50ME Commando

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'Layforce'

Three UK based Army Commando units, Nos. 7, 8, and 11 Commandos, were combined within 'Force Z' for operations initially envisaged against Rhodes in the Eastern Mediterranean.  Other elements of the Force included a number of men from No.3 Commando and the Canoe section of No.8 (Guards) Commando. They departed from the Isle of Arran on the 31st January 1941, and arrived at Suez on the 7th March.

'Middle East Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit'

The Middle East 'Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit' came into being mid December 1940 and was formally established at Geneifa beside the Great Bitter Lake under the command of Major D.W. Melville MC on 25 January 1941.
Its role was to provide training and reinforcements for 50, 51, and 52 Commandos who were all deployed at the time, and also as a Holding Unit for Commandos.
 

'Volunteers from Spain, 50 ME Commando'

Nominal Roll of Spanish volunteers attested into The Queen's Royal Regiment and attached to No.50 Middle East Commando before joining 'D' Battalion of Layforce. Many were prisoners of war after Crete 2 June 1941. Click on names for more. (this is a work in progress).
 
Sources
Queen's Royal Regiment Records.
War Office, Prisoners of War Lists, WW2, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
*Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34, 35, 45, and 69

50ME Commando nominal roll

There is no known official nominal roll of all who were attached from their respective regiments to this commando unit. They were often listed on documents such as Casualty Records as still being with their regiment. As such where no entry is shown in the archive, families and others should apply for a copy of the service record which will show any commando attachment. Once a copy of the record is provided his name can be included below.

ADDICOTT, Horace Lindsey

Trooper
322200
50ME Commando
Warwickshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
25-28 February 1941 escaped after Operation Abstention at Kastellorizo.
24 October 1942 wounded Middle East.
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Kingstanding, Birmingham. 
Member of the former Middle East Commando Historical Research Group (MECHRG).
 

ALBALADEJO, Alexander

Private
13808266
6100503
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Alexander Albaladejo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been wounded, captured and later transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources

ALORCON GOMEZ, C.

Private
6100501
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal (West Surrey) Regiment
Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn. Layforce.
Service timeline
24.11.1940 embarked Egypt.
25.11.1940 disembarked Crete.
23.02.1941 granted W.T.P.P. and embarked for Egypt.
24.02.1941 disembarked Egypt.
24.03.1941 posted 'D' Bn., Layforce.

ALVAREZ, Jose

Corporal
6100504
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Jose Alvarez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..

ANDREWS, William

Sergeant
6397511
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Sergeant William Andrews was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bow, London.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

ARCHER, C.D.

Private
4855929
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Private Archer was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23.
50 Me Cdo Casualty List 25th-28th Feb. 1941 in Crete - Ref. GRO2E/1188/69C / National Archives WO 361/124.
 

ASENJO, A.

Private
6100502
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Private Asenjo was a Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn. Layforce taking part in operations at Crete. Evacuated to Egypt from Crete.
Service timeline:
23.08.1940 posted 50 (ME) Commando.
24.11.1940 embarked for Crete.
25.11.1940 disembarked Crete.

BAIRD, John William

Trooper
295210
Middle East Commando
Life Guards Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper John Baird, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/94 (1945).

BARDENAS, R.

Private
6100506
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Private Bardenas was a Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn. Layforce taking part in operations at Crete. Evacuated to Egypt from Crete.
Service timeline:
23.08.1940 posted 50 (ME) Commando.
24.11.1940 posted to Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit.
28.03.1941 posted 'D' Bn., Layforce.

BARNETT, William Henry

Fusilier
6459325
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
William Henry Barnett enlisted into the Armed Forces on 23 November 1936. Fusilier Barnett, 50 Middle East Commando ('D' Battalion, Layforce), was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, subsequently confirmed prisoner of war. He escaped twice during captivity but was recaptured each time.

BARROSO, Montiano

Served as : 
Surname seen elsewhere as Banoso and Banosa
Lance Sergeant
6100505
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment

Lance Sergeant Montiano Barroso, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..

