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ABRAHAMS, E.F.

Private
Holding Operational Commando
Private E.F. Abrahams, from Pennyfields, London E14, was a member of the original Commando Association.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 3.
 

BAILEY, Arthur Charles

Gunner
14422036
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Artillery
Died in the UK

Gunner Arthur Bailey was found dead on Westhampnett Lane Chichester, a road leading to Goodwood.  Ambulance men at the scene found that he had fractured his skull and it was later ascertained that he had fallen from a lorry in which he was a passenger.

BARNES, C.

Colour Sergeant
PO/X14663
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
Served on the staff at the H.O.C. Wrexham as the Heavy Weapons Instructor for 'S' Troop.

Sources
Commando Association newsletter 42 issued 1966.

BASHAM, R.V.

Marine
CH/X117762
Commando Basic Training Centre
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
Also served at the Commando Cliff Assault Wing (CCAW).
 
Sources
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
 

BILLINGS, E.S.

Gunner
3960084
No 4 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Billings was wounded 15 August 1944 (remaining on duty). Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/81.

BLAKE, Alfred Lapthorn

Lieutenant Colonel
2 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Marines
Knight Commander Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Alfred Blake was posted to Brigade HQ (3rd Special Service Brigade) when the Special Service Group was restructured in August 1943 [1]. 

BROWN, William

Private
No 2 Commando
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association from Georgeham, Devon.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 101 (1995).

BRYANT, P.R.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Weymouth.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 2.

BUCKLEY, D.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Wavertree, Liverpool.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 2.

BUTCHER, L.R.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Hemel Hempstead.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 2.

CALLAN, John

Lieutenant (later Major)
Holding Operational Commando
Member of the Commando Association. Mayor of Rushmoor, Hampshire in 1987.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 85 (1987).
 

CAMPBELL, James

James Campbell 12 Commando
Company Sergeant Major
7516652
No 12 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Served No.12 Commando until disbandment in 1943. Additionally served on the staff at the Holding Operational Commando. Awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in 1945. Post war member of the Commando Association from Springburn, Glasgow
 

CHAPMAN, D.T.

Lieutenant
Holding Operational Commando
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
April 1945 Holding Operational Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association from Airdrie. They record he also served 45RM Commando.
 
Sources
Navy Lists (Linked Content below).

CHARLTON, Thomas Albert

Private
Holding Operational Commando
George Medal (GM)
Private Thomas Albert Charlton served in the Holding Operational Commando (HOC).  Post war he served as a Lieutenant in the Federation of Malaya Police Force.  Police Lieutenant Charlton was awarded the George Medal on the 24th April 1951 for his gallantry whilst serving in the Malay Poli

CLARKE, Kenneth Edward

Kurt Goldschlager 10 Commando
Birth name: 
GOLDSCHLAGER, Kurt Theodor
Corporal
13801160
13118804
No 10 Commando
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Pioneer Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
Kurt Theodor Goldschlager being of the Jewish Faith served under the alias of Kenneth Edward Clarke.

CLINTON, A.E.

Lance Corporal
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Erdington, Birmingham.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 3.

COGGS, J.H.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Catford, London.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 3.

COOKE, A.L.

Corporal
Special Service Brigade
HQ Special Service Brigade. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Taplow, Buckinghamshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 3.
Linked Content below.

COOPER, George

Lance Corporal
Holding Operational Commando
48RM Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps

Post war member of the Commando Association from Leicester.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 79 (1984).

COOPER, S.

Signalman
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Corps of Signals

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Stoke on Trent.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 3.

CORBYN, C.F.

Marine
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines

Brigade Signal Troop. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Fulham, London.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 3.

COX, S.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Liverpool.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 3.

CRANE, V.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing South Croydon.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 3.

CROOKS, A.

Gunner
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Artillery

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Leigh, Lancashire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 3.

CUBITT, Leonard

Leonard Cubitt RM
Marine
EX.1168
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Leonard Cubitt served in the Royal Marine Commandos from August 1943 until 14 December 1945. The precise commando unit is not known but he did serve in Burma during that period which was the theatre of operations of 3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade.

CURNOW, M.

Gunner
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Artillery
Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Murton, Durham.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.
 

CURRAN, P.

Signalman
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Corps of Signals

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Galashiels.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

DAKIN, T.W.

Signalman
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Corps of Signals

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Pontefract, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

DALY, Thomas

Thomas Daly 12 Commando
Sergeant
S/231037
No 12 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Army Service Corps

Thomas Daly served in No.12 Commando HQ from April 1941 and after No.12 was disbanded on the staff at the Holding Operational Commando until April 1946.
Read more in Linked Content below.

DAVIES, D.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Pontllanfraith near Newport.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

DAVIES, John Bartholomew

John Bartholomew Davies 3 Commando
LCpl John Bartholomew Davies 3 Commando
Lance Corporal
11000073
No 3 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Artillery
King's Own Royal Regiment
John Bartholomew Davies was residing with family in Helmet Row, London EC1 in 1939. Prior to his attestation to the Royal Artillery in 1940 he was employed as a Book Folder and an ARP Air Raid Warden.

