No 9 Commando

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9 Commando

History of the Unit

No. 9 Commando was initially formed with No.11 Commando in July 1940 from Scottish Command. Their first commanding officer was Lt. Col. John Maclean 'Jack' Saegert, RE. Many original members of No.9 came from No’s 6 and 7 independent Companies which had been raised in April 1940. No.9 became part of the 2nd Special Service Battalion in the autumn of 1940.

9 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. 

ALLEN, Michael Rhys Harvey

No 9 Commando
Captain Michael Allen , Adjutant of No. 9 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Monte Faito, Italy, on 2/3 February 1944 [2].
Recommendation
Action at Monte Faito night 2/3 Feb.44, MR. 858043, Italy 1:50,000 Sheet 160-II.

ALLWRIGHT, Ian Donald Bruce

No 9 Commando
Corporal Ian Allwright served in No. 9 Commando before being sent to O.C.T.U. [1].
  • 3 October 1942 commissioned Second Lieutenant Royal Scots [2].
  • 3 April 1943 promoted Lieutenant, Royal Scots [3]. Mentioned in Despatches in Recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy [4].

ANDERSON, John

Private John Anderson 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Private John Anderson was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. He has no known grave. His name is on the Marble Roll of Honour on Monte Ornito*. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/94.
* Linked Content below.
Commando Veterans Archive gallery.
Image credit Ian Anderson (nephew).
 
Notes

ASPDEN, Jack

No 9 Commando
Lance Bombardier Jack Aspden was one of the Commando contingent on board ML 267 for the raid at St. Nazaire. The launch was hit by enemy fire and sank. Eight of the 11 Commandos, and all bar 5 of the RN crew,  on board were killed [1a]. Jack Aspden was taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland [2].
  • 21 September 1946 commissioned Second Lieutenant with the Loyal Regiment [3].

BANKS, T.H.

No 9 Commando

Lance Sergeant T.H. Banks was wounded in Italy on 1 February 1944. At this time his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.

BARTON, Harold

No 9 Commando
Lance Sergeant Harold Barton was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Anzio, Italy, on 19th March 1944 [1][2][see linked content below].
Recommendation
"Ref Map-Italy 1/25,000 Sheet 158 IV SE.

BASSETT-WILSON, Paul Francis

Paul Bassett-Wilson MC
No 9 Commando
No 12 Commando
Captain Paul Bassett-Wilson MC died during operations with No.9 Commando at Lake Comacchio, Italy [1].
A former pupil of Stowe School and student at Trinity College [2], he had earlier served as a Lieutenant in No.12 Commando. 
  • 27/28 March 1942 (Lieutenant) (No.12 Commando) embarked on Motor Launch ML443 as part of the raiding force for Operation Chariot at St Nazaire.  He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid.[3].
  • 4 September 1943 posted from No.12 Commando to No. 9 Commando [4].

BATES, William Stanley

No 9 Commando
Lieutenant William Bates received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy. 
 
Sources
London Gazette 36886, page 323.
 
Notes
He is referred to as Captain in the document below.  Rank here as shown in Gazette entry.
 

BEARDMORE, Thomas

RSM Tom Beardmore No 9 Commando
RSM Tom Beardmore No 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Regimental Sergeant Major Tom Beardsmore died during operations at Mount Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy [1][2].
 
Before the war commenced, whilst a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Bn., North Staffs., he was amongst a group of service personnel whose names were brought to notice by the General Officer Commanding the British Forces in Palestine and Trans-Jordan, in recognition of distinguished services rendered in connection with the operations in Palestine during the period, 12th September, 1937 to 31st March, 1938 [3].
 

BISSET, George Davidson

Lt Bisset 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Lieutenant George Bisset died of wounds whilst a Prisoner of War in German hands during operations in Italy [1][2]. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [3].
 
Extract from the Aberdeen Press and Journal

BLACKHURST, John

No 9 Commando
Rifleman John Blackhurst died of wounds during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead. He received a postumous Mention In Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy.
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 36886, page 328.
 

