Layforce

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'Layforce'

Three UK based Army Commando units, Nos. 7, 8, and 11 Commandos, were initially 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 sailed from the Isle of Arran on the 31st January 1941, and arrived at Suez on the 7th March.

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.

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. After this scattered beginning all the various sections came together finally in Felixstowe at the end of July 1940. H.Q. being in a school in Station Rd Felixstowe.

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

52ME Commando
Private Edward Abdale was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He was transported to Stalag 383 in Germany. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/54.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Enlistment Registers Coldstream Guards / Army Book 358.
 

ABLEWHITE, C.A.

No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Private Abelwhite was wounded on 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
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
 

ABRAHAMS, Arthur Thomas

No 7 Commando
Private Arthur Abrahams was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.  Later imprisoned at Stalag 344 in Poland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
 

ADAMSON, Alexander Naismith

Middle East Commando
Lance Corporal Alexander Adamson, Depot M.E. Commando, 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
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/96
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

[3] Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 101.

ALBALADEJO, A.

50ME Commando
Private A. 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
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/30; WO417/34; and WO417/92.
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
 

ALLEN, Ronald

No 7 Commando
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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of POW's / National Archives file WO416/5/264.
 

ALMONDS, John Edward

No 8 Commando
SAS
Sergeant John Almonds, known as Gentleman Jim, served in No.8 Commando and embarked with them to the Middle East as part of Layforce. When his Commando unit was being disbanded he transferred to the newly raised  'L' Detachment SAS [1]. 
  • Awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during SAS operations at Nofilla Areodrome and Aghelia [2].

ALVAREZ, J.

'Layforce'

Corporal J. Alvarez, 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
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.

ANDREWS, William

50ME Commando
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
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Commando Association newsletter 96.
 

ASTBURY, Albert Ernest

No 6 Commando
No 7 Commando
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. He had earlier served with No.7 Commando and was taken prisoner of war in 1941 [2][2a] but escaped in 1943 [3]. He then joined No.6 Commando.
Extract from the Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail Tuesday 24 April 1945.

BAKER, Kenneth

No 8 Commando
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions

Corporal Kenneth Baker was killed in action during operations in Libya with Layforce.

Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualties List / National Archives file WO 417/35.

Notes
4 Special Service Bn. was a very short lived title redesignation of Commando Units and was no longer in use at the time of his death.  'B' Bn Layforce was made up of men from No 8 Commando whose unit had been part of 4 Special Service Bn.

BARNETT, W.H.

50ME Commando

Fusilier W.H. 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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BARRAND, Peter Charles

No 11 Commando
Lance Corporal Peter Barrand was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations in the Western Desert [1][2]. He is believed to have drowned off the coast of Libya after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ [3].
 
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/55.
[3] The book Get Rommel, author Michael Asher.
 

BARROSO, Montiano

50ME Commando

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
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..
[2] Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives files WO392/10 and WO392/20.

BARWICK, A.

No 7 Commando

Private Barwick was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4C. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

BEASLEY, Frederick

No 7 Commando
Corporal Frederick Beasley was initially reported missing presumed prisoner of war. He was later presumed killed in action during operations in Crete as part of Layforce. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.
 

BEATTIE, Alexander

Alexander Beattie 11 Commando
No 11 Commando

Corporal Alexander Beattie was reported missing and later a prisoner of war after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11 and WO392/21.
[Image] Michael Beattie, great grandson.
 

BEAUMONT, William Blair

52ME Commando
Private William Beaumont was reported missing on 1st June 1941 during operations in Crete. He was later found to have died in Germany whilst a prisoner of war [2].
 
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/30, WO417/39, and WO417/34.
 
Notes - Berlin 1939-1945 Cemetery

BENNETT, Robert

No 8 Commando
SAS
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. He had participated in five previous operations [1][2][3].
  • 1 January 1963 (Warrant Officer 1) (RSM of 21 SAS) awarded British Empire Medal [4][5].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 35799, page 5142.

BIRD, R.D.

No 7 Commando
Private Bird was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Source
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives WO417/24.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/21.
 

BOAST, E.A.

50ME Commando

Corporal Boast was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BOGLE, James

James Bogle 11 Commando
No 11 Commando

Private James Bogle was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. After his release in 1945 he served two years in Germany in the Scottish Rifles*.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.
CVA Obituaries list.
[Image] Alan Bogle (son)*.
 