BATE, James Howard

Corporal
553100
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Bate was reported missing presumed drowned whilst attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. Corporal Bate joined the Commando on 15 October 1940 and has no known grave. Son of James William and Minnie Jane Bate.
Report by Trooper Weston

BENTLEY, William Walter

Lance Corporal
6398096
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal Bentley, 50 Middle East Commando, was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war. He was captured on 28 February 1941.

BLACKBURN, Thomas

Trooper
321988
50ME Commando
Cheshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Thomas Blackburn was reported missing presumed drowned during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave.
Report by Tpr Weston

BLAKE, Dennis Lester

Corporal
295168
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Household Cavalry Regiment
Dennis Lester Blake from Morden, Surrey, enlisted 19 November 1936. Corporal Blake was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/93 (1945).

BLASCO, Vicente

Lance Corporal
6100545
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Vicente Blasco was a Spanish volunteer who enlisted on 9 September 1940. Lance Corporal Blasco, No.50 Middle East Commando, attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war since 1 June 1941.
 
Sources

BOAST, Edward Albert

Corporal
6457716
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Edward Boast from Walthamstow, London, enlisted 1 January 1934. Corporal Boast was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BORWICK, Michael George

Temporary Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
64017
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots Greys, Royal Armoured Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
  • 25 February 1941, Kastelorizzo, Captain, 50 Middle East Commando, engaged in Operation Abstention [1].
  • 28 March 1941, Geneifa, Captain, 'C' Company, 'D' Bn., Layforce [2].

BOYLE, Peter, J.

Fusilier
6458472
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Peter Boyle was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BRAVO, Jose

Private
6100551
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Jose Bravo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.

BRITTAIN, E.

Private
4746370
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment

Private Brittain, attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26 and WO417/91.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.

BRITTON, Joseph

Lance Corporal
4745313
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
'D' Bn., Layforce. PoW Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31 and 95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and 11.

BROWN, J.

Lance Corporal
305201
50ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Lance Corporal J. Brown was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands [1][1a][1b]. 
  • 1944 reported no longer a prisoner of war [2].

Sources

BULLEN, John

Private
6398836
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private John Bullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BUSBY, John Henry

Corporal
4743550
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment 2nd Bn.
Died on war service

Corporal John Busby from Hull was reported in the Casualty Lists as attached to 'D' Bn Layforce [1] at the time of his death through illness in the Middle East [2][3].

CARMONA, Miguel

Private
6100553
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Miguel Carmona, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.

CASTELLANO PORDO, Francisco

Also seen as: 
CASTELLANO, Francisco
Private
6100507
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day and from then until liberation in 1945 a prisoner of war. On 30 May 1945 he listed his address as c/o Miss E. Woodbridge, 30 Bristol Avenue, Lancing, Sussex.

CEVANTES, Santiago

Also seen as: 
CERVANTES, Santiago
Private
6100546
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Santiago Cevantes, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day and a prisoner of war until liberation in 1945.

CHAPMAN, Alfred James

Lance Corporal
875020
50ME Commando
British Military Mission 204
Royal Artillery
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
1937 attested into the Royal Artillery [1].
27 March 1938 transferred to Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment [1].
29 May 1941 wounded during operations in Crete whilst attached to Layforce [2].
50 Middle East Commando [3].

CHIVERS, Frederick James

Lance Corporal
5107918
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Frederick Chivers from London enlisted 28 August 1933. Lance Corporal Chivers attached to 50 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/94.

CLETO, Sanchez

Private
6100554
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Sanchez Cleto, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/20.

COCHRANE, Archibald Leman

Captain
136278
'Layforce'
Royal Army Medical Corps
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Professor Archibald Cochrane, CBE, MB, FRCP, was the Medical Officer of 'D' Bn. Layforce (50 and 52 Middle East Commandos). He was taken prisoner of war during operations at Crete continuing his work as a Doctor in the prison camps.

COLLINS, R.

Sergeant
2928399
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant Collins was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23.
50 Me Cdo Casualty List 25th-28th Feb. 1941 in Crete - Ref. GRO2E/1188/69C / National Archives WO361/124.
 

