2][2a].
09.1943 arrived Switzerland after escaping Italian captivity [3].
1945 arrived back in the UK [3].
FARMER, Sydney Albert
Private
3969289
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
December 1942 prisoner of war in Italian hands during operations in North Africa.
1943 reported to be in a neutral country no longer a prisoner.
1944 reported back in the UK.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Wrexham.
Sources
FARRINGTON, John Beddell
Private (Acting Lance Corporal)
5111475
No 4 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Lance Corporal John Farrington was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete with Layforce. He was held as a prisoner in both Germany and Poland, and later awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for his numerous escapes from different camps.
Citation
FELLOWES, Hubert, H.
Corporal
5497866
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Hubert Fellowes was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).
FENTON, David
Acting Lance Sergeant
2754192
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Lance Sergeant David Fenton, attached Middle East Commando Depot, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
FERGUSON, John Ronald Alexander
Lance Corporal
2880192
No 2 Commando
London Scottish
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal John Ferguson was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941. His party could not be re-embarked and were captured [1][3].
FERGUSON, William John
Known as:
Fergie
Corporal
7903097
No 12 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Corporal William Ferguson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He had embarked on board HMS Campbeltown for the raid.
FIELD, William Frederick
Lance Corporal
5337375
No 2 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Lance Corporal William Field was reported missing 28 March 1942 after the raid at St Nazaire, later confirmed as wounded and a prisoner of war. Liberated in 1945 [1][2][3].
- Served in 1 Troop of No.2 Commando and embarked on ML 457 for the raid [4].
- 23 August 1945 attached Survey T.C. (Royal Engineers) [5].
FILMER, Ronald
Corporal
7343128
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Corporal Ronald Filmer was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/120/167.
FINCH, John
Lance Corporal
1877787
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal John Finch was reported missing 20 April 1941, later confirmed prisoner of war, during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid).
Extract from the Aberdeen Evening Express
14 May 1941.
FINCH, Victor William Charles
Known as:
Nicky
Corporal
6012717
No 2 Commando
Essex Regiment
Corporal Victor 'Nicky' Finch, 3 Troop, embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the St. Nazaire raid (Operation Chariot). He was reported missing on 28 March 1942 later found to be a prisoner of war.
FITZPATRICK, Michael Benedict
Corporal
321375
No 3 Commando
SAS
Royal Armoured Corps (Lancers)
Military Medal (MM)
Executed
Corporal Michael Fitzpatrick MM was executed whilst serving with 2 SAS.
FLETCHER, D.
Marine
PO/X112551
Special Service Brigade
Royal Marines
Served in 40RM Commando and/or 41RM Commando.
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 (41RM Cdo).
Commando Association list of RM (40RM Cdo).
FOSTER, William Johnstone
Sergeant
829582
No 3 Commando
SAS
Royal Artillery
Executed
Sergeant William Foster from Workington was taken prisoner of war and executed whilst serving with the 2nd Special Air Service Regiment.
- 6 October 1933 attested into the Royal Artillery.
FOX, George
Lance Corporal
4132357
No 6 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Lance Corporal George Fox was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Congleton, Staffordshire.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59.
FOX, Joseph
Corporal
3653001
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Corporal Joseph Fox was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Marlag and Milag).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Marlag and Milag).
FOY, Thomas
Private
6352123
No 3 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Private Thomas Foy was reported missing on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
FRAILI, G.T.
Known as:
Thomas
Private
6100513
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Fraili, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
FRANCO, T.
Private
6100511
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Franco, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
FREEMAN, Fred Edward L.
Private
5830905
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Private Fred Freeman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
FREEMAN, Thomas Louis
Private
5831031
No 7 Commando
Cambridge/Suffolk Regiment
Service Record
5 March 1940 enlisted Suffolk Regiment.
11 June 1940 posted 2nd Bn The Cambridgeshire Regiment.
25 October 1940 attached No.7 Commando.
11 June 1940 3 Special Service Battalion.
8 April 1941 'A' Battalion Layforce.
FROST, Terence Ernest Manitou
Known as:
Terry
Corporal
553904
50ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Terence Ernest Manitou Frost, better known as the renowned artist Sir Terry Frost, was born in Leamington Spa. In 1933 he joined the Territorial Army.
FRY, William Charles
Private
14241823
No 3 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Bristol Police Gloucestershire
Private William Fry was reported missing 14 July 1943, later found to be a prisoner of war, during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).
He volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a probationary Police Constable with Bristol Police residing in Somerset Street, Bristol.
Sources
Sources
FURNIVAL, William Roy McGarry
Sergeant
2928615
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant William Roy McGarry Furnival was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Hampshire.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/30.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/30.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.
FYFE, Charles Alexander
Known as:
Jock
Lance Corporal
2591013
No 2 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Lance Corporal Charles Fyfe, a Signaller in No.2 Commando HQ, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown. Charles, married and from Glasgow, was an electrical engineer in civil life.
Sources
GALERA, Enrique
Corporal
6100518
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Enrique Galera, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/10 and 20 (Stalag 8C).
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/10 and 20 (Stalag 8C).
GALLAGHER, John
Acting Lance Sergeant
3768318
No 2 Commando
King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Acting Lance Sergeant John Gallagher, 4 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on motor launch ML 306 for the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner of war.
Sources
GALORETTA, M. Luciano
Private
6100517
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Galoretta, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34 (shown as M.L. Galoretta).
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20 (shown as M. Galoretta).
GARCIA, John
Private
6100515
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private John Garcia, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.
GARDNER, John, A.
Private
3598488
No 2 Commando
Border Regiment
Private John Gardner, 3 Troop, embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported as missing after the raid he was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.
Sources
St. Nazaire Society website.
GAYLARD, Albert Jack
Lance Corporal
5725267
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Albert Gaylard was reported missing in action 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica Libya, and later found to have been captured by the enemy [1][4]. He died during an air raid [2][3] whilst a prisoner of war in Camp PG78 Italy [4][5].
Sources
GERONINO, F.
Known as:
also seen as JERONIMO, Francisco and WILLIAMS, Frank
Private
6100555
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, reported missing 2 June 1941 in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1942 he was reported no longer a prisoner.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/45.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/45.
Notes
GIBSON, T.
Marine
CH/X 112235
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
[Source: National Archives file ADM 201/111].
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