'History and Training 1940 -1945'

Introduction

The following pages, compiled by the Commando Veterans Archive and published on the 10th February 2014, are designed to give the reader an insight into Commando history and training, and of the close association that has developed since then, between serving Commandos, Veterans, and their families, in the many areas such as Lochaber where they trained in WW2, and the places where they train nowadays. This section also includes an hour long film made about their WW2 training.
Ever since its unveiling (see photo below) in 1952 by Her Majesty the Queen Mother serving Commandos and veterans gather at the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge on Remembrance Sunday. A simple service of remembrance preceeded by a short march up the hill, where they are joined by their families and friends, as well as local people. Today the Commando Veterans Association continues to work with local people, officials, and schools, to make this annual event one truly to be proud of and fitting to the memory of all Commandos. To view some images click or touch the photo below.
So what was expected of a Commando when they were first formed ? The following pages include a transcript of the document written in 1940 by Lt Col Charles Newman VC entitled "Service in a Commando" . This document outlines some of the physical and other attributes required. You will also read about the early Commando training before Achnacarry became the Commando Basic Training Centre, followed by an insight into Commando history since, including what is expected of a Commando nowadays.
Credit for much of the information included in this section must go to the authors and former Army Commandos, Major James Dunning and Captain Donald Gilchrist. Their books 'It Had to be Tough' and 'Castle Commando' detail every aspect of what it was like and are highly recommended by the Commando Veterans Archive.
  • Purchase James Dunning's book here It Had to be Tough
  • Purchase Donald Gilchrist's book here Castle Commando.
  • We have a section in our gallery dedicated to commando training.

© 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.

Read on from below......

Archive pages: 
Commando Training WW2

Combined Operations

Throughout the war many of the Commando offensive operations against the enemy were Combined Operations involving other Units from one or more of the the three Services of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, as well as Units from other allied nations.
 
The Commandos were either supported by such Units  during their own raids, or were tasked with specific roles to  support  such Units in major offensive operations.
 
Examples of Combined Operations are St Nazaire in March 1942, Dieppe in August 1942, the North Africa and Sicily campaigns in 1942/43, the invasion of Europe in 1944, and in operations in the Far East.
 
The Royal Navy ship in the photo is HMS Glengyle,  one of a number whose crews helped transport, and support, the Commandos. The Glengyle and her sister ships, the Glenroy and Glenearn, were the first ships to be fitted out permanently as large infantry landing ships. They were able to carry three landing craft mechanised (LCMs) and fourteen infantry landing craft. Accommodation was provided for 1,087 assault troops (700 in the case of the Glengyle). Each ship was armed with three twin 4-inch guns and numerous short-range AA weapons.

Combined Operations Headquarters

Source: National Archives Series reference DEFE 2.


Arising from the armistice concluded by France with Germany in June 1940 and the evacuation of British forces from the Continent, a small organisation was established to take command of subsequent raiding operations against enemy territory and to provide advice on combined assaults. From this emerged a distinct Combined Operations Headquarters, staffed by all three services, but independent of all of them and under the command of a Director of Combined Operations.

Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Roger Keyes, was appointed first director in July 1940; he was succeeded in October 1941 by Commodore Lord Louis Mountbatten with the title Adviser on Combined Operations. In March 1942 this title was altered to Chief of Combined Operations; it was also decided that the Chief of Combined Operations should attend meetings of the Chiefs of Staff as a full member whenever major issues were in question and, as previously, when his own combined operations or any special matters in which he was concerned were under consideration. In October 1943 Lt. Col. Robert Edward Laycock became Chief of Combined Operations.

From the establishment of a Combined Training Centre in August 1940 at Inveraray, Argyllshire, the Combined Operations Command expanded rapidly both within the United Kingdom and overseas, notably in the Middle East and India. In 1942 it sent a permanent representative to the Joint Staffs Mission in Washington and in the same year a Combined Operations Experimental Establishment was set up at Appledore, Devon. This establishment was much involved in the investigation of problems likely to be encountered on the beaches in connection with an invasion of Europe, particularly as regards the landing of armoured vehicles, stores, supplies, etc. Following the successful invasion of Normandy in 1944, a similar establishment was set up in India to carry out the developments and trials necessary in the very different conditions in the Far East.

From its formation, Combined Operations Headquarters maintained a close, though sometimes strained, contact on the naval side with the Admiralty, which set up a number of combined operations branches within its own departments, particularly in relation to operations, materials and personnel. Raiding forces, such as commandos, came under the command of Combined Operations Headquarters, except when they were employed as part of larger operations.

Throughout the war Combined Operations Headquarters played a key role in the development of offensive operations against the enemy. This was notably the case in the raid on Dieppe in August 1942 and the preparation and planning of the North Africa and Sicily campaigns in 1942 to 1943, the invasion of Europe in 1944 and similarly, through its directorate in India, in operations in the Far East.

Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions

No.4 Independent Company Officers 1940
 
Raised in April 1940 from volunteers serving in the Territorial Army. There were 11 Independent Companies formed, the 11th being only for one specific operation. The first 5 Independent Companies sailed to Norway in May 1940 under the name Scissors Force to join Operation Avonmouth - the British Expeditionary Force. 
 
Each Company consisted of 21 Officers and 268 OR's.
  • No.1 Independent Company from 52nd Lowland Divn.,
  • No.2 Independent Company from 53rd Welsh Divn.,
  • No.3 Independent Company from 54th East Anglian Divn.,
  • No.4 Independent Company from the 55th (West Lancs) Division. At the time the 55th were a two Brigade Motor Divn consisting of 164 Bde. : 9th Btn. Kings Regt, 1/4th Btn The South Lancs Regt, and 2/4th Btn. the South Lancs. Regt; 165 Bde. : 5th Btn. Kings Regt, 1st Btn. Liverpool Scottish QOCH, and 2nd Btn. Liverpool Scottish QOCH. 
  • No.5 Independent Company from the 56th (1st London) Divn.,
  • No.6 Independent Company from the 9th Scottish Divn.,
  • No.7 Independent Company from the 15th Scottish Divn.,
  • No.8 Independent Company from the 18th Eastern Divn.,
  • No.9 Independent Company from the 38th Welsh Divn.,
  • No.10 Independent Company from the 66th East Lancs Divn.
  • No.11 Independent Company formed 14 June 1940 under Major R. Tod. with 350 OR's.

