‘Commando Roll of Honour St Nazaire’

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On Wednesday 1st April 1942 a ceremonial funeral was held to inter the dead from both sides, in a field at Escoublac, near to the German Naval HQ. The prisoners were invited to send a party to attend. Lt. Hopwood, Sgt Colin Jones and Pte. Les Wheelan represented 5 Troop, No.2 Commando and the Liverpool Scottish. Some photos of individuals killed during the raid can be found in the Commando Units Albums. View the images of the funeral in our Gallery. [go to gallery]

No 2 Commando

Pte. M.D.Aird	Pte. J.E.H. Gwynne	RSM. A. Moss
Capt. D.L. Birney	LSgt. P. Harkness	Pte. A.W. Neal
LCpl. E.J. Bryan	LSgt. M. Harrison	LCpl. K.A. Paterson
Rfn. R.E.D. Burns	LCpl. W. Hay	Lieut. T.G.P. Peyton
LCpl. J. Coughlan	LCpl. W.B. Heather	Rfn. T.Y. Roach
Pte. H.P. Cunningham	Sgt. S. Hempstead	Gdsm. S. Robinson
Pte. T. Diamond	Capt. E.S. Hodgson	Cpl. W.A. Spaul
LCpl. J. Donaldson	LCpl. G.H. Hudson	Sgt. G. Taylor
Sgt. L.F. Eldridge	2/Lieut. M. Jenkins	Cpl. R.M. Tomsett
Cpl. N.L. Fisher	Pte. F. Kelly	Lieut. J.E. Vanderwerve
LCpl. H.F. Fowler	Gdsm. J.F. Lewis	Gdsm. G.W. Walton
LCpl. A.E. Garratt	Fus. A.J. Lucy	Lieut. P. Walton
LSgt. W. Gibson	LCpl.H. Mather	Fus. R.S.Woodman
Fus. L.G.W. Goss	Pte. J. Maylott
Gdsm. W.E. Grose	Pte. T. McCormack

AIRD, Michael Derrick

Private

3772603

No 2 Commando

Kings Regiment (Liverpool)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Michael Aird, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.
Michael was a grocer in 1939 before enlisting and resided 36 Gilroy Road, Fairfield, Liverpool. Son of George and May Aird.

Sources
CWGC.

BEVERIDGE, Robert

Sergeant

4534228

No 5 Commando

West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Robert Beveridge, from Leeds, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was one of the commando contingent who had embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.

Son of Samuel and Evelyn Beveridge, of Leeds, Yorkshire; husband of Phyllis Beveridge, of Leeds.

BIRNEY, David Leslie

Captain

75991

No 2 Commando

Rifle Brigade

Killed in action or died of wounds

Captain David Birney, Officer Commanding 2 troop, died of wounds after Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire which took place on 28 March 1942*.

He was commanding an assault group that had embarked on Motor Launch ML 447.

BLOUNT, Arthur Harvey

Corporal

3972221

No 12 Commando

South Wales Borderers

Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Arthur Blount was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action.
Arthur was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown, and was the son of Charles George Blount, and of Annie Blount, of Morden, Surrey.

Sources

CWGC.

BORGMAN, Robert Bernard John

Lance Corporal

7911119

No 4 Commando

Royal Armoured Corps

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Robert Borgman was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

In 1939 he was residing at 93 Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield with Carl and Ethel Borgman, believed to be his parents, and was a member of the Special Constabulary.

BOYCE, John Douglas

Private

5952406

No 3 Commando

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private John Boyce was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on ML 262.

Son of William and Elizabeth Ann Boyce, of Tonypandy, Glamorgan.

Sources

CWGC.

BRYAN, Edward Joseph

Known as:

Ted

Lance Corporal

3775300

No 2 Commando

King's Regiment (Liverpool)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Edward Bryan, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He has no known grave.

Son of Adam and Mary Bryan; husband of D. M. Bryan.

BURGESS, Leslie

Lance Corporal

1877628

No 9 Commando

Royal Engineers

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Leslie Burgess was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

Son of Sydney Burgess, and of Lilian Burgess, of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Service

BURNS, Ronald Edward David

Rifleman

6895664

No 2 Commando

King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)

(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Rifleman Ronald Burns, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on ML 268.