BOLLAND, Stanley

Stanley Bolland
No 8 Commando
SAS
Guardsman Stanley Bolland was serving with  "L" Detachment, S.A.S. Bde., Special Air Service Regiment, A.A.C. at the time of his death, having previously served in No. 8 Commando. He died during Operation Squatter, a raid on Axis airfields at Tmimi and Gazala, West of Tobruk in Libya.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BOOKER, C.

No 7 Commando

Lance Corporal Booker was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BOYLE, P.J.

50ME Commando

Fusilier Boyle was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4D.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BOYLE, Richard

'Layforce'
Major Richard Boyle MC died serving with the 1st Black Watch during operations at the River Rhine crossing having left the Commando. (1) 
 
He had previously served as Captain of 'D' Company,  'D' Bn.  Layforce, and was one of those who escaped from Crete after the ill fated action there. (2)
 
In 1942 he was awarded the MC for gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East. (3)
 
Sources

BRADLEY, John Stanton

52ME Commando
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. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Coldstream Guards Registers / Army Book 303 and 358.
 

BRISTOW, William Frederick

No 7 Commando
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.
 
Sources
CWGC.
German Record Cards of British POWs / WO416/42/342.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/41.
Royal Artillery Other Ranks: Casualty Cards 1939-1947.

BROOK, Harold

No 8 Commando
SAS
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

No 8 Commando
SAS
Lance Sergeant William Brough, formerly No.8 Commando and known as Jimmy, was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with the Special Air Service Brigade in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
 
See more on this entry in our Forum [view].
 
Sources
London Gazette 35799, page 5142.

BROWN, Jack

Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Trooper Jack Brown, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was shot and killed whilst a prisoner of war and attempting to escape. The Casualty Lists show he was captured at Crete at the time of the evacuation of allied forces.
 
Service
The Tank Museum archives record the following:
  1. "X"1 list Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit 2/2/41 (Yorkshire Hussars 6/41) 

BROWN, Leslie Jock

Cpl. Leslie Brown 1st SAS
51ME Commando
SAS

Corporal Leslie Brown died when his jeep patrol was attacked whilst en route to harass the enemy in Southern Tunisia. He was serving with 1st SAS  ('B' Sqn.) at the time of his death having left the Commandos. He had previously served in both No 8 Commando and 51ME Commando. 

BRUCE, Charles

No 11 Commando

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. Post war member of the Commando Association last residing in Australia.

BUCKLEY, A.J.T.

'Layforce'

Corporal Buckley 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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BULLEN, J.

50ME Commando

Private J. Bullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4D.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BULLOCK, Howard Ernest

No 11 Commando

Gunner Howard Bullock from Worcestershire died of wounds received during operations at Litani River in the Middle East.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
 
Notes
Ramleh War Cemetery was used "by various Commonwealth hospitals posted in turn to the area for varying periods." (Source: CWGC)
 

BURFORD, Norman Alan

No 7 Commando
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. On 2 June 1941 he was reported missing; found to have been taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 383 [2][2a].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37616, page 3115.
[2] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.

BURTON, Kenneth Harwood

No 11 Commando
Sergeant Kenneth Burton died during operations at Litani River.
 
Kenneth Burton, born in Rhondda, Wales,  was a butcher's assistant when he enlisted at Pontypridd aged 18 on  the 23rd June 1930 and was posted to the 1st King's Dragoon Guards on 26th June 1930. On the 4th March1932 he was posted to the Royal Dragoons, aka The 1st Royal Dragoons in India, before moving on to Egypt on the 20th November 1935. He returned to the UK on 13th May 1936, and a few months later on the  29th September 1936 was discharged to the Army Reserve.
 

BUXTON, L.J.

No 8 Commando
Lance Bombardier 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
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59.
[3] Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.
 

BYRNE, John Vincent

John Vincent Byrne DCM
No 11 Commando
SAS
No 6 Commando
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]. 
Joined 'L' Detachment Special Air Service 1941 attaining rank of Corporal [2][3][3a]. 

CAMPBELL, Hugh Alexander Henry

No 7 Commando
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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.
 

CAMPBELL, Robin Francis

No 8 Commando
Layforce
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. He relinquished his commission 31 December 1944 with the honorary rank of Captain..
  • Awarded the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.
Recommendation

CAMPBELL, Roderick

No 7 Commando

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.

