No 12 Commando
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Displaying 1 - 141 of 141'French coast - Operation Farenheit'
Wednesday, November 11, 1942
Location
Pointe du Plouezec
France
48° 45' 16.5924" N, 2° 55' 47.2476" W
An overnight intelligence gathering raid on a signals station on the French coast at Pointe de Plouézec. The raiding force set out from Dartmouth harbour on board MTB 344, commanded by Lt. Cdr. Freddie Bourne RN and crew, accompanied by a small number of commandos who used a Dory to land.
Officers included Major Geoffrey Appleyard, Captain's Peter Kemp and Captain Oswald Rooney. Commando NCO's included amongst others Sgt Sam Brodison, Sgt. Barry, and LCpl Ellis Howells.
'French Coast - Operation Foxrock'
Sunday, May 31, 1942
Location
St Valery en Caux
France
49° 51' 38.0952" N, 0° 42' 30.8052" E
Night of 31st May/1st June. This was a planned operation by 100 men from No 12 Commando at St Valery en Caux which was aborted after the raiding party were spotted by German naval forces.
'Norway - Operation Carey'
Monday, April 12, 1943
Location
Norway
Northforce section of No 12 Commando in operations in the Norwegian Fjords.
'Norway - Operation Checkmate'
Wednesday, April 28, 1943
Location
Kopervik
Norway
59° 17' 1.3452" N, 5° 18' 24.7572" E
A combined operations raid on Axis shipping in the harbour at Kopervik, Norway. This raid was a No 14 Commando operation. The raiders managed to sink several ships using limpet mines, but were eventually captured and initially taken to Haugesund for interrogation before being transported to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
'Norway - Operation Crackers'
Monday, February 22, 1943
An intelligence gathering operation originally planned to include the destruction of observation posts in the Norwegian fjords, but due to bad weather the raiders took over an unmanned observation post for a week of intelligence gathering before making good their escape.
12 Commando
History of the Unit
No 12 Army Commando - The ‘Irish’ Commando.
Volunteers for No 12 Commando gathered in Belfast and Londonderry and marched the 67 miles to Crumlin where the unit was formed on 5th August 1940 under C.O. Lt. Col S.S. Harrison MC &bar (nickname Peachy).
12 Commando Nominal Roll
In 1946 the Army Council decided that the Army Commandos were to be disbanded and no provision was allowed or made for any depository or office which would have at least contained a complete Roster of Names of the men who served in the various units.
12 Commando Operations
These are some of the operations that No 12 Commando took part in, either on their own, or as part of a Combined Operations assault. In many cases only a handful of Commandos from No 12 took part rather than the Commando as a whole. They are in date order and form part of our overall history of No 12 Commando.
Click on the links for more detail about each.
Operation Chess - France, July 1941
Operation Kitbag - Norway, November 1941(aborted)
Operation Anklet - Norway, November 1941
12 Commando Troop Locations Operation Foxrock June 1942
Type: Files
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: 12 Commando Operation Foxrock Troop Locations June 1942
Sheet indicating Troop locations 1st-30th June 1942 12 Commando
National Archives Document Ref WO218/41
12 Commando, Redesignation of 4 (Para) Troop,1943
A letter to Captain Oswald B (Mickey) Rooney of 4 (Para) Troop, No12 Commando from Lord Lovat, HQ Special Service Brigade, on the reallocation of No.12 Commando. Document and image courtesy of Capt Rooney's son, Chris Rooney. Lovat added a footnote to Mickey Rooney: "OC No 9 'is short of a good subaltern who can be added to the 27 other ranks. Please contact him."
12 Commando, Letter From Lord Mountbatten
Type: Official Letters
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Mountbatten Harrison 12 Commando E Troop
Letter sent from Lord Mountbatten to Lt Col Harrison after a visit to No 12 Commando .....troop mentioned is E Troop commanded by Lt Pinckney.
ALLUM, Edward Thomas
Gunner
11002459
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Edward Allum was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1939. After volunteering he served in both No.12 and No.1 Commando.
ALLUM, Frank Edmund
Gunner
914187
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Frank Allum was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1939. He was wounded May 1940 in France serving with 145 Field Regiment RA. Volunteering for the Commandos he served in both No.12 and No.1 Commando.
