42 Commando RM

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'42 Commando RM'

Formed in August 1943 from the disbanded 1st RM Battalion, the Commando saw service in India and Burma. 42 RM Commando took part in the Battle of Kangaw on the 31st January 1945.

Redesignated 42 Commando RM early in 1946, having been 42 RM Commando (Light) since August 1945. Postwar, the Commando operated across the Globe with combat operations in Malaya, Suez, Borneo and Brunei, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

42 Commando Royal Marines have been based at Bickleigh Barracks just outside Plymouth, Devon, since the 16th September 1971.

'Limbang Hostage Rescue'

Wednesday, December 12, 1962

Location

Limbang
Sarawak
4° 46' 17.4324" N, 114° 58' 26.76" E
In December 1962 a revolt broke out in Brunei, North Borneo, and 42 Commando, in Singapore at the time, was flown to Labuan and given the task of clearing Brunei Bay. 
 
'L' Company was detached to try to release eight European hostages, including a district officer, from the town of Limbang, which was held by a strong force of rebels. 
 

'Operation Vantage'

Saturday, July 1, 1961
1961 British military intervention in Kuwait in response to threats from Iraq.  42 Commando RM  'Charlie' Troop were the first to go ashore from HMS Bulwark in 848 Naval Air Squadron's Whirlwinds.
 
[Image] Royal Marines Commandos relax with Arab tribesmen volunteers, Kuwait 1961, credit Imperial War Museum.
© IWM HU 91209 (Non Commercial Licence).
 

ADAMS, Ross William

Corporal
P059720H
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Ross Adams received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2011.
 
Source
London Gazette 60095, page 5849.
 

ALDRIDGE, Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur

Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur Aldridge Royal Marines
Major
44RM Commando
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Silver Star (USA)
7 January 1949 Captain Dennis Aldridge, who had served during the war with 44RM Commando [1], was appointed MBE (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services with 40 Commando RM in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948. [2]

ANDERSON, Bruce William Drysdale

Lieutenant Colonel
N029622P
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Bruce Anderson received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2013 to 30 June 2014 [1].
  • 30 June 2018 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 61155, page 3471.

BABBINGTON, Peter Murray

Captain (later Honorary Colonel)
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Peter Babbington, 'K' Company Commander, was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during operations on the Falkland Islands [1].
Citation

BANKS, Michael Edward Borg

Known as: 
Mike
Mike Banks (Borg-Banks) Royal Marines
Major
3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Michael Banks served on HMS Malaya in 1942 and HMS Valiant in 1943/44 before joining 3 Commando Brigade and 42RM Commando in Burma [1][2a].
Took part in the Battle for Hill 170 signing a captured Japanese flag afterwards [view....] [2a][2b].

BARKER, Alfred

Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
PO/X4213
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Alfred Barker was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service on 29 February 1952 during operations at Rawang, which is located in Selangor, Malaya.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39584, page 3523.
National Archives file WO 373/131/7.
 

BARNETT, Nicholas John

Marine
P038293A
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Nicholas Barnett, a GPMG gunner, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic on 12 June 1982.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
National Archives file WO373/188/220.
 

BERESFORD, David John

Corporal
P054093B
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal David Beresford was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service whilst on operations in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003.
 
Source
London Gazette 57100, page 4.
The book 'Target Basra' author Mike Rossiter.
 

BEVERLEY, Henry York la Roche

Lieutenant General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
April 1978 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM [1].
1979 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1978 [2].
31 December 1990 (Lieutenant General) appointed K.C.B. (Military Division) [3].
 

BOORN, Peter William

Lance Corporal
P037261V
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Peter Boorn received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on 12 June 1982 at Mount Harriet, Falklands. 
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
National Archives file WO373/188/216.
 

BRAY, William

Known as: 
Bill
-
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Served with 'B' Troop in Malaya circa 1951-1953.
 
Source
Reunion article with photo in the Globe and Laurel magazine Nov/Dec. 2000 edition.

BURRELL, Aleck Michael George

Major
N029015K
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Aleck Burrell, Officer Commanding Lima Company, 42 Commando RM [1], received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2011 [2].
  • 2nd September 2012 to retired list [2].
Sources
[1] MOD News Release 16 May 2011.

CAMERON, Angus Arthur

Corporal
RM 16834
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Corporal Angus Cameron received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Brunei during the period 8-22 December 1962.

Sources
London Gazette 43009 page 4693.
 

CANTRILL, Richard John

Brigadier
N029210Q
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Major Richard Cantrill, 42 Commando RM, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
  • 30 June 2011 promoted Lieutenant Colonel, 42 Commando, RM [2].
  • 2014 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].

CHAPPELL, Reginald

Corporal
RM 15686
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Reginald Chappell was killed during operations in Sarawak, Borneo.
Extract from the Daily Mirror - Saturday 22 February 1964

CHISNALL, David Alan

WO1 David Chisnall
Captain
PO22798L
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Colour Sergeant David Chisnall was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980 [1].
  • 16 April 1982 promoted Warrant Officer 1; RSM of 42 Commando RM during the Falklands Campaign [2][3].

CLARICOATES, Daniel

Marine
P062664H
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Marine Daniel Claricoates was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan [1].
Citation
Claricoates displayed outstanding courage and determination on three separate occasions. Every time he demonstrated remorseless and unerring gallantry in the face of the enemy.

