Special Boat Section/Squadron/Service
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Displaying 1 - 130 of 130'French Coast - Operation Hardtack 11'
Friday, December 24, 1943
Location
Gravelines
France
51° 0' 47.88" N, 2° 5' 56.724" E
A reconnaisance raid of the beaches and dunes along the coast of Gravelines, France, between Calais and Dunkirk.
The raiding party embarked on MTB 25 at Dover on the night of the 24th and consisted of five members of 1 Troop (French) of No.10 Inter Allied Commando, Rene Navrault, Caron, Albert Meunier, Pourcelot, and Marcel Madec, led by Warrant Officer Pierre Wallerand. They disembarked on the morning of the 25th.
Also on board the MTB were Special Service Brigade Signals Officer Arthur Leahy and a French Doctor, Captain Villiere.
'Malta detachment - Force X'
A detachment of 4 Officers and some 60 OR's formed December 1940 from volunteers within 'B' Company No.1 Special Service Battalion. They trained at Gourock using Submarines and Folbots. After training the group embarked from Greenwich on board HMS Bonaventure joining the convoy Force H for Malta.
'Special Boat Section'
Brief History
'Special Raiding Squadron'
In April 1943 1st SAS Regiment was restyled as the Special Raiding Squadron and undertook raids in Sicily and Italy alongside the 2nd Special Air Service, which came into existence in May 1943 in Algeria.
The Special Raiding Squadron was commanded by Major Robert Blair Mayne, better known as 'Paddy'.
In 1944, the S.R.S. and 2 S.A.S. were placed under the umbrella Special Air Service Brigade.
2 SBS establishment Officers Feb.1944.
In February 1944 the following Officers were shown serving in the War Establishment.
'A' Group
3 Cdo Bde report Ops Nov 1944-Jan 45
INTERIM REPORT OPS - 3 CDO BDE NOV 1944 - JAN 1945
Author: Major D.B. Drysdale, BM, 3 Cdo Bde [view].
Copy of original document supplied by: John Mewett
Transcribed by: Jennie Barlow
A timeline of the Special Boat Section (Home)
7 pages of a Special Boat Section memorandum about 2 SBS from its formation through to February 1944. An official memorandum by Lieut. Henry S. Quigley, Admin. officer 2 SBS dated February 1944. The last page details equipment used by 2 SBS. This document is from the collection of Arthur Horner who was attached to No.1 Commando and 2 SBS, provided to the CVA in 2010 courtesy of his son Ashton Horner.
ALLEN, Reginald Arthur
Sergeant
6847052
No 8 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Served in the Folbot Troop and No.1 Special Boat Section. Reported missing at sea later found to be a prisoner of war after a raid on shipping at Benghazi Harbour on 21 July 1941. Post war member of the Commando Association.
ALLOTT, Richard Knowles Brian
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)(later Major)
77673
No 8 Commando
SBS
Middlesex Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Temporary Captain Richard Allott was awarded the Military Cross [1] whilst attached to the S.B.S. after his service with No. 8 Commando, Layforce, and the 1st Special Service Regiment [2][2a] ended.
Recommendation
ANDREWS, Trevor John
Sergeant
CH/X 3263
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Sergeant Trevor Andrews was a member of the SBS personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951.
ARNOLD, David James
Sergeant
RM 15389
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Sergeant David Arnold from Copnor, Portsmouth, died during operations in Aden [1][1a].
Obituary in the Globe and Laurel [2]
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.
AYTON, Philip Atterbury
Captain
184637
SBS
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Philip Ayton, 2 SBS, was severely wounded when he stepped on a landmine during a raid on the Channel Islands. He was evacuated to the UK but later died of his wounds. Posthumous Mention in Despatches.
Son of Sydney Harry and Elsie Alice Ayton, of Eastbourne, Sussex.
BARNES, George
Company Sergeant Major (later Lieutenant)
2617252
No 8 Commando
SBS
Grenadier Guards
King's Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Sergeant George Barnes was selected for the new Folbot Troop commanded by Captain Roger Courtney which would later become No.1 Special Boat Section.
BARR, Edward
Corporal
3325427
No 11 Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Edward Barr was attached to No.11 Commando until joining No.1 Special Boat Section in the Middle East. He was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East on 9/10 June 1942 [1][2][3].
