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MULLEN, Alfred

Alfred Mullen 40RM Commando
Corporal
PO/X105891
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Alfred Mullen, a Builders Labourer, enlisted into the Royal Marines 19 May 1940. Volunteered for and posted to 40RM Commando when or shortly after it it was formed in February 1942. He was present on the Isle of Wight July 1942 for a lecture by Lt Col.

MUNACHEN, James

Corporal
3318575
No 7 Commando
SAS
Highland Light Infantry

Corporal James Munachen served in No.11 Commando before joining 'L' Detachment Special Air Service. He was reported missing 16 November 1941 during Operation Squatter, the first parachute raid carried out by the SAS on the enemy fighter bases at Gazala and Timimi, Libya.

MURPHY, Patrick Joseph

Private
3314324
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry
Private Patrick Joseph Murphy, from Waterford, Eire, was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo [1][2]. 
  • 2 June 1941 Crete, wounded and a prisoner of war [3][4][4a].

MURRAY, Alfred

Sergeant
408834
Middle East Commando
Royal Armoured Corps

Sergeant Alfred Murray was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

MURRAY, John

Marine J. Murray
Marine
CH/X 117877
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine John Murray, 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 file ADM201/111.

MURRAY, Robert

Robert Murray 11 Commando
Robert Murray 1986 Arran
Private
2877544
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders

Private Robert Murray, 8 Troop, was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association.

NAGEL, Peter Thomas Lorenz

Peter Nagel
Served as : 
4272711 WALKER, Peter
Private
13801753
4272711
No 2 Commando
Pioneer Corps
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers (for alias)
Private Peter Nagel was of the Jewish Faith and served under an alias of Peter Walker for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.

NAPIER, Alexander, McG.

Lance Corporal
2754762
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal Alexander Napier was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

NAVARRETE, Francisco

Lance Corporal
6105530
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Lance Corporal Francisco Navarrete, 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.

NEALE, Jack

Jack Neale 6 Commando
Private
4862310
No 6 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Jack Neale was reported missing 6 January 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war, in Italy and Germany. On this date his Commando were in the Djebel Azzag (Sedjenane) area of Tunisia.

NEAVES, James Mack

Gunner (Driver I/C)
924941
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner James Neaves 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.

NEILL, William

Corporal
3127276
No 7 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Corporal William Neill 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 and WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

NEWBY, George Eric

Lieutenant
153984
SBS
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant George Eric Newby, 'M' Section of the  Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1][2][3]. He had previously served in 1 Special Service Regiment.

NEWELL, Aubrey John

Corporal
PO/X112222
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7. 
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/270/265 (Closed until Jan 2024).
 

NICHOLAS, John Harry

Trooper
318786
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars
Died on active service
Trooper John Harry Nicholas joined the Commando on 1 November 1940. He died of malaria during an escape from a prisoner of war camp in Greece. Son of Frank and Edith Maud Nicholas, of Burnley, Lancashire.

NICHOLS, Alexander Hause

Acting Lance Corporal
317555
No 3 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal Alexander Nichols was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. Embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 262.
  • 28 July 1933 attested into the Royal Tank Corps.

NICOL, Charles

Charles Nicol 11 Commando
Acting Sergeant
2873369
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders

Sergeant Charles Nicol was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

NOBLE, Arthur Frederick

Private
6397720
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Arthur Noble 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 4F).

NUNN, Robert Richard

Sergeant
6457784
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Sergeant Robert Nunn from Shepherds Bush, West London, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Enlisted 2 September 1933.
 
Sources

O'CONNOR, George Oliver

Marine O'Connor 46 Commando
Marine
PO/X3961
46RM Commando
Royal Marines

Served in 'B' Troop.

Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7. 
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/275/387 (Stalag 12A).
[Image] 'B' Troop photo in 46RM Cdo Gallery.

O'NEILL, James

Private
3311030
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private James O'Neill 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 WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

O'ROURKE, J.T.

Marine O'Rourke 46 commando
Marine
PLY/X108792
46RM Commando
Royal Marines

Served in 'B' Troop.

Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7. 
[Image] 'B' Troop photo in 46RM Cdo Gallery.

OAKLEY, Gerald

Private
5958696
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Gerald Oakley was reported missing during operations at Sicily on 14 July 1943 later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/65.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

OPOCZYNSKI, Abraham

Served as : 
ORR, Adam
Sergeant
6387010
13801810
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Pioneer Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Served under an alias. Special Operations Executive attached Small Scale Raiding Force for Operation Aquatint during which he was taken prisoner. 1945 reported missing whilst in captivity, later presumed killed in action.

OSMOND, Charles Geoffrey

Charles Geoffrey Osmond 3 Commando
Captain
138465
No 3 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Territorial Efficiency Medal
Captain Charles Geoffrey Osmond was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations on 19 August 1942 at Dieppe, France, during which he was severely wounded and taken prisoner of war.

OWEN, W.G.

Corporal
2733746
52ME Commando
Welch Regiment

Corporal Owen was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4D. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

PALMER, Robert George

Private
5437449
No 7 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Private Robert Palmer was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured on 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

PARKER, A.C.

Private
5679492
No 1 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry

Private Parker was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in Tunisia (Operation Bizerte), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/55, WO417/56.

PARKER, Robert John

Guardsman
14241686
No 6 Commando
Irish Guards
Cheshire Constabulary

Guardsman Robert Parker was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle for Steamroller Farm) and later found to be a prisoner of war.

PARKES, Frederick

Lance Corporal
3652898
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Lance Corporal Frederick Parkes, 4 Troop, was reported missing after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942, later found to be a prisoner of war. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268. Post war member of the Commando Association from Clitheroe, Lancashire.
 

PARSONS, Samuel

Fusilier
4192874
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Fusilier Samuel Parsons was wounded 8 November 1942 during operations in North Africa (Operation Torch) [1]
  • 2 March 1943 reported missing during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy [2][2a].

PASQUALE, James

Private
7262386
No 4 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps

Private James Pasquale was reported 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 Nantwich, Cheshire.

PATERSON, James, A.

Private
2754057
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Paterson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

PATTERSON, Robert

Private
2754781
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Private Robert Patterson, Depot Middle East Commando, 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.