BOSTOCK, Thomas

No 9 Commando
Corporal Thomas Bostock was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy.
Recommendation
Action at Monte Faito night 2nd-3rd February 1944, Map Ref .858043,Italy Sheet.1:50,000 sheet 160-II.

BROWN, Charles Gilbert

No 9 Commando
Private Charles Brown died as a result of an accident on board a ship. At the time of his death No 9 Commando were engaged in operations by the Pelopenese peninsula, Greece. They were transported to various locations on HMS Prince David. 
  • The War Diary for 9 Commando records that on the 28 Sept 1944 at 1000 hrs, 1 OR received battle accident and died on board ship 1440 hrs. Casualty Lists confirm this was Private Brown.

Sources
CWGC.
No.9 Commando War Diary.
Casualty List 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/84.

BURGESS, Leslie

No 9 Commando

Lance Corporal Leslie Burgess died during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on motor launch ML 268.

Sources
CWGC.
St Nazaire Society website.

BUTLER, Howard Herbert Cosens

No 9 Commando
No 11 Commando
SBS
Corporal Howard Butler, 'M' Section of the  Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field. He had previously served in No.9 and No.11 Commando. The award covered his participation in Operation Whynot, a raid in Sicily commencing on 11 August 1942 to disrupt a German bomber base in range of a relief convoy for the beseiged island of Malta.

CAMERON, Alexander

Alexander Cameron 9 Commando
No 9 Commando

Private Alexander Cameron, 5 Troop, had served in No.9 Commando since at least 1941. He was wounded on 3 March 1944 during operations in Italy. This was the date of No.9 Commando's second landing at the Anzio Beachhead where 5 Troop were involved in a successful bayonet charge which cleared the enemy from a nearby wadi. Evacuated to the UK and admitted to a hospital in Liverpool, Private Cameron was medically discharged due to his wounds on 5 September 1944. Alexander died in the 1980's and is buried at Dalmally, Scotland.

CAMERON, Ralph Alverne Cyril

No 9 Commando
Captain Ralph Cameron was awarded the Military Cross [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst in charge of 2 troops whose task was to destroy an enemy post near a demolished bridge West of the River Garigliano, Italy, on the night of 29/20 December 1943 during Operation Partridge [2].
 
4 July 1947 awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal (rank shown as Captain (Honorary Major) (Q.O.C.H.) and later the Territorial Decoration [3].
 
Sources

CAMPBELL, Kenneth Norman

No 9 Commando

Captain Kenneth Campbell, 4 troop,  died on the 9th September 1941 of injuries received in a m/c accident that occurred on the night of 5th September. A court of inquiry was held on the 11th September and his funeral took place on the 12th September 1941. One Officer and one NCO from each troop and the R.S.M. attended. Sergeants acted as pallbearers. No 4 Troop provide Firing Party .

Sources
CWGC
Casualty Lists 1939-45 /National Archives file WO417/2.
9 Cdo. War Diary 9-12th Sept 1941 ref  WO218/27 (National Archives.)

COUPE, Leonard

No 9 Commando
Lance Sergeant Leonard Coupe died during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches in recognition of "gallant and distinguished services in Italy." 
 
Sources
CWGC
London Gazette 36886, page 318.
 

CRAMER, John

Lance Corporal John Cramer, R.A.M.C. attached to Commando H.Q. (M.I. section) was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distiguished service during operations at Lake Comacchio on 13 April 1945. This was known as Operation Impact Royal [1][2].
  • The previous year he had received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37235, page 4270.

D'ARCY, Edward John

No 9 Commando
Captain Edward D'Arcy, Medical Officer, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations at Monte Faito Italy on 2/3 February 1944.
 
Sources
London Gazette 36586, page 3070.
National Archives file WO373/6/353.
Commando Association newsletter 99 issued September 1994.
 

DANIELS, Samuel

No 9 Commando

Lance Bombardier Samuel Daniels was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.