COOK, Frank Brent

Fusilier
6458666
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Frank Cook was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941. Released from military service 18 September 1945. Resided in 1948 at Muswell Hill, London.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)

CROSSAN, William George

Trooper
410677
50ME Commando
1st Royal Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
William George Crossan from Canada enlisted into the Armed Forces on 26 October 1937, civil occupation Motor Mechanic. Trooper Crossan, 50 Middle East Commando, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported prisoner of war.

DARBY, Arthur Claude

Corporal
408910
50ME Commando
The Royals, Royal Armoured Corps
Corporal Arthur Darby was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association from Dunfermline, Fife.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/34, and WO417/92.

DENNIS, V.L.

Private
5951155
50ME Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment 1st Bn
Private Dennis, 50 Middle East Commando, was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo [1][2]. 
  • 21 November 1941 (1st Bn. Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment) wounded Western Desert [3].

Sources

DEVINE, J

Sergeant
2818270
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Sergeant Devine attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce was wounded 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
 
Notes

DIAZ, Juan

Corporal
6100509
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Juan Diaz, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][2][3].
Extracts from WO344/91/1 [3].
10.08.1940 enlisted, former trade Carpenter.

DOWLING, William George

Private
5500848
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment

William George Dowling was a Fishmonger from New Milton, Hampshire, prior to enlisting on 24 April 1939. Private William Dowling was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war 

DREWITT, Glanville

Private
3959808
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment

Private Glanville Drewitt, 52 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He also served in 50 Middle East Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association, London Branch.

EDWARDS, Harry

Fusilier
6458488
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.

Fusilier Harry Edwards was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

ENGLAND, Leslie Frank

Trooper
552907
50ME Commando
Life Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds

Trooper Leslie England was reported missing later presumed killed in action during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Arthur England and of Mary Ann England, of Cheylesmore, Coventry [1][1a][1b]. 

FAJARDO, Joaquin

Private
6100512
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Joaquin Fajardo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured the previous day and a prisoner of war until liberated in 1945. He had enlisted 14 August 1940, civil occupation Farmer.

FARMER, H.

Private
4746551
50ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment 2nd Bn.

Private Farmer was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (Operation Abstention), later found to be a prisoner of war. 

FELLOWES, Hubert, H.

Corporal
5497866
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Hubert Fellowes was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

FILMER, Ronald

Corporal
7343128
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Corporal Ronald Filmer was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

FOX, Harold

Trooper (Signalman)
323225
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
North Somerset Yeomanry
Royal Corps of Signals
Harold Fox, a Furniture Salesman from Somerset, enlisted as a Trooper in the North Somerset Yeomanry 3 April 1939. At some stage after this he is transferred to the Royal Signals. He was captured 1 June 1941 whilst in 50 Middle East Commando and deployed to Crete as 'D' Bn., Layforce. 
 
Sources

FOX-DAVIES, Harley Edmond Fitzroy

Captain (Acting Major)
39436
50ME Commando
52ME Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Attached from the Durham Light Infantry to MI (R) Military Intelligence in July 1940 to assist with the setting up of Commando units in the Middle East.*
  • Second in Command of No.50 Middle East Commando July 1940*.

FRAILI, G.T.

Also seen as: 
FRAILE, Thomas
Private
6100513
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Thomas Fraili (Fraile), a Student from Benavides de Orbigs, Leon, Spain, volunteered for the British Army after fighting in the Spanish Civil War. He was attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce. Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day. Prisoner of war until liberated in 1945. 

FRANCO, Thomas

Also seen as: 
FRANCO GARCIA, Thomas
Private
6100511
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Enlisted 13 July 1940. Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce. Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured 1 June 1941. Escaped 28 March 1945 at Georgenthal, Germany. Wounded in left shoulder whilst fighting with Parisans. Civil occupation Baker. Home address Zaragoza, Spain.
 

GALERA, Enrique

Also seen as: 
GALERA RAFOLI, Enrique
Corporal
6100518
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Queen's Royal Regment Records.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

GALORETTA / MANZOUOS, Luciano

Private
6100517
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34 (shown as M.L. Galoretta).

GARCIA, John

Private
6100515
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private John Garcia, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.

GERONINO, Francisco

Also seen as: 
JERONIMO, Francisco and WILLIAMS, Frank
Private
6100555
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, reported missing 2 June 1941 in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1942 he was reported no longer a prisoner.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/45.
 
