Layforce
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Displaying 1 - 300 of 653'Layforce'
Three UK based Army Commando units, Nos. 7, 8, and 11 Commandos, were 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 departed 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)
'Volunteers from Spain, 50 ME Commando'
Nominal Roll of Spanish volunteers attested into The Queen's Royal Regiment and attached to No.50 Middle East Commando before joining 'D' Battalion of Layforce. Many were prisoners of war after Crete 2 June 1941. Click on names for more. (this is a work in progress).
Sources
Queen's Royal Regiment Records.
War Office, Prisoners of War Lists, WW2, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
*Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34, 35, 45, and 69
11 Commando
This Commando was formed on 23rd June 1940 in Galashiels. After formation it marched from Galashiels to Ayr and then on to the Isle of Arran for amphibious training.
50ME Commando
The Middle East Commando began to form at Geneifa in August 1940. No.50 Middle East Commando formed up in September 1940 and became fully operational in October. It included a detachment of 63 volunteers from Spain. A large number of these Spaniards would be among those captured in June 1941 at Crete.
No.50 Middle East Commando operations included Operation Abstention 25 to 28 February 1941 on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (or Castellorizo).
No.50 Middle East Commando operations included Operation Abstention 25 to 28 February 1941 on the enemy occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (or Castellorizo).
52ME Commando
The Middle East Commando began to form at Geneifa in August 1940.
No.52 ME Commando formed up on 2 November 1940.
Nos. 50 and 52 ME Commando merged to form 'D' Bn. Layforce at Geneifa on 28 March 1941.
'D' Bn. Layforce Operations included the rearguard action on Crete.
Between September and December 1941 decisions were being made to disband them and create a new Commando.
Reformed in January 1942 as Squadrons of a new Middle East Commando operating primarily with the 8th Army in North Africa.
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.
8 Commando
The Commando was formed on the 23rd June 1940 reaching full strength in September at Burnham on Crouch, Essex. Mostly made up of members of the various Guards Brigades, it became unofficially known as No 8 (Guards) Commando.
A document about Layforce
Type: Booklet
Year of Publishing: 2013
Keywords: Layforce, No 7 Commando, No 8 Commando, No 11 Commando, 50 ME Commando, 52 ME Commando
ABDALE, Edward
Corporal
2656404
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Corporal Edward Abdale from Birmingham was reported missing 2 June 1941 in Crete, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. Liberated 1945. Medically discharged from service 4 March 1946. Conduct exemplary.
Sources
ABLEWHITE, C.A.
Private
4803670
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Lincolnshire Regiment
Private Abelwhite was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations at the Litani River in Syria [1].
Wounded a second time on 15 December 1941 during operations in the Western Desert [2].
Wounded a second time on 15 December 1941 during operations in the Western Desert [2].
Sources
ABRAHAMS, Arthur Thomas
Private
5949273
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Arthur Abrahams enlisted 21 August 1939, civilian occupation - Rubber Moulder. Private Abrahams was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to have been captured by the enemy the previous day.
Prison Camps
ADAMS, Jack
Private
2758154
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jack Adams from Perth died during operations at Litani River. Enlisted October 1939. Formerly employed at a Timbers Merchants in Larbert. Member of Perth Amateur Athletic Cycle Club
Sources
CWGC.
ADAMS, W.T.
Company Quartermaster Sergeant (later Captain)
52ME Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Colchester, Essex
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 120.
ADAMS, William John
Sergeant
5828073
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
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
ADAMSON, Alexander Naismith
Lance Corporal
2754001
ME Commando Depot
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal Alexander Adamson, Depot Middle East Commando, 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 Glasgow.
Sources
Sources
AINSLIE, William Robson Milne
Lance Corporal
329331
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal William Ainslie, 2 troop, died during operations at Litani River. Son of Thomas Barclay Ainslie and Isabella W. B. Ainslie; husband of Margaret M. McLellan Ainslie. of Aberdeen.
Sources
CWGC.
CWGC.
ALBALADEJO, Alexander
Private
13808266
6100503
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Alexander Albaladejo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been wounded, captured and later transported to Stalag 344.
Sources
ALLEN, Ronald
Driver I/C
2591915
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
ALLOTT, Richard Knowles Brian
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)(later Major)
77673
No 8 Commando
SBS
Middlesex Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Temporary Captain Richard Allott was awarded the Military Cross [1] whilst attached to the S.B.S. after his service with No. 8 Commando, Layforce, and the 1st Special Service Regiment [2][2a] ended.
Recommendation
ALMONDS, John Edward
Sergeant (later Major )
2655648 and 333683
No 8 Commando
SAS
Coldstream Guards
Special Air Service Regiment
Gloucestershire Regiment
Bristol City Police
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Croix de Guerre (France)
John Almonds, an Army Reservist of the Coldstream Guards, joined the Bristol Police Force in 1936. In December 1939 Police Constable Almonds, married, and residing at 15 York Street, Bristol, was re-called to his Regiment [1][1a].
ALORCON GOMEZ, C.
Private
6100501
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal (West Surrey) Regiment
Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn. Layforce.
Service timeline
24.11.1940 embarked Egypt.
25.11.1940 disembarked Crete.
23.02.1941 granted W.T.P.P. and embarked for Egypt.
24.11.1940 embarked Egypt.
25.11.1940 disembarked Crete.
23.02.1941 granted W.T.P.P. and embarked for Egypt.
24.02.1941 disembarked Egypt.
ALVAREZ, Jose
Corporal
6100504
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Jose Alvarez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
ANDERSON, John Clover
Sergeant
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Served in 8 Troop. Post war member of the Commando Association from Inverness.
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 79 (1984).
ANDREWS, William
Sergeant
6397511
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Sergeant William Andrews was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bow, London.
Sources
Sources
ASENJO, A.
Private
6100502
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Private Asenjo was a Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn. Layforce taking part in operations at Crete. Evacuated to Egypt from Crete.
Service timeline:
Service timeline:
23.08.1940 posted 50 (ME) Commando.
24.11.1940 embarked for Crete.
ASHFORD-RUSSELL, Brian Harborough
Acting Major
111708
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps & Intelligence Corps
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Acting Major Ashford-Russell was wounded and a prisoner of war during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid). Repatriated in 1943.
ASHLEY-COOPER, Anthony John Percy Hugh Michael
Captain
71380
'Layforce'
Life Guards
28.03.1941 Captain, 'A' Company, 'D' Bn., Layforce at Geneifa.
01.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary (List of Officers 'D' Bn Layforce).