Sources
ARNOTT, Francis, D.
Company Sergeant Major
No 12 Commando
No 9 Commando
Member of the Commando Association from Acton (Ealing).
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 13 (1951) and Obituaries in newsletter 42 (1966).
BARTHOLOMEW, Peter Ian
Lieutenant Colonel
73118
No 3 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Peter Ian Bartholomew served in No 12 Commando until their disbandment when he moved to No 3 Commando.
BASSETT-WILSON, Paul Francis
Captain
165718
No 9 Commando
No 12 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Paul Bassett-Wilson MC died during operations with No.9 Commando at Lake Comacchio, Italy [1].
A former pupil of Stowe School and student at Trinity College [2], he had earlier served as a Lieutenant in No.12 Commando.
BEGGS, Harold Raymond
Troop Sergeant Major
7011764
No 12 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles, 1st Bn.
TSM Harold Beggs served in No.12 Commando from 1940 until it was disbanded. He went onto serve with the 6th Airborne during the DDay landings at Normandy. Post war he ran a successful bakery business in Dunoon and was member of the Commando Association residing Strone, Argyll.
BLAIR, Thomas
Private
3392400
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando
East Lancashire Regiment
No.12 and No.1 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Padiham, Burnley.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 94 (1992).
BLOUNT, Arthur Harvey
Corporal
3972221
No 12 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Arthur Blount was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Arthur was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown. Son of Charles George Blount, and of Annie Blount, of Morden, Surrey.
BOLDEN, Stanley
Lance Corporal
3316568
No 12 Commando
SAS
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Military Medal (MM)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Stanley Bolden, No.12 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1][2].
BOWLES, Eric Charles
Lance Corporal
5384691
No 12 Commando
Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Eric Bowles, 'D' troop, based at Hamble, died while in a trawler patrol that was attacked by enemy aircraft.
Sources
CWGC
No 12 Cdo War Diary ,National Archive file W0 218 / 28.
BOWMAN, Thomas Horne
Lieutenant
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Lieutenant Thomas Bowman served in No.12 Commando ( Para Troop) and then No.1 Commando 6 Troop in the Far East.
BRAILSFORD, James Richard
Lance Corporal
No 12 Commando
No 10 Commando
Served in both No.12 and No.10 (IA) Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Leyland, Lancashire.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 83 (1986).
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 83 (1986).
BRETT, Gerrard
Lieutenant (later Captain)
126498
No 12 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Brett was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire 27/28 March 1942. Wounded on board HMS Campbeltown and later prisoner of war [1][1a][2][2a][4a].
BRIERLEY, Herbert
Sergeant
No 12 Commando
No 9 Commando
Sergeant Herbert Brierley served in Nos.12 and 9 Commandos.
Source: Obituaries Commando Association newsletter 35.
BRODISON, Samuel James
Company Sergeant Major (later RSM)
6977705
No 10 Commando
No 12 Commando
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
Royal Irish Fusiliers
Military Medal (MM)
Company Sergeant Major Samuel Brodison was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service carrying out beach obstacle reconnaissance in France during May 1944 [1][2].
Recommendation
CALLAWAY, Thomas, Frederick
Corporal
5499065
No 12 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Thomas Callaway was one of the commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.
He was reported missing but later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
CAMPBELL, James
Company Sergeant Major
7516652
No 12 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Served No.12 Commando until disbandment in 1943. Additionally served on the staff at the Holding Operational Commando. Awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in 1945. Post war member of the Commando Association from Springburn, Glasgow
CHETWYND, Samuel Ernest
Corporal
4977274
No 12 Commando
Sherwood Forresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Samuel Chetwynd was reported missing 28 March 1942 after operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 457 as part of Captain Pritchard's Demolition Control Party and has no known grave. Son of Mr. and Mrs.
CHUNG, Ronald Robert Fong
Corporal
1889265
No 12 Commando
Royal Engineers
Corporal Ron Chung was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid.
CLAPTON, John Francis
Lieutenant (later Captain)
258657
No 6 Commando
No 12 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant John Clapton was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on 28 January 1945 whilst leading a small Recce patrol at a wood near Linne [2].