Notes

GOMEZ, Seraphin

Sergeant
6100516
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Sergeant Seraphin Gomez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Service timeline*
23.08.1940 appointed Acting Corporal.
17.09.1940 appointed Acting Lance Sergeant.

GREENWOOD, Jack

Corporal
4745720
50ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Jack Greenwood died during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He was initially reported missing believed drowned attempting to escape. His body was later found and identified.
 
Sources
CWGC.

HACKETT, Harry

Gunner
876593
50ME Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Harry Hackett, 50 Middle East Commando, was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo [1][2]. 
  •  Enlisted RA 1937 [3].
  • 23 March 1943 (64 Medium Regiment RA) wounded Tunisia [4].

HARDING, John Aubrey, D.H.

Lance Corporal
6457903
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal John Harding was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HARRISON, Charles, F.

Corporal
4856341
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Corporal Harrison, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HARTLEY, Christopher Lancelot

Corporal
6846173
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
9th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps (Rangers)

Corporal Christopher Hartley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32, and WO417/102.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

HARVEY, C.

Signalman (Lance Corporal)
407138
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Cheshire Yeomanry

Lance Corporal C. Harvey was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands [1][1a]. 
1943 unit and rank amended to Signalman, Royal Corps of Signals [2][2a].

HERAS, Braulio

Braulio Heras
Also seen as: 
HERAS, Bravilo
Private
13808248
6100520
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Died on war service
Private Bravlio Heras, a Spanish volunteer in 50 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died whilst a prisoner of war having been captured during operations in Crete on 2 June 1941. He is believed to have been killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C and has no known grave.
 
Sources

HERMON, Kenneth Edward

Captain
65941
'Layforce'
Durham Light Infantry
28.03.1941 Geneifa, Commanding 'A' Company of 'D' Bn Layforce
04.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete. 
 
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28/3/1941 (List of 'D' Bn Layforce Officers).
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.

HESLOP, James

Fusilier
4270540
'Layforce'
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, 1st Bn.
Fusilier James Heslop attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, 29, and 94.

HEWITT, W.

Sergeant
4858688
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment

Sergeant Hewitt, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

HIDALGO, Joseph

Private
6100557
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Joseph Hidalgo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day. Prisoner of war until liberated in 1945.

HODGSON, Albert

Lance Corporal
3597591
50ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Lance Corporal Albert Hodgson was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete; later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and 11.

HOLLINGSHEAD, Robert, W.

Corporal
6459214
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Corporal Robert Hollingshead was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A) and WO392/11 (Stalag 11B).

HUTCHINS, Gerald Thomas

Also seen as: 
HUTCHINS, Thomas Gerald
Trooper
408809
Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
1st Royal Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
04.11.1935 enlisted into the Armed Forces; civil occupation Labourer.
01.06.1941 prisoner of war during operations at Crete.
 
Sources
Dir. of Mil. Int.: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaire 1945/6 / National Archives file WO344/156/2.

IRWIN, Thomas

Private
7885134
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Thomas Irwin, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

JARY, James William

Trooper
327237
50ME Commando
Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
William James Jary enlisted on 1 September 1939, former occupation Servant. Trooper Jary, 50 Middle East Commando was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later confirmed prisoner of war since 27 February 1941.
 
Sources

JOHNSON, William Edward

Lance Corporal
4858135
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Lance Corporal William Johnson, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4D).

JOHNSTONE, Robert

Fusilier
6457594
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Robert Johnstone was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

JONES, Albert, G.W.

Fusilier
6458420
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Albert Jones was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

JONES, William

Trooper
4124972
50ME Commando
Royal Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps

William Jones from Macclesfield enlisted 2 February 1938. Trooper Jones, 50 Middle East Commando, was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later confirmed prisoner of war since 27 February 1941.

JORDA, Francisco

Also seen as: 
CORDA and FORDA
Lance Corporal
6100521
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn., Layforce. Reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 21A at Thorn, Poland.
 
Notes/Sources

KNOTT, Harry Leonard

Fusilier
6458284
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Harry Knott died during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/23.

LAKER, Jesse, A.

