No 7 Commando

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'Layforce'

Three UK based Army Commando units, Nos. 7, 8, and 11 Commandos, were initially 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 sailed from the Isle of Arran on the 31st January 1941, and arrived at Suez on the 7th March.

'Rommel HQ - Operation Flipper'

Friday, November 14, 1941

Location

Beda Littoria
Libya
32° 45' 59.0004" N, 21° 44' 30.0012" E

The raiding party landed 14 November. The attack on Rommel's HQ by units from Layforce took place 17 November. The raiding party included a group from No 11 Commando (see What Links Here above) led by Lt Col Keyes supported by others, including two from No 7 Cdo who had escaped from Crete, Sgt Fred Birch (No 7 Cdo & 51ME Cdo) and Cpl John Kerr (No 7 and 51ME Commando)

7 Commando

The first troops of this Commando formed up in several locations. ‘A’ Troop in Gamblingay under Capt. Wylie R.E. while the H.Q. Staff came together in Billericay Essex. A small party of ‘B’ Troop formed in St. Albans and the remainder in Newmarket under Capt G March Phillips who was later to command No.62 Commando.

7 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. 

ABRAHAMS, Arthur Thomas

Private
5949273
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Arthur Abrahams 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 WO392/11 (Stalag 8B)..

ADAMS, William John

Sergeant
5828073
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Sergeant William Adams was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association from Lowestoft, Suffolk.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

ALLEN, Ronald

Driver I/C
2591915
No 7 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Driver Ronald Allen was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4A and Stalag 4B.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

ASHFORD-RUSSELL, Brian Harborough

Lieutenant (later Honorary Major)
111708
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps & Intelligence Corps
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Served in No. 7 Commando as a Lieutenant. Appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy serving with the Intelligence Corps having left the Commando. 
 
On the Ist january 1968 he was appointed O.B.E. (Civil Division). 
 

ASTBURY, Albert Ernest

Sergeant
918259
No 6 Commando
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Albert Astbury, No.6 Commando, died during operations in Germany [1]. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at the River Aller crossing.
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Astbury, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham.

ATKIN, Ernest

Lance Corporal
7896888
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Lance Corporal Ernest Atkin was reported missing in April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia Raid), later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Hull.

BARBOUR, Alexander, E.

Private
5956234
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Alexander Barbour 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 WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/18/68.
 

BARNARD, John William

Private
6143343
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment

Private John Barnard was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21 (Camp 59) and WO392/11 (Stalag 4F)..

BARNETT, Edgar Albert

Lance Bombardier
933008
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Edgar Barnett was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
RA Attestations Register for 1939.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/27, WO417/91.

BATEMAN, Sidney Gordon

Bombardier
930701
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Sidney Bateman 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 from Bedfordshire.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BEASLEY, Frederick

Corporal
3532735
No 7 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Frederick Beasley was initially reported missing presumed prisoner of war, later confirmed killed in action during operations in Crete as part of Layforce. 
Son of Frederick and Matilda Beasley, of Salford, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.
 

BEATTIE, Bruce Albert

Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
214143
Brigade Signals
Royal Corps of Signals
Lieutenant Bruce Beattie took part in the Normandy landings with 1 Brigade Signal Troop.
17 June 1944 assumed command of the Signal Troop after Captain Alexander was wounded.
18 June 1944 promoted Captain, Signal Troop.
Also served with No.7 Commando, No.4 Commando and No.10(IA) Commando.

BERRY, Donald

Sergeant
3443124
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers

Sergeant Donald Berry was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid).
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/25, and WO417/31.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Stalag 18A), WO392/21 (Camp 65).

BIRCH, Frederick

Known as: 
Fred
Fred Birch 7 Commando
Sergeant Frederick Birch 7 Commando
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
2931860
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
51ME Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant Frederick Birch served in No.7 Commando taking part in operations at Bardia and Crete before moving to 51 Middle East Commando. He was attached to 'C' Bn Layforce for Operation Flipper after which he was taken prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/36, WO417/37, and WO417/96.

BIRD, Raymond Douglas

Raymond Douglas Bird 7 Commando
Private
5828120
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Private Raymond Bird, aged 21 and from Fleetwood, Lowestoft, was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Source
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives WO417/24.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/21.

BOOKER, Clifford

Lance Corporal
5729301
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Clifford Booker was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete [1][2]. He had been captured on 29 May 1941 [3].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BRADLEY, John, R.

Private
4752870
No 7 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private John Bradley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had been captured on 29 May 1941.
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27, WO417/33 and WO417/93.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

BRISTOW, William Frederick

Gunner
927388
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died whilst a prisoner of war
Gunner William Bristow died from an intestinal obstruction at Salonica Greece whilst a Prisoner of War. He had been taken prisoner during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941.
 