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)
Ernest Atkin enlisted 27 August 1939, civil occupation Labourer. He later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked for operations in the Middle East with Layforce.
BAILLIE, Alexander Charles
Lance Corporal
2885492
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Alexander Baillie died during operations at Litani River.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
BAIRD, John William
Trooper
295210
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper John Baird, Middle East Commando, 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, WO417/34, and WO417/94 (1945).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/94 (1945).
BAKER, John
Private
6020776
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
John Baker enlisted 15 March 1940, civil occupation Electrical Engineer. Volunteered for the Commandos and attached to No.7 Commando embarking for the Middle East (Layforce). Captured 20 April 1941 during operations at Bardia, Libya (Operation Addition).
BAKER, Kenneth
Corporal
5618955
No 8 Commando
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Kenneth Baker was killed in action during operations in Libya with Layforce. Son of Thomas and Sarah Baker, of Torrington, Devon; husband of Sylvia Emily Jane Baker, of Torrington.
BALLANTYNE, Alexander A.
Lance Corporal
2934334
No 11 Commando
Special Service Detachment 2
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Alexander Ballantyne was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations with No.11 Commando at Litani River. After recovering he was assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2) and was killed in Burma.
BANWELL, Keith Demer
Sergeant
5498293
22290927
52ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Parachute Regiment
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Later joined the Long Range Desert Group (SAS) [1][4].
25 September 1944 reported missing believed prisoner of war at Arnhem whilst serving in the 10th Bn. Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps [2].
BARBOUR, Alexander Ewing
Private
5956234
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Alexander Ewing Barbour from Uddingston enlisted 24 June 1940, formerly employed as a Brickworker. Private Barbour was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Sources
BARDENAS, R.
Private
6100506
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Private Bardenas was a Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn. Layforce taking part in operations at Crete. Evacuated to Egypt from Crete.
Service timeline:
23.08.1940 posted 50 (ME) Commando.
23.08.1940 posted 50 (ME) Commando.
BARNARD, John William
Private
6143343
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
John William Barnard, a Soapmaker from Middlesex, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 15 November 1939 later volunteering for the commandos. Private Barnard embarked with No.7 Commando for operations in the Middle East, his commando forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.
BARNETT, Edgar Albert
Lance Bombardier
933008
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Edgar Albert Barnett, a Labourer from Birmingham, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 15 July 1939. He volunteered for commando service and was attached to No.7 Commando which embarked for the Middle East forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.
BARNETT, William Henry
Fusilier
6459325
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
William Henry Barnett enlisted into the Armed Forces on 23 November 1936. Fusilier Barnett, 50 Middle East Commando ('D' Battalion, Layforce), was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, subsequently confirmed prisoner of war.
BARR, Edward
Corporal
3325427
No 11 Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Edward Barr was attached to No.11 Commando until joining No.1 Special Boat Section in the Middle East. He was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East on 9/10 June 1942 [1][2][3].
BARRAND, Peter Charles
Lance Corporal
6971182
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Rifle Brigade
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Peter Barrand was reported missing presumed killed during operations in the Western Desert. Son of Oscar A. and Grace Barrand, of Selsey, Sussex [1][2].
BARROSO, Montiano
Served as :
Surname seen elsewhere as Banoso and Banosa
Lance Sergeant
6100505
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment
Lance Sergeant Montiano Barroso, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
BARTON, J.
Private
3325685
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Wounded 9 June 1941 attached Layforce during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
BARWICK, Arthur
Private
5504046
No 7 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Private Barwick was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
BATEMAN, Sidney Gordon
Bombardier
930701
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sidney Bateman, a Covent Garden Wholesale Salesman from London, enlisted 18 December 1939. Volunteered in 1940 for the commandos and attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked with Layforce for operations in the Middle East.
BEALE, William
Corporal
5947082
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Middle East Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
William Beale enlisted 29 January 1929, civil occupation Tyre Builder. He volunteered for the Commandos in WW2 and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking for the Middle East as part of Layforce.
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.
Son of Frederick and Matilda Beasley, of Salford, Lancashire.
Sources
BEATTIE, Alexander
Corporal
2886105
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders
Corporal Alexander Beattie was taken prisoner of war on 21 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ.
BEAUMONT, William Blair
Private
2756409
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Died on war service
Private William Beaumont, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died in Germany whilst a prisoner of war. He had been reported missing on 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Son of Alex and Margaret Pearce Beaumont, of Cardenden, Fife.
BEEDELL, Lawrence Henry
Trooper
326889
50ME Commando
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper 'Harry' Beedell, 50ME Commando and 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete, later discovered captured on 1st June.
BENNETT, Robert
Lance Sergeant (later Warrant Officer 1)
2617533
22528123
No 8 Commando
SAS
Grenadier Guards
Military Medal (MM)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Lance Sergeant Robert Bennett joined 'L' Detachment, S.A.S. Brigade on the disbandment of No.8 Commando. He was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the December 1941 S.A.S. raid on Tamet areodrome.
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.
BERTIE, James John William
Corporal
2989781
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Bertie was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, later confirmed as died of wounds. Son of James and Isabella Taylor Bertie; husband of Elizabeth Brown Bertie, of Edinburgh.
Sources
BEST, George
Private
2883741
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Best died during operations at Litani River. Son of Samuel and Matilda Best, of Walthamstow, Essex.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
BIRCH, Frederick
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
2931860
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
51ME Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Frederick Birch, a Wholesale Meat Salesman from Liverpool, enlisted on 21 August 1939 later volunteering for the commandos. Sergeant Birch served in No.7 Commando and took part in operations at Bardia and Crete before moving to 51 Middle East Commando.
BIRD, Raymond Douglas
Private
5828120
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Raymond Bird from Lowestoft, Suffolk, enlisted 21 June 1939, civil occupation Seaman. He volunteered in 1940 for special service and was attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East with Layforce.
BLAIR, David Arthur
Captain (later Major)
73177
No 11 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain David Blair was the O.C. No. 11 Commando 6 troop. Appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) 7th April 1944 [1].
Recommendation
BLAKE, Dennis Lester
Corporal
295168
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Household Cavalry Regiment
Dennis Lester Blake from Morden, Surrey, enlisted 19 November 1936. Corporal Blake was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
BLAKENEY, James
Private
2660354
No 8 Commando
SAS
Army Air Corps
Coldstream Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Blakeney was killed in action in Germany serving in 'A' Squadron, 1st Special Air Service. Son of James and Ada Blakeney, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire.
