
© Commando Veterans Archive 2014.
* The original Commando Association stood down in 2005. Some members then formed a new group, the Commando Veterans Association. They reverted to Commando Association in June 2019.
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The work was mainly organised, and claims compiled, by the General Secretary, and was co-ordinated under and during the term as President of Colonel A. C. Newman, V.C., O.B.E., T.D., D.L. After consultation with Brigade Commanders and Commanding Officers, our application was duly completed, and in October last an official notification appeared in the Press to the effect that thirty-eight Battle Honours had been awarded to the Association. The awards have since been confirmed, and appeared in List No. 11 of Battle Honours notified in Army Order 113 of 1957.
In the words of our President, Lt. Colonel J, M. T. F. Churchill, D.S.O., M.C., in his letter to all C.O s and O.C.A. Branches in October last, we hope that all members will feel satisfied with the Battle Honours we have been awarded, and that the relations of those killed in action will find in their proud and resounding names some consolation for their own tragic loss."
Here then are our Battle Honours for the war of 1939-45.
Vaagso, Norway 1941, Litani River, Syria 1941, North Africa 1941/3, North West Europe 1942, Djebel Choucha, Sedjenane 1, Dieppe, St Nazaire, Steamroller Farm Tunisia, Landing in Sicily, Pusuit to Messina, Sicily 1943, Landing at Porto San Venere, Termoli, Salerno, Monte Ornito, Anzio, Valli di Comacchio, Argenta Gap, Italy 1943/5, Greece 1944/5, Crete, Madagascar, Adriatic, Middle East 1941, 1942, & 1944, Normandy landings, North West Europe 1944/5, Dives Crossing, Flushing, Westkapelle, Rhine, Leese, Aller, Alethangyaw, Myebon, Kangaw, Burma 1943-5.
View our Gallery images here of the Laying up of the Commando Association Battle Honours Flag at Westminster Abbey on 1st May 1971.
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The first call for volunteers for ‘Service of a hazardous nature’ was in the early months of 1940 and for the new Independent Companies. Many of these men went onto action in Norway almost immediately with little training. On their return Winston Churchill wanted his own Corps of ‘shock troops’ to start afresh. Lt Col Dudley Clarke, who was then Military Assistant to the Chiefs of the Imperial General Staff, is generally credited with the initial outline plan of their formation. His plan was approved and the name agreed on. Thus the ‘Commandos’ were formed.
A Combined Training Centre (CTC) at Inverary and a Special Training Centre (STC) at Lochailort (see above photo) had been established. The latter consisted of Nissen huts and tents, with the headquarters installed in Inverailort Castle, about 27 miles West of Fort William. A powerful team of instructors were gathered there, with many going on to became well known leaders of irregular forces, including the Chindits and Special Air Service, all being formed after the Commandos. The Instructors included Lord Lovat, Brigadier 'Mad Mike' Calvert, Colonel Spencer Chapman, Major Peter Kemp, and the Sirling brothers Bill and David.
Additionally other Officers and NCO's with a wide range of experiences from arctic exploring to rugged campaigning on the North West frontier of India, plus those well versed in signalling, demolitions, and shooting. Two of these Instructors were Messrs Fairbairn and Sykes of Shanghai Police fame. These two men, more than anyone else in the British Army were responsible for the introduction of unarmed combat and close quarter fighting.
From July 1940 Officers and selected NCO's from the newly formed Commandos attended STC courses, and then returned to blend the techniques and skills acquired with the other new ideas being developed within the training regime of their own Commandos.
The castle of Achnacarry, and the grounds, was the seat of Sir Donald Walter Cameron of Lochiel, Chief of the Scottish Clan Cameron, who in June 1940 had given hospitality to No. 1 Independent Company. In December 1940, Achnacarry, as well as nearby Achdalieu Lodge, were officially brought into use as part of the the new Training and Holding Wing for the main Special Training Centre (S.T.C.) at Lochailort and remained as such for the next year.
A decision was made to centralise all Commando training at Achnacarry. In December 1941 Achnacarry was re-designated as The Commando Depot, and passed under the authority of the Special Service Brigade. The first courses began in the months of February/March 1942. Achnacarry was now the training centre for all Commandos in the UK and was known as the Commando Depot, later renamed the Commando Basic Training Centre.
