No 1 Commando

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1 / 5 Commando

After Burma No.1 and No.5 Commandos were withdrawn to India to prepare for Operation ‘Zipper’ the invasion of Malaya. Zipper being abandoned after the cessation of hostilities both Commando units were re-deployed to Hong Kong on policing duties.
Because of the loss of men through demobilisation,  No.1 Commando was merged early 1946 with No.5 Commando to form No.1/5 Commando which was itself later disbanded.

Gallery images [No.1/5 Commando]
 

1 Commando

History of the Unit

1 Commando

Formed 13th June 1940 with personnel from No's 6 & 8 Independent Companies as No 11 Independent Company. Redesignated No1 Commando 14th June 1940 and disbanded on 27th July 1940 and became part of No1 Special Service Battalion. It was reformed as No1 Commando 5th March 1941 in Dartmouth.

1 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. 

1 Commando Operations

These are the main operations that No 1 Commando took part in, either on their own, or as part of a Combined Operations assault. They are in date order and form part of our overall history of No 1 Commando. No 1 Commando were part of 3 Commando Brigade during the Burma Campaign. Many of the documents we have for this period are related to more than one single commando unit and are listed jointly in the document 3 Commando Brigade Operations in Burma.

Click on the links for more detail about each.

Operation Chopper

1 Commando War Diaries

Transcripts taken from the War Diary for No 1 Commando covering specific periods. They are basic transcripts for private research and educational use only. Whilst we always endeavour to achieve accuracy, we acknowledge that there may be dates and/or entries missing, and other possible errors, The actual War Diaries can be found at the National Archives in Kew.

1 Commando, Documents

Documents and maps relevant to No 1 Commando. These include reports on specific actions, orders of the day, troop reports, newsletters, and other items. Some of these documents are transcripts taken from official records covering specific periods. They are basic transcripts for private research and educational use only.

1 Commando, Memorial Service

Document from John Mewett,  transcribed by Elaine Southworth-Davies. Source: National Archives  WO 218/81. 
Note: 12 Troop is thought to have been a short lived merger due to numbers of 1 and 2 Troops.
[Source: Henry Brown OBE.]
 
MYEBON 4th FEBRUARY 1945
Memorial Service for the Fallen and Wounded Officers and Men of No. 1 Commando during operations on Myebon Peninsula and the Kangaw Bridgehead, January 1945.
 

1 Commando, Operation Bizerte Plan and Structure Dec'42

No. 1 Commando:  Operation Bizerte

Appendix 1:  December 1942

Authors:  Various

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

Maps will be added later to this War DIary segment

The report is divided into the following headings:

1.         Intention

2.         Objects

3.         Plan

            (a)  Navy

            (b)  Army

4.         Execution of Plan

5.         Attainments of Objects

6.         Information

1 Commando, Troop reports Op Bizerte Dec 1942

No. 1 Commando:  Operation Bizerte

Appendix 1:  December 1942

Troop Commanders reports

Authors:  Various

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

NA Document ….no Ref Number

TROOP COMMANDERS' REPORTS

Lt. D.H. Cowap (Capt. Morgan's Troop)

Bad landing; wireless set drowned and we had no W/T communication for the whole operation.  Left beach 0245 hrs. on D.1.

3 Commando Brigade, Burma Operations

Saturday, January 1, 1944

Location

Myanmar
21° 54' 50.274" N, 95° 57' 22.4028" E
The reports at the foot of this page relate to the operations of the Commando Units attached to 3 Commando Brigade that took place after the 1st January 1944.
 
Link of interest
There were a large number of casualties in the Burma Campaigns, both battle and illness.
Lieutenant Colonel R. Wigglesworth, M.B., B.S. Lond., Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote an excellent article titled

ABBOTT, Leslie William

Sergeant (later Major QM)
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Sergeant Leslie Abbott served in No.1 Commando. Post war he was commissioned and was serving in 5 Regiment, Royal Artillery in the 1970's [1][1a].
  • 15 June 1974 (Captain QM) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

ABBS, F.V.

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Abbs, 3 Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations in Burma. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

AIRD, William

Private
No 1 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Private William Aird, 5 Troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma [1].
Recommendation

AITKEN, J.E.

Rifleman (Acting Lance Corporal)
No 1 Commando
Cameronians

Lance Corporal Aitken, 4 Troop, was wounded 31 January 1945 during operations at Hill 170, Kangaw, Burma.

ALEXANDER, Charles Henry

Trooper
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Leicester Police
Lance Corporal Charles Alexander was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had volunteered as part of the Police Intakes to the Commandos.
In 1939 he was a Police Constable in Leicester residing at 7 The Cresent, Melton Mowbray.

ALEXANDER, John MacAlister

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier John Alexander died during operations in North Africa.
 
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/55.
RWF Enlistment Registers Ref 8613s RWF Museum.
 
Notes 

ALLUM, Edward Thomas

Gunner
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. 

Sources
Royal Artillery Attestations Register for 1939.
Commando Association Lost Legions List 1.
 

ALLUM, Frank Edmund

Frank Edmund Allum
Gunner
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
Commando Association newsletter 114.

ANDREWS, Alfred Archley

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Alfred Andrews died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.

A serving Metropolitan Police Officer he had volunteered as part of one of the Police Intakes to the Commandos. In 1939 he was Police Constable 704K at Walthamstow Police Station.

ANDREWS, Ronald

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Also served No.1/5 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Liverpool.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 118 (2004).
 

ANNETTS, George Henry

Corporal
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Corporal George Annetts was reported missing during operations in North Africa 2 March 1943, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/58; WO417/59.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

ANSELL, Arthur James

Trooper
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Arthur Ansell was reported missing, believed wounded and a prisoner of war on 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later presumed died of wounds. He has no known grave.

ASHWORTH, James Kenyon

Private
No 1 Commando
West Sussex Constabulary
James Ashworth was a serving Police Officer from Sussex who volunteered for the Commandos. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at 116 The Gardens, Southwick, Sussex. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 98 issued March 1994.