BLASCO, Vicente
Lance Corporal
6100545
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Vicente Blasco was a Spanish volunteer who enlisted on 9 September 1940. Lance Corporal Blasco, No.50 Middle East Commando, attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war since 1 June 1941.
BOAST, Edward Albert
Corporal
6457716
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Edward Boast from Walthamstow, London, enlisted 1 January 1934. Corporal Boast was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
BOGLE, James
Private
2888381
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders
James Bogle from Glasgow enlisted 27 June 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. He was attached to No.11 Commando and embarked with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce. Private Bogle was was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ.
BOLLAND, Stanley
Guardsman
2696934
No 8 Commando
SAS
Scots Guards 2nd Bn
Killed in action or died of wounds
Guardsman Stanley Bolland was serving with "L" Detachment, S.A.S. Bde., Special Air Service Regiment, A.A.C.
BOND, Edward Alfred
Second Lieutenant
170240
'Layforce'
Sherwood Foresters
28.03.1941 Geneifa, Second Lieutenant 'A' Company of 'D' Bn Layforce
---.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28/3/1941 (List of 'D' Bn Layforce Officers).
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.
BOOKER, Clifford
Lance Corporal
5729301
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment 5th Bn.
Clifford Booker, a Labourer from Bristol, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 5 March 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. Embarked for the Middle East with No.7 Commando forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.
BORWICK, Michael George
Temporary Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
64017
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots Greys, Royal Armoured Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
- 25 February 1941, Kastelorizzo, Captain, 50 Middle East Commando, engaged in Operation Abstention [1].
- 28 March 1941, Geneifa, Captain, 'C' Company, 'D' Bn., Layforce [2].
BOULTON, David
Bombardier (later Lieutenant)
269318
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery and Durham Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant David Boulton died serving with the Durham Light Infantry during the Battle of Lingevres.
BOWEN, Alfred Leighton
Trooper
318358
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
North Somerset Yeomanry
1938 joined the North Somerset Yeomanry rank Trooper.
20 February 1940 arrive in Palestine with his Regiment.
March 1940 injury to knee from horse kick.
August 1940 posted to Air Defence Operations Room at Haifa *.
BOWERS, John Henry
Lance Corporal (later Major)
2614807 and 284731
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
Grenadier Guards, 3rd Bn.
Queen's Own Royal West Kent
Royal Hampshire Regiment, 2/4 Bn.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Service timeline:
- 03.1936 enlisted as a regular soldier [1].
- 09.1939 posted to France with British Expeditionary Force [1].
BOYLE, Peter, J.
Fusilier
6458472
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Peter Boyle was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BOYLE, Richard
Captain (later Temporary Major)
64612
'Layforce'
Black Watch
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Major Richard Boyle MC, 1st Battalion Black Watch, died during operations at the River Rhine crossing [1][1a].
Layforce
-
28.03.1941, Captain, Commander 'D' Company, 'D' Bn. Layforce at Geneifa [2].
BRADLEY, John Robert
Private
4752870
No 7 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
John Robert Bradley, a Farm Horseman, enlisted into the Armed Forces 30 May 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. He joined No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.
BRADLEY, John Stanton
Guardsman
2659428
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman John Bradley, a Journalist born in Margate Kent, was attested into the Coldstream Guards on 23 October 1939 aged 26. Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 344 in Poland.
BRADY, J.
Signalman
2332471
No 11 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman J. Brady was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
BRAVO, Jose
Private
6100551
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Jose Bravo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, 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.
BREWITT, John
Private
7619486
No 8 Commando
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Died on active service
Private John Brewitt died as a result of an accident.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/24.
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. Adopted son of Lewis Leonard and Decima Annie Ponting, of Swindon, Wiltshire.
BRITTAIN, E.
Private
4746370
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private Brittain, attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
BRITTON, Joseph
Lance Corporal
4745313
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
'D' Bn., Layforce. PoW Crete.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31 and 95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and 11.
BROAD, Harry Orlando
Private
5435324
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Harry Broad, a Labourer and Pipe Layer from Devonport, Plymouth, enlisted 11 July 1930. Private Broad volunteered for the Commandos in WW2 and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking for the Middle East as part of 'A' Battalion Layforce.
BROOK, Harold
Lance Corporal
2615070
No 8 Commando
SAS
Grenadier Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Harold Brook died [1] during operations in France with 1st Special Air Service Regiment having left the Commandos. He was reported as missing in action during Operation Houndforce [2].
BROUGH, William Gordon
Lance Sergeant
2695138
No 8 Commando
SAS
Scots Guards 2nd Bn
Army Air Corps
Cheshire Constabulary
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant William Brough, formerly No.8 Commando before joining 'L' Detachment SAS Brigade in August 1941, was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with the SAS in recognition of gallant and distinguished service.
BROWN, Jack
Trooper
326038
Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Jack Brown, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
BROWN, Leslie Jock
Corporal
5437777
SAS
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
51ME Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Leslie Brown had previously served in the Commandos before joining 'B' Squadron of the 1st Special Air Service. He died when his jeep patrol was attacked whilst en route to harass the enemy in Southern Tunisia.
Service*
BRUCE, Charles
Sergeant
2758668
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Black Watch
Sergeant Charles Bruce, from Brechin, Angus, was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war at Camp 59 in Italy from which he managed to escape back to allied lines after the Italian Armistice.
BRYAN, Gerald Jackson
Captain
125189
No 11 Commando
No 9 Commando
Royal Engineers
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Gerald Jackson Bryan, RE, was awarded the Military Cross [1] for his gallantry during the battle of Litani
BUCHANAN, Harry Alexander Desmond
Major
124535
No 8 Commando
SBS
Grenadier Guards
Military Cross (MC)
23 March 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Grenadier Guards, later that year joined No.8 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East. Later joined the SBS.
Recommendation for the Military Cross
BUCKLEY, Alfred, J.T.
Corporal
4856362
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Corporal Alfred Buckley 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 WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BULLEN, John
Private
6398836
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private John Bullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
BULLOCK, Howard Ernest
Gunner
826260
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Howard Bullock from Worcestershire died in hospital at Ramleh of meningitis following gunshot wounds received during operations against the enemy in the Middle East. Son of Roger Ernest and Rose Bullock, of Wollaston, Stourbridge, Worcestershire.