CONNOR, James
Corporal
2883201
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
James Connor served in No.4 (Para) Troop of No.12 Commando from November 1941 until it was disbanded in 1943, after which he moved to No.6 Commando. He was wounded on 12 June 1944 at Normandy. His commando service ended in January 1946 when the Army Commandos were disbanded.
COOPER-KEY, Caryll Astley
Major
44852
No 12 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
30 January 1930 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Yorks. and Lancs. Regt. [1].
1 August 1938 (Lieutenant) promoted Captain, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers [2].
COTTON MINCHIN, Douglas James Maurice
Captain
77634
43543
43RM Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Douglas Cotton Minchin was reported missing March 1945 after his patrol came under fire during operations in Italy, later presumed killed in action. He has no known grave. Son of Capt. H. Cotton Minchin and Mrs. Cotton Minchin, of Cagnes-sur-Mer, Alpes Maritimes, France.
COX, Jack, A.
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
6215811
No 12 Commando
No 3 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Corporal Jack Cox was wounded on 11 April 1945 during operations in Western Europe. On this date No.3 Commando were in action at the River Aller near the town of Essel. He had previously served in No.12 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association.
COX, Victor John
Sergeant
5671612
No 12 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Executed
Sergeant Victor John 'Jack' Cox, No 12 Commando, was assigned to No.14 Commando for Operation Checkmate. He was captured on the raid at Kopervik in Norway on 29th April 1943. Sergeant Cox was imprisoned and later executed after being taken to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and shot.
CROFTS, Arthur Probert
Fusilier
4203539
No 12 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Fusilier Arthur Crofts died as a result of an accident.
Son of Minnie Crofts; husband of Mary Elizabeth Crofts, of Droylsden.
Sources
CWGC.
CRUDEN, Peter Ramsay
Captain
179476
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Black Watch
Mentioned in Despatches
Silver Star (USA)
Peter Ramsay Cruden was commissioned Second Lieutenant Royal Artillery 22 March 1941[1].
- Lieutenant in the Parachute Troop of No.12 Commando before No.6 Commando [2][3].
CURTIS, Harry Alexander
Bombardier
874202
No 12 Commando
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Post war member of the Commando Association from Bournemouth, Dorset.
Sources
Sources
RA Attestation Registers 1937.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 93 (1991).
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 93 (1991).
DALY, Thomas
Sergeant
S/231037
No 12 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Thomas Daly served in No.12 Commando HQ from April 1941 and after No.12 was disbanded on the staff at the Holding Operational Commando until April 1946.
Read more in Linked Content below.
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.
DAVIES, W.
Fusilier
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Cefn Mawr, nr. Wrexham.
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.
DEERY, Stewart
Sergeant
6977293
No 12 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Stewart Deery, No.12 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid and was taken prisoner of war afterwards [1][a][1b][2][2a].
DENNIE, J.
Private
2980471
No 9 Commando
No 12 Commando
Highland Light Infantry
Served in No.12 Commando prior to No.9 Commando [1].
30 December 1943, No.9 Commando, wounded Italy (Operation Partridge [2][4].
19 March 1944, No.9 Commando, wounded Anzio beachhead, Italy (Operation 'X') [3][5].
19 March 1944, No.9 Commando, wounded Anzio beachhead, Italy (Operation 'X') [3][5].
DEXTER, Stanley
Gunner
1760944
No 12 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died on war service
Gunner Stanley Dexter from Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, died in service, cause not known to this archive.
DREW, Frederick Thomas
Private
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Essex.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 115 (2002).
EAGER, William
Lance Corporal (later Colour Sergeant)
7043628
No 6 Commando
No 12 Commando
Royal Irish Fusiliers
Lance Corporal William Eager, No.6 Commando, was wounded 24 March 1945 at the crossing of the River Rhine at Wesel (Operation Widgeon). Previously served in No.12 Commando until it was disbanded when he moved to No.6 Commando. Member of the Commando Association from Titchworth, Hampshire.
EDMUNDS, William John
Lance Sergeant
5500444
No 3 Commando
No 12 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant William Edmunds, No.3 Commando, died of wounds during operations at Normandy, France. Previously served in No.12 Commando. Son of Edwin Thomas Edmunds and Edith May Edmunds, of Hereford.