BAGOT, Henry Hunter

Known as: 
Harry
Trooper
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Manchester Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Henry Bagot died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He was a serving Police Officer who had volunteered as part of the Police Intakes. Henry joined the Manchester Police on 19 December 1940.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Manchester Police Index 1812-1941 (First names listed as Harry (Henry Hunter).

BAKER, Albert

Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Grenadier Guards
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Albert Baker D.C.M., died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
Recommendation
"Throughout the period 26th February to 4th March 1943 during which time his Troop were constantly engaged with the enemy, the above N.C.O. has at all times shown the highest powers of leadership, courage and devotion to duty.

BAKER, Herbert Valentine

Herbert Valentine Baker 1 Commando
Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Derbyshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Herbert Baker died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
He was a serving Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. Herbert was the son of Albert and Harriet Baker, and husband of Beatrice Ellen Baker, of Handsworth, Birmingham.

BALE, John Henry

Private
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Newport Borough Police
Private John Bale was reported missing 2 December 1942 during operations in North Africa (Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy [1][1a].
1943 escaped from captivity to a neutral country [2][2a].
1944 repatriated back to the UK [3].

BARNES, Ernest

Known as: 
Tag
Bombardier Ernest Tag Barnes
Tag Barnes 1 Commando
Acting Bombardier (later Sergeant)
No 1 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment / Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Bombardier Ernest Barnes was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma [1].
Recommendation

BARNES, Norman Alfred George

Trooper
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Hampshire County Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Norman Barnes died of wounds in North Africa [1].  At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
Extract from the No 1 Commando War Diary 6-8 December 1942
6 Dec.1942 - Unit returned to TABARKA (under troop arrangements) from Operation

BARTER, George

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner George Barter died during operations in North Africa.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59.
RA Casualty Cards.
 

BATE, William H.

Bate 1 Commando
Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment

Private William Bate was wounded on 8 November 1942 during operations in North Africa. He remained with No.1 Commando and was promoted Corporal in February 1944 and by 1945 was Lance Sergeant.

BEAR, Dennis

Sgt Dennis Bear 1 Commando
Sergeant
No 1 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps

The death of Sergeant Dennis Bear (1 Cdo) of Feniscowles, Nr. Blackburn, Lancs, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 82 issued March 1986.

Sources
Commando Association newsletter 82.
Burma Star Association membership list.
 

BEATTIE, James Simpson

Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Scots
Edinburgh City Police
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Queen's Police Medal
Corporal James Beattie was awarded the Military Medal in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [1].
1 April 1944  commissioned Second Lieutenant from O.C.T.U. [2].
1967 (Chief Superintendent, Edinburgh City Police) awarded the Q.P.M. [3]. 

BEECH, James Frederick

Private
No 1 Commando
3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Sussex Regiment
Died on war service
Private James Beech,  HQ 3 Special Service (Commando) Bde., reported initially by the War Office to have died a prisoner of war in Japanese hands, died in Poona Hospital, India, a victim of infantile paralysis. [1+2].
  • 31 January 1945 wounded attached to No 5 Commando. [3]
Sources

BENNION, Thomas James

Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Stoke on Trent City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Thomas Bennion died of wounds received during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
He was a serving Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing in Stoke on Trent.

BENSLEY, James

Known as: 
Brother Ben
James Bensley
Corporal
RM Reserve
Royal Marines
Died in the UK
Corporal James Bensley, a Royal Marines Reservist with the R.M.F.V.R. (Tyne), died [1] in a parachute training exercise at Poole, Dorset [2].

BENTLEY, Donald

Private
No 1 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment
Lincolnshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Donald Bentley died during operations in North Africa. He was a serving Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes.
In 1939 he was a Policeman residing at 74 Farthing Avenue Scunthorpe. He is amongst those named on the WW2 Memorial Plaque located at Lincolnshire Police HQ, Deepdale Lane, Nettleham, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire.

BERRY, James Arthur

James Arthur Berry 1 Commando
Private
No 1 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Cheshire County Constabulary
Private James Berry was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war, first in Italy then Germany.
He was a Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was Police Constable 256 serving with the Cheshire Constabulary residing at 113 West Street, Crewe. 

BERRY, L.

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals

Lance Corporal Berry, 5 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

BETTY, Arthur John

Private (later Captain)
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Private Arthur Betty was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands. In 1944 he is reported no longer a prisoner of war [1][1a].
15 September 1945 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Gloucestershire Regiment [2].

BIDDISCOMBE, Edward

Lance Bombardier
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
??
Lance Bombardier Edward Biddiscombe, HQ Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
No.1 Commando Winchester Reunion programme obituaries in Gallery.
Linked Content below.

BISHOP, Ronald, C.

Private
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Private Ronald Bishop was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 306.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1.

BLEAKLEY, Charles

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Died on war service
Died in the UK

Fusilier Charles Bleakley was accidentally killed by gunshot wound (instantaneous) at Bunarkaig, Achnacarry.  He was seen after death by Capt. J.E. Symondson RAMC, the Medical Officer at the Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC). 

BOOTH, William Martel

Known as: 
Bill
Lance Corporal (later Captain)
No 5 Commando
No 1 Commando
Essex Regiment
South Street Police Station Romford

William Booth volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable at South Street Police Station in Romford.  He served in both Nos.1 and 5 Commandos leaving on being posted to O.C.T.U. Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Essex Regiment, on 10 June 1944. Post war member of the Commando Association who record his rank as L/Cpl (later Capt).

BOWMAN, Thomas Horne

Known as: 
Tom
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.
Post war he had a business in Camberley Surrey and was also an actor. He had a role in the "My Fair Lady" New York Broadway Revival which ran from March 25, 1976 to February 20, 1977.

BOYCE, James Wesley R.

Known as: 
Ginger
James Boyce 1 Commando
Private
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Boyce, 4 Troop, died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service.
 

BOYES, Robert Paul

Company Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk Fusiliers
Hartlepool, Birmingham, Mid Anglia, and North Yorkshire
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Police Medal
Company Sergeant Major Robert Boyes served in No.1 Commando having volunteeered as part of the Police Intakes. 