BUNN, Gerrard John Gunton
Lance Corporal
2655344
No 8 Commando
Coldstream Guards
Lance Corporal Gerrard Bunn was attested into the Coldstream Guards on 9 January 1932. He was wounded serving in No.8 Commando on 17 August 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica. He transferred to the Royal Corps of Signals on 29 June 1942.
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.
BURNS, George Robert
Sergeant
52ME Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association from Portsmouth.
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 101 (1995).
BURROWS, Charles William
Gunner
872276
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Charles Burrows from Beckenham, Kent, died during operations at Litani River.
BURTON, Kenneth Harwood
Sergeant
404001
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Kenneth Burton was mobilised from the Reserve List in Edinburgh on the 2nd September 1939 and posted to the 3rd Cavalry Training Regiment. He volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.11 Commando on 12 October 1940. Embarked for operations in the Middle East as part of Layforce.
BURTON, William John
Temporary Captain
63868
'Layforce'
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
York and Lancaster Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
28 March 1941, Geneifa, 'C' Company Commander, 'D' Bn., Layforce.
June 1941 Prisoner of war during operations at Crete. Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.
Sources
BUSBY, John Henry
Corporal
4743550
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment 2nd Bn.
Died on war service
Corporal John Busby from Hull was reported in the Casualty Lists as attached to 'D' Bn Layforce [1] at the time of his death through illness in the Middle East [2][3].
BUTTON, Gordon
Private
4449904
'Layforce'
Middle East Commando
Durham Light Infantry 1st Bn.
Died on war service
3 February 1942 serving in No.1 Special Service Detachment at Taunngyi Southern Shan States, Burma.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists WO417/57.
BUXTON, Leslie, J.
Lance Bombardier
5499823
No 8 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Leslie Buxton was wounded 12 June 1941 during operations in Libya [1].
- 18 January 1943 reported missing during operations in Libya later found to be a prisoner of war [2][3].
Sources
BYRNE, John Vincent
Corporal later Company Sergeant Major
2060658
No 11 Commando
SAS
No 6 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
3 May 1940 wounded at Dunkirk France serving as a Private with 1st Bn. Gordon Highlanders, British Expeditionary Force [1].
Attached to and served with No.11 Commando 8 Troop (Layforce) until disbanded [5][7].
CALLAGHAN, Hugh
Private (later Sergeant)
6296107 and 22296607
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Royal Signals
Private Hugh Callaghan served with 52 Middle East Commando and 'D' Bn., Layforce from 1 November 1940 until 7 June 1941. During that period his commando were deployed to Sudan and Crete.
CAMERON, R.
Private
3326220
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Wounded 9 June 1941 attached Layforce during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
CAMPBELL, Robin Francis
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
138704
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
General List
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Temporary Captain Robin Campbell was attached to the raiding party for Operation Flipper, an attack on Rommel's HQ in November 1941. Wounded and taken prisoner, he was subsequently repatriated in 1943 because of his wounds.
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.
CAMPBELL, William
Private
2763471
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Campbell died during operations at Litani River. Son of Robert and Marjory Campbell, of Janetstown, Caithness-shire.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
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.
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
CARMONA, Miguel
Private
6100553
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Miguel Carmona, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, 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.
CARR, George
Signalman
2577040
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Corps of Signals
George Carr, a Press Photographer from Darlington, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 24 August 1939 later volunteering for special service and attached to No.7 Commando. Deployed overseas for service in the Middle East with No.7 Commando forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.
CARR, Richard Philip
Captain
90121
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Richard Carr, 1 troop, was attached to the Commandos from the Royal Artillery. He was taken prisoner of war early in 1942 and, despite several escape attempts, remained in captivity for the remainder of the war. POW Camps Oflag 5 and Oflag 79.
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.
CARR, William
Lieutenant
170245
'Layforce'
Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment
William Carr, an Agricultural Advisor from Fulford, York, served in the Yeomanry from April 1939 untill called up in August 1939. He was later seconded to the Middle East Commando and 'D' Battalion of Layforce. Captured 1 June 1941 at Crete.
Sources
CASSIDY, Philip
Private
3312715
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Philip Cassidy 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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
CASTELLANO PORDO, Francisco
Private
6100507
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Queen's Royal Regiment Records
CATTLE, Arthur
Private
4800320
52ME Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, 2nd Bn.
Arthur Cattle from Lincoln enlisted into the Armed Forces on 6 June 1935. Private Cattle, 52ME Commando was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete as part of 'D' Bn., Layforce, later confirmed 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.
CAWSEY, Francis William
Private
5499203
No 8 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Francis Cawsey was first reported missing 29 April 1942 during operations in Burma, later corrected to missing presumed kille
CEVANTES, Santiago
Private
6100546
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Santiago Cevantes, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
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.
CHANTRELL, William
Private
7379892
No 11 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Chantrell died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William H. and Sarah E. Chantrell, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire.
Sources
CWGC.
CHAPMAN, Alfred James
Lance Corporal
875020
50ME Commando
British Military Mission 204
Royal Artillery
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
1937 attested into the Royal Artillery [1].
27 March 1938 transferred to Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment [1].
29 May 1941 wounded during operations in Crete whilst attached to Layforce [2].
CHAPMAN, Charles
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
CHEESEMAN, Henry Alfred
Private
6145046
No 7 Commando
Layforce
East Surrey Regiment
Henry Alfred Cheeseman, a Lorry Driver from South London, volunteered for the commandos after enlisting, joining No.7 Commando which formed 'A' Bn., of Layforce when deployed to the Middle East.
CHEETHAM, Anthony
Signalman
2578821
'Layforce'
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Anthony Cheetham was attached to Layforce from the 6th Cavalry Brigade Signals. He was reported missing in Crete 2 June 1941 later found to be a prisoner of war.
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Hilton, Natal, South Africa.
CHEYNE, John
Sergeant
2876138
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant John Cheyne, 8 troop, was posted to 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, on the 28th August 1941.
CHISHOLM, James Alexander
Sergeant
2929812
No 11 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant James Chisholm died during operations at Litani River.
CHIVERS, Frederick James
Lance Corporal
5107918
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Frederick Chivers from London enlisted 28 August 1933. Lance Corporal Chivers attached to 50 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Sources
CLARK, P.
Private
2989810
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Private Clark was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations in Syria.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
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.
CLETO, Sanchez
Private
6100554
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Sanchez Cleto, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, 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.
CLIFFORD, Bernard Edward
Guardsman
2048715
Middle East Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman Bernard Clifford was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war. On 26 October 1943 he was repatriated to the UK. Discharged from the service as permanently unfit 23 January 1944.
