No 4 Independent Company
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Displaying 1 - 50 of 50'No.4 Independent Company and 5 troop No.2 Commando'
A list of names of those from No.4 Independent Company who went on to serve in 5 Troop No.2 Commando and stayed on afterwards or moved elsewhere. Compiled by Lance Sergeant Joseph Rogers MM, No.2 Commando 5 Troop. Contains links on the header to pages within the Commando Veterans Archive.
'Veterans return to Norway'
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 95 (1992).
RETURN TO NORWAY
Harry Pitman (No.1 Commando and No. 2 Independent Company) and John Wall (No. 5 Commando and No. 4 Independent Company) returned to Norway in May as the guests of the Norwegian No.14 Infantry Regiment to attend a ceremony in the Saltdal area, and a historical seminar. At the ceremony 30 Norwegian veterans received war medals for the service they gave throughout the war. This was followed by a lecture on the events in Saltdal in 1940.
Harry Pitman (No.1 Commando and No. 2 Independent Company) and John Wall (No. 5 Commando and No. 4 Independent Company) returned to Norway in May as the guests of the Norwegian No.14 Infantry Regiment to attend a ceremony in the Saltdal area, and a historical seminar. At the ceremony 30 Norwegian veterans received war medals for the service they gave throughout the war. This was followed by a lecture on the events in Saltdal in 1940.
4 Independent Company
In April 1940 HQ 55th (West Lancs) Division issued Divisonal Operation Order 5 authorising the formation of No.4 Independent Company. At the time the 55th Divsion was a two Brigade Motor Division consisting of units from the 164th and 165th Brigades.
164 Brigade consisted of the 9th Bn. Kings Regiment, 1/4th Bn. and 2/4th Bn. of the South Lancs. Regiment;
165 Brigade consisted of the 5th Bn. Kings Regiment, 1st Bn. and 2nd Bn. of the Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders.
4 Independent Company Nominal Roll
This nominal roll has been compiled from detail within this archive added to that provided many years ago by Dennis Reeves, Honorary Curator of the Liverpool Scottish Museum Archive, and compiler of the book Special Service of A Hazardous Nature: The Story of the Liverpool Scottish Involvement in Special Forces Operations in the WW2.
It is not complete. Many went on to serve in No.2 Commando.
It is not complete. Many went on to serve in No.2 Commando.
Contact us with details to have an a name included, or provide additional information.
ASHCROFT, Arthur
Known as:
The Hawk
Private
2929623
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Arthur Ashcroft, 5 Troop, was one of the Commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot , the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner war after the raid, he was later transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.
- 25 April 1940 posted to 'X' Company 1st Liverpool Scottish.
AULD, Luke Patchcott
Corporal
2931015
No 4 Independent Company
No 6 Commando
ME Commando Depot
SBS
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Corporal Luke Auld was reported missing 14 September 1942 during an SBS operation in Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war. He escaped from captivity via Switzerland, the report of his interview there being dated 24 September 1943. Post war member of the Commando Association from Aintree, Liverpool.
BLACK, Graeme Delamere
Captain
106240
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Military Cross (MC)
Executed
Captain Graeme Black DSO, MC, was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven Commandos of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
BLISSETT, Harry Harold
Major
90331
No 4 Independent Company
No 2 Commando
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Harry Harold Blissett served as a Captain in No 4 Independent Company and No 2 Commando. He was appointed Brigade Major in the 1st Special Service Bde in preparation for DDay. In 1945 he received a MiD for gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe[1].
Source
BLYTHE, William
Known as:
Bill
Lance Corporal
2930644
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal William Blythe, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on Motor Launch ML 177 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.
Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Birkenhead.
BROOME, Richard Frank
Known as:
Dickie
Captain
85468
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Richard Broome, OC 5 troop, died during operations at Salerno, Italy. He was originally buried on the forward slope of Dragone Hill. Son of Geoffrey and Ethel Broome; husband of Desiree L. M. Broome, of Rake, Hampshire; father of Angela.
BROWN, Louis Walter
Known as:
Ben
Sergeant
2929147
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant Louis Walter 'Ben' Brown, aged 24 and from Liverpool, served in 5 Troop and took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Embarking on board HMS Campbeltown, he was wounded during the raid and reported missing, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association.
Sources
Sources
BURKE, Edward
Known as:
Tiny
Sergeant
2929845
No 2 Commando
1st Bn. Liverpool Scottish / Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Edward 'Tiny' Burke, from Kirkdale Liverpool, enlisted into the 1st Bn Liverpool Scots TA, Queens Own Cameron Highlanders. His civil occupation had been a Driver.
- 23 April 1941 after volunteering for the Independent Companies he was posted to No 4 Independent Company and later took part in the landings at Bodo Norway as part of Scissors Force.