BARTLETT, Paul Joseph
Sergeant
P048457D
SBS
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Paul Bartlett, S.B.S., died whilst taking part in operations in the Sangin valley, northern Helmand Province. [Source: MOD]
BATES, Leonard
Sergeant
SBS
Original member of 2 SBS. Took part in the Sark and Oran operations. Post war member of the Commando Association from Charlton, London.
BLAIN, Neil Martin
Corporal
P041362J
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal Neil Blain, S.B.S., died in the USA in a H.A.L.O. parachuting accident.
[Source of cause of death: Royal Marines UK Forum]
BOOTH, John Hamilton
Corporal
2824715
No 8 Commando
SBS
Seaforth Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Corporal John Booth was attached to No.8 Commando until joining the SBS [1][2]. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [3][4].
Recommendation
BOWRA, Mark Andrew
Lieutenant Colonel
N029151H
SBS
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Captain Mark Bowra received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the former Yugoslavia during the period 1 October 2000 t
BREMNER, George
Sergeant
2880295
No 8 Commando
SBS
London Scottish The Gordon Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant George Bremner,having left the Commando and joined the S.B.S., was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation
BRICE, Ian William
Sergeant
P027697Y
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Ian Brice, S.B.S., received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during operations on South Georgia and patrols in the Mount Kent region of the Falklands.
Sources
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
National Archives file WO373/188/205.
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 before joining 1 Special Boat Section [1][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].
BUCHANAN, Harry Alexander Desmond
Major
124535
No 8 Commando
SBS
Grenadier Guards
Military Cross (MC)
23 March 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Grenadier Guards, later that year joined No.8 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East. Later joined the SBS.
Recommendation for the Military Cross
BUCKLEY, Edward Lindsay
Sergeant
P025425T
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Edward Buckley received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during special forces patrols in the initial phase for the battle of Port Stanley between 10 -14 June 1982.
Sources
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.
CHILD, Alfred Robert
Bombardier
915218
No 7 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Bombardier Alfred Child was reported missing presumed killed in action at sea. Son of Charlie and Annie Child; husband of P. M. Child, of Moredon, Wiltshire.
CLIFFORD, Richard
Captain (Local Major)
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Lieutenant Richard Clifford received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Citation
COLCLOUGH, Gordon Duncan
Private
5726964
No 7 Commando
SBS
Dorsetshire Regiment
Private Gordon Colclough was reported missing 16 September 1942* during operations in the Middle East later confirmed as a prisoner of war in Italian hands [1].
1943 reported escaped and in a neutral country [1][2].
COLLINS, Thomas
Sergeant
P029088B
SBS
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Thomas Collins, SBS, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation
CROUCH, Alfred John
Trooper
7952333
SBS
Special Air Service and Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Alfred Crouch, Special Boat Service, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached to 2 Commando Brigade, died during operations at Lake Comacchio.
DARLINGTON, Kenneth Carr
Private
3605415
No 12 Commando
SBS
No 4 Commando
Border Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Kenneth Darlington was awarded the Military Medal[1] for gallantry during Operation Cartoon, a successful raid on Stord Island. The target was the demolition of an Iron Pyrite mine.
DAWKINS, C.F.
Corporal
SBS
Post war member of the Commando Assocation last known residing Southampton.
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.
DEAN, Martin Richard
Corporal
P047698G
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Assault Group RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal Martin Dean, 1 Assault Group RM, died in service. The headstone at his grave shows Special Boat Service.
Sources
AFM ROH
RM Historical website.
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
EASTERBROOK, Antony Laurence
Captain
Royal Marines
Died in service
Captain Antony Easterbrook, Infantry Training Centre RM, fell from a rope slide, when a coupling on his safety harness broke,
EDSALL, Keith Valentine
Trooper
7912260
No 8 Commando
SBS
Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Keith Edsall was killed in action during operations in the Western desert. Son of Percy and Gladys Edsall; husband of E. P. Edsall, of Wealdstone. Middlesex.
Sources
CWGC.
ELLIS, Derek Charles
Sergeant
4032370
SBS
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Derek Ellis, formerly 101 Troop No. 6 Commando [1], was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst attached to No. 2 Special Boat Section during operations at Oran harbour, North Africa [2][3].
EMBELIN, Arthur Edward
Company Sergeant Major
1867223
SBS
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Company Sergeant Major Arthur Embelin, 2 Special Boat Section, was reported missing later presumed killed in action during operations at Oran Harbour, Algeria. He had previously served in 101 Troop, the Folbot section of No. 6 Commando, and was the first CSM of 2 Special Boat Section.
