52ME 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

52ME Commando

The Middle East Commando began to form at Geneifa in August 1940.
No.52 ME Commando formed up on 2 November 1940. 
Nos. 50 and 52 ME Commando merged to form 'D' Bn. Layforce at Geneifa on 28 March 1941.
'D' Bn. Layforce Operations included the rearguard action on Crete. 
Between September and December 1941 decisions were being made to disband them and create a new Commando. 
Reformed in January 1942 as Squadrons of a new Middle East Commando operating primarily with the 8th Army in North Africa.

ABDALE, Edward

Corporal
2656404
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Corporal Edward Abdale from Birmingham was reported missing 2 June 1941 in Crete, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. Liberated 1945. Medically discharged from service 4 March 1946. Conduct exemplary.
 
Sources

ADAMS, W.T.

Company Quartermaster Sergeant (later Captain)
52ME Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association from Colchester, Essex

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 120.

ADAMSON, Alexander Naismith

Lance Corporal
2754001
ME Commando Depot
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal Alexander Adamson, Depot Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Glasgow.
 
Sources

BAIRD, John William

Trooper
295210
Middle East Commando
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).

BANWELL, Keith Demer

Keith Tex Banwell
Sergeant
5498293
22290927
52ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Parachute Regiment
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Later joined the Long Range Desert Group (SAS) [1][4].
25 September 1944 reported missing believed prisoner of war at Arnhem whilst serving in the 10th Bn. Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps [2]. 

BEAUMONT, William Blair

Private
2756409
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Died on war service
Private William Beaumont, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died in Germany whilst a prisoner of war. He had been reported missing on 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Son of Alex and Margaret Pearce Beaumont, of Cardenden, Fife.
 

BOND, Edward Alfred

Second Lieutenant
170240
'Layforce'
Sherwood Foresters

28.03.1941 Geneifa, Second Lieutenant 'A' Company of 'D' Bn Layforce
---.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.

BOWEN, Alfred Leighton

Alfred Leighton Bowen
Trooper
318358
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
North Somerset Yeomanry
1938 joined the North Somerset Yeomanry rank Trooper. 
20 February 1940 arrive in Palestine with his Regiment.
March 1940 injury to knee from horse kick.
August 1940 posted to Air Defence Operations Room at Haifa *.

BOYLE, Richard

Captain (later Temporary Major)
64612
'Layforce'
Black Watch
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Major Richard Boyle MC, 1st Battalion Black Watch, died during operations at the River Rhine crossing [1][1a].
Layforce
  • 28.03.1941, Captain, Commander 'D' Company, 'D' Bn. Layforce at Geneifa [2].

BRADLEY, John Stanton

Guardsman
2659428
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman John Bradley, a Journalist born in Margate Kent, was attested into the Coldstream Guards on 23 October 1939 aged 26.  Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 344 in Poland. 
 

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. 

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.

BURTON, William John

Temporary Captain
63868
'Layforce'
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
York and Lancaster Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
28 March 1941, Geneifa, 'C' Company Commander, 'D' Bn., Layforce.
June 1941 Prisoner of war during operations at Crete. Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.
 
Sources

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].

CALLAGHAN, Hugh

Private (later Sergeant)
6296107 and 22296607
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Royal Signals
Private Hugh Callaghan served with 52 Middle East Commando and 'D' Bn., Layforce from 1 November 1940 until 7 June 1941. During that period his commando were deployed to Sudan and Crete.

CASSIDY, Philip

Private
3312715
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Philip Cassidy was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CATTLE, Arthur

Private
4800320
52ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 2nd Bn.

Arthur Cattle from Lincoln enlisted into the Armed Forces on 6 June 1935. Private Cattle, 52ME Commando was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete as part of 'D' Bn., Layforce, later confirmed a prisoner of war.

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.

COLEMAN, Nicholas John

Lance Corporal
2656171
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal Nicholas Coleman, M.M.,  was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4B in Germany [1][2]. 

COOK, George, M.

Lance Corporal
2754904
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal George Cook was reported missing 1 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.

COUTTS, John Davies

Corporal
4746052
52ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Corporal John Coutts was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during his escape from a Prisoner of War Ca

CRAIG, Robert, P.

Private
3311330
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Robert Craig was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1943 he is reported repatriated and no longer a prisoner.
 
Sources

CROOK, Roy Joseph

Sergeant
776642
52ME Commando
North Somerset Yeomanry
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Sergeant Roy Joseph Crook * was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation
Crete

CROSS, Walter

Guardsman
2658849
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman Walter Cross from Hull was reported wounded and missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a][3].

CULLEN, John

Private
2756121
52ME Commando
Black Watch

Private John Cullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

DENHOLM, Robert

Trooper
403856
52ME Commando
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Robert Denholm from Inveresk was reported missing during operations at Crete, later found to be a  prisoner of war. He was a Reservist who was called up at the outbreak of war.
 
