Layforce

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'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'

The following is a list of Spanish volunteers who became prisoners of war in Crete 2 June 1941. They were originally attested into The Queen's Royal Regiment and attached No.50 Middle East Commando before their Commando was amalgamated with No.52 Middle East Commando to form 'D' Battalion of Layforce on deployment to Crete.
 
Sources
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

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). 

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

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. 

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].
 
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

Jack Adams 11 Commando
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
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

ADDICOTT, H.L.

Trooper
322200
50ME Commando
Warwickshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Post war member of the Middle East Commando Historical Research Group (MECHRG).
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/54.

AINSLIE, William Robson Milne

LCpl Ainslie 11 Commando
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.

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

ALLARDICE, William Dallas

Private
2879652
Middle East Commando
London Scottish The Gordon Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Private William Allardice received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his escape from captivity as a prisoner of war.
Recommendation

ALLEN, Ronald

Driver I/C
2591915
No 7 Commando
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.

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 Second Lieutenant )
2655648
No 8 Commando
SAS
Coldstream Guards
Bristol Police Force
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
John Almonds, a Reservist of the Coldstream Guards, joined the Bristol Police Force in 1936. In December 1939 he was a Police Constable, married, and residing at 15 York Street, Bristol, when re-called to his Regiment [1][1a].

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..

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

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.

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).

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

Keith Tex Banwell
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

BARNARD, John William

Private
6143343
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment

Private John Barnard was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/29.

BARNETT, Edgar Albert

Lance Bombardier
933008
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Edgar Barnett 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 1939.

BARNETT, William Henry

Fusilier
6459325
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier William Barnett was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

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.

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.

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.
 
Sources

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.
 

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.
 

BIRCH, Frederick

Fred Birch 7 Commando
Sergeant Frederick Birch 7 Commando
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
2931860
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
51ME Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant Frederick Birch served in No.7 Commando taking part in operations at Bardia and Crete before moving to 51 Middle East Commando. He was attached to 'C' Bn Layforce for Operation Flipper after which he was taken prisoner of war.
 
Sources

BIRD, Raymond Douglas

Raymond Douglas Bird 7 Commando
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 David Blair 11 Commando © NMS/2012 courtesy of National Museum Scotland
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.

BOGLE, James

James Bogle 11 Commando
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

Stanley Bolland
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
Lance Corporal Clifford Booker was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete [1][2]. He had been captured on 29 May 1941 [3].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.

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

David Boulton 11 Commando
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

Alfred Leighton Bowen
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

John Henry Bowers No.8 Commando
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.

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 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. 
 

BRADLEY, John, R.

Private
4752870
No 7 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private John Bradley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had been captured on 29 May 1941.
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27, WO417/33 and WO417/93.

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. 

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

Cpl. Leslie Brown 1st SAS
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 Gerald Bryan 11 Commando
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

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.

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.

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.

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
Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Durham Light Infantry 1st Bn.
Died on war service
Private Gordon Button died in Burma. He has no known grave. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty lists / National Archives file WO417/57.
 
Notes

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

John Vincent Byrne DCM
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]. 

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, 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, 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.

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.

CASTELLANO, Francisco

Private
6100507
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Francisco Castellano, 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

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.

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

Charles Chapman 7 Commando
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, H.A.

Private
6145046
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Private Alfred Cheeseman 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 residing Ontario, Canada.
 
Sources

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

Jock Cheyne 11 Commando
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.

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

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

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.
 

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.

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.)

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.

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.

CORDA, Francisco

Lance Corporal
6100521
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn., Layforce. Reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 21A at Thorn, Poland.
 
Notes/Sources

COTTAM, Walter William

Walter Cottam 7 Commando
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.

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

Charles Cox 7 Commando
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).

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.
 

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.

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

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, Frank

Acting Sergeant
2657630
'Layforce'
Coldstream Guards
Sergeant Frank Dean, attached Layforce, was reported a prisoner of war having been captured on 28 January 1942 at Benghazi.
 
Sources
Coldstream Guards Registers.

DEAN, Horace

Private
5675816
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Private Horace Dean was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

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

DIAZ, J.

Corporal
6100509
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal J. 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.

DIAZ, Juan

Corporal
6100533
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private 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.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/39.

