No 5 Commando

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1 / 5 Commando

After Burma No.1 and No.5 Commandos were withdrawn to India to prepare for Operation ‘Zipper’ the invasion of Malaya. Zipper being abandoned after the cessation of hostilities both Commando units were re-deployed to Hong Kong on policing duties.
Because of the loss of men through demobilisation,  No.1 Commando was merged early 1946 with No.5 Commando to form No.1/5 Commando which was itself later disbanded.

Gallery images [No.1/5 Commando]
 

3 Commando Brigade, Burma Operations

Saturday, January 1, 1944

Location

Myanmar
21° 54' 50.274" N, 95° 57' 22.4028" E
The reports at the foot of this page relate to the operations of the Commando Units attached to 3 Commando Brigade that took place after the 1st January 1944.
 
Link of interest
There were a large number of casualties in the Burma Campaigns, both battle and illness.
Lieutenant Colonel R. Wigglesworth, M.B., B.S. Lond., Royal Army Medical Corps, wrote an excellent article titled

5 Commando Nominal Roll

In 1946 the Army Council decided that the Army Commandos were to be disbanded and no provision was allowed or made for any depository or office which would have at least contained a complete Roster of Names of the men who served in the various units. 

ATTER, Frank Edward

Gunner
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Post war member of the Commando Association.
Labour Councillor for Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, from the 1950's through to the 1980's.
2 October 1981 commissioned Deputy Lieutenant, Wolverton, Buckinghamshire.
1984/85 Mayor of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

AUCOTT, Leslie Frank

Corporal
PLY/X114125
3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
No 5 Commando
Royal Marines

3 Commando Brigade Signals. Post war member of the Commando Association from Wigston, Leicestershire.

Sources
Commando Association newsletter 92.
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).

BALCHIN, John

Captain John Balchin 5 Commando
Captain
164911
No 5 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
King's Own Royal Regiment
21 December 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, King's Own Royal Regiment [1].
1 May 1942 transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps [2].

BARTHOLOMEW, Norman Eric

Private
2889344
No 5 Commando
Gordon Highlanders (London Scottish)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Private Norman Bartholomew was wounded 15 March 1944 during operations in Burma.
Post war served as a Police Constable in the Metropolitan Police. 
1963 awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division).
Citation

BARTON, Leslie James

Fusilier
14604357
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Leslie Barton was wounded 15 March 1944 during operations in Burma. Leslie was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos and joined HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at Gilmour House, Renfrew Road, Vauxhall, Lambeth.

BEAVER, Thomas

Private
No 5 Commando
Private Beaver was Captain Donnelan's troop mortarman on Hill 170 at Kangaw, Burma.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 52 (1971) and Obituaries in newsletter 85 (1987).
 

BEECH, James Frederick

Private
14404860
No 1 Commando
3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Sussex Regiment
Died on war service
Private James Beech, HQ 3 Commando Brigade, died in Poona Hospital India after contracting polio. Son of Frederick William Thomas Beech and Elvina Beech, of Brighton, Sussex. [1][1a]][2].

BENNETT, Henry

Gunner
777800
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery

Post war member of the Commando Association from Middleton, Lancashire.

Sources
RA Attestation Card.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 88 (1989).
 

BETTS, Arthur

Pte. Arthur Betts 5 Commando
Private
7349972
No 5 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Arthur Betts, No.5 Commando HQ, died during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Herbert Betts; husband of Joan Betts, of Iden Green, Kent.
 
Sources
CWGC

BEVAN, William James

Private
7349693
No 5 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Bevan, No.5 Commando HQ, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of William and Ellen Bevan, of Pentrebach, Glamorgan.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BEVERIDGE, Robert

Sergeant
4534228
No 5 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Robert Beveridge, from Leeds, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was one of the commando contingent who had embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.