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

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.

EATON-HALL, John Henry

Lieutenant (later Major)
138376
52ME Commando
North Somerset Yeomanry
Warwickshire Yeomanry

27.07.1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, North Somerset Yeomanry [1].
13.03.1943 Lieutenant Warwickshire Yeomanry [2].
Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Hastings, Sussex. Final rank shown as Major [3].

ELLISTON, Roland Desmond

Roland Elliston 52 ME Commando
Private
5949114
52ME Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Roland Desmond Elliston, a farm worker from Colchester, Essex, enlisted into the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment on 1 July 1936. Served in Palestine; awarded the General Service Medal Palestine Clasp March 1940.

FERGUSON, William Watson

Guardsman
2696113
52ME Commando
Scots Guards
07.07.1938 enlisted Scots Guards.
01.11.1940 posted 52 Middle East Commando.
05.01.1941 wounded in action (gunshot wound to hand) Sudan.
26.04.1941 posted 'B' Bn., Layforce.
15.05.1941 posted 'D' Bn., Layforce.

FLAHERTY, Robert Henry

Trooper
409352
No 8 Commando
52ME Commando
Special Service Detachment 2
Dragoons
Post war member of the Burma Star Association and the Commando Association residing in California, USA.
 
Sources
Addendum to Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 89 (1989).

FLOOD, Joseph Patrick

Private
4919364
52ME Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Joseph Flood, 52 Middle East Commando, died of wounds during operations in Eritrea. Son of Joseph and Mary Flood, of Rochdale, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

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*.

FURNIVAL, William Roy McGarry

Sergeant
2928615
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant William Roy McGarry Furnival was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Hampshire.
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/30. 

GANDER, D.

Corporal
554196
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment

Corporal Gander was wounded on 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26. 
 

GREEN, D.

Lance Corporal
6803656
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Staffordshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Green was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. His commando formed part of 'D' Bn., Layforce for this operation.
 
Sources

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.

HARRISON, Ronnie

Lance Sergeant
2695905
52ME Commando
Scots Guards 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Ronnie Harrison, 'C' Company, died during a night attack against the enemy positions on the Gondor Road about 15 miles behind the enemy lines in Abyssinia. 
Son of Albert and Rose Annie Harrison, of Farsley, Yorkshire.

HASLAM, Roy

Lance Corporal (later Sergeant)
2319382
51ME Commando
52ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Posted from the Middle East Commandos to the Indian Long Range Squadron on its formation in 1942.

HAYE, James

Private
2754870
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Haye was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D in Germany.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (HAYE).

HEBBLEWHITE, Arthur

Trooper
324112
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Arthur Hebblewhite 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

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.

HILL, Francis John

Trooper
324039
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps Staffordshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Francis Hill, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) died during operations at Crete. He had served in the Commando since 13 January 1941.
Son of F. E. Hill and Jane Hill, of Winshill. Burton-on-Trent.
 
Sources

HINDMARSH, George Peel

Lance Corporal
2658432
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Lance Corporal George Hindmarsh from Newcastle upon Tyne was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later confirmed captured 1 June 1941. His Commando at the time formed part of 'D' Battalion of Layforce. George enlisted on 6 June 1938.

HOWARTH, George

Guardsman
2657950
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards 3rd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Guardsman George Howarth, 52 Middle East Commando, died of wounds (gunshot wound to the head) during operations in Eritrea. Son of James and Mary Howarth, of Dearnley, Littleborough, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

HOWIE, Robert Cullen

Lieutenant
154064
'Layforce'
General List
28 March 1941 Acting Quartermaster 'D' Bn Layforce HQ.
2 June 1941 (Lieutenant) prisoner of war Crete.
 
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28 March 1941 ('D' Bn Layforce Officers).

HOWLAND, William John

Regimental Sergeant Major
6077878
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
28.03.1941 Regimental Sergeant Major of 'D' Bn. Layforce.
01.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
 
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28 March 1941 (List of Oficers for 'D' Bn).

HUCKSTEP, Joseph Henry

Sergeant
4450128
52ME Commando
Durham Light Infantry 1st Battalion
Joseph Henry Huckstep from Hull enlisted 2 May 1933. During the war Sergeant Huckstep served in 52 Middle East Commando which became part of 'D' Bn., of Layforce for operations in Crete. He was captured there on 1 June 1941 remaining a prisoner of war until April 1945.
 

HUMPHREY, Bert

Private
6402436
52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Died on war service
Private Bert Humphrey, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died after the rearguard action that took place in Crete. He had been reported missing 2 June 1941 and was a prisoner of war. Son of Lilian Greenfield, of Brighton, Sussex.
 
Sources

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

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.

