No 1 Commando
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Displaying 1 - 249 of 2491 Commando
History of the Unit
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.
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, Op Bizerte part of Lt.Col Ken Trevors narrative
Transcript of Operation "Bizerte" Narrative
To: Lt-Col. Trevor From: Philip Jordan
Location
60 miles East of Tabarka
Tunisia
37° 13' 45.8184" N, 9° 12' 33.444" E
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, Report on Operation 'Bottle' 15 Oct'45 Hong Kong
Report of Operation 'Bottle' undertaken by No 1 Commando whilst on policing duties in Hong Kong 15 October 1945.
National Atchives Document reference WO 218/18
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
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.
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
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
ALDRIDGE, William Reginald
No 1 Commando
Cambridgeshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant William Aldridge died in North Africa. He recieved a Mentioned in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished service in North Africa."
ALEXANDER, John MacAlister
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
ALLEN, Edward Patrick
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Private Edward Allen, from Swansea, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma [1].
Recommendation
ALLUM, Edward Thomas
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
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.
ANDERSON, Barrie Sherwill Norman
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Staffordshire County Police
Died on active service
Trooper Barrie Anderson was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa and later found to be a prisoner of war. He died of wounds in captivity on 12 January 1943 in Italy.
ANDREWS, Alfred Archley
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, Frederick George
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Frederick Andrews, 6 Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
RA Attestations Register 1940.
ANNETTS, George Henry
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
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Arthur Ansell died during operations in North Africa.
A serving Metropolitan Police Officer he volunteered as one of the Police Intakes to the Commandos. In 1939 he was married and serving at the Police Station, 12A Holmes Road, Kentish Town, London.
ASHWORTH, James Kenyon
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
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
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, George Horace
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner George Baker died during operations at Kangaw.
BAKER, Herbert Valentine
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
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].
BALL, Sydney Alonso
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Sydney Ball died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
BARNES, Ernest
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
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
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.
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.
BEANEY, John George Arthur
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner John Beaney died during operations at Kangaw.
Extract from the Middlesex Chronicle - Saturday 17 February 1945
BEAR, Dennis
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
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].
BEATTY, Brian, H.
No 1 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 118.
Commando Association Lost Legions List 1.
BEECH, James Frederick
No 1 Commando
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]
On the 31st January 1945 he is listed as being wounded whilst with No 5 Commando. [3]
BENNION, Thomas James
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
BIDDESCOMBE, E.
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
??
Lance Bombardier Biddescombe, HQ Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
Linked Content below.
Notes
BISHOP, Ronald, C.
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Private Ronald Bishop 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 later imprisoned at Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.
Sources
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-1945 / National Archives file WO417/43.
BLEAKLEY, Charles
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).
BOWMAN, Thomas Horne
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.
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.
BRADFORD, John Meller
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
BRAY, Thomas Garland
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
10 May 1939 enlisted.
Former trade on enlistment: Miner.
3 Sept. 1939 date service reckons from.
2 May 1940 No.2 Independent Company.
BUCHANAN, Thomas Malloch
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.
-
Dec 1941 - Nov. 1942 Argyll Home Guard aged 17.
BUNT, Reginald Melford
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
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.
BUTLER, Ronald Herbert
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
CAMBLIN, Cecil
No 1 Commando
Royal Irish Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Cecil Camblin died during operations at Bizerte Tunisia.
CANN, John Henry
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
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].
CHAMBERLAIN, Walter, William, Robert, James
No 1 Commando
Cambridge/Suffolk Regiment
Lance Sergeant Chamberlain was one of the commando contingent embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, found to have been wounded, taken prisoner, and later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.
CHAPPELL, Ernest Lionel Desmond
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.
CLAY, Fred Henry
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Fred Clay died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
COKER, James Thomas
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
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
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.
COMAN, William Joseph
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Coman died during operations at Myebon.
COWAP, Dalton Hayton
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Dalton Hayton Cowap MC, known as George [1], served in 4 troop, and was wounded during operations at Myebon in January 1945 [2]. In 1943 whilst a Lieutenant in No 1 Commando he had been awarded the M.C. in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [3].
CRAIG, Samuel
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Samuel Craig died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
CROFT, James Herbert
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Died on war service
Captain Sir James Croft died as a result of an accident.