CHEETHAM, John Frederick
Known as:
Jack
Corporal
2930999
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Corporal John 'Jack' Cheetham, 5 Troop, was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown. Post war resided Halewood, Merseyside.
Sources
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/48.
COPLAND, William Oranmore
Major
50169
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
South Lancashire Regiment
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Major William Copland was second in command of No 2 Commando. He had previously served with No 4 Independent Company. Major Copland was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. Subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished service.
Recommendation
COX, Hugh Wilfred
Private
2931801
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish QOCH
Private Hugh Cox, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942
DAY, Stanley Ambrose
Captain
70873
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Royal Corps of Signals
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Stanley Day, adjutant of No 2 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot, the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of Lt. Col. Newman's HQ party on board MGB 314 and was taken prisoner after the raid. He was held at Oflag 9A/H at Spangenberg, Germany.
DOUGLAS, Edward
Known as:
Ted
Corporal
292793
No 2 Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Edward Douglas , 5 troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field. He was one of the Commando contingent on board Motor Launch ML 177 for Operation Chariot, and one of only five men from those who landed at St Nazaire, that evaded capture and escaped through France back to the UK.
GWYNNE, John Edward Herbert
Private
2929834
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John Gwynne, 5 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action [1][1a]. He had embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown and received a posthumous Mention in Despatches [2][3].
Recommendation
HOLT, Frederick
Known as:
Fred
Corporal
2929875
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish QOCH
Corporal Frederick Holt, 5 troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942 [1]. He was initially reported missing in action until it was discovered he had been taken prisoner [2][2a][2b]. He was transported to Stalag 383 at Hohenfels Germany [3].
HOMER, Levi
Known as:
Leo
Lance Corporal
2930668
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Levi Homer, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 457 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war. Known as Leo Homer by some, his true name was Levi Homer.
Articles in the Liverpool Echo 2nd, 6th, and 18th May 1942.
HONEY, Peter
Private
2930015
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Private Peter Honey, 5 troop, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was one of the Commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown. Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Recommendation
HOOPER, Richard Henry
Known as:
Dickie
Captain
70956
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Military Cross (MC)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Captain Richard Hooper was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during operations at Scaletta Sicily, during which he was wounded [1][2].
Recommendation
"Operation 'Blackcock' Sicily 16th August 1943.
HUGHES, William Armsted
Known as:
Bladder
Private
2929408
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private William Hughes, 5 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML177.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/43.
HURST, Ernest
Known as:
Ernie, seen elsewhere as Edward
Private
2931768
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Hurst, 5 Troop, was one of the Commando contingent emba
JOHNSON-HOUGHTON, Joseph Blundell
Known as:
HOUGHTON, Joseph
Captain
130206
No 2 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Military Cross (MC)
Executed
Captain Joseph Blundell Johnson-Houghton MC was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. Generally referred to as Joseph Houghton as the family often used the shortened surname of 'Houghton'.
JONES, Colin
Sergeant
2931662
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Colin Jones, 5 troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service at St Nazaire.
Recommendation
LOWSON, Robert Charles
Known as:
Bob
Sergeant
2929977
SAS
No 4 Independent Company
No 2 Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Robert Lowson was awarded the Military Medal serving with 1st S.A.S., Army Air Corps.
Recommendation
MARTIN, Robert George
Known as:
Twim
Private
2930946
No 4 Independent Company
2nd Bn Liverpool Scottish QOCH
Died on active service
Private Robert Martin was accidentally shot and killed returning from the British Expedition to Norway (Scissors Force). Buried at sea. Son of Robert and Margaret Martin, of Liverpool.
MCALLISTER, Kenneth
Known as:
Ken Mac
Company Sergeant Major
2929412
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Troop Sergeant Major Kenneth McAllister spent several years of his childhood in America in the Southern states as his father worked in the Cotton trade. He was a fine amateur boxer. His occupation pre war was as a Cotton Clerk.
Service
MCCORMACK, Thomas
Known as:
Tom
Private
2930404
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas McCormack, 5 troop No 2 Commando, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed as having died on 11 April 1942 of wounds received during the raid. He was a prisoner of war in a German Naval Hospital at the time of his death. Part of Captain Roy's Assault Team who embarked on HMS Campbeltown.
MORGAN, Richard Fuller
Lieutenant (later Major)
105100
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment and Royal Ulster Rifles
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Richard Morgan, 2 Troop, was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on 28 March 1942 during Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire.
Embarking on Motor Launch ML262 he commanded a small protection party and was captured after the raid [1][2][2a][2b][3].
Recommendation
Embarking on Motor Launch ML262 he commanded a small protection party and was captured after the raid [1][2][2a][2b][3].
Recommendation
MOSS, Alan
WO1 Regimental Sergeant Major
2930992
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Regimental Sergeant Major Alan Moss, HQ 2 Commando, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea after being shot. He embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 267 and received a posthumous Mention in Despatches.