BRADFORD, John Meller

Captain
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers, 2nd Bn. The Monmouthshire Regt.
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain John Bradford from Swansea died [1] during operations at Bizerte Tunisia. He received a MiD for "gallant and distinguished services in North Afric

BUCHANAN, Thomas Malloch

Thomas Malloch Buchanan 1 Commando
Private
No 1 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Died in service
Private Thomas Buchanan, 4 troop, was wounded on the 31st January 1945 during the battle for Hill 170 at Kangaw, Burma.
Service
  • Dec.1941 - Nov. 1942 Argyll Home Guard aged 17.
  • Jan. 1943 enlisted 8th Bn. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. 
  • 31 May 1943 commenced commando training at Achnacarry.

BUCKLEY, Thomas Harry

Private
No 1 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Private Thomas Buckley was wounded 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa.
 
Sources
Casualty lists / National Archives file WO417/58.
Photo of a plaque in the CVA Gallery.
CVA Gallery photo of the No1 Commando Winchester Reunion Programme - Obituaries.

BUNT, Reginald Melford

Private
No 1 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Birmingham City Police
Mentioned in Despatches
Private Reginald Bunt received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa.
A serving Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes, in 1939 he was a Police Constable at Digbeth Police Station, Birmingham.
 
Sources

BURDEN, Stanley Percival

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Served in the HQ Troop. Post war member of the Commando Association from Exeter, Devon.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 114 issued March 2002.
Image of No1 Commando News Letter 27 Feb 1944 in No.1 Cdo. Gallery.
Register of Deaths in Devon in 2001.

BURKE, Patrick Oliver

Private
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Private Patrick Burke, R.A.M.C. attached No.1 Commando, was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association (Leicester) with whom they lost contact.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/56 and WO417/93.

BUTLER, Ronald Herbert

Ronald Butler 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Ronald Butler was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot, the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of the Commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown and was a prisoner of war after the raid.
Recommendation

CANN, John Henry

Known as: 
Jack, nicknames of MiDad and Aga
WO1 Regimental Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment

John Henry “Aga” Cann, born c1908 son of George (Boarding House keeper) and Emma Cann of  St Josephs, Swansea. Married Cardiff 1936. Attested 5.7.1926 into the Welch Regt Regulars at Swansea for 7 years with the Colours and 5 years Reserve service. Age: 18 years 208 days. Trade: Tin worker.  Long Service and Good Conduct Medal awarded without gratuity under Army Order of 31 December 1945.

CARREL, Ian Vincent

Captain (later Major)
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Ian Vincent Carrel, Captain in No. 1 Commando, received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma [1].  He was appointed C.B.E. on the 7th June 1974 whilst Senior Technical Adviser, Ministry of Defence [2].
 

CARTER, Albert George

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers

Fusilier Albert Carter was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/60.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Stalag344), WO392/21 (Camp PG66).

Royal Welch Fusiliers Transfers In Register 1939.

CHAPPELL, Ernest Lionel Desmond

Known as: 
Des
Des Chappell 1 Commando
Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers

Lance Sergeant Ernest Chappell, known as Des, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 306 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner he was subsequently transported to Stalag 383 at Hohenfels Germany.

COKER, James Thomas

Private (later Lance Corporal)
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private James Coker, 6 Troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
Recommendation
Arakan 1945

COLEMAN, Charles Jack

Lieutenant (later Major)
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Charles Jack Coleman served in No. 1 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade*.
  • 19 November 1939 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Welch Regiment [1].
  • 25 August 1947 (Welch Regiment) (2nd Lt. ) (War Subs. Lt.) promoted Captain, Royal Scots Fusiliers [2].

COLEMAN, Harold James

Troop Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Troop Sergeant Major Harold Coleman died in Caernarvonshire and Anglesey Infirmary as a result of injuries received whilst rock climbing.
R.S.M. Cann [more....] and three T.S.M.'s were amongst those in attendance at his funeral. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

COWAP, Dalton Hayton

Known as: 
George
Captain
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Dalton Hayton 'George' Cowap MC, 4 Troop, was wounded during operations at Myebon in January, and reported as dangerously ill on the 19th January 1945 [1][1a][2].  
1943 (Lieutenant, No 1 Commando) awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa [3].

CROSS, D.W.

Private
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Cross, 12 Troop, was wounded on 28 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
 
Notes
12 Troop was a merging of 1 and 2 Troops whose numbers were depleted through casualties.
 

CROWE, James

Jim Crowe MM 1 Commando
Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant James Crowe was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Arakan Burma on the 23rd November 1944.
 
Sources
London Gazette 36994, page 1546.
National Archives file WO373/36/306.
 

CUNNINGHAM, Stephen

Private
No 1 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Metropolitan Police ??
Private Stephen Cunningham, 6 Troop, was wounded 31 January 1945 during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Post war member of the Burma Star Association residing Upper Norwood, South London.

DAVEY, Arthur Amos

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Arthur Davey (Jnr), 3 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association from Birmingham.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
Royal Artillery Attestation Register for 1941.
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.
 

DAVIDSON, Douglas Malcolm

Known as: 
Granite
Capt.D.M. Davidson MC
Captain
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Douglas Davidson MC died of wounds sustained on the 14th March whilst leading a patrol and being engaged by the enemy. The location for the entry recorded in the War Diary shows Sidi es Siah. (Source: No 1 Commando War Diary March 1943.)
 

DAVIES, Thomas Alfred

Private
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Thomas Davies was reported missing presumed died of wounds during operations in North Africa. He has no known grave.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists /National Archives files WO417/75.
 