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.
 

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.

DOVE, George

George Dove 11 Commando
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.

[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

David Duff 11 Commando
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.

DUNCAN, George Ian Alistair

Temporary Captain George Duncan MC and bar
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

Albert Eardley 11 Commando
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.

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

Lt. Gordon Edmiston after 11 Commando
Gordon Edmiston 1986 Arran
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. 

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

Roland Elliston 52 ME Commando
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, 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, A.F.H.

Fusilier
3452795
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers

Fusilier Fairbridge served in No.4 Commando before embarking with Layforce for the Middle East. He was reported missing during operations at Cyrenaica on 20 April 1941 (Bardia Raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.

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.

FARRINGTON, John Beddell

John Beddell Farrington
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

Joseph William Fassam 1st SRS
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

Cyril Feebery 8 Commando
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.

FINCH, John

John Finch 7 Commando
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
Private Leonard Fleetwood from Bristol was captured 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Enlisted 19 September 1939 formerly employed in Tannery.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27.

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.

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

Robert Fowler 11 Commando
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.

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

Pte. Thomas Fraser 11 Commando
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, 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.

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. 

GALERA, Enrique

Corporal
6100518
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Enrique Galera, 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 WO417/34.

GALLAGHER, Denis

Denis Gallagher 11 Commando
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, M. Luciano

Private
6100517
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Galoretta, 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 (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, F.

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.

GIBBS, William George

William Gibbs 11 Commando
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.

GLITHEROE, 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.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

GLYPTIS, G.

Sapper
1892369
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers

Lance Corporal G. Glyptis was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 344 in Poland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/96.

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.
 

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.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

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.

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, 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

Thomas Griffin 11 Commando
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.

HAMILTON, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton 11 Commando
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].

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.

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.
 

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

Stanley Eric Harper 7 Commando
Harper 7 Commando
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.

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.

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).

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.

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 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

Braulio Heras
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
Sapper James Herd was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/32.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11 and WO392/1.

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

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.

HOLBROOK, Alfred

Private Alfred Holbrook
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.

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).

HUGHES, Albert Edwin

Lance Corporal
5569217
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Albert Hughes died in Egypt.
Son of Mrs. R. Newbury, of Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty lists / National Archives file WO417/58.
 

HUMPHREY, Bert

Private
6402436
52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Died on war service
Private Bert Humphrey, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died after the rearguard action that took place in Crete. He had been reported missing 2 June 1941 and was a prisoner of war. Son of Lilian Greenfield, of Brighton, Sussex.
 
Sources

HURST, Ben

Private
3715891
No 11 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Ben Hurst was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.

HYND, Alexander

Lance Corporal
2696562
'Layforce'
Scots Guards
29.07.1939 enlisted Scots Guards.
01.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.

Sources
Dir. of Mil. Int.: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaire 1945/6 / National Archives file WO344/156/3.

IBBETSON, Reginald Thomas

Lance Bombardier
914872
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Reginald Ibbetson was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 357.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.

INNES, John

Lance Corporal
2932101
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders 2nd Bn.
Died on active service
Lance Corporal John Innes died in a field hospital in Egypt on 16 January 1942.

IRWIN, Thomas

Private
7885134
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Private Thomas Irwin, '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 WO417/28.

IVERS, Henry Anderson

Sergeant
6457787
52ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Sergeant Henry Ivers was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

IVES, Edwin Isaac

Company Quartermaster Sergeant
2694795
'Layforce'
Scots Guards
16.04.1934 enlisted Scots Guards aged 18.
01.11.1940 attached 52 Middle East Commando
28.03.1941 Geneifa, Company Quartermaster Sergeant, 'D' Bn. Layforce.
02.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete.
15.04.1946 released to Royal Army Reserve Class 'Z'.

JAMIESON, John

John Jamieson 7 Commando
Private
2933872
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private John Jamieson, 'B' Company of the 1st Bn., Liverpool Scottish, volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando. 
31 January 1941 departed for the Middle East as 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

JEFFS, Arthur Bertram

Private
5504715
No 7 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Private Arthur Jeffs was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Enlisted 17 March 1940. Resided St. Johns Way, London N19. Civil employment - Machine Ruler, Printing Trade.
 

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