Sources
CWGC.
German Record Cards of British POWs / WO416/42/342.

BURFORD, Norman Alan

Corporal
5571232
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Norman Burford was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1]. This occurred during No.7 Commando's rearguard action on Crete. On 2 June 1941 he was reported missing; found to have been taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 383 [2][2a].
 
Sources

CAIRNS, Bernard McNamara

Private
3192140
No 7 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers

Private Bernard Cairns 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 (Stalag 4F).
German Record Cards of British POW's / National Archives file WO416/54/155 (Stalag 3D).

CAMPBELL, Hugh Alexander Henry

Gunner
891088
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Hugh Campbell was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.  Later imprisoned at Stalag 4A in Germany.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.
 

CAMPBELL, Roderick

Gunner
1442866
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Roderick Campbell was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4G in Germany.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.

CANNON, Peter Macdermack

Gunner
919866
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Peter Cannon was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.  Later imprisoned at Stalag 4C in the Sudetenland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1939.

CANTLEY, William, J.

Corporal
1881409
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Corporal William Cantley was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
  • 4 October 1939 enlisted aged 33.
  • 12 October 1940 attached No.7 Commando 
  • 11 November 1940 (short lived commando restructuring) 3 Special Service Battalion. 
  • 31 January 1941 attached 'Layforce' embarked UK for the Middle East.

CARR, Thomas

Corporal
5382064
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps

Corporal Thomas Carr, R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando, was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.

CAUDELL, Raymond Douglas

Lance Corporal
140951
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps

Lance Corporal Raymond Caudell from Hertfordshire was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C).

CHADWICK, Norman Stanley

Lance Corporal
3655756
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Lance Corporal Norman Chadwick 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 WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/61/292.

CHAPMAN, Charles

Known as: 
Charlie
Charles Chapman 7 Commando
Private
3658109
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Private Charles Chapman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association last known residing Ancoats, Manchester.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CHEESEMAN, H.A.

Known as: 
Alfred
Private
6145046
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Private Alfred Cheeseman 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 residing Ontario, Canada.
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/94.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CHILD, Alfred Robert

Bombardier Brian Child
Bombardier
915218
No 7 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Bombardier Alfred Child was reported missing presumed killed in action at sea. 
Son of Charlie and Annie Child; husband of P. M. Child, of Moredon, Wiltshire.

CLAY, Alfred

Bombardier
815069
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Bombardier Alfred Clay was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
RA Attestation records.

COLCLOUGH, Gordon Duncan

Private
5726964
No 7 Commando
SBS
Dorsetshire Regiment
Private Gordon Colclough was reported missing 16 September 1942* during operations in the Middle East later confirmed as a prisoner of war in Italian hands [1].
1943 reported escaped and in a neutral country [1][2].
1944 his return to the UK is confirmed [1][2].

COLGROVE, Frederick

Known as: 
Fred
Private
5953029
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Fred Colgrove was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Dalston, London E8.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

COLLINGWOOD, Fred

Private
4454318
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Wiltshire Regiment

Private Fred Collingwood was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C).

COLVIN, Felix Beale

Lieutenant Colonel
78288
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Felix Beale Colvin was Commanding Officer of No.7 Commando until taken sick  during operations on Crete. Major Wylie was appointed by Laycock to take his place [1].
Lt. Col. Colvin was taken prisoner of war and subsequently received a Mention in Despatches for his actions whilst in captivity  [2][3].

COTTAM, Walter William

Walter Cottam 7 Commando
Private
3769228
No 7 Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Walter Cottam, 1st Bn., Liverpool Scottish, volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando on 10 October 1940 [1][2].
31 January 1941 departed for the Middle East as 'A' Battalion of Layforce [2].

COWIE, Aikman Duncan

Gunner
884272
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Aikman Cowie was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
RA Attestation records.

COWPER, Alexander Bruce

Sapper
2077985
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sapper Alexander Cowper was killed in action during operations in Crete. He has no known grave. Son of James and Agnes Cowper of Wallsend, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Service
15.05.1939 enlisted Royal Engineers.
21.10.1939 posted 232nd Field Company.
11.11.1940 attached 3 Special Service Battalion.