IVERS, Henry Anderson

Sergeant
6457787
52ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Sergeant Henry Ivers was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

IVES, Edwin Isaac

Company Quartermaster Sergeant
2694795
'Layforce'
Scots Guards
16.04.1934 enlisted Scots Guards aged 18.
01.11.1940 attached 52 Middle East Commando
28.03.1941 Geneifa, Company Quartermaster Sergeant, 'D' Bn. Layforce.
02.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
15.04.1946 released to Royal Army Reserve Class 'Z'.

JOHNSON, Bernard William

Trooper
5106493
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Corps of Signals
Trooper Bernard Johnson was first attested into the Royal Tank Corps in 1919.  Having left he rejoined at the beginning of the war on 2 September 1939. He was reported wounded and prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations with No.7 Commando in Crete. 
 
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.

JONES, Richard Babington

Lieutenant (later Major)
124667
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Staffordshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Artillery
Territorial Efficiency Medal
09.03.1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Staffordshire Yeomanry [1].
01.11.1940 (Second Lieutenant) posted to 52 Middle East Commando at Geneifa [2].
28.03.1941 serving in 'D' Company, 52 Middle East Commando [2].

KELLY, Peter

Lance Corporal
2932575
52ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Peter Kelly was killed in action during operations in the Western Desert. He has no known grave.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
 

KENNEDY, James

Private
2758299
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Kennedy was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

KINGON, Stuart Cowan

Acting Corporal
R/4866332
52ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment

Corporal Stuart Kingon, 52 Middle East Commando, 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

LOGAN, Alexander

Private
3311092
Middle East Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Alexander Logan was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 6 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.

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.

LYNCH-GARDNER, Hugh

Captain
158898
52ME Commando
Rifle Brigade
Intelligence Corps

2 November 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Rifle Brigade [1].
Served in 52 ME Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association. Emigrated to Australia [2].
10 April 1942 (Captain) (Rifle Brigade) wounded in Burma [3].

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

MacPHEE, John Peter

Lance Corporal
3311343
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Lance Corporal John MacPhee 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.

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

MARTIN, Hugh

Private
6398898
52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Hugh Martin was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 3A).

MATTHEWS, Donald

Private
6403973
52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Donald Matthews, a Storeman from Winchester, Hampshire, enlisted 16 March 1940 and later volunteered for the Commandos. Private Matthews, 52 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day.
 

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.

MCLELLAN, Dugald Bone

Dugald Mclellan 52 Middle East Commmando
Trooper
320145
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots Greys
Royal Armoured Corps
23.03.1938 enlisted Cavalry of the Line aged 18. 
26.03.1938 posted Royal Scots Greys.
02.11.1940 attached 52 Middle East Commando.
02.06.1941 reported missing during operations at Crete; prisoner of war since 01.06.1941.

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.

MCTAGGART, George

Private
2928648
52ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private George McTaggart was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MILES, Hugh Logan

Lance Corporal
2657666
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards

Lance Corporal Hugh Miles was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4G.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/31.

MILMAN, John Alexander Ralph

Lt. Colonel John Alexander Ralph Milman
Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel)
58191
52ME Commando
British Military Mission 204
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel John Milman, Commander, 1 Special Service Detachment, 204 Military Mission, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma [1][2].
Recommendation

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).

NAPIER, Alexander, McG.

Lance Corporal
2754762
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal Alexander Napier was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

NICHOLAS, John Harry

Trooper
318786
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars
Died on active service
Trooper John Harry Nicholas joined the Commando on 1 November 1940. He died of malaria during an escape from a prisoner of war camp in Greece. Son of Frank and Edith Maud Nicholas, of Burnley, Lancashire.

NORMAN, Edward

Lance Corporal
2695640
52ME Commando
Scots Guards, 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Edward Norman was reported wounded and missing, later confirmed as killed during a night attack against the enemy positions on the Gondor Road about 15 miles behind the enemy lines in Abyssinia. He has no known grave. 

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

O'NEILL, James

Private
3311030
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private James O'Neill was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

OWEN, W.G.

Corporal
2733746
52ME Commando
Welch Regiment

Corporal Owen was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4D. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

PARISH, C.

Captain
'Layforce'
Royal Sussex Regiment
28 March 1941 Commander of 'B' Company, 'D' Bn. Layforce at Geneifa.
 
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28/3/1941 (List of 'D' Bn. Layforce Officers).
 

PARKINGTON, Oswald

Private
6085077
'Layforce'
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Oswald Parkington died during operations in Crete. Elements of Layforce were engaged in a rearguard action during the evacuation.
 
Sources
CWGC.

PATERSON, James, A.

Private
2754057
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Paterson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

PINKNEY, Geoge Clifford

Trooper
295316
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper George Pinkney, 52 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
In 1943 he is reported repatriated to the UK. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Bradford, Yorkshire.