For Commandos already deployed overseas, additional training areas were set up including the Training and Holding Unit at Geneifa beside the Great Bitter Lake in the Middle East
There were also Royal Naval Beach Commandos and RAF Servicing Commandos, and groups given Commando designations for a limited period or a specific purpose, some examples being No.14 Commando, No.62 Commando, and 142 Commando Company.
View a Roll of Honour of those who died at training centres: WW2 Training Centre Deaths
Read about the origins of the green beret here: History of the Commando Green Beret
Read about the origins of the fighting knife here: History of the Commando Fighting Knife
View a brief outline on this link to other Commando Training Centres from their formation until the present time.
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The Commando Depot at Achnacarry, redesignated as the Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC), was regarded as one of, if not, the finest of all the Allied special training centres established in the Second World War.
Its reputation was widespread and held in the highest regard by all the Allies, for not only were soldiers and marines of the British forces trained there, but also those from the USA, France, Holland, Belgium, Poland, Norway, and surprisingly, some Germans. These were the ‘Free’ Germans and included Jews who had escaped the tyranny in their own country. Many other Units also used the facilities of Achnacarry. A list of the Courses can be found in our Gallery here [Courses at the CBTC].
The grounds and castle of Achnacarry was the seat of Sir Donald Walter Cameron of Lochiel, Chief of the Scottish Clan Cameron, who in June 1940 gave hospitality to No.1 Independent Company.
Commando training was not centralised at this time with each individual Commando unit responsible for their own training. In December 1940, Achnacarry, as well as Achdalieu Lodge, were officially brought into use as part of the the new Training and Holding Wing* for the main Special Training Centre (S.T.C.) at Lochailort and remained as such for the next year. A Training Centre was also operating at Inverary.
STC Lochailort was however scheduled to be closed. A need had been seen to centralise all commando training with a Commando Course that everyone would have to pass. Thus in December 1941 Achnacarry was re-designated as The Commando Depot, and passed under the authority of the Special Service Brigade.
Around the drill square hard asphalt now replaced the green lawn of the Castle. This square was surrounded by austere Nissen huts with their corrugated iron sides and roofs. These were the accommodation huts, each housing between 25 and 40 men, and also used as dining 'halls', washing rooms, and the NAAFI canteen. Occasionally these were complimented by Bell tents when additional accommodation was required. Achnacarry was now the Commando Basic Training Centre (C.B.T.C.), however we have found references to the old Depot name still being used long after.
In his book "It had to be Tough" Major James Dunning, who served on the staff at the CBTC for a period, states the following, "Normal intakes of trainees were allocated to one of the three training Commandos: Keyes, Haydon or Sturges, named after pioneers of Combined Operations and the Commandos. Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, our first beloved boss, and his son Geoffrey, who won the first Commando VC; General Haydon, the original commander of the Special Service Brigade and leader of the Lofoten Islands Raid; General Sturges, a Royal Marine, who after the Madagascar operation became the first overall commander of the Commando Group of four Commando Brigades.
Much of the PT consisted of agility and strengthening exercises, and teaching the drills and skills of tackling obstacles. All the equipment and obstacles were home made at Achnacarry by the staff. The photo depicts trainees using logs, each about 15-20 feet long, as part of that training. The logs were heaved, hurled in the air, and caught in a variety of different improvised strengthening exercises, demanding in addition, plenty of team work and cooperation.
More can be read about other areas of training in the pages to follow.
It would be remiss not to mention more about the man tasked with organising and controlling such demanding training, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Vaughan. Major Jimmy Dunning, No.4 Commando and CBTC, wrote " A Veteran of the First World War and the Retreat from Mons in 1914. In the inter war years he graduated from Drill Sergeant to RSM, but he was much more than just a bawling barrack square man, although he could do that if needed. His obvious military potential as an officer was recognised and he was duly commissioned.A Londoner by birth and proud of it, Lieutenant Colonel Vaughan's standards for soldiers and soldiering were set by his long service in war and peace. He accepted nothing but the best, whether it be in fitness, training, weaponry and musketry, fieldcraft and tactics, drill and turnout, or even in the more apparently mundane matters of administration which included feeding and hygiene.