Son of Edward and Alice Janet Burns, of Brockley, London.

BURTINSHAW, Robert James Glover

Lieutenant

89395

No 5 Commando

Cheshire Regiment

Mentioned in Despatches

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Robert Burtinshaw was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action.

Son of Sydney James Glover Burtinshaw and Lilian Beatrice Burtinshaw, of Bramhall, Cheshire. Lawyer.

He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service.

Recommendation

CHETWYND, Samuel Ernest

Corporal

4977274

No 12 Commando

Sherwood Forresters (Notts and Derby Regiment)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Samuel Chetwynd was reported missing 28 March 1942 after operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 457 as part of Captain Pritchard's Demolition Control Party and has no known grave.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Chetwynd; husband of Elizabeth Chetwynd, of Shildon, Co. Durham.

COUGHLAN, John

Lance Corporal

3781807

No 2 Commando

King's Regiment (Liverpool)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal John Coughlan, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He has no known grave.
John embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 267 which was hit by enemy fire and sank with the loss of eight of the 11 Commandos, and all bar five of the RN crew.

Sources
CWGC.

COULSON, Garnett

Sapper

1881715

No 4 Commando

Royal Engineers

Killed in action or died of wounds

Sapper Garnett Coulson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on ML 268 and has no known grave. Son of Garnett and Faith Coulson, of Romford, Essex.

Service

09.10.1939 enlisted Royal Engineers at Romford.

CUNNINGHAM, Henry Peter

Private

3781746

No 2 Commando

King's Regiment (Liverpool)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Henry Cunningham, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on ML 267 and has no known grave. Son of John and Margaret Cunningham, of Old Swan, Liverpool.

DEANS, James

Corporal

2079518

No 9 Commando

Royal Engineers

Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal James Deans was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, confirmed 14 months later as killed in action on that date. He embarked for the raid on ML 457 and was the husband of Mrs A. Deans, 4 Albert Street, Paisley.

Service

03.05.1939 enlisted Royal Engineers.

DIAMOND, Thomas

Private

3779240

No 2 Commando

Kings Regiment (Liverpool)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Thomas Diamond, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action.

Son of Mrs. Barbara Diamond of 28 Penrith Street Liverpool 8. Brother of Royal Artillery Gunners John Diamond and Joseph Henry Diamond, both prisoners of war at the time.

DONALDSON, John

Known as:

Jock

Lance Corporal

2884838

No 2 Commando

London Scottish The Gordon Highlanders

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal John Donaldson, 3 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed died of wounds. He has no known grave.

Son of William Donaldson and of Jessie Donaldson (nee Hunter); husband of Anne Donaldson (nee Smith), of Dundee.

DUNCAN, Ronald

Lance Corporal

2032723

No 9 Commando

Royal Engineers

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Ronald Duncan was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. His next of kin were formally notified of his death on 2 April 1943. He had embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 268 and has no known grave. Son of James W. Duncan and Elisabeth R. Duncan, of Aberdeen.

Service

DURRANT, Sgt. Thomas Frank, VC

Sergeant

1874047

No 1 Commando

Royal Engineers

Victoria Cross (VC)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant was killed in action during Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

War Office 19th June 1945

For great gallantry, skill and devotion to duty when in charge of a Lewis gun in H.M. Motor Launch ML 306 in the St. Nazaire raid on the 28th March, 1942.

ELDRIDGE, Leonard Frederick

Sergeant

6461633

No 2 Commando

Royal Fusiliers (City of London)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Leonard Eldridge, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 447 and has no known grave.

Son of Frederick and Lily May Eldridge; husband of Margaret Alice Eldridge, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Sources

FERGUSON, William

Sergeant

1426074

No 5 Commando

Royal Artillery

Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant William Ferguson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.

FISHER, Norman Lucas

Corporal

6896443

No 2 Commando

King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)

(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Norman Fisher, 6 troop, died on 25 April 1942 of wounds received on 28 March 1942 during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He was one of the commando contingent on motor launch ML 192 and had initially been reported as missing in action until his death was confirmed.

Sources
CWGC.

