No 11 Commando

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'Layforce'

Three UK based Army Commando units, Nos. 7, 8, and 11 Commandos, were initially combined within 'Force Z' for operations initially envisaged against Rhodes in the Eastern Mediterranean.  Other elements of the Force included a number of men from No.3 Commando and the Canoe section of No.8 (Guards) Commando.  They sailed from the Isle of Arran on the 31st January 1941, and arrived at Suez on the 7th March.

'Rommel HQ - Operation Flipper'

Friday, November 14, 1941

Location

Beda Littoria
Libya
32° 45' 59.0004" N, 21° 44' 30.0012" E

The raiding party landed 14 November. The attack on Rommel's HQ by units from Layforce took place 17 November. The raiding party included a group from No 11 Commando (see What Links Here above) led by Lt Col Keyes supported by others, including two from No 7 Cdo who had escaped from Crete, Sgt Fred Birch (No 7 Cdo & 51ME Cdo) and Cpl John Kerr (No 7 and 51ME Commando)

11 Commando

11 Commando

This Commando was formed on 23rd June 1940 in Galashiels. After formation it marched from Galashiels to Ayr and then on to the Isle of Arran for amphibious training.

11 Commando Nominal Roll

For historical & research purposes, we have tried to compile the names of all the volunteers for No.11 Commando which were obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Lists of Casualties, the No.11 Commando War Diary, papers from the National Archives and further research by members of the CVA and various other resources. In preparing this list, we acknowledge that it is very likely there are omissions.

ABLEWHITE, C.A.

Private
4803670
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Lincolnshire Regiment
Private Abelwhite was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations at the Litani River in Syria [1]
Wounded a second time on 15 December 1941 during operations in the Western Desert [2].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

ADAMS, Jack

Jack Adams 11 Commando
Private
2758154
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jack Adams died during operations at Litani River.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Perthshire Advertiser 19 July 1941 {Linked Content below].
[Image] The War Illustrated magazine.
 

ANDERSON, John Clover

Sgt John Anderson 11 Commando
John Anderson 11 Commando
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Served in 8 Troop. Post war member of the Commando Association from Inverness.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 79 (1984).
[Image 1] Collection of Gordon Edmiston No.11 Cdo. courtesy of his son David.
[Image 2] Cropped from troop image in 11 Commando Gallery.

BALLANTYNE, Alexander A.

Lance Corporal
2934334
No 11 Commando
Special Service Detachment 2
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Alexander Ballantyne was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations with No.11 Commando at Litani River, Syria. After recovering he was assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2) and was killed in Burma. He has no known grave. Son of Matthew C. and Margaret C. Ballantyne, of Edinburgh.
 

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].
Recommendation

BARRAND, Peter Charles

Lance Corporal
6971182
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Rifle Brigade
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Peter Barrand was reported missing presumed killed during operations in the Western Desert. Son of Oscar A. and Grace Barrand, of Selsey, Sussex [1][2].
Peter is believed to have drowned off the coast of Libya after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ [3].  
 
Sources

BERTIE, James John William

Known as: 
Jim
Corporal
2989781
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Bertie was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later confirmed as died of wounds. Son of James and Isabella Taylor Bertie; husband of Elizabeth Brown Bertie, of Edinburgh.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BEST, George

Private
2883741
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Best died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Samuel and Matilda Best, of Walthamstow, Essex.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

BLAIR, David Arthur

Captain David Blair 11 Commando © NMS/2012 courtesy of National Museum Scotland
Captain (later Major)
73177
No 11 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain David Blair was the O.C. No. 11 Commando 6 troop. Appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) 7th April 1944 [1].
Recommendation

BOGLE, James

Known as: 
Jim
James Bogle 11 Commando
Private
2888381
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders

Private James Bogle was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. After his release in 1945 he served two years in Germany in the Scottish Rifles*.

BOULTON, David

David Boulton 11 Commando
Bombardier (later Lieutenant)
269318
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery and Durham Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant David Boulton died serving with the Durham Light Infantry during the Battle of Lingevres.   
 

BRADY, J.

Signalman
2332471
No 11 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals

Signalman J. Brady was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

BRUCE, Charles

Sergeant
2758668
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Black Watch

Sergeant Charles Bruce, from Brechin, Angus, was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war at Camp 59 in Italy from which he managed to escape back to allied lines after the Italian Armistice. Post war member of the Commando Association last residing in Australia.