In June 1940 the first of the new army commando units were also being raised. A few months later on 11 October 1940 the Independent Companies were reorganised into Special Service (SS) Battalions merging with some of the new Commando units.

  • 1st Special Service Bn., A and B Coys., formed from Nos.1,2,3,4,5,8 and 9 Independent Companies.
  • 2nd Special Service Bn. formed from No.6 and 7 Independent Companies and the only recently formed No.9 and 11 Commandos;
  • 3rd Special Service Bn. formed from Nos.4 and 7 Commando; 
  • 4th Special Service Bn. formed from Nos.3 and 8 Commando; 
  • 5th Special Service Bn. formed from Nos.5 and 6 Commando.
The Independent Companies were short lived and by the end of the year most had ceased to exist. Also by February 1941 these Special Service Battalions were considered too large and unwieldy. They were therefore reorganised back into Commando Units which were smaller and more workable.
 
At the same time No.2 Commando which was originally raised as a Parachute Commando was re-designated as 11 Special Air Service Bn. In February 1941 a new No.2 Commando was raised from the 1st Special Service Bn., 'B' Company, under Lt Col. Newman at Paignton.

It should be noted during this period of change a detachment of 64 from the 1st Special Service Bn. had already departed for submarine operations in Malta, and in January 1941 a much larger force from 2, 3, and 4 Special Service Bn.'s had departed for a Middle East deployment known as Layforce. As a result Army Casualty Records for Layforce [more....] recorded a few individuals by their now defunct Special Service Battalion designation at the time of departure rather than by their current designated Commando unit within Layforce.
 

1 Independent Company

No.1 Independent Company formed from 52nd Lowland Division. Part of Scissors Force, a section of the British Expedition to Norway in May 1940. 

Linked Content: 
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Archive pages: 
No 1 Independent Company

2 Independent Company

No.2 Independent Company formed from 53rd Welsh Division. Part of Scissors Force, a section of the British Expedition to Norway in May 1940.

Linked Content: 
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Archive pages: 
No 2 Independent Company

3 Independent Company

No.3 Independent Company formed from 54th East Anglian Division. Part of Scissors Force, a section of the British Expedition to Norway in May 1940.

Linked Content: 
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Archive pages: 
No 3 Independent Company

Report by Lt. Clibborn

Transcript of a report to the Essex Regiment by Lt Clibborn after the particpation of No. 3 Independent Company in the expedition to Norway as part of Scissors Force.

No3 Independent Coy
The Town Hall
Hamilton
Lanarkshire
11.6.40
 
The Adjutant
2/4 Essex Regt
Langton Park
Co.Durham
 
 
No3 Independent Company arrived in Scotland yesterday in the Norwegian convoy, which was announced in the newspapers & wireless as having arrived safely.
 
Personnel of 2/4 Essex Regt are safe & well. There were however some casualties. Killed Pte Bixby [view]. Wounded Sgt White [view] also mentioned in despatches, Cpl Parker, L/C’s Bookham and Barnbrook, Pte Lowry, Pte Massey.  Pte Dunn was slightly hurt, but returned to duty some days later. Pte Massey is the only one who was not already convalescent before we left Norway. Wounded men did not return with the main body & have presumably been sent to a convalescent home in this country.
 
These casualties are out of all proportion to those sustained by No 3 Coy as a whole. Our Platoon happened to be sent out on duty in M.T. & were machine gunned by an enemy recce plane, on a narrow road, clear of snow itself but bounded by deep snow on either side. Sgt White displayed great bravery & initiative in attending to wounded and although wounded himself, driving them approximately 35 miles to the base. Pte Bixby was driving the ‘bus and was killed outright. Pte Massey was shot through both legs during a withdrawal. All other casualties occurred during the incident described above.
 
Our job was never that of an Independent Company, in fact our original scheme was cancelled before we sailed. We worked all the time as ordinary infantry & as such took part in four engagements. All were rearguard actions against greatly superior forces. In the first two actions we were at strategic bridges with the 5th Scots Guards & our job of holding up Jerry for a time after blowing these bridges was carried out according to plan and with very few casualties. The last two battles found us in reserve positions, or some distance from Jerry, though with nothing between us. In the third action we were subjected to an hours continuous aircraft machine gunning as we lay in reserve  in a wood. Strangely there were no casualties, though bullets struck up the earth all around us, and smacked into the trees. We got used to this sort of thing when we had had it about 3 times. Some of the marches were pretty cruel, but the 2/4 Essex men kept up well & were cheerful & full of grit. Under fire they behaved very well and obeyed all orders.
 
Our weapons were obviously unsuited to the country, though the BREN gun was deadly.  Jerry used ‘Tommy guns’ a great deal, never at close quarters where we were concerned, which was probably lucky for us. As it is our opinion of his shooting is very low.
 
Our zone of operations was within the Arctic Circle, in the Saltdal, which lies south east of the town of Bodo, now a mass of ruins.
 
Officers and men are now all very fit & are stationed at Hamilton awaiting our next move.
 
I have spoken over the telephone with CSM O’Connor this afternoon & found out you had moved. Hoping to see you all again if possible.
 
WC Clibborn 2Lt
 
Source
Gary Cootes (on forum) & Essex Regiment files ER3356.1/2
 
Linked Content: 
CLIBBORN, William Cuthbert
Archive pages: 
No 3 Independent Company

4 Independent Company

In April 1940 HQ 55th (West Lancs) Division issued Divisonal Operation Order 5 authorising the formation of No.4 Independent Company.  At the time the 55th Divsion was a two Brigade Motor Division consisting of units from the 164th and 165th Brigades.
 
164 Brigade consisted of the 9th Bn. Kings Regiment, 1/4th Bn. and 2/4th Bn.  of the South Lancs. Regiment;
165 Brigade consisted of the 5th Bn. Kings Regiment, 1st Bn. and 2nd Bn. of the Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders.
 
No. 4 Independent Company was part of Scissors Force, a section of the British Expedition to Norway in May 1940. Many joined No.2 Commando when it was reformed in February 1941 under Lt. Col. A.C. Newman. 
 
Linked Content: 
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
'Malta detachment - Force X'
Archive pages: 
No 4 Independent Company

4 Independent Company Nominal Roll

This nominal roll has been compiled from detail within this archive added to that provided many years ago by Dennis Reeves, Honorary Curator of the Liverpool Scottish Museum Archive, and compiler of the book Special Service of A Hazardous Nature: The Story of the Liverpool Scottish Involvement in Special Forces Operations in the WW2.
It is not complete. Many went on to serve in No.2 Commando.