FOWLER, Henry Francis

Lance Corporal

6019554

No 2 Commando

Essex Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Henry Fowler, 2 Troop, died of wounds on 24 January 1943 [1][2]. He was one of the commando contingent for Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire embarked on board motor launch ML443 and was seriously wounded by enemy fire during the unsuccessful attempt by the naval crew to land the Commandos on board. He was evacuated back to the UK [3].

GARRATT, Arthur Ernest

Lance Corporal

5338655

No 2 Commando

Royal Berkshire Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Arthur Garratt, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447. Son of Matilda Garratt, of Islington, London.

Sources

CWGC.

GIBSON, William

Known as:

Bill

Lance Sergeant

2879864

No 2 Commando

Gordon Highlanders

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Sergeant William Gibson, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

Son of Alexander and Margaret Gibson; stepson of Elizabeth Gibson, of Thornliebank, Glasgow.

GOSS, Leonard George William

Fusilier

6459167

No 2 Commando

Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Fusilier Leonard Goss, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192 and has no known grave. Son of Leonard Butcher Goss and L. Goss, of Brixton, London.

GROSE, William Ernest

Guardsman

2617390

No 2 Commando

Grenadier Guards

Killed in action or died of wounds

Guardsman William Grose, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447 and has no known grave.

Son of Ernest Albert Grose, and of Agnes Grose, of Welling, Kent.

Sources
CWGC.

GWYNNE, John Edward Herbert

Private

2929834

No 2 Commando

No 4 Independent Company

Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders

Mentioned in Despatches

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private John Gwynne, 5 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action [1][1a]. He had embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown and received a posthumous Mention in Despatches [2][3].

Recommendation

HARKNESS, Peter

Lance Sergeant

2879689

No 2 Commando

Gordon Highlanders

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Sergeant Peter Harkness was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. Son of Peter and Catherine Ann Harkness.

HARRISON, Maurice

Known as:

Boy

Lance Sergeant

6896247

No 2 Commando

King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)

(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Sergeant Maurice Harrison, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192.

Son of Samuel G. and Maud A. Harrison, of Streatham, London.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/41 and WO417/95.

HAY, William

Lance Corporal

325315

No 2 Commando

Royal Armoured Corps

Lanarkshire Yeomanry

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal William Hay was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Son of Thomas and Margaret Hay, of Carluke, Lanarkshire.

He embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 267 which was hit by enemy fire and sank. Eight of the 11 Commandos, and all bar 5 of the RN crew, on board were killed.

HEATHER, William Bernard

Lance Corporal

6400817

No 2 Commando

Royal Sussex Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal William Heather, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447 and has no known grave. Son of William and Harriette Heather.

HEMPSTEAD, Stanley

Sergeant

6014969

No 2 Commando

Essex Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Stanley Hempstead, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 262.

Sources

CWGC.

Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/42 and WO417/44.

HODGSON, Eric Stewart

Known as:

Bertie

Captain

75234

No 2 Commando

Hertfordshire Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Captain Eric Hodgson, Officer Commanding 1 troop, was reported missing believed killed 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was in charge of the commandos on motor launch ML 446 and has no known grave.

Son of Gerald Hodgson, and of Marjorie Hodgson, of Croxley Green, Hertfordshire.

HUDSON, George Herbert

Lance Corporal

6896827

No 2 Commando

King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)

(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal George Hudson, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/41 (1942) and WO417/59 (1943).
St Nazaire Society website.

IDE, George Edward

Sergeant

2321335

No 5 Commando

Royal Corps of Signals

Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant George Ide was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.

Son of Herbert Edward and Edith Ann Ide, of Romford, Essex; husband of O. M. Ide.

Sources
CWGC.

JAMESON, Robert Evan

Lance Sergeant

821516

No 9 Commando

Royal Artillery

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Sergeant Robert Evan Jameson, from Virginia, County Cavan, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown and has no known grave.

Sources
CWGC.

JENKINS, Morgan

Second Lieutenant

157336

No 2 Commando

No 5 Independent Company

Welch Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Second Lieutenant Morgan Jenkins was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

Son of Morgan and Mary Jenkins; husband of Edna (nee Kennedy), of Tottenham, London.