The death of LBdr. Samuel Daniels, MM. (9 Cdo) of Billinge, Lancs. was announced in Commando Association newsletter 83 issued September 1986.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37235, page 4270.
National Archives file WO 373/13/415.
 

DEANS, James

No 9 Commando
Corporal James Deans died during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on motor launch ML 457. 
 
Sources

DUNCAN, Ronald

No 9 Commando

Lance Corporal Ronald Duncan died during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire.  He was one of the commando contingent on Motor Launch ML 268.

Sources
CWGC.
St Nazaire Society website.

FARQUHAR, John Kiel

No 9 Commando
Private John Farquhar was awarded the Military Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations West of the Garigliano River, Italy on the night of 29/30 December 1943 [2].
Recommendation

FINLAY, David

No 9 Commando

Private David Finlay was wounded in Italy on 3 February 1944. At this time his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.

GIBSON, James Lang

No 9 Commando

Captain James Gibson died of injuries received in a mine explosion at Anzio on the 24th June.

Sources
CWGC
No 9 Cdo War Diary, National Archives WO218/69.
Casualty List 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/6.

Notes
The 9 Cdo War Diary entry refers to a Lt. G. Gibson. The CWGC shows Capt. J.L. Gibson. The Field Return of Officers of 9 Cdo. dated 3rd June 1944 records 210963 Lt. J.L. Gibson RASC (joined the unit 24/4/1944.). His name does not appear on the July list.

GILLESPIE, Charles William

Charles William Gillespie 9 Commando
No 9 Commando

Captain Charles Gillespie M.B., R.A.M.C. was Medical Officer in No.9 Commando 1944/5.

1941 graduated from Queen's University Belfast.
7 November 1942 commissioned Lieutenant, RAMC.
May 1943 served in Tunisia and Italy with 106 HAA Regt., R.A.
November 1943 promoted Captain.
April/May 1944 attached to No.9 Commando serving in Italy and Greece.
March 1945 completed parachute training.

GRIEVE, John Fletcher

No 9 Commando

Private John Grieve was accidently killed by a mine on Portland Range whilst training. A Court of Inquiry was held on the 20th May and reconvened on the 29th May 1943. Pte Grieve had apparently previously served in No 6 Commando.

Sources
CWGC
9 Cdo War Diary 15-29th May 1943 ref WO218/55 (National Archives).
Casualty List 1939-45 /National Archives file WO417/61.
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.

HOPKINS, Leslie William

No 9 Commando

Lance Sergeant Leslie Hopkins was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations on the night of 15/16 April 1945 near Fossa Marina at Lake Comacchio, Italy. He was wounded during the action which resulted in his award.

The death of Sgt. Leslie Hopkins, DCM. (9 Cdo) of Rothesay, Bute, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 84 issued March 1987.

HUGHES, G.

No 9 Commando
Lance Sergeant Hughes was one of the Commando contingent for the St Nazaire raid in March 1942. He embarked on board Motor Launch ML443 and was one of those to be evacuated back to the UK.
 
Source
Nominal Roll in St. Nazaire Society 75th Anniversary Newsletter. 
Note
The St Nazaire Society website show his initial as J.
 

HUNTER, H.

No 9 Commando

Corporal H. Hunter was wounded in Italy on 3 February 1944. At this time his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.

JACKSON, Harry Charles

No 9 Commando

Sergeant Harry Jackson was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in the Wadis at the Anzio Beachnead on the 19th March 1944 which became known as Operation 'X'.

Sources
London Gazette 36615, page 3377.
National Archives file WO 373/6/596.
 

KING, Robert

Robert King MM 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Private Robert King, from Aberdeen, was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Lake Comacchio in Italy.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37162, page 3495.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Friday 26 September 1952
British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk); The British Library Board.
 