FEEBERY, Cyril
Corporal (later Squadron Sergeant Major)
2615284
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
SBS
Grenadier Guards
Army Air Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Guardsman Feebery was wounded in 1940 whilst deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. Volunteereed for the Commandos and served as a Corporal in No.8 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East as part of 'B' Bn Layforce.
GILBERT, Barry
Lance Corporal
P040829B
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Barry Gilbert received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on 13 -15 June 1982 in the South Atlantic. He was coxwain of a Rigid Raiding Craft in a special forces raid on the Port Stanley area on the night of the final battle
GILMOUR, John
Sergeant
976483
No 6 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Sergeant John Gilmour enlisted into the 79th (Scottish Horse) Regiment RA in May 1940. Volunteering for special service, he joined the 5th Special Service Battalion in November 1940.
GOATLEY, George John
Marine
RMV200249
RM Reserve
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine George John Goatley, RMFVR, drowned during a training exercise with No.4 Special Boat Section.
Extract from the Globe and Laurel
"No.4 Special Boat Section
GURNEY, Henry Gordon Albert
Corporal
CH/X1993
SBS
Royal Marines
16.07.1937 enlisted Royal Marines.
14.10.1941 commended for bravery and devotion to duty.
16.08.1942 Corporal, S.B.S., North Africa, prisoner of war.
Sources
GUTTERIDGE, Tobias
Marine
P065066N
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Toby Gutteridge, Special Boat Service, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan.
HABERFIELD, Kevin Howard
Colour Sergeant
P040074J
SBS
Royal Marines
George Cross (GC)
Colour Sergeant Kevin Haberfield RM, Special Boat Service, was awarded the George Cross for Services in the Field on the 22nd Novembe
HANNAH, J.
Lance Corporal
SBS
Served in 2 SBS. Post war member of the Commando Association from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 6.
HARROD, G.E.
Corporal
SBS
Served in 2 SBS. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Scholes, nr. Cleckheaton, Yorkshire..
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 6.
HAWKINS, F.G.H
Company Sergeant Major
SBS
Intelligence Corps
Served in the Mobile Flotation Unit (MFU) before joining 2 SBS. He was a parachutist and was born in France. He became Acting CSM to 'A' Group. Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Paris.
Sources
HOLDEN-WHITE, Harold Vere
Temporary Major
2013352
162512
SBS
Royal Sussex Regiment
Royal Engineers
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
16.05.1940 enlisted Sapper, Corps of Royal Engineers [1].
05.09.1940 transferred from Corps on posting to 163 O.C.T.U.[1].
21.12.1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Sussex Regiment [2].
HOOPER, Alfred Herbert George
Marine
PO/X 6485
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Alfred Hooper was a member of the SBS personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951.
HOULTRAM, Lee Andrew
Sergeant
P053349X
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Lee Houltram, SBS, died [1] during operations targetting a Taliban bomb making factory near Gereshk, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service [2].
HOWARD, Henry Colin Francis
Captain
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Henry Howard was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War.
Sources
HOWARD, Richard Stephen
Sergeant
P038185W
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Sergeant Richard Howard was serving with the S.B.S. at the time of his death.
[Sources: AFM ROH / Navy News June 1994 page 20.]
HOWE, Gilbert Rex
Colour Sergeant
CH/X4522 & T004522T
40 Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Military Medal (MM)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Acting Corporal Gilbert Howe was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry on 21/22 February 1951 whilst attached to 40 Commando RM during operations at Kampong, Upper Perak, Malaya. He had been recommended for the M.M. but was awarded the D.C.M. [1].
HOWELLS, Ellis
Lance Corporal
3910267
No 12 Commando
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
SBS
South Wales Borderers
Special Air Service Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Ellis Howells was killed in action having left the Commandos and joined the 1st Special Boat Service, S.A.S. Regiment, Army Air Corps. He died during an attack on a railway bridge at Limpljani in the former Yugoslavia.
HUGHES, Stanley Raymond
Fusilier
4130995
SBS
Special Air Service and 1st Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers
Military Medal (MM)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Stanley Hughes M.M., SBS, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached to 2 Commando Brigade, died during operations at Lake Comacchio. Son of Edward Lloyd Hughes and Bertha Hughes; husband of Hilda May Hughes, of Stoneycroft, Lancashire.