BISHOP, John Franklin

Private
3525354
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John Bishop, No.5 Commando HQ, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of John Franklin Bishop and Edith Bishop, of Nottingham.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BLAKEMORE, John

Sergeant
3652093
No 5 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment (2nd Bn)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant John Blakemore died of wounds during operations in Madagascar. Husband of Annie Elizabeth Blakemore, of Old Swan, Liverpool, Merseyside, England.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BOLITHO, Raymond Gordon

Raymond Gordon Bolitho 5 Commando
Lieutenant (later Captain)
174203
No 5 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Raymond Gordon Bolitho, 1 Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations in Burma. He later received a Mention In Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
Sources

BOOTH, William Martel

Lance Corporal (later Captain)
14241729
321576
No 5 Commando
No 1 Commando
Essex Regiment
Essex Constabulary

In 1939 William Booth was an Essex Constabulary Police Constable based at South Street Police Station, Romford. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

BOWYER, John Douglas

John Bowyer 5 Commando
Temporary Captain
121518
No 5 Commando
1/5 Commando
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain John Bower received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37730, page 4698.
Numerous images in the No.5 Cdo Gallery.

BRADFORD, Alan Charles

Private
6298995
No 5 Commando
The Buffs, East Kent
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Alan Bradford, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of William C. Bradford and Elizabeth Bradford, of Leicester.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BRAY, Hubert Alaric Arthur

Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
71164
No 5 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant (Acting Captain) Hubert Bray was awarded the Military Cross [1] in May 1940 for gallant and distinguished services whilst commanding the Carrier Platoon of the 2nd Dorsets involved in the defence of Festubert, France [2].
 

BRIGHT, Gerald Kitchener

Lance Sergeant
4974182
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Sergeant Gerald Bright was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on board HMS Campbeltown. 14 April 1945 escaped from line of march away from camp near Kreutzer.

BROWN, Frederick Harold

Bombardier (Lance Sergeant)
833166
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died on war service
Lance Sergeant Frederick Brown died from injuries caused by a self inflicted gunshot wound at Sandown, Isle of Wight. Son of Frederick William and Ada Rachel Brown, of Hull.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BROWN, James

Private
2988948
No 5 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Private James Brown was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being captured during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. 

BROWN, Kenneth, S.

Lance Corporal
14604361
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Lance Corporal Kenneth Brown was wounded 13 January 1945 during operations in Burma. Kenneth was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was residing at the Police Section House, 277 Upper Street, Islington.

BRYANT, Sydney

Original grave of Lt Bryant 5 Commando
Lieutenant
180715
No 5 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles 7th Bn
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Sydney Bryant died of wounds during operations at Kangaw, Burma.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/8.

BUDD, Lionel

Gunner
11404013
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Lionel Budd, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. He has no known grave. Son of Charles Guy and Mary Ann Budd, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BURTINSHAW, Robert James Glover

Lieutenant
89395
No 5 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Robert Burtinshaw was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Mentioned in Despatches (posthumous) for gallant and distinguished service.

CARR, Francis Arthur

Sergeant
1867740
No 5 Commando
Royal Engineers
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Francis Carr was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire.

CHANT, Stuart Whitemore

Stuart Chant 5 Commando
Lieutenant (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
105159
No 5 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Private (Cadet) Chant, Artists Rifles TA, granted an emergency commission 22 October 1939 rank Second Lieutenant having attended 163rd O.C.T.U. [1]. 
  • October 1940 volunteered for the Army Commandos; attached to No.5 Commando [2].

CHURCHILL, John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming (Lt Col)

Lieutenant Colonel
34657
No 2 Commando
No 3 Commando
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Military Cross (MC)

After a brief spell as 2i/c No 5 Commando, the then Major John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming Churchill (later affectionately known by some as Mad Jack) moved to 2i/c No 3 Commando. Wounded during Operation Archery at Vaagso 27 December 1941.

COLE, H.J.T.

Driver
No 5 Commando

Former Driver H. J. T. Cole of No. 5 Commando, later a Sergeant in the Royal Australian Army, died in 1955. [Source: Commando Association newsletter 23].

COLLINS, Michael Vincent

Lance Corporal
14499411
No 5 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Lance Corporal Mick Collins, 5 troop, was wounded 23 March 1944 during operations in Burma. He was a good friend of Rifleman Geoff Hill, 5 Troop, both having volunteered for special service in the Commandos from the King's Royal Rifle Corps. 

COOK, Henry John

Rifleman
6850540
No 5 Commando
Kings Royal Rifle Corps
Died on war service

Rifleman Henry Cook , No 5 Commando HQ, died as a result of an accident whilst deployed overseas. Son of Henry and Beatrice Cook, of Deptford, London.