PATTERSON, Stephen Valentine

Guardsman
2665330
No 3 Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman Stephen Patterson was attested into the Coldstream Guards on 14 August 1942. He was an assistant plasterer aged 18. On 7 June 1944 he was serving in 5 Troop when reported missing during operations at Normandy, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.

PAXTON, Charles Henry

Private
2933778
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Private Charles Paxton, 10 Troop, was reported missing on 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ in Libya, and later found to be a prisoner of war.

PAYNE, Ronald McClure

Gunner
896888
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Ronald Payne was reported missing on 8 April 1941 at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

PENFOLD, Frederick Arthur

Frederick Penfold 2 Commando
Fusilier
6460208
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Fusilier Frederick Penfold, 6 troop, was reported missing after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire 28 March 1942, later found to be a prisoner of war. He was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 192.
 
Sources

PERCIVAL, Jack

Corporal
PO/X.4084
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Jack Percival enlisted Royal Marines on 23 May 1939. Corporal Percival, 45RM Commando, was wounded 10 June 1944 and taken prisoner during operations at Normandy, France. Post war in 1945 he was residing at Newton Heath, Manchester.
 
Sources

PETERS, Albert Thomas

Private
5952655
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Albert Peters was reported as wounded and a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

PEW, Charles McAllum

Private
6096544
Middle East Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment West Surrey
Charles McAllum Pew from Uddingston in Lanarkshire, Scotland, enlisted 16 May 1940, civil occupation Seaman. Private Charles Pew, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 14 September 1942 during operations at Tobruk later confirmed a prisoner of war after capture on 18 September 1942.

PICKERING, James

Marine Pickering 46 Commando
Marine
PO/X113790
46RM Commando
Royal Marines

Served in 'B' Troop.

Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7. 
German Record Cards of British Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO416/290/22.

[Image] 'B' Troop photo in 46RM Cdo Gallery.

PINCKNEY, Philip Hugh

Captain
100670
No 12 Commando
SAS
Royal Artillery
Executed

Captain Philip Pinckney was executed whilst a prisoner of war. At the time he was serving with 2 SAS and had been captured on Operation Speedwell after parachuting with 6 others into Bologna, Italy. The aim of the operation was to disrupt enemy railway movements.

PINKNEY, Geoge Clifford

Trooper
295316
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper George Pinkney, 52 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
In 1943 he is reported repatriated to the UK. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Bradford, Yorkshire.

PORT, Ronald Albert

Lance Sergeant
6148272
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
East Surrey Regiment
Ronald Albert Port was reported missing 7 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/79.

PORTER, A.

Fusilier
3134237
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Fusilier Porter was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war imprisoned in Poland.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

PORTER, Leonard, E.

Trooper
405323
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Leonard Porter 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, WO417/25 and WO417/94.

PORTWAIN, Edward

Fusilier
6482259
No 6 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
In 1939 Edward Portwain was a Metropolitan Police Officer residing at the Police Section House, Arlington Road, Camden. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 June 1942 joining the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Badic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

POSTELLO, Rafael

Lance Corporal
6100531
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Lance Corporal Rafael Postello was a Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn., Layforce. He was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/20.

POUCHER, William

Private
4856898
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private William Poucher, 'D' Bn., Layforce, 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.

POWELL, Frederick Thomas

Marine
PO/X.1969
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Frederick Thomas Powell enlisted in the Royal Marines on 3 December 1935, civil occupation Farming. In WW2 Marine Powell, 45RM Commando was wounded and captured 27 January 1945 during operations at Bell Isle, south of Roermond, Netherlands.

POWELL, Leslie

Private
7375204
No 2 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Private Leslie Powell, R.A.M.C. attached to No.2 Commando HQ, was wounded and taken prisoner after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was one of the commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown.
 
Sources

POYZER, Ernest

Marine
PO/X103553
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Prisoner of War
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/294/420.
 

PRATT, Henry

Gunner
14241716
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Newcastle upon Tyne
Henry Pratt, a Police Constable residing in 1939 at Wingrove Gardens, Newcastle upon Tyne, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942.

PREECE, Bernard Llewellyn

Gunner
2044484
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Bernard Preece was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured 28 May 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/30.

PRESTON, John Alfred

Private
3650666
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Private John Preston, aged 29 and from Earlestown St Helens, 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.

PRYDE, William

William Pryde 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
2932498
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
William Pryde, a Fitter from Falkirk, Scotland, enlisted 18 October 1939. He later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.11 Commando 10 Troop embarking with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

PURDON, Corran William Brooke

Corran Purdon 12 Commando
Lieutenant (later Major General)
112917
No 12 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Colonial Police Medal
Lieutenant Corran Purdon volunteered for the Commandos whilst serving as a young officer with the Royal Ulster Rifles, and was attached to No.12 Commando. He took part in raids on Norway and St Nazaire.

RACHELL, Alfred William John

Marine
PLY/X2920
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Alfred Rachell from East London enlisted into the Royal Marines on 26 November 1937. He volunteered for the first RM Commando unit raised in 1942. Marine Rachell was wounded 19 August 1942, hospitalised, and a prisoner of war after Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France. 
 

RAESIDE, Bendon Walker

Bendon Raeside 7 Commando
Sergeant
898968
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant Bendon Raeside was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

RAISBECK, Robert Douglas Grant

Corporal
2930958
No 4 Independent Company
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (Liverpool Scottish)
Corporal Robert Raisbeck was reported missing, later found to have been taken prisoner of war on 30 July 1941.He served with No.4 Independent Company and 'B' Company No.1 Special Service Battalion (later No.2 Commando).

RANDALL, Donald Charles

LSgt Don Randall 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
2929382
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Lance Sergeant Donald Randall, 5 troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942 [1][4][5]

READ, Kenneth Edward

Private
5673603
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Private Kenneth Read from Bath, Somerset, was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war. Enlisted May 1930. Civil employment - Carpenter.
 
Sources

REED, Robert Middleton

Lance Sergeant
913695
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Sergeant Robert Reed was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.

REEVES, Francis Samuel

Sapper
2079933
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper Francis Reeves was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captued and later transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/30.

REEVES, Walter

Bombardier
883888
No 12 Commando
Royal Artillery
Walter Reeves, an Aircraft Engineer from Maidenhead, Berkshire, was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1938 and later attached to No.12 Commando after volunteering for the Commandos. Embarked HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.

REGAN, William

Gunner William Regan 7 Commando
Gunner
882766
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner William Regan, a former Salesman from Gateacre, Liverpool, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be prisoner of war. Enlisted 25 April 1938. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Runcorn, Cheshire.
 