DOCKERILL, Arthur Henry

Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Lance Sergeant Arthur Dockerill was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry during the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. He was part of a Lt. Chant's demolition team that embarked on board HMS Campbeltown. Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Recommendation

DOCKERILL, Graham Dennis

Fusilier
Special Service Brigade
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Fusilier Graham Dockerill, HQ Special Service Brigade and No.1 Commando, was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/58, WO417/63.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Stalag 4D), WO392/11 (Stalag 4B) and WO417/21 (PG98)

DOWNEY, John Joseph

Sgt John Downey MM 1 Commando
Warrant Officer Class 2
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Warrant Officer 2 John Downey was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Kangaw, Burma [1]. He was wounded during the operation [2].
  • Attested into the Royal Artillery 25 April 1936 [3].
Recommendation

DURRANT, Sgt. Thomas Frank, VC

Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Royal Engineers
Victoria Cross (VC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant was killed in action during Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
War Office 19th June 1945
For great gallantry, skill and devotion to duty when in charge of a Lewis gun in H.M. Motor Launch ML 306 in the St. Nazaire raid on the 28th March, 1942.

EDWARDS, Elwyn

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Elwyn Edwards, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Luc Sur Mer on the French coast.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/45.
[Image] Collection of Idris Jones, No.1 Commando.

EVANS, Clifford Gregory

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal Clifford Evans was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. The following year he escaped at Munsterberg, Germany, from a working detachment out of Stalag VIIIA, Gorlitz. Successfully making his way to Sweden he was later repatriated to the UK.

EVANS, Cyril Denman

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Cyril Evans was killed in action during operations at Luc Sur Mer on the French coast.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/47.

EVANS, Earl Michael

Corporal (Acting Lance Sergeant)
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Acting Lance Sergeant Evans was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 306 for the raid.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Caerphilly.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/3.

EVERITT, F.H.D.

Private
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment

Private Everitt, 3 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

FLEMING, John Samuel

Known as: 
Sam
John Samuel Fleming
Corporal
No 1 Commando
1/5 Commando
-

Post war member of the Commando Association from Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 5.
Forum message re his passing.
[Image] Gil Fleming, son.
 

GARDNER, James Willis

Known as: 
First name also see as John
Acting Major
No 1 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches

Temporary Captain Gardner received a Mention In Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. During his 2 years of service in the Far East he served as Adminstration Officer for No.1 Commando, and as Acting Major in 3 Commando Brigade HQ in the role of Quartermaster General. He was appointed M.B.E.

GILLIES, Robert John Mills

Lieutenant
No 1 Commando
1/5 Commando
Manchester Regiment

Commissioned from the ranks 29 February 1944. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Newton Steward, Wigtownshire.

Sources
London Gazette 36461, page 1660.
Commando Association Lost Legion List 5.
Commando Association newsletter 116 (2003).
 

HARRIS, Douglas Ewart

DouglasEwartHarrisMC
O.R. (later Lieutenant)
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Cross (MC)
Douglas Ewart Harris served in the ranks of No. 1 Commando. He was selected for Officer training and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers on 21 July 1944.

HIGHAM, Walter

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Mentioned in Despatches
Gunner Walter Higham, 5 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Styal, Cheshire.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37425, page 381 dated 10 January 1946.

HILL, Kenneth, G.

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Lance Corporal Kenneth Hill was reported missing 2 December 1942 during operations in Tunisia (Operation Bizerte), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59.
Priosners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 357) and WO392/21 (Camp 66).

HOLLIDAY, David James

Sergeant, Troop Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches

Sergeant David Holliday received a Mention in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished service in North Africa." 

Sources
London Gazette 36180 page 4226.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 57 issued September 1973.

HOLM, A.

Private
No 1 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Mentioned in Despatches
Private Holm received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association with whom they lost contact, last known address in Denmark.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37425, page 382.
Awards in 3 Cdo Bde Jungle Book issue 9.

HOOK, Maurice

Private, later Corporal
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches

Private Maurice Hook received a Mention in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished service in North Africa." 

Sources
London Gazette 36180 page 4226.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 92 issued March 1991.

HOPKINS, Alfred, J.

Private
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Private Alfred Hopkins was one of the commando contingent who embarked on motor launch ML 306 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid he was later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner *. 
  • 1944 reported "Wounded and Prisoner of War (Germany) now Repatriated" **.

HUMPHREYS, James

Private
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private James Humphreys died of wounds during operations in North Africa. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in North Africa.

Sources
CWGC
London Gazette 36180 page 4227.
 

HUNTINGTON, John, Memories of No 12 and No 1 Commando

Type: Personal Papers
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Memories of Sgt John Huntington 'E' Troop No 12 Commando and 3 Troop No 1 Commando
Download

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.

IRVING, William Henry

Fus. William Irving MM 1 Commando
Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Fusilier William Irving, HQ Troop, from London, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Kangaw, Burma on the 23rd January 1945.
Recommendation

JAMES, C.

Private
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers

Private James, 3 Troop, was wounded on 26 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

JENKINS, George William

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner George Jenkins, 3 Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association from Caerphilly.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
RA Attestations Register 1935.
Commando Association newsletter 102 issued March 1996.

JONES, Hubert

Hubert Jones 1 Commando
Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Hubert Jones, No.1 Commando, was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Benjamin Hubert and Gladys Jones, of Bishopston, Glamorgan.
  • 1 May 1939 enlisted Royal Engineers.

JONES, John Garner

Captain John Garner Jones MC
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain John Garner Jones was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Arakan, Burma [1]. He had served in the Commando since its formation [5].
Recommendation

JONES, Thomas

Private
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Jones died during operations in North Africa.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/54.
 

JONES, W.D.

Private
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment

Private W.D. Jones, 5 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

JONES, William

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers

Lance Corporal William Jones, 3 Troop, was wounded on 26 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
RWF Enlistment Register Book 18 for 1939.

JONES, William John Leonard

Lance Corporal (Acting Corporal)
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Corporal William Jones was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Woking.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/63.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/21.

KEERY, William James

Corporal William Keery GM
Corporal
No 1 Commando
Metropolitan Police
George Medal (GM)
Corporal William James Keery G.M. served in No.1 Commando. A serving Metropolitan Police Officer he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. Whilst serving as a Constable, aged 25yrs, he was awarded the George Medal for rescuing 7 persons trapped in a cellar at Queens Buildings Scovell Road at Lambeth, London, 15 October 1940.