CANNON, Peter Macdermack

No 7 Commando

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1939.

CANTLEY, W.J.

No 7 Commando
Layforce

Corporal W.J. Cantley was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been taken prisoner and later transported overseas spending his captivity in Stalag 3A and to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/34.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

CARR, Richard Philip

No 11 Commando
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.
  • 1940 awarded the Military Cross whilst serving as a 2nd Lieutenant with the Royal Artillery for 'gallant and distinguished services in action' at Dunkirk.
  •  January 1946 appointed MBE (Military Divsion) for "gallant and distinguished services" in recognition of his escape attempts. 

CARR, T.

No 7 Commando

Corporal Carr, 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. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

CHAPMAN, Charles

Charles Chapman 7 Commando
No 7 Commando

Private Charles Chapman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
[Image] CVA Gallery.
 

CHEYNE, John

Jock Cheyne 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
Sergeant John Cheyne, 8 troop, was posted to 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, on the 28th August 1941. He died during Operation Squatter targetting an airfield at Timimi, west of Tobruk, Libya, whilst attached to 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade. 
 

CHIVERS, F.J.

50ME Commando

Lance Corporal F.J. Chivers was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4A.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CLARK, P.

No 11 Commando

Private Clark was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations in Syria.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

CLAY, Alfred

No 7 Commando

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.
RA Attestation records.

CLIFFORD, Bernard Edward

Middle East Commando
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
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/31, and WO417/68.
Coldstream Guards Enlistment Registers.
Coldstream guards Prisoners of War Registers.
Coldstream Guards Discharge Registers. 
 

COLEMAN, Nicholas John

52ME Commando
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]. 
  • A Labourer from West Hartlepool he was attested on 21 October 1933 aged 18 years 11 months [3]. 
  • 1940 awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with the 3rd Bn., Coldstream Guards, in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on 3 September 1940 in the Western Desert [4].
Sources

COOK, F.B.

50ME Commando

Fusilier Cook was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

COOK, G.M.

52ME Commando

Lance Corporal G.M. Cook was reported missing on 1st 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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CORDA, F.

'Layforce'
50ME Commando
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
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/10 shows surname as CORDA.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28 shows surname as JORDA.

COULDREY, Edwin Robert

No 8 Commando
Bombardier Edwin Couldrey died during operations in Burma [1]. He is listed on a Royal Artillery Casualty Card as a battle casualty [2].
He was one of the Commandos from No 8 who were attached to the Special Service Detachments (1 & 2) and  Military Mission 204 to the Far East and in a last letter home he had written that he was "going native." [3]. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

COWIE, Aikman Duncan

No 7 Commando
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.
RA Attestation records.
Records of Deaths in England and Wales / Dover, Kent
 

COX, Charles Frederick

No 7 Commando

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.

CRAMPTON, Jack Barraclough

No 7 Commando
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. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/33.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/81/257.
 
Notes

CROSBIE, John

No 7 Commando
Private John Crosbie died on or shortly after 26 May 1941 during operations in Crete [1][1a].
Extract from the Dumfries and Galloway Standard
Published Saturday 12 June 1943.
"Dumfries Commando Dies Of Wounds :-  James Crosbie, 32 Shakespeare Street, Dumfries, has received intimation from the War Office that his son, Pte. John Crosbie, K.O.S.B., who was reported as wounded and missing while serving as a Commando in Crete two years ago, must now be presumed to have died of wounds." [2].

CROSS, W.

52ME Commando
Guardsman 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].
  • Repatriated to the UK in 1944 [2] he was medically discharged on 25 December 1944 due to wounds resulting in the loss of his right eye and a fractured skull [3].

Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/29.
[1a] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/82

CRUICKSHANKS, John

No 7 Commando
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.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 78 issued March 1984.
 
Notes
  • Commando Association newsletter above list his unit as No.7 Commando.

CULLEN, J.

52ME Commando

Private Cullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

DARGUE, T.D.

No 7 Commando
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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
 

DAVIDSON, Alexander

Alexander Davidson 11 Commando
No 11 Commando

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. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/35 and WO417/38.
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.
[Image] CVA Gallery image of 8 Troop No.11 Commando.
 

DAVIDSON, Alexander

No 11 Commando
SAS
Lance Sergeant Alexander Davidson was killed in action 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.
 
Sources
CWGC.
The SAS and LRDG Roll of Honour 1941-1947, author ex Lance Corporal X, QGM.
 

