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.

'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 Cdo & 51ME Commando)

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
Coldstream Guards
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.

ABLEWHITE, C.A.

No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Lincolnshire Regiment
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.

ABRAHAMS, Arthur Thomas

No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
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.
 

ADAMS, Jack

Jack Adams 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jack Adams died during operations at Litani River.
 
Sources
CWGC.
[Image] The War Illustrated magazine.
 

ADAMSON, Alexander Naismith

ME Commando Depot
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal Alexander Adamson, Depot Middle East 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.

ALBALADEJO, Alexander

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
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/30; WO417/34; and WO417/92.

ALLARDICE, William Dallas

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

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

ALMONDS, John Edward

No 8 Commando
SAS
Coldstream Guards
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
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]. 

ALVAREZ, Jose

'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..
Prisoners of War Lists, Second World War, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.

ANDREWS, William

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
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

ASTBURY, Albert Ernest

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. 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.

BAKER, Kenneth

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.

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

BALLANTYNE, Alexander A.

No 11 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders

Lance Corporal Alexander Ballantyne died 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.

BARBOUR, Alexander, E.

No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Alexander Barbour 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 WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/18/68.
 

BARNETT, William Henry

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

BARR, Edward

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.

BARRAND, Peter Charles

No 11 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Killed in action or died of wounds
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.

BARROSO, Montiano

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
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..

BATEMAN, Sidney Gordon

No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Sidney Bateman 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 Bedfordshire.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BEASLEY, Frederick

No 7 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
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.
 

BEAUMONT, William Blair

52ME Commando
Black Watch
Died on active service
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.

BENNETT, Robert

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. He had participated in five previous operations [1][2][3].

BEST, George

No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private George Best died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

BIRCH, Frederick

Fred Birch 7 Commando
Sergeant Frederick Birch 7 Commando
No 7 Commando
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
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/36, WO417/37, and WO417/96.

BIRD, R.D.

No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
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.

BLAIR, David Arthur

Captain David Blair 11 Commando © NMS/2012 courtesy of National Museum Scotland
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

BOAST, E.A.

50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.

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
Gordon Highlanders

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*.

BOLLAND, Stanley

Stanley Bolland
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. at the time of his death, having previously served in No.

BOOKER, Clifford

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.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BOULTON, David

David Boulton 11 Commando
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

'Layforce'
North Somerset Yeomanry
Royal Corps of Signals
1938 joined the North Somerset Yeomanry rank Trooper.
Later transferred to the Royal Corps of Signals rank Signalman.
2 June 1941 reported missing during operations in Crete, found to be a prisoner of war.
Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources

BOYLE, Peter, J.

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

'Layforce'
Black Watch
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
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)

BRADLEY, John Stanton

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. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/34.

BRADLEY, John, R.

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.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

BREWITT, John

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

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.
 
Sources
CWGC.
German Record Cards of British POWs / WO416/42/342.

BRITTAIN, E.

'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. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26 and WO417/91.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.

BROOK, Harold

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

No 8 Commando
SAS
Scots Guards 2nd Bn
Military Medal (MM)
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].

BROWN, Jack

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 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.
 

BROWN, Leslie Jock

Cpl. Leslie Brown 1st SAS
'Layforce'
SAS
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.

BRUCE, Charles

No 11 Commando
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. Post war member of the Commando Association last residing in Australia.

BRYAN, Gerald Jackson

Captain Gerald Bryan 11 Commando
No 11 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 River. He was seriously wounded (leg amputation) [2]. 

BUCKLEY, Alfred, J.T.

'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

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.

BUNN, Gerrard John Gunton

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

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. On 2 June 1941 he was reported missing; found to have been taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 383 [2][2a].
 
Sources

BUXTON, Leslie, J.

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
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.

BYRNE, John Vincent

John Vincent Byrne DCM
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]. 
Joined 'L' Detachment Special Air Service 1941 attaining rank of Corporal [2][3][3a]. 

CAMPBELL, Hugh Alexander Henry

No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Hugh Campbell was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.  Later imprisoned at Stalag 4A in Germany.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.
Royal Artillery Attestations 1938.
 