Trooper
410608
50ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps

Trooper Jesse Laker was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in the Middle East, later found to be a prisoner of war. On this date his Commando were engaged in operations in Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National archives files WO417/42, WO417/94.

LILLO, Julian

Private
6100558
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Julian Lillo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day. Prisoner of war until liberation in 1945. Enlisted 3 October 1940. Home address Abenojar, Cuidad Real, Spain.
 
Sources

LINSDELL, Reginald

Private
6399310
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Reginald Linsdell, 50 Middle East Commando ('D' Battalion Layforce), was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later reported no longer missing.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/34.

LLORET, Carlos

Private
6100522
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Carlos Lloret, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day. Prisoner of war until liberated in 1945. Enlisted May 1940. Home address Girona, Spain. 
 
Sources

LOCKINGTON, Arthur

Trooper
324447
50ME Commando
British Military Mission 204
Royal Armoured Corps
Died on war service
Trooper Arthur Lockington, assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2), died in Burma. He has no known grave.
 
Sources
CWGC.

LOWENTHAL, M.J., or N.

Private
4131437
50ME Commando
Cheshire Regiment 1st Bn.

Private Lowenthal was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. 
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists WO417/23.
[2] 50 Me Cdo Casualty List 25th-28th Feb. 1941 in Crete - Ref. GRO2E/1188/69C / National Archives WO361/124.

LUMBRERA, Francisco

Francesco Lumbrera 50ME Commando
Private
ME/13808250
6100524
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Francisco Lumbrera*, 50 Middle East Commando, and from Spain, died whilst a prisoner of war having been captured during operations in Crete in 1941. He has no known grave. Believed killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C Wistritz bei Teplitz,Germany. 
 
Source
CWGC.

LUNN, George Reid

Private
6286326
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
The Buffs, 1st Bn.
George Reid Lunn enlisted 27 August 1936. Lance Corporal Lunn, 52 Middle East Commando was captured 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete where his Commando formed part of 'D' Battalion, Layforce.

LYMBERY, John Graham

Lieutenant
170242
'Layforce'
Sherwood Foresters 1st Bn.
Lieutenant John Lymbery from Dulwich, London, was captured 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete whilst attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce. He remained in captivity for the rest of the war. Enlisted 20 April 1938 whilst a Medical Student at the University of London. Embarked for the Middle East.

LYON, Robert James

Guardsman (Raider)
2695458
50ME Commando
Scots Guards
02.09.1936 attested into the Scots Guards, civil occupation Labourer.
15.10.1940 posted 50 Middle East Commando.
05.03.1941 posted Depot Middle East Commando.
04.04.1941 posted to 'D' Bn., Layforce on completion of signal course.

MACDONALD, Donald

Corporal
3311070
'Layforce'
Black Watch, 2nd Bn.
Donald Macdonald, a Tailor from Scotland, enlisted on 17 October 1932. Corporal Macdonald attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was captured 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and 96.

MARIN, Basil

Sergeant
6100528
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Sergeant Basil Marin, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/37.

MARINO, Angel

Private
6100529
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Angel Marino, a Spanish volunteer from Bilbao, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. He remained at liberty in Crete for 10 months living alone in the mountains until recaptured by 2 Greek policeman. He was a prisoner for the remainder of the war. Enlisted June 1940. Formerly employed as a waiter.

MARSON, Kenneth

Private
4858831
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.

Private Kenneth Marson, 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/94
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 (Stalag 3D) and WO392/11 (Stalag 4G).

MARTINEY, Aurelio

Also seen as: 
MARTINEZ, Aurelio
Private
6100561
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce. Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war

MARTINEZ, Francisco

Private
6100548
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Francisco Martinez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/39.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.

MARTINEZ, M.

Private
6100547
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn. Layforce.
Service timeline
11.09.1940 posted 50 ME Commando.
24.11.1940 embarked Egypt.
25.11.1940 disembarked Crete.
02.12.1940 deprived 10 days pay (Sec. 40 A.A.)
15.03.1941 embarked Crete.
17.03.1941 disembarked Egypt.