COX, Charles Frederick

Charles Cox 7 Commando
Private
5950061
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Charles Cox 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 WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

CRAMPTON, Jack Barraclough

Lance Corporal
1892271
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Died whilst a prisoner of war
Lance Corporal Jack Crampton, 3 Special Service Bn. died in Berlin as a prisoner of war. He had been reported missing, later found to have been taken prisoner in Crete on 2 June 1941. 
Son of Fred and Beatrice Crampton, of Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

CREW, John William

Known as: 
Jack
Sergeant
5947714
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Sergeant John Crew, No.7 Commando, known as 'Jack', was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941. He had served in No.4 Commando prior to embarking with No.7 Commando for the Middle East. Post war member of the Commando Association from Harpenden.
 
Sources

CROOKE, Alexander

Bombardier
6202077
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Bombardier Alexander Crooke 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 from Suffolk.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CROSBIE, John

Private
3190340
No 7 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John Crosbie died on or shortly after 26 May 1941 during operations in Crete [1][1a].
Extract from the Dumfries and Galloway Standard
Published Saturday 12 June 1943.

CRUICKSHANKS, John

Sapper
1877778
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper John Cruickshanks was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/32.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

DARGUE, T.D.

Sergeant
4387897
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Sergeant Dargue was reported wounded and prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
 

DEAN, Horace

Private
5675816
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Private Horace Dean was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/92/322.
 

DUNK, Leonard

Fusilier
3449378
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Fusilier Leonard Dunk was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/28 and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 and WO392/21.

DURAND, Montague Ongley De Beauvoir

Second Lieutenant
244790
No 7 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Montague Durand was killed in action during operations in the Western Desert. He had been commissioned Second Lieutenant on 24 May 1942.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/4.

EDNEY, Frank Leslie

Private
6205420
No 7 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Private Frank Edney was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association.
1973 Inspector in Charge of the Commonwealth Police for the State of Tasmania.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/29.

ELSE, John

Sergeant
5624579
No 7 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Died on war service
Sergeant John Else was accidentally killed in India.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59.
 
Notes

ELY, H.P.

Lance Corporal
3191999
No 7 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers

Lance Corporal Ely was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid). Later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy. In 1943 he was reported no longer a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/26, and WO417/69.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.

EMMS, Cyril Deeley

Bombardier
805557
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Bombardier Cyril Emms died during operations in Crete. He has no known grave. Husband of D. R. Emms, of Hobbs Wall, Somerset.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/62.
 

ETHELSTONE, Harry

Private
5670462
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
Somerset Light Infantry

Private Harry Ethelstone was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Originally shown on Casualty Lists as No.7 Commando attached 'A Bn., Layforce this was amended to No.8 Commando attached 'A' Bn., Layforce.

EVANS, T.W.

Private
3960772
No 7 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Private Evans was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
  • 10 September 1943 escaped from captivity.
Sources
Casualties Lists / National Archives file WO417/24 and WO417/26.

EVERITT, Harry, C.

Lance Corporal
1866574
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal Harry Everitt, a veteran of Dunkirk, was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Registers of Royal Engineers 1900-1949.
Casualty Lists / National Archives WO417/15, WO417/19, WO417/24, and WO417/26.

FAIRBRIDGE, A.F.H.

Fusilier
3452795
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers

Fusilier Fairbridge served in No.4 Commando before embarking with Layforce for the Middle East. He was reported missing during operations at Cyrenaica on 20 April 1941 (Bardia Raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.

FARRINGTON, John Beddell

John Beddell Farrington
Private (Acting Lance Corporal)
5111475
No 4 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Lance Corporal John Farrington was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete with Layforce. He was held as a prisoner in both Germany and Poland, and later awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for his numerous escapes from different camps.
Citation

FINCH, John

John Finch 7 Commando
Lance Corporal
1877787
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal John Finch was reported missing 20 April 1941, later confirmed prisoner of war, during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid).
Extract from the Aberdeen Evening Express
14 May 1941.

FLYNN, John

Corporal (later Sergeant)
3192275
No 4 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal John Flynn, a radio operator with 'B' troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the combined attack on Dieppe on 19 August 1942 [1]

FORD, Dennis

Captain (later Major)
124856
No 7 Commando
Black Watch
King's Own Royal Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Dennis Ford was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 9 March 1940 [1]. He served with No.7 Commando and later in the Far East [2][3][4]. 
  • November 1946 announcement of his award of the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst engaged in Special Operations in South East Asia [3].

FOX, Joseph

Corporal
3653001
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Corporal Joseph Fox was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Marlag and Milag).

FREEMAN, Fred Edward L.

Private
5830905
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Private Fred Freeman 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 WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

FREEMAN, Thomas Louis

Private
5831031
No 7 Commando
Cambridge/Suffolk Regiment
Service Record
5 March 1940 enlisted Suffolk Regiment.
11 June 1940 posted 2nd Bn The Cambridgeshire Regiment.
25 October 1940 attached No.7 Commando.
11 June 1940 3 Special Service Battalion.
8 April 1941  'A' Battalion Layforce.