HUNT, Ian Nicholas
Sergeant
P030085W
SBS
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Ian Hunt, Special Boat Service, was killed during an exchange of fire with an SAS patrol near Teal, Falklands. They had accidentally strayed into an area patrolled by the SAS. He was the only member of the SBS who died in the conflict.
JARVIS, Dennis William
Marine
CH/X 4883
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Dennis Jarvis was a member of the S.B.S. personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951.
JONES, Thomas
Corporal
RM 22871
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Corporal Thomas Jones received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Citation
KEALY, Michael Robert Bayley
Temporary Major (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
50892
No 8 Commando
Middle East Commando
SBS
Devonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Served in No.8 Commando and Layforce [1].
July 1942 (Major) 1st Special Service Regiment [1a].
Commanded No.1 S.B.S. Middle East after departure of Major R.J. Courtney M.C. [2].
LAPRAIK, John Neilson
Acting Captain (later Honorary Colonel)
132519
51ME Commando
SBS
SAS
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Acting Captain John Neilson Lapraik was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation
LASSEN, Major, Anders Frederick Emil V. Schau, VC
Major
234907
SBS
Special Air Service Regiment
Victoria Cross (VC)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
2nd Bar to the Military Cross
Killed in action or died of wounds
Major Anders Lassen, MC and 2 bars, Special Boat Service, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached to 2 Commando Brigade, was killed during
LIVINGSTONE, Richard Percy
Captain (Temporary Major)
149081
No 6 Commando
SBS
Royal Ulster Rifles
Special Air Service Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Richard Livingstone MBE received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field [1][1a].
LOASBY, Ronald William
Corporal
6482237
SBS
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Mentioned in Despatches
In 1939 Ronald William Loasby was a Metropolitan Police Officer residing at Gilmore House, a Police Section House in Lambeth. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 9 June 1942 joining the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.
LOVELL, Ronald Ernest
Private
No 4 Commando
SBS
Served in 2 Special Boat Section from its formation.
Sources
2 SBS document dated Feb 1944 (Linked Content below).
LUNN, Eric John Alfred
Captain (later Major)
198819
SBS
Royal Artillery
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Eric Lunn was awarded the Military Cross twice and also received a Mention in Despatches for his gallantry during operations with 2 Special Boat Section [1][2][3].
MASSEY, Albert William
Private
14241864
SBS
Royal Artillery
Corps of Military Police
Buckinghamshire Constabulary
Albert Massey was a Buckinghamshire Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942. He joined 2 Special Boat Section from the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry.
McCLAIR, Alexander Richard
Lance Sergeant (later Captain)
6968725 & 251446
No 2 Commando
SBS
London Rifle Brigade / Essex Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Sergeant Alexander McClair, 2 Troop No.2 Commando, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch 156 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid [1][2].
MCGONIGAL, Ambrose Joseph
Lieutenant (later Honorary Major)
113419
No 12 Commando
SBS
Royal Ulster Rifles
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Ambrose McGonigal was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during a raid on the enemy held island of Sark on the night of the 27th December 1943.
MCGOUGH, Paul
Sergeant
P043260W
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Sergeant Paul McGough received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service at sea in October 2004 [1].
MIDGLEY, M.
Signalman
2346028
SBS
Royal Corps of Signals
Special Boat Squadron. Wounded 9 September 1943 during operations in Italy.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
MILES, A.G.
Private
SBS
2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Plymouth, Devon.
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 8.
MILNE, Alexander
Sergeant
2878140
No 6 Commando
SBS
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Alexander Milne was reported missing 6 June 1943 after a raid to destroy a radar station on Lampedusa Island in the Mediterranean Sea (Operation Buttercup), later confirmed killed in action, whilst serving in 'Z' Special Boat Section.
MONTANARO, Gerald Charles Stokes
Captain (later Brigadier)
69057
No 6 Commando
SBS
Royal Engineers
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Captain Gerald Montanaro, 101 Troop No.6 Commando, was appointed D.S.O. [1], in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on 11/12 April 1942 at Boulogne harbour.
Recommendation
MONTGOMERIE, Tom
Captain
62629
No 4 Commando
SBS
Black Watch
Died on active service
Commissioned February 1934. Officer Commanding No.4 Commando 'A' Troop. Left the Commando 8 July 1941. Attached No.8 Infantry Training Centre until joining the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers in September 1941. Embarked for the Middle East arriving late November.