DEAN, L.W.

No 11 Commando
Rifleman Dean was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations in Syria.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

DICKERSON, L.J.

No 7 Commando

Private 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. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

DOVE, George

George Dove 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
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.

DRONGIN, Anthony

No 8 Commando
SAS

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.

Sources
CWGC.
CA Newsletter 119.
SAS and LRDG Roll of Honour 1941-1947.
 

DUFFY, Joseph Aloysius

No 11 Commando
SAS

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. The pair became the Regiment's first casualties.​ 

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
The SAS and LRDG Roll of Honour 1941 - 47.  www.sas-lrdg-roh.com/index.html

DUGUID, W.D.

No 7 Commando

Lance Corporal Duguid was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4A. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
 

EDNEY, Frank Leslie

No 7 Commando
Private Frank Edney was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete; found to have been taken prisoner and subsequently transported to Stalag 8B Lamsdorf Poland (renamed Stalag 344).
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/29.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.
 

EDWARDS, H.

50ME Commando

Fusilier Edwards was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
 

ELSE, John

No 7 Commando
Sergeant John Else, No 7 Commando and Layforce, was accidentally killed whilst attached to No 1 Special Service Detachment.
 
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.
 

EVANS, T.W.

No 7 Commando
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
Casualties Lists / National Archives file WO417/24 and WO417/26.
Prisoner of War - Escapers & evaders - MI9 report / National Archives WO208/3343 and WO208/5395.
 
 

FAIRBRIDGE, A.F.H.

No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando

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

50ME Commando
'Layforce'

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
No 4 Commando
Layforce
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.
Citation
"Farrington was captured in Crete in June 1941, and held a prisoner in Germany and Poland. His first escape was in September 1941. He slipped from a column of new prisoners arriving at Luckenwalde but was arrested next night and sent to Berlin.

FASSAM, Joseph William

Joseph William Fassam 1st SRS
No 8 Commando
Middle East Commando
SAS
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;
Royal Artillery;
Middle East Commando, 'A' Squadron;
1st SAS;
Special Raiding Squadron.
 
Sources
CWGC.
[Service and Image] The SAS and LRDG Roll of Honour 1941 -1947.
 

FELLOWS, H.H.

50ME Commando
Corporal Fellowes was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
 

FENTON, D.

Middle East Commando

Corporal Fenton, attached Middle East Commando Depot, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30, WO417/38, and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

FILMER, R.

50ME Commando

Corporal Filmer was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

FORD, Dennis

No 7 Commando
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]. 
  • November 1946 announcement of his award of the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst engaged in Special Operations in South East Asia [3].

FOX, J.

No 7 Commando

Corporal Fox was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

FRASER, Thomas Coupar

Pte. Thomas Fraser 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
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.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/54.
Photo of 10 Troop in Gallery.
 

FREEMAN, Frederick Edward, L.

No 7 Commando
Private Frederick Freeman was reported missing 2 June 1941 in Crete; found to have been taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 4A.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 108 issued March 1999.
Peterborough Register of Deaths.
 

FREEMAN, Thomas Louis

No 7 Commando
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.
8 April 1941  'A' Battalion Layforce.
20 April 1941 Cyrenaica, Middle East, Missing - Prisoner of War ( Bardia raid).
 
Sources
Service Record extract on CVA Forum.
Casualty Lists WO417/24 and 25.

FROST, Terence Ernest Manitou

50ME Commando
Terence Ernest Manitou Frost, better known as the renowned artist Sir Terry Frost, was born in Leamington Spa. In 1933 he joined the Territorial Army. He served in France and was then sent out to the Middle East serving in Palestine, Lebanon and the Sudan with the Middle East Commandos. Reported missing during operations in Crete 6 June 1941; found to have been taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 383, Hohenfels.
  • 30 December 1997 Knighted for services to art and education.

FURNIVAL, William Roy McGarry

52ME Commando
'Layforce'
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. 
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.
[3] Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 90 issued March 1990.
 
Notes

GALERA, R.

50ME Commando
'Layforce'

Corporal R. Galera, 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 8C.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.

GANDER, D.

52ME Commando

Corporal Gander was wounded on 29 May 1941 during operations in Crete.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26. 
 

GAYLARD, Albert Jack

No 7 Commando
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 [1][4]. He died during an air raid [2][3] whilst a prisoner of war in Camp PG78 Italy [4][5].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/27.