Together all these factors made the 'whole' - and the self disciplined and reliant Commando soldier 'fit to fight' and 'fighting fit' with high morale, willing and capable of tackling any military task, under any circumstances, and against any odds."
Primary Sources: Donald Gilchrist, CBTC Instructor and author of Castle Commando; James Dunning, CBTC Instructor and author of It Had To Be Tough; Hilary St. George Saunders author of The Green Beret (The story of the Commandos 1940-1945.); No 10 Independent Company War Diary National Archives ref. WO.218/17]
© Commando Veterans Archive 2014
* Follow this link to read the No 10 Independent Company history. [relevant to the early timeline.]
Follow this link to view the dates of Course Intakes at Achnacarry.
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A good map of the various locations of training described on our archive.
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The Commando Boat Station at Achnacarry was on Loch Lochy at Bunarkaig. A small fleet of various craft was assembled for training in basic seamanship and landing drills. Amongst this armada were whalers, cuters, landing craft, dorries, canoes, rubber dinghies, kapok bridge rafts, and collapsible Goatleys. They were all stored in or moored alongside a little stone boathouse. Instruction began with a short film on the role and functions of Combined Operations, and the various craft used for training and operations.
Elementary watermanship in the folding boats, canoes, and rubber dinghies followed with the correct handling and use of paddles and oars for steering and propulsion.Once these fundamentals had been mastered it was onto the normal craft for operational landings, the assault landing craft, concluding with the opposed landing.
The Boating Officer from 1943-45 was a Royal Marine officer, Jim Keigwin, a most competent and first class instructor, and an excellent organiser, with his fleet ever ready and in good condition.
The night assault landing is described by Donald Gilchrist in his book Castle Commando as " By far the most spectacular of all the Achnacarry training schemes." He goes on to say that it was as close to battle conditions as they could get without actually slaughtering half the trainees.
The trainees were loaded into boats at Bunarkaig, they then rowed or paddled - depending on the type of boats employed - across the waters of Loch Lochy, and carried out a mock attack against a heavily defended section of the shore of the Loch.
It may have been a mock attack but was certainly not a mock defence. The attack route was carefully planned and determined. Any deviation from it would put the trainees in grave danger. They were confronted by an arsenal of weapons manned by an army of instructors skilled in the Achnacarry art of shooting to miss - but not by very much". There was no blank ammunition used. "The weapons of defence, from the mortars to the rifles, spatout live stuff - and spat it out in vast quantities".
Sources: The late Donald Gilchrist, CBTC Instructor and author of Castle Commando and James Dunning, CBTC Instructor and author of It Had To Be Tough
© Commando Veterans Archive 2014.
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Initially formed at Braemar in Scotland in December 1942 and called the Commmando Snow and Mountain Warfare Training Centre. The Commanding Officer was Squadron Leader Frank Smythe, an accomplished mountaineer. Its role was to train Commandos to fight in high snow covered mountain territory. After 6 months the unit moved to North Wales and assumed a different role including the training of Lovat Scouts as a Mountaineer Battalion.
At the end of 1943 the unit again moved this time to St Ives and again its role changed to one of training Commandos for cliff assaults as part of the training for the forthcoming D Day landings. On the 9th September 1946 the centre was renamed the Commando Cliff Assault Centre RM (CCAC). [1]
Several ex Army Commandos such as Jimmy Dunning were 'seconded' to the Royal Marines for their respective roles at the centre. The centre at St Ives finally closed in 1950.
Sources [1] RMRO 1135 dated 5th Sept.1946.This document has a brief history of the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre (C.M.W.T.C) with a nominal roll from 1943 to 1945. It was prepared for a C.M.W.T.C. commemoration dinner on 30 November 1945. If the document does not load immediately in the viewer, refresh this page, or download from above.
This is an account of a Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre reunion held at St Ives on the 24-26th September 1993 as outlined in Commando Association Newsletter 98 of March 1994.
