No 11 Commando
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Displaying 1 - 132 of 132'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 Cdo & 51ME Commando)
11 Cdo. Roll of Honour
The Fallen from No. 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 No.11 Commando volunteers 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.
11 Commando Operations
These are some of the operations that No 11 Commando took part in, either on their own, or as part of a Combined Operations assault. No 11 Commando became part of Layforce.
ABLEWHITE, C.A.
Private
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Lincolnshire Regiment
Private Abelwhite was wounded on 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
Private
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jack Adams died during operations at Litani River.
Sources
CWGC.
[Image] The War Illustrated magazine.
AINSLIE, William Robson Milne
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal William Ainslie, 2 troop, died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
BAILLIE, Alexander Charles
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Alexander Baillie died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
BALLANTYNE, Alexander A.
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Alexander Ballantyne died whilst assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2), in Burma.
Some additional detail can be found on this link to a message on our Forum.
BARR, Edward
Corporal
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
No 11 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Peter Barrand was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations in the Western Desert [1][2]. He is believed to have drowned off the coast of Libya after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ [3].
Sources
[1] CWGC.
BEATTIE, Alexander
Corporal
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Corporal Alexander Beattie was taken prisoner of war on 21 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ.
BERTIE, James John William
Corporal
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Bertie died during operations at Litani River.
BEST, George
Private
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Best died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
BLAIR, David Arthur
Captain (later Major)
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
Private
No 11 Commando
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
Bombardier (later Lieutenant)
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
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.
BROWN, Leslie Jock
Corporal
SAS
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Leslie Brown had previously served in the Commandos before joining 'B' Squadron of the 1st Special Air Service. He died when his jeep patrol was attacked whilst en route to harass the enemy in Southern Tunisia.
Sources
CWGC.
CWGC.
BRUCE, Charles
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
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
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
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Howard Bullock from Worcestershire died of wounds received during operations at Litani River in the Middle East.
BURROWS, Charles William
Gunner
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.
BURTON, Kenneth Harwood
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Kenneth Burton died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
BUTLER, Howard Herbert Cosens
Corporal
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.
BYRNE, John Vincent
Known as:
Jack
Corporal later Company Sergeant Major
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
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Campbell died during operations at Litani River.
CARR, Richard Philip
Captain
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
No 11 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Chantrell died during operations at Litani River.
CHEYNE, John
Known as:
Jock
Sergeant
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.
CHISHOLM, James Alexander
Known as:
Jim
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant James Chisholm died during operations at Litani River.
CLARK, P.
Private
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.
COHEN, Aaron Harry
Known as:
Ike
Private
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Aaron Cohen died during operations at Litani River.
COODE, Donald Alastair
Lieutenant
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Donald Coode, 1 troop, died during operations at Litani River.
COOKE, John
Lance Bombardier
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.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RA Casualty Card.
CRAIG, James Cross
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal James Craig died during operations at Litani River.
DAVIDSON, Alexander
Private
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Private Alexander Davidson was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DAVIDSON, Alexander
Known as:
Sandy
Lance Sergeant
No 11 Commando
SAS
Gordon Highlanders
Army Air Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Alexander Davidson was killed in action 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.
Sources
CWGC.
DEAN, L.W.
Rifleman
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
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Edgar Dibb died during operations at Litani River.
DINSDALE, Henry
Private
No 11 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Henry Dinsdale died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
DOVE, George
Private
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[Image] CVA Gallery.
DRORI, Avishalom
Corporal
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
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
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
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
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Albert Eardley from Stoke on Trent died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RE Enlistment Register for 1939 (enlisted 26 April 1939)..
RE Casualty Card.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RE Enlistment Register for 1939 (enlisted 26 April 1939)..
RE Casualty Card.
FARMILOE, William Arthur
Known as:
Robin
Captain
No 11 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain William Farmiloe, also known as Robin, Officer commanding 3 Troop, died during operations at Litani River.
View our gallery entry here Captain Farmiloe.
Notes
FRASER, Thomas Coupar
Private
No 11 Commando
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.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/54.
Photo of 10 Troop in Gallery.
GALLAGHER, Denis
Private
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Denis Gallagher died during operations at Litani River.
GIBBS, William Gore
Gunner
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner William Gibbs died during operations at Litani River.
GLITHEROE, G.E.
Corporal
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
No 11 Commando
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
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Robert Greig died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
GUNN, David
Private
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
Driver
No 11 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Killed in action or died of wounds
Driver Alexander Hamilton died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
HAMILTON, Robert Scott
Private
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Robert Hamilton died during operations at Litani River.
HARLAND, Edwin
Private
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edwin Harland died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
HARMER, Reginald
Known as:
Reg
Corporal
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
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Albert Hughes died in North Africa.
HURST, Ben
Private
No 11 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Ben Hurst died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
JOHNSTON, Robert
Known as:
Jock
Corporal
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
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.
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.
Notes
JONES, G.
Private
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
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.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
KEARNEY, Joseph Francis
Known as:
Joe
Gunner
No 11 Commando
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
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.