Contact us with details to have an a name included, or provide additional information.

Commanding Officer:  Major John Rimmer Patterson until Sept.1940.
Second in Command:  Captain William Oranmore Copland, assumed command Sept.1940
Surname Forenames Rank S/N Additional 
Ashcroft Arthur, 'The Hawk' Pte 2929623 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; 2 Cdo 5 troop PoW St Nazaire
Aspey William Pte 2930678 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 5 troop
Auld Luke, Patchcott Pte  2931015 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; Scissors Force; Force X; Cpl ME Cdo Depot; SBS; PoW Escapee 
Backhouse Charles, R. Pte 2931647 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; Force X; 1st SAS, PoW escapee
Baldwin   CQMS   9th King's
Baybutt Jack, F. Pte 2929879 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn. ; returned to unit
Black Graeme, Delamere 2/Lieut 106240 2/4th S.Lancs; 2 Platoon Cdr; ScissorForce; 2 Cdo executed Op Musketoon - DSO, MC
Blissett D.A. 2/Lieut   5th King's
Blissett H.H. Capt 90331 Intel; 2 Cdo; 1 SS Bde Maj. - MiD
Blythe William, 'Bil' Pte 2930644 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 5 troop PoW St Nazaire
Broome Richard, Frank, 'Dickie' 2/Lieut 85468 1/4th S. Lancs; Sec Cdr 2 Platoon; Scissors Force; Force X; OC 2 Cdo 5 Tp; kia Salerno 
Brown Louis, Walter, 'Ben' LCpl 2929147 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop PoW St Nazaire
Bruce Kenneth, 'Ken' Sgt   Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; later TSM 5 Troop 2 Cdo until 1942
Burke Edward, 'Tiny' Pte 2929845 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; 2 Cdo 5 troop
Campbell J Pte 2929397 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; returned to unit.
Carnston J.B. Lieut   5th King's; No.1 Platoon Cdr.
Cheetham Jack, F. Pte 2930999 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop PoW St Nazaire
Clarke John, 'Nobby' Pte   Liverpool Scots; ScissorsForce; Force X
Clarke R.S. Pte 2929615 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; returned to unit
Coates Edward Cpl   Liverpool Scots 2nd Bn; Force X; 2 Cdo 5 Troop
Copland William,Oranmore,  'Bill' Captain 50169 2 I/C 4 Ind Coy then OC from Sept41; ScissorsForce; 2 I/C No.2 Cdo; PoW St Nazaire - DSO
Cox Hugh Pte 2931801 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop St Nazaire
Davidson Andrew Lieut   Liverpool Scots; 3 Platoon Cdr; Scissors Force; 2 Cdo 5 Tp injured 1941 mcy acc reurned to Liverpool Scots
Day Stanley, Ambrose Lieut 70873 55th Div Signals; Adjutant 4 Ind Coy; No.2 Cdo PoW St Nazaire awarded MC
Dorman S.L. 2/Lieut   55th Div. RE
Dougal D Pte 2928382 Posted from ITC Camerons; HQ Sigs; returned to unit
Drennan A. Leslie Pte  2929199 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn
Douglas Edward, 'Ted'  Pte 2927913 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; 2 Cdo 5 troop St Nazaire
Evans K.R.H. 2/Lieut   2/4th S.Lancs; 2 Sec Cdr 2 Platoon
Forshaw Leslie, 'Les' Pte 2930952 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; Scissors Force; Force X
Frost G.L. 2/Lieut   1/4th S.Lancs; Sec cdr 2 Platoon
Fryer Bennet, William, 'Ben' Pte 2931435 Liverpool Scots 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop
Geddes Robert, C.E.B. Pte 2929914 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; returned to unit
Gerrie R Pte 2930581 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; returned to unit; transferred to CMP
Gwynne John, Edward, Herbert Pte 2929834 Liverpool Scots; No.2 Cdo 5 troop; kia St Nazaire -  MiD
Harding H. John LCpl 2931062 Liverpool Scots 1st Bn
Hayes A.F. 'Nat' Pte  2929843 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn
Hoare Albert LCpl 2929174 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; returned to unit; later joined No.5 Cdo
Holt Frederick Pte 2929875 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop PoW St Nazaire
Homer Levi, 'Leo' Pte 2930668 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 5 troop
Honey Peter Pte 2930015 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; MM with No.2 Cdo 5 troop PoW St Nazaire
Hooper Richard, Henry 2/Lieut 70956 5th King's; Cdr Support Sec Platoon; ScissorForce, 2 Cdo, Op Archery, St Nazaire - MC
Horrobin Leslie, G.J. Pte 2929849 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; returned to unit
Houghton J.B. Lieut 130206 see record for Johnson-Houghton
Hughes William, A. 'Bladder' Pte 2929408 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop PoW St Nazaire
Hurst Edward Pte 2931768 Q.O.C.H; 2 Cdo 5 Troop St Nazaire
Jackson Terence, 'Terry' Cpl 2929594 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; left to OCTU 
Jameson James, A. Pte  2929294 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; returned to unit
Johnson J Pte 2931063 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissor Force; returned to unit; transferred to CMP
Johnson-Houghton Joseph, Blundell Lieut 130206 South Lancs; ScissorsForce, St Nazaire, Captain awarded MC, executed Op Musketoon
Jones Colin Pte 2931662 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop PoW St Nazaire
Jones Harry Pte   Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; to A.A.C; PoW at Arnhem
Kelly D.J. Pte 292262 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; returned to unit