Sources

REID, Ernest, E.

Acting Lance Corporal
5627457
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment

Acting Lance Corporal Ernest Reid, 3 Troop, was reported missing during operations in North Africa 2 March 1943, found to have been taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 4DZ.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/59; WO417/60.

RENNIE, Jim

Jim Rennie 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
2930597
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Sergeant Jim Rennie, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 177 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Taken prisoner after the raid he was later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.
 

RICE, Charles

Birth name: 
KUTSCHAKA, Karl
Private
6436345
No 10 Commando
Pioneer Corps
Royal Sussex Regiment
Private Charles Rice, 'X' Troop, was a refugee from Czechoslavakia (Sudeten German) born Karl KUTSCHAKA. He was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources

RICHARDS, Branson

Captain
108195
No 7 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Branson Richards was captured during operations in Cyrenaica in 1941 (Bardia Raid) and detained at Camp P.G. 29, Veano, Piacenza, Italy. Reported shot and killed escaping captivity. He has no known grave. Posthumously Mentioned in Despatches.

RICHARDSON, Peter Lingwood

Lance Bombardier
908598
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Peter Richardson from Banstead, Surrey, was reported missing 19th April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia Raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
Civil occupation - Bank Clerk.
Enlisted Territorial Army 1st May 1939.

RICHES, Phillip, G.

Private
6351367
No 3 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Private Phillip Riches was reported missing on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, and later reported to be a prisoner of war.

In 1943 he is reported no longer a prisoner and back in the United Kingdom.

RILEY, John Joseph

Marine
PLY/X105132
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Prisoner of War.
 
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/307/212.
 

ROBERTS, D.

Fusilier
4197537
No 3 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers

Fusilier Roberts was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war in Austria.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/65.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

ROBERTS, D.W.

Guardsman
2738413
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Welsh Guards
27 June 1944 wounded and prisoner of war Normandy, France. Exact commando unit not recorded. Listed as Commando only. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/78, 81, and 94.

ROBERTS, Harold

Private Harold Roberts 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
2931676
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish QOCH

Lance Corporal Harold Roberts, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during the raid at St Nazaire in Ma

ROBERTS, John

Corporal
3648905
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Corporal John Roberts was reported wounded and missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Warrington.

ROBINS, George Edward

Private Robins 2 Commando
Private
5952268
No 2 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private George Robins, 5 Troop, from Consett,County Durham, was wounded and taken prisoner of war during operations at Salerno, Italy. He served in 'A' Section, No.2 Sub-Section of the Troop. Former occupation: Steward.
 
Sources

RODD, Stanley William

Stanley Rodd 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
6465544
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Stanley Rodd from London N1, enlisted 19 October 1939, formerly employed as a Salesman. Lance Sergeant Rodd, 6 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed as wounded and a prisoner of war. Embarked for the raid on ML 192.
 

RODERICK, John Morgan

Lieut. John Roderick MC, No 2 Commando
Lieutenant
94409
No 2 Commando
Essex Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Order of the Legion of Honour (France)
On the 1st July 1939 the then Private John Roderick received his commission as Second Lieutenant.  After volunteering for the Commandos he joined No 2 Commando 3 troop. On the St Nazaire raid he commanded an assault party of commandos embarked on board HMS Campbeltown.

RODGER, Thomas Buchanan White

Corporal
2324891
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Engineers
Mentioned in Despatches
Thomas Rodger, a Sales Supervisor from Glasgow, enlisted into the Royal Engineers Reserve on 30 January 1936. Called to the Colours on 30 August 1939. Attached to 3 Special Service Battalion on 11 November 1940. Attached No.7 Commando on 31 January 1941*.

RODGERS, Joseph

Private
4611338
No 4 Commando
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)

Private Joseph Rodgers was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 19 August 1942 after operations at Dieppe, France. Post war member of the Commando Association from Stalybridge, Cheshire.

ROE, Alfred John

Petty Officer Alfred Roe 14 Commando
Petty Officer Motor Mechanic
P/MX 98752
No 14 Commando
HMS Fox, RN
Mentioned in Despatches
Died on war service

Patty Officer Alfred Roe was one of the raiding party at Kopervik, Norway. He was captured and later died of typhus at Belsen Concentration Camp having been transferred there from Sachsenhausen. Husband of Dorothy Elizabeth Roe, of Manor Park, Slough, Buckinghamshire.

ROLFE, Charles Kenneth

Gunner
14241693
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Manchester Police
Charles Kenneth Rolfe joined the Manchester Police on 10 August 1938 and in 1939 was a Police Constable living in Urmston. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

ROSE, Harry, E.G.

Lance Corporal
5827498
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Northamptonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Harry Rose was reported missing and a prisoner of war on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica, Libya (Bardia raid). He later made good his escape and received a Mention in Despatches.
Recommendation

ROSTANCE, James, H.F.W.

Private
14241805
No 6 Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Staffordshire Police
Private James Rostance was reported missing and a prisoner of war on 26 February 1943 (Battle of Steamroller Farm). He was later reported as no longer a prisoner of war.

ROTHWELL, Thomas Frank

Thomas Rothwell 41RM Commando
Marine
CH/X106256
RM 10386
41RM Commando
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Marine Thomas Rothwell joined the Royal Marines in 1941 and later served with 41RM Commando. He was seriously wounded and taken prisoner of war during operations at Salerno Italy on 18 September 1943. He served from 21 October 1941 until 23 May 1946 Class A Release.

ROUGH, Thomas

Private
4861701
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Thomas Rough, 'D' Bn., Layforce, 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.

ROUND, Raymond John

Raymond John Round 6 Commando
Private
4865454
No 6 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Raymond Round was reported missing during operations in North Africa on 26 February 1943 [1]. He was later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands [2][3][4].

ROWLANDS, Eric Douglas

Eric Douglas Rowlands 6 Commando
Lance Corporal
7598224
No 6 Commando
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Eric Douglas Rowlands, a Motor Mechanic from Liverpool, enlisted into the Territorial Army 29 May 1939. Lance Corporal Rowlands, R.E.M.E.