GALLIER, Robert Allen

Gunner
1465403
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery

Gunner Robert Gallier was reported missing believed to be a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 after operations at Crete. In 1942 it was reported he was no longer missing.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/42.
RA Attestations Register 1938.

GAYLARD, Albert Jack

Lance Corporal
5725267
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Albert Gaylard was reported missing in action 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica Libya, and later found to have been captured by the enemy [1][4]. He died during an air raid [2][3] whilst a prisoner of war in Camp PG78 Italy [4][5].
 
Sources

GLYPTIS, G.

Sapper
1892369
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers

Lance Corporal G. Glyptis was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 344 in Poland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/96.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

GOLDEN, William James H.

Corporal
1881043
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers

Corporal Golden was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/24, WO417/27, WO417/55, and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.

GOODSIR, Georges Albert Jacques

Lance Bombardier
1467168
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Georges Albert Jacques Goodsir was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
RA Attestation records.

Probate Records Oxford.

GRAHAM, J.L.

Lance Corporal
3191535
No 7 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers

Lance Corporal J.L. Graham 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 WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

GRAHAM, James

Lance Corporal
6981125
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Lance Corporal James Graham was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

GRAY, John, B.

Lance Corporal
3132719
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Lance Corporal John Gray 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 and WO417/92.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/147/352 (Dulag 183).

GREEN, John

Bombardier
849929
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Bombardier John Green was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
RA Attestations Register for 1935.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/27, WO417/91.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Stalag 344), WO392/21 (Camp 78).

GREEN, William Alfred

Private
5933643
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Suffolk Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private William Green was reported missing presumed died died during the period No 7 Commando, as part of Layforce, were engaged in a rearguard action whilst allied troops were evacuated from Crete. He has no known grave. Son of Harry and Anne Elizabeth Green, of March, Cambridgeshire.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/45.

GREENWOOD, Stephen

Trooper
7904241
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Died on war service
Trooper Stephen Greenwood died in 1945 whilst a prisoner of war after being captured at Crete on 2 June 1941, and then transported to Germany. He spent the rest of the war in Stalag 3D near Berlin. He died during a forced march West whilst still a POW, when they were fired on by a Russian tank at Waganitz.
 
Sources

GUNN, Harper

Private
3319490
No 7 Commando
Highland Light Infantry
Private Harper Gunn was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations in the Middle East (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/24 and WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and 11 (Stalag 344) and WO392/21 (Camp 78).

HAMMOND, R.C.W.

Private
7347120
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps

Private Hammond, R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando, was reported as a prisoner of war during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941[1].  In 1943 he is recorded as repatriated and back in the UK [2].

Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
[2] Casualty Lists  / National Archives file WO417/68.

HANNAH, James

Lance Corporal
3190809
No 7 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal James Hannah, No. 7 Commando, was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy. He escaped from captivity for which he was subsequently awarded the Military Medal.
Recommendation

HARPER, Henry Joseph

Sergeant
5180531
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Sergeant Henry Harper was reported as a prisoner of war during operations at Crete 2 June 1941. In 1943 he was reported as repatriated to UK.
  • 29 December 1930 enlisted into the Royal Tank Corps.

Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/68.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

HARPER, Ian Rennie

Sergeant
1466969
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Sergeant Ian Harper was reported missing and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. In 1943 it was reported he was back in the UK no longer a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/68.
RA Attestations Register 1938.

HARPER, Stanley Eric

Known as: 
Eric
Stanley Eric Harper 7 Commando
Harper 7 Commando
Sapper
1880061
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper Stanley Harper was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. he had previously served in No.4 Commando.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HARRISON, Thomas

Gunner
1461853
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Thomas Harrison 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 and WO417/45.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/11 and WO392/21.

HAWKINS, Harold Ralph

Private
5503346
No 7 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Private Harold Hawkins 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.
 
Sources
Casualty lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/95.

HAYWARD, Arthur, N.

Lance Corporal
5567812
No 7 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Arthur Hayward 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 WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C).

HEESOM, Daniel

Lance Corporal
3657716
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Lance Corporal Daniel Heesom was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

HERD, James

Sapper
1986469
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper James Herd was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/32.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11 and WO392/1.

HILDRETH, Sidney James

Lance Corporal
3657806
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Sidney Hildreth, formerly 7 Commando, was reported missing, later confirmed killed, whilst attached to 'L' Detachment SAS.  He left the Commando to join the SAS on the 30th August 1941 and was fatally injured parachuting into the SAS first raid, Operation Squatter, an abortive attack against airfields at Tmimi and Gazala. He has no known grave.