CAMPBELL, Robin Francis

No 8 Commando
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. He relinquished his commission 31 December 1944 with the honorary rank of Captain..

CAMPBELL, Roderick

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

CANNON, Peter Macdermack

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

CANTLEY, William, J.

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.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/34.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 344) and WO392/11 (Stalag 3A).

CARR, Richard Philip

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

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

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.
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/60/115.

CHAPMAN, Alfred James

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].
50 Middle East Commando [3].
204 Military Mission to China [3].

CHAPMAN, Charles

Charles Chapman 7 Commando
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. 

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

CHEESEMAN, H.A.

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
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/29 and WO417/94.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CHEYNE, John

Jock Cheyne 11 Commando
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, J.

50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal Frederick Chivers was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

CLARK, P.

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

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.
RA Attestation records.

CLIFFORD, Bernard Edward

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
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/31, and WO417/68.

COLEMAN, Nicholas John

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]. 
  • A Labourer from West Hartlepool he was attested on 21 October 1933 aged 18 years 11 months [3]. 

COLGROVE, Frederick

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

COOK, Frank, B.

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.)
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

COOK, George, M.

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.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/75/194.
 

CORDA, Francisco

'Layforce'
50ME Commando
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
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/10 shows surname as CORDA (Stalag 21A)

COTTAM, Walter William

Walter Cottam 7 Commando
No 7 Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Walter Cottam, 1st Bn., Liverpool Scottish, 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].

COUTTS, John Davies

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 Camp at Salonika, Greece [1][2].
 

COWIE, Aikman Duncan

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.
RA Attestation records.

COX, Charles Frederick

Charles Cox 7 Commando
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.
[Image] Chrissie Cox.
 

CRAIG, Robert, P.

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
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/33 and WO417/68.

CRAMPTON, Jack Barraclough

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. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/33.

CRAWFORD, Thomas, McG.

ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Private Thomas Crawford, Middle East Commando Depot, was reported missing on 2nd 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 WO392/11.

CREW, John William

No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Sergeant John Crew, No.7 Commando, known as 'Jack', was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941. He had served in No.4 Commando prior to embarking with No.7 Commando for the Middle East. Post war member of the Commando Association from Harpenden.
 
Sources

CROOK, Roy Joseph

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

CROSBIE, John

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 [1][1a].
Extract from the Dumfries and Galloway Standard
Published Saturday 12 June 1943.

CROSS, Walter

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

CRUICKSHANKS, John

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.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

CULLEN, John

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. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/84/355.
 

DARGUE, T.D.

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

DAVIDSON, Alexander

No 11 Commando
SAS
Gordon Highlanders
Army Air Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
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.

DEAN, Frank

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.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/42, WO417/94

DEAN, Horace

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.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/92/322.
 

DEAN, L.W.

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.
 

DINSDALE, Henry

No 11 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Henry Dinsdale died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.

DOVE, George

George Dove 11 Commando
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

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

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.

DUFFY, Joseph Aloysius

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

EDNEY, Frank Leslie

No 7 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
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.

ELSE, John

No 7 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Died on war service
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.
 

ELY, H.P.

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
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/26, and WO417/69.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.

EVANS, T.W.

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
Casualties Lists / National Archives file WO417/24 and WO417/26.

EVERITT, Harry, C.

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.
Casualty Lists / National Archives WO417/15, WO417/19, WO417/24, and WO417/26.

FAIRBRIDGE, A.F.H.

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

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
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.
Citation

FASSAM, Joseph William

Joseph William Fassam 1st SRS
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;
Royal Artillery;
Middle East Commando, 'A' Squadron;
1st SAS;

FELLOWES, Hubert, H.

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

FENTON, David

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. 

FILMER, Ronald

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.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/120/167.

FORD, Dennis

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]. 
  • 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, Joseph

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Marlag and Milag).

FRASER, Thomas Coupar

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

FREEMAN, Frederick Edward, L.

No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
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.

FREEMAN, Thomas Louis

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.
8 April 1941  'A' Battalion Layforce.

FURNIVAL, William Roy McGarry

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. 
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11.

GALERA, R.

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

GALLIER, Robert Allen

No 7 Commando
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.

GANDER, D.

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. 
 