KIAER, Eric Arnold

Lieutenant
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Eric Kiaer died [1] during the Normandy landings. He had previously been Mentioned in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished services in the field. [2]"

KING, Alfred William

Known as: 
Bill
AlfredKing1Commando
Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Norfolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Sergeant Alfred King received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the Commando raid at St Nazaire on 28/29 March 1942. He embarked on board HMS Campbeltown. Taken prisoner after the raid he was transported to Stalag 383 at Hohen Fels, Bavaria, Germany.
Recommendation

KLONOWSKI, Theophilus Henry

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Theophilius Klonowski, Signal Section, died when Captain Craven's troop engaged an enemy patrol at approximately 0600hrs during operations at Beja, North Africa. 
 
Sources
CWGC
National Achives ref  218/49 - No 1 Cdo War Diary entry for 1st Jan. 1943.
 

LARCHER, George Louis Jean

Known as: 
forenames also seen as Jean George Louis
Lieutenant (later Honorary Captain)
No 1 Commando
Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C.
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant George Larcher, Recce Corps attached to No.1 Commando, was awarded the M.C. in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma [1].
 
Recommendation
Arakan 1945

LEAVER, John Charles

Private
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.

LEVINE, Harry

Trooper
Special Service Brigade
No 1 Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment

Trooper Harry Levine, HQ Special Service Brigade, was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later reported a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Grimsby.

LINES, Ronald James

Known as: 
Danny
Lance Corporal Ronald Lines 1 Commando
Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Ronald Lines , 6 troop, died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
[Images] His nieces Marjorie Oxby and Jan Redmond.
 
Notes

LLEWELLYN, Fred

Corporal Fred Llewellyn 1 Commando
Corporal
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Fred Llewellyn was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 306.

Son of Tom and Elizabeth Llewellyn, of Worcester.
Service Record 
17 January 1940 enlisted King's Shopshire Light Infantry.

LLOYD, Edmund John

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Edmund Lloyd died in Burma during operations at Kangaw.

A serving Metropolitan Police Officer he had volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at the Police Section House 470 Caledonian Road, London.

LLOYD, Leonard

Private
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Leonard Lloyd was reported missing presumed killed, before later being confirmed as killed in action [1][1a].
His name is recorded in the Programme for the Winchester Reunion of No 1 Commando . This entry lists his name under " Killed or died of wounds as a result of action on the occupied French coast" [2].

LOAKES, Stanley John

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Stanley Loakes was reported wounded and missing in Tunisia December 1942, later confirmed as dying of wounds whilst a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
CWGC
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/61.

LOGAN, Alex

Known as: 
Sandy
Corporal
No 1 Commando
Black Watch
Corporal Alex Logan served in No.1 Commando. Post war member of the Burma Star Association. In 1973 he was the Force Training Officer, Aberdeen Police.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 56 issued March 1973.
Burma Star Association Membership form.
 

MACADAMS, Frederick John

Served as : 
MEACHER, Frederick John
Private
No 1 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Private Frederick Meacher was reported missing 4 June 1942 (Operation Bristle) later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war changed surname to MACADAMS. Based at Hayling Island Ambulance Station in 1973.
 
Source
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/48, WO417/95.

MACKEY, David

Rifleman
No 1 Commando
1/5 Commando
-

Post war member of the Commando Association residing Liverpool.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 120 (2005).
 

MARSHALL, C.R.

Private
No 1 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment

Private Marshall, 3 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

MASSEY, Walter Charles

Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches

Sergeant Walter Massey received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. He was wounded on 11 November 1942. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Southampton.

MCNEIL, John

Corporal
No 1 Commando

Former Corporal John McNeil (1 Cdo) was killed by an explosion at the Waunyclun Colliery, Trimsaran, S. Wales. (Source: Commando Association newsletter 35.)

MILFORD, Richard

Richard Milford 1 Commando
Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Richard Milford served in 5 Troop. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Toronto, Canada.

Sources
Images in CVA No.1 Commando Gallery.
Commando Association newsletter 11 (1950).

MOFFAT, Alexander Duncan

Private
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Private Alexander Moffat, No.1 Commando, was wounded on 28 January 1945 during operations in Burma [1].
1939 attested into the Royal Artillery [2].
15 December 1943 transferred to KSLI [2].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
[2] Royal Artillery Attestation Registers 1939.

MOORE, George Arthur, N.

Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Lance Sergeant George Moore was reported missing during operations in North Africa 2 March 1943, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/59.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

MORGAN, Harold Rees

Captain Harold Rees Morgan 1 Commando
Captain
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Harold Morgan from Llanelly died [1] during operations at Bizerte Tunisia. He received a MiD for "gallant and distinguished services in North Africa." [2].
 
Extract from the Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 22 December 1942

MOULD, Robert Derek

Known as: 
Bob
Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
1/5 Commando
-

Post war member of the Commando Association from Damerham, Hampshire.

Sources
Commando Association newsletter 82 (1986).
No.1 Cdo. Winchester Reunion programme list of  Obituaries in Gallery.

MULHOLLAND, William

Company Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
Post war member of the Comando Association from Basingstoke. 
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 99 issued Sept. 1994.
Obituaries in the No.1 Commando Winchester Reunion Programme in Gallery.
 

NIAS, David

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
No 1 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant David Nias was the Intelligence Officer for No.1 Commando. He received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. In February 1945 he took command of 5 Troop.
 
Sources
No.1 Commando War Diary - Hill 170 (Linked Content below).

O'DELL, William Henry

Private
No 1 Commando
1/5 Commando
-
Post war member of the Commando Association from Tottenham, London.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 96 (1993).
No.1 Cdo. Winchester Reunion programme list of  Obituaries in Gallery.
 

O'DONNELL, John

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner John O'Donnell, 5 Troop, was wounded on 15 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
Royal Artillery Attestation Register for 1941.

PARKER, A.C.

Private
No 1 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry

Private Parker was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in Tunisia (Operation Bizerte), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/55, WO417/56.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11.