HOLBROOK, Alfred

Private Alfred Holbrook
Private
815569
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Royal Artillery
Private Alfred Holbrook was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1930 before transferring to the Royal Army Medical Corps on 29 September 1934 [1]. 
  • 2 June 1941 (R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando) reported missing during operations at Crete and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4B [2][3]. 
Sources

HOROBIN, Gilbert, C.

Private
7632126
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Private Gilbert Horobin was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

IBBETSON, Reginald Thomas

Lance Bombardier
914872
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Reginald Ibbetson was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 357.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11 (Stalag 357).

JAMIESON, John

Known as: 
Jock
John Jamieson 7 Commando
Private
2933872
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private John Jamieson, 'B' Company of the 1st Bn., Liverpool Scottish, volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando. 
31 January 1941 departed for the Middle East as 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

2 June 1941 reported missing during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

JONES, Glyn Watkar

Gunner
1545477
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Glyn Jones was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
RA Attestation records.

KING, Thomas, J.

Private
5191561
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Gloucestershire Regiment

Served: No.4 Commando; 3 Special Service Battalion; No.7 Commando; 'A' Bn., Layforce. 
Private Thomas King was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

KINGSNORTH, Ronald Harry

Lance Corporal
5572477
Wiltshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Ronald Kingsnorth was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 95 issued Sept.1992.
 

KIRKUP, Kenneth Campbell

Private (Corporal)
3189636
No 7 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Lance Corporal Kenneth Kirkup, No.7 Commando was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Devon.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/93.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

LALEY, W.P.

Lance Bombardier
5384244
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Lance Bombardier Laley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

LAMBERT, Joseph, W.

Fusilier
3714345
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Fusilier Joseph Lambert 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 from Lancashire.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

LILLEY, Harold

Gunner
950256
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Harold Lilley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C).

LINDSAY, J.

Private
3319495
No 7 Commando
Highland Light Infantry
Private Lindsay was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations in the Middle East (Bardia raid). Later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy. 10 September 1943 escaped from captivity.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/68.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.

LISTER, Dudley Stuart

Dudley Stuart Lister MC
Lieutenant Colonel
No 10 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Lister MC, a veteran of World War One, was Commanding Officer of three different commando units in WW2. An international sportsman his forte was boxing. He had been Army heavyweight champion and had represented Great Britain in the Golden Gloves contest in Madison Squuare Gardens, New York, before the war [1].

MACKIE, W.

Lance Corporal
3247568
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers

Lance Corporal Mackie was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.

MALLETT, John

Acting Sergeant
5333348
No 7 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Sergeant John Mallett 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 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO382/11 (Stalag 383).

MARSDEN, John Jardine

Gunner
1474306
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

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

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29, WO417/30, and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.
RA Attestations Register 1938.
 

MATTHEWMAN, John Stewart

Sergeant
No 7 Commando
Special Service Detachment 1

Post war member of the Commando Association and the Burma Star Association residing in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Sources
Commando Association Newsletter 101 issued September 1995.
Burma Star Association Membership no. M/483/54.
 

MCGEACHY, E.

Rifleman
3245800
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Rifleman McGeachy was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4C. 

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

MCGLONE, Andrew

Rifleman
3249718
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Military Medal (MM)
Rifleman Andrew McGlone was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war. During the years that followed he escaped several times from captivity only to be recaptured later.

MCGUNNIGLE, William Mitchell Pollock

Known as: 
Bill or Jock
William McGunnigle
Private
3313894
No 7 Commando
No 10 Commando
No 4 Commando
Highland Light Infantry
'B' Company, 6th Bn. HLI.
Volunteered for Commandos.
'G' Troop No.7 Commando.
HQ Troop No.10(IA) Commando.
'D' Troop No.4 Commando, Normandy.
Wounded 25 July 1944 Breville.
Emigrated to Canada post war.
Remembered at the National Field of Honour, Pointe Claire, Quebec, Canada.
 
Sources

MCHUGH, Gerard Thomas

Lance Corporal
2929858
No 7 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Gerard McHugh was reported as a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. He had been captured on 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383)

MCKEE, Peter

Peter Mckee 7 Commando
Sergeant (Acting Troop Sergeant Major)
1477227
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Troop Sergeant Major Peter McKee was reported missing believed a prisoner on  2 June 1941 during operations at Crete [1].  He was a prisoner of war at Stalag 4A [2] and reported repatriated to the UK in 1943 [3].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

MCLEAN, Donald

Gunner
898731
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Donald McLean was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. He was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 in Poland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1939.