BRYAN, Gerald Jackson

Captain Gerald Bryan 11 Commando
Captain
125189
No 11 Commando
No 9 Commando
Royal Engineers
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Gerald Jackson Bryan, RE, was awarded the Military Cross [1] for his gallantry during the battle of Litani River. He was seriously wounded (leg amputation) [2][2a]

BULLOCK, Howard Ernest

Gunner
826260
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Howard Bullock from Worcestershire died in hospital at Ramleh of meningitis following gunshot wounds received during operations against the enemy in the Middle East.
Son of Roger Ernest and Rose Bullock, of Wollaston, Stourbridge, Worcestershire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BURROWS, Charles William

Gunner
872276
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds

Gunner Charles Burrows from Beckenham, Kent, died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RA Attestations Register for 1937.
RA Casualty Card.
 

BYRNE, John Vincent

Known as: 
Jack
John Vincent Byrne DCM
Corporal later Company Sergeant Major
2060658
No 11 Commando
SAS
No 6 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
3 May 1940 wounded at Dunkirk France serving as a Private with 1st Bn. Gordon Highlanders, British Expeditionary Force [1].
Attached to and served with No.11 Commando 8 Troop (Layforce) until disbanded [5][7]. 
Joined 'L' Detachment Special Air Service 1941 attaining rank of Corporal [2][3][3a]

CAMPBELL, William

Private
2763471
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Campbell died during operations at Litani River.
Son of Robert and Marjory Campbell, of Janetstown, Caithness-shire.
 

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

CARR, Richard Philip

Captain
90121
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Richard Carr, 1 troop, was attached to the Commandos from the Royal Artillery. He was taken prisoner of war early in 1942 and, despite several escape attempts, remained in captivity for the remainder of the war. POW Camps Oflag 5 and Oflag 79.

CHANTRELL, William

Private
7379892
No 11 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Chantrell died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William H. and Sarah E. Chantrell, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

CHEYNE, John

Known as: 
Jock
Jock Cheyne 11 Commando
Sergeant
2876138
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant John Cheyne, 8 troop, was posted to 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, on the 28th August 1941.

CLARK, P.

Private
2989810
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Private Clark was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations in Syria.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

CODD, Lawrence Joseph

Signalman
2332748
No 11 Commando
No 2 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Lawrence Codd, No.2 Commando, was reported missing 6 June 1944, later found to be a prisoner of war. At this time a small number of commandos from No.2 Commando were engaged in a failed attempt to locate and liberate their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel 'Jack' Churchill, who had been captured during Operation Flounced on the island of Brac a few days earlier.

COHEN, Aaron Harry

Known as: 
Ike
Private
2760335
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Aaron Cohen died during operations at Litani River.
Son of Atme Cohen, of Manchester.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

COODE, Donald Alastair

Lieutenant
91438
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Donald Coode, 1 troop, died during operations at Litani River, Syria. 
Son of Donald and Alexa Coode, of Juniper Green, Midlothian.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.
 

COOKE, John

Lance Bombardier
4690225
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier John Cooke from Pontefract died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Arthur and Jane Ellen Cooke, of Pontefract, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RA Casualty Card.
 

CRAIG, James Cross

Lance Corporal
2763490
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal James Craig was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later confirmed to have died of wounds.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and 29.
 

DAVIDSON, Alexander

Known as: 
Sandy
Lance Sergeant
2886121
No 11 Commando
SAS
Gordon Highlanders
Army Air Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Alexander Davidson died of wounds serving with 1 SAS having left the Commando. He had previously been attached to No.11 Commando since August 1940. He also served in the ME Commando and 1SSR.
Son of Alexander and Jemima Davidson, of Old Aberdeen; husband of Elsie Davidson.
 
Sources
CWGC.

DEAN, L.W.

Rifleman
6897356
No 11 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Rifleman Dean was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations in Syria.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

DIBB, Edgar

Corporal
746439
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Edgar Dibb died during operations at Litani River.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

DINSDALE, Henry

Private
4750212
No 11 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Henry Dinsdale died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Henry and Esther Dinsdale; husband of Doris Dinsdale, of Bradford, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
 

DOVE, George

George Dove 11 Commando
Private
4976786
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Sherwood Forresters
Private George Dove was wounded on 9 June 1941 during operations at the Litani River in Syria.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

[Image] CVA Gallery.