KINGSBURY, Harold Sidney

No 9 Commando
Sergeant Harold Kingsbury MM died during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead.
  • 1939 (Lance Corporal) (1st Bn., Border Regiment) awarded the Military Medal for "gallant and distinguished services in Palestine." 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 34607, page 1765.
 

KITHER, Harry Thomas

Lt Kither 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Captain Harry Kither MC, from Longcot Shrivenham near Swindon, died during operations at Lake Comacchio and the Argenta Gap. He had been awarded the Military Cross "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy."
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 37162, page 3494.
England & Wales Government Probate Death Index.
 

LANCASTER, E.

No 9 Commando

Private E. Lancaster was wounded in Italy on 3 February 1944. At this time his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.

LONG, Donald Bayley

Donald Bayley Long 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Lieutenant Donald Long was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations against the enemy held spit of land between Lake Comacchio, Italy, and the Adriatic [1][1A][Citation in Linked Content beow].
  • 28 June 1955 (Captain) (Acting Major) (King's Own) awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration [2].
  • 27 March 1958 (King's Own T.A.) promoted Major with seniority from 1 May 1947 [3].

LONG, Michael

Michael Long MBE MC 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Temporary Captain Michael Long was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations to cross the Garigliano river on the night of 29/30 December 1943. This was known as Operation Partridge [1][2].
Recommendation
"West of Garigliano River on the night of 29/30 Dec.'43.

LOWE, Ken

No 9 Commando
Lance Corporal Ken Lowe received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field. 

MACINNES, Neil

No 9 Commando
Neil Macinnes was the Regimental Sergeant Major of No 9 Commando at the time of his death. The No 9 Commando War Diary for January 10th 1942 records the following "2974803, R.S.M. McINNES N, died of self inflicted gunshot wound."
 
Sources
CWGC
9 Cdo War Diary 10 Jan 1942 ref National Archives WO/218/38.
 

MACLAGAN, Ian Lawrence

Ian Maclagan 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Corporal Ian Maclagan was one of the commando contingent embarked on Motor Launch ML 457 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.
 
Sources
St. Nazaire Society website.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1.

MATTHEWS, Leslie James

Pte LJ Matthews 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Private Leslie Matthews, from Blackpool, was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. He has no known grave. 
A former pupil of Baines Grammar School, Poulton, he worked for the Ministry of Health before joining the Army in 1940. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

MCAULAY, Duncan

No 9 Commando

Lance Corporal Duncan McAulay was wounded in Italy on 3 February 1944. At this time his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.

MCDOUGALL-PORTER, Christopher Frederick

No 9 Commando
Captain Christopher McDougall-Porter was reported wounded and missing 3 February 1944 later presumed died of wounds.  he has no known grave. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
  • Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distingushed service in Italy.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/8.
London Gazette 36886, page 326 issued 11 January 1945.
 

QUIGLEY, Thomas

No 9 Commando

Private Thomas Quigley died during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead, Italy.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/73.
 

REACE, George Arthur

No 9 Commando

Warrant Officer Class 2  George Reace was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1], and was also Mentioned in Despatches [2], both in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.

The death of George Reace DCM of Prescott, Arizona, U.S.A. was announced in Commando Association newsletter 112 issued March 2001.

REID, A.B.

No 9 Commando
Lance Corporal Reid received a Mention in Desptaches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy.
 
Sources
London Gazette 36886, page 325.
 

RICHARDS, D.

No 9 Commando
Sapper D. Richards was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 443 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid [1][2].
  • 30 December 1943 (Acting Lance Corporal) (No.9 Commando) wounded during operations in Italy [3].
  • 24 August 1944 Mentioned in Despatches (Corporal) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy [4].
Sources
[1] St. Nazaire Society website.

RICHARDSON, John

No 9 Commando

Sergeant John Richardson died of wounds during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty List 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/73.

ROLFE, Julian Dudley

No 9 Commando
Private Julian Rolfe died during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead. He received a Mention in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished service in Italy."
 