GAYLARD, Albert Jack

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 [1][4]. He died during an air raid [2][3] whilst a prisoner of war in Camp PG78 Italy [4][5].
 
Sources

GLITHEROE, G.E.

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.

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.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

GOLDEN, William James H.

No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers

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
Royal Artillery
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
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. for which he would later be awarded the M.M. Imprisoned initially at Gavi Camp in Italy and later at Stalag 4 C.

GRAHAM, James

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.

GREEN, William Alfred

No 7 Commando
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. 

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

GREENWOOD, Stephen

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. He died during a forced march West whilst still a POW, when they were fired on by a Russian tank at Waganitz.
 
Sources

GREIG, Robert

No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Robert Greig died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

GUNN, David

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

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and 11 (Stalag 344) and WO392/21 (Camp 78).

HAMMOND, R.C.W.

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].

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

HANNAH, J

No 7 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers

Private Hannah 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
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/27, WO417/64, and WO417/68.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.

HARDING, John Aubrey, D.H.

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.
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/162/90.

HARLAND, Edwin

No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Edwin Harland died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

HARMER, Reginald

Reg Harmer 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
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

HARPER, Henry Joseph

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
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/68.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

HARPER, Ian Rennie

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.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/68.
RA Attestations Register 1938.

HARPER, Stanley Eric

Stanley Eric Harper 7 Commando
Harper 7 Commando
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper Stanley Harper was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. he had previously served in No.4 Commando.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

HARRISON, C.F.

'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment

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.

HARRISON, Thomas

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/11 and WO392/21.
RA Attestations Register 1938.

HAYE, James

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).
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (HAYE).

HAYWARD, Arthur, N.

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C).

HEBBLEWHITE, Arthur

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
Casualty Lists / National archives files WO417/28, WO417/31.

HENRY, William

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.

HERAS, Bravlio

'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Died on war service
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.

HERD, James

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.

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

HILL, Francis John

52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps Staffordshire Yeomanry
Killed in action or died of wounds
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
Coldstream Guards
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..

HODGSON, Albert

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.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and 11.

HOLBROOK, Alfred

Private Alfred Holbrook
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]. 
  • 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

HOLLINGSHEAD, Robert, W.

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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A) and WO392/11 (Stalag 11B).

HORE, D.

Middle East Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Sergeant Hore was reported missing 14 September 1942 during operations in the Middle East (Tobruk), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/58 and WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/11 and WO392/21.
 

HOROBIN, Gilbert, C.

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. 
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31.
[2] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 383).

HUMPHREY, Bert

52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Bert Humphrey died during operations at Crete. He had been reported missing 2 June 1941.
 
Sources
CWGC.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/188/253.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 National Archives file WO417/27.
 

HURST, Ben

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

Private Ben Hurst died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

IBBETSON, Reginald Thomas

No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

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.

IRWIN, Thomas

'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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

IVERS, Henry Anderson

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.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/192/460 (Stalag 8B).

JENKINS, T.

52ME Commando
Welch Regiment

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

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

JOHNSON, Bernard William

52ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Corps of Signals
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.

JOHNSON, William Edward

'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Lance Corporal William Johnson, '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.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4D).

JOHNSTON, Robert

Corporal Robert Johnston 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Died on active service
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.
 

JOHNSTONE, Robert

50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Robert Johnstone 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 (Stalag 4A).

JONES, Albert, G.W.

50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Albert Jones 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 (Stalag 4A).
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11 (Stalag 4G).

JONES, Glyn Watkar

No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

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.

JONES, Harold

No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Harold Jones died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

KEALY, Michael Robert Bayley

No 8 Commando
Middle East Commando
SBS
Devonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
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].

KEARNEY, Joseph Francis

No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
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.

KEITH, Douglas

No 11 Commando
SAS
Gordon Highlanders
Died on war service
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.
 

KEMP, I.J.

52ME Commando
Welch Regiment 1Bn.

Private Kemp was reported missing in Greece later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1943 it was reported that he had been repatriated.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/69.
 

KENNEDY, James

52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Kennedy 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 WO392/11.
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/207/115.
 