COOKE, Charles Harry

Private
3774485
No 5 Commando
East Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Charles Cooke died of wounds during operations in Madagascar. Son of Charles Ernest Delineau and Elizabeth Cooke of Liverpool; husband of Hannah Vera Cooke, of Old Swan, Liverpool, Merseyside, England.
 
Sources
CWGC.

COULSON, Garnett

Sapper
1881715
No 4 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sapper Garnett Coulson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on ML 268 and has no known grave. Son of Garnett and Faith Coulson, of Romford, Essex.
Service

CRUTCHLEY, William

Acting Troop Sergeant Major
4452664
No 5 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Sergeant William Crutchley was wounded 23 March 1944 during operations in Burma. Mentioned in Despatches, rank Troop Sergeant Major, for gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
Sources

DALZIEL, Andrew

Andy_Dalziel_5Commando
Corporal
895334
No 5 Commando
Royal Engineers
Corporal Andy Dalziel, 4 troop, was seriously wounded 15 March 1944 during operations in Burma. He was later evacuated back to a hospital in the UK and medically discharged. Member of the Commando Association residing Falmouth.
Service

DASHWOOD, Robert Gordon

Lieutenant (later Captain)
129311
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Mentioned in Despatches

Lieutenant Robert Dashwood received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37730, page 4691.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 110 issued March 2000.

DICKSON, Alexander

Trooper
7909234
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Alexander Dickson, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. He has no known grave. Son of George Gibson Dickson and Annie Dickson; husband of Janet Isabella Dickson, of Edinburgh.
 
Sources

DONNISON, Robert Ernest

Robert Donnison 5 Commando
Private
4807481
No 5 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment
Private Robert Donnison, 5 troop, served with No.5 Commando throughout their overseas campaigns from Madagscar to Burma. Member of the Commando Association from Ruskington who died in January 1952 as a result of an accident at work.
 
Sources

EATON, Frank

Frank Eaton 5 Commando
Sapper
14217573
No 5 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Frank Eaton enlisted into the Royal Engineers on 1 July 1942 at Liverpool. He later served in 5 troop of No.5 Commando and was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Frank and Florence Eaton; husband of Jane Winifred Eaton, of Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire.

EDWARDS, Denis Gold

Private
5253147
No 5 Commando
Worcestershire Regiment
Denis Edwards from Coventry enlisted 15 July 1939. Previously employed as a Fitter in a motor car factory. Private Edwards was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Charot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war.

EDWARDS, Henry, E.

Lance Corporal
7019725
No 5 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Henry Edwards collapsed and died whilst walking in Falmouth where he was billeted with the Commando. He had previously reported headaches. An open verdict was recorded at the Inquest by Mr. J.L.

EDWARDS, Ronald

Corporal
14747437
No 5 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Died in service
Corporal Ronald Edwards died in service after Nos 5 and 1 Commando had merged to form 1/5 Commando. Son of William and Eva Edwards, of Swansea.

FALLON, Allan Scott

Allan Fallon 5 Commando
Private
2828282
No 5 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Enlisted at Fort George 17 October 1940, formerly employed as an Iron Moulder. Volunteered and served with the Commandos from January 1941 to 18 October 1945. Theatre of operations included the Far East. Member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources

FARRELL, C.

Private
No 5 Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Dublin, Eire.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 114 (2002).
 

FERGUSON, William

Sergeant
1426074
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant William Ferguson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action.

FLEMING, James Cameron Grant

Private
2980085
No 5 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Died on war service
Private James Fleming died as a result of an accidental fall from a train. Son of John and Margaret Fleming; husband of Annie Fleming, of Bonhill.
Extract from the Staffordshire Advertiser

GLENISTER, Alfred

Fusilier
4558631
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Mentioned in Despatches
Fusilier Alfred Glenister received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service while operating with the Army in Burma and on the Eastern Frontier of India.
 
Source
London Gazette 36925, page 757.

GODDEN, Frederic

Private
5509626
No 5 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Died on war service

Private Frederic Godden died in the United Kingdom. Son of Frederic and Maude Marion Godden, of Woolston, Southhampton.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives WO417/62.
 

GREEN, Anthony Lovering

Driver
7626019
No 5 Commando
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Driver Anthony Green, 1 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. He has no known grave. Son of Arthur Reginald and Gladys Evelyn Green, of Golders Green, Middlesex.
 