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.
CROSS, D.W.
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
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
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
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
Royal Artillery Attestation Register for 1941.
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.
DAVIDSON, Douglas Malcolm
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
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Davies died during operations in North Africa.
DAVIES, Verdun George
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Verdun Davies died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
DAWSON, John Joseph Yelverton
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain John Dawson, M.B., R.A.M.C., Medical Officer attached to No.1 Commando, was awarded the M.C., [1] during operations in the Arakan, Burma.
Citation
DEARDEN, Henry Graham
No 1 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Henry Dearden died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
Sources
CWGC.
DICKSON, George
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner George Dickson died during operations at Kangaw.
DOCKERILL, Arthur Henry
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Lance Sergeant Arthur Dockerill was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1] for his gallantry during the raid at St Nazaire. Part of a demolition team on board HMS Campbeltown led by Lieutenant Chant [2], he was later imprisoned in Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf , Poland [3].
Sources
DOCKERILL, Graham Dennis
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)
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
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
DRISCOLL, Leonard Henry Pritchard
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Leonard Driscoll died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
DUFFY, William
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Duffy died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
DUMIGAN, James
No 1 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal James Dumigan from Belfast died during operations at Kangaw.
DURRANT VC, Recommended by the Enemy
Type: Booklet
Year of Publishing: 2016
Keywords: durrant, vc, Victoria cross, commando, chariot, st nazaire
An article about Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant VC, No 1 Commando, which was published in the Victoria Cross Society Journal in March 2005. ©RJMewett.
Follow this link to learn more about all the Commandos awarded the Victoria Cross
DURRANT, Sgt. Thomas Frank, VC
No 1 Commando
Royal Engineers
Victoria Cross (VC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant died during Operation Chariot, the raid 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.
EATON, George Oliver
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Eaton died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
EDWARDS, Elwyn
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Elwyn Edwards, 5 troop, died during operations at Luc Sur Mer on the French coast.
Sources
CWGC
ETZDORF, Roderick Rudiger Otto Ulrich von
No 1 Commando
Pioneer Corps
Rudiger von Etzdorf, a refugee to the UK from Germany, was granted exemption from internment on 9 January 1940. His occupation was recorded as a Student and his residence as 47 Chester Road, SW1 [1].
EVANS, Clifford Gregory
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal Clifford Evans was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36785, page 5131 published 9 November 1944.
Additional references found
EVANS, Cyril Denman
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Cyril Evans died during operations at Luc Sur Mer on the French coast.
EVANS, E. Michael
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Acting Lance Sergeant Evans took part in the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. He embarked on Motor Launch ML 306 and was reported missing after the raid, but was subsequently found to have been taken prisoner. He was later transported to Stalag 357 at Fallingbostel, Germany.
Sources
EVANS, Robert John
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Robert Evans died during operations in North Africa.
EVERITT, F.H.D.
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.
FITZSIMMONS, James
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Fitzsimmons died during operations at Kangaw.
GARDNER, James Willis
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.
GEORGE, Herbert Alexander
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Herbert George died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
GOODWIN, Charles Gordon
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Corporal Charles Goodwin died as a result of an accident.
GRAVES, Leslie Peter
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Leslie Graves died during operations at Kangaw.
GROVES, Fernley William Thomas
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Fernely Groves died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
HALSE-HEARNE, William Edward
No 1 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant William Halse-Hearne died during operations at Maungdaw.
Sources
CWGC
HAMILTON, James
No 1 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sapper James Hamilton died during operations in North Africa.
HARRIS, Douglas Ewart
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.
HARVEY, Reginald
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Reginald Harvey died during operations in North Africa.
HIGHAM, Walter
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.
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).
HITCHCOCK, George Albert
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died on active service
Gunner George Hitchcock died from gun shot wounds during a live ammunition firing exercise at Trincomalee, Ceylon.
HOLLIDAY, David James
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.
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
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, A.J.
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Private A.J. 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 [1].
Reported missing after the raid he was later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner [2].
HORGAN, James John
No 1 Commando
The Monmouthshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant James Horgan died during operations at Bizerte Tunisia.
HUMPHREYS, James
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 MiD for gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.
Sources CWGC London Gazette Supplement 36180 page 4227.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.