ROWLES, Thomas Arthur

Trooper
2045290
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper Thomas Rowles from Mitcham, Surrey, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured the previous day. Enlisted 9 June 1938
 
Sources

ROY, Donald William

Captain Donald Roy DSO
Captain
88495
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Private Donald William Roy, a Cadet of the Fettes College Contingent Junior Division O.T.C., received his commission into the Liverpool Scots TA on the 17th June 1939.

RUSSELL, Douglas Alexander

Douglas Russell MC 6 Commando
Lieutenant
112957
No 6 Commando
North Staffordshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Second Lieutenant Douglas Russell was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant conduct in action with the enemy. He was serving with with the North Staffordshire Regiment as part of the British Expeditionary Force in Belgium in 1940 [1][1a].

RUSSELL, Frederick James

Private
5572601
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Wiltshire Regiment

Private Frederick Russell 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 WO417/94.

RUSSO, James Anthony

Lieutenant (later Captain)
71402
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps, 3rd Hussars
26.07.1939, commissioned Second Lieutenant 3rd Hussars from General List TA (University Candidate) with seniority 27 January 1938 [1]. 
01.01.1941, promoted Lieutenant, 3rd Hussars [1a].

RYAN, Ronald James

Private
5625748
No 3 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Private Ronald Ryan 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.

SADD, Albert Norman

Lance Sergeant
2323946
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Lance Sergeant Albert Sadd 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 WO417/3, errata in WO417/54.

SADDLER, Thomas

Trooper
548685
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment

Trooper Thomas Saddler, 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 WO417/92 (1945).

SADLER, George Norman

Corporal
PLY/X100026
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
George Norman Sadler, a Baker and Confectioner from London, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 14 May 1940. He volunteered for the first RM Commando unit to be formed in 1942. Corporal Sadler was captured 19 August 1942 during Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France.
 

SADLER, William Henry

Corporal
4912289
52ME Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Bn.
Corporal William Sadler was reported missing later found to be a prisoner of war captured on 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Repatriated May/June 1944.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30, 34, and 76.

SAINT, Reginald George

Guardsman
5671207
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards

Guardsman Reginald Saint was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/31.

SALISBURY, Frank

Private
14241695
No 6 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Cheshire Constabulary
Private Frank Salisbury was reported missing 26 February 1943 in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm, El Arousa, Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war [1][2][3].

SALISBURY, George

Private G. Salisbury 2 Commando
Private
5952271
No 2 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Private George Salisbury, 1 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, later found to be a prisoner of war.

SALISBURY, Glyn

Corporal
4191846
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers

Corporal Glyn Salisbury was one of the commando contingent 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 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.

SALTER, Charles Henry Bevan

Lance Corporal
6291052
No 3 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)

Lance Corporal Charles Salter, 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. Post war member of the Commando Association residing New Eltham SE London.

SANCHEZ, Manuel

Private
6100534
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Manuel Sanchez, 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.

SANDBACH, Cecil Emerson

Cecil Sandbach
Lieutenant (later Honorary Captain)
170234
'Layforce'
Cheshire Regiment
03.11.1940, O.C.T.U. commissioned Second Lieutenant, Cheshire Regiment [1].
28.03.1941, Second Lieutenant, 'B' Company 'D' Bn., Layforce at Geneifa [2].
01.06.1941, Lieutenant, prisoner of war, Crete [3][3a][3b][3c].

SAUNDERS, George Victor

George Saunders, 10 Commando 3 Troop
Birth name: 
SALOSCHIN, Georg Victor Frederick Otto Wilhelm Felix
Private (later Sergeant)
6436354
No 10 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Pioneer Corps
George Saunders (born Georg Saloschin) was reported missing in France on 9 June 1944, later reported a prisoner of war in German hands [1][5].
  • Served in No.10 (Inter Allied) Commando 3 Troop ( aka 'X' Troop) [1][3][4].

SAUNDERS, Lionel

Marine
CH/X 102358
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Lionel Saunders from Kent was married and working as a Shop Assistant / Salesman when he enlisted into the Royal Marines on 18 February 1941. Marine Saunders, 46RM Commando, was captured on 11 June 1944 at Rots and Le Hamel, Normandy. 
 
Sources

SCAIFE, Josiah

Private
2756183
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Private Josiah Scaife, Depot Middle East Commando, was reported missing 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war captured on 14 June 1941. Enlisted 17 September 1938. Civil trade - Carpenter. Resided South Shields, County Durham. 
 

SCHOFIELD, Harry Vane

Trooper
323263
'Layforce'
Stafford Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Harry Schofield, 'D' Battalion of Layforce, 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 Scarborough.
 
Sources

SCOTT, Edward

Rifleman
3251748
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Rifleman Edward Scott was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war after being captured the previous day.

SCOTT, H.H.

Sapper
1881522
No 1 Independent Company
Royal Engineers
Sapper Scott enlisted with the Royal Engineers 6 October 1939 aged 21. He was reported missing 23 May 1940 whilst attached to No.1 Independent Company during operations in Norway (Scissors Force), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources

SHARPE, Frederick William

Marine
PLY/X103352
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Frederick William Sharpe from Nottingham enlisted into the Royal Marines on 12 April 1941, civil occupation Veterinary Chemist employee. He was captured on 7 June 1941 during operations at Port-en-Bessin, Normandy.
 
Sources

SHAWYER, Henry Alfred

Private
5502080
No 7 Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Henry Alfred Shawyer, a Flour Mill Machine Hand from Southampton, enlisted 16 October 1939. Volunteered for Special Service and attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East with Layforce.

SHEEHY, Richard, W.

Lance Corporal
5884521
50ME Commando
Warwickshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Richard Sheehy was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources

SHELTON, Leslie

Lance Corporal
4802003
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals

Lance Corporal Leslie Shelton was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war.

SHERINGTON, Leonard Arthur

Corporal
6290941
No 3 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)

Leonard Arthur Sherington, a Clerk from London, enlisted 19 May 1940. He later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.3 Commando. Corporal Sherington was wounded 27 December 1941 during operations at Vaagso, Norway.

SHINN, William John

Sergeant
PO/X4277
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Sergeant William Shinn was wounded and captured on 9 June 1944 during operations at Sallenelles, Normandy. Enlisted 15 August 1939 former trade - Butcher. Originally from Ripley, Surrey, later resided Birmingham.
 