Sources
Sources
COCHRANE, Archibald Leman
Captain
136278
'Layforce'
Royal Army Medical Corps
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Professor Archibald Cochrane, CBE, MB, FRCP, was the Medical Officer of 'D' Bn. Layforce (50 and 52 Middle East Commandos). He was taken prisoner of war during operations at Crete continuing his work as a Doctor in the prison camps.
COCKBILL, Edward James
Private
5257172
No 8 Commando
SAS
Worcestershire Regiment
Edward Cockbill was a milk salesman before enlisting in the Worcestershire Regiment. From there he volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.8 Commando which became part of Layforce for operations in the Middle East.
COHEN, Aaron Harry
Private
2760335
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Aaron Cohen died during operations at Litani River. Son of Atme Cohen, of Manchester.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
COLBECK, John Vivian
Captain (later Major)
101039
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Tank Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Efficiency Medal
Mentioned in Despatches - Captain Colbeck was captured on 20 April 1941 at Bardia, North Africa, and subsequently imprisoned in various camps in Italy and Germany. He made numerous attempts to escape but only succeeded in leaving the camp on one occasion.
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].
COLEMAN, Nicholas John
Lance Corporal
2656171
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal Nicholas Coleman, M.M., was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4B in Germany [1][2].
COLGROVE, Frederick
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
COLLETT, Harry Burke
Lieutenant
117486
52ME Commando
Yorkshire Hussars
09.02.1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Yorkshire Hussars [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.
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].
COODE, Donald Alastair
Lieutenant
91438
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Donald Coode, 1 troop, died during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of Donald and Alexa Coode, of Juniper Green, Midlothian.
Sources
CWGC.
COOK, Frank, B.
Fusilier
6458666
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Frank Cook was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)
COOK, George, M.
Lance Corporal
2754904
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal George Cook was reported missing 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
COOKE, John
Lance Bombardier
4690225
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier John Cooke from Pontefract died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Arthur and Jane Ellen Cooke, of Pontefract, Yorkshire.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
COTTAM, Walter William
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].
COULDREY, Edwin Robert
Bombardier
830703
No 8 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Bombardier Edwin Couldrey, Special Service Detachment*, was reported missing 18 August 1942, later confirmed as having died, during operations in Burma. Royal Artillery Casualty Cards record his death as a battle casualty. He has no known grave.
COUTTS, John Davies
Corporal
4746052
52ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Corporal John Coutts was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during his escape from a Prisoner of War Ca
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
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.
COX, Charles Frederick
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).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).
CRAIG, James Cross
Lance Corporal
2763490
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal James Craig was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later confirmed to have died of wounds.
Sources
CWGC.
CRAIG, Robert, P.
Private
3311330
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Robert Craig was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1943 he is reported repatriated and no longer a prisoner.
Sources
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.
Son of Fred and Beatrice Crampton, of Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire.
CRAWFORD, Thomas McGregor
Private
2752178
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Private Thomas Crawford was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete with Layforce, later confirmed prisoner of war. Enlisted into the Black Watch on 15 September 1928 aged 15yrs.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
CREW, John William
Sergeant
5947714
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
John William Crew,
CROOK, Roy Joseph
Sergeant
776642
52ME Commando
North Somerset Yeomanry
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Sergeant Roy Joseph Crook * was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation
Crete
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.
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.
CROSS, Walter
Guardsman
2658849
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman Walter Cross from Hull was reported wounded and missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a][3].
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.
CULLEN, John
Private
2756121
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private John Cullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DALY, Dermot Ralph
Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel)
36692
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
Scots Guards 2nd Bn.
Mentioned in Despatches
Educated at Eton College; 15/1/1927 Second Lieutenant, Supplementary Reserve of Officers, Scots Guards; 31/1/1930 Second Lieutenant Regular Army, Scots Guards; served with the King's African Rifles and the Colonial Office 1931/1932; Promoted Lieutenant 31/1/1933; served in Palestine 1936/1937;
DARBY, Arthur Claude
Corporal
408910
50ME Commando
The Royals, Royal Armoured Corps
Corporal Arthur Darby was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association from Dunfermline, Fife.
Sources
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.
DAVIDSON, Alexander
Private
2888515
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders
Private Alexander Davidson was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DAVIDSON, Alexander
Lance Sergeant
2886121
No 11 Commando
SAS
Gordon Highlanders
Army Air Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Alexander Davidson died of wounds serving with 1 SAS having left the Commando. He had previously been attached to No.11 Commando since August 1940. He also served in the ME Commando and 1SSR.
DEAN, Horace
Private
5675816
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Horace Dean, a Mail Van Driver from Ripley, enlisted into the Armed Forces in February 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. He joined No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.
DEAN, L.W.
Rifleman
6897356
No 11 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Rifleman Dean was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations in Syria.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
DENHOLM, Robert
Trooper
403856
52ME Commando
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Robert Denholm from Inveresk was reported missing during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He was a Reservist who was called up at the outbreak of war.
Sources
DEVINE, J
Sergeant
2818270
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Sergeant Devine attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce was wounded 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
Notes
DIAZ, Juan
Corporal
6100509
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Juan Diaz, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][2][3].
Extracts from WO344/91/1 [3].
DIBB, Edgar
Corporal
746439
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Edgar Dibb died during operations at Litani River.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
DICKERSON, Leslie John
Private
7349578
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Private Leslie Dickerson, R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando, was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4B.
DINSDALE, Henry
Private
4750212
No 11 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Henry Dinsdale died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Henry and Esther Dinsdale; husband of Doris Dinsdale, of Bradford, Yorkshire.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
DOVE, George
Private
4976786
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Sherwood Forresters
Private George Dove was wounded on 9 June 1941 during operations at the Litani River in Syria.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[Image] CVA Gallery.
DREWITT, Glanville
Private
3959808
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Glanville Drewitt, 52 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He also served in 50 Middle East Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association, London Branch.
DRONGIN, Anthony
Regimental Sergeant Major
2695218
No 8 Commando
SAS
Scots Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
Regimental Sergeant Major Anthony Drongin of No 8 Commando gave up his rank to join L Detachment SAS when 8 Commando was disbanded. He served as a Corporal and is reported to have died of wounds inflicted during SAS operations near Benghazi.
DRORI, Avishalom
Corporal
PAL/14538
51ME Commando
'Layforce'
Pioneer Corps
Corporal Avishalom Druri was Jewish and from Palestine. He volunteered for the British Army and was first posted to the Pioneer Corps before being attached to 51 Middle East Commando.