CLARK, Ian Campbell

Lt Ian Campbell Clark RM
Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Ian Clark died during a cross border operation to Sajingan Besar*, Indonesia.
He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for distinguished service in support of operations and had previously served in Aden with 45 Commando RM.

CLIFFORD, Richard

Captain Richard Cormac Clifford
Captain (Local Major)
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Lieutenant Richard Clifford received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Citation
"On the morning of 18th May 1972, a team of Service personnel was sent to deal with a bomb threat in the Queen Elizabeth II which at that time was in mid-Atlantic on her way to Europe.

COATES, Timothy Patrick

Marine
P048572A
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Timothy Coates, serving on attachment to the UNHCR in Sarajevo, was shot dead by personnel manning a Bosnian Government checkpoint in the city. He was off duty and wearing plain clothes at the time. 
 

COLLINS, Thomas Joseph

Marine Thomas Joseph Collins 42 Commando
Marine
RM 20139
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Thomas Collins was shot on Indonesian territory on 16 March 1966, the same day as Lieutenant Ian Clark from L Coy 42 Cdo RM.,[see linked content] while taking part in a cross-border operation during “Conf

COLWILL, Horace Cecil

Company Sergeant Major
PLY/X 819
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Company Sergeant Major Horace Colwill died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head at Shandur Camp, Fayid, Egypt.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/129.
 

COWE, Michael

Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1)
P060082K
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal Michael Cowe was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
Citation

CRISP, Dominic John Delves

Captain Crisp RM
Captain
N029625N
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Captain Dominic Crisp suffered fatal head injuries in a fall at the Dewerstone on Dartmoor whilst off duty and climbing with members of his family. He died from multiple organ failure 10 days later in Plymouth's Derriford Hospital.
 

CURRY, Thomas Geoffrey

Known as: 
Tom
Mne. Tom Curry
Marine
PO63705H
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Thomas Curry died instantly as a result of enemy small arms fire when elements of 42 Commando were engaged in close-quarter fighting with the Taleban 

CUTHELL, Garry

Marine (Acting Corporal)
P036511U
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Corporal Garry Cuthell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/188/221.
 
Notes

DENNING, Oliver, W.

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines

2004 joined the Royal Marines. Served with Fleet protection Group RM. Promoted Captain, specialised as a Mortar Officer, first with 45 Commando including an operational tour of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and then 42 Commando, RM.  5 January 2023 appointed Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [Source: Royal Navy / MOD Media Release].

DICKSON, Kenneth

Marine
P051467E
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Kenneth Dickson died at Panaga Hospital, Brunei as a result of suspected septicaemia.  [Sources:  AFM ROH / Globe and Laurel Jan-Feb 1994, p57.]
 

DOLIVERA, Brian

Sergeant
P028117H
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Brian Dolivera received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct. 1982.
 

DUNSTAN, Neil David

Mne Neil Dunstan
Marine
P061668D
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Neil Dunstan was killed by an explosion in the Garmsir District of southern Helmand, at 1647 hrs local time, while operating as part of Task Force Helmand's Information Exploitation Group. He was taking part in a routine joint patrol with soldier

ECCLES, Michael

Corporal
P028263C
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Michael Eccles was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

ELMS, Liam Michael

Known as: 
Elmsy
Cpl Liam Elms 45 Commando
Corporal
PO59207U
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Liam Elms, 45 Commando Royal Marines, Zulu Company, died as a result of an enemy ied explosion during operations in southern Helmand. The Company was conducting a local area patrol alongside Afghan National Army troops in order to reassure the local population.
 

EMSLIE, Hamish Brian

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Hamish Emslie was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service in operations in Malaya with 42 Commando RM [1][2].
Recommendation for MC:  
Perak, Malaya.  July 1950 to Nov. 1950.

EPHRAUMS, Roderick Jarvis

Known as: 
Roger
Major General Roger Ephraums Royal Marines
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Commander of the Order of St John (CStJ)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Served with 42 Commando in Malaya in the 1950's and was later the Brigade Major, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM in Sarawak. In 1969 he commanded 45 Commando RM *.
  • 1 January 1965 (Major) appointed O.B.E. [1].
  • 17 December 1972 promoted Brigadier [2]

EVANS, Tony

Mne Tony Evans 42 Commando
Marine
30005377
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Tony Evans died during operations in Afghanistan. He and Marine Georgie Sparks, both of J Company, had been conducting a foot patrol to the north-west of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

EVES, Ernest Edward

Known as: 
Ernie
Ernie Eves RM
Marine
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Notable dates of service
September 1946 - completed RM training 451 C.S. Squad, Depot RM Deal.
29 January - 17 May 1951 Commando School RM;
1 August 1951 - 29 January 1952 served with 41 Independent Commando in Korea.
30 January 1952 - 21 September 1953 posted 42 Commando RM.

FAIRBROTHER, David

Mne. David Fairbrother 42Commando
Marine
30114180
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine David Fairbrother, Kilo Company, died whilst deployed as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj in support of an Afghan National Army (ANA) patrol into the village of Old Khorgajat.  Just under two hours into the patrol they were engaged with small arms fire from close range and Marine Fairbrother was fatally wounded.

FISHER, Daniel

Marine
P063328S
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Marine Daniel Fisher was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
On 6 March 2007 Fisher’s section was tasked with providing intimate fire support to clear a Taliban stronghold. His section commander wounded, Fisher stepped up to the role and retrieved the command equipment. The assault continued.