MARTINEZ, Pereira

Private
6100562
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Francisco Martinez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

MATHER, James Henry

Pte James Mather 50ME Commando
Private
3960750
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Died on war service
Private James Mather was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete and later found to be a prisoner of war [1]. He had been imprisoned at Stalag 4C, a prisoner of war camp at Wistritz bei Teplitz, Sudetenland ( part of former Czechoslovakia) [2a].

MCALLISTER, H.

Private
2932951
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Private McAllister was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Repatriated to the UK in 1943.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/68.
 

MCCORMICK, John

Private
3711810
50ME Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John McCormick was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941, later presumed killed in action, during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Peter McCormick and of Annie McCormick, of Bolton, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

McEWAN, Alexander

Trooper
321151
Middle East Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Alexander McEwan was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National archives files WO417/29 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MCGIBBON, Robert Lorne

Robert Lorne McGibbon 50ME Commando
Lieutenant (later Captain)
85719
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.
1939-1940 served in Palestine before joining No.50 Middle East Commando [1][1a].
28.03.1941 Lieutenant, 'B' Company, 'D' Bn., Layforce at Geneifa [2].
__.06.1941 Lieutenant*, reported wounded and prisoner of war in Crete [3][3a][3b].

MCLEOD, J.

Corporal
3311710
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Corporal McLeod attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce was wounded 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
 
Notes
50 and 52 Middle East Commandos formed 'D' Bn., Layforce at Crete.

MEALOR, Joseph

Private
2928898
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Joseph Mealor, aged 26, was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete.

MENAS, J

Private
6100526
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, reported as a prisoner of war in German hands (in Germany) after operations in Crete 1941. In 1943 he is reported as repatriated to the UK.
 
Sources
Queen's Royal Regiment Records.

MILLER, Ean Creighton

Second Lieutenant
137263
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
King's Royal Rifle Corps
22.06.1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant [1].
28.03.1941 Second Lieutenant, 'A' Company 'D' Bn. Layforce at Geneifa [1a].
25-28.05.1941 wounded during operations at Kastellorizzo [2][2a]. 

MOTHERSOLE, H.

Trooper
319378
50ME Commando
Warwickshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Escaped after Operation Abstention at Kastellorizo.
 
Source: 
50 Me Cdo Casualty List 25th-28th Feb. 1941 in Crete - Ref. GRO2E/1188/69C / National Archives WO361/124.
 

MUNRO, George

Sergeant
3323555
No 11 Commando
50ME Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant George Munro, SBS, a veteran of the Litani River raid, died during operations on the island of Samos after leaving the Commando. Son of John J. Munro and Jeanie Munro, of Glasgow.
Service
05.1940 enlisted Highland Light Infantry.

MURPHY, Patrick Joseph

Private
3314324
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry
Private Patrick Joseph Murphy, from Waterford, Eire, was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo [1][2]. 
  • 2 June 1941 Crete, wounded and a prisoner of war [3][4][4a].
  • July 1941 - March 1942 Stalag 3D [4a].

MURRAY, Alfred

Sergeant
408834
Middle East Commando
Royal Armoured Corps

Sergeant Alfred Murray was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

MYERS, R.D.

Sergeant
50ME Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing East Bolden, County Durham.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.

NAVARRETE, Francisco

Lance Corporal
6105530
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Lance Corporal Francisco Navarrete, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

NOBLE, Arthur Frederick

Private
6397720
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Arthur Noble was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4F).

NUNN, Robert Richard

Sergeant
6457784
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Sergeant Robert Nunn from Shepherds Bush, West London, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Enlisted 2 September 1933.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and 33 (both show unit as 50ME Commando).

PATRICK, G.A., or J.

Private
4858786
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.

Private Patrick was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. 
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists WO417/23.
[2] 50 Me Cdo Casualty List 25th-28th Feb. 1941 in Crete (War Office Oct 1941) Ref. GRO2E/1188/69C.

PEMBERTON, Hugh

Hugh Pemberton 50 Middle East Commando
Private
2932594
50ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Hugh Pemberton was reported killed in action in the Western Desert.
Son of Ellen Pemberton, and stepson of Robert White, of Liverpool.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.