Sources
CWGC.

HAMBRIDGE, Alfred

Private
5111455
No 5 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Alfred Hambridge, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of John and Emma Hambridge; husband of Olive D. Hambridge, of Falmouth, Cornwall.
 
Sources
CWGC.

HARRIS, Thomas Leslie

Private
14298468
No 5 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Harris, 4 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Claude and Mary Charlotte Harris, of Port Talbot, Glamorgan.
 
Sources
CWGC.

HARTLEY, Sam

Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
4393614
No 5 Commando
Green Howards
Mentioned in Despatches

Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Sam Hartley received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37425, page 383.

HERON, John Golding

Major John Heron 5 Commando
Major
66815
No 5 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Lieutenant John Heron, serving with 2 Dorsets as part of the British Expeditionary Force, was awarded the M.C., for his leadership and gallantry on the 27th May 1940 [1]. 
 
Citation

HICKS, Ronald Ernest

Corporal
1870658
No 5 Commando
Royal Engineers
Post war member of the Commando Association from Gravesend, Kent.
 
Sources
Addendum to Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 87 (1988).
Government Probate Death Index, probate date 8/3/1989, Gravesend.

HILL, Arthur Charles

Arthur Charles Hill 5 Commando
Lance Corporal
14604371
No 5 Commando
General Service Corps
Metropolitan Police
Arthur Charles Hill was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at the Police Section House in Judd Street, Kings Cross. 
 
Sources

HILL, Geoff

Geoff Hill 5 Commando
Rifleman
14423647
No 5 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Rifleman Geoff Hill, 5 troop, was wounded 23 March 1944 during operations in Burma. He was a good friend of Lance Corporal Mick Collins, 5 Troop, both having volunteered for special service in the Commandos from the King's Royal Rifle Corps. 

HODGES, James Reginald

Private
5190088
No 5 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Hodges, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. He has no known grave.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives WO417/74.
 

HOLLINGWORTH, Leslie

Private
14604372
No 5 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Private Leslie Hollingworth was wounded 31 January 1945 during operations in Burma. Leslie was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at Bromley by Bow Police Section House, Poplar.

HOWARD, Roland Arthur

Lance Corporal
4852382
No 5 Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Roland Howard was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown. In 1939 he was single, employed as an Engineer, and residing in Aldridge, Staffordshire.

HUBBARD, Thomas James

Rifleman
7021640
No 5 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Mentioned in Despatches
Rifleman Thomas Hubbard received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37425, page 384.

HUGHES, J.

Private
3648115
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Private Hughes was wounded 16 March 1944 during operations in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association from Preston, Lancashire.
 
Sources
Casulaty Lists / National Archives file WO417/74.

HULMES, George

Private
3391837
No 5 Commando
East Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Hulmes was killed in action during operations in Madagascar. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hulmes; husband of Kathleen Hulmes, of Douglas, Isle of Man. George enlisted 27 June 1940; trade on enlistment - Painter/Decorator.
 
Sources

HURLEY, Philip

Private
14503448
No 5 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Birkenhead Police Force
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Philip Hurley, 2 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Philip and Clarice G. Hurley, of Claughton, Birkenhead.

IDE, George Edward

Sergeant
2321335
No 5 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant George Ide was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown. 
Son of Herbert Edward and Edith Ann Ide, of Romford, Essex; husband of O. M. Ide.
 

JAMES, Harry John

Signalman
2575710
No 5 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Harry John James died at Bridlington as a result of an accidental bayonet wound. Son of William Edmund and Alice Sarah James, of Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex. At the inquest the Coroner found that it was an accidental death, and the Board of Inquiry, presided over by Captain W.N.

JARVIS, Joseph Augustus

Corporal
14604375
No 5 Commando
Metropolitan Police

Joseph Jarvis was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Constable based or residing at 62 Wapping High Street, Stepney. Post war member of the Commando Association.

JEFFERS, Edward

Trooper (later Corporal)
7903385
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps, Inns of Court Regiment
Died on war service
Corporal Edward Jeffers died in the UK as result of an accident whilst serving with the Inns of Court Regiment, R.A.C. [1][2].
  • July 1940 listed as Trooper attached to 2 Troop No.5 Commando on its formation [3].