Sources

SHIPTON, Herbert John

Bert Shipton 9 Commando
Lance Corporal
2041795
No 9 Commando
Royal Engineers

Lance Corporal Bert Shipton from Peckham, London, embarked on Motor Launch ML 457 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid later found to be a prisoner of war. Enlisted April 1937. Civilian employment - Salesman.

SIMMONS, Ronald

Marine Ronald Simmons 40 Commando
Marine
CH/X2889
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Ronald Simmons was taken prisoner of war during operations at Dieppe France on 19 August 1942. Before joining the Commando on its formation he had served on HMS Southampton engaged in North Sea Patrols and post war served in Palestine, rank Corporal.
 

SIMPSON, Arthur, C.

Lance Bombardier
946849
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Arthur Simpson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

SIMPSON, David

Corporal
3310206
No 7 Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Corporal David Simpson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had served in India before the war and was the recipient of the India General Service Medal.

SIMPSON, Harold Leonard

Lance Corporal
2879581
No 2 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches

Lance Corporal Harold Simpson, 3 Troop, from Minehead, Somerset, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the raid on St. Nazaire on the night of 27/28th March, 1942.  Embarked on HMS Campbeltown. Wounded and prisoner of war.

SIMPSON, Norman

Private
3603092
No 3 Commando
Border Regiment, 4th Bn.
Private Norman Simpson was reported missing on 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war. Transported to Stalag 18A in Austria.
Post war member of the Tyneside Branch of the Commando Association.
 

SIMPSON, Sydney

Private
4036306
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Private Sydney Simpson from Stoke on Trent was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations at Tunisia (Operation Bizerte), later found to be a prisoner of war since 2 December 1942. Enlisted 17 January 1940. Former trade - Potter.
 
Sources

SINNOTT, Edward

Edward Sinnott 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
3654059
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Lance Corporal Edward Sinnott, aged 20 and from Widnes, served in 4 Troop and was one of the commando contingent embarked on motor launch ML 306 for the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Wounded during the raid, he was later transported to Stalag 357 at Oerbke, Nr. Fallingbostel Germany.

SLATER, I.J.

Marine
CH/X 113448
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
*Service number also seen as CH/X 113648.

Sources
*RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/7.
 

SMALE, Kenneth William Ridley

Lieutenant
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Kenneth Smale was awarded the Military Cross for bravery, endurance and inspiring devotion to duty whilst serving in Commando operations in the raid on Dieppe, 19th August, 1942, after which he was a prisoner of war in Germany, August 1942—May 1945.
 

SMALL, John

Lance Corporal Small 46 Commando
Lance Corporal
PLY/X104915
46RM Commando
Royal Marines

Lance Corporal John Small, 'B' Troop, was captured and a prisoner of war 11 June 1944 during operations at Rots and Le Hamel, France.

SMART, Victor David Walter

Victor Smart 3 Commando
Private
5957109
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Victor Smart, 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. Post war member of the Commando Association from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
 
Sources

SMETHURST, Harry

Lance Corporal
7907192
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Harry Smethurst was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.

SMITH, Alexander

Private
4123499
50ME Commando
Cheshire Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Alexander Smith, 1st Bn. Cheshire Regiment attached 50 Middle East Commando, was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo [1][2]

SMITH, Ernest William

Lance Bombardier
909986
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Ernest Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/33.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

SMITH, George

Sergeant
833291
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant George Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/30.

SMITH, James

Lance Corporal
3444512
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Lance Corporal James Smith 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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

SMITH, John

Lance Corporal
295308
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Lance Corporal John Smith, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/32, WO417/94.

SMITH, Joseph

Birth name: 
KUGLER, Josef
Private
6305456
No 10 Commando
Pioneer Corps
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Private Joseph Smith, 'X' Troop, was a refugee from Czechoslavakia (Sudeten German) born Josef KUGLER. SOE trained.

SMITH, Kenneth, N.

Sergeant
4036459
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Sergeant Kenneth Smith was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/58, WO417/59, WO417/63.

SMITH, Miller

Sergeant (Temporary Company Sergeant Major)
2657063
No 2 Commando
Coldstream Guards
Southport Borough Police
Executed

Sergeant Miller Smith, a former Police Officer, was one of seven men from No.2 Commando captured after Operation Musketoon and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order.

SMITH, Peter

Gunner
1527750
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died on war service

Gunner Peter Smith, from Glencraig in Fife, was reported missing in 1942 (full date not reported) during operations in the Middle East , later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a].  He was subsequently killed as a result of aerial bombardment [2][2a].

SMITH, Reginald Alban

Private
5956795
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Reginald Smith 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 St. Albans, Hertforshire.
 
Sources

SMITH, William Henry

Lance Bombardier
904285
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier William Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/29.

SMITH, William John

Private
5726899
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Private William John Smith 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 Swanage, Dorset.
 
Sources

SNEESBY, Eric

Driver
67473
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps

Driver Eric Sneesby 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 WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

SNELSON, Cyril

Cyril Snelson 7 Commando
Cyril Snelson
Lance Corporal
3655291
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Lance Corporal Cyril Snelson was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

SPEECHLEY, William

Private
5830134
No 7 Commando
Green Howards
Private William Speechley, No.7 Commando, was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica.  Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 344. Had earlier served in No.4 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Cambridgeshire.

SPEIGHT, James Robert

James Robert Speight 6 Commando
Lance Corporal (Corporal)
4537686
No 6 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
West Yorkshire Regiment, 7th (Leeds Rifles) Battalion

James Robert Speight from Leeds was reported as missing on 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle for Steamroller Farm). Later found to be a prisoner of war. On 13 April 1945 he escaped from a working party and reached allied lines.

SPIERS, James

Fusilier
3130056
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Fusilier James Spiers was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.

SQUIER, Herbert Cecil

Corporal
2564989
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Corporal Herbert Squier was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/31 (Stalag 8A).

STABLES, Leslie

Lance Corporal
3063118
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots 2nd Bn.
Leslie Stables, a Bottle Inspector from Yorkshire, enlisted on 20 June 1940. After volunteering for the Commandos he was attached to No.11 Commando and embarked with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

STANDEN, Paul Joseph

Corporal
3447208
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Paul Joseph Standen enlisted 1 June 1934. Volunteered for Special Service in WW2 and was attached to No.3 Commando. Reported missing 19 August 1942 Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France, later confirmed prisoner of war. In 1945 post war resided in Fort William, Scotland.
 