KINGHORN, Robert

No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Robert Kinghorn died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

KINGSNORTH, Ronald Harry

Wiltshire Regiment
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.
 

LACEY, Leonard Frank

No 8 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Died on active service

Private Leonard Lacey died whilst a prisoner of war. He had been assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2), in Burma.

LAING, J.

No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders

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. 
 

LAKER, Jesse, A.

50ME Commando
Royal Armoured Corps

Trooper Jesse Laker 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
Casualty Lists / National archives files WO417/42, WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1 and WO392/11 (Stalag 4G).

LALEY, W.P.

No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Lance Bombardier Laley 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.

LAMBERT, Joseph, W.

No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Fusilier Joseph Lambert 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 Lancashire.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

LANG, John

John Lang 11 Commando
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal John Lang died during operations at Litani River, Syria. 

Read more about John Lang on our Forum [HERE].

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

LAPPIN, James

Jimmy Lappin 11 Commando and SAS
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
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.

LARNEY, Owen

'Layforce'
King's Regiment
Private Owen Larney was reported wounded and missing during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27, WO417/30, and WO417/94
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 (Stalag20B) and WO392/11 (Stalag 3A).

LAYCOCK, Robert Edward

Major General Robert Edward Laycock
Special Service Brigade
Royal Horse Guards
Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Knight of the Order of St John (KStJ)
Order of Oranje Nassau with Swords (Netherlands)
Legion of Merit (USA)

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 S

LEWES, John Steel

No 8 Commando
SAS
Welsh Guards
Killed in action or died of wounds
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.

LILLEY, Harold

No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Harold Lilley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4C).

LINDSAY, J.

No 7 Commando
Highland Light Infantry

Private Lindsay was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations in the Middle East (Bardia raid). Later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy. In 1943 he was reported no longer a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/68.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.

LINDSELL, R.

50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.

Private Lindsell was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. The report was later cancelled.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34.

LINSDELL, R.

50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.

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.

LISTER, Richard

No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Richard Lister died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.

Litani River - Operation Exporter

Sunday, June 8, 1941

Location

Litani River
Syria
33° 20' 20.0004" N, 35° 14' 43.0008" E

The original objective assigned to C Battalion "Layforce" (11 Scottish Commando) was to land on two beaches to the north of the River Litani and one to the south, seize and hold the Qasmiye bridge over it until relieved by 21 Australian Infantry Brigade.

LOCK, Charles

No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders

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.

LOGAN, Alexander

Middle East Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Alexander Logan was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 6 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

LUMBRERA, Francisco

Francesco Lumbrera 50ME Commando
'Layforce'
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
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.

MACARTHUR, Robert

No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier Robert Macarthur from Campbeltown, Argyll, died during operations at the Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Royal Artillery Casualty Cards.
 

MACKAY, J.S.

Middle East Commando
Gordon Highlanders

Private Mackay was reported missing 14 September 1942 during operations in the Middle East (Tobruk), later found to be a prisoner of war at Camp 70, Monte Urano, Italy. In 1944 it was reported he was no longer a prisoner.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/55 and WO417/79.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.

MACKIE, W.

No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers

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

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

MacPHEE, John Peter

52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Lance Corporal John MacPhee 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.
Stalag 4C - Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

MACQUARRIE, Donald Maclean

Donald Macquarrie 11 Commando
Original grave of Donald Macquarrie
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds

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, John

No 7 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Sergeant John Mallett 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 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO382/11 (Stalag 383).

MARINO, Angel

'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Angel Marino, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete 2 June 1941 later found to be a prisoner of war.

MARSDEN, John Jardine

No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

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

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29, WO417/30, and WO417/95.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.
RA Attestations Register 1938.
 

MARSON, Kenneth

'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment 2nd Bn.

Private Kenneth Marson, 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34 and WO417/94
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 (Stalag 3D) and WO392/11 (Stalag 4G).

MARTIN, Hugh

52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Hugh Martin 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 (Stalag 3A).

MATHER, James Henry

Pte James Mather 50ME Commando
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Died on war service

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]. 

MATTHEWS, Donald

52ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Donald Matthews 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 (Stalag 18A).

MAYNARD, John Edward Trestrail

No 8 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
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

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