Knowles John, A. 'Johnny' Pte 2931031 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo 4 troop  PoW St Nazaire
Layton Thomas, A. Cpl   Liverpool Scots; Scissors Force; returned to unt
Lima Cyril, V. Pte 2929262 Liverpool Scots; Scissors Force; 2 Cdo 5 Troop
Lowson Robert, Charles, 'Bob' Pte 2929977 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Force X; MM with SAS
Mackenzie G Pte 2929775 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; returned to unit
Marples N.I. Pte   2 Platoon 4 Ind.Coy
Martin Robert, George, 'Twim' Pte 2930946 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; died May 1940 Scissors Force
Mason John Cpl    
Matthews H.K. 2/Lieut   5th King's; Sec Cdr 1 Platoon
McAllister Kenneth, 'Ken Mac' Pte 2929412 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; later TSM of 5 Troop 2 Cdo
McCormack Thomas, 'Tom' Pte 2930404 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop kia St Nazaire
McGarrity John, 'Sleuth' LCpl 2929120 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; Force X; 2 Cdo
McIver A.I. Captain   RAMC attached 2nd Bn Liverpool Scots; Medical Officer Scissors Force
McMorron Jack, E. Pte 2929386 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn
Milnes Graham Pte 2929965 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; returned to unit
Mitchell Eric Pte 2931218 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; Force X
Moffat 'Cocky' Pte   Attached from QOCH
Moodie J. 'Jock' Cpl 3053415 Posted from ITC Camerons
Morgan Richard, Fuller 2/Lieut 105100 S.Lancs; Support Section; 2 Cdo PoW St Nazaire - MiD
Moss Alan Sgt/RSM 2930992 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 1st RSM of No.2 Cdo; kia St Nazaire
Murdoch Sydney Pte 2929161 Liverpool Scots 1st Bn; 2 Cdo 5 Troop; PoW St Nazaire
Nethercott T Pte 2929569 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; returned to unit
Norris-Jones W 2/Lieut   RE; Support Section
Page William, 'Mate', 'Bill' Pte 2931157 Liverpool Scots 2nd Bn; Force X; PoW CasList WO417/92
Patterson John, Rimmer A/Major 29978 Liverpool Scots; OC 4 Ind Coy; Scissors Force; Sept.1940 posted back to Liverpool Scots later Lt. Col 1st Bn
Peachey Frederick Pte 3654154 S/Lancs; 2 Cdo; St Nazaire; MM and bar
Perkins Leonard,   'Perky Len' Pte 2930945 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; 2 Cdo awarded MM and MiD
Porter K A/Sgt   Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; to HQ ; 1944 2nd Lt RAC
Proctor John, David 2/Lieut 117903 1st Bn Liverpool Scots; Scissors Force; St Nazaire seroiusly wounded; CBTC
Prout C. Leslie, 'Jed' or 'Arab' Pte 2929485 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; Force X
Purvis J LCpl 3185932 Posted from ITC Camerons; returned to unit
Quayle, DCM R.H. LCpl 3763380 King's Regt; returned to unit
Raisbeck Robert Pte   Liverpool Scots; Scissors Force; Force X
Randall Donald, Charles, 'Don' LCpl 2929382 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; HQ Sigs; PoW St Nazaire; awarded DCM
Rennie James, Jim' Cpl 2930599 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn
Richardson S Pte 2929794 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; returned to unit
Roberts Harold, 'Aggs' Pte 2931676 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; PoW St Nazaire 
Rogers Joseph, Gerard, Anthony,  'Joe' Pte 2933493 Liverpool Scots; 2 Cdo 5 Troop St Nazaire; awarded MM Splije, Albania, 1944
Rolph Norman Pte   Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; Scissors Force; Force X
Roy Donald, William 2/Lieut   Liverpool Scots 2nd Bn; Sec Cdr 3 Platoon; Scissors Force; OC 2 Cdo 5 Tp at St Nazaire POW awarded DSO
Sherman Thomas, 'Tom' Sgt 3772771 King's Regt; Scissors Force; TSM 4Troop 2 Cdo; Vaagso, St Nazaire; to OCTU; Later Hon Col RM Reserve OBE
Sinclair 'Lofty' Pte   Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn
Smith Jack Pte   Liverpool Scots 2nd Bn; Force X; batman to Lt Taylor
Smith James, 'Jim' Pte 3654054 S/Lancs; 2 Cdo kia Salerno
Smith John Pte   Liverpool Scots
Sowerbutts E.G. Pte 2930775 Liverpool Scots 2nd Bn
Stalker William, James Pte 2931430 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; Scissors Force; Force X
Stewart John, Alexander Pte 2931169 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; kia Salerno with No.2 Cdo
Stubs Arnold Pte   S/Lancs
Sumner Frank Pte 2930811 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn
Taylor Lawrence, 'Larry' 2/Lieut   2nd Bn Liverpool Scots; 3 Platoon Sec. Cdr; ScissorForce; Force X; Capt No.2 Cdo 5 troop 
Taylor Stanley, 'Stan' Pte/Cpl 2929159 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; Force X
Vanderwerve John, Edward 2/Lieut   9th King's; No.1 Platoon Sec. Cdr; 2 Cdo kia St Nazaire
Whelan George, Leslie, 'Les' Pte 2930965 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; No.2 Cdo PoW St Nazaire
White W.H. 2/Lt   9th King's; No.1 Platoon Sec Cdr
Whittle Frank WO2 CSM   5th Kings
Wilcock Richard, 'Dick' Pte 2931468 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; No.2 Cdo PoW St Nazaire
Wilkes Frederick, 'Fred' Pte 2931680 Liverpool Scots. 2nd Bn; No.2 Cdo PoW St Nazaire
Wilkinson Cyril Pte 2929839 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; 2 Cdo 5 Troop
Wilson Gerry, 'Tug' Pte 2929369 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn
Wynne Hugo Pte 2929646 Liverpool Scots. 1st Bn; Scissors Force; 2 Cdo 5 Troop
Archive pages: 
No 4 Independent Company
No 2 Commando