STANNACK, Luke

Luke Stannack 7 Commando
Lance Corporal
1890170
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal Luke Stannack from Hull was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be wounded and a prisoner of war. In 1943 he is reported as back in the UK no longer a prisoner.
 
Sources

STARLING, Reginald, E.

Private
3966820
52ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Reginald Starling was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4B).

STEELE, David Ronald

Staff Sergeant
2334308
No 2 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Sergeant David 'Ron' Steele, attached HQ No.2 Commando, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on MGB 314 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.

STEPHENS, James Harry

Jim Stephens 40RM Commando
Marine
CH/X104064
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
James Harry Stephens, a Labourer from London enlisted into the RoyaL Marines 1 May 1941. Volunteered in 1942 for the first Royal Marine Commando unit formed. Marine Stephens was captured and a prisoner of war 19 August 1942 after Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France.
 

STEVENS, A. Kenneth

Fusilier
6201511
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Stevens 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 4F).

STEVENSON, Joseph

Lance Corporal
4857910
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Lance Corporal Joseph Stevenson, 50 ME Commando attached 'D' Bn., Layforce, 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 (Leeds Branch).
 
Sources

STEWART, Charles

Sergeant
2979811
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Charles Stewart from Glasgow enlisted on 2 March 1936. He volunteered for the Commandos in WW2 and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

STEWART, W.S.

Corporal
2754796
50ME Commando
Black Watch
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal W.S. Stewart 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]

STOCKS, Douglas

Dougie Stocks 11 Commando
Driver i/c
2332752
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Corps of Signals
Driver Dougie Stocks, 'C' Bn Layforce, was reported missing 20 November 1941 during operations in the Western Desert, later confimed as wounded and a prisoner of war in Italian hands. He was repatriated to the UK in 1943. Driver Stocks was from Kirkcaldy, Scotland.
 

STOCKS, Joseph William

Private
4746205
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private Joseph Stocks was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war date of capture 9 June 1941*.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/26, 31, and 93.

STOKES, Samuel William

Samuel Stokes 46 Commando
Corporal
PLY/X106179
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Samuel William Stokes enlisted into the Royal Marines on 22 January 1942, civil occupation Progress Clerk. Corporal Samuel Stokes, 'X' Troop, 47RM Commando, was wounded and a became a prisoner of war on 28 August 1944 during operations at Beuzeville, France.

STOTT, Charles Henry

Trooper
322688
52ME Commando
North Somerset Yeomanry
Died on war service
Trooper Charles Stott, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) died whilst a prisoner of war. He was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete but later found to have been captured. Son of Charles and Ada Lilian Stott.
 
Sources

STRATFORD, Mark, F.

Private
5950066
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Mark Stratford was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 8B).

SULLIVAN, Norman Tracy

Private
4618047
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
East Yorkshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Norman Sullivan from Beulah Hill, South East London, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Enlisted 1 December 1939. Previously employed as a Clerk.

SUMNER, Frank

Frank Sumner 2 Commando
Frank Sumner post war
Lance Corporal
2930811
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Frank Sumner, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.

SWINBURN, Arthur

Arthur Swinburn DCM
Warrant Officer 2 Company Sergeant Major
4855159
368088
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment & Royal Pioneer Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Arthur Swinburn enlisted into the Leicestershire Regiment on 24th November 1928 for 9 years, and then a further 3 years in Reserve, before volunteering for the Commandos in 1940 [1].

SWINTON, Frank

Frank Swinton 3 Commando
Gunner
3445730
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Frank Swinton, from Greenheys, Manchester, was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

SYMONDS, Idwal Eric

Idwal Symonds 46 Commando
Marine
CH/X 108778
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Idwal Symonds was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files ADM201/111.
The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

TAITE, John Anthony

Marine (Acting Corporal)
PLY/X102032
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
John Anthony Taite, a Shipping Clerk from Wrexham, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 18 February 1941. He volunteered in 1942 for the first Royal Marine Commando unit formed. Corporal Taite was captured 19 August 1942 during Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France.
 

TALBOT, Dennis Gifford

Signalman
2324031
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Dennis Talbot was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to have been captured 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

TASKER, John Norman

Corporal
EX/3490
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Corporal John Tasker was captured 8 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 (shows unit as 45RM) and WO392/7.

TAYLOR, George

Trooper
548993
50ME Commando
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Tank Corps
Trooper George Taylor was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported prisoner of war.

TAYLOR, Harry, G.

H.G. Taylor 2 Commando
Corporal
6912288
No 2 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Corporal Harry Taylor, 2 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed as wounded and a prisoner of war. He had embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 262.
 
Sources

TAYLOR, Horace

Horace Taylor 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
5047398
No 2 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Lance Corporal Horace Taylor, 2 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on Motor Launch ML 447 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid [1].

TAYLOR, J.M.

Acting Corporal
T 71576
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps

Acting Corporal Taylor, 'A' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

TAYLOR, James Alexander

Private
2758433
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Taylor was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4F). 

TAYLOR, Percy, V.C.

Lance Corporal
5111406
No 7 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/7th Bn.
Lance Corporal Percy Taylor, 3 Special Service Bn., 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 WO417/28 and WO417/36.

TAYLOR, Stanley Benjamin

Stanley Bernard Taylor 50 ME Commando
Sergeant
2657671
50ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Sergeant Stanley Taylor from Hull was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 50 and 52 Middle East Commandos formed 'D' Battalion of Layforce for this operation. Prior service in Palestine with the Coldstream Guards.

TAYLOR, William

William Taylor 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant
4130202
No 3 Commando
Cheshire Regiment

Lance Sergeant William Taylor from Atherton Lancashire 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 in Poland.

THEOBALD, Richard

Sergeant
4857854
52ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Sergeant Richard Theobald was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Leicester.
 
Sources

THEW, Edwin

Marine
PLY/X3563
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Edwin Thew was captured on 3 June 1944 during operations on the Dalmatian Island of Brac (Operation Flounced).
 
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111.

THOMAS, Iorwerth Cyrus

Lance Sergeant
1654813
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Iorwerth Cyrus Thomas, a Welsh Labourer, enlisted 26 September 1940. He later volunteered for Special Service and was attached to No.3 Commando. Lance Sergeant Thomas, 6 Troop, was reported missing during operations at the Punta del Malati Bridge, Sicily.

THOMAS, John Smith

Private
3319284
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Private John Thomas, 3 Special Service Bn. was reported missing in the Middle East on 20 April 1941 (Bardia Raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/27.