DRORI, Avishalom

Corporal
PAL/14538
51ME Commando
Pioneer Corps

Corporal Avishalom Druri was Jewish and from Palestine. He volunteered for the British Army and was first posted to the Pioneer Corps before being attached to 51 Middle East Commando. He later joined 'C' Battalion Layforce (No.11 Commando) and was taken prisoner of war during the raid on Rommel's HQ (Operation Flipper).

DUFFY, Joseph Aloysius

Private
3318385
No 11 Commando
SAS
Seaforth Highlanders
Died on war service

Private Joseph Duffy joined L Detachment, SAS, from No 11 Commando on the 28th August 1941 and was accidentally killed in training due to a parachute failure, along with his friend and fellow Seaforth Highlander, Private Kenneth Warburton. Location given as East side of the Great Bitter Lake. The pair became the Regiment's first casualties.​ 

DUNCAN, George Ian Alistair

Temporary Captain George Duncan MC and bar
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 

EARDLEY, Albert William

Albert Eardley 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
2072050
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Albert Eardley died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mr and Mrs L. Eardley of Burslem, Stoke on Trent.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RE Enlistment Register for 1939 (enlisted 26 April 1939)..
RE Casualty Card.

EDMISTON, Gordon

Known as: 
Commando Joe (whilst in the Scots Greys)
Lt. Gordon Edmiston after 11 Commando
Gordon Edmiston 1986 Arran
Corporal (later Captain)
2886140
302399
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Royal Scots Greys
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Gordon Edmiston enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders joining them in Aberdeen on 16 May 1940. Volunteered for No.11 Commando in August 1940. Served with 8 Troop in operations in the Middle East as part of Layforce until their early disbandment after which he joined the Long Range Desert Group. In 1943 he was commissioned into the Royal Scots Greys. Awarded the Military Cross in 1944.

FRASER, Thomas Coupar

Pte. Thomas Fraser 11 Commando
Private
2934226
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Fraser, 10 Troop, died during operations in the Western Desert. He had been one of the raiding party of Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ. Son of Leslie D. and Annie H. Fraser, of Parkhead, Glasgow.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/54.

GALLAGHER, Denis

Denis Gallagher 11 Commando
Private
2989639
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Denis Gallagher died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mrs Sarah Gallagher of Malden Street, Leyland, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.

GIBBS, William George

William Gibbs 11 Commando
Gunner
879745
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner William Gibbs was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mr and Mrs Gibbs of Conway Street, Everton.
Extract from the Liverpool Evening Express 
24 July 1941

GLITHEROE, G.E.

Corporal
4804364
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Lincolnshire Regiment

Corporal Glitheroe was wounded on 9 June 1941 during operations at the Litani River in Syria.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

GORNALL, James

Known as: 
Jim
Gunner
3856286
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Gunner James Gornall, 3 troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [1]. He took part in Operation Exporter at Litani River and was captured after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ. for which he would later be awarded the M.M. Imprisoned initially at Gavi Camp in Italy and later at Stalag 4 C.

GREIG, Robert

Corporal
2881454
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Robert Greig died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Robert and Annie Greig, of Rickarton, Kincardineshire.
Extract from the Aberdeen Evening Express
18 July 1941

GRIFFIN, Thomas Basil

Known as: 
Tommy
Thomas Griffin 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
2989323
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Royal Army Service Corps
20 June 1940 enlisted A&SH and later volunteered for the Commandos.
Attached to No.11 Commando 7 Troop attaining the rank of Lance Corporal.
1 February 1941 embarked for the Middle East, 'C' Bn., Layforce.
9 June 1941 took part in Operation Exporter at Litani River, Syria.

GUNN, David

Private
2822381
No 11 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Private David Gunn was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Libya January 1943 whilst serving with the Long Range Desert Group after leaving the Commando [1][1a]. 
Recommendation

HAMILTON, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton 11 Commando
Driver
2576082
No 11 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Killed in action or died of wounds
Driver Alexander Hamilton was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of the late Private James Hamilton, RASC, killed in action 5 months earlier, and of Catherine Hamilton, of Stirling.
Extract from the Stirling Observer
"17 July 1941.