2 Commando 5 Troop and 4 Independent Company

Type: Personal Papers
Author: Content Admin
Year of Publishing: 2023
Keywords: independent company,2commando,5troop
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A list of names of a few of those from No.4 Independent Company who went on to serve in 5 Troop No.2 Commando and stayed on afterwards or moved elsewhere. Collection of Lance Sergeant Joseph Rogers MM, No.2 Commando 5 Troop. Contains links on the header to pages within the Commando Veterans Archive.

Names
Arthur Ashcroft, Ted Douglas, John Gwynne, Pete Honey, Bob Lowson, Ken McAllister, Don Randall, Alan Moss, Jones, Len Perkins, Donald Roy, Larry Taylor, John Proctor, Joe Houghton, Tom McCormack, Les Wheelan, Bill Hughes, Bill Stalker, Joe Rogers.
 
Archive pages: 
No 4 Independent Company
No 2 Commando

4 Independent Company 1940 image

No.4 Independent Company Officers 1940

Photo courtesy of Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE.

Standing l-r : Cap. Donald Roy; Lt. Joseph Houghton; Lt. Richard Broome; Lt. John Proctor; Lt. Richard Morgan; Lt. John Vanderwerve;; Lt Wright; Capt. Larry Taylor.
Seated l-r : Capt. A. McKeiver (also seen spelt as McIver, McIvor); Capt. Graeme Black; Capt. Stanley Day; Major Bill Copland; Capt. Andrew Davidson; Capt. Richard Hooper; Capt. Harold H. Blissett

Most of these Officers went on to serve in No.2 Commando.

Lieutenant Donald Roy became Captain of 5 troop No.2 Commando. He was taken POW during the St Nazaire raid. He was i/c of an Assault Party on board HMS Campbeltown.

Lieutenant Joe Houghton joined No 2 Commando. He took part in the St Nazaire raid as head of the Protection Party on board ML443. After returning to the UK he rejoined No 2 Commando and took part in Operation Musketoon. He was captured and later executed whilst a POW.

Lieutenant Richard Broome later became Captain of 5 troop No 2 Commando. He was killed in action during Operation Avalanche at Salerno.

Lieutenant John Proctor served as a Lt in 5 troop No 2 Commando and took part in the St Nazaire raid as part of Capt Roy's Assault Party on HMS Campbeltown. He was seriously wounded resulting in one of his legs amputated. Evacuated back to the UK on one of the 3 ML's that returned, he later served on the staff at the C.B.T.C.

Lieutenant R. F. 'Dickie' Morgan joined No.2 Commando 2 troop. He was i/c of a protection squad for the demolition team on board ML262. POW at St Nazaire. 

Lieutenant John Edward Vanderwerve joined No.2 Commando and was killed in action during the St Nazaire raid. He was i/c of a protection squad for the demolition team on board ML306. 

Captain Larry Taylor joined No 2 Commando and then went overseas with Force 'X' to Malta. He was involved with covert operations from submarines during this period. He later returned to 5 troop No 2 Commando as their Captain after Captain Dickie Broome was killed at Salerno. He died not long after the war on the 25/1/1949.

Captain A. McKeiver (also seen as McIvor and McIver) was the Medical Officer for No 4 Independent Company.

Captain Graeme Black joined No 2 Commando and took part in Operation Musketoon. He was captured and later executed whilst a POW.

Captain Stanley Day was the Adjutant of No 4 Independent Company and became Adjutant of No 2 Commando. He was in Lt. Colonel Newman's HQ party at St Nazaire and taken POW.

Major Bill Copland became the 2nd i/c of No.2 Commando and was taken POW on the St Nazaire raid.

Capt. Andrew Davidson joined 5 troop No 2 Commando after Norway. He was injured in a motorcycle accident in 1941 eventually rejoining the 1st Bn. Liverpool Scottish Regt. 

Captain Richard Henry 'Dickie' Hooper MC joined No.2 Commando. He took part in the raids on Vaagso and on St Nazaire i/c of an assault squad on ML156. He returned to the UK and remained with No 2 Commando throughout the remainder of the war.

Captain Harold H. Blissett joined No 2 Commando and remained with them until being appointed to the staff of No.1 Special Service Brigade HQ as Brigade Major during the invasion of North West Europe.

5 Independent Company

No.5 Independent Company formed from 56th London Division. Part of Scissors Force, a section of the British Expedition to Norway in May 1940.

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Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Archive pages: 
No 5 Independent Company

6 Independent Company

No.6 Independent Company formed from 9th Scottish Division.

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Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Archive pages: 
No 6 Independent Company

7 Independent Company

No.7 Independent Company formed from 15th Scottish Division.

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Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
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No 7 Independent Company

8 Independent Company

No.8 Independent Company formed from 18th Eastern Division.

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Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
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No 8 Independent Company

9 Independent Company

No.9 Independent Company formed from 38th Welsh Division.

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Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
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No 9 Independent Company

10 Independent Company

No.10 Independent Company was formed from 66th East Lancs. Division in May 1940. 
  • May 1940 Commanding Officer was Major L de C. Robertson and they were based in the Johnstone, Renfrewshire area that month.
  • 4 June 1940 the Company moved to Lochailort for a Cadre course and Individual/specialist training. They remained at Lochailort for the rest of the month.
  • 8 July 1940 the Company moved to Achdalieu Lodge, Corpach, continuing collective and individual training especially in boat drills and landings followed by a period of leave.
  • 1 August 1940 Major A.C.W. May, MC, assumed command of the unit at Achdalieu. The Company now consisted of a Headquarters and 3 platoons each of 3 sections.  
  • 24 August 1940 the Company moved by road to Scapa Flow and embarked aboard HMT Sobieski. They sailed to Freetown, Sierra Leone, arriving there on 14 September. After this they sailed to Dakar but did not disembark. After a period at sea off the coast, they were ordered back and returned to Freetown where they set up their base at Lumley Camp nearby.
  • 11 October 1940 the Company left Freetown to return to the UK. They were on board 4 vessels. Major May MC with 6 officers, and 89 OR's on HM AMC Alacantara, Capt. C.J.B. Pollitt with 3 Officers and 61 ORs on the SS City of Canterbury, Capt. A.W.I.B. Black with 6 officers and 80 ORs on HMT Reina del Pacifico, and 5 OR's on board the SS Adda.
  • 18 October 1940 HMT Reina del Pacifico anchored at Gibraltar, and the following day 496 civilians were embarked, along with 5 Italian Officers and 40 Italian ratings from a sunken Italian submarine. They left Gibraltar for England arriving at Liverpool on the 25th. From there Major May and his contingent from the Company proceeded by train to Spean Bridge finally arriving at Glenfinnan House on the 29th October. Over the next few days the other ships docked with their contingents moving to Fort William and Achnacarry House.
  • 6 October 1940 orders were received for No 10 Independent Company to be disbanded. Major A.C.W. May MC was to take command of the Training and Holding Wing (located at Achdalieu Lodge and Achnacarry House) of the STC. (ref War Office letter 3/1890/AG17/A).
  • The purpose of this Training and Holding Wing was to train and hold recruits for the Special Service Battalions. All ranks of the 10th were given the option of returning to their Regiments, or of joining the Holding Wing, or Staff of the Training and Holding Wing if suitable. The Company Office was situated at Granite House, Fort William.
  • November 1940 the men from the 10th Ind Coy were sent in sections for periods of leave whilst the reorganisation was taking place.
  • 2 December 1940 No 10 Independent Company ceased to exist, and personnel not yet disposed of were transferred to the Holding Wing, STC Achnacarry. 
  • 12 Officers were posted to the Holding Wing : Maj. A.C.W. May MC, Capt's A.W.I.B. Black, C.J.B. Pollitt, C.G. Craven, C. Smalley; Lt's H. Hollins, M. Whitelock, J. Duncan, W.R.H. Hay, M. Callaghan. A.R.H. Kellas, G.R.C. Stewart.
  • 6 Officers were returned to their Regiment or Corps.
  • 69 OR's volunteered for the Holding and Training Wing, with 164 being returned to their Corps or Regiment.
[Source for all the above information comes from the No 10 Independent Company War Diary held at the National Archives ref. WO.218/17]
 