FOLEY, Colin

Sick Berth Attendant
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Sick Berth Attendant Colin Foley served in the Royal Navy from 1951 to 1961 with attachments to 42 Commando RM and 3 Commando Brigade RM.
 
Source
Obituary in Barry and District News 31 March 2015.
 

FORMOY, Ronald David

Mne Ronald David Formoy 42 Commando
Marine
RM 16883
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Ronald Formoy, Lima Company, died during an action which resulted in the rescue of hostages taken and held at Limbang, Sarwak.

Sources
AFM ROH.
[Image] Special Forces ROH website.
 
Notes

Four other Commandos from 'L' Company also died - see names below.

FOWKE, Roger Mansergh

Marine
CH/X 117104
42RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Roger Fowke died at the 28th Imperial General Hospital, Hong Kong, of head injuries sutained as the result of a car accident.

Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/130.

GARDNER, James Patrick

Captain (Local Major)
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant James Patrick Gardner, 'B' Troop, was awarded the Military Cross  for gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [1].

GIBSON, Robert Grierson

Corporal Robert Gibson 42 Commando
Corporal
PO27283S
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Robert Gibson was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of his distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1976.
 
Sources
London Gazette 47037, page 13771.
[Image] Bob Gibson.
 

GILBERT, Adam

Marine
P046138Q
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Adam Gilbert was the victim of an accidental shooting when his patrol tried to stop a stolen car at a checkpoint on the New Lodge Road, Belfast.

GILL, Martin Joseph

LCpl Martin Gill 42 Commando
Lance Corporal
30023088
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Martin Gill died whilst deployed with his Multiple as part of a patrol in the area of Adensee in the Nahr-e Saraj (South) district in Helmand province. The aim of the patrol was to assess the atmospherics, meet and talk with local nationals, and disrupt insurgent activity in the area, in preparation for future operations.

GILLINGHAM, Graham John

Marine
RM 20270
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Graham Gillingham was accidentally shot and killed when the gun of another Marine went off in a busy market place in Brunei. The Sultan of Brunei paid for his body to be cremated and his ashes sent back to his mother, who by that time had moved to Radford Semele, Warwickshire. [Sources: AFM ROH / Article in The Warwick Courier 15/11/2013]

GOLDSWORTHY, James Noel Anthony

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major James Goldsworthy was appointed O.B.E. (Military Dvision) 31 December 1979.
Service included HMS Sakar, ITCRM, CTCRM, Cdo. Log Regt., and 42 Commando RM.
 
Sources
London Gazette 48041, page 3.
Navy News November 2021 edition.
Bedford School obituaries.
 

GOSTICK, Dale Edward

Mne Dale Gostick ASRM
Marine
PO 62818X
RM Armoured Support Group
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Dale Gostick died whilst serving as a Viking operator in 3rd Troop, Armoured Support Company, at the Sangin crossing of the Helmand River, southern Helmand province, Afghanistan. His troop were returning to their Forward Operating Base, after providing essential support to 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) Battle Group, when the Viking he was driving struck a suspected mine.

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
General
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2. 
 
Post war he served in 45 Commando Royal Marines 1945-1948, Brigade Major 3 Commando Bde Royal Marines 1955-1957; OC 42 Commando Royal Marines 1963-1965, ultimately being appointed Commandant General Royal Marines from 1971-75 after which he retired.

GREEN, Gary Edward

Lieutenant Colonel
N029055E.
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Gary Green was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 31 December 2015.
Retired after 43 years and 67 days in the Royal Marines including deployment aged 19 to the Falkands with 42 Commando RM, as well as Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
Recent appointments
09.2016 - 08.2018 Corps Colonel.

HALL, Edward Charles Malet

Lieutenant Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
2003 joined the Royal Marines and after training posted 42 Commando RM.
2018 appoined M.B.E. (Military Division).
21st July 2021 appointed Commanding Officer 45 Commando Group RM.
 
Sources
Globe and Laurel July/August 2022 edition.

HAZELL

Known as: 
Nutty
-
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Served with 'B' Troop in Malaya circa 1951-1953.
 
Source
Reunion article with photo in the Globe and Laurel magazine Nov/Dec. 2000 edition.

HEWETT, Alan

Corporal
P056210P
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal Hewett was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.

HILL, Ray

Known as: 
Pusser
-
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Served with 'B' Troop in Malaya circa 1951-1953.
 
Source
Reunion article with photo in the Globe and Laurel magazine Nov/Dec. 2000 edition.

HODGSON, Peter

Surgeon Lieutenant (D)
CO24973Y
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Died in service
Surgeon Lieutenant Peter Hodgson RN died from exposure during a training exercise with 42 Commando in Norway. He also served with 42 Commando during Operation Corporate in the Falklands [1][2][3].

HOLMES, Matthew John

Major General Matthew Holmes
Major General
N028280S
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Died in service
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Holmes, Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM, was appointed D.S.O. in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].
  • 19 March 2013 (Colonel) promoted Brigadier [2].
  • 9 May 2018 promoted Major General [3].

HOOK, David Arnold

Major General David Hook RM
Major General
N028857Q
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel David Hook was appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM on 27 April 2001 [1].
  • 2009 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan [2].
  • 3 October 2011 promoted Major General [3].