HAMILTON, Robert Scott

Private
3323516
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Robert Hamilton died of wounds during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William and Ann H. Hamilton, of Glasgow.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
 

HANCOCK, Harry

Private
4748143
'Layforce'
Middle East Commando
British Military Mission 204
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Harry Hancock, 'C' Bn Layforce, was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later reported no longer missing. He went onto serve with the Middle East Commandos before being posted to Burma with the Special Service Detachment where he was again reported missing on 13 August 1942, later confirmed as killed in action.

HARLAND, Edwin

Private
2882955
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edwin Harland died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Edwin Scriven Harland and Annie Aline Harland, of Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

HARMER, Reginald

Known as: 
Reg
Reg Harmer 11 Commando
Corporal
5570019
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Corporal Reginald Harmer served in No. 11 Commando until it was disbanded. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on the 12th July 1943 with the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment during operations near Solarino, Sicily [2].
 
Sources

HUGHES, Albert Edwin

Lance Corporal
5569217
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Albert Hughes died in Egypt.
Son of Mrs. R. Newbury, of Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty lists / National Archives file WO417/58.
 
Notes

HURST, Ben

Private
3715891
No 11 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Ben Hurst was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.

JOHNSTON, Robert

Known as: 
Jock
Corporal Robert Johnston 11 Commando
Corporal
2931826
No 11 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Died on active service
Corporal Robert Johnston died of exhaustion and malaria whilst assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2), in Burma. He has no known grave.
  • 9 June 1941 (Private) wounded during Operation Exporter at Litani River, Syria.

JONES, Charles Ernest

Trooper
554075
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps/Staffordshire Yeomanry
Died on war service
Trooper Charles Ernest Jones died in the Middle East as a result of an accident. 
Son of Charles Henry and Annie Jones, of Wolverhampton.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/25.
 
Notes

JONES, G.

Private
4748200
No 11 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private G. Jones, 'C' Battalion of Layforce, was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 
Notes
No.11 Commando was designated as 'C' Bn. of Layforce.
 

JONES, Harold

Corporal
550620
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Harold Jones died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William and Charlotte Jones, of Sale, Cheshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

KEARNEY, Joseph Francis

Known as: 
Joe
Gunner
970050
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Gunner Joe Kearney was attached to No.11 Commando 1 Troop from the 57th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery. He was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper in the Western Desert, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Newfoundland.

KEITH, Douglas

Private
2882330
No 11 Commando
SAS
Gordon Highlanders
Died on war service
Private Douglas Keith, formerly 11 Commando,  was posted to 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, on the 28th August 1941, and was taken prisoner after Operation Squatter.  He died whilst being transported on the Italian prison ship SS Sebastiano Venier, after it was was torpedoed by a British submarine.
 

KING, Ernest Taylor

Lance Corporal
4803483
No 11 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment 6th Bn
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Ernest King was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later confirmed killed in action. He has no known grave. Son of Norman T. and May King, of Surfleet, Lincolnshire.

KINGHORN, Robert

Private
2884403
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Robert Kinghorn was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

KNIGHT, Denis Hammond

Second Lieutenant
108158
No 11 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Died on war service
Second Lieutenant Denis Knight died during the period the Commando were based for training on the Isle of Arran. He was found with a gunshot wound to his head in the dwelling house in Lamlash where he was billeted. Cause of death given by Captain J. P.  Baird RAMC.

LAING, J.

Private
2879329
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders

Private Laing was reported wounded and missing 9 June 1941, and later a prisoner of war, during operations in Syria. In 1942 a further report stated he was now not a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/37. 
 

LANG, John

John Lang 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
326577
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal John Lang died during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of James and Mary Watt Stirling Lang; stepson of Charlotte D. Lang, of Mount Kembla, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Read more about John Lang on our Forum [HERE].
Sources

LAPPIN, James

Known as: 
Jimmy
Jimmy Lappin 11 Commando and SAS
Corporal
2934114
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
SAS
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
10 Troop of No.11 Commando. 
Took part in the Rommel raid (Operation Flipper)*.
'A' Squadron Middle East Commando.
Special Air Service.
Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37310, page 5099.