GILLINGHAM, Reginald John

'Layforce'
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Reginald Gillingham was reported missing presumed died during operations in Burma on 19 June 1942, his secondary unit recorded as 'B' Batallion Layforce on each of the casualty listings [1][2].
  • 2 January 1924 enlisted Royal Tank Corps aged 18. Former trade 'Shop Assistant'. Residence 'Fisherton Salisbury Wiltshire' [3].
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archive files WO417/57, WO417/66, WO/417/100.
[2] CWGC.

GLYPTIS, G.

No 7 Commando

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.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

GOLDEN, William James H.

No 7 Commando

Corporal Golden was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/24, WO417/27, WO417/55, and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.

GOODSIR, Georges Albert Jacques

No 7 Commando
Lance Bombardier Georges Albert Jacques Goodsir 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.
RA Attestation records.

Probate Records Oxford.

GORNALL, James

No 11 Commando
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. for which he would later be awarded the M.M. Imprisoned initially at Gavi Camp in Italy and later at Stalag 4 C.
Post war member of the Commando Association he remained in service for 30 years, final rank attained was Sergeant. He ran the Recruiting Office in Chester before finally retiring there.
 

GRAHAM, J.

No 7 Commando

Lance Corporal Graham was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4C. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.
 

GREEN, William Alfred

No 7 Commando
Layforce

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. 

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/45.

GREENWOOD, Stephen

No 7 Commando
Layforce
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. He died during a forced march West whilst still a POW, when they were fired on by a Russian tank at Waganitz.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Prisoners of War 1939 - 45 / National Archives file WO392/1.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/ 28 and WO417/93.

GUNN, David

No 11 Commando
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

HAMMOND, R.C.W.

No 7 Commando

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].

Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.
[2] Casualty Lists  / National Archives file WO417/68.

HARDING, J.A.D.H.

50ME Commando

Lance Corporal Harding 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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HARMER, Reginald

Reg Harmer 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
Corporal Reginald Harmer served in No. 11 Commando until it was disbanded. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on the 12th July 1943 with the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment during operations near Solarino, Sicily [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36251, page 5062.
[2] National Archives file WO373/3/154.
 

HARPER, Henry Joseph

No 7 Commando
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
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/68.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Tank Corps Enlistment Records, 1919-1934.

HARRISON, C.F.

'Layforce'

Corporal Harrison, '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 WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HAYE, J.

52ME Commando

Private J. 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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HAYWARD, A.N.

No 7 Commando

Lance Corporal 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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HERAS, Bravlio

'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Private Bravlio Heras, 50 Middle East Commando, and from Spain, died [1] whilst a prisoner of war having  been captured during operations in Crete in 1941 [2]. He is believed to have been killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.

HERD, J.

No 7 Commando
Layforce

Sapper J. Herd was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later imprisoned at Stalag 4B and at Stalag 4C.
 
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.

'Layforce'

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

HILDRETH, Sidney James

No 7 Commando
LCpl. Sidney Hildreth, formerly 7 Commando, was killed whilst attached to 'L' Detachment SAS.  He left the Commando to join the SAS on the 30th August 1941. He was fatally injured parachuting into the SAS first raid, Operation Squatter, an abortive attack against airfields at Tmimi and Gazala. 
 

HILL, F.W.A.

50ME Commando

Private Hill was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 3D. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

HILL, Francis John

52ME Commando
Trooper Francis Hill died during operations at Crete. He was attached to the Commando on the 13 January 1941.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Tank Museum archives re Cdo service

HINDMARSH, George Peel

52ME Commando
Lance Corporal George Hindmarsh was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4D. Post war member of the Commando Association with whom they lost contact, last known residing Cyprus.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/31..
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

Commando Associaton Lost Legions List 6 issued March 1975.

HOLBROOK, Alfred

No 7 Commando
Private Alfred Holbrook was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1930 before transferring to the Royal Army Medical Corps on 29 September 1934 [1]. 
  • 2 June 1941 (R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando) reported missing during operations at Crete and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4B [2][3]. 
Sources

[1] Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[3] Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

HOLLINGSHEAD, R.W.

50ME Commando

Corporal Hollingshead was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and imprisoned at  Stalag 4A and Stalag 11B.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

HUMPHREY, Bert

52ME Commando
Private Bert Humphrey died during operations at Crete. He had been reported missing 2 June 1941.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 National Archives file WO417/27.
 