MOORES, B.
Trooper
7893181
No 3 Commando
SBS
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Moores, No.3 Commando, was wounded 27 December 1941 during Operation Archery at Vaagso [1]. He later joined 2 Special Boat Section [2][3] and by 1944 was serving in 'Z' Special Boat section operating from Ceylon [3].
MORRISON, J.
Bombardier
SBS
Royal Artillery
2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Everton, Liverpool.
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.
MUNRO, George
Sergeant
3323555
No 11 Commando
50ME Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant George Munro, a veteran of the Litani River raid, died during operations with the S.B.S., on the island of Samos after leaving the Commando.
Postings
Sep 1940 - volunteered for 11 Cdo.
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.
NEWSOME, James Ernest
Sergeant
No 6 Commando
SBS
Royal Armoured Corps
No.6 Commando then 2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bradford, Yorkshire.
NORDASS, Geoffrey
Marine
P038320X
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Geoffrey Nordass received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic.
Sources
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
O'REILLY, John Myles
Lance Sergeant
2716586
SBS
Irish Guards
Lance Sergeant John O'Reilly was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving in 1st Special Boat Squadron having left the Commando.
Recommendation
For distinguished conduct during the operation on the island of Santorin.
PAGNAM, Joe Colin Conesa
Captain
233300
SBS
Gordon Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Second Lieutenant Joe Pagnam, 2 Special Boat Section, received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service during the Oran landings at Algeria [1][2].
Recommendation
PARK, John
Sergeant
3709917
No 4 Commando
SBS
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Sergeant John Park, a veteran of the 1942 Dieppe raid whilst attached to No.4 Commando, was reported missing 25 December 1943, later reported killed in action during the Hardtack 11 raid at Gravelines on the French coast.
PENN, Herbert Henry Victor
Sergeant
No 2 Commando
SBS
1 SBS from No.2 Commando.
2 SBS from 1 SBS Middle East.
Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Ware, Hertfordshire.
PETERS, Richard (Lt. 2 SBS) letter to father
Type: Letters
Year of Publishing: 2016
Keywords: Burma, 2 SBS, special boat section, killed in action
Lt Peters, 2 SBS 'B' Group, was killed in action whilst leading a small reconnaissance operation on the 8th February 1945 in Burma.
PETERS, Richard James McGregor
Lieutenant
226391
SBS
Kings Royal Rifle Corps, 7th(1st Bn Queen Victoria's Rifles)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Richard Peters, 2 Special Boat Section, died whilst leading a small reconnaissance operation to gather intelligence from villagers on the strength and disposition of Japanese forces on the other side of a bridge across the River Irrawaddy in the area of Pakkoku-Pagan. He was accompan
PHILLIPS, Mark Christopher
Lieutenant Colonel
N029239W
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Major Mark Phillips was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field in 2004 [1].
- 30 June 2010 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
PICKUP, Richard Alan
Colonel
N028932S
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Died in service
Colonel Richard Pickup died suddenly whilst posted as a defence advisor in Pretoria South Africa.
PLANK, Ian
Corporal
P051163J
SBS
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Ian Plank, a Swimmer Canoeist with the S.B.S., was killed by hostile fire during a Coalition operation in Iraq. [Sources: AFM ROH / MOD / email Jase]
PLUMMER, J.W.
Sapper
SBS
Royal Engineers
2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Dunblane.
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.
POMFORD, Douglas
Sergeant
3456406
No 11 Commando
SBS
South Lancashire Regt (Prince of Wales Volunteers)
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Corporal Douglas Pomford joined the S.B.S. from No. 11 Commando. He was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field [1].
PREECE, Frederick Amos
Sergeant
404153
No 6 Commando
SBS
Royal Armoured Corps (Dragoon Guards)
Royal Tank Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Trooper Frederick Preece, 101 Troop, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1] for his gallantry in a raid on Boulogne Harbour.