HOOLE, Alexander

Marine
P060269B
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Alexander Hoole received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 
 
Sources
London Gazette 58396, page 10412.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 2007 edition.
 

HOWARD, David

Marine
RM 15145
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine David Howard, from King's Lynn, died during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  

Sources
AFM ROH
Naval History.net website.
Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 14 December 1956.
British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk); The British Library Board.

HOWE, Gilbert Rex

Colour Sergeant
CH/X4522 & T004522T
40 Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Military Medal (MM)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Acting Corporal Gilbert Howe was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry on 21/22 February 1951 whilst attached to 40 Commando RM during operations at Kampong, Upper Perak, Malaya. He had been recommended for the M.M. but was awarded the D.C.M. [1].
 
Citation

HOWGILL, Colin Humphrey Cowley

Colonel
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Colin Howgill received a Mention in Despatches recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1976 - 31st January 1977 [1].
  • 17 August 1979 promoted Acting Lieutenant Colonel [2].
  • 1980 Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM in the New Hebrides [3].

JACKSON, Ian

Colour Sergeant
P035346W
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Colour Sergeant Ian Jackson died during an exercise in the Swiss Alps when he fell during abseiling on the Wyssifrau (White Lady) mountain in the Bernese Oberland. 
Described as a very experienced mountaineer he was taking part in an annual four week exercise arranged by 3 Commando Brigade Patrol Troop. 

JACQUES, Stephen

Marine Stephen Jacques 42 Commando
Marine
P040796F
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Stephen Jacques, a 'veteran' of the Falklands campaign aged 18, died from exposure during a training exercise in Norway in 1983 [1] [2]

JENNINGS, Richard

Mne Richard Jennings 42 Commando
Marine
RM 19233
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Richard Jennings, Lima Company, died during an action which resulted in the rescue of hostages taken and held at Limbang, Sarwak.

JOHNSON, Frederick Elliott

Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Frederick Johnson was awarded the M.C. [1] for courage and leadership in operations in Perak, Malaya on 1st and 2nd May, 1951 [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 39328, page 4714.
[2] National Archive file WO 373 /130/21.
 

JOLE, Leslie Hugh

Captain Leslie Jole MC
Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)

Captain Leslie Jole, Officer Commanding 'Y' Troop since September 1950,  was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period June 1951 to 31st December, 1951.

JOLLY, Richard Tadeusz

Surgeon Commander
C030174V
Cdo. Log. Regt.
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Richard Jolly, acting Surgeon Commander, commanded the Medical Squadron of the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines during Operation Sutton in the South Atlantic May/June 1982. He also had under his operational control two surgical support teams and a parachute clearing troop. Appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [1][2]

JONES, James

Marine
RM 8835
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)

Marine James Jones was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in 3 Commando Brigade operations at Perak, Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952. He had been employed since July 1950 in this region, much of the time as a Leading Scout with 42 Commando RM.

KIERANS, Gerald

Known as: 
Scouse
Marine
RM 16941
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Gerald Kierans, Lima Company, from Widnes, died during an action which resulted in the rescue of hostages taken and held at Limbang, Sarawak.

Sources
AFM ROH.
[Image] His sister Estelle Hart.

KITE, Colin Luther

Colour Sergeant
P032575L
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Colour Sergeant Colin Kite died in a road traffic accident in Scotland whilst travelling home to Arbroath.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Sherryl Hancock (Welfare Officer at Condor at the time).
 

LAMB, Richard

Lance Corporal
P057111G
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Lance Corporal Richard Lamb died of injuries sustained in road traffic accident at Bassingham, Lincolnshire.  

Sources
AFM ROH.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug.2007.
Special Forces ROH website.

LAWRENCE, Philip

Sergeant
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
In 1966 Sergeant Philip Lawrence, the first N.C.O. in the Royal Marines to be a pilot, joined the Royal Marine Air Troop in Borneo working alongside Lieutenant Cameron RM and Lieutenant Gregson RN in support of 42 Commando RM.
 
Source
Navy News, June 1966 edition.
 

LAWS, Kenneth

Marine
RM 15760
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Kenneth Laws died in service cause unknown to this archive. He is believed to have served with 40 Commando RM in the Brunei and Borneo campaigns c.1962-1966. 

[Sources:  AFM ROH / royal-marines.net website]

LAYTON, Jason

Sergeant
P048374V
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Sergeant Jason Layton was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
 
Sources
London Gazette 58396, page 10411 published 19 July 2007.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 2007 edition.
 

LEWIS, James Austin Ellery

Lieutenant Colonel
N029581J
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
2002 commissioned into the Royal Marines.
June 2021 appointed Commanding Officer 42RM Commando.
Awarded O.B.E. (Military Division).
 
Sources
London Gazette 63377, page B6 published 12 June 2021.
M.O.D. online media profile.

LISON, Adam

Corporal
P058086L
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Adam Lison received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 
 
Sources
London Gazette 58396, page 10412.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 2007 edition.
 

MACKAY, Peter Lewis

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Peter Mackay died in Malaya. He was awarded the M.C.,[1] for gallant and distinguished service during an action in which he was shot in the head at Perak Malaya on the 1st May 1951[2].

MACKIE, Alastair

Sergeant
RM 15282
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Alastair Mackie was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in operations at Sarawak, Borneo, during the period June 1963 to September 1963.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43416, page 7156.
National Archives file WO373/139/11.
 