IBBETSON, Reginald Thomas

No 7 Commando

Lance Bombardier Reginald Goodsir 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.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.
RA Attestation records.

IMPERATO, R.

50ME Commando

Corporal Imperato was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 344. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

IRWIN, T.

'Layforce'

Private Irwin, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4A.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

IVERS, H.A.

52ME Commando

Sergeant H.A. Ivers was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag Luft 3.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

JOHNSON, Bernard William

52ME Commando
Trooper Bernard Johnson was first attested into the Royal Tank Corps in 1919.  Having left he rejoined at the beginning of the war on 2 September 1939. He was reported wounded and prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations with No.7 Commando in Crete. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/33 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Royal Tank Corps Enlistment Records, 1919-1934.
 
Notes

JOHNSON, W.E.

'Layforce'

Lance Corporal Johnson, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4D.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

JOHNSTON, Robert

Corporal Robert Johnston 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
Corporal Robert Johnston died of  exhaustion and malaria whilst assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2), in Burma.
 
Some additional detail can be found on this link to a message on our Forum.
 
Sources
CWGC
His niece Mary Johnston.
 

JOHNSTONE, R.

50ME Commando

Fusilier R. Johnstone was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4A.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

JONES, A.G.W.

50ME Commando
Fusilier Jones was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and imprisoned at Stalag 4A and Stalag 4G.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
 

JONES, Charles Ernest

No 11 Commando
Trooper Charles Ernest  Jones died in the Middle East as a result of an accident. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.
 
Notes
The date of his death was 5 days before Operation Exporter, the raid at Litani River, and coincides with the date of mobilisation for the raid.

JONES, Glyn Watkar

No 7 Commando

Gunner Glyn Jones 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.
RA Attestation records.

KEALY, Michael Robert Bayley

No 8 Commando
Middle East Commando
SBS
Served in No.8 Commando and Layforce [1].
Commanded No.1 S.B.S. Middle East after departure of Major R.J. Courtney M.C. [2].
Returned to the UK 28 July 1943 [2].
Senior Officer in command of the newly formed 'A' and 'B' Special Boat Groups, 2  Special Boat Section [2].
10 January 1944 embarked with Unit for Supreme Allied Command, South East Asia (S.A.C.S.E.A.) [2][3].

KEARNEY, Joseph Francis

No 11 Commando
Gunner Joe Kearney was attached to No.11 Commando 1 Troop from the 57th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery. He was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper in the Western Desert, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Newfoundland.
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 84.
No.11 Commando reunion at Arran

KEITH, Douglas

No 11 Commando
SAS
Private Douglas Keith, formerly 11 Commando,  was posted to 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, on the 28th August 1941, and was taken prisoner after Operation Squatter.  He died whilst being transported on the Italian prison ship SS Sebastiano Venier, after it was was torpedoed by a British submarine.
 
Sources

KENNEDY, J.

52ME Commando

Private J. Kennedy was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

KINGSNORTH, Ronald Harry

Lance Corporal Ronald Kingsnorth was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 95 issued Sept.1992.
 

LAING, J.

No 11 Commando

Private Laing was reported wounded and missing 9 June 1941, and later a prisoner of war, during operations in Syria. In 1942 a further report stated he was now not a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/37. 
 

LAPPIN, James

Jimmy Lappin 11 Commando and SAS
No 11 Commando
10 Troop of No.11 Commando. 
Took part in the Rommel raid (Operation Flipper)*.
'A' Squadron Middle East Commando.
Special Air Service.
Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37310, page 5099.
Commando Association newsletters 84*, 89, 92, and 98.
[Image] Graham Lappin (son).
 

LAYCOCK, Robert Edward

Major General Robert Edward Laycock
Special Service Brigade

Born 1907; educated at Eton College and Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst; joined Royal Horse Guards, Mar 1927, 2nd Lt, 1927; Lt 1930; Capt 1934; married Angela Claire Louise (née Dudley Ward), 1935; instructor on anti-gas and air defence measures, School of Military Engineering, Chatham, Dec 1937; General Staff Officer, Grade 3 (passive air defence) in department of Chief of Imperial General Staff, Dec 1938; General Staff Officer, Grade 2, chemical warfare section, British Expeditionary Force Headquarters, France, 1939-1940; joined Combined Operations, 1940; Lt Col 1941; commanded Special

LEWES, John Steel

No 8 Commando
SAS
Lieutenant John Lewes  was serving with  "L" Detachment, S.A.S. Bde., Special Air Service Regiment, A.A.C. at the time of his death. His previous service in No. 8 Commando is mentioned in various books but nothing official confirming this has yet been found by this archive.  His name is recorded here in the hope that this can be clarified in the future. He was killed during operations against an airfield at Nofilia. 
 