Sources

SAEGERT, John Maclean (Lt. Col)

John Maclean Saegert
No 9 Commando
13 July 1921 Royal Military Academy commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers [1].
13 July 1928 promoted Lieutenant [2][2a].
13 July 1932 promoted Captain [2].
1 August 1938 promoted Major [2].
29 July 1940 - 28 October 1940 - Acting Lieutenant Colonel [2].
28 October 1940 - Temporary Lieutenant Colonel [2].

SCOTT, Archie

No 9 Commando
Former Company Sergeant Major Archie Scott of No. 9 Commando died in 1956 as the result of a pit accident at Maltby Main Colliery, S. Yorks.
[Source: Commando Association newsletter 23].
 

SCOTT, Michael

No 9 Commando
Lieutenant Michael Scott died of wounds during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty List 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/6.
 

SHAW, Ashley George

No 9 Commando
Driver Ashley Shaw was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period November 1941 to April 1942  whilst serving as an ambulance driver with 5 Light Field Ambulance. [1].
 
He was later awarded the Military Medal whilst a driver of a jeep used for carrying casualties under fire on the 14th and 15th September 1943 in Italy. He was at the Battalion Regimental Aid Post near operations at the River Tusciano. [2].
 

SHIPTON, Herbert J.

Bert Shipton 9 Commando
No 9 Commando

Lance Corporal Bert Shipton was one of the commando contingent embarked on Motor Launch ML 457 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 383 at Hohenfels Germany.

Sources
St Nazaire Society website.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1.
[Image] CVA Gallery.
 

STEPHENSON, George, W.

No 9 Commando
Gunner George Stephenson was awarded the M.M. in recognition of distinguished services in the field, this being announced in Gazettes on the 26th August, 1941.
 
The death of Gnr. George W. Stephenson (No.9 Cdo) of Bristol, Avon., was announced in Commando Association newsletter 117 issued September 2003.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 35256, page 4935.
 

STEWART, G.

No 9 Commando

Rfn. G. Stewart was wounded in Italy on 3 February 1944. At this time his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.

SZARKOW, Justin

No 9 Commando
Justin Szarkow served in 2 troop.
 
First born of a Polish immigrant family (early 1900s) and was born and raised in Manchester.  His father was killed in action in WW1 *.
 

TATLER, John

No 9 Commando
Private John Tatler, 5 Troop, died during operations at Anzio.
 
Notes
Email sent to CWGC as Commando service shown in their Grave registration and headstone archives are not reflected in their main entry.
 

THOMSON, Donald

No 9 Commando
No 6 Independent Company
Private Donald Thomson died from a gunshot wound. Court of Enquiry returned a verdict of accidental death. Casualty List records his Unit as No.6 independent Company [see notes].
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/23.
No 9 Cdo War Diary 23rd March 1941 - unit location Criccieth. National Archives file WO/218/27.
 
Notes

THOMSON, John

No 9 Commando

Lance Sergeant John Thomson was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.

Sources
London Gazette 36615, page 3376 published 20 July 1944.
National Archives file WO373/6/528.
 

TOD, Ronald John Frederick (Brig)

No 9 Commando
No 6 Independent Company
No 11 Independent Company
Commissioned  into the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders in 1925. Served in No 6 Independent Company and was  Officer Commanding No 11 Independent Company in 1940 and later took command of No 9 Commando in 1942.  Awarded DSO, and later a Bar to the DSO, each for "gallant and distinguished services in Italy " whilst commanding No 9 Commando in 1944.  Promoted Brigadier and Officer Commanding 2 Commando Brigade,  in 1945 he was awarded a CBE for "gallant and distinguished services in Italy."
 

Commando Association Newsletter 61 of 1975.

URQUHART, Robert Rose

Pte Robert Urquhart 9 Commando
No 9 Commando
Private Robert Urquhart, 5 troop, died during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy [1][3][4].
  • 3 March 1944 wounded during operations at Anzio [2][5] [see Linked Content below].
  • Evacuated as casualty to the UK [4][5]. 
  • 20 March 1945 rejoined 5 troop in Italy [4][5].
  • 2 April 1945 killed in action at Lake Comacchio [3][4].
Sources
[1] CWGC.