POLLARD, Jack Kenneth Verdon

Trooper
323901
50ME Commando
Cheshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Jack Pollard was reported missing presumed drowned attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Frank and Clara Agnes Pollard, of Altrincham, Cheshire.
Member of the Salford Harriers before the war.

POSTILLO, Rafael

Lance Corporal
6100531
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Lance Corporal Rafael Postillo was a Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn., Layforce. He was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/20.

POUCHER, William

Private
4856898
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private William Poucher, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

REDONDO, J.

Private
6100533
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Pioneer Corps
Private Redondo was a Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn. Layforce taking part in operations at Crete. Evacuated to Egypt from Crete.
Service 
24.11.1940 embarked Egypt.
25.11.1940 disembarked Crete.
23.02.1941 granted W.T.P.P.
15.03.1941 embarked Crete.

ROBINSON, George Edgar

George Robinson 50 Middle East Commando
Trooper
408973
50ME Commando
Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper George Robinson was reported missing presumed drowned whilst attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of George Edgar Robinson and of Jessie Robinson, of Dundee.
Report by Trooper Weston

ROSE, Stephen Murfin

Major (later Lieutenant Colonel)
67108
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Stephen Rose joined the Middle East Commando when it began to form at Geneifa in August 1940. He later became second in command of No.50 Middle East Commando [1]. 
28 March 1941 appointed second in command of 'D' Bn., Layforce when it was formed at Geneifa [2].

ROUGH, Thomas

Private
4861701
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Thomas Rough, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/314/293.

SADD, Albert Norman

Lance Sergeant
2323946
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Lance Sergeant Albert Sadd was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/3, errata in WO417/54.

SADDLER, Thomas

Trooper
548685
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment

Trooper Thomas Saddler, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/92 (1945).

SANCHEZ, Manuel

Private
6100534
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Manuel Sanchez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.

SHARMAN, Richard

Lance Sergeant
4910237
50ME Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Richard Sharman was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941, later presumed killed in action, during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Lilian Licence, of Derby.
 
Sources
CWGC.

SHEEHY, Richard, W.

Lance Corporal
5884521
50ME Commando
Warwickshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Richard Sheehy was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23  and WO417/94.

SHELTON, Leslie

Lance Corporal
4802003
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals

Lance Corporal Leslie Shelton was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war.

SLADE, William Henry

Private
6088319
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment West Surrey
Private William Slade was reported missing and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Sussex.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/30.

SMITH, Alexander

Private
4123499
50ME Commando
Cheshire Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Alexander Smith, 1st Bn. Cheshire Regiment attached 50 Middle East Commando, was wounded between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo [1][2]. 
  • 5 June 1942 (2nd Bn. Cheshire Regt.) reported prisoner of war Western Desert [3][4].

SMITH, John

Lance Corporal
295308
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Lance Corporal John Smith, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/32, WO417/94.

SMITH, Michael Arnold

Second Lieutenant
143725
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Michael Smith was reported wounded and missing between 25 and 28 February 1941, later presumed killed in action, during operations against the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Harry Neville Smith and of Winifred Mary Smith, of Sutton, Surrey.
 

SQUIER, Herbert Cecil

Corporal
2564989
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Corporal Herbert Squier was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/31 (Stalag 8A).
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

STEVENS, A. Kenneth

Fusilier
6201511
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Stevens was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4F).

STEVENSON, Joseph

Lance Corporal
4857910
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Lance Corporal Joseph Stevenson, 50 ME Commando attached 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association (Leeds Branch).
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

STEWART, W.S.

Corporal
2754796
50ME Commando
Black Watch
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal W.S. Stewart was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands [1][1a][1b]. 
1943 reported no longer a prisoner of war [2].

STOCKS, Joseph William

Private
4746205
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private Joseph Stocks was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war date of capture 9 June 1941*.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/26, 31, and 93.

SWINBURN, Arthur

Arthur Swinburn DCM
Warrant Officer 2 Company Sergeant Major
4855159
368088
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment & Royal Pioneer Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Arthur Swinburn enlisted into the Leicestershire Regiment on 24th November 1928 for 9 years, and then a further 3 years in Reserve, before volunteering for the Commandos in 1940 [1].