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No 10 Independent Company

11 Independent Company

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Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
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No 11 Independent Company

'Malta detachment - Force X'

A detachment of 4 Officers and some 60 OR's formed December 1940 from volunteers within 'B' Company No.1 Special Service Battalion. They trained at Gourock using Submarines and Folbots. After training the group embarked from Greenwich on board HMS Bonaventure joining the convoy Force H for Malta.
On arrival the Force came under naval command at the base of the 10th (Malta) Submarine Flotilla, Officer Commanding Captain George Simpson RN. They were redesignated as No.1 Section Egyptian Detail. Their own base was Manoel Island, Malta, from where they engaged in clandestine operations from submarines including HMS Upholder, HMS Upright, HMS Utmost, and HMS Triumph.
After a few months some of the Force was dispersed to other specialist units or returned to the UK. By this time 'B' Company No.1 Special Service Bn., had been redesignated as No. 2 Commando. 
Captain Larry Taylor remained with a Force of about 20 men conducting operations until August after which those left were dispersed mainly to the SBS or SAS.
 
Amongst the Detchment's Officers were Lt. Richard Broome and Lt. Dudley Schofield.
Amongst the OR's:
 
Source
Dennis Reeves, Liverpool Scots Regimental Museum.
IWM Interview with William Francis 'Tan' Rudge.
Recommendation for awards written by Captain George Walter Gillow Simpson, RN (Schofiled , De Nobriga, and others)
 
Archive pages: 
No 2 Commando
Special Boat Section/Squadron/Service

'Veterans return to Norway'

Extract from Commando Association newsletter 95 (1992).
RETURN TO NORWAY
Harry Pitman (No.1 Commando and No. 2 Independent Company) and John Wall (No. 5 Commando and No. 4 Independent Company) returned to Norway in May as the guests of the Norwegian No.14 Infantry Regiment to attend a ceremony in the Saltdal area, and a historical seminar. At the ceremony 30 Norwegian veterans received war medals for the service they gave throughout the war. This was followed by a lecture on the events in Saltdal in 1940.
 
Later, Harry and John dined with Rear Admiral Thommessen, Deputy Chief of North Norway and Commander of the Naval Forces in North Norway, before joining a small group to take part in a historical seminar at a typical Norwegian wooden house behind a white water river in a snow capped mountainous area. Various defensive sites of the 1940 battles were visited and many local inhabitants turned up to add their versions of what happenned.
 
At one defensive site - Pothus - Harry was able to describe his activities during those days. A local farmer produced a Lee Enfield rifle that his father had recovered from the scene, and Harry and John were able to determine from the Regimental brass disc, still attached to the butt, that the rifle (No.160) had belonged to a member of the 6th Batt. Royal Welsh Fusiliers !

A visit was paid to the military section of the cemetery in Rognan where Harry laid a wreath at the memorial stone. This moving ceremony was attended by many Norwegians. A particularly memorable time for Harry and John was when they were taken along the Junkers Valley up to the Swedish frontier post and shown the last part of the route that was taken by two members of the successful Glomfjiord raiding party in their escape into Sweden (Operation Musketoon).

On the return to Bodo through Fauske, Harry and John were taken to the Fauske Radio Station (minus its large tower) where John remained behind in 1940 for a short time to direct stragglers towards Bodo. A set of webbing equipment (1940 vintage) was presented to the military museum in Bodo and the Curator said how appreciative he was for the gift.

Harry and John are loud in their praise for the hospitality they received and the unexpected VIP treatment when flying to and from Bodo by Army charter planes from and to Oslo.
 
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PITMAN, Henry James
WALL, John
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No 2 Independent Company
No 4 Independent Company

'Small Scale Raiding Force'

MTB 344 off Beachy Head

The Small Scale Raiding Force (also known as 62 Commando) were trained in Commando style combat together with aspects of seamanship in the use of small craft such as Dory's. Formed at Fareham and commanded by Major Gus March-Phillipps, DSO, MBE, until he was killed during a raid in France in September,1942. They based themselves at Anderson Manor, Dorset, and recruited from units such as the SOE and the SBS, included foreign nationals, and were often supported by Commandos, in particular individuals from No.12 Commando. Their primary role was small raids along the Channel coastline of occupied France. Officers included Major John Geoffrey Appleyard DSO, MC, and Captain's Peter Kemp DSO and Graham Hayes MC 

Some SSRF raids

2/3rd Sep-42 Operation Dryad. Raid on Alderney - 8 raiders to the rocks beneath the lighthouse. When they returned later they had the enemy's code books and seven prisoners - the lighthouse keepers, radio operators and guards.
12/13th September - Operation Aquatint..raid on Saint Honorine .
3-Oct-42 Operation Basalt Sark Channel Islands. 
11-Nov-42 Operation Farenheit The Pointe de Plouezec - Raid on a signalling station French Coast.
1942 Foretop France (Foretop N Allied 1942 - 1943 NW Europe Plan to raid U-boat bases on French coast, abandoned as too impractical).

Early in 1943 the S.S.R.F. disbanded with many of the men forming the nucleus of the new 2nd Special Air Service.

View Photos of the SSRF.

IWM Interview with the CO of MTB 344 - Lt Cdr. Frederick William Parnell BOURNE.
 