LISTER, Richard

Private
3319075
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Richard Lister died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Harry and Lena Lister, of Kirkburton, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

LOCK, Charles

Charles Lock 11 Commando
Corporal
2884454
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders

Corporal Charles Lock, 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 from Walmer, Kent.

LOW, Laurie

Laurie Low 11 Commando
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
-
8 Troop.
Image: No.11 Commando reunion August 1986, Isle of Arran. 
Source: Collection of Gordon Edmiston, 8 Troop No.11 Commando.

MACARTHUR, Robert

Lance Bombardier
1455543
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier Robert Macarthur died during operations at the Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mr and Mrs James Macarthur of Mile End, Campbeltown, Argyll.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Royal Artillery Casualty Cards.

MACQUARRIE, Donald Maclean

Donald Macquarrie 11 Commando
Original grave of Donald Macquarrie
Lance Corporal
3319006
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Donald MacQuarrie, 8 troop, died of wounds during operations in the Middle East. Initially reported as missing on 24 November 1941 then as wounded and a prisoner of war (since recaptured). 
Son of Donald Maclean MacQuarrie and Rosina Wanless Mills MacQuarrie, of Wallsend, Northumberland.
 
Sources
CWGC.

MCADAM, Leslie

Sergeant
46720
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Cameronians
Sergeant Leslie McAdam was reported missing 24th November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war from the 21st November.
Post war member of the Commando Association with whom they lost contact last known to be residing Higher Blackley in Manchester.
 
Sources

MCAULEY, Michael

Lance Corporal
2986292
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Michael McAuley died during operations at Litani River. He has no known grave.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

MCGONIGAL, Eoin Christopher

Lieutenant
97290
No 11 Commando
SAS
Royal Ulster Rifles
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Eoin McGonigal, formerly 7 troop of No.11 Commando, was posted to 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, on the 15th August 1941. He died during Operation Squatter targetting airfields at Timimi, west of Tobruk. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

MCGUIRE, John

Corporal
2934163
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal John McGuire was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William and Cecilia McGuire, of Glasgow.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

MCKAY, Robert

Corporal
2928972
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Robert McKay was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

MCKENZIE, James Burnett

Private
2880400
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders

Private James McKenzie was reported missing in the Middle East 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war since 19 November 1941. 

MCKEOWN, John

Private
2760779
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John McKeown died during operations at Litani River.
Son of Patrick and Catherine McKeown, of Ruchill, Glasgow.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

MCNINCH, William Matthew

William McNinch MM
Lance Sergeant
327865
No 11 Commando
SAS
Royal Armoured Corps
Military Medal (MM)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Sergeant William McNinch died during operations at Termoli Italy with the Special Raiding Squadron having left the Commando. A veteran of the Litani River raid he died when a shell hit the truck that he was sitting in. He was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of distinguished service during operations on the day before his death.
Recommendation

MELLOWS, Charles Henry

Charles Henry Mellows 11 Commando
Gunner (Driver I/C)
6896651
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner (Driver in Charge) Charles Mellows was reported wounded on 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria. Post war member of the Commando Association from Kent.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/31.

MORE, George Robert Melville Harvey

George More 11 Commando
Temporary Captain (later Colonel)
85558
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Temporary Captain George More was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during Operation Exporter at Litani River on 9/10 June 1941 [1][1a].
  • January 1944 operating with the SOE in Serbia's Kopaonik Mountains [2].
  • 1945 awarded a bar to his Military Cross for distinguished service [3][3a].

MULLEN, James Cassidy

Private
3325329
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Mullen was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

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.
Mar  1941- arrive Middle East - 'C' Bn Layforce
Aug  1941- 11 Cdo absorbed into ME Cdo

MURPHY, James

Private
2981807
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Murphy died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of James and Annie Murphy, of Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

MURRAY, Robert

Known as: 
Bob
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.

NAPIER, Bevil Charles Alan

Known as: 
Charles
Major
85692
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Major Bevil Charles Alan Napier was attached to the Commandos from the Gordon Highlanders. He was promoted Lieutenant on 1 January 1941.
  • August 1943  (Temporary Major) awarded the Military Cross for "gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East."  (London Gazette 35077 and 36146.)

NICOL, Charles

Known as: 
Charlie, Red
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. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35 and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.
[Image] CVA Gallery image of 8 Troop No.11 Commando.