MCMURTRIE, William Vass

Gunner
906239
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner William McMurtrie was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.  Later imprisoned at Stalag 4C in the Sudetenland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1939.

McSHANE, Charles Henry Hubert

Sergeant
5724665
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Died on war service
Sergeant Charles McShane, No.7 Commando, was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Camp 78 in Italy [1][2].
  • 1943 repatriated to the UK [3].
  • 15 January 1944 died in the UK attached 4th Bn. Dorset Regiment [4][Notes].. 

MEISTER, Donald Martin

Driver
T/117289
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Driver Donald Meister was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured on 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/72.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 Stalag 8B)

MILLIGAN, John

Regimental Sergeant Major
2927484
No 7 Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Regimental Sergeant Major John Milligan was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Ayr.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MILNER, Harold

Known as: 
Harry
Lance Corporal
3653894
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Lance Corporal Harold Milner was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Warrington.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

MOORE, Sydney Henry

Known as: 
Syd
Corporal
-
No 7 Commando
No 8 Commando
51ME Commando
-
Post war member of the Commando Association from Tadcaster in Yorkshire. His brother Albert served in No.3 Commando.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletters 64, 77, 105, and others.
 

MOXEY, Edward Ernest

Known as: 
Ted
Corporal
5949820
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Corporal Edward Moxey 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 from Cambridge.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MUNACHEN, James

Known as: 
surname also seen spelt as Monaghan or Monaghen
Corporal
3318575
No 7 Commando
SAS
Highland Light Infantry

Corporal James Munachen was reported missing during operations in Cyrenaica on 16/17 November 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.

MUSK, Eric

Eric Musk 7 Commando
Lance Corporal
5830939
No 7 Commando
Cambridgeshire Regiment

Lance Corporal Eric Musk was wounded during operations in Crete on 28 May 1941 whilst his unit were designated as part of Layforce. He avoided capture at Crete and later served in the SAS.

MYCOCK, George Reginald Nicholls

Gunner
904853
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner George Mycock 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.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
RA Attestations Register 1939.

NEAVES, James Mack

Gunner (Driver I/C)
924941
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner James Neaves was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4A in Germany.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1939.

NEILL, William

Corporal
3127276
No 7 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Corporal William Neill 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 and WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/269/221.

NICHOLLS, Frank Raymond Jocelyn

Captain
71042
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Special Service Detachment 1
Royal Artillery
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Frank Nicholls, No 7 Commando and Layforce, died whilst attached to No 1 Special Service Detachment. He has no known grave. Son of Mrs. A. M. Connell, of West Brompton, London.

PALMER, Robert George

Private
5437449
No 7 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Private Robert Palmer 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 WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.

PATERNOSTER, Harry

Private
5827448
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Died on war service

Private Harry Paternoster died at the 13th General Hospital, Suez, as a result of heatstroke.

Sources
CWGC.
War Diary A Bn,Layforce, file ref National Archives WO 218/168, Entry for the 6th April "The death from Heatstroke of 5827448 Pte Paternoster H. occurred in 13th General Hospital, Suez."

PAYNE, Ronald McClure

Gunner
896888
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Ronald Payne was reported missing on 8 April 1941 at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

PEARSON, William, G.V.

Lance Sergeant
5825220
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Lance Sergeant William Pearson 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. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/92.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

PETERS, Albert Thomas

Private
5952655
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Albert Peters was reported as wounded and a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/288/96.

PORTER, Leonard, E.

Trooper
405323
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Leonard Porter was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/25 and WO417/94.

German Record Cards of British PoWs / National Archives file WO416/293/219.

PREECE, Bernard Llewellyn

Gunner
2044484
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Bernard Preece was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured 28 May 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/30.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

RAESIDE, Bendon Walker

Bendon Raeside 7 Commando
Sergeant
898968
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant Bendon Raeside was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Royal Artillery Attestation Records 1939.

RALPHS, Edward

Private
3656776
No 7 Commando
SAS
South Lancashire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Edward Ralphs was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving in the Special Raiding Squadron [1][2]. He had previously served in No.7 Commando [3].
Recommendation

READ, Kenneth, E.

Private
5673603
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Private Read was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/26 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 and WO392/21.

REDWOOD, Albert C.

Sergeant
5727778
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Albert Redwood died [1] having left the Commando and joined Force 136, the S.O.E.  At the time of his death he was part of Operation Ramrose, team Fox at Myothit - Irrawaddy. 
 
Extract from a Force 136 battle casualty report about his death [2].

REED, Robert Middleton

Lance Sergeant
913695
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Sergeant Robert Reed was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

RA Attestation records.

REEVES, Francis Samuel

Sapper
2079933
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper Francis Reeves was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captued and later transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/30.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 117 issued September 2003.