IRVING, William Henry
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.
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
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
No 1 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Hubert Jones died during operations at Kangaw.
JONES, Ivor
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Lance Corporal Ivor Jones died as a result of an accident.
JONES, John Garner
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].
Recommendation
JONES, Thomas
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.
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
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
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/63.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/21.
KEERY, William James
No 1 Commando
Metropolitan Police
George Medal (GM)
Corporal William James Keery G.M. served in No.1 Commando.
KIAER, Eric Arnold
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
No 1 Commando
Norfolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Sergeant Alfred King received a Mention in Despatches in
KLONOWSKI, Theophilus Henry
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.
KNOWLAND, George Arthur, Lieut, VC. A testament by Jack Cox.
A Letter to Harry Winch (No. 1 Cdo. 2 Troop) from Jack Cox (12 & 3 Cdos.) concerning Lt. George Knowland VC [see documents below], who was a section sergeant in No 3 Commando with the nickname 'Nobby', during the Battle for Termoli.
Source
KNOWLAND, George Arthur, Lieut. VC announcement in Gazettes
The London Gazette citation for the award of the Victoria Cross to Lt George Knowland of No 1 Commando 4 Troop
Hill 170 Kangaw Burma January 1945
Follow this link to learn more of about all the Commandos awarded the Victoria Cross
KNOWLAND, Lt. George Arthur, VC
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Victoria Cross (VC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant George Arthur Knowland died during operations at Hill 170, Kangaw. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
LANDER, Raymond Frederick
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Raymond Lander died during operations at Kangaw.
Sources
CWGC
LARCHER, George Louis Jean
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
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
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.
LEWIS, Frank
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Frank Lewis died during operations at Bizerte Tunisia.
LINES, Ronald James
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
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Fred Llewellyn died during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 306.
Service Record
17 January 1940 enlisted King's Shopshire Light Infantry.
27 April 1940 to No.9 Independent Company.
8 November 1940 to No.1 Special Service Battalion.
LLOYD, Edmund John
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
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
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Stanley Loakes died from wounds inflicted during operations in Tunisia.
LOGAN, Alex
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.
LONGSON, Joe (1 Cdo) - My Life in the Army
Note: If the viewer does not display within 5 seconds, refresh/reload this page.
LOOKER, Ronald Arthur
No 1 Commando
Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Ronald Looker died of wounds inflicted at Kangaw, Burma.
MACADAMS, F. John
No 1 Commando
MALONEY, Daniel
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
East Lancashire Regiment
Private Daniel Maloney, from Hulme Manchester, served with No.
MARSHALL, C.R.
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
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
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.)
MEWETT, Robert
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.
MOFFAT, Alexander Duncan
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.
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/59.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
MORGAN, H.W.C.
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Morgan was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
MORGAN, Harold Rees
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
MORRIS, Matthew Frank
No 1 Commando
Royal Engineers
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Matthew Morris MM, 6 Troop, died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
MULHOLLAND, William
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.
MULLHOLLAND, A.G.
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Mullholland, 5 Troop, was wounded on 23 January 1945 during operations in Burma.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
NIAS, David
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).
NOTLEY, Gordon Leslie
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Gordon Notley was awarded the
O'DONNELL, John
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.
OLVER, Leslie Cyril
No 1 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Military Medal (MM)
Private Leslie Olver was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Arakan, Burma.
Citation
PALMER, Antony Ashford
No 1 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Anthony Palmer died during operations at Kangaw. He is mentioned in this report about the battle. [view].
PARKER, A.C.
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.
PATTERSON, Leslie Vincent
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Died in service
Private Leslie Patterson received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa [1].
- 29 July 1944 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Devonshire Regiment [2].
PAUL, Haydn Bertram
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
PAWSON, Anthony
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Anthony Pawson served in No.
PHILLIPS, Wilfrid Harold
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Wifrid Phillips died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
PLLU, Andrew
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Andrew Pllu died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
POLLITT, Charles Jordan Bellingham
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, Christopher William
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Christopher Powell died of wounds during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/62.
POWELL, Reginald, J.H.
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.
RABBITT, Eric William
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
RITCHIE, William Dunbar
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Ritchie died during operations in North Africa.
ROAST, Stanley Albert
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Gunner Stanley Roast, from Maryport, Cumberland, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Kangaw, Burma [1].