DUFF, David
Private later Lance Corporal
2932497
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders 5th Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
David Duff served in No.11 Commando 10 troop in the Middle East. He left No.11 Commando which was disbanded early and returned to the 5th Bn., Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.
DUFFY, Joseph Aloysius
Private
3318385
No 11 Commando
SAS
Seaforth Highlanders
Died on war service
Private Joseph Duffy joined L Detachment, SAS, from No 11 Commando on the 28th August 1941 and was accidentally killed in training due to a parachute failure, along with his friend and fellow Seaforth Highlander, Private Kenneth Warburton. Location given as East side of the Great Bitter Lake.
DUGUID, William, D.
Lance Corporal
3251304
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Lance Corporal William Duguid was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
DUNCAN, George Ian Alistair
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
132481
No 11 Commando
SBS
Black Watch
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant George Duncan served No 11 Commando and Layforce before moving to the Special Boat Section as a Temporary Captain. He was awarded the Military Cross
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. Son of Charles De Beauvoir Durand and Edith Ongley Durand, of East Grinstead, Sussex.
Sources
EARDLEY, Albert William
Lance Corporal
2072050
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Albert Eardley died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mr and Mrs L. Eardley of Burslem, Stoke on Trent.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
EATON-HALL, John Henry
Lieutenant (later Major)
138376
52ME Commando
North Somerset Yeomanry
Warwickshire Yeomanry
27.07.1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, North Somerset Yeomanry [1].
13.03.1943 Lieutenant Warwickshire Yeomanry [2].
Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Hastings, Sussex. Final rank shown as Major [3].
EDMISTON, Gordon
Corporal (later Captain)
2886140
302399
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Royal Scots Greys
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Gordon Edmiston enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders joining them in Aberdeen on 16 May 1940. Volunteered for No.11 Commando in August 1940. Served with 8 Troop in operations in the Middle East as part of Layforce until their early disbandment after which he joined the Long Range Desert Group.
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.
EDSALL, Keith Valentine
Trooper
7912260
No 8 Commando
SBS
Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Keith Edsall was killed in action during operations in the Western desert. Son of Percy and Gladys Edsall; husband of E. P. Edsall, of Wealdstone. Middlesex.
Sources
CWGC.
EDWARDS, Harry
Fusilier
6458488
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Harry Edwards was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
ELLINGHAM, John Robert
Private
5933349
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Private John Ellingham was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
ELLIOT, John
Lance Corporal (later Sergeant)
2989826
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Pioneer Corps
Served with 'C' Bn., Layforce in Palestine, Cyprus, and Syria (Litani River battle). Returned to his unit after Layforce and No.11 Commando were disbanded. Later transferred to the Pioneer Corps. Final rank attained Sergeant, Pioneer Corps.
Sources
ELLISTON, Roland Desmond
Private
5949114
52ME Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Roland Desmond Elliston, a farm worker from Colchester, Essex, enlisted into the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment on 1 July 1936. Served in Palestine; awarded the General Service Medal Palestine Clasp March 1940.
ELSE, John
Sergeant
5624579
No 7 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Died on war service
Sergeant John Else was accidentally killed in India. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Else, of Bobbers Mill, Nottingham.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59.
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
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, George Lancelotte
Corporal
2931202
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (Liverpool Scottish)
Corporal George Evans was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later confirmed a prisoner of war. George Lancelotte Evans from Claughton, Birkenhead, was employed at Birkenhead Central Library before enlisting on 28 April 1939.
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
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.
FAIRBRIDGE, Amos Francis Henry
Fusilier
3452795
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Amos Fairbridge, a Labourer from Sunderland, enlisted on 15 January 1941 later volunteering for the Commandos. Fusilier Fairbridge served in No.4 Commando before embarking for the Middle East with No.7 Commando as part of Layforce.
FAJARDO, Joaquin
Private
6100512
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Joaquin Fajardo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C. Liberated in 1945.
FARMILOE, William Arthur
Captain
96878
No 11 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain William Farmiloe, also known as Robin, Officer commanding 3 Troop, died during operations at Litani River.
View our gallery entry here Captain Farmiloe.
FARRINGTON, John Beddell
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.
FASSAM, Joseph William
Lance Bombardier
874242
No 8 Commando
Middle East Commando
SAS
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier Joseph Fassam died during operations at Termoli Italy with the Special Raiding Squadron having left the Commando.
Service
No. 8 Commando;
4 Special Service Battalion;
'B' Battalion Layforce;
FEEBERY, Cyril
Corporal (later Squadron Sergeant Major)
2615284
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
SBS
Grenadier Guards
Army Air Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Guardsman Feebery was wounded in 1940 whilst deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. Volunteereed for the Commandos and served as a Corporal in No.8 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East as part of 'B' Bn Layforce.
FELLOWES, Hubert, H.
Corporal
5497866
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Hubert Fellowes was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
FENTON, David
Acting Lance Sergeant
2754192
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Lance Sergeant David Fenton, attached Middle East Commando Depot, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
FERGUSON, William Watson
Guardsman
2696113
52ME Commando
Scots Guards
07.07.1938 enlisted Scots Guards.
01.11.1940 posted 52 Middle East Commando.
05.01.1941 wounded in action (gunshot wound to hand) Sudan.
26.04.1941 posted 'B' Bn., Layforce.
15.05.1941 posted 'D' Bn., Layforce.
FILMER, Ronald
Corporal
7343128
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Corporal Ronald Filmer was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
FINCH, John
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.
FLAHERTY, Robert Henry
Trooper
409352
No 8 Commando
52ME Commando
Special Service Detachment 2
Dragoons
Post war member of the Burma Star Association and the Commando Association residing in California, USA.
Sources
Addendum to Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 89 (1989).
FLEETWOOD, Leonard
Private
5727759
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Leonard Fleetwood from Bristol enlisted on 19 September 1939, previously employed in a Tannery. He later volunteered for commando service and was attached to No.7 Commando which would go on to form 'A' Battalion of Layforce and embark for the Middle East.
FLOOD, John Alexander Mackintosh
Temporary Captain (later Major)
99069
No 7 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers, 7th Bn.
Captain John Alexander Mackintosh Flood was captured 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Postgraduate student enlisted 30 September 1939. Resided Streatham, London. Remained in service post war. Transferred to the Royal Army Educational Corps, promoted Major. Retired 30 September 1962.