PARSONS, Samuel

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Fusilier Samuel Parsons was wounded 8 November 1942 during operations in North Africa (Operation Torch) [1]. 
  • 2 March 1943 reported missing during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy [2][2a].
  • 15 September 1943 escaped from Camp PG53, Italy [3].

PATTERSON, Leslie Vincent

Leslie Patterson 1 Cdo
Leslie Patterson 1 Commando
Lance Corporal (later Lieutenant)
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Lincolnshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Died in service
Lance Corporal Leslie Patterson, No.1 Commando, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa (Algeria and Tunisia).
Left the Commando for officer training.
Died post war from injuries sustained in a jeep accident - Lieutenant, 4th Lincolns, B.A.O.R.

PAUL, Haydn Bertram

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Metropolitan Police
Gunner Hadyn Paul was reported missing during operations in North Africa on 26 February 1943, later found to be a prisoner of war.
He was a serving Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing Gilmour House, Renfrew Road, Vauxhall.
 
Sources

PERRIN, Peter John

Private
No 1 Commando
1/5 Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association residing Calista, Western Australia.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 65 (1977).
Obituaries in the No.1 Commando Winchester Reunion Programme in gallery.
 

PITMAN, Henry James

Known as: 
Harry
Pitman 1 Commando
Corporal
No 1 Commando
No 2 Independent Company
Post war member of the Commando Association from Cardiff, South Wales.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletters 95 (1992) and obituaries in 118 (2004).
[Image] Cropped from image in Gallery titled 'Roy Halfpenny, Harry Pitman, and No.1 Cdo. comrades'.
 

POLLITT, Charles Jordan Bellingham

Lt Colonel Charles Pollitt
Lieutenant Colonel
No 1 Commando
No 5 Commando
No 10 Independent Company
Border Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Charles Pollitt, then a Captain, embarked with No 10 Independent Company on their deployment to Freetown in April 1940.  At the end of the year after No 10 Independent Company was disbanded he volunteered for and was posted to the Holding and Training Wing at what was then STC Achnacarry.

POWELL, Reginald, J.H.

Known as: 
Pongo
Troop Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant (later Troop Sergeant Major) Reginald Powell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa.
 
Sources
London Gazette 36180, page 4227.
Photos in No.1 Commando gallery.

PRICE, David Elvet

Fusilier (later Lieutenant)
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Welch Regiment
Metropolitan Police
1939 serving as Police Constable 'L296', Camberwell Police Station, London [1].
No.1 Commando Intelligence Section. To O.C.T.U.[2]. 
21 May 1944 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Welch Regiment [3].
Member of the Commando Association [2].

RABBITT, Eric William

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Gunner Eric Rabbitt was awarded the Military Medal [1] in in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Alethangyaw, Arakan in Burma, on 12 November 1944.
 
Citation

RAFFERTY, Ronald George

Private
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Private Ronald Rafferty, No.1 Commando, was wounded in August 1944 in the Far East. He was taken to No.9 (Br) C.C.S. At the end of September he is recorded as being scheduled to be returned to his unit [1].
16 February 1945 Private Rafferty, 10th Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment, died of wounds in Burma [2][3].
 

Sources

REDMAN, Joseph

RSM Joseph Redman 1 Commando
R.Q.M.S. (later Regimental Sergeant Major)
No 1 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Warrant Officer Class 1 Joseph Redman was appointed M.B. E. (Military Division) in the King's birthday honours list of June 1946 [1].  
  • 23 September 1943 (Warrant Officer 2, R.Q.M.S.) Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa. [2]. 

REED, Neville

Lance Sergeant (later Major)
No 1 Commando
SAS
3rd Carabiniers Prince of Wales's Dragoon Guards
Mentioned in Despatches
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lance Sergeant Neville Reed served in No 1 Commando.
  • Post war he was RSM of 22 Special Air Service Regiment in Malaya. [1] 
  • 28th May 1957 it was announced that he had received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished services with 22 SAS in Malaya for the period 1st July to 31st December, 1956. [2] 

REGAN, John Leslie

Known as: 
Tim
Lieutenant John Leslie Regan
Lieutenant
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery / Royal Welch Fusiliers / Royal Fusiliers
Mentioned in Despatches
John Regan was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1938 [1]. 
1939 transferred to the Royal Welch Fusiliers [2].
Volunteered for Special Service.
1943 received a Mention in Despatches as a Sergeant (attached SS Troops) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa [3][*].

REID, Ernest, E.

Acting Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment

Acting Lance Corporal Ernest Reid, 3 Troop, was reported missing during operations in North Africa 2 March 1943, found to have been taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 4DZ.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/59; WO417/60.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

REID, George

Private
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Died on war service

Private George Reid was wounded on 28 March 1943 during operations in North Africa. He died in the UK on 27 June 1943

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59 and WO417/63.
 

ROBERTS, H.W.

Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Lance Sergeant Roberts, 3 Troop, was wounded on 28 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

RODNEY, John Francis

Lieutenant
No 1 Commando
SBS
Mentioned in Despatches
Baron John Francis Rodney served as a Lieutenant in No.1 Commando HQ and also as an Operational Officer in HQ, 2 SBS. Post war member of both the Commando and Burma Star Associations.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993.

RUSCHKEWICZ, James R.

Ranger
US Rangers 1st Bn.
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Ranger James Ruschkewicz, US Rangers 1st Bn. 'C' Company, died in an accidental explosion of a landmine at Barry Rifle Range, near Dundee, during a training exercise.  
  • 33068148 Ranger Aaron M. Salkin, 'C' Company, was severely injured.
  • The Rangers had been training with No 1 Commando under Lieut. Col. T. Trevor. 

SALISBURY, Glyn

Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers

Corporal Glyn Salisbury was one of the commando contingent embarked on Motor Launch ML 306 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner he was subsequently transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.

SALTER, John, A.

Private, later Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Mentioned in Despatches

Private John Salter received a Mention in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished service in North Africa." 