MURDOCH, Sydney Wallace John
Known as:
Syd
Private
2929161
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Sydney Murdoch, 5 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. Embarked for the raid on MGB 314.
- Private Murdoch from Liverpool was a former employee of Liverpool Corporation Transport Department.*
Sources
PEACHEY, Frederick
Known as:
Fred
Lance Sergeant
3654154
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
South Lancashire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Lance Sergeant Frederick Peachey from Warrington served with the Independent Companies and No 2 Commando.
- 27 December 1941 Pte. Peachey was one of the No.2 Commando detachment who took part in Operation Archery at Vaagso.
PROCTOR, John David
Lieutenant/later Colonel
117903
No 2 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Second Lieutenant John Proctor received his commission into the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (1st Liverpool Scottish) on the 10th February 1940.
PROUT, Charles Leslie
Known as:
'Les' and 'Jed'
Private
2929485
No 4 Independent Company
Middle East Commando
SAS
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Army Air Corps
Service: No.4 independent Company; 1 Special Service Bn; embarked for Malta with Force 'X' serving alongside the SBS; 'A' Squadron Middle East Commando; joined 1st SAS for a short period before transferring to the Parachute Regiment; wounded 18 September 1944 with Paras at Arnhem (Operation Market Garden).
Sources
RAISBECK, Robert Douglas Grant
Known as:
Bob
Corporal
2930958
No 4 Independent Company
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (Liverpool Scottish)
Corporal Robert Raisbeck was reported missing, later found to have been taken prisoner of war on 30 July 1941.He served with No.4 Independent Company and 'B' Company No.1 Special Service Battalion (later No.2 Commando).
RANDALL, Donald Charles
Lance Sergeant
2929382
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Lance Sergeant Donald Randall, 5 troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942 [1][4][5].
Wounded and prisoner of war. [2][3][3a]. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [4].
Recommendation
RENNIE, Jim
Known as:
Jim
Lance Sergeant
2930597
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Sergeant Jim Rennie, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 177 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Taken prisoner after the raid he was later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.
Sources
St. Nazaire Society website.
ROBERTS, Harold
Known as:
Aggs
Lance Corporal
2931676
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish QOCH
Lance Corporal Harold Roberts, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942. He was wounded and taken prisoner of war.
ROGERS, Joseph Gerard Anthony
Known as:
Joe
Lance Sergeant
2933493
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Joseph Rogers, 5 troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Spilje Albania on 28/29 July 1944.
Recommendation
Military Medal (Immediate) Spilje Bay, Albania, Operation Healing 2.
ROY, Donald William
Captain
88495
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Private Donald William Roy, a Cadet of the Fettes College Contingent Junior Division O.T.C., received his commission into the Liverpool Scots TA on the 17th June 1939.
Lieutenant Roy was mobilised in August 1939 and posted to the 2nd Battalion. From there he volunteered for the Independent Companies and was posted to No 3 Platoon, No 4 Independent Company.
SHERMAN, Thomas
Known as:
Tom
Troop Sergeant Major (later Lt Col RM Reserve)
3772771
No 2 Commando
RM Reserve
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Reserve Decoration (RD)
Tom Sherman volunteered for the Independent Companies and was posted to No.4 Ind. Coy. He took part in Scissorforce, the North West Expeditionary Force in Norway, and after joining No.
STEWART, John Alexander
Lance Corporal
2931169
No 2 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal John Stewart, 5 troop, was fatally wounded during operations at Dragone Hill, Salerno, Italy, and died on way to the Regimental Aid Post He was then buried by 41 RM Commando. Son of John and Francis Stewart, of Clubmoor, Liverpool.
SUMNER, Frank
Lance Corporal
2930811
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Frank Sumner, 5 Troop, 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. Post war served in Germany with Border Control for a period.
VANDERWERVE, John Edward
Lieutenant
117921
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant John Vanderwerve, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He was officer in charge of a protection squad for a demolition team embarked on motor launch ML 306. Lieutenant Vanderwerve, who got engaged only 3 months before his death, has no known grave.
WALL, John
Lance Sergeant
3654742
No 5 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales Volunteers)
Member and later chairman of the General Committee of the Commando Association 1995 - 2005.
Sources
Commando Association newsletters 90, 95, 101, 118, 119.
[Image] Cropped from image in Gallery provided by his son Steve Wall.
WHEELAN, George Leslie
Known as:
Les
Private
2930965
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish QOCH
Private Les Wheelan, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942. He was reported missing after the raid, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner. He was transported to Stalag 344 (V111b) Lamsdorf, Poland.
WILCOCK, Richard
Known as:
Dick
Lance Corporal
2931468
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Richard Wilcock, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner he was later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.
WILKES, Frederick
Known as:
Fred
Private
2931680
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Frederick Wilkes, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner he was later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.
Sources
St Nazaire Society website.
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