"This Reunion, held over the weekend 24th-26th September, was an unqualified success, and, congratulations are due to the hard work put in by Slim Sutherland, Jim Smith, Peter Dietz, Mike Banks, Ken Broom, Jack Hunter and C/Sgt. Tony Boyle (currently serving with RM Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre) were well rewarded. The purpose of the reunion was to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the original Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre's (CMWTC) move from Llanwryst to St. Ives in 1943 and for all those commando comrades who subsequently served there during the period 1943 to 1950. As such, it was, of course, a unique reunion, including not only wartime members of our own Commando Association, but also those post-war RM Commandos of the Commando Cliff Assault Centre (CCAC) and its Successors. As a result, it was natural that the number of original CMWTC veterans would be outnumbered by latter day RM Commandos. This was inevitable, but only enhanced the occasion and provided evidence of continuity.
Unfortunately, because of ill-health, neither Geoffrey Rees-Jones, a pioneer Commando climber who commanded CMWTC when it moved to St. Ives, nor the legendary Commando climber, Capt. Joe Barry, were able to attend, but two others of that move 50 years ago were, Major Jim Fraser who also commanded CMWTC and CSM George 'Dickie' Dicks, BEM. One of the features of the weekend was a demonstration by today's direct descendant of CMWTC, the RM Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre, They put on impressive demonstrations of abseiling from a helicopter and a cliff assault.
On Saturday evening, the main event of the re-union, the official Dinner for the ex-Commandos and their families, was held in the St. Ives Rugby Club. Just on I00 comrades and guests sat down to the meal. Piper Bill Millin was in attendance. As guest of honour, Major Jimmy Dunning, who was the last Adjutant of the CMWTC, and subsequently on renaming, the first Adjutant of the post-war CCAC, recalled the unique spirit of the unit that survived the traumas of the 'demob-happy' days of 1945 - 46 and the fight that Major Easton, MC (then CO) had to ensure that the techniques of Commando climbing and rocky landings were preserved by the survival of the unit in peacetime. He also recalled 'Commando Week', June, 1946, when the unit appealed to the locals and holiday makers through a week-long series of events for £1,000 for the Commando Benevolent Fund. He reminded his listeners that they succeeded in raising that sum, which today equates to at least £125,000. Not a bad effort for a Unit of about 50 all ranks.
The weekend reunion ended with a simple but moving open-air service at St. Nicholas Chapel, the Island, St. Ives, and this was conducted by the Revd. Richard Baxter, who in 1945 - 46, served in CMWTC. Among those who attended were Capt. Mickey O'Brien, who flew in from Malta and Glyn Vaughan, who made the long journey from Australia."
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Date |
Units Trained |
Oct '40 | 3, 4, 6, & 8 Commandos |
Nov '40 | 7 Commando |
May '41 | 1, 2, 3, 9, & 12 Commandos |
Apr '42 | 1 Servicing Commando RAF |
May '42 | 3202 & 3203 Servicing Commando RAF |
Aug '42 | Two RAF Servicing Commandos |
Sept '42 | 2 Commando 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Bn's. 168 Regt. 168 US Combat Team 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Bn's 26 Regt. 26 US Combat Team |
Mar '43 | 5 RAF Commando |
May '43 | 3205 & 3206 Servicing Commando RAF |
Jun '43 | 3207 & 3208 Servicing Commando RAF |
Jul '43 | 3209 & 3210 Servicing Commando RAF |
Jun '44 | 1, 2, & 3 Independent Mountain Company Norwegian Brigade Independent Para Company Norwegian Brigade |
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Commando Basic Training Centre Staff, Achnacarry,1945
Charles Edward Vaughan, born 1893, was originally attached to No.7 and No.4 Commando before taking up his role as the Commandant of the newly formed Commando Depot (CBTC) at Achnacarry.
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An hour long film made for the Admiralty in 1945, this is a drama-documentary covering Commando training in Wrexham, Achnacarry and St. Ives. Fascinating archive footage shows wartime Commando units on amphibious assault exercises, perfecting cliff-top assaults and practicing both armed and unarmed combat techniques.
As said above the film was made for the Admiralty. The viewer should be aware that the first Commandos formed in 1940 were in fact all Army Commandos. It was not until 1942 that the first two RM Commando units were raised, followed by 5 more in Aug 43, with the last being raised in 1944. In 1946 all the Army Commandos were disbanded, along with five of the eight RM Commando Units. It would not be until many years later that Army Commandos would return to support the RM Commandos of 3 Commando Brigade.