Sources
CWGC.
CWGC.
EMMERSON, John Kenneth
Lance Corporal
No 2 Commando
No 12 Commando
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
No.2 Commando, No.12 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade HQ.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Wakefield, Yorkshire.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newletter 88 (1989).
FARNWORTH, Joseph L.
Corporal
3601332
No 12 Commando
No 4 Commando
Border Regiment
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association Newsletter 55 (1972), rank shown as Corporal.
[image] Jonny Parry, grandson.
FERGUSON, William John
Corporal
7903097
No 12 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Corporal William Ferguson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He had embarked on board HMS Campbeltown for the raid.
FINDLEY, Frederick George
Troop Sergeant Major
5041667
No 6 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Military Medal (MM)
Troop Sergeant Major Frederick Findley was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the withdrawal from Djebel el Azag, Tunisia [1][2].
Recommendation
FLINT, James William
Corporal (later Company Sergeant Major)
908626
No 12 Commando
Royal Artillery
1939 attested into the Royal Artillery later volunteering for Special Service and attached No.12 Commando. Served in 'E' Troop. Transferred to Army Air Corps 8 December 1944. Post war served in Palestine with the 8/9th Para Bn., A.A.C.
Sources
FYNN, Francis West (Lt Col)
Lieutenant Colonel
109827
No 2 Commando
No 12 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Lieutenant Colonel Francis West Fynn M.C. was appointed Commanding Officer of No 2 Commando from June 1944 after Lt Col Churchill was taken prisoner of war.
GOWER, Ronald William Henry
Troop Sergeant Major
5188561
No 12 Commando
No 3 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Served in No.12 Commando which was disbanded 1943, then No.3 Commando. In December 1943 he was a Lance Sergeant in 1 Troop of No.3 Commando winning an inter troop shooting competition at Bone, North Africa, during a period of rest and recuperation after active service in Sicily and Termoli.
HARRISON, Stewart Sandbach (LtCol)
Lieutenant Colonel
No 12 Commando
Irish Guards
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Commanding Officer of No. 12 Commando.
A veteran of World War One and recipient of the Military Cross, announced in July 1918, and later a bar to the Military Cross in August 1919.
Sources
HENRIQUES, Robert David Quixano
Colonel
38714
Special Service Brigade
No 12 Commando
Royal Artillery
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Silver Star (USA)
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Major Robert Henriques was the Brigade Major of the Special Service Brigade throughout the operation at Vaagso in Norway on 27 December 1941 [1].
- Former Troop Leader of 'E' troop No. 12 Commando [1a].
HILL, David Henry
Private
6212505
No 12 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Private David Hill died during training after a fall from cliffs near Camborne Cornwall.
HISLOP, James Buchanan
Private
2828230
No 6 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
8 November 1942 wounded North Africa (Operation Torch).
26 February 1943 wounded North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm).
May also have served in No.12 Commando.
Member of the Commando Association from Devizes, Wiltshire.
HOLLINGSWORTH, D.H.
Private
4979103
No 6 Commando
No 12 Commando
Sherwood Foresters
Served in No.12 Commando (disbanded 1943), prior to No. 6 Commando [1].
06.06.1944 wounded North West Europe (Normandy) [2].
24.01.1945 wounded Western Europe (Montfortbeek / Maasbracht, Holland) [3].
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.
HOYLE, Robert
Corporal
3450633
No 12 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Robert Hoyle, a Plasterer from Manchester, enlisted on 20 May 1939 later volunteering for the Commandos. Corporal Hoyle, No.12 Commando, embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid later confirmed a prisoner of war.
HUGHES, Norman Campbell
Captain
No 12 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Medical Officer for No.12 Commando from formation to early disbandment in 1943 after which he resumed a medical career specialising in plastic surgery [1][3].
June 1973 appointed the OBE (Civil Division) [2][3].
HUNTINGTON, John, Memories of No 12 and No 1 Commando
Type: Personal Papers
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Memories of Sgt John Huntington 'E' Troop No 12 Commando and 3 Troop No 1 Commando
Sgt John Huntington was in E Troop No 12 Commando and 3 Troop No 1 Commando.