WADE, Leonard Alfred

No 9 Commando

Lance Sergeant Leonard Wade died during operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy.

His name is on the score sheet of a boxing match between No 9 Commando and No 6 Commando on the 26th June 1942.  View it in our No 6 Commando gallery. You will also see a photo of the Boxing team however we are unsure which man is in fact LSgt Wade.

His name is also on a Marble Roll of Honour on Monte Ornito.

WALKER, W.

No 9 Commando

Private W. Walker was wounded in Italy on 3 February 1944. At this time his Commando were engaged in operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.

WALSH, Frank

No 9 Commando
Sergeant Frank Walsh was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy on 5 March 1944 whilst commanding a Section of a Fighting Patrol and during which he was wounded.
Recommendation
Acting Sergeant Frank Walsh 2986730 Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders and No.9 Commando 
Military Medal (Immediate) Ref.Map Italy 1/500,000 No.158 IV 
On 5th March 1944 No. 2986730 Sgt Walsh F. was commander of a section of a fighting patrol operating in Area Square 8230.

WALSHAM, Alexander

No 9 Commando
Sapper Alexander Walsham was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 443 for Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid and rejoined No.9 Commando [1][2].
  • 20 March 1944 (A/Corporal)(No.9 Commando) wounded during operations in Italy (Anzio) [2]+[linked content below].
  • 15 April 1945 (W/S Corporal)(No.9 Commando) wounded during operations in Italy (Lake Comacchio) [3].
Sources

WATSON, Alexander G.

No 9 Commando

Private Alexander Watson died as a result of an accident.  He died in Dumfries Royal Infirmary. The following day a Court of inquiry was held at the Drill Hall Kirkcudbright to enquire into the circumstances under which he met this death. The result of this enquiry is not known. He was buried on the 23rd October 1941, the burial party comprising 1 full rank NCO and 6 men from 5 troop who acted as Bearers. 

Sources
CWGC
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/33.
No 9 Cdo War Diary 20-23 Oct 1941 / National Archives file WO218/27.

WENNER, Michael Alfred

No 9 Commando

Captain Michael Alfred Wenner was commissioned on 14 December 1940 as Second Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers.

After being posted with his Regiment to India he volunteered for the 151st Parachute Battalion being raised at Delhi in October 1941. Injuries sustained in two parachute training accidents resulted in him being told by medical staff that he would not be able to make another parachute jump.

WESTWOOD, Albert

No 2 Commando
Rifleman Albert Westwood died [1] in Italy as a result of an accident whilst serving with No.2 Commando [2].
  • 3 February 1944 wounded serving with No.9 Commando in Italy [2].
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.
 

WILLS, Eric

No 9 Commando
Eric Wills was born in Everdon Northants. and was one of 5 brothers. Whilst working in the footwear industry, he enlisted with the TA in 1938 before beginning full military service on the 18th June 1939 as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers. He married Annie Stannard Munday on the 13th March 1943 whilst serving with the Royal Artillery on searchlight duties.  
 
He served in No 9 Commando from the 8th May 1944 until the 11th January 1946 qualifying as a driver/mechanic. He was a Life Member of the original Commando Association. 

WILSON, Alistair, D.

No 9 Commando
Lieutenant Alistair Wilson was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 443 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942 [1].
  • Evacuated back to the UK, he rejoined No.9 Commando and in 1943 received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in Italy [2]. 
  • 16 April 1965 granted honorary rank of Captain [3].

Sources
[1] St Nazaire Society website.
[2] London Gazette 36886, page 328.

WILSON, George Harry

No 9 Commando

Sergeant George Wilson was awarded the MM was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.

Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 37386, page 6078.
National Archives file 373/14/733.
 
Notes
Middle name shown as in LG entry. National Archives file records as Hannay.
 

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