LEWIS, J.T.

50ME Commando

Private Lewis was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 344. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/93.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

LINSDELL, R.

50ME Commando

Private R. Linsdell was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later reported no longer missing.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/34.

LLEWELLYN, F.J.

50ME Commando

Private Llewellyn was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4D. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/54.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

LOCK, Charles

No 11 Commando

Corporal Charles Lock was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/36 and WO417/37.
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.
Commando Association newsletter 84.

LUMBRERA, Francisco

Francesco Lumbrera 50ME Commando
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Private Francisco Lumbrera*, 50 Middle East Commando, and from Spain, died whilst a prisoner of war having been captured during operations in Crete in 1941. He is believed to have been killed by Russian fire at Stalag 4C Wistritz bei Teplitz,Germany. 
 
Source
CWGC.
[Image] : Tony Fajardo, via Special Forces Roll of Honour website.

MACQUARRIE, Donald Maclean

Donald Macquarrie 11 Commando
Original grave of Donald Macquarrie
No 11 Commando

Lance Corporal Donald MacQuarrie, 8 troop, died of wounds in the Middle East. He had been reported wounded in the Middle East on 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ. 

Sources

CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35, WO417/41, WO417/48, WO417/50, and WO417/56.

MALLETT, J.

No 7 Commando

Sergeant J. Mallett was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO382/11.

Notes
Surname also seen spelt as MALLET.
 

MARTIN, H.

52ME Commando

Private Martin was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3A.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MATHER, James Henry

Pte James Mather 50ME Commando
50ME Commando

Private James Mather was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete and later found to be a prisoner of war [1]. He had been imprisoned at Stalag 4C, a prisoner of war camp at Wistritz bei Teplitz, Sudetenland ( part of former Czechoslovakia) [2a]. He died shortly after his release in 1945 due to ill treatment whilst a prisoner [3]. 

His brother, 851729 Sergeant Kenneth Mather,  16 Defence Regiment R.A.,  also died during WW2 on the 13th February 1942 aged 20. He is remembered on the Singapore Memorial [1].

MATTHEWMAN, John Stewart

No 7 Commando

Served in No.7 Commando before moving to Mission 204 and 1 SSD in the Far East. Post war member of the Commando Association and the Burma Star Association residing in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Sources
Commando Association Newsletter 101 issued September 1995.
Burma Star Association Membership no. M/483/54.
 

MATTHEWS, D.

52ME Commando

Private D. Matthews was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 18A.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MAXWELL, Thomas Turnbull

'Layforce'

Guardsman Thomas Maxwell was wounded during operations in Crete on 2 June 1941 and became a prisoner of war. He died whilst a prisoner of war cause of death not known to this archive. 

Sources
CWGC
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/27, 29, 30, and 60.
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.

MAYNARD, John Edward Trestrail

No 8 Commando
Corporal John Maynard died during operations in Tobruk (Cyrenaica Libya) whilst part of a detachment from No 8 Commando ('B' Bn. Layforce) assigned to the garrison [1][2][3].
  • 17 August 1939 awarded the Royal Humane Society's Testimonial in Vellum, for Saving Life at Sea [1].
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
[3] See Linked Content below.
 

MCADAM, L.

No 11 Commando

Sergeant McAdam was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association with whom they lost contact last known to be residing Higher Blackley in Manchester.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35 and WO417/92.
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.
Commando Association Lost Legions List 8 issued March 1976.

MCALLISTER, H.

50ME Commando

Private McAllister was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Repatriated to the UK in 1943.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/68.
 

MCGEACHY, E.

No 7 Commando

Rifleman McGeachy was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4C. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

MCGILL, A.T.

50ME Commando

Private McGill was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MCGLONE, Andrew

No 7 Commando
Rifleman Andrew McGlone was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war. During the years that followed he escaped several times from captivity only to be recaptured later.
In 1944 he managed to successfully escape from Stalag 344 in Poland and was eventually repatriated back to the UK on 24 September 1944. He was subsequently awarded the Military Medal in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Cambuslang, Lanarkshire.
 