THOMAS, Norman

Private
6088017
'Layforce'
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) 2nd Bn.
Died on war service
Private Norman Thomas was reported as missing in action on Crete on the 2nd June 1941, however he had been taken prisoner. He died whilst a prisoner of war cause of death not known to this archive.
 

THOMPSON, Alfred

Private
3771992
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
King's Liverpool

Alfred Thompson, a Painter from Liverpool, enlisted on 27 October 1938. Private Thompson volunteered for the Commandos in 1940 and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

THOMPSON, John Copeland

Corporal
4272278
No 6 Commando
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Corporal John Thompson was reported missing North Africa 26 February 1943 (Battle of Steamroller Farm at El Arousa, Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/60.

THOMPSON, W.S.

Marine
PO/X107756
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Sources
Royal Marine POWs in Germany 1939-1945 / National Archives file ADM201/111.
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
 

THOMSON, Robert

Private Robert Thomson 2 Commando
Private
6014360
No 2 Commando
Essex Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Croix de Guerre (France)
Private Robert Thomson, 2 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the Commando raid at St Nazaire

THOW, Henry Beverley

Bombardier
897673
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Henry Beverley Thow, a Glazier and Painter from Ayr, Scotland, enlisted 29 August 1939. Volunteered for Special Service and attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East with Layforce.

THRIFT, Frank, W.

FrankThrift 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
6459241
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Lance Corporal Frank Thrift, 3 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on HMS Campbeltown 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.

TORRALBO, Miguel

Private
6100538
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Miguel Torralbo, 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.

TRILL, Jaime

Private
6100540
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Jaime Trill, 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.

TRUSTY, Robert

Private
4858686
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Robert Trusty, 'D' Bn., Layforce, 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.

TUCKER, Rowland Derrick

Private
4864330
No 6 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Rowland Derrick Tucker was a Clerk who enlisted on 4 January 1940 and later volunteered for the Commandos, Private Rowland Tucker, No.6 Commando, was reported missing 6 January 1943 during operations in Tunisia, later confirmed prisoner of war. His Commando were engaged in an assault on one of

TURNER, Edward

Corporal
5496525
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Corporal Turner was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.

TYMAN, Frederick Philip

Marine
CH/X113132
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)

Marine Frederick Tyman was awarded the Military Medal for courage, determination and resource in silencing a German mortar position single handed in an operation in Italy. He was later taken prisoner of war.

VARNEY, Frank Ernest

Frank Varney 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
4977399
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Sherwood Forresters

Lance Corporal Frank Varney, 10 Troop, was reported missing on 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ in Libya, and later found to be a prisoner of war.

VAUGHAN, John Henry

Trooper
305373
'Layforce'
Royal Horse Guards, Household Cavalry Regiment

Trooper John Henry 'Jack' Vaughan, 'D' Batallion Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

VAUGHAN, John Henry

Sergeant
305373
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
John Henry Vaughan, a Farmer from Kent, enlisted into the Household Cavalry Regiment 12 December 1938. He was later attached to 52 Middle East Commando which formed part of 'D' Battalion Layforce for operations in Crete.

VERNER, Thomas

Fusilier
2982693
No 3 Commando
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Mentioned in Despatches
Fusilier Thomas Verner was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a]

VERRI, Alexander

Corporal
5337321
No 2 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Alexander Verri was awarded the MIlitary Medal for gallant and distinguished service during operations on the Island of Brac in the Adriatic. He was captured during the raid on 3 June 1944 and imprisoned in Germany.
Recommendation

VINCENT, Andrew

Lance Bombardier (Acting Sergeant)
797043
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery

Sergeant Andrew Vincent, 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. He had been attested into the Royal Artillery on 9 September 1929.

VOWLES, Richard Guy

Corporal
T 180262
No 4 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Corporal Richard Guy Vowles, aged 31 and from York, was captured at Dieppe on 19 August 1942 and was a prisoner of war until liberated in 1945. He had initially been wrongly reported by the War Office as killed in action and this was published in the local newspapers.

WAINWRIGHT, Terrance

Lance Corporal
3958400
52ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Lance Corporal Terrance Wainwright was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

WALDOCK, Harold Frank

Private
5497482
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Harold Frank Waldock enlisted 18 November 1935, civil trade Cook. Corporal Waldock, 50 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete later found to be a prisoner of war.

WALSH, Joseph

Marine
EX/3846
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Joseph Walsh from Sheffield enlisted Royal Marines 28 February 1940. Marine Walsh, 43RM Commando, was captured on 23 May 1944 during operations on the Dalmatian Island of Miljet (Operation Foxhound).
 
Sources

WALSH, Percy John

Bombardier
786833
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Percy Walsh was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

WALSH, Stanley, G.

Private
6402554
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Stanley Walsh was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured on 1 June 1941. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

WALSH, Thomas

Sergeant
2754819
Middle East Commando
Black Watch
Military Provost Staff Corps
Died in service
Sergeant Thomas Walsh, Black Watch attached Middle East Commando, was reported missing 14 September 1942 during operations in the Middle East (Tobruk), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy before being transported to captivity in Germany. After his release at the end of the war all the

WARD, Alfred George

Private
5951286
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Private Alfred Ward 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.

WARNER, Morton Wallace

Marine
CH/X104498
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Morton Wallace Warner, a Dairy Hand from Canning Town, London, enlisted into the Royal Marines 29 May 1941. On 11 June 1944 Marine Warner, 46RM Commando, was captured during operations at Rots, France.
 
Sources

WATSON, William Humphreys

2nd Lieut Bill Watson MC 2 Commando
Lieutenant
189409
No 2 Commando
The Black Watch
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Territorial Efficiency Medal
Bill 'Tiger' Watson was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 21 May 1941. Volunteered for the Commandos and attached No.2 Commando 1 Troop. Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during the raid at St. Nazaire [1][2][3]. ​

WEBB, Frederick, C.

Lance Sergeant
7911147
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Sergeant Frederick Webb was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 262 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 383 at Hohenfels, Germany.

WEBB, Harold Levi Henry

Private
5257127
No 3 Commando
Worcestershire Regiment
Harold Levi Henry Webb, a Chocolate and Cocoa Presser from Birmingham, enlisted 24 June 1940. He later volunteered for the Commandos. Private Webb, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 19 August 1942 after operations at Dieppe, France, then confirmed a prisoner of war.
 