This document is Johns memories as detailed in letter form over the course of 5 years to John Mewett. Unfortunately before the project was complete JH died but what was related makes for a very interesting first hand account of life in a commando unit.
JENKINS, David William Phillip
Private
3970038
No 12 Commando
Welch Regiment
Died on war service
Private David Jenkins was accidentally killed in the UK.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
JOHNSON, James
Lance Sergeant
2879375
No 12 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant James Johnson was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot 28 March 1942. Wounded and prisoner of war.
Recommendation
JONES, Harri Havard
Corporal
3962759
No 12 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Harri Harvard Jones was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. Corporal Jones was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268. He has no known grave.
LEAPHARD, Clark Edmond John
Major
164608
No 6 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Reconnaissance Corps
Parachute Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
21 December 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Gloucestershire Regiment [1].
Served No.12 Commando and from 30 May 1943 No.6 Commando [2] .
LEAVER, John Charles
Private
3962766
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando
Welch Regiment
Private John Leaver, 5 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma. He previously served in No.12 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Cardiff.
LEE, William
Sergeant (later Troop Sergeant Major)
3451602
No 3 Commando
No 12 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Sergeant William Lee was wounded 5 October 1943 during operations at Termoli, Italy. Also served in No.12 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Rochdale, Lancashire.
Sources
LEMON, Frederick
Lance Corporal
7903450
No 12 Commando
North Irish Horse / Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Fred Lemon embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.
LYNCH-STAUNTON, Anthony Cormick
Major
71495
Special Service Brigade
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
HQ Special Service Brigade. Also served No.12 Commando, Holding Operational Commando, and No.2 Commando.
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 8.
Commando Association newsletter 63 (1976).
MACKENZIE, Hugh
Private
2889297
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Hugh Mackenzie served in No.12 Commando from October 1941 and when it was disbanded he was attached to No.1 Commando embarking with them for operations in the Far East. Commando service ended on 18 October 1945 at the Holding Operational Commando.
MAGINNIS, John
Rifleman
7018924
No 6 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Rifleman John Maginnis volunteered for the Commandos whilst serving in the Royal Ulster Rifles. He joined No.12 Commando and after it was disbanded moved to No.6 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Titchfield, Hampshire.
MAKIN, William Edward
Private
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Kirkby, Liverpool.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 113 (2001).
MALONEY, Daniel
Private
3393053
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
East Lancashire Regiment
MARTIN-SMITH, Patrick Geoffrey Brian
Captain
130112
No 12 Commando
30 Commando Assault Unit
Worcestershire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
War Service
18 May 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant.
1940 - 1943 No.12 Commando.
1943 - 1944 No.30 Commando.
July 1944 - May 1945 No.1 Special Force, SOE.
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.
METCALFE, Thomas Gibson
Sergeant
3601013
No 12 Commando
Border Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Thomas Metcalfe received a Mention in Dispatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Norway.
Recommendation
Operation Cartoon
Operation Cartoon
MEWETT, Robert
Private
6460252
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Private Robert Mewett served in No 12 Commando and later in Burma with No 1 Commando 4 troop. Post war member of the Commando Association.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 66 (1978).
MOLLOY, Joseph
Corporal
7019264
No 12 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Corporal Joseph Molloy was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He was one of the commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown.
Sources
MORGAN, Leslie George
Private
No 12 Commando
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Served in No.12 Commando and 1 Brigade. Member of the Commando Association.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 112 (2001).
MORGAN, William Joseph
Private
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Cardiff.
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 64 (1977)(lists 12 and 4 Cdos) and Obtuaries in newsletter 87 (1988)(lists 1 Cdo).
MURRAY, Douglas Russell
Private
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Served in 'D' Troop of No.12 Commando. Also served No.6 Commando and the C.B.T.C. Post war member of the Commando Association residing London NW8.
Sources
NASH, Douglas James
Sergeant
5253563
No 12 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
No 6 Commando
Worcestershire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Douglas Nash was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in France on 26 December 1943.