REGAN, William

Gunner
882766
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner William Regan was reported missing during operations in Crete on 2 June 1941. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4A.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

Royal Artillery Attestations Records.

RICHARDS, Branson

Captain
108195
No 7 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Branson Richards was captured during operations in Cyrenaica in 1941 and detained at Camp P.G. 29, Veano, Piacenza, Italy [1][1a].  He was reported shot and killed whilst escaping captivity [2][3]. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches [2]4]. 
 
Sources

ROBERTS, John

Corporal
3648905
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Corporal John Roberts was reported wounded and missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/29.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/308/522.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.

ROBERTSON, W.T.

Private
3055828
No 7 Commando
Royal Scots

Private Robertson was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia). Later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/26 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
 

ROSE, Harry, E.G.

Lance Corporal
5827498
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Northamptonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Harry Rose was reported missing and a prisoner of war on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica, Libya (Bardia raid). He later made good his escape and received a Mention in Despatches.
Recommendation

RUSSELL, Frederick James

Private
5572601
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Wiltshire Regiment

Private Frederick Russell was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C) and WO392/11 (Stalag 4G).

SAVAGE, Alistair Carpendale Mcewan

Known as: 
Robin
Captain (later Major)
63567
No 7 Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Alistair Savage was reported wounded and missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][2][3]. He was initially held in Carcere Penale Badia, Italy [2], before being transported to Germany.

SCOTT, Edward

Rifleman
3251748
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Rifleman Edward Scott was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war after being captured the previous day.

SEEKINGS, Albert Reginald

Known as: 
Reg
Albert Reginald Seekings 7 Commando and SAS
Private (later Warrant Officer 1 (SAS)
5933155
No 7 Commando
SAS
Cambridgeshire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Albert Reginald Seekings served in No.7 Commando. Due to illness he did not take part in the Crete landings after which he joined 'L' Detachment SAS [1][2].
 
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Lance Sergeant, 'L' Detachment SAS, Middle East.
Recommendation

SEEKINGS, Robert William

Robert William Seekings 7 Commando and SAS
Private
5932934
No 7 Commando
SAS
Cambridgeshire Regiment
Private Robert Seekings, No. 7 Commando, was wounded 28 May 1941 during operations in Crete whilst his unit were designated as part of Layforce [1]. 
Service History [2]
13 February 1938 enlisted at Ely into the T.A.*
3 September 1939 mobilised with the Cambridgeshire Regiment.

SIMPSON, Arthur, C.

Lance Bombardier
946849
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Arthur Simpson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

SIMPSON, D. (Pte)

Private
2933253
No 7 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private D. Simpson was reported wounded 21 April 1941 in the Middle East (Bardia raid ?).
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 
Notes
Not to be confused with 3310206 Cpl. D. Simpson of 7 Commando.
 

SIMPSON, David

Corporal
3310206
No 7 Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Corporal David Simpson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had served in India before the war and was the recipient of the India General Service Medal.

SMETHURST, Harry

Lance Corporal
7907192
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Harry Smethurst was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/332/261.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

SMITH, Eric, A.

Lance Corporal
T/99352
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
No 6 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Served with No.4 Commando on the Dieppe raid 19 August 1942.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Wargrave on Thames, Berkshire.
 
Sources
Partial nominal roll of No.4 Cdo at Dieppe in archive.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 101 (1995).
 

SMITH, Ernest William

Lance Bombardier
909986
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Ernest Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/33.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

SMITH, George

Sergeant
833291
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant George Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/30.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

Royal Artillery Attestation Records.

SMITH, Lawrence George

Known as: 
Larry
Lawrence Smith 7 Commando
Sergeant
316217
No 7 Commando
Royal Tank Corps
Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Household Cavalry
Sergeant Lawrence Smith was attested into the Royal Tank Corps on 28 October 1927 aged 14yrs 2 months, trade recorded as Musician [1].
In World War 2 he was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations with No.7 Commando in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war [2][3].

SMITH, William Henry

Lance Bombardier
904285
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier William Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/29.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestation Records.

SMITH, William John

Known as: 
Bill
Private
5726899
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Private William John Smith 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 Swanage, Dorset.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, 30, and 94.

SNEESBY, Eric

Driver
67473
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps

Driver Eric Sneesby was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British PoWs / National Archives file WO416/337/306.

SNELSON, Cyril

Cyril Snelson 7 Commando
Cyril Snelson
Lance Corporal
3655291
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Lance Corporal Cyril Snelson was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

SPEECHLEY, William

Private
5830134
No 7 Commando
Green Howards
Private William Speechley, No.7 Commando, was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica.  Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 344. Had earlier served in No.4 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Cambridgeshire.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/26 and WO417/95.