FLUIN, Henry Thomas
Private (later Sergeant)
5527612
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Wiltshire Regiment
Service Record
19.11.1929 enlisted into the Wiltshire Regiment. Trade on enlistment Labourer. Next of kin Robert and Elizabeth Fluin (parents) from Islington, London.
19.11.1929 enlisted into the Wiltshire Regiment. Trade on enlistment Labourer. Next of kin Robert and Elizabeth Fluin (parents) from Islington, London.
15.11.30 to 02.01.1932 Egypt.
03.01.1932 to 07.11.1932 Shanghai.
03.01.1932 to 07.11.1932 Shanghai.
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].
FOWLER, Robert
Private
2932499
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Robert Fowler enlisted into the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders on 18 October 1939, civil occupation - Enameller. Private Fowler later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.11 Commando 10 Troop embarking with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
FRAILI, G.T.
Private
6100513
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Fraili, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, 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.
FRANCO, T.
Private
6100511
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Franco, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, 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.
FRASER, Thomas Coupar
Private
2934226
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Fraser, 10 Troop, died during operations in the Western Desert. He had been one of the raiding party of Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ. Son of Leslie D. and Annie H. Fraser, of Parkhead, Glasgow.
Sources
FREEMAN, Fred Edward L.
Private
5830905
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Suffolk Regiment
Fred Freeman enlisted into the Suffolk Regiment on 2 October 1939, trade on enlistment Iron and Steel dresser. He later volunteered for the special service with the commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando.
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.
FROST, Terence Ernest Manitou
Corporal
553904
50ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Warwickshire Yeomanry
Terence Ernest Manitou Frost, better known as the renowned artist Sir Terry Frost, was born in Leamington Spa. In November 1933 he joined the Territorial Army his profession at the time being a Commercial Traveller.
FURNIVAL, William Roy McGarry
Sergeant
2928615
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant William Roy McGarry Furnival was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Hampshire.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/30.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/30.
GALERA, Enrique
Also seen as:
GALERA RAFOLI, Enrique
Corporal
6100518
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Sources
Queen's Royal Regment Records.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
GALL, Victor, G.
Corporal (later Warrant Officer)
2040474
No 3 Commando
No 8 Commando
Royal Engineers
Mentioned in Despatches
Victor Gall from Edinburgh enlisted into the Royal Engineers in 1937. Evacuated from Dunkirk. Volunteered for the commandos.
GALLAGHER, Denis
Private
2989639
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Denis Gallagher died during operations at Litani River. Son of Mrs Sarah Gallagher of Malden Street, Leyland, Lancashire.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.
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.
GALORETTA / MANZOUOS, Luciano
Private
6100517
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, 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 (shown as M.L. Galoretta).
GANDER, D.
Corporal
554196
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Corporal Gander was wounded on 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
GARCIA, John
Private
6100515
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private John Garcia, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, 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 WO417/35.
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. He died during an air raid whilst a prisoner of war in Camp PG78 Italy.
GERONINO, Francisco
Also seen as:
JERONIMO, Francisco and WILLIAMS, Frank
Private
6100555
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, reported missing 2 June 1941 in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1942 he was reported no longer a prisoner.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/45.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/45.
GIBBS, William George
Gunner
879745
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner William Gibbs was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mr and Mrs Gibbs of Conway Street, Everton.
Extract from the Liverpool Evening Express
24 July 1941
GILLINGHAM, Reginald John
Company Quartermaster Sergeant
543209
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Reginald Gillingham was reported missing presumed died during operations in Burma on 19 June 1942, his secondary unit recorded as 'B' Bn., Layforce on each of the casualty listings. He has no known grave.
GLITHERO, G.E.
Corporal
4804364
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Lincolnshire Regiment
Corporal Glitheroe was wounded on 9 June 1941 during operations at the Litani River in Syria. Member of the Commando Association.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (surname spelt Giltheroe).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (surname spelt Giltheroe).
GLYPTIS, George Edward
Lance Corporal
1892369
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
George Edward Glyptis was employed as a Driver prior to enlisting into the Royal Engineers on 22 October 1938. Lance Corporal Glyptis, No.7 Commando, was reported missing in Crete later confirmed prisoner of war 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete.
Sources
Sources
GOLDEN, William James
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
1881043
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
William James Golden, a Plumber from Chingford, Essex, enlisted 2 October 1939. Sergeant Golden was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war. Royal Engineer attached to No.7 Commando (Layforce) for the Bardia Raid.
GOLDSMITH, Ernest Edward William Frederick
Lance Sergeant
6397316
No 3 Commando
No 8 Commando
Middle East Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Ernest Edward William Frederick 'Joe' Goldsmith MM was awarded the Military Medal [1] during operations at Termoli having left the Commando, now serving in the Special Raiding Squadron (SRS) [2].
Recommendation
GOMEZ, Seraphin
Sergeant
6100516
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Sergeant Seraphin Gomez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Service timeline*
23.08.1940 appointed Acting Corporal.
GOODSIR, Georges Albert Jacques
Lance Bombardier
1467168
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Georges Albert Jacques Goodsir, a Schoolmaster from Hampshire, enlisted into the Armed Forces in September 1939, later volunteering for the Commandos and attached to No.7 Commando. He embarked with them for operations in the Middle East as part of Layforce.
GORNALL, James
Gunner
3856286
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Gunner James Gornall, 3 troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field [1]. He took part in Operation Exporter at Litani River and was captured after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ.
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.
GRAHAM, James Leslie
Lance Corporal
3191535
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Lance Corporal James Graham from Newcastle upon Tyne 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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/34.
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.
GREEN, D.
Lance Corporal
6803656
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Staffordshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Green was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. His commando formed part of 'D' Bn., Layforce for this operation.
Sources
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.
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.
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.
GREIG, Robert
Corporal
2881454
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Robert Greig died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Robert and Annie Greig, of Rickarton, Kincardineshire.
Extract from the Aberdeen Evening Express
18 July 1941
GRIFFIN, Thomas Basil
Lance Corporal
2989323
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Royal Army Service Corps
20 June 1940 enlisted A&SH and later volunteered for the Commandos.
Attached to No.11 Commando 7 Troop attaining the rank of Lance Corporal.
1 February 1941 embarked for the Middle East, 'C' Bn., Layforce.
GUNN, David
Private
2822381
No 11 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Private David Gunn was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Libya January 1943 whilst serving with the Long Range Desert Group after leaving the Commando [1][1a].
Recommendation
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/24 and WO417/29.