JOHNS, Philip

Sergeant Philip Johns 5 Commando
Philip Johns
Sergeant
5435744
No 5 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Philip Johns served in the Commandos from August 1940 to November 1946. 
6 Troop Mortar Section 1945. Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
Sources

JOHNSON, Bertie Lawrence

Lance Sergeant
3531584
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Bertie Johnson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Bertie Lawrence Johnson, of Stockport, Cheshire.
 

JOHNSON, Douglas Edward

WO2 Company Sergeant Major
3594878
No 5 Commando
Border Regiment
Died on war service
Company Sergeant Major Douglas Johnson died in the Middle East. 
Husband of Winifred Johnson, of Carlisle.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/91.

JOHNSON, William John

Bombardier
889665
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery / later Royal Engineers
William Johnson was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1938. He later joined No.5 Commando, was promoted Bombardier, and embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid later found to be a prisoner of war.

JONES, Anthony Windsor

Lance Sergeant
14317912
No 5 Commando
Derby Borough Police Force
Before the outbreak of war Anthony Windsor Jones was a Derby Borough Police Constable residing in 1939 at 85 Brackensdale Avenue, Derby. He later volunteered for the Commandos and after his training was attached to No.5 Commando attaining the rank of Lance Sergeant.

JONES, Sydney

Lance Corporal
5253009
No 5 Commando
Worcestershire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Sydney Jones died on 2 August 1944 from wounds inflicted on 23 March 1944 during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of William John and Annie Jones, of Cradley Heath, Staffordshire.

KELLY, George William

Sergeant
7611660
No 5 Commando
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant George Kelly, No.5 Commando HQ, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of George William and Emma Kelly; husband of Doris Mary Kelly, of Walsall, Staffordshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

KING, R.

Sergeant
7349982
No 5 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant King was twice Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37015, page 1818 (Lance Corporal).

KNOWLES, William, H.

Sergeant
4911491
No 5 Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Sergeant William Knowles was reported missing 30 November 1942, later confirmed wounded and prisoner of war, during operations in North Africa [1]. Captured 28 November 1942 and imprisoned in Italy before transfer to Germany [2][3].
 

LANCASTER, Leslie

Warrant Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major)
817756
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Warrant Officer Class 1 Leslie Lancaster was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma [1].
  • 15 March 1944 wounded Burma [2].
Sources

LYCETT, Robert Arthur

Robert Lycett 5 Commando
Lance Corporal
5047277
No 5 Commando
North Staffordshire Regiment
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Robert Lycett from Amington, Staffordshire, died in hospital in India. Son of Robert Edward and Emma Lycett, of Ammington, Staffordshire; husband of Joyce Miriam Lycett, of Ammington; father to a 3 year old boy. Formerly employed at Tamworth Colliery.

LYNN, Sidney Frank

Private
6406968
No 5 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Sidney Lynn died on 10 April 1944 of wounds received on 23 March during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Florence Elizabeth Lynn, and stepson of Percy John Routledge, of Brighton, Sussex; husband of Joan Lynn.
 
Sources

MACGOWAN, Sydney James Watt

Private
14317303
No 5 Commando
Black Watch
Stirlingshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Sydney Macgowan, 2 Troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of James and Elizabeth MacGowan; husband of Jessie MacGowan (nee Robertson), of Stirling.

MACKENZIE, George

George Mackenzie 5 Commando
Lance Sergeant
No 5 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Post war employed as an Engineer's Machinist. Married to Agnes. Member of the Commando Association from Bellfield, Ayrshire.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 106 (1998).

MACPHERSON, William

Sergeant
2889124
No 5 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal William Macpherson was wounded 15 January 1945 during operations in Burma [1]. Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma, rank Sergeant [2].

MANFORD, Francis Stanley

Captain Francis Manford
Captain (later Major)
109054
No 5 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Died on war service
Captain Francis Stanley Manford served in No 5 Commando until 1942. He then left the Commando and joined Mission 204. From there he became an instructor to 77 Brigade – the Chindits.. In 1944 having now joined the S.O.E.

MANNING, Frederick

Frederick Manning 5 Commando
Corporal
-
No 5 Commando
-
West Malling, Kent County Constabulary

Corporal Frederick Manning, a Police Officer from Kent, was one of the Police Intakes to the Commandos commencing his training 15 October 1942. He served with No.5 Commando in the Far East and post war resumed his service with the Police.