If you have come to this film page first and want to know more about the history of the training, then go the start of the Commando Training section HERE.
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Gunner John Bardens was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war.
John was a serving Police Officer from Plymouth who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the police Intakes that commenced in 1942.
In 1939 William Booth was an Essex Constabulary Police Constable based at South Street Police Station, Romford. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.
Private Dennis Callaghan, 6 Troop, was wounded on 13 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy. Dennis was a Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and was part of a Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.
1939 - Metropolitan Police Constable residing at the Police Section House, King David Lane, London E1. Volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942.
Private Albert Clements served in 1 Troop and was injured in 1943 during training at Gibraltar after which he was evacuated to the UK for treatment.
From 1994 onwards he was the Secretary of the Bristol Branch of the Commando Association.
Private Robinson Craig was killed in action at Dragone Hill, near Vietri, Salerno. He was buried there the following day, his grave being marked with a cross. However it was never again found and Private Craig is one of the many who now have no known grave.
Private Len Davies served in 5 Troop and later the H.Q. Section. He was a serving Police Officer in Barrowford who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes in 1942.
Private Thomas Drury served in the HQ Troop Motor Transport Section. He was a serving Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing in Dewsbury.
Private Gwilym Evans was reported missing 14 July 1943, later presumed killed in action, during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (later called 3 Commando Bridge).
Private William Gale was wounded on 13 July 1943 during operations at Agnone Sicily and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).
Private Walter Henderson was wounded on 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone Sicily and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).
Privates James Innes was wounded on 5 October 1943 during operations at Termoli, Italy. He was a Police Officer in Larbert who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining a Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.
Lance Sergeant H. Jackson was wounded on 24 March 1945 (remaining on duty) during operations to cross the River Rhine at Wesel and again on 11 April 1945 at the River Aller.
Joseph Jarvis was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Constable based or residing at 62 Wapping High Street, Stepney. Post war member of the Commando Association.
Fusilier Sydney Lamkin, a Metropolitan Police War Reservist, volunteered for the Commandos and was part of the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry. He was attached to No.2Commando and served in the Heavy Weapons Troop.
Fusilier Robert McKenna Mahan, 'C' Troop, was wounded on 6 June 1944, remaining on duty, during operations at Normandy, France. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Guisborough, Cleveland, Teeside.
Corporal Frederick Manning, a Police Officer from Kent, was one of the Police Intakes to the Commandos commencing his training 15 October 1942. He served with No.5 Commando in the Far East and post war resumed his service with the Police.
Guardsman Robert Parker was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle for Steamroller Farm) and later found to be a prisoner of war.
Edward was a Police Officer in Lancashire who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at 12 Crabtree Street, Colne.
Sergeant Miller Smith, a former Police Officer, was one of seven men from No.2 Commando captured after Operation Musketoon and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order.
Lance Corporal Snaddon, 4 troop, was wounded in 1944 during operations in Burma.
Document in 5 Cdo. Gallery titled 'No 5 Cdo Memorial Service held on the 27th March 1944.'
In 1939 William Stack was a Police Constable based at Central Police Station, Cheltenham. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. He was posted to 5 Troop after joining his commando unit.
John Strowger was a serving Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable serving at Croydon Police Station, London. Post war member of the Commando Association.
Corporal John Tanner was killed in action on 15 April 1945 during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy. The previous year on 20 March 1944 he was wounded (recovered) during operations in Italy.
John Thomson was a serving Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was Police Constable No.84 residing at the Police Billets, Albion Assembly Rooms, Norfolk Street, Tynemouth.
Published in The Scotsman 15 January 1943.
The Memorial at Spean Bridge was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on Saturday 27th September 1952. There was no parade or ceremonial drill. The Queen Mother expressing a wish to walk through a line of Commandos on the way back to her car.
A full history of this Memorial, and others, can be found via the main navigation menu on the Home page here: Commando Memorials
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The origins of the Green Beret issued in 1942 are explained within the Commando Insignia and Memorablia album of the Gallery [ Read in Gallery.... ].
[Image] The Green Beret of Bob Mewett No.12 Cdo. and No.1 Cdo.]