JOHNSON, Bertie Lawrence

Lance Sergeant

3531584

No 5 Commando

Manchester Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Sergeant Bertie Johnson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action.
He embarked for the raid HMS Campbeltown and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bertie Lawrence Johnson, of Stockport, Cheshire.

Sources
CWGC.

JONES, Harri Havard

Corporal

3962759

No 12 Commando

Welch Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Harri Harvard Jones was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. Corporal Jones was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268. He has no known grave.

Son of David John and Martha Ann Jones, of Rhymney, Monmouthshire.

KELLY, Francis

Private

4467369

No 2 Commando

Border Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Francis Kelly, from Dovecot, Liverpool, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later presumed died of wounds. He embarked for the raid on MGB 314. A bricklayer before enlisting Private Kelly had previously taken part in Operation Archery at Vaagso, Norway. Son of Joseph and Mary Kelly, of Liverpool.

LEWIS, John Frederick

Guardsman

2617158

No 2 Commando

Grenadier Guards

Killed in action or died of wounds

Guardsman John Lewis, 2 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447 and has no known grave.

Son of James and Sarah Lewis; husband of Mary Blodwen Lewis, East Didsbury, Manchester.

LLEWELLYN, Fred

Corporal

4036505

No 1 Commando

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Fred Llewellyn was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 306.

Son of Tom and Elizabeth Llewellyn, of Worcester.
Service Record
17 January 1940 enlisted King's Shopshire Light Infantry.

LUCY, Albert James

Fusilier

6461459

No 2 Commando

Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Fusilier Albert Lucy, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192.

Son of Albert Edward and Lily Minnie Lucy, of Kentish Town, London.

Sources

CWGC.

MATHER, Harry

Lance Corporal

3656822

No 2 Commando

South Lancashire Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Harry Mather, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He had embarked for the raid on ML 268. Son of Charles Baron Mather and Mary Elizabeth Mather, of Bolton, Lancashire.

MAYLOTT, Jesse

Private

3654748

No 2 Commando

South Lancashire Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Jesse Maylott, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He has no known grave.
Son of Jesse Maylott, and of Alice Maylott, of Orford, Warrington, Lancashire.

MCCORMACK, Thomas

Known as:

Tom

Private

2930404

No 2 Commando

No 4 Independent Company

Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Thomas McCormack, 5 troop No 2 Commando, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed as having died on 11 April 1942 of wounds received during the raid. He was a prisoner of war in a German Naval Hospital at the time of his death. Part of Captain Roy's Assault Team who embarked on HMS Campbeltown.

MOSS, Alan

WO1 Regimental Sergeant Major

2930992

No 2 Commando

No 4 Independent Company

Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders

Mentioned in Despatches

Killed in action or died of wounds

Regimental Sergeant Major Alan Moss, HQ 2 Commando, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea after being shot. He embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 267 and received a posthumous Mention in Despatches.

NEAL, Alfred William

Private

7349551

No 2 Commando

Royal Army Medical Corps

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Alfred Neal, RAMC attached No.2 Commando, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447 and has no known grave.

Son of Alfred and Alice Neal; husband of Phyllis Winefred Neal, of Norwich.

PATERSON, Kenneth Albert

Lance Corporal

5442424

No 2 Commando

Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Kenneth Paterson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Kenneth, who served in 2 troop and embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447, has no known grave.

Son of Albert Edward and Henrietta Jane Paterson, of Bristol.

PENNINGTON, Harold Hammond

Captain

130871

2192204

No 4 Commando

Hampshire Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Captain Harold Pennington was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268.
B.A. (Oxon.), Kitchener Scholar, and Rugby Football Blue (1937).
Son of Walter and Ada Pennington, of Ashton in Makerfield, Lancashire; husband of Edna Elizabeth Pennington.

PEYTON, Thomas Grenville Pitt

Lieutenant

112912

No 2 Commando

No 5 Independent Company

Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Thomas Peyton, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He has no known grave.

Son of Ivor Eliot Peyton and Dorothy Helen Peyton, of Englemere Wood, Berkshire.

Attended Eton College from 1934 - 1939.