MASON, Dennis Cook

Lance Bombardier
1496201
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier Dennis Mason was killed in action during operations in Kangaw, Burma. Son of Frederick John and Alice Mason, of Dunkirk, Nottingham.
 
Sources
CWGC.

MCAVOY, John

Sergeant (later Regimental Sergeant Major)
843476
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery

John McAvoy enlisted into the Royal Artillery in 1934. He was attached to No.5 Commando 4 Troop on its formation in July 1940. Member of the Commando Association.

MCNIFF, Jack

Private
4537492
No 5 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Died on war service
Private Jack McNiff died in service and is buried in Kenya. No.5 Commando were involved in operations in Madagascar at this time. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/50.

MEEK, William

William Meek 5 Commando
Craftsman
5347456
No 5 Commando
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Craftsman William Meek, 2 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Albert and Beatrice Annie Meek, of Charlemont, West Bromwich, Staffordshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

MENDAY, Ronald Philip

Captain Ronald Menday 4 Commando
Ronald Philip Menday
Major (later lieutenant Colonel)
132150
No 4 Commando
Highland Light Infantry
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Ronald Menday was second in command of No.4 Commando at Normandy on 'D' Day. Took command for a short period after Lt. Col. Dawson [more...] was wounded [1]. 

MORRIS, Bernard

Fusilier
No 5 Commando
1/5 Commando
-
Post war member of the Commando Association from Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 116 (2003).

Commando Association Lost Legions List 8.

MORRIS, Charles, H.

Trooper
14317747
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Plymouth City Police
Trooper Charles Morris, 6 Troop, was wounded 15 March 1944 during operations in Burma. He volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing in Woodhey, Plymouth.
 
Sources

NELSON, William Andrew

Bombardier
1609571
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died on war service
Bombardier William Nelson died in India as a result of a battle accident. He has no known grave. Son of William and Mary Alice Nelson; husband of Elizabeth Nelson, of Grange Park, Blackpool, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

OLIVER, Matthew Dudgeon

Later Major
6482278
321564
No 1 Commando
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Served in No.1 and No.5 Commando. Member of the Commando Association [1].
10.06.1944 commissioned O.C.T.U. from the ranks Second Lieutenant [2].
02.04.1949 (Lieutenant) transferred to East Yorkshire Regiment [3].
 

ORMESHER, George

Corporal
3384980
No 5 Commando
East Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal George Ormesher died of wounds during operations in Madagascar. Son of Margaret Ormesher.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/50.

PALMER, Frederick

Fred Palmer 5 Commando
Frederick Palmer 5 Commando
Corporal
14317316
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Durham County Constabulary
Frederick Palmer was a Durham County Constabulary Police Constable from Hartlepool who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry, that commenced in 1942.

PARKER, James Frankland

Private
3603237
No 5 Commando
Border Regiment
Died on war service
Private James Parker was mortally wounded by a premature explosion of a no.68 grenade on field firing exercise at Cheverton Down, nr Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. The Coroner later recorded a verdict of accidental death. Son of Joseph William and Margaret Ellen Parker.

PEACH, Leslie Alfred Brandon

Private
5575982
No 5 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Leslie Peach, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. B. Peach; nephew of Mrs. C. Worthington, of Stramshall, Staffordshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

PEEBLES, John Alan Laing

Captain
74660
No 5 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Captain John Peebles MC was mortally wounded by a premature explosion of a No.68 grenade on a field firing exercise at Cheverton Down, nr Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.

PETERS, David Robert

Maj David Peters MC and bar 2 Commando
Major
124427
No 2 Commando
Royal Tank Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Trooper David Robert Peters, a Cadet from the 102nd Officer Cadet Training Unit, was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on the 9th March 1940 [1].
  • Attached to No 2 Commando from at least January 1943 [2].

POCOCK, Thomas Charles

Fusilier
-
No 5 Commando
- Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Thomas Pocock served with No.5 Commando 1 Troop. For a short period of time from 9 November 1944 he was attached to 42RM Commando.
He volunteered for the Commandos from the Police as part of the Police Intakes of 1942.