NIXON, Malvern

Private
3056939
No 11 Commando
SAS
Royal Scots
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Malvern Nixon died when his jeep patrol was attacked whilst en route to harass the enemy in Southern Tunisia. He was serving with 1st SAS  ('B' Sqn.) at the time of his death having left the Commandos.

O'SULLIVAN, William Martin

William O'Sullivan 11 Commando
Sergeant
4803368
No 11 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment 6th Bn
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant William O'Sullivan was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Thomas and Violet May O'Sullivan, of Spalding, Lincolnshire.
Previously wounded May 1940 at Dunkirk.
 
Sources
CWGC. 

OLIPHANT, Archibald Johnston

Lance Bombardier
894985
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier Archibald Oliphant died of wounds received during operations at Litani River in the Middle East. Son of James and Martha Lucy Oliphant, of Belvedere, Kent.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
RA Casualty Card.
RA Attestation Registers 1939.

PADBURY, John

Corporal
320986
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal John Padbury died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

PARNACOTT, Geoffrey Alfred Henry

Lieutenant
105607
No 11 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Geoffrey Parnacott, 4 troop, died during operations at Litani River, Syria. He has no known grave. Previously served at Dunkirk with the British Expeditionary Force.
Son of Horace Walter and Muriel Mary Hunter Parnacott, of Shortlands, Bromley, Kent.
 
Sources
 CWGC.

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.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.
Photo of 10 Troop in Gallery.

PEDDER, Richard Robert Newsham (Lt Col)

Lieutenant Colonel
31724
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Pedder, Officer Commanding No.11 (Scottish) Commando, was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria. Commissioned on 27 August 1924 he served with the Highland Light Infantry until the outbreak of war.
Son of Brigadier General Ernest Newsham Pedder and Mary Aloisa Pedder; husband of Pamela Anne Pedder.

PLUNKETT, John

Fusilier
3773880
No 11 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier John Plunkett was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Joseph Edward and Alice Jane Plunkett, of Liverpool.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and 28.
 

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].
 

PURSE, Jack

Lance Corporal
2987094
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Jack Purse was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of Bertha Elizabeth Purse, of Gleadless, Sheffield.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35.
 

RICHARDS, Charles Geoffrey

Second Lieutenant
126476
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Charles Richards, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of the Revd. Charles Louis Richards, M.A., and Alice Winifred Richards, of Pimperne Rectory, Blandford, Dorsetshire. B.A. (Oxon.).
 
Sources
CWGC.

ROBB, Leslie

Private
5570437
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Leslie Robb died of wounds after operations at Litani River, Syria.
Husband of Rosa Robb, of Leeds, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
 

ROBERTSON, Andrew

Gunner
958993
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Andrew Robertson died of wounds received during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of Andrew and Louisa Robertson, of Cupar, Fife.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RA Casualty Card.
RA Attestation Registers 1939.
 

ROFT, Peter W.

Private
4803542
No 11 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment

Private Peter Roft was wounded on 9 June 1941 during operations at the Litani River in Syria. Post war member of the Commando Association from Brechin, Angus.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 85.

ROONEY, Lawrence

Private
4534896
No 11 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Lawrence Rooney was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Frank and Catherine Rooney, of Moss Side, Formby, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

RYAN, E.

Private
3717786
No 11 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment
Private Ryan, 'C' Bn., Layforce, was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations in Syria. 
 
Source
Casualty lists National Archives file WO417/27.
Notes
No. 11 Commando formed 'C' Battalion of Layforce.
 

SCEALES, James Stewart Macewan

Captain
108213
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1st Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Sceales had served as Officer Commanding 7 troop whilst attached to the Commando before rejoining his Regiment. 
Promoted Major he was reported wounded in 1944 during operations in Italy. On 12 May 1944 it was further reported that he was dangerously ill [1]

SCOTT, Thomas Fields

Known as: 
Tom
Corporal Tom Scott GM 11 Commando
Corporal
2934127
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
George Medal (GM)
Corporal Thomas Scott served in No.11 Commando 10 troop [1].
Awarded the George Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst on the strength of Force 133 (MEF) Special Operations Executive [2][3].
Recommendation

SEVERN, Clive

LCpl. Severn SBS
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 later presumed killed in action. Mentioned in Despatches (posthumous) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East. Son of Herbert and Gertrude Eva Severn, of Daybrook, Nottinghamshire.
Extract from the Nottingham Evening Post
10 August 1942

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. and has no known grave. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sinclair; husband of Jean Sinclair, of Tranent, East Lothian.