WEST, Andrew Anthony

Able Seaman
D/JX363264
No 14 Commando
HMS Fox, RN
Executed

Able Seaman Andrew West was one of the raiding party at Kopervik, Norway (Operation Checkmate). He was captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Son of Patrick West, and of Sarah West, of Glasgow.

WESTLAKE, Peter David

Peter Westlake 2 Commando
Rifleman
7016551
No 2 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Peter David Westlake enlisted into the Royal Ulster Rifles on 3 May 1940, civil occupation - Clerk. He later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.2 Commando 6 Troop.

WHALEY, James Arundel

Corporal
5950224
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Marines
James Arundel Whaley enlisted in 1939, civil occupation Electricity Meter Reader. In 1940 he volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

WHEELAN, George Leslie

Private Leslie Wheelan 2 Commando
Private
2930965
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish QOCH

Private Les Wheelan, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942. He was reported missing after the raid, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner. He was transported to Stalag 344 (V111b) Lamsdorf, Poland.

WHEELDON, E.

Gunner
6983520
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner E. Wheeldon was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be prisoner of war in Italy. In 1943 he is reported no longer a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources

WHITE, Charles, E.

Corporal White RM
Corporal
CH/X 1736
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Corporal Charles White was captured on 3 June 1944 during operations at the island of Brac (Operation Flounced).

Sources:
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111.

WHITEHOUSE, John Henry

Corporal
PO/X108013
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
John Henry Whitehouse, an Aircraft Fitter and Assembler, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 26 August 1941. Corporal Whitehouse, 41RM Commando, was captured on 6 June 1944 at Lion sur Mer, Normandy.
 
Sources

WICKS, Joseph Albert

Gunner
940930
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Joseph Wicks was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be prisoner of war in Italy. In 1944 he is reported no longer a prisoner of war.

WICKSON, Lionel Charles

Lionel Wickson MM
Lance Sergeant
5950750
No 2 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Lionel Wickson, 1 troop,  was one of the Commando contingent who had embarked on Motor Launch ML 457 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942 [1]

WILCOCK, Richard

Richard Wilcock 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
2931468
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Lance Corporal Richard Wilcock, 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 he was later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.

WILKES, Frederick

Fred Wilkes 2 Commando
Private
2931680
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Frederick Wilkes, 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 he was later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.
 

WILKINSON, John

John Wilkinson 40RM Commando
Marine
PLY/X103684
40RM Commando
Royal Marines

John Wilkinson, a Cotton Operative from Rochdale, enlisted in the Royal Marines 6 May 1941. Volunteered in 1942 for the first Royal Marine Commando unit formed. Marine Wilkinson was wounded and a prisoner of war 19 August 1942 after Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France.

WILLETT, Douglas

Trooper
7913048
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps

Trooper Douglas Willett was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica, Libya (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

WILLIAMS, Albert Ivor

Trooper
553121
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper Albert Williams, 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).

WILLIAMS, George James

Fusilier
6465623
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier George Williams 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.

WILLS, Herbert Charles

Private
5613511
No 3 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Died on war service
Private Herbert Wills was reported missing during operations at Dieppe on 19 August 1942 and  later found to have become a prisoner of war. He was transported to Stalag 344 in Poland where he later died. Cause of death is not known to this archive.
 

WILLS, Richard Lloyd Joseph

Captain
129346
No 3 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Richard Wills was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations at Dieppe 19 August 1942 during which he was shot in the neck and became a prisoner of war [1][1a][2]. There is an additional reference to this in our entry for Gunner Hub

WILSON, Arthur

Trooper
409682
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Arthur Wilson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31, WO417/32, WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1.

WILSON, John Eric

Driver
T/7684352
No 3 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
John Eric Wilson, a Commercial Traveller from Blackpool, enlisted 4 April 1939. Driver Wilson later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.3 Commando.

WILSON, Matthew Steel

Private
2824820
No 11 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Matthew Steel Wilson enlisted 2nd April 1940, civil occupation Salesman. He later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.11 Commando embarking for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

WILSON, Peter

Peter Wilson 7 Commando
Lance Bombardier
947129
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Lance Bombardier Peter Wilson from Thornley, Durham, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Enlisted 17 October 1939. Civil trade - Bricklayer.

WILSON, Robert

Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
97240
No 8 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Efficiency Medal
Gunner Robert Wilson was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 2 September 1939 [1]. After volunteering for the Commandos he joined the folbot section of No.8 Commando, prior to a move to the Special Boat Section in the Middle East.

WINTER, Thomas William

Thomas William Winter MM
Acting Company Sergeant Major
108938
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
Royal Army Service Corps
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Company Sergeant Major Thomas William Winter was reported missing 12 September 1942 later confirmed as a prisoner of war.

WINTERBOTHAM, Sydney, J..

Lance Corporal
T/2574005
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps
Lance Corporal Sydney Winterbotham, 'F' Troop, 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 Nottingham.
 
Sources

WINTERBURN, Martin Henry

Martin Winterburn MM 6 Commando
Gunner (Acting Lance Bombardier)
4801255
No 6 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment and Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Gunner Martin Winterburn, No.6 Commando 1 Troop, from Lincolnshire, was awarded the Military Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his escape after he was taken prisoner of war at Mateur, Tunis, on Thursday 19 December 1942.

WOOD, George Evelyn

Marine
CH/X 103876
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
George Evelyn Wood enlisted 3 April 1941, civil occupation Tractor Driver. Served in the Commandos from August 1943. Prisoner of war 7 June 1944 during operations at Port en Bessin, France. Member of the Commando Association residing Coggeshall, Essex.

WOOD, Peter

Sapper
2093376
No 1 Independent Company
Royal Engineers
Sapper Peter Wood was reported missing 23 May 1940 during operations with the North Western Expeditionary Forces (Norway) (Scissors Force). Later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured on 10 May 1940 at Hemnesberget.
 
Sources

WOOD, Wilfred Edward

Lance Corporal
4747183
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Lance Corporal Wilfred Wood was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association. Emigrated to Australia.
 
Sources

WOODHEAD, Dudley George

Dudley George Woodhead 3 Commando
Sergeant Woodhead 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant
7885700
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps

Lance Sergeant Dudley Woodhead was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, France, on 19 August 1942, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Lydney, Gloucestershire.

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