Recommendation
Recommendation
O'SULLIVAN, Robert Deyos
Lieutenant
214657
No 12 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Died on war service
Lieutenant Robert O'Sullivan died by drowning as a result of an accident.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/4.
PAGE, Alan George
Lance Sergeant
6984004
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Lance Sergeant Alan Page, No.6 Commando, was wounded 6 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France. He had previously served in No.12 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Leicester.
PARNWELL, Basil Arthur
Major
94526
No 12 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) 12th Bn.
Lieutenant Basil Parnwell was attached to No.12 Commando on 7 February 1942 [1] later becoming their Adjutant until it was disbanded in 1943 after which he is reported to have moved to the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre (CMWTC) [2].
PERRY, Alfred Charles
Lance Sergeant
1057916
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando
Served in No.12 Commando and later with No.1 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Lee, London.
Far East Service
05.02.1944 Corporal, No.1 Commando 3 Troop, promoted Lance Sergeant.
PILLING, Harry
Company Sergeant Major
2619518
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Grenadier Guards
Served in No.12 and No.1 Commandos. Active service in Norway, North Africa and Burma.
Sources
CVA Photo Gallery.
PINCKNEY, Philip Hugh
Captain
100670
No 12 Commando
SAS
Royal Artillery
Executed
Captain Philip Pinckney was executed whilst a prisoner of war. At the time he was serving with 2 SAS and had been captured on Operation Speedwell after parachuting with 6 others into Bologna, Italy. The aim of the operation was to disrupt enemy railway movements.
PRICE, Randall Emerson Connop
Lieutenant
189336
No 12 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Lieutenant Randall Price died following an operation Wrexham hospital. [1] and [2]
PURDON, Corran William Brooke
Lieutenant (later Major General)
112917
No 12 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Colonial Police Medal
Lieutenant Corran Purdon volunteered for the Commandos whilst serving as a young officer with the Royal Ulster Rifles, and was attached to No.12 Commando. He took part in raids on Norway and St Nazaire.
QUILLIN, Douglas Gordon.
Sergeant
3658119
No 7 Commando
No 12 Commando
No 5 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Sergeant Douglas Quillin served in Nos. 7, and 12 Commandos, and later in No.
REEVES, Walter
Bombardier
883888
No 12 Commando
Royal Artillery
Walter Reeves, an Aircraft Engineer from Maidenhead, Berkshire, was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1938 and later attached to No.12 Commando after volunteering for the Commandos. Embarked HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.
ROBERTS, Edwin Albert
Sergeant (later Captain)
6482225 and 320954
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Somerset Light Infantry
Metropolitan Police
In 1939 Edwin Albert Roberts from Nunney, Somerset, joined the Metropolitan Police and was posted to Islington Police Station, 277 Upper Street, London N1 [1][2].
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).
ROBERTS, Ronald Nathan
Private
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Served in No.12 Commando and then 5 Troop of No.1 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association and Metropolitan Police Officer who in the 1950's was serving at Brixton Police Station.
ROBINSON, Joseph Henry
Sergeant
894174
No 12 Commando
SAS
Royal Artillery
'E' Troop No.12 Commando and SSRF.
1 April 1944 to 2 SAS, Army Air Corps.
24 September 1944 (Sergeant) (2 SAS) wounded during operations in North West Europe.
Sources
SIMS, Eddie
Private
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Royal West Kent Regiment
Private Sims served in the Parachute Troop of No 12.Commando until 1943 when it was disbanded, then in No 6 Commando. He was batman to Captain Peter Cruden [1][2].
SMETHURST, Joseph William
Fusilier
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Middleton, Manchester.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 80 (1985).
SMITH, Ian Christopher Downs
Lieutenant (later Major)
108233
No 12 Commando
No 10 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
22.10.1939 commissioned Second Lieutenant [1].
22.04.1941 promoted Lieutenant [2].
MC Recommendation [3][3a]
SMITH, Raymond Arthur Francis
Captain (later Colonel)
No 12 Commando
-
Post war member of the Commando Association from Penn, Buckinghamshire.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 90 (1990).
SPURR, Geoffrey
Private
6215850
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Private Geoffrey Spurr, No.6 Commando, was wounded 28 January 1945 during operations at Brachterbeek, Holland. Previously served in No.12 Commando.