SMITH, John Rolland

Sergeant
2986958
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant John Rolland Smith died during operations at Litani River.
Son of William and Elizabeth Smith, of Alloa, Clackmannanshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

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].

STEVENSON, Thomas

Corporal
2977763
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Thomas Stevenson died during operations at Litani River. He has no known grave. Husband of Williamina Stevenson, of Prestwick, Ayrshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

STOCKS, Douglas

Known as: 
Dougie
Dougie Stocks 11 Commando
Driver i/c
2332752
No 11 Commando
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.
 
Sources

TAIT, Duncan Robert

Known as: 
Bob
Duncan Robert Tait 11 Commando
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
2888693
No 11 Commando
SAS
London Scottish The Gordon Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Lance Corporal Bob Tait, No.11 Commando 8 Troop [image in gallery], attached to Layforce, was awarded the Military Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished conduct during operations at Litani River, Syria, 9/10 June 1941 [2].
 

TERRY, Jack

Sgt Jack Terry DCM 11 Commando
Sergeant
880535
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
SAS
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Sergeant Jack Terry was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during the Rommel raid in the Middle East. It was during this raid that his commanding officer Lt. Col. Geoffrey Keyes was killed. Sgt. Terry made good his escape and later joined the Special Air Service.

TEVENDALE, Lewis Legertwood Legg

Lewis Tevendale 11 Commando
Regimental Sergeant Major (later Major)
2873628
226916
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Royal Leicestershire Regiment
Kincardineshire Constabulary
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Warrant Officer Class 1 Regimental Sergeant Major Lewis Tevendale, No.11 Commando ('C' Bn., Layforce), was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of his distinguished service during the battle of Litani River, Syria, on 9-10 June 1941.
Recommendation

THOMPSON, Royce

Private
2984367
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Royce Thomspson died during operations at Litani River. He has no known grave. 
Son of Harry and Charlotte Thompson, of Monk Bretton, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

TITTERTON, Cyril Arthur

Lance Corporal
3604006
No 11 Commando
Border Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Cyril Titterton died during operations at Litani River, Syria. 

Son of Arthur Titterton and of Mary Annie Titterton, (nee Ratcliffe); husband of Helen Titterton (nee Casson), of Skerton, Lancaster.

Sources
CWGC
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
 

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.

WALLACE, Hugh

Corporal
3130762
No 11 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Hugh Wallace was reported missing presumed killed in action at sea on 5 December 1941.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35 and WO417/52.
 

WARBURTON, Kenneth

Private
2821591
No 11 Commando
SAS
Seaforth Highlanders
Died on war service
Private Kenneth Warburton died in training as a result of parachute failure whilst attached to 'L' Detachment SAS. He had previously served in 11 Commando 6 troop.  Also killed was his friend and fellow Seaforth

WILSON, John Marshall Prentice

Corporal
2758951
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Died on war service
Corporal John Wilson, No.11 Commando, was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria [1]. He died in Iraq 21 March 1945, rank Private, unit Black Watch [2].
His Commando had been disbanded and the cause of death is not known to this archive.
Son of Hugh and Catherine Prentice Wilson, of Dundee.
 

WILSON, M.S.

Private
2824820
No 11 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Private Wilson was reported missing 21 June 1942 later confirmed as a prisoner of war during operations at Cyrenaica, Middle East. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/48, 50, and 53 (records unit as No.11 Cdo).

WOOD, Alfred Joseph

Alfred Joseph Wood 11 Commando
Sergeant
3054128
No 11 Commando
Royal Scots attd. 2nd Bn. Queen's Own Cameron Highalnders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Alfred Wood was killed in action during operations in the Western Desert.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Joseph Wood; husband of Eliza Wood. of Warrington, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.

WOODNUTT, Desmond

Sapper
1894107
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sapper Desmond Woodnutt died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RE Enlistment Register for 1939 (enlisted 16 Oct. 1939).
RE Casualty Card.


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