KEYES, Lt Col. Geoffrey Charles Tasker, VC
Lieutenant Colonel
No 11 Commando
Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Royal Armoured Corps
Victoria Cross (VC)
Military Cross (MC)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Killed in action or died of wounds
KING, Ernest Taylor
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment 6th Bn
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Ernest King died during operations at Litani River.
KINGHORN, Robert
Private
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Robert Kinghorn died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
KNIGHT, Denis Hammond
Second Lieutenant
No 11 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Died in the UK
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
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
Lance Corporal
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.
Read more about John Lang on our Forum [HERE].
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
LAPPIN, James
Known as:
Jimmy
Corporal
No 11 Commando
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
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.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
LOCK, Charles
Corporal
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Corporal Charles Lock 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.
MACARTHUR, Robert
Lance Bombardier
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier Robert Macarthur from Campbeltown, Argyll, died during operations at the Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Royal Artillery Casualty Cards.
MACQUARRIE, Donald Maclean
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Donald MacQuarrie, 8 troop, died of wounds in the Middle East. He had been reported wounded in the Middle East on 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35, WO417/41, WO417/48, WO417/50, and WO417/56.
MCADAM, Leslie
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
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
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Michael McAuley died during operations at Litani River.
MCGONIGAL, Eoin Christopher
Lieutenant
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
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal John McGuire died during operations at Litani River.
MCKAY, Robert
Corporal
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Robert McKay died during operations at Litani River.
MCKENZIE, James Burnett
Private
No 11 Commando
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
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John McKeown died during operations at Litani River.
MCNINCH, William Matthew
Lance Sergeant
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 Termol
MELLOWS, Charles Henry
Gunner (Driver I/C)
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
Temporary Captain (later Colonel)
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
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Mullen died during operations at Litani River.
MUNRO, George
Sergeant
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
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Murphy died during operations at Litani River.
MURRAY, Robert
Known as:
Bob
Private
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Private Robert Murray was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war.
NAPIER, Bevil Charles Alan
Known as:
Charles
Major
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
Acting Sergeant
No 11 Commando
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
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
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment 6th Bn
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant William O'Sullivan died during operations at Litani River.
OLIPHANT, Archibald Johnston
Lance Bombardier
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.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
Notes
PADBURY, John
Corporal
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.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
PARNACOTT, Geoffrey Alfred Henry
Lieutenant
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.
PAXTON, Charles Henry
Private
No 11 Commando
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
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Pedder was commissioned as an officer on the 27th August 1924 and served with the Highland Light Infantry until the outbreak of WW2.
As Commanding Officer, No. 11 (Scottish) Commando, which later became "C" Battalion of Layforce, he was killed in action during the raid at Litani River, Syria.
PLUNKETT, John
Fusilier
No 11 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier John Plunkett died during operations at Litani River.
POMFORD, Douglas
Sergeant
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
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Jack Purse died during operations at Litani River.
RICHARDS, Charles Geoffrey
Second Lieutenant
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Charles Richards, 5 troop, died during operations at Litani River.
ROBB, Leslie
Private
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Leslie Robb died during operations at Litani River.
ROBERTSON, Andrew
Gunner
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Andrew Robertson died of wounds received during operations at Litani River.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Notes
Ramleh War Cemetery was used "by various Commonwealth hospitals posted in turn to the area for varying periods." (Source: CWGC).
ROFT, Peter W.
Private
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
No 11 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Lawrence Rooney died during operations at Litani River.
RYAN, E.
Private
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
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
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
George Medal (GM)
Corporal Thomas Scott served in 11 Commando 10 troop. [1]
In October 1945 it was announced that he had been awarded the George Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. [2] There is an SOE file held in his name at the National Archives. [3].
SEVERN, Clive
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
SBS
Northamptonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Clive Severn died at sea. He received a posthumous MiD "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East. [Source: London Gazettes Supp. 36065, page 2870.]
SMITH, John Rolland
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant John Rolland Smith died during operations at Litani River.
SMITH, Peter
Gunner
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
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Thomas Stevenson died during operations at Litani River.
STYLES, Alexander Mundie
Signaller
No 11 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Killed in action or died of wounds
Signaller Alexander Styles died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
TAIT, Duncan Robert
Known as:
Bob
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
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
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
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
Regimental Sergeant Major (later Major)
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Royal Leicestershire Regiment
Kincardine 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
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Royce Thomspson died during operations at Litani River.
TITTERTON, Cyril Arthur
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
Border Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Cyril Titterton died during operations at Litani River.
Sources
CWGC
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
VARNEY, Frank Ernest
Lance Corporal
No 11 Commando
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
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
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
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.
WOOD, Alfred Joseph
Sergeant
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.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/36.
WOODNUTT, Desmond
Sapper
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.
WORRALL, Frederick William Gordon
Known as:
first name seen elsewhere as Frank
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Frederick Worrall was awarded the Military Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during Operation Exporter [more....], otherwise known as the Battle of Litani River [2].
Sources
YOUNGER, Matthew Scott
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Royal Corps of Signals
Matthew Younger was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria. Post war member of the Commando Association.
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