STAMPER, Sydney

Lance Corporal
3060120
No 7 Commando
Royal Scots
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Sydney Stamper died during operations in the Middle East.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/44.
 

STANNACK, Luke

Luke Stannack 7 Commando
Lance Corporal
1890170
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal Luke Stannack from Hull was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be wounded and a prisoner of war. In 1943 he is reported as back in the UK no longer a prisoner.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

STEINKE, Roy Frederick

Corporal
6207800
No 7 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Corporal Roy Steinke was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

STILL, Edgar Thomas

Lance Corporal
5572401
No 7 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Died on active service
Lance Corporal Edgar Still died as a result of an accident in the Middle East.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/48.
 
Cemetery Historical Information

STRATFORD, Mark, F.

Private
5950066
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Mark Stratford was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 8B).

German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/348/67.

SULLIVAN, Norman Tracy

Private
4618047
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
East Yorkshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Norman Sullivan was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had previously served in No.4 Commando.
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Newbury.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/31.

SUTHERLAND, George Martin

Gunner
1517018
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner George Sutherland was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica, Libya. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4F. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/28, and WO417/93.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.

TAYLOR, J.M.

Acting Corporal
T 71576
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps

Acting Corporal Taylor, 'A' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

TAYLOR, Percy, V.C.

Lance Corporal
5111406
No 7 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/7th Bn.
Lance Corporal Percy Taylor, 3 Special Service Bn., 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 WO417/28 and WO417/36.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

THOMAS, John Smith

Private
3319284
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Private John Thomas, 3 Special Service Bn. was reported missing in the Middle East on 20 April 1941 (Bardia Raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

THOW, Henry Beverley

Bombardier
897673
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Henry Thow was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 8B (344).
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

Royal Artillery Attestation Records.

VAUGHAN, Charles Edward (Lt Col)

Lieutenant Colonel
2646398 & 142142
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
The Buffs, East Kent
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Charles Edward Vaughan, born 1893, was originally attached to No.7 and No.4 Commando before taking up his role as the Commandant of the newly formed Commando Depot (CBTC) at Achnacarry.

WALSH, Percy John

Bombardier
786833
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Percy Walsh was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
Royal Artillery Attestation Records.

WAND-TETLEY, Peter Michael

Lieutenant (later Captain)
6463867
143484
No 7 Commando
Middle East Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
19 October 1939 attested into the Honorable Artillery Company [1].
26 April 1940 to 168th Infantry O.C.T.U. [1].
17 August 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Wiltshire Regiment [1][2].
1941 attached No.3 Special Service Battalion embarked for the Middle East with Layforce [3].

WARD, Alfred George

Private
5951286
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Private Alfred Ward 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 WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 3D) and WO392/11 (Stalag 4A).

WESTWATER, Alexander

Sergeant
876932
No 7 Commando
SAS
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Died on war service
Sergeant Alexander Westwater DCM, formerly 7 Commando and SAS,  was killed in Italy after an explosion in what is described as a battle accident whilst serving with the Royal Artillery (AFHQ).
[Source: Royal Artillery Deaths 1939-1946, Form RH, stamped RA Record Office Field Branch]
 

WHITE, Harold

Harold White 7 Commando and SAS
Corporal
154976
No 7 Commando
SAS
Royal Army Service Corps
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Harold White was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry whilst serving with 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, having left the Commando after operations in Crete.
Recommendation
(by Lt. Col. A.D. Stirling, D.S.O.)

WILSON, Peter

Peter Wilson 7 Commando
Lance Bombardier
947129
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Lance Bombardier Peter Wilson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.
[Image] His son an namesake Peter Wilson.
 

WINTERBOTHAM, Sydney, J..

Lance Corporal
T/2574005
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps
Lance Corporal Sydney Winterbotham, 'F' Troop, 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 Nottingham.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/91.

WOODING, Frederick Reginald

Private
5572396
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Wiltshire Regiment
Private Frederick Wooding 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, WO417/33, and WO417/94.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/400/122.

WYLIE, Kenneth Neil

Known as: 
Ken
Major (later Honorary Colonel)
51356
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Temporary Major Kenneth Wylie, B.A. was second in command of No.7 Commando. During operations on Crete he was placed in command replacing the sick Lt. Col. Colvin and was subsequently captured by the enemy [1]. 
  • He was transported to Germany and imprisoned at Oflag O9/AH at Spangenberg [2].

YOUNG, D.A.

Private
5955706
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Private D.A. Young  was reported missing believed prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to be imprisoned at Stalag 4B. 

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