SWINBURN, Arthur

Primary tabs

Rank: 
Warrant Officer 2 Company Sergeant Major
Unit / Base: 
50ME Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Leicestershire Regiment & Royal Pioneer Corps
Service: 
Army
Number: 
4855159
368088
P.O.W. number: 
229067
P.O.W. camps: 
Stalag 357 (Thorn, Poland, relocated to Oerbke, nr. Fallingbostel, Germany)
Honours & Awards: 
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Arthur Swinburn DCM
Arthur Swinburn enlisted into the Leicestershire Regiment on 24th November 1928 for 9 years, and then a further 3 years in Reserve, before volunteering for the Commandos in 1940 [1]. He rose to the rank of Warrant Officer 2 (CSM) whilst in the Commandos and received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period November, 1941, to April, 1942 [2]. 
  • 29 May 1941 (Lance Sergeant) wounded during operations in Crete [3]. 
  • 13/14 September 1942 (Warrant Officer 2) and member of the raiding party for Operation Agreement at Tobruk, after which he was taken prisoner. Subsequently awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the raid [1][4][5].
  • 11 May 1946 commissioned Second Lieutenant [6] and later posted to the Royal Pioneer Corps [7].
  • 21 January 1958 relinquished his commission in the rank of Captain [8].
Sources
[1] The Royal Leicestershire Regiment website.
[2] London Gazette 35821, page 5441.
[3] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[4] London Gazette 37262. page 4560.
[5] Prisoners of War Records / National Archives file WO392/11.
[6] London Gazette 37643, page 3496.
[7] London Gazette 38586, page 1890.
[8] London Gazette 41398, page 3364.
 
Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Additional content: 
'Rearguard action on Crete'
Archive pages : 
50ME Commando
Layforce
Prisoners of War

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]. 
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.