Archive pages: 
62 Commando Small Scale Raiding Force

KEMP, Peter Mant MacIntyre

Rank: 
Major
Unit / Base: 
'Small Scale Raiding Force'
Regiment/Corps: 
Intelligence Corps
Service: 
Army
Number: 
107025
Honours & Awards: 
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Died : 
Saturday, October 30, 1993

An extract from Fighting Heroes of the Intelligence Corps

by Harry Fecitt MBE TD, (ex-22 Intelligence Company and various armies)
 
“ . . . however many of the latest spies’ wonder-toys they had in their cupboards, however many magic codes they broke, and hot signals chatter they listened to, and brilliant deductions they pulled out of the aether regarding the enemy’s organisational structures, or lack of them, and internecine fights they had, and however many tame journalists were vying to trade their questionable gems of knowledge for slanted tip-offs and something for the back pocket, in the end it was the spurned imam, the love-crossed secret courier, the venal Pakistani defence scientist, the middle-ranking Iranian military officer who’s been passed over for promotion, the lonely sleeper who can sleep no longer, who between them provide the hard base of knowledge without which all the rest is fodder for the truth-benders, ideologues, and politopaths who run the earth.”
From John Le Carre’s ‘A Most Wanted Man’
 

Introduction

I believe that these days most members of our Corps have a reasonably comfortable operational life – clean dry clothes, regular ablutions and hot cooked meals, decent billets, indoor working conditions, immediate medical attention for headaches, and often the knowledge that other people are tasked with their physical security.  That is the life of the mainstream Intelligencers.
But fortunately since our Corps began there have been individuals, both men and women, who have deliberately rejected the mainstream and have embraced another life in the field.  They sought out challenges that most others avoided – rough terrain and inclement weather, a cave or a bivouac for a billet, physical insecurity, the likelihood of torture before certain death, the company of strange rough people whom they could not always understand or trust, night parachute insertions onto unknown ground, the loneliness of the self-imposed exile, hunger, thirst and exhaustion, the knowledge that taking a wound or suffering an illness in the prevailing circumstances could prove fatal – and these individuals thrived on those challenges until their mental resilience to do so had been eroded away.

Many of these Intelligence Corps heroes chose to serve in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II and we have some insight into their operational lives by reading the citations that accompanied their gallantry awards.  Through the 22 Club Newsletter I will introduce you to some of these personalities, and I hope that you can share my admiration of their ability, fortitude, determination, endurance and raw courage. 
 

No. 1 – PETER KEMP DSO


“Hardship shall be your mistress, danger your constant companion.” - Advice proffered to trainees at Inverailort House.

The citation for the admittance of Major Peter Mant MacIntyre Kemp, Intelligence Corps, to Companionship of the Distinguished Service Order reads:
“Major KEMP was sent on a small clandestine operation to NORWAY in April, 1940.  The infiltration was to have taken place by submarine but on the outward journey the vessel was damaged by torpedoes from a U Boat and had to return to port and the operation was cancelled.  In June, 1940 he was sent on an Intelligence mission to SPAIN and PORTUGAL from which he returned in September, 1940 having completed the work satisfactorily.

In February 1941 he volunteered for infiltration into SPAIN from GIBRALTAR for the purpose of harassing the expected German advance through SPAIN in order to attack GIBRALTAR.  He returned to this country in August 1941 and stood by to be parachuted into Northern SPAIN until March, 1942.

From March, 1942 until May, 1943 he was attached to the Small Scale Raiding Force (No. 62 Commando).  This Force had been formed to carry out small raids on German installations in NORMANDY, BRITTANY and the CHANNEL ISLANDS for the joint purpose of obtaining information and of undermining the morale of the German troops.  Major KEMP took part in the raid on the CASQUETS when the entire garrison of the signal station was carried as prisoners.  He also commanded the detachment in an attack on a strong point on the POINT de PLOUZEC (BRITTANY) when a number of Germans were killed without loss to the raiding party.  

On 10th August, 1943 Major KEMP parachuted into ALBANIA as a member of an Allied Mission to the Partisan Forces.  During this period he acted as Liaison Officer with the Partisan Provisional Government.  He repeatedly exposed himself to great risk, notably on 21st August, when in conjunction with Albanian guerrillas, he attacked and shot up a large troop convoy in spite of heavy machine gun fire from the enemy.  On 26th August he showed great gallantry throughout the day with the forward troops of the First Partisan Brigade, encouraging them to offer stubborn resistance to the advance of Italian troops which was supported by medium artillery, mortar fire and aircraft.  

In September, 1943 at the time of the Italian collapse Major KEMP was instructed to provide a clear account of the political situation in TIRANA.  In spite of the fact that this officer speaks no Albanian he entered TIRANA on 22nd September, 1943 in civilian clothes and spent four days in the town.  On 25th September whilst making a reconnaissance of TIRANA airfield he was stopped by a German patrol and showed great resourcefulness in evading arrest.  He returned to his headquarters whence he transmitted most valuable intelligence by W/T to his Commanding Officer.

Throughout the winter of 1943/44 until his evacuation in March, 1944 Major KEMP continued to show great initiative and personal courage, and he took an active part in the fighting in the DEBRA area.”
 

Civil War Spain

But the citation only illustrates part of what was an amazing life in the field.  Peter was born in Bombay in 1915 where his father was a judge, and after education at Wellington and Trinity College, Cambridge he, like many young Britons, went to fight in the Spanish Civil War.  But unlike nearly every other young Briton in Spain he followed his right-wing beliefs and fought for Generalissimo Franco’s Carlist Forces.  He explained to a friend that he could not stand by whilst leftist mobs murdered people simply because they were priests or nuns or because they had a little money or property.  He initially served in the ranks and then become a Platoon Commander in the Spanish Foreign Legion until he was wounded by a grenade in the Battle of Caspe whilst fighting against the British Battalion of the Republican-sponsored International Brigade.  This was followed on the first day of the Battle of the Ebro by a serious mortar wound that tore open his jaw; after hospitalisation he was allowed by the Generalissimo to recuperate on leave in England, and when he returned to Spain the Civil War was over and the Carlists were governing the entire country.  

After an interview with Franco Peter obtained his discharge and later wrote:

“For me those years in Spain (1936-39) were a rewarding experience, despite the horror and the heartbreak, and the wounds that trouble me still.  I count it a privilege to have fought beside some of the best and bravest friends anyone could meet – and against some of the bravest enemies. . . . On my last visit to Spain in 1986, it was a joy to see, engraved on the new War Memorial at Caspe, scene of fierce fighting in 1938, the simple inscription: ‘A Todos’ – To you all.”
 