Sources
London Gazette 36180 page 4226.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 116 issued February 2003.

SANDO, Thomas

Private
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Sando was reported missing 6 December 1942 in North Africa, later reported as dying of wounds the following day whilst a prisoner of war [1][1a].
At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
Extract from the Marylebone Mercury - Saturday 03 July 1943.

SCOTT, Walter

Private
No 1 Commando
-

Post war member of the Commando Association from St Helens, Lancashire.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 65 (1977).
Obituaries in the No.1 Commando Winchester Reunion Programme in gallery.

SEMPLE, Robert William

Known as: 
Roy
Lieutenant
No 1 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Robert Semple received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37425, page 383.
Burma Star Assn. Membership List.
No1 Commando Winchester Reunion Programme.

SHORT, Bert

Private (later Warrant Officer Class 1)
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Military Medal (MM)
Private Bert Short was awarded the Military Medal, announced in Gazettes on the 13th October 1939, for "gallant and distinguished service in recent operations."
 

SIMPSON, William Lockhart Main

Known as: 
Bill
Lieutenant Bill Simpson 1 Commando
Lieutenant (later Major)
No 1 Commando
Royal Scots
Army Air Corps TA
Lieutenant Bill Simpson served in No.1 Commando (3 Commando Brigade).
Joined the LDV (Home Guard) aged 14. Enlisted Royal Scots. 
23.11.1944 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Scots (LG 36912 page 621). 
Volunteered for the Commandos after being commissioned.

SINCUP, Arnold William

Arnold Sincup MM 1 Commando
Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Lance Sergeant Arnold Sincup was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma. He is mentioned in this report about the battle at Kangaw. [view].
 
Sources
London Gazette 37040, page 2079.

SMITH, James

Known as: 
Jimmy
Troop Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
Jimmy Smith served as a Sergeant Major in No. 1 Commando. He died in 1983.
 
Extract from CA Newsletter 31 of Sept. 1960.
"CSM Jimmy Smith, known to most members of No. 1 Commando as 'De Sevia the magician', is still appearing at variety theatres in most of the large cities and towns in this country."
 

SMITH, John Henry

Gunner
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner John Henry Smith was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa (Bizerte, Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/55 and WO417/56.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.
RA Attestations Register 1941.
 

SMITH, Kenneth, N.

Sergeant
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Sergeant Kenneth Smith was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/58, WO417/59, WO417/63.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/21 (Italy).

Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 98 (March 1994).

SMITH, W.S.

Rifleman (Acting Lance Corporal)
No 1 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps

Lance Corporal W.S. Smith, 3 Troop, was wounded January 1945 during operations in Burma.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
Linked Content below.

SOUTHWORTH, John Charles Hughes

CSM John Southworth MM 1 Commando
Company Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)

3rd July 1939 Enlisted in the TA South Wales Borderers (The Monmouthshire Regiment). 
28th April 1940 Volunteered for and was posted to No.9 Independent Company; 
10th November 1940 Posted to 'A' Coy., No.1 Special Service Bn., 
4th March 1941 Posted to No.1 Commando 4 troop.

SWAYNE, Ronald Oliver Carless

Known as: 
Ronnie or Rocky
Lieutenant
No 1 Commando
Herefordshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Ronnie Swayne was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on Motor Launch ML306 during the raid at St. Nazaire [1][2]. 
He was taken prisoner and later transported to Oflag 9A/H at Spangenberg bei Kassel, Germany [3][4].

SWEENEY, Daniel

Private
No 1 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

Private Sweeney, 3 Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations in Burma. 
Post war member of the Commando Association from Kilwinning. They record his last rank as Lance Corporal and that he also served in No.3 Commando.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

TARGELL, T.H.

Private
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment

Private Targell was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later corrected to 'wounded and a prisoner of war'.

TAYLOR, William Ronald

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier William Taylor died of wounds in Burma during operations at Kangaw.

A serving Metropolitan Police Officer he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he is listed as a Police Constable residing at the Police Section House, Crawford Place, Marble Arch, London.

TENNICK, Maurice William

Corporal
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Tynemouth Police
Corporal Maurice Tennick served in No.12 Commando and No.1 Commando. Promoted Corporal 2 February 1944.
Maurice was a serving Police Officer who volunteered as part of the Police Intakes to the Commandos. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at 50 Falstaff Road, Tynemouth.
Post war member of the Commando Association residing North Shields.
 

THOMPSON, Malcolm

Malcolm Thompson 1 Commando
Private
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Private Malcolm Thompson, 4 Troop, was from a family of nine brothers and five sisters residing in Lowestoft. Eight of the nine brothers served in WW2.
Malcolm served in the Tunisian Campaign and Burma with No.1 Commando and was a member of the original Commando Association after the war. 

THOMSON, John, D.

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Tynemouth Police

John Thomson was a serving Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was Police Constable No.84 residing at the Police Billets, Albion Assembly Rooms, Norfolk Street, Tynemouth.

THORPE, J.

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches

Lance Corporal J. Thorpe received a Mention in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished service in North Africa." 

Sources
London Gazette 36180 page 4226.

THURSBY, John Fortescue

John Thursby 1 Commando
Second Lieutenant
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Died on war service
Second Lieutenant John Thursby, 5 Troop, died after contracting Polio during his posting to the Far East with No.1 Commando.
Extract  from the Third Jungle Book
"The sudden passing of Lieut. Thursby was a great blow to the Troop we offer our sincerest condolences to his family on their great loss."
 
Sources
CWGC.

TOMBLIN, Edward Charles

Private
No 1 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edward Tomblin 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 306.
Son of Frank and Mary Ellen Tomblin; husband of Eleanor Margaret Tomblin, of Wandsworth, London.
 
Sources
CWGC

TREVOR, Thomas Hoult (Lt Col)

Known as: 
Senior
Lieutenant Colonel
No 1 Commando
No 2 Independent Company
Welch Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Thomas Trevor was 2i/c of No 2 Independent Company when they sailed as part of Scissors Force (Operation Avonmouth) to take part in the Combined Operations raid on Norway. After this, with the disbandment of the Independent Companies, he joined the newly raised No 1 Commando.
 

