AINSLEY, Ernest
Fusilier Ernest Ainsley, No. 5 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Notes: Prior to the establishment of the Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC), from 1940 training was done on a Unit basis. Some later attended the CBTC for further training already confirmed as Commandos. In 1943 some RM Battalions were simply redesignated as RM Commando units prior to their Commando training. Therefore a few who died in training at Achnacarry are shown on their Unit ROH. Additionally units other than Commandos trained at Achnacarry on occasions, so their names will be on their Regimental ROH. If not listed here check the Roll of Honour [View] and Archive links below.
We will Remember them
and all ranks who served in the Special Service Brigades, and have since passed on in the passage of time, who are also remembered by their proud families and comrades.Fusilier Ernest Ainsley, No. 5 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Fusilier Richard Allen, No. 2 Independent Company, was reported missing 28 May 1940 later confirmed as killed in action during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Gunner Arthur Bailey was found dead on Westhampnett Lane Chichester, a road leading to Goodwood. Ambulance men at the scene found that he had fractured his skull and it was later ascertained that he had fallen from a lorry in which he was a passenger.
Private William Bath, No. 2 Independent Company, died of wounds during operations at Pothus, Norway (Scissors Force).
Corporal Ronald Bentley, Royal Marines, died from a head injury which occurred in the UK.
Fusilier George Black, No. 2 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Marine George Butler, 4 Special Service Brigade HQ, died at the General Military Hospital, Barming Heath nr. Maidstone from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Private Robert Capes, No. 2 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Rifleman Alexander Chisholm, No. 1 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Lance Corporal Alex Cowieson, No. 1 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Trooper Alfred Crouch, Special Boat Service, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached to 2 Commando Brigade, died during operations at Lake Comacchio.
Signalman John Currie, 2 Special Service Brigade Signals, died during operations in Italy. The date of his death coincides with Operation Partridge. He has no known grave.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/70.
Notes
Signalman Francis Lewis, 2 Brigade Signals also died on this day.
Private Kenneth Drysdale drowned at Mucomir, Gairlochy, whislt serving at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry.
Gunner Roy Flavell, No. 5 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Corporal Ernest Godsell, No. 2 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Private Thomas Hendry died as a result of an accident.
Signalman Alexander Howie, No. 1 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Captain Gavin Howie, HQ 4 Special Service Bde., died during operations at Normandy.
Marine John Hughes, HQ 4 Special Service Bde., died during operations at Walcheren.
Private Leslie Kerlogue, No. 3 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Major Anders Lassen, MC and 2 bars, Special Boat Service, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached to 2 Commando Brigade, was killed during operations at Lake Comacchio. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Ivor Lavender, No. 2 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Lieutenant William Layman, SA Forces attached to 4 Special Service Bde., died during operations at Walcheren.
Private Archibald Lees drowned in Loch Lochy during training. He was seen after death by Capt. J.E. Symondson RAMC, Medical Officer at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry.
Signalman Francis Lewis, 2 Special Service Brigade Signals, died during operations in Italy. The date of his death coincides with Operation Partridge. He has no known grave.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/70.
Notes
Signalman John Currie, 2 Brigade Signals also died on this day.
Private Alexander Martin, 1st Bn. Gloucester Regt. was reported missing in action on the 17th May 1942 and believed to be a prisoner of war. He died In November whilst still a prisoner of war.
Company Quartermaster Sergeant James Mason contracted a fatal illness whilst engaged in East Africa as a Physical Training Instructor for the indigenous troops there. His secondary unit is listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commissi
Private Alexander Matson, No. 1 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Sapper William Moores, No. 1 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force. He was married man from Clayton, Manchester.
Private Robert O'Neill, No. 1 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Telegraphist Robert Anthony Pickering is listed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as serving attached to HMS Nile when he died. [1] HMS Nile was a RN shore establishment in Alex
Marine Alexander Porter, HQ 4 Special Service Brigade, died during operations at Normandy, France.
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/135.
Corporal Edward Roberts, Special Boat Service, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached to 2 Commando Brigade, died during operations at Lake Comacchio.
Fusilier Edward Roberts, No. 2 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Private George Tarrant died in the UK. His status at the Holding Operational Commando is not known. He is buried in a joint grave with Rfn. George William Tucker, aged 31, Royal Ulster Rifles.
[Source: CWGC Grave Registration report]
Private Bernard Terry was killed in a car accident in the UK.
Sapper Lewis Thomas was killed in action during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/13.
Fusilier George Traylor, No. 2 Independent Company, died during operations in Norway as part of Scissors Force.
Captain Reginald Turner-Hughes, No 3 Special Service (SS) Bn., from Lillington Manor, Leamington Spa*, died on war service. Precise details on how he met his death are not known to this archive.
Lance Corporal Douglas Vincent, was killed in action during operations in Norway (Scissors Force).
Lance Corporal John Wintle was attached to No.2 Independent Company when killed in action during operations at Pothus, Norway (Scissors Force). He has no known grave.
Sources
CWGC.
No.2 Independent Company War Diary Casualties at Bodo and Pothus / National Archives file WO168/106.
We will Remember them
And all ranks who served in the Commando and have since passed on in the passage of time, who are also remembered by their proud families and comrades.
Joe Rogers MM
No 2 Commando
Bob Mewett
No 12 & No 1 Commando
Mick Collins
No 5 Commando