The early war years – Spain, 62 Commando and Albania

Because of his wounds and his linguistic ability in Spanish Peter started the war as a Postal Censor.  When fit he was posted to a Horsed (Cavalry) Officer Cadet Training Unit where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and also learned equitation skills that were to be very useful in some of his future deployments.   He joined the Intelligence Corps and was employed in Military Intelligence (Research).  After meeting one of the founders and later the Director of SOE, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Gubbins, a posting followed to the SOE’s Inverailort House near Fort William where he trained and exchanged experiences with some of the future Special Forces leaders of World War II – Lord Lovat (Commandos), Mike Calvert (Chindits), and Bill and David Stirling (SAS).  Peter’s citation now offers the bare bones of his experiences until mid-1944.

 

Poland and imprisonment by the NKVD 

The next deployment was a parachute insertion into Poland onto a Dropping Zone (DZ) near Czestochowa.  When the Warsaw uprising against the occupying Germans began SOE wished to drop a 5-man team into Poland to discover what was happening.  Joseph Stalin refused to agree, and for several months the British politician concerned (who later lost his nerve at Suez) forbade the drop.  Then Gubbins got that decision reversed and the team went in.
Despite an awkward DZ knee injury (Peter had been concussed on his previous Albanian jump) and some disorientation the team quickly met up with Poles from the Home Army and discovered that two other Partisan armies were operating – a Russian sponsored one and a far-right colonels’ organisation, and both of those killed each other whenever they could.  The Home Army was the largest and best organised.  German Wehrmacht troops tended to spare the lives of Home Army prisoners that they took but the SS did not; both those sentiments were reciprocated.  

The most dangerous enemy troops were renegade Russian General Vlasov’s Army of Cossacks, Ukrainians, Turkomans, Mongols and other Asiatics that were recruited from German prisoner of war camps.  Vlasov’s men were feared because of the atrocities they committed throughout occupied Europe and any captured were immediately shot along with the SS (Wehrmacht captives were deprived of their arms, equipment and uniforms and released).

After being attacked by tanks and infantry the SOE team had to run for it abandoning their heavy radio and battery charger, which cut them off from London.  The Germans tracked the team until advancing Russians arrived.  The team’s relations with the Russian fighting troops were friendly and lubricated with much vodka, but then the NKVD (Russian state security apparatus) arrived and accused the Britons of being German agents.  After two months of incarceration the team was released to the British Military Mission in Moscow and flown out via Baku, Tehran and Cairo.  The men did not know it but they had been lucky, as SOE counterparts dropped into Hungary were immediately liquidated by the Russians.
 

Thailand and Laos

After Poland Peter could have sat the rest of the war out but in Cairo he had met an old SOE chum, David Smiley (a future commander of the Sultan of Oman’s Armed Forces), who was heading out to Thailand where SOE was engaging the resident Japanese force, Thailand having been a Japanese ally since 1941.  As might have been expected, Peter Kemp, whose marriage was just ending, followed in 1945.  

Catching up with Smiley was not difficult as he had been in India recuperating from a bad accident in Siam, as Thailand was then called.  Smiley had jumped into north-eastern Siam in May but had then been badly burned by one of SOE’s wonderful collection of gadgets; this one was an exploding brief case designed to quickly destroy sensitive documents.  But Smiley’s exploded without warning as he filled it with papers and five pounds of blazing thermite covered him.  He suffered first, second and third degree burns and lay for a week in agony with a hole in his arm full of maggots; eventually the Siamese air force moved him to a strip where a Dakota from India could pick him up.  SOE teams in the field did not have the luxury of doctors in attendance.
As part of a Force 136 (SOE’s cover name in the Far East) operation Peter Kemp was tasked to jump into north-eastern Siam at Sakon Nakorn, about 50 miles west of the Mekong River.  His companion on the jump is worth a mention as he too had suffered from the problem of the lack of swift medical attention that bedevilled many SOE operations.  Rowland Winn had broken a leg on a jump into Albania, spending the next month in great pain in a shepherd’s hut until a doctor could get to him; that experience had left him with a limp but a desire to continue his operational service with SOE.  (Rowland later won a Military Cross in Korea at the Battle of the Imjin River.)

On the ground in Siam the SOE team liaised with local officials, reconnoitred Japanese prisoner of war camps and fended off truculent US OSS officers who were determined that Siam should not fall under British domination in the post-war world.  After the war in the Far East officially ended SOE teams arranged for the formal surrender of Japanese garrisons and for the release of Allied prisoners of war.

Peter and his team them moved across the Mekong into Laos, a French colony, where an amount of chaos prevailed as Viet Minh communist troops attempted to seize power.   The US OSS again were obstructive as they were determined that the French should not re-gain control of their former Indo Chinese colonies.  Eventually Chinese Nationalist troops entered the country to maintain order until the French could re-assert authority.  Peter’s tasks included rescuing French hostages from Viet Minh hands and preventing massacres of French civilians.  Often French paratroopers were dropped into the SOE base at Sakon Nakorn in Siam, along with whatever weapons that the British could find for them, the men then covertly crossed the Mekong to fight off Viet Minh attacks.  In the end the French regained possession of Indo China but only for a few years, and then ironically the USA took up the burden until it finally recognised failure.
Indonesia

In the New Year of 1946 a peace treaty was signed between Thailand and Britain.  New employment was found for Peter as the commander of a small mission to the Dutch East Indian islands of Bali and Lombok.  There the Japanese garrisons had not yet surrendered and Peter’s team was tasked with discovering Japanese intentions.  As the General despatching Peter said: “In other words, if they cut your throats we’ll know we’ll have to launch a full-scale invasion.”

In the event the Japanese surrendered immediately and the team spent four months on the islands conducting civil and military government affairs until Dutch troops arrived.
 

The post-war years

Peter was medically demobilised in June 1946 and re-married in November that year; this time it lasted twelve years.  He suffered badly from tuberculosis until the British Army finally admitted responsibility and cured him in its Midhurst sanatorium.  Then from 1951 to retirement in 1980 he worked for a Canadian Life Insurance company.  The company was very liberal in allowing him time off to visit troubled parts of the world as a journalist.  He was on the ground during the Hungarian uprising, the Congo troubles, Vietnam, and whenever there was excitement in Central and South America.  It is hard to believe that Peter was not of use to other people in London during his overseas journalistic visits. 
 
Peter Mant MacIntyre Kemp DSO, ex-Intelligence Corps, 62 Commando and