TUFFY, William

Known as: 
Bill
Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal William Tuffy, Medical Section, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. He additionally received a Certificate of Gallantry. Post war member of the Commando Association from Irvine.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37425, page 385; errata in LG 38256, page 2270.

TURNBULL, John Hugh Stephenson

Lieutenant Colonel John Turnbull MC 1 Commando
Major
No 1 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Turnbull MC and bar assumed command of No 1 Commando at Myebon on the 10th February 1945 after the departure of Lt. Col. K.R.S. Trevor [view]. [1].
  • 1943 (Temporary Captain) awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa. [2].

WALLIS, Reginald

Corporal
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Reginald Wallis died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. He received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.
 

WARE, Henry Arnold

Private
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery

Private Henry Ware, 3 Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations in Burma. He had previously served in No.12 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bournemouth. They record his last rank attained as Sergeant.

WATERHOUSE, W.

Lance Sergeant
No 1 Commando
East Lancashire Regiment

Lance Sergeant Waterhouse, 5 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

WATTS, Robert Edward

Private
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk
Norwich City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Robert Watts died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. 
Son of Walter and Thirza Agnes Watts, of Norwich; husband of Gladys Georgina Eliza Watts, of Old Catton, Norwich.

WEBB, George Henry

Private
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private George Webb was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
The death of Pte. George H. Webb, M.M. (1 Cdo.) of Bromley, Kent, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 78 issued March 1984.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37040, page 2080.

WEBBER, Ernest George William

Private
No 1 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Royal Artillery
Died on active service
Private Ernest Webber died in India as a result of an accident whilst swimming.
Extract from the No 1 Commando War Diary
Londa Astoli 12 May 1945.
Pte Webber (6 tp) who injured  himself whilst swimming died in C.M.H. Belgaum.
13 May 1945, 1500hrs

WEEKES, Sydney George Douglas

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds

Fusilier Sydney Weekes died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. A serving Metropolitan Police Officer he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was at Stoke Newington Police Station.

WESTLEY, Stanley Charles

Troop Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Sergeant (later TSM) Stanley Westley received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service during operations in North Africa. He was wounded there on 3 March 1943. Post War member of the Burma Star Association.
 
Sources
London Gazette 36180, page 4226.

WHELAN, Jack

Private
No 1 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jack Whelan was initially reported missing, later presumed to have died of wounds during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave.
 
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/68.
 

WHITTINGHAM, Laurence

Whittingham 1 Commando
Corporal
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando

Post war Laurence Whittingham from Wallasey, Cheshire, died from illness whilst serving as a Police Lieutenant in the Federation of Malaya Police. He had been ill with Scrub fever after a long spell on Jungle Patrol in the Kinat Hills, Ipoh.

WILES, Geoffrey Charles

Geoffrey Charles Wiles 1 Commando
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Mentioned in Despatches

Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Geoffrey Wiles, No.1 Commando, was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1938. He received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. Post war member of the Commando Association from Harlow Essex.

WILLIAMS, Frank

Private
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Frank Williams died during operations in North Africa.
 
Extract from the No 1 Commando War Diary for 28 March 1943
Location: Djebel Choucha, Algeria. 
1600 hrs - Own troops shelled by our artillery ( Capt.Davies O.C. group 1 and 5 0.R.s injured.  1 O.R killed ). [1]
 

WILLIAMS, John Arthur

Corporal
No 1 Commando
The King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal John Williams was recommended for the M.M., and the D.C.M., in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during two events in North Africa on the 2nd and 4th  March 1943. He was No. 1 on a Bren gun team [1]. After consideration, the award he received was the M.M [1 +2].  
 
Sources

WILLIAMS, Thomas Ivor

Thomas Ivor Williams MM, SBS
Sergeant
SBS
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Thomas Ivor Williams, 'B' Group 2 Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Burma between August and November 1944 [1][1a].
Recommendation

WILLIS-JONES, John

Served as : 
JONES, John Willis
Known as: 
Jacky Jones
John Willis-Jones 1 Commando
Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
John Willis-Jones enlisted in the Welch Regiment in May 1939 before volunteering for the Commandos in 1940. He was attached to No.1 Commando as a Signalman and took part in their North African campaign. After promotion he served on the staff at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry, as a Sergeant Instructor of Physical Training.
 
Sources

WILSON, Graham Charles

Fusilier
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police (War Reserve)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Graham Wilson was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. 
In 1939 he was a married textile salesman residing at 40 Richmond Road, Wimbledon, and a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable. He later volunteered for the Commandos.
 

WOOD, J.

Private
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers

Private Wood, 12 Troop, was wounded on 28 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
 
Notes
12 Troop was a merging of 1 and 2 Troops whose numbers were depleted through casualties.

WOOLLARD, George

Private
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando
Black Watch
??

Private George Woollard was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations with No.1 Commando 6 Troop at Kangaw, Burma. He had previously served in No.12 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Gateacre, Liverpool.

YANDELL, James Albert

Private
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Private James Yandell, 5 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association from Cornwall whose obituary records last rank attained as Sergeant.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
Commando Association newsletter 107 issued August 1998.

YEOMANS, Albert Henry

Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (later Major)
No 1 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Post war member of the Commando Association from West Wellow, Hampshire [1].
  • 30 July 1945 commissioned Lieutenant (QM) [2].
  • 20 June 1956 promoted captain (QM) [3].
  • 8 April 1957 promoted Major (QM) [4].
  • 1 February 1963 retired from military service [5].

YOUNG, James Alfred

Lance Corporal
No 1 Commando
Border Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal James Young, Mortar Platoon, died of wounds during operations at Kangaw, Burma.  
Extract from Appendix 2 of the Timeline Report.

YOUNG, Ronald Herbert

Sergeant
No 1 Commando
Herefordshire Regiment
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Sergeant Ronald Young was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/58, WO417/59, WO417/63.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Germany), WO392/21 (Italy).

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