TALBOT, Dennis Gifford

Signalman
2324031
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Dennis Talbot was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to have been captured 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

TAYLOR, Alfred George

Lance Corporal
3311847
50ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Alfred Taylor died during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. Son of Alfred and Jessie Taylor, of Buckpool, Banffshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/23.

TAYLOR, George

Trooper
548993
50ME Commando
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Tank Corps
Trooper George Taylor was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported prisoner of war.
  • 5 January 1929 attested into the Royal Tank Corps serving additionally with the 8th Hussars and 9th Lancers.
Sources

TAYLOR, Graham Cecil Gordon

Temporary Captain
74627
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Graham Taylor was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations in Crete. He has no known grave. Son of Colonel H. W. Taylor, O.B.E., and Mrs. E. M. Taylor, of St. Minver, Cornwall.

TAYLOR, Stanley Benjamin

Stanley Bernard Taylor 50 ME Commando
Sergeant
2657671
50ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Sergeant Stanley Taylor from Hull was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 50 and 52 Middle East Commandos formed 'D' Battalion of Layforce for this operation. Prior service in Palestine with the Coldstream Guards. Received the General Service Medal (Palestine Clasp).
 

TORRALBO, Miguil

Private
6100538
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Miguil Torralbo, a Spanish farmer who volunteered for the British Army in Egypt, was attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce and reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day and a prisoner of war. Enlisted 5 October 1940. Civil occupation Farmer.
 
Sources

TRILL, Jaime

Private
6100540
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Jaime Trill, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35.

TRUSTY, Robert George

Robert George Trusty, Layforce
Also seen as: 
TRUSTY, George Robert
Private
4858686
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment, 2nd Bn.
Robert Trusty enlisted 4 April 1938 as a regular soldier in the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. Served in Palestine, later volunteered for the Middle East Commandos.

TUNSTALL, Francis Barnard

Private
6400012
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Francis Tunstall was reported missing presumed drowned attempting to escape the enemy during operations on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo. He has no known grave. Son of Sydney Charles and Alice Louise Tunstall; grandson of Alice Short, of Plymouth.
Report by Trooper Weston

TURNER, Edward

Corporal
5496525
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Corporal Turner was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
 

WALDOCK, Harold Frank

Private
5497482
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Harold Frank Waldock enlisted 18 November 1935, civil trade Cook. Corporal Waldock, 50 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete later found to be a prisoner of war.

WALKER, John

Corporal
50ME Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association from Market Harborough, Leics.

Sources
Commando Association newsletters 93 and obituaries in 101 (1995).

WESTON, Richard John

Trooper (later Lance Sergeant)
323119
50ME Commando
Cheshire Yeomanry / Durham Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Richard Weston, 9th Bn., Durham Light Infantry, was killed in action 16 July 1943 at Sicily. Previously served in 50 Middle East Commando. Son of Clement and Sarah J. Weston, of Didsbury, Manchester [1][1a]. 

WILLIAMS, Albert Ivor

Trooper
553121
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper Albert Williams, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/93 (1945).

WILLIAMS, George James

Fusilier
6465623
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
George James Williams, a Glass Blower from London, enlisted 1 October 1939. Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

WILLIAMS, Hubert

Lance Corporal
325648
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Cheshire Yeomanry
Royal Corps of Signals
Lance Corporal Hubert Williams, 50 Middle East Commando attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941, later confirmed a prisoner of war, during operations in Crete. Prior to enlisting in April 1939 he was employed as a Stockkeeper.
 
Sources

WILLIAMSON, Charles Edward Filling

Acting Lance Corporal
4855100
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Lance Corporal Charles Edward Filling Williamson, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

WILSON, Arthur

Trooper
409682
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Arthur Wilson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31, WO417/32, WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1.

WOOD, Wilfred Edward

Lance Corporal
4747183
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Lance Corporal Wilfred Wood was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association. Emigrated to Australia.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/26, 31, and 93.

YOUNG, George Alan Dawson

Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
23734
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Royal Engineers
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel George Alan Dawson Young R.E., was the Commanding Officer of 50 Middle East Commando until November 1940 when he assumed  command of 52 Middle East Commando after its former commanding officer, Harry Fox-Davies, was taken ill.

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