STEADMAN, Charles Emanuel
Sergeant
1508032
No 12 Commando
No 9 Commando
Royal Artillery
Monmouthshire Regiment 2nd Bn.
South Wales Borderers
1938 attested into the Royal Artillery [1].
05.10.1939 transferred to 2nd Bn. Monmouthshire Regiment [1].
Volunteered for and attached to No.12 Commando which disbanded early [2][2a].
STEVENS, John William
Private
5508656
No 12 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Private John Stevens died in training.
Sources
SWADLING, Albert Edward
Lance Sergeant
5387712
No 12 Commando
No 3 Commando
Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
Lance Sergeant Albert Swadling, No.3 Commando, was wounded 11 June1944 in Normandy. Also served in No.12 Commando. Commando service from June 1940 to January 1946. Post war member of the Commando Association.
Sources
SYNNOTT, James Francis
Sergeant
4453883
No 3 Commando
No 12 Commando
Royal Artillery
James Synnott enlisted into the Royal Artillery on 7 February 1939. He later volunteered for the Commandos. Sergeant James Synnott, 3 Troop, was shot and wounded 11 April 1945 during operations at the River Aller. Previously served in No.12 Commando.
TEMPLEMAN, George
Private
4975737
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Sherwood Foresters
Served in No.12 Commando until it was disbanded then moved to No.6 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Titchfield, Hampshire.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 108 (1999).
TEMPLETON, James, A.
Private
14000097
No 6 Commando
No 12 Commando
Royal Scots
Private Jimmy Templeton was wounded 24 March 1945 during operations at the crossing of the River Rhine at Wesel (Operation Widgeon). Also served No.12 Commando.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Hove, Sussex.
Sources
TENNICK, Maurice William
Corporal
14241719
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Tynemouth Police
Corporal Maurice Tennick served in Nos.12 and No.1 Commandos. He was promoted Corporal in No.1 Commando on 2 February 1944.
TIBBLES, Harry
Private
3860540
No 6 Commando
Border Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
P
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.
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.
TOWSE, Alfred Burley
Lance Sergeant
14241859
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Scots Guards
Hove Borough Police Force
Corporal Alfred Towse served in No.12 Commando before joining No.6 Commando. He was wounded in France on 7 August 1944. Alfred Towse joined the Hove Borough Police Force on 5 July 1939.
TROWMAN, Norman, F.
Private
5115308
No 6 Commando
No 12 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Private Norman Trowman from Erdington, Birmingham, was wounded 10 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France. Previously served in No.12 Commando. Member of the Commando Association.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/77.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/77.
TURNER, Frederick William Morgan
Corporal
4203290
No 12 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Corporal Frederick Turner, No.12 Commando, died by drowning in Loch Linne whilst serving at the Commando Depot, Achnacarry. Son of William Sidney and Matilda Caroline Turner, of Dagenham, Essex.
TURNER, Leslie
Private
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Cliffe, nr. Selby, Yorkshire.
Sources
Obitaries in Commando Association newletter 92 (1991).
TYREMAN, George Vincent
Private
14241777
No 4 Commando
No 12 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment
Lincolnshire Police
Private George Tyreman, 'C' Troop, was wounded during operations at Normandy, France.
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Lincolnshire.
1939 employed as a Clerk with Lincolnshire Police later joining as a Constable.
WAKEFIELD, Raymond
Private
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers (possibly)
Tynemouth Police
1939 employed as Police Constable No.81 residing in Norfolk Street Police Billet, Tynemouth.
WALDIE, Robert Gibson
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
126151
No 3 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Robert Waldie, 2 troop, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in 1943 at Termoli, Italy.
Recommendation
WALL, Reginald George
Corporal
14241756
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Metropolitan Police
Reginald Wall served in No.12 Commando until disbanded and then No.6 Commando.
- 1939 Metropolitan Police Constable at Croydon Police Station.
WARD, William G.
Private
5052724
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
North Staffordshire Regiment
Private William Ward, No1 Commando, was wounded 31 January 1945 during operations at Kangaw, Burma. He had previously served in No.12 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Duston, Northampton.
Sources
WARNER, Arthur Henry
Sergeant
6205797
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment, 2nd Bn.