HAMILTON, Alexander
Driver
2576082
No 11 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Killed in action or died of wounds
Driver Alexander Hamilton was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of the late Private James Hamilton, RASC, killed in action 5 months earlier, and of Catherine Hamilton, of Stirling.
Extract from the Stirling Observer
HAMILTON, Robert Scott
Private
3323516
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Robert Hamilton died of wounds during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William and Ann H. Hamilton, of Glasgow.
Sources
CWGC.
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].
HANBURY-TRACY, Richard Algernon Frederick
Major
45143
No 8 Commando
Royal Horse Guards
Died on war service
Major Richard Hanbury-Tracy, 6th Baron Sudeley, died at sea whilst No.8 Commando were part of Layforce. Son of Maj. the Hon. Algernon Hanbury-Tracy, C.M.G., formerly of the Royal Horse Guards, and the Hon. Mrs. Hanbury-Tracy; husband of Lady Sudeley, of Whitchurch, Hampshire.
HANCOCK, Harry
Private
4748143
'Layforce'
Middle East Commando
British Military Mission 204
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Harry Hancock, 'C' Bn Layforce, was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later reported no longer missing.
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.
HARDING, John Aubrey, D.H.
Lance Corporal
6457903
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal John Harding was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
HARLAND, Edwin
Private
2882955
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edwin Harland died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Edwin Scriven Harland and Annie Aline Harland, of Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
HARMER, Reginald
Corporal
5570019
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Corporal Reginald Harmer served in No.
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
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.
HARPER, Stanley Eric
Sapper
1880061
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper Stanley Harper was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Previously served in No.4 Commando. Stanley Harper was an Art Student who enlisted 9 September 1939 and resided Great Malvern, Worcester.
HARRISON, Charles, F.
Corporal
4856341
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Corporal Harrison, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/45.
HARTLEY, Christopher Lancelot
Corporal
6846173
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
9th Bn. King's Royal Rifle Corps (Rangers)
Corporal Christopher Hartley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32, and WO417/102.
HAWKINS, H.
Trooper
550785
ME Commando Depot
'Layforce'
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Hawkins 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 and 33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.
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
HAYE, James
Private
2754870
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Haye was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D in Germany.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (HAYE).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (HAYE).
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.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/94.
HEADLAND, Thomas Herbert
Lance Sergeant
2613699
No 8 Commando
Grenadier Guards
Died on active service
Lance Sergeant Thomas Headland died as a result of an accident during operations in Syria. Son of John Robert and Eliza Elisabeth Headland, of Woodford, Northamptonshire.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO 417/30.
HEARN, William Alec, V.
Private
5437280
SAS
Middle East Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Private William Hearn was reported missing 18 January 1943 in Libya [1] later confirmed as a prisoner of war since 15 January 1943 [2][3].
Sources
HEARN, William Herbert
Private
5625251
No 3 Commando
No 8 Commando
SAS
Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Hearn died during operations at Termoli, Italy with the Special Raiding Squadron having left the Commando. A shell hit the truck that he was sitting in.
Service
HEBBLEWHITE, Arthur
Trooper
324112
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Arthur Hebblewhite was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in the Middle East, later found to be a prisoner of war. On this date his Commando were engaged in operations in Crete.
Sources
HENRY, William
Gunner
1427602
ME Commando Depot
Royal Artillery
Gunner William Henry, Middle East Commando Depot, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/31.
HERAS, Braulio
Also seen as:
HERAS, Bravilo
Private
13808248
6100520
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Died on war service
Private Bravlio Heras, a Spanish volunteer in 50 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died whilst a prisoner of war having been captured during operations in Crete on 2 June 1941. He is believed to have been killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C and has no known grave.
HERD, James
Sapper
1986469
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
James Herd, a Boilermaker from Maryhill, Glasgow, enlisted into the Royal Engineers in March 1939. He later volunteered for commando service and was attached to No.7 Commando which formed part of Layforce after embarking for the Middle East.
HERMON, Kenneth Edward
Captain
65941
'Layforce'
Durham Light Infantry
28.03.1941 Geneifa, Commanding 'A' Company of 'D' Bn Layforce
04.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28/3/1941 (List of 'D' Bn Layforce Officers).
HESLOP, James
Fusilier
4270540
'Layforce'
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, 1st Bn.
Fusilier James Heslop attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, 29, and 94.
HEWITT, W.
Sergeant
4858688
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Sergeant Hewitt, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
HIDALGO, Joseph
Private
6100557
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Joseph Hidalgo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, 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, WO417/34, and WO417/95.
HIGGIN, Arthur
Private
4126259
'Layforce'
Cheshire Regiment
Private Arthur Higgin, HQ Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
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 atta
HILL, Francis John
Trooper
324039
52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps Staffordshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Francis Hill, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) died during operations at Crete. He had served in the Commando since 13 January 1941.
Son of F. E. Hill and Jane Hill, of Winshill. Burton-on-Trent.
Sources
HILL, Francis William Amey
Private
3959780
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Private Francis Hill was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 3D.
HINDMARSH, George Peel
Lance Corporal
2658432
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Lance Corporal George Hindmarsh from Newcastle upon Tyne was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later confirmed captured 1 June 1941. His Commando at the time formed part of 'D' Battalion of Layforce. George enlisted on 6 June 1938.
HODGSON, Albert
Lance Corporal
3597591
50ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Lance Corporal Albert Hodgson was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete; later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
HOLBROOK, Alfred
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].
HOLLINGSHEAD, Robert, W.
Corporal
6459214
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Corporal Robert Hollingshead was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
HORE, Douglas
Sergeant
5621917
Middle East Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Sergeant Douglas Hore from Preston in Devon was reported missing 14 September 1942 during operations in the Middle East (Tobruk), later found to be a prisoner of war.
Sources
HOROBIN, Gilbert Crawford
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 since the previous day. In 1939 Gilbert, an ARP Warden, was residing in Fulham, London, and employed as a wholesale tea salesman. Enlisted 25 May 1940.
HOWIE, Robert Cullen
Lieutenant
154064
'Layforce'
General List
28 March 1941 Acting Quartermaster 'D' Bn Layforce HQ.
2 June 1941 (Lieutenant) prisoner of war Crete.
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28 March 1941 ('D' Bn Layforce Officers).
HOWLAND, William John
Regimental Sergeant Major
6077878
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
28.03.1941 Regimental Sergeant Major of 'D' Bn. Layforce.
01.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28 March 1941 (List of Oficers for 'D' Bn).
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