DIAMOND, G.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Bolton, Lancashire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

DICKSON, R.A.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Hull, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

DIXON, G.L.

Trooper
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Abbey Wood, London SE22.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

DOBBIE, D.S.

Craftsman
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Troon, Ayrshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

DOGGETT, S.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Binfield, Berkshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

DOVEY, Albert Peter

Pete Dovey 1 Commando
Private
No 1 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
British Empire Medal (BEM)
5 Troop, No.1 Commando. Post war chairman of the Lincoln Branch of the Commando Association. In June 1986 he was awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) for service to industry. Employed as a Chargehand, Sheet Metal Shop, Ruston Gas Turbines Ltd.
 
Sources

DOYLE, James, B.

Private
Commando Basic Training Centre
Holding Operational Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Addlestone, Surrey.
Source: Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 116 (2003).

DUCKHAM, Stanley Charles

Stanley Charles Duckham_RM
Marine Stanley Duckham
Temporary Second Lieutenant RM (later Major RA)
405561
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
Royal Artillery (TA)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Enlisted Royal Marines rank Marine *. 
18.09.1944 commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant, Royal Marines [1].
01.1945 - 07.1945 Temporary Second Lieutenant, RM Holding Commando [2].

DUDGEON, A.B.

Marine
PLY/X113874
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Guthrie, by Forfar, Angus
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
 

DUNN, R.J.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Axminster, Devon.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

EFFEMEY, E.A.

Corporal
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Romsey, Hampshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

ELLIS, James

Fusilier
Holding Operational Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Grantham, Lincs. 
 
Source
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 83 (1986).
 

ELLISON, William, G.

Lieutenant
Special Service (Commando) Group
Holding Operational Commando
Served Commando Group and H.O.C. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bangor, Co.Down, N.Ireland.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 42 (1966).
 

FARRER, V.L.

Fusilier
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Kentish Town, London.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 4.

FLETCHER, T.

Private
Holding Operational Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Walsall, Staffordshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 5.
 

FOSTER, J.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing North Leverton, Retford, Notts.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 5 (1974).

FREEMAN, John Haughton

Major John Freeman SAUDF
Major
48RM Commando
South African United Defence Force
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Freeman, S.A.U.D.F. was attached to 48RM Commando HQ during the Normany invasion [1]. He received a Mention in Despatches for good services while operating with the Army in NW Europe [2].

FRY, Dennis Edmond

Private
Holding Operational Commando
British Empire Medal (BEM)

June 1982 awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) whilst employed as a Charge Hand R&D Craftsman Special at the Ministry of Defence. Member of the Commando Association residing Ash, Surrey.

Sources

GIBBS, W.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association residing Sidcup, Kent.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 102 (1996).

GOODRUM, Ronald

Private
Commando Basic Training Centre
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association from Blyth, Northumberland.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 101 (1995).
 

GOODSIR, David Brodie

Lieutenant
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonial Police Medal
Educated at Kirkcaldy High School and George Watsons College, Edinburgh [1].
26.01.1945 commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant, Royal Marines [2].
04.1945 Temporary Second Lieutenant, RM Holding Commando [3].

HARDACRE, C.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Wakefield, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 6.

HARDMAN, A.F.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Hall Green, Birmingham.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 6.

HARRIS, J.T.W.

Gunner
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Artillery

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Yiewsley, Middlesex.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 6.

HATTON, R.

Trooper
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Llanishen, Cardiff.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 6.

HILL, Henry

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association from Warrington.

Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 120.

HOLMES, S.

Trooper
3247396
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Holmes was wounded 13 June 1944 during operations in North West Europe.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/77.
 

HUGHES, Leslie

Private
Holding Operational Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Kennington, London.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 39 (1964).
 

HUNT, C.H.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Totton, Southampton.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 6.

HURST, Arthur

Private
Commando Basic Training Centre
Holding Operational Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Leicester.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 36 (1963).
 

JEWELL, W.A.

Sergeant
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Billericay, Essex.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 7.

JONES, F.T.

Fusilier
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Carshalton, Surrey.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 7.

JUDE, G.F.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing West Croydon, Surrey.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 7.

KAYE, John

Sergeant
Commando Basic Training Centre
Holding Operational Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Wakefield.
 
Source
Commando Association newsletter 29 (1959).
 

KELLY, M.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 7.

KIRBY, R.H.W.

Major
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
1st October 1939 promoted Captain, Royal Marines.
October 1944 Captain (Acting Major), Second in Command, Holding Operational Commando.
27/28 January 1945 wounded at Osen (Bell Isle) and prisoner of war.
 
Sources

LEIGHTON, George

Signalman
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Macclesfield, Cheshire.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 114 (2002).
 

LOWNDES, D.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Leicester.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 8.

LUTTON, A.

Troop Sergeant Major
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Worcester.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 8.

LYMAN, J.A.

Lance Corporal
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing West Bromwich.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 8.

MACKENZIE, Hugh

Hugh Mackenzie 12 and 1 Commando
Private
2889297
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Hugh Mackenzie served in No.12 Commando from October 1941 and when it was disbanded he was attached to No.1 Commando embarking with them for operations in the Far East. Commando service ended on 18 October 1945 at the Holding Operational Commando.