MACKLIN, James

Marine
P027765H
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine James Macklin was fatally wounded whilst on patrol in North Belfast .
 

Extract from the Birmingham Daily Post - Friday 29 March 1974

MACNISH, Charles James

Charles James Macnish 42 Commando
Colour Sergeant
CH/X 4270
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal (Acting Sergeant) Charles Macnish, 'S' Troop [1], was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [2]. His final rank attained was Colour Sergeant [3].

MADOC, Reginald William

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major General Reginald Madoc D.S.O., O.B.E., was appointed C.B. on 1st January 1959 [1].
  • 1951 (Lieutenant Colonel) (42 Commando RM) appointed O.B.E. for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya [2].

MAGOWAN, Robert Andrew

Brigadier Robert Magowan RM
Lieutenant General
N028330Y
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Legion of Merit (USA)
Lieutenant General Rob Magowan joined the Royal Marines in 1989. After successfully completing his training he assumed several Troop Command roles, including a tour of Northern Ireland [1].
  • 2002 posted 42 Commando as Second in Command, deploying to both Kuwait and Iraq for Operation TELIC 1 [1].

MAHONEY, David Callaghan

Captain David Mahoney 42 Commando
Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Captain David Mahoney was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya [1]. He became Commander of 'B' Troop in Malaya in September 1950 and was on continuous operations from that time and throughout the following year, primarily in the Batu Gajah region [2].
 
Sources

MASON, Jeffrey Sinclair

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Mason was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the former Yugoslavia during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001.
Service
6 Assault Sqdn Royal Marines aboard HMS Intrepid in Mediterranean, 1980-1982 and during Falklands War, 1982;

MCCREA, Edward

Known as: 
Eddie
Mne Edward McCrea 42 Commando
Marine
RM 17368
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Edward McCrea died when ambushed in the area of Padawan and  Bau, Sarawak, Borneo. His body was later exhumed, cremated, and his ashes brought home to his family in Northern Ireland.

MCINTYRE, Mitchell

Sergeant
P022409Q
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Mitchell McIntyre received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on the night of 11/12 June 1982 against enemy held positions on Mount Harriet, Falkland Islands.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
National Archives file WO373/188/210.
 

MCKIBBEN, Robert Joseph

Known as: 
Frank
Mne Robert McKibben
Marine
P062679G
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Robert McKibben died in an explosion in the Garmsir District of southern Helmand, at 1647 hrs local time, while operating as part of Task Force Helmand's Information Exploitation Group. He was taking part in a routine joint pa

MEAD, Nigel Dean

Mne Nigel Mead 42 Commando
Marine
30069083
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Nigel Mead, Lima Company, was fatally injured in an improvised explosive device blast during a cordon and search operation, partnered with the Afghan National Security Forces, of compounds suspected of being associated with improvised explosive device facilitation in the Loy Mandeh wadi in the Nad ‘Ali district of Helmand province.
 

MIDDLETON, Alan William

Marine
PO/X 6406
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Marine Alan Middleton received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East at Suez, October to December, 1956.

Source
London Gazette 41092, page 3419.

MOORE, John Jeremy

John Jeremy Moore
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Major General John Jeremy Moore served as the commander of the British land forces during the Falklands War in 1982.
  • Lieutenant - awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service with 40 Commando RM in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [1].

MORGAN, Timothy Dennis

Known as: 
Dai
 Lt Col. Timothy Morgan © IWM (MH 30869
Lieutenant (later Lieutenant Colonel)
40RM Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Temporary Lieutenant Timothy Morgan, 40RM Commando, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services whilst leading a patrol at Pizzo, Italy, near Vibo Valentia, in September 1943 [1].
Partial extract from the Obituary in the Globe and Laurel July/August 1992

MULVIHILL, Damian

Known as: 
Dee
Cpl Damian Mulvihill 40 Commando
Corporal
P056134V
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Damian Mulvihill died whilst taking part in a joint ISAF - ANA patrol engaged in operations near Sangin. The marines of Alpha Company were conducting a clearance patrol to deter Taliban intimidation of local Afghans. It was during this action that an Improvised Explosive Device was detonated, which sadly killed Corporal Mulvihill instantly.

NORCOCK, Peter Lawrence

Colonel
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Peter Norcock was Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service during the War in the Far East [1].
  • 1948 (Major) Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948 [2]

NUNN, Christopher John

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air
Lieutenant Christopher Nunn received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980 [1].
  • 1982 Falklands Campaign; 42 Commando RM; Captain; 'M' Company Commander; South Georgia [2].

O'HERLIHY, Simon

Lieutenant Colonel
N029112E
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Simon O'Herlihy was appointed M.B.E., (Military Division), in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011 [1].
  • 30 June 2011 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
Source

OATES, Ashley

Corporal
P053529A
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Ashley Oates received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 
 
Sources
London Gazette 58396, page 10412.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 2007 edition.
 

OWEN, John Ivor Headon

Major General
45 Cdo. RM
44RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
John Ivor Headon Owen was Captain of 'C' Troop' 44RM Commando in Burma January 1945 [1][1a]. Post war he served in 42 Commando RM in Borneo and he commanded 45 Commando RM in Aden [2]
1 January 1963 (Major) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].

PILLAR, Andrew Robert

Lieutenant Colonel
N018853E
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Andrew Pillar, 40 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches  in recognition of service in operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War [1].