PRITCHARD, William Henry

Known as:

Bill

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)

76488

Special Service Brigade

No 2 Commando

Royal Engineers

Military Cross (MC)

Mentioned in Despatches

Killed in action or died of wounds

Captain William Pritchard M.C., R.E., was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 457 [1][1a][2].

ROACH, Thomas Ypres

Rifleman

6849064

No 2 Commando

King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)

(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Rifleman Thomas Roach, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 177. Son of Lewis and Winifred Roach, of Caerau, Bridgend, Glamorgan.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/41 and WO417/45.

ROBINSON, Sydney

Guardsman

2619196

No 2 Commando

Grenadier Guards

Killed in action or died of wounds

Guardsman Sydney Robinson, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

SHENTON, Joseph

Private

5046468

No 9 Commando

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Joseph Shenton was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 268 and has no known grave.

Son of Joseph Shenton and of Violet Shenton, of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent; husband of Nora Shenton, of Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent.

SMALLEY, Christopher John

Lieutenant

92876

No 5 Commando

Manchester Regiment

Mentioned in Despatches

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Christopher Smalley died during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. Embarking on HMS Campbeltown he commanded a demolition party whose task it was to destroy the Dry Dock Installations. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished services."

Recommendation

SPAUL, William Albert

Corporal

6088619

No 2 Commando

The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal William Spaul, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192. Son of Albert Spaul, and of Isabel Spaul, of Aldershot, Hampshire.

Sources

CWGC.

STOKES, George Stanley

Lance Corporal

5186568

No 5 Commando

Royal Welch Fusiliers

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal George Stokes was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown, part of Lt Burtinshaw's demolition party.

Son of Fredrick Maurice and Gladys Stokes; husband of Eileen May Stokes, of Easton, Bristol.

Sources
CWGC.

TAYLOR, Gerald

Sergeant

7598084

No 2 Commando

Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Gerald Taylor, HQ Reserve, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 267 which was hit by enemy fire and sank. Eight of the 11 Commandos, and all bar 5 of the RN crew, on board were killed.

Son of Bernard and Emma Lily Taylor, of Shiregreen, Sheffield.

TOMBLIN, Edward Charles

Private

6144878

No 1 Commando

East Surrey Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Edward Tomblin was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 306.

Son of Frank and Mary Ellen Tomblin; husband of Eleanor Margaret Tomblin, of Wandsworth, London.

Sources

CWGC

TOMSETT, Reginald Maurice

Corporal

6896917

No 2 Commando

King's Royal Rifle Corps (11th Bn)

(1st Bn. Queen's Westminsters)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Reginald Tomsett, 6 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192. Son of Maurice Jeffery Tomsett and Edith Sarah Tomsett, of Shirley, Croydon.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/41 and WO417/54.

VANDERWERVE, John Edward

Lieutenant

117921

No 2 Commando

No 4 Independent Company

Kings Regiment (Liverpool)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant John Vanderwerve, 4 troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He was officer in charge of a protection squad for a demolition team embarked on motor launch ML 306. Lieutenant Vanderwerve, who got engaged only 3 months before his death, has no known grave.

WALTON, George William

Guardsman

2618526

No 2 Commando

Grenadier Guards

Killed in action or died of wounds

Guardsman George Walton, 2 troop, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 447. Son of George William and Doris Olive Walton, of New Mills, Derbyshire.

WALTON, Philip

Lieutenant

104117

No 2 Commando

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Philip Walton, 1 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. Section Officer of a demolition team embarked on Motor Launch ML 457.
Son of C.P. and Evelyn Walton, of Bedford. B.A. (Cantab.): Christ's College.

Sources
CWGC.

WOODCOCK, Mark

Lieutenant

138278

No 3 Commando

Lancashire Fusiliers

Killed in action or died of wounds

Lieutenant Mark Woodcock was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action at sea. Officer in charge of a demolition team who had embarked on motor launch ML 262. He has no known grave.

WOODMAN, Robert Salonicka

Fusilier

6467448

No 2 Commando

Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)

Killed in action or died of wounds

Fusilier Robert Woodman, 6 troop, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later presumed killed in action. He had embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 192 and has no known grave. Son of Mrs. A. Woodman, of Battersea, London.

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‘Commando Roll of Honour St Nazaire’

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