Arthur Henry Warner enlisted on 13 April 1939. Trade on enlistment - Gardener. Volunteered in 1942 for the commandos. Served in No.12 and No.1 Commando. Overseas service with No.1 Commando included India, Ceylon, Arakan Burma, and Hong Kong.
Commando timeline
WATSON, Harold Alexander
Gunner (later RQMS)
6017445
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Harold Alexander Watson from Essex enlisted into the Armed Forces on 7 August 1939, civil occupation Machinist. He later volunteered for commando service. Gunner Watson served in No.12 Commando and No.6 Commando.
WEBSTER, Roland Hutchinson
Gunner
14241640
No 12 Commando
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
Consiborough Police Station ??
Roland Hutchinson Webster enlisted 23 July 1942 and after his training was attached to No.12 Commando on 24 September 1942. He transferred to No.4 Commando on 15 July 1943. On 10 June 1944 he was wounded during operations at Normandy, France.
WHAM, James Howie
Sergeant
3065655
No 9 Commando
No 12 Commando
Royal Scots
Military Medal (MM)
Private (Acting Corporal) James Wham was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on 19 March 1944 in Italy. Final rank attained Sergeant.
Recommendation
"Ref Map-Italy, 1/25,000 Sheet IV SE
WHITE, Charles Edward
Gunner
No 12 Commando
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Capel St. Mary, Suffolk.
Sources
Additions to Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 92 (1991)
WHITTINGHAM, Laurence
Corporal
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Served in No.12 Commando and later in the far East with No.1 Commando 5 Troop.
Post war Laurence Whittingham from Wallasey, Cheshire, died of illness at Batu Gaja Hospital, Perak, Malaya, whilst serving as a Police Lieutenant in the Federation of Malaya Police.
WILLIAMS, Francis Arthur
Trooper
14241758
No 12 Commando
No 9 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Metropolitan Police
Trooper Frank Williams, No.9 Commando, was wounded 19 March 1944 during operations in Italy (Monte Ornito and Monte Faito).
WILLIAMS, John Henry
Corporal
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Member of the Commando Association from Pelsall, Staffordshire.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 74 (1982).
WILSON, Alexander
Private
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Served in No.12 Commando until disbanded and then moved to No.6 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Droxfield, Hampshire.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 94 (1992).
WILTON, Max Robert
Private
13099961
No 6 Commando
No 12 Commando
Pioneer Corps
Wounded 20 August 1944 France.
Also served 1st Commando Brigade.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Cromer.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/76.
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.
WOOLLARD, George
Private
14241724
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando
Black Watch
Liverpool City Police
Private George Woollard served in No.12 Commando and later No.1 Commando. He was wounded 31 January 1945 during operations with No.1 Commando 6 Troop at Kangaw, Burma.
WOOLLEY, C.W.
Lance Sergeant
7885135
No 5 Commando
No 12 Commando
CMWTC
Royal Tank Regiment
Joined No.5 Commando 5 Troop on its formation in 1940. Later served No.12 Commando and CMWTC. Post war member of the Commando Association employed at the Anglo Iranian Oil Company, Persian Gulf.
Sources
WRIGHT, Robert Ernest
Corporal
2009393
No 12 Commando
Royal Engineers
Corporal Robert Wright was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, France, later found to be wounded and a prisoner of war. He embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.
Obituary
‘Norway - Operation Anklet’
Friday, December 26, 1941
Location
Lofoten Islands
Norway
68° 4' 46.5924" N, 13° 22' 27.0876" E
300 men from No 12 Commando, and some from the Royal Norwegian Army, landed on the Lofoten Islands about 300 miles North of Vaagso. Since the first Lofoten raid in March such operations were seen as a useful tactic to confuse the enemy and consequently divert enemy forces for future defence.
‘Norway - Operation Cartoon’
Saturday, January 23, 1943
Location
Norway
59° 47' 20.7456" N, 5° 23' 6.756" E
An operation to destroy the pyrite mine on the island of Stord near Leirvik. The party landed at two locations half at Sagvaag, and the remainder on the other side of the bay. They were responsible for the complete destruction of the Transformer at the Pyrite mine.
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