POLLITT, Charles Jordan Bellingham

Lt Colonel Charles Pollitt
Lieutenant Colonel
37725
No 1 Commando
No 5 Commando
No 10 Independent Company
Border Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Charles Pollitt, then a Captain, embarked with No 10 Independent Company on their deployment to Freetown in April 1940.  At the end of the year after No 10 Independent Company was disbanded he volunteered for and was posted to the Holding and Training Wing at what was then STC Achnacarry.

PRICE, Eric, C.

Lance Corporal
14317816
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Eric Price, 2 Troop, was wounded 15 March 1944 during operations in Burma. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/74.

PRINGLE, Thomas Henry

Tommy Pringle 5 and 6 Commandos
Birth name: 
(forenames also seen as Henry Thomas)
Sapper
1877009
No 6 Commando
No 5 Commando
Royal Engineers
SERVICE
20.03.1939 enlisted Corps of Royal Engineers.
24.01.1940 British Expeditionary Force.
02.10.1940 attached No.5 Commando.
10.11.1940 5 Special Service Battalion.
Jan. 1942 No.5 Commando 4 Troop Falmouth.

REEVE, Stanley Richardson

Fusilier
14604385
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Stanley Reeve was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Stanley was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943.

ROBSON, Charles Edward

Charles Robson 5 Commando
Private
6216863
No 5 Commando
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Private Charles Robson, No 5 Commando, and post war a member of the original Commando Association, was appointed M.B.E. (Civil Division) in the 2004 New Years Honours List for services to the community in Southwark [1].

SANSOM, Samuel Jack

Private
6103720
No 5 Commando
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Samuel Sansom, 6 troop, died of wounds received in action at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Victor James Sansom and Susan Emma Sansom, of Woodford Green, Essex.
 
Sources
CWGC.

SAYER, Fred

Private (later Sergeant)
4546296
No 5 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches

Private Fred Sayer, a Signaller in 4 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37425, page 383.

SCOBBIE, John Ross

Private
3247849
No 5 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John Scobbie died on 17 January 1945 of wounds received on 1 January 1945 during operations at Myebon, Burma. He has no known grave. Previously employed at the Glasgow Iron and Steel Company. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs Matthew Scobbie of Broompark Road, Whytegates.
 

SHAW, David Mackenzie

Lt Col Shaw OC No 5 Commando
Lieutenant Colonel
44209
No 5 Commando
Royal Inniskillings Fusiliers
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Commanding Officer No 5 Commando when they sailed to India in November 1943 until the 12th September 1944 when he relinquished his command to Lt Col Pollitt and rejoined his Regiment, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
 

SHEDDEN, Richard Graham

Captain
160488
No 5 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
In 1942 the then Lieutenant Richard Shedden was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations in Madagascar.
 
Sources
London Gazette 35740, page 4431.

SKEATES, Albert Charles

Lance Corporal
1871381
No 5 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Albert Skeates, 6 Troop, died at approximately 17:30 hrs., when hit by shrapnel from an exploding enemy shell whilst walking along the Dover-Deal road. Military funeral at St. James' Cemetery in Dover at 15:00 hrs.,on the 4th November. Husband of Mrs S.

SMALLEY, Christopher John

Christopher John Smalley 5 Commando
Lieutenant
92876
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Christopher Smalley died during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. Embarking on HMS Campbeltown he commanded a demolition party whose task it was to destroy the Dry Dock Installations. Mentioned in Despatches (posthumous) for gallant and distinguished service.

SMITH, Ronald James

Private
2325823
No 5 Commando
Army Catering Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Ronald Smith was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of William and Jessie Smith, of Bishopmill, Elgin, Morayshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

SNADDON, J.

Lance Corporal
14317314
No 5 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
??

Lance Corporal Snaddon, 4 troop, was wounded in 1944 during operations in Burma.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/74.

Document in 5 Cdo. Gallery titled 'No 5 Cdo Memorial Service held on the 27th March 1944.'

STAPLETON, Alfred William

Rifleman
14311519
No 5 Commando
Kings Royal Rifle Corps, Queen Victoria's Rifles
Killed in action or died of wounds
Rifleman Alfred Stapleton was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of George and Alice Stapleton, of Kilburn, Middlesex.
 
Sources
CWGC.

STEDMAN, Ernest Harold

Private
14416438
No 5 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Ernest Stedman, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Ernest and Dorothy Stedman, of Rotherhithe, London.
 
Sources
CWGC.