PIMP, Don

-
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Served with 'B' Troop in Malaya circa 1951-1953.
 
Source
Reunion article with photo in the Globe and Laurel magazine Nov/Dec. 2000 edition.
 

POWELL, Fred Stewart

Marine
RM 21017
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Fred Powell, Lima Company, died during an action which resulted in the rescue of hostages taken and held at Limbang, Sarwak.

Sources: AFM ROH.
 
Notes
Four others from 'L' Company also died - see names below.
 

PRICE, Bernard John

Marine
RM 11202
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Bernard Price, 'C' Troop, from Cardiff, died during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt. 

Sources
AFM ROH
Naval History.net website.
Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 14 December 1956.
British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk); The British Library Board.

PRITCHARD, Peter John

Marine Peter Pritchard 42 Commando
Marine
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Marine Peter Pritchard from Crowborough served with 42 Commando RM in Aden in 1967. He was 18 years old at the time having enlisted as a Junior Marine in September 1965.
 
Source
Article in the Kent & Sussex Courier 03 November 1967.
 

RATCLIFFE, Nathan

Marine
P056424J
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Nathan Ratcliffe died by gunshot wound in the Armoury at Bessbrook Barracks, South Armagh, N. Ireland.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
The Star online report 9th May 2002.
 

RAWLINSON, Robert Croft

Corporal
RM 17402
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Robert Rawlinson was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in operations. He commanded one of the two sections of the Commando that assaulted Limbang Police Station, Sarwak, on the 12th December 1962 to release hostages being held there. Cpl. Rawlinson was wounded during this operation in which five other Marines died. 
 

READING, Percy James Thomas

Regimental Sergeant Major
PO/X 1696
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Regimental Sergeant Major Percy Reading was awarded the B.E.M. for gallant and distinguished service with 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June. 1952 [1].
 
Recommendation

REDDY, Benjamin

Mne. Benjamin Reddy 42 Commando
Marine
P063630K
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Benjamin Reddy, 'K' Company, died when his unit came under enemy fire during a deliberate clearance operation in the Kajaki area of Helmand Province.  He joined the Royal Marines on 18 April 2005 and deployed with K Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in September 2006. [Source: MOD]

RHYCE-REES, Stewart Duncan

Marine
RM 14261
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Stewart Rhyce-Rees died on a 9 mile cross country march carrying full kit during his Commando training.  An inquest heard evidence from pathologist Dr. G.A.C. Lynch that he died from a liver infection. Coroner Mr. W.E.J. Major returned a verdict of "death in accordance with the medical evidence".

ROLLASON, Hayden

Mne Hayden Rollason 42 Commando
Marine
P062890G
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Hayden Rollason died when hit by a car whilst walking along the A38 road outside Plymouth in the early hours of the morning. Plymouth coroner Ian Arrow found Marine Rollason had died of multiple injuries and ruled the death was accidental. Hayden joined the Royal Marines in September 2004 and joined M Company of 42 Commando Royal Marines in June 2005.

ROLLS, Graham

Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Lieutenant Graham Rolls died in service in Sarawak. Precise details are unknown to this archive.
 
Notes
There is a photo of a plaque in our gallery for those who died in Borneo/Sarawak wnere Lt. Rolls is named.
 

ROSE, Harry Howard

Marine
RM 8908
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Harry Rose died in Ipoh General Hospital as a result of an accidental gunshot wound. He was originally buried at Batu Gajah Cemetery but was later exhumed and cremated at Sek Keng Cheng Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur and his ashes returned to the UK.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.
Malaya Historical Group.

ROTHWELL, Thomas Frank

Thomas Rothwell 41RM Commando
Marine
CH/X106256
RM 10386
41RM Commando
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Marine Thomas Rothwell joined the Royal Marines in 1941 and later served with 41RM Commando. He was seriously wounded and taken prisoner of war during operations at Salerno Italy on 18 September 1943. He served from 21 October 1941 until 23 May 1946 Class A Release.

SAGGERS, Ronald Frederick

Marine
PO/X 6552
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Marine Ronald Saggers received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East, Oct. to Dec., 1956.

Source
London Gazette 41092, page 3419.

SALZANO, Gerard Mark

Brigadier
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Gerard Salzano was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in June 2000 [1]
 
Following promotion he also received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service twice:
  • in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2001 to 31st March 2002 [2].

SHARP, Richard

Second Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Second Lieutenant Richard Sharp received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 
 
Sources
London Gazette 58396, page 10412.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 2007 edition.
 

SHERIDAN, James Maurice Guy

Known as: 
Guy
Major (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major James Sheridan, Second in Command of 42 Commando RM, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War. He commanded the Land Forces that repossessed South Georgia.
  • 14 September 1991 to Retired List granted rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary).

SHORT, Brian John

Marine
RM 11158
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Brian Short, from Parkstone, Poole, died during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  

Sources
AFM ROH
Government Probate Deaths indices.
Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 14 December 1956.
British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk); The British Library Board.

SILLITOE, Frederick Roy

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Frederick Sillitoe was serving at the RM Holding Commando in April 1945 [1].
  • 1956 (Captain) (42 Commando RM) Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations at Suez between October and December [2].