Recomendation for award
PROUT, Charles Leslie
Private
2929485
No 4 Independent Company
Middle East Commando
SAS
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Army Air Corps
Service: No.4 independent Company; 1 Special Service Bn; embarked for Malta with Force 'X' serving alongside the SBS; 'A' Squadron Middle East Commando; joined 1st SAS for a short period before transferring to the Parachute Regiment; wounded 18 September 1944 with Paras at Arnh
PUXTY, Thomas Robert William
Marine
CH/X 5287
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Thomas Puxty, S.B.S., died in an accident when coming out of the sea in a wet suit and grabbing hold of a high voltage cable as a result of which he was electrocuted.
Sources
AFM ROH
ROBERTS, Donald Leslie
Sergeant
14241829
SBS
Somerset Constabulary
1939 Somerset Police Officer for past 2 years residing St. Andrews Road, Taunton, rank Police Constable, collar number 198 [1][2].
ROBERTS, Edward
Corporal
5884746
SBS
2 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Hampshire Regiment 5th Bn.
Special Air Service Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Edward Roberts, Special Boat Service, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached 2 Commando Brigade, died during operations at Lake Comacchio.
Son of Leslie D. and Annie H. Fraser, of Parkhead, Glasgow.
Sources
CWGC.
ROBERTS, Harry Andow
Sergeant
No 12 Commando
SBS
Post war member of the Commando Association from Buckinghamshire.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 71 (Sept.1980).
RODNEY, John Francis
Lieutenant
No 1 Commando
SBS
Mentioned in Despatches
Baron John Francis Rodney served as a Lieutenant in No.1 Commando HQ and also as an Operational Officer in HQ, 2 SBS. Post war member of both the Commando and Burma Star Associations.
Sources
SBS Partial Nominal Roll WW2
This is a work in progress roll of some who served in the Special Boat Section, Special Boat Squadron, or Special Boat Service during WW2. It is not complete by any means but is included whilst being worked on to assist researchers browsing our archive.
Listed alphabetically by surname. Lieut. Michael ALEXANDER ** Sgt. ALLAN (No.1 SBS) ** Capt. Richard Knowles Brian ALLOTT, MC 2/Lieut. W. W. ARMSTRONG *
Listed alphabetically by surname. Lieut. Michael ALEXANDER ** Sgt. ALLAN (No.1 SBS) ** Capt. Richard Knowles Brian ALLOTT, MC 2/Lieut. W. W. ARMSTRONG *
SEVERN, Clive
Lance Corporal
5887258
No 11 Commando
SBS
Northamptonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Clive Severn was reported missing at sea whilst on board the submarine H.M.S. Triumph later presumed killed in action. Mentioned in Despatches (posthumous) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.
SHERGOLD, Edward Norman
Marine
PO/X 5874
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Edward Shergold was a member of the S.B.S. personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951.
SHERWOOD, James Barlow Brookes
Sergeant
T/106321
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
SBS
Royal Army Service Corps
Military Medal (MM)
Served with No 8 Troop, No 8 Commando in GB, 9/1940 -12/1940; served with Folboat Troop, No 8 Commando in GB, 12/1940 - 2/1941; served with Folboat Section, Layforce in Egypt and Mediterranean, 2/1941 - 3/1941; served with No 1 Special Boat Section in Mediterranean and North Africa, 4/1941 - 2/
SIDLOW, Ronald
Sergeant
2621940
SBS
Grenadier Guards
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Ronald Sidlow joined 2 Special Boat Section on its formation from 101 Troop of No.6 Commando [1][2]. 8 November 1942 Mentioned In Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa [3].
SINCLAIR, Archibald Roy McGregor
Sergeant
3326187
No 11 Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Archibald Sinclair was reported missing 6 June 1943 after a raid to destroy a radar station on Lampedusa Island in the Mediterranean Sea (Operation Buttercup), later confirmed killed in action. He was attached to 'Z' Special Boat Section, 2nd SAS Regiment, A.A.C.
SMEE, David Sydney
Lieutenant (later Honorary Captain)
204439
SBS
Royal Artillery
2 Special Boat Section.
- 13 September 1941 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Middlesex Regiment [1].
- 18 December 1941 posted Royal Artillery [2].
SMITH, John Russell
Sapper
SBS
Royal Engineers
Also served No.5 Commando and COPP. Post war member of the Commando Association from Dersingham, Norfolk.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 118 (2004)
SMITH, Silas Robert
Sergeant
SBS
-
Post war member of the Commando Association from Cheltenham Spa, Glos.
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 7 (1948)
SMITHSON, Milton
Corporal
No 4 Commando
SBS
Parachute trained No.4 Commando took part in the Dieppe raid. Later transferred to 2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association from Rossendale, Lancashire.