STOKES, George Stanley

Lance Corporal
5186568
No 5 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal George Stokes was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown, part of Lt Burtinshaw's demolition party.

STROWGER, John Dunkirk

Sergeant
-
No 5 Commando
Metropolitan Police

John Strowger was a serving Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable serving at Croydon Police Station, London. Post war member of the Commando Association.

STUART, Charles Robin McKenzie

Charles Robin Mckenzie Stuart MBE
Lieutenant Colonel
71029
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Charles Robin McKenzie Stuart , No.5 Commando, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Madagascar on June 1st 1942 [1] [2].

SYLVESTER, George

Lance Corporal
5052718
No 5 Commando
North Staffordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal George Sylvester, 5 troop, died of wounds received on 23 March 1944 at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of George and Edith Sylvester; husband of Joyce Sylvester, of Moseley, Birmingham.
 
Sources
CWGC

TAYLOR, Reginald George

Original grave of Cpl Taylor 5 Commando
Corporal
6352764
No 5 Commando
Queens Own Royal West Kent
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Reginald Taylor died of wounds during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Julie Francis Taylor, of Acton, Middlesex.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

TOMS, Frederick John

Lance Corporal
834757
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Frederick Toms was killed in action during operations on 12 January 1945 at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Arthur and Rose Toms, of Leytonstone, Essex. The previous year he had been wounded on 15 March 1944 at Maungdaw, Burma.

TOOTH, Eric Roger

Private
14737490
No 5 Commando
Kings Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Eric Tooth died on 17 May 1945 of wounds received on 30 January 1945 during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Arthur and Violet Tooth, of Bignall End, Staffordshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

TORDOFF, Kenneth

Private
14509788
No 5 Commando
East Yorkshire Regiment
West Riding Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Kenneth Tordoff , Intelligence Section, No 5 Commando HQ, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw. Son of Robert and Amy Olive Tordoff, of Old Goole, Yorkshire.

TUNGATT, Leonard Frederick

Original grave of Fusilier Tungatt 5 Commando
Fusilier
14604394
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Leonard Tungatt was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Frederick Tungatt, and of Susan Tungatt (nee Tyler); husband of Kathleen Mary Tungatt, of Leytonstone, Essex.

TURNER, William George Jack

Private
14604395
No 5 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Private William Turner was wounded in 1944 during operations in Burma.
William was Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at 32 East Dulwich Road, London.
 

WALKER, David

Lance Corporal
7386324
No 5 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Mentioned in Despatches

Lance Corporal David Walker, Medical Section, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37425, page 385.

WALL, John

John Wall 5 Commando
Lance Sergeant
3654742
No 5 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales Volunteers)
Member and later chairman of the General Committee of the Commando Association 1995 - 2005.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletters 90, 95, 101, 118, 119.

WALTERS, Haydn

Private
6297207
No 5 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) 5th Bn.
Died on war service
Private Haydn Walters died of illness in Kedgeon, near Poona, India. Son of David John and Mary Walters, of Highgate, Middlesex.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/71.

WHEELER, Bert

Private
328557
No 5 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Bert Wheeler, 2 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of John E. Wheeler and Ellen Wheeler, of Lower Edmonton, Middlesex.
 
Sources
CWGC.

WILLIAMS, John

Gunner
911770
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner John Williams, No.5 Commando HQ, was killed in action at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Henry and Gwendoline Victoria Williams; husband of Daphne Hilda Williams, of Portland, Dorsetshire. Father of Penny and Christopher.
 
Sources

WOOD, Steven Patrick

Lieutenant Colonel
45005
No 5 Commando
Royal Tank Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel (Temporary) Steven Wood was the first Commanding Officer of No 5 Commando when it was formed at Bridlington in July 1940 remaining in post until 8 November 1940 when he relinquished command [1]. 
Post war

WRIGHT, Douglas Thomas

Private
3656184
No 5 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment (2nd Bn)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Douglas Wright was killed in action during operations in Madagascar. Son of Thomas and Amy Wright, of West Derby, Liverpool, Merseyside, England.
 
Sources
CWGC.

YEOMAN, Robert

Rifleman
7594944
No 5 Commando
Kings Royal Rifle Corps
Died on war service
Rifleman Robert Yeoman died as a result of an accident at Cocanada, India.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/76 and WO417/80.

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