SIMPSON, Peter Leash

Acting Sergeant
RM 8073
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Acting Sergeant Peter Simpson was awarded the MIlitary Medal for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951.[1]
 

Extract from the Aberdeen Evening Express - Monday 14 April 1952

SKINLEY, Brian Cecil John

Colour Sergeant
P017242L
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Colour Sergeant Brian Skinley was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Divison) on 31 December 1976.
 
Sources
London Gazette 47102, page 24.
Globe and Laurel Jul/Aug. 1977.
Globe and Laurel Nov/Dec.1997.
 

SMITH, Jeremy

Corporal
P036299J
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Jeremy Smith was killed in action whilst engaged in operations at Mount Wall, Falkland Islands.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
The book 'Take that Hill' (Appendix 1), author Major General Nick Vaux CB, DSO, RM.
 

SMITH, Philip Robert

Cpl Philip Smith 42 Commando
Corporal
P058741P
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal Philip Smith died in a traffic accident in a lay-by near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. He was crushed between the military lorry he had been driving and another military lorry.  [Source: Mail Online]
 

SPARKS, Dennis

Captain
NO23305F
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Dennis Sparks, Quartermaster, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War.
 
Sources
The book 'Take that Hill' (Appendix IV), author Major General Nick Vaux CB, DSO, RM.

SPARKS, Georgie

Mne Sparks 42 Commando
Marine
P064971V
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Georgie Sparks died during operations in Afghanistan. He and Marine Tony Evans, both of J Company, had been conducting a foot patrol to the north-west of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

SPEAKE, Terence

Marine (Acting Corporal)
RM 7092
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Terence Speake, 'B' Troop, was awarded the Military Medal for courage and leadership in operations in Malaya on 1st May, 1951 [1][2].
Recommendation
"Perak, Malaya.

STANNARD, Rodney Andrew

Known as: 
Stan
Colour Sergeant
PO18343Q
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Royal Marines 1959 - 1986. Served in 40 Commando during the Borneo and Malay peninsula confrontation, and later 42 and 45 Commandos. 12 June 1982 awarded British Empire Medal (Military Division).
 
Source

Obituary in the Globe and Laurel, March/April 2023 edition.
London Gazette 49008, page 20.

STEVENSON, Paul Timothy

Major General
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Major Paul Stevenson was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland 1974/1975 [1].
  • 1982 Divisional HQ; Staff Officer (Operations); Falklands Conflict [2].
  • 24 May 1983 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM [3].

STOREY, John

Marine
RM 7049
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine John Storey died in Malaya as a result of an accident.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.

STORRIE, David Robert Bruce

Lieutenant Colonel David Storrie
Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
845 NAS Sqn
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant David Storrie served with B Coy, 40 Commando, Royal Marines in Cyprus, 1958; served as helicopter pilot with 845 Naval Air Sqn, Fleet Air Arm in Brunei and Borneo during Indonesian Confrontation, 1963-1964; served with 42 Commando, Royal Marines in Northern Ireland, 1972-1978 [1].

SUMMERS, Scott Gordon

Mne Scott Summers 42 Commando
Marine
P063409S
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Marine Scott Summers died in a traffic accident that occurred on the 4th February after he had volunteered to drive in a routine convoy in Helmand province. He received initial treatment in Afghanistan before being transported back to a specialist unit in the UK where he died on the 21st February.

SUTHERLAND, Neil

Brigadier
N02S473L
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Neil Sutherland was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) 29 December 2007.
  • 2009 promoted Lieutenant Colonel commanding 42 Commando RM.
  • 2022 Deputy Commandant General, RM.
Sources
London Gazette 58557, page 5.
London Gazette 59139, page 12930.

TAPLIN, John Aubrey

Acting Brigadier
41RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Captain John Taplin was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours dated 31 May 1956 [1].
  • December 1942 (Acting Temporary Captain) Adjutant of 41RM Commando [2].
  • August 1943 Captain serving in 41RM Commando [3].

THOMPSON, John Thomas

Corporal John Thompson 42 Commando
Corporal
P055927F
42 Cdo. RM
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine John Thompson, 40 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on operations in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003 [1][1a].

TWEED, David Gratiaen

Lieutenant Colonel
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain (Acting Major) David Gratiaen Tweed received a Mention in Despatches in September 1945 for good services with the 21st Army Group [1]. He is shown that year as D.A.A. and Q.M.G. 116th RM Infantry Brigade [1a].

TYRIE, Ernest Campbell

Corporal
CH/X 117123
42RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service

Corporal Ernest Tyrie died of smallpox at the 28th Imperial General Hospital in Hong Kong. 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/138.

UNDERWOOD, Bryan Albert

Marine
RM 20505
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Marine Bryan Underwood received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Brunei during the period 8-22 December 1962.

Sources
London Gazette 43009 page 4693.

VARLEY, Richard James

Corporal
RM13875
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Richard Varley was awarded the M.M., [1] for distinguished services in support of Operations in Borneo between the 13th December 1965 and the 20th April 1966 [2].
 
Citation

VAUX, Nicholas Francis

Major General
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Vaux, Officer Commanding 42 Commando Royal Marines, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership, planning, and distinguished service during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

WALTON, Richard Anthony Carl

Colour Sergeant
P044439X
Royal Marines
Died in service unknown cause

Colour Sergeant Richard Walton was serving at RMDIV Leconfield at the time of his death.