MCHUGH, G.T.

No 7 Commando

Lance Corporal McHugh was reported as a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MCKEE, Peter

Peter Mckee 7 Commando
No 7 Commando
Troop Sergeant Major Peter McKee was reported missing believed a prisoner on  2 June 1941 during operations at Crete [1].  He was a prisoner of war at Stalag 4A [2] and reported repatriated to the UK in 1943 [3].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
[2] [Image] John McKee (son).
[3] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/68.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.
CVA No.7 Commando Gallery.

MCKENZIE, J.

No 11 Commando

Private McKenzie was reported missing in the Middle East on 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35, WO417/41.
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files WO392/1, WO392/11, and WO392/21.

MCLEAN, Donald

No 7 Commando

Gunner Donald McLean was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. He was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 in Poland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1939.

MCMURTRIE, William Vass

No 7 Commando

Gunner William McMurtrie 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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1939.

McSHANE, Charles Henry Hubert

No 7 Commando
Sergeant Charles McShane, No.7 Commando, was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Camp 78 in Italy [1][2].
  • 1943 repatriated to the UK [3].
  • 15 January 1944 died in the UK attached 4th Bn. Dorset Regiment [4][Notes].. 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.

MCTAGGART, G.

52ME Commando

Private McTaggart was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MEALOR, Joseph

50ME Commando
Private Joseph Mealor, aged 26, was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete.
He did not leave with the other prisoners when Stalag 4F was liberated by American Forces. Some details are recorded in [4] below about him becoming friendly with a German woman whilst in captivity and he was last seen on 18 April 1945 the day after the Camp was liberated.

MEISTER, D.M.

No 7 Commando

Driver Meister was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/72.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MENA, J

Layforce
50ME Commando

Private J. Mena, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported as a prisoner of war in German hands (in Germany)  after operations in Crete 1941. In 1943 he is reported as repatriated to the UK.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/35 and WO417/69. 

MILES, Hugh Logan

52ME Commando

Lance Corporal Hugh Miles was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4G.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/31.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

MILLER, John

No 8 Commando
Private John Miller was one of a contingent from Layforce (No 8 Commando)  who were attached to Middle East Detachment 2, later known as 2nd Special Service Detachment or SSD2, for operations in the Far East. He was reported missing and later presumed killed in action.
 
Sources
CWGC.
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45.

MILLIGAN, John

No 7 Commando

Regimental Sergeant Major John Milligan was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Ayr.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 102 issued March 1996.

MORRIS, Reginald

52ME Commando
Lance Corporal Reginald Morris was reported wounded during operations in the Middle East on 27 January 1941 [1].
  • 2 June 1941 reported missing during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4F in Germany [2][3]. 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/22.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/35.
[3] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
 

MOYLES, Gerard

Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Lance Corporal Gerard Moyles died during the evacuation of allied forces from Crete. 
 
Service
The Tank Museum archives record the following:
  1. "X"1 list Posted to Depot Commando Training Wing and Holding Unit 31/1/41 (Cheshire Yeomanry 6/41) 
  2. Reported missing 2/6/41 (Cas. 137/41 ) 
  3. Died (BC) 2/6/41.
Sources
CWGC.
Tank Museum archives

MUNACHEN, J.

No 7 Commando

Corporal Munachen was reported missing during operations in Cyrenaica on 16/17 November 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 383.

MUNRO, George

No 11 Commando
50ME Commando
SBS
Sergeant George Munro, a veteran of the Litani River raid, died during operations with the S.B.S., on the island of Samos after leaving the Commando.
Postings
Sep   1940 - volunteered for 11 Cdo.
Mar  1941- arrive Middle East - 'C' Bn Layforce
Aug  1941- 11 Cdo absorbed into ME Cdo
Jan   1943 - volunteered  for SAS
Mar 1943 - posted to D Sqn - promoted Sgt - D Sqn becomes SBS.
 

MURRAY, Robert

Robert Murray 11 Commando
No 11 Commando

Private Robert Murray was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/35 and WO417/37.
Prisoners of War Records / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.
Commando Association newsletter 84.

[Image] CVA Gallery image of 11 Commando 8 Troop.

NAPIER, A. McG.

52ME Commando

Lance Corporal A. McG. Napier was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

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