MAGENNIS, William

Fusilier
Commando Basic Training Centre
Holding Operational Commando
Fusilier Bill Magennis served in the Pipe Band at Achnacarry, and in the HOC. 
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 40 issued March 1965

MARTIN, Alfred Henry

Private
5670951
Holding Operational Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Corp of Military Police
Military service November 1934 to 1946. Overseas service in India January 1936 to May 1944 with the Provost staff of the 1st Somerst Light Infantry, the Indian Division Provost Unit and the Corps of Military Police. 31 May 1944 posted 16 Infantry Training Centre (UK).

MCGONIGAL, Ambrose Joseph

Ambrose McGonigal MC
Lieutenant (later Honorary Major)
113419
No 12 Commando
SBS
Royal Ulster Rifles
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Ambrose McGonigal was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during a raid on the enemy held island of Sark on the night of the 27th December 1943.

METCALF, K.W.

Private
Holding Operational Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association who was for three years a patient in the Star and Garter Home, Richmond, Surrey, passed away in 1957.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 26 (1958).
 

NASH, Douglas James

Sergeant
5253563
No 12 Commando
Holding Operational Commando
No 6 Commando
Worcestershire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Douglas Nash was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in France on 26 December 1943. 
Recommendation

NEALE, Arthur

Gunner
14241759
No 4 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Artillery
Sheffield City Police ??
Arthur Neale enlisted 23 July 1942 attending the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry, before joining No.4 Commando. This was the date of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot.

NEWTON, M.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Ryton-on-Tyne, Co.Durham.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.

NICHOLL, J.E.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Folkestone, Kent.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.

PAGE, G.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Bradford, Yorkshire.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.

PARSONS, James, M.

-
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association. Vice Chairman of their General Committee from 1997 to 1999, and Chairman 1999/2000.

Sources

Commando Association newsletters 104, 106, 108, 109, 110, 111.

PLEDGE, A.J.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Ongar, Essex.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.

RAPER, S.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Darlington, Co. Durham.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9. 

REED, A.J.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Barry, South Wales.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.

ROSSER, Bernard

Marine
PLY/X110138
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Also served at the Holding Operational Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Nuneaton, West Midlands.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 93 (1991).

RUDLAND, J.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 10.

RUSSELL, W.E.

Company Sergeant Major
PO/X2194
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Also served in the Army Wing of the HOC at Wrexham.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 30 (1960).
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
 

SCOTT, B.

Fusilier
Holding Operational Commando

Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Poplar, London.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 10.

SILLITOE, Frederick Roy

Captain
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Frederick Sillitoe was serving at the RM Holding Commando in April 1945 [1].
  • 1956 (Captain) (42 Commando RM) Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations at Suez between October and December [2].

SMILES, Thomas Browell

Lieutenant
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
25 November 1944 Temporary Second Lieutenant, Royal Marines.
April 1945 Temporary Lieutenant, Holding Commando.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Newcastle on Tyne. They record he also served in 46RM and 47RM Commandos.

SORRELL, G.K.

Private
Holding Operational Commando

Civil occupation: Machine Shop Engineer. Post war member of the Commando Association.

Sources

Commando Association newsletter 20 (1955).
Commando Association Lost Legion List 10.

STOCKLEY, Gordon Herbert

Lieutenant Colonel
44RM Commando
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Died in service
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Stockley, former Commanding Officer of 44RM Commando, died in 1951 whilst serving at RMB Eastney.
  • October 1944 Acting Major, Holding Operational Commando
  • December 1944 Acting Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer 44 RM Commando. 

SUTTLING, Leonard Victor

Sergeant (later Company Sergeant Major)
Commando Basic Training Centre
Holding Operational Commando
Lance Sergeant Leonard Suttling served as an instructor at Achnacarry in 1942/3, and was on the weapon training staff at the Holding Operational Commando at Wrexham in 1944/5. Member of the Commando Association residing Thetford, Norfolk.

TARRANT, George Francis

Private
14447495
Hampshire Regiment
Died in the UK

Private George Tarrant died in the UK.  His status at the Holding Operational Commando is not known. He is buried in a joint grave with Rfn. George William Tucker, aged 31, Royal Ulster Rifles.

[Source: CWGC Grave Registration report]

WARWICK, Robert, A.

Signalman
Brigade Signals
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade

Served 1 Brigade Signals, No.6 Commando, and HOC. Post war member of the Commando Association from Plymouth, Devon.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 116 (2003).

WETJEN, John Basil

Marine
PO/X119263
47RM Commando
Holding Operational Commando
Royal Marines
Member of the Commando Association last known residing Herne Bay, Kent.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 84 (1987).
List of RM Commandos provided by RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
 

WOOLLEY, Arthur Rupert

Lieutenant Colonel
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Arthur Woolley joined the Royal Marines on 1 December 1939 and after his basic training was posted to the 5th Batallion Royal Marines Brigade.
  • Promoted Temporary Captain April 1940, Acting Temporary Major November 1941, and Second in Command of 5th RM Bn. June 1942.

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