ROBERTS, H.W.
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
No 1 Commando
SBS
Mentioned in Despatches
Baron John Francis Rodney served as a Lieutenant in No.1 Commando and as an Operational Officer in HQ, 2 SBS.
Post war he was a member of both the Commando Association and the Burma Star Association.
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993.
ROGERS, George Montague
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal George Rogers died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
RUDMAN, James Thomas
No 1 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Died on active service
Private James Rudman died in India.
RUSCHKEWICZ, James R.
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.
RUSHTON, Harold George
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Harold Rushton died during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
SALISBURY, Glyn
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.
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
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.
SCANTLEBURY, John
No 1 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Troop Sergeant Major John Scantlebury, known as Jack, was awarded the M.M.
SCARAMANGA, George Ambrose
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Military Cross (MC)
Whilst a Lieutenant in No. 1 Commando, George Scaramanga was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Tunisia during Operation Bizerte [2].
SEMPLE, Robert William
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.
SEYS, Robert William
No 1 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Lance Sergeant Robert Seys died as a result of an accident.
SHARMAN, Sidney Charles
No 1 Commando
SHORT, Bert
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."
SINCUP, Arnold William
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.
SLAVIN, Gerrard
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Gerrard Slavin died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
SMITH, James
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
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.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/55 and WO417/56.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.
RA Attestations Register 1941.
SMITH, Leonard Edward
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Leonard Smith, 3 Troop, was wounded on 26 January 1945 during operations in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association from Eastbourne.
SMITH, W.S.
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
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.
STEWART, James Constantine
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Military Medal (MM)
Fusilier James Stewart was awarded the M.M. in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [1] in December 1942 during Operation Bizerte [more....] [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 35944, page 1300.
SUDLOW, Jack
No 1 Commando
Post war 1946, Constable in British South African Police in Rhodesia.
[Sources: Commando Association newsletters 3 and 46].
SUMMERHAYES, Charles
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Charles Summerhayes died during operations in North Africa.
SUTHERLAND, Alexander
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Alexander Sutherland died during operations in North Africa.
SWAYNE, Ronald Oliver Carless
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].
He was taken prisoner and later transported to Oflag 9A/H at Spangenberg bei Kassel, Germany [3][4].
SWEENEY, Daniel
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.
TAYLOR, Clifford
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Clifford Taylor died during operations in North Africa.
TAYLOR, William Ronald
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
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.
THIRKELL-WHITE, Derek John Plantaganet
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Derek Thirkell-White died during operations with the King's Own Regiment at Leros having left the Commando. He had earlier served with the Middle East Commando (redesignated as 1 Special Service Regiment) in July 1942.
Sources
War Office Casualty List 1402
THOMPSON, Malcolm
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.
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.
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
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.
CWGC.
TOMBLIN, Edward Charles
No 1 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edward Tomblin died during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on Motor Launch ML 306.
Sources
CWGC
St Nazaire Society website.
TREVOR, Kenneth Rowland Swetenham (Lt Col )
No 1 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Officer Commanding No 1 Commando 1943 - 1945.
TREVOR, Thomas Hoult (Lt Col)
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.
TUCKER, Ivan Henry
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Ivan Tucker died during operations at Kangaw.
Sources
CWGC
Cause of death recorded here Winchester Reunion of No 1 Commando .
TUFFY, William
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.
Sources
London Gazette 37425, page 385; errata in LG 38256, page 2270.
TURNBULL, John Hugh Stephenson
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
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.
WARD, William G.
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando
WARE, Henry Arnold
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.
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
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.
WEAVER, Edward Walter
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edward Weaver died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
WEBB, George Henry
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.
London Gazettes Supp. 37040, page 2080.
WEBBER, Ernest George William
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
13 May 1945, 1500hrs
WEEKES, Sydney George Douglas
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.
WEIGHT, Donald, E.
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
WESTCOTT, Samuel Charles
No 1 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Samuel Westcott died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.
WESTLEY, Stanley Charles
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
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.
WILES, Geoffrey Charles
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
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
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
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
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
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Graham Wilson died during operations at Kangaw.
WOOD, J.
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
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
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.
Commando Association newsletter 107 issued August 1998.
YOUNG, James Alfred
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.
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