STANWORTH, John
Corporal
RM 24064
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal John Stanworth was serving at HMS Rooke, a shore establishment in Gibraltar, at the time of his death. He was King's Badge man for JE26 Squad in 1966.
Sources
AFM ROH
STEPHENS, Seth Vincent Scott
Corporal
P999732L
SBS
Royal Marines
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Seph Stephens, S.B.S., died during operations in Southern Afghanistan. He was hit by enemy small arms fire while he was protecting and inspiring his British and Afghan comrades.
SUTHERLAND, David George Carr (Lt Col)
Lieutenant Colonel
108190
No 8 Commando
SBS
Black Watch
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Decoration (TD)
The Times newspaper obituary.
THOMPSON, F.A.
Flight Lieutenant
SBS
Medical Officer 2 Special Boat Section. Member of the Commando Association residing Nairobi, Kenya.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 64 (1977).
Images in the CVA 2 SBS Gallery.
THOMSON, Jonathan James
Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier)
45 Cdo. RM
SBS
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thomson O.B.E., was awarded The Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallantry within the operations in Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey in 1991[1].
Citation
TOOGOOD, David Cyril
Corporal
No 12 Commando
SBS
Wiltshire County Constabulary
David Toogood served in No.12 Commando and later 2 SBS HQ. He had volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 whilst serving as a Police Constable at Corsham, Wiltshire. He joined the County Police Force on his 19th birthday and Corsham was his first posting.
TOSTEVIN, Alexander Charles George
Marine
30063068
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Died in service
Marine Alexander Tostevin, SBS, died in service in 2018.
TOUGH, Alexander
Lance Corporal
6482290
No 12 Commando
SBS
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Alec Tough joined the Metropolitan Police on 6 March 1939, later residing at the Police Section House in Crawford Place, Marleybone. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and served in No.12 Commando before joining the Special Boat Section.
VAN DER HORST, Richard Evert
Lieutenant Colonel
N028003Q
SBS
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Died in service
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Evert van der Horst OBE, Officer Commanding the Special Boat Service, died on the 14th March 2005 after a diving accident on the 7th March during an amphibious exercise off Norway.
Service
WALTON, Richard Anthony Carl
Colour Sergeant
P044439X
Royal Marines
Died in service unknown cause
Colour Sergeant Richard Walton was serving at RMDIV Leconfield at the time of his death.
WEATHERALL, Stamford
Company Sergeant Major
4611219
No 6 Commando
SBS
Duke of Wellington's Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Service
July 1940 No.6 Commando.
July 1940 No.6 Commando.
April 1941 Lance Sergeant, No.6 Commando 101 Troop.
11 March 1942 No.2 Special Boat Section.
WESLEY, Edward Alfred Wellesley
Lieutenant (later Captain)
2889509
305003
SBS
Gordon Highlanders
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal Edward Wesley serving at the time in 2 S.B.S. was granted an immediate emergency commission and appointed Second Lieutenant on the 6 December 1943 [1].
WILKINS, Michael Compton Lockwood
Lieutenant General
40 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Service
1 September 1951 commissioned 2nd Lieutenant.
WILLIAMS, Thomas Ivor
Sergeant
3909922
SBS
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Thomas Ivor Williams, 'B' Group 2 Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Burma between August and November 1944 [1][1a].
Recommendation
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.
WOOD, Geoffrey
Craftsman
SBS
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Post war member of the Commando Association from Harborne, Birmingham.
Sources
Obitauries in Commando Association newsletter 98 (1994).
WOOD, Hector
Sergeant
14241779
SBS
Scots Guards
Nottinghamshire Constabulary
Mentioned in Despatches
Hector Wood was a Nottinghamshire Police Constable residing at Kirkby-in-Ashfield in 1939. He volunteered for commando service in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.
WRIGHT, Harold
Gunner
14241643
SBS
Royal Artillery
Police Intake
Mentioned in Despatches
Gunner Harold Wright, 2 Special Boat Section, was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. The operation was the Oran Landings, an assault on the port by HMS Walney and HMS Hartland, 8th November 1942.
‘Oran Landings - Operation Reservist’
Sunday, November 8, 1942
Location
Port of Oran
Algeria
35° 41' 55.4604" N, 0° 38' 5.64" W
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