Richard Walton joined the Royal Marines in 1985 and served 2 days short of 20 years. During his career he served at Poole, 40 Commando, Commando Logistics Regiment, 42 Commando, CTCRM, and SBS. [Sources: AFM ROH / Navy News issue 1st June 2005.]

WARD, David, J.T.

Marine
P059829X
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Mne. David Ward was serving on HMS Albion at the time of his death. He had been diagnosed with depression and tragically took his own life. David graduated as a Royal Marine in July 2002.  He served with 42 Commando RM and the UKLFCSG, and his service included Northern Ireland and Iraq. [Sources: AFM ROH / Liverpool Echo 13th April 2005]
 

WASSALL, Joseph Desmond

Known as: 
Des
Joseph Desmond Wassell Royal Marines
Warrant Officer 1
P0204071W
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Joseph Desmond Wassall, from Shifnal, Shropshire, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of distinguished service on the Falkland Islands [1+2].

WATERS, Peter, S.

Known as: 
Soapy
Lieutenant Peter S. Waters 42 Commando
Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Lieutenant Peter Waters, second in command Lima Company, was wounded in the hostage rescue at Limbang, Malaysia, on 12 December 1962. 

Sources
CVA Gallery photos of the unveiling of the Memorial Plaque at Limbang.
 

WATSON, Maurice

Marine
PO/X 124306(T)
42RM Commando
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Maurice Watson died of injuries sustained in a road accident in Hong Kong.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/138.
 

WATSON, Richard John

Mne. Richard Watson 42 Commando
Marine
P062466D
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Richard Watson died during operations in Afghanistan. Elements from the UK Task Force were patrolling to the north of Now Zad, a district in the North of Helmand, when they came under attack from Taliban forces. During the contact Marine Watson was hit by small arms fire and fatally wounded.

WATTS, Laurence George

Known as: 
Larry / Lofty
Corporal
P032593N
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Laurence Watts, K Company, died during operations against enemy forces on Mount Harriet, East Falkland Islands.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
The book 'Take that Hill' (Appendix 1), author Major General Nick Vaux CB, DSO, RM.
Globe and Laurel Sep-Oct 1982 edition.

WEAVER, Kevin William

Corporal
P043315K
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal Kevin Weaver died as a result of head injuries received in a criminal assault upon him in Plymouth on 2 March 2000. Married with a baby daughter, Corporal Weaver had served in the Corps for 17 years.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Globe and Laurel March-April 2000.
 

WESTON, Barry John

Sgt Barry Weston 42 Commando
Sergeant
PO 51336S
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Barry Weston was fatally injured by an improvised explosive device while leading a patrol operating near the village of Sukmanda in southern Nahr-e Saraj district Helmand province. The patrol was participating in an o

WHATLEY, Benjamin Mark Lawson

LCpl Ben Whatley 42 Commando
Lance Corporal
P063692W
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Benjamin Whatley died in Nad-E-Ali district, central Helmand, while Lima Company was conducting an operation to clear enemy forces from the north of the district. Leading his men from the front, Lance Corporal Whatley was killed by enemy fire during a prolonged and fierce battle with insurgents.
 

WHITE, Mark

Marine
P039455U
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Mark White died in a road traffic collision. 
[Sources: AFM ROH / naval history.net]
 

WHITELEY, Christopher Vivian

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Whiteley received shrapnel wounds to both legs whilst engaged in operations on Mount Harriet during the Falklands Campaign.
  • 13 June 1998 (Captain) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division).
Sources
The book 'Take that Hill' (Appendix 1), author Major General Nick Vaux CB, DSO, RM.

WILLS, Terrance John

Lieutenant (Local Captain)
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant (Local Captain) Terrance Wills received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East, Oct. to Dec., 1956.
  • 1 January 1970 appointed M.B.E. (Military Division).
Sources
MiD - London Gazette 41092, page 3418.

WOOLMAN, Tudor Lloyd

Sergeant
RM24345
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Tudor Woolman, 42 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Aden in 1967 [1].
Recommendation
"On Saturday 11th November 1967 42 Commando Royal Marines was responsible for the manning of of a series of observation posts overlooking Tawani.

WRIGHT, James Robert

Mne James Wright 42 Commando
Marine
30071798
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine James Wright, Juliet Company, died during operations as part of Combined Force Nad ‘Ali (North), Helmand. His patrol was involved in a significant engagement with insurgents in the Shpazh Gerebian area of Nad ‘Ali district. After being pinned down by accurate fire for several hours, the patrol managed to extract themselves back to their base at Checkpoint Kamiabi.

WRIGHT, Robert

Marine
RM 8227
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Marine Robert Wright died of encephalitis in Malaya. He was buried in Batu Gajah, later exhumed, cremated at Sek Keng Cheng Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur and ashes returned to UK.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.

YOUNG, Peter Shand

Corporal
RM 9957
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Corporal Peter Young received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East at Suez, November 1956.

Source
London Gazette 41092, page 3419.

YOUNGHUSBAND, Michael Dean

LCpl Younghusband RM
Lance Corporal
30136233
Cdo. Log. Regt.
Royal Marines
Died in service
Lance Corporal Michael Younghusband died whilst crossing a railway line in the early hours of December 10th. He had completed his training at the CTCRM in October 2012 and joined 42 Commando.  In 2014 he moved to the Commando Logistic Regt. RM at Chivenor.  Major Mark Latham  said he had flair, had a dynamic work ethic and was bound for further promotion above his peers.

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