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.

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.

ROWLES, Thomas Arthur

Trooper
2045290
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper Thomas Rowles from Mitcham, Surrey, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured the previous day. Enlisted 9 June 1938
 
Sources

RUSSO, James Anthony

Lieutenant (later Captain)
71402
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps, 3rd Hussars
26.07.1939, commissioned Second Lieutenant 3rd Hussars from General List TA (University Candidate) with seniority 27 January 1938 [1]. 
01.01.1941, promoted Lieutenant, 3rd Hussars [1a].

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).

SADLER, William Henry

Corporal
4912289
52ME Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Bn.
Corporal William Sadler was reported missing later found to be a prisoner of war captured on 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Repatriated May/June 1944.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30, 34, and 76.

SAINT, Reginald George

Guardsman
5671207
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards

Guardsman Reginald Saint 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 files WO417/27 and WO417/31.

SAMPSON, E.A.

Private
6399161
52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment

Private Sampson was wounded on 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26. 

SANDBACH, Cecil Emerson

Cecil Sandbach
Lieutenant (later Honorary Captain)
170234
'Layforce'
Cheshire Regiment
03.11.1940, O.C.T.U. commissioned Second Lieutenant, Cheshire Regiment [1].
28.03.1941, Second Lieutenant, 'B' Company 'D' Bn., Layforce at Geneifa [2].
01.06.1941, Lieutenant, prisoner of war, Crete [3][3a][3b][3c].

SEYMOUR, William Napier

William Seymour 52 Middle East Commando
Major
56896
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Scots Guards
Mentioned in Despatches
Adjutant of 52 Middle East Commando in Sudan and Ethiopia, and Adjutant 'D' Bn. Layforce, although did not participate at Crete due to an injury. Later joined Middle East contingents to the Far East to be part of Mission 204.

SHORTEN, Raymond Herbert

Lieutenant
163658
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
SAS
General List
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Raymond Shorten left the Commando in July 1942 to join 'L' Detachment SAS. He  died in October during operations with the SAS at Sidi Barrani.
 
 Nov 40, enlisted General List
 Dec 40, 52 ME Cdo
 Jan 41, wounded

SMILEY, David de Crespigny

Captain (later Colonel)
P/69082
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Horse Guards
Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Bar to the Military Cross
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
  • 28.03.1941, Captain, 52 Middle East Commando, appointed to 'D' Company of 'D' Bn., Layforce at Geneifa [1][1a][1b].
  • 1941, Temporary Captain, Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in the Middle East [2].

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.

STARLING, Reginald Ernest

Private
3966820
52ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Reginald Starling was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

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

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.

STOTT, Charles Henry

Trooper
322688
52ME Commando
North Somerset Yeomanry
Died on war service
Trooper Charles Stott, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) died whilst a prisoner of war. He was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete but later found to have been captured. Son of Charles and Ada Lilian Stott.
 
Sources

TAYLOR, James Alexander

Private
2758433
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Taylor was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4F). 

THEOBALD, Richard

Sergeant
4857854
52ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Sergeant Richard Theobald was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Leicester.
 
Sources

THOMAS, Leslie

Trooper
406292
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps Staffordshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Leslie Thomas, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn. Layforce), died during operations in Crete. Son of George Henry and Mary Thomas, of Leicester.
 
Sources
CWGC.

TRUSTY, Robert

Private
4858686
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Robert Trusty, '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.

VAUGHAN, John Henry

Sergeant
305373
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
John Henry Vaughan, a Farmer from Kent, enlisted into the Household Cavalry Regiment 12 December 1938. He was later attached to 52 Middle East Commando which formed part of 'D' Battalion Layforce for operations in Crete.

WAINWRIGHT, Terrance

Lance Corporal
3958400
52ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Lance Corporal Terrance Wainwright was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

WALSH, Stanley, G.

Private
6402554
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Stanley Walsh was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured on 1 June 1941. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

WARD, S.

Trooper
406676
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Household Cavalry Regiment
29.05.1941 'D' Bn. Layforce wounded in Crete [1].

15.07.1941 'D' Bn. Layforce wounded in the Middle East [2].

WHITELAW, John

Private
2930112
52ME Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Died on active service
Private John Whitelaw, 52 Middle East Commando, died as a result of an accident.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/29.
 

WILLCOCKS, William Arthur

Trooper
556474
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper William Willcocks, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn. Layforce), died during operations at Crete. Son of William E. Willcocks and Ellen Willcocks, of Chester.
 
Sources
CWGC.

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).

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

WRIGLEY, John William

Private
47045203
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
John William Wrigley, a Labourer from Bradford, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 13 January 1933. Private Wrigley, 52 Middle East Commando which was part of 'D' Battalion of Layforce, was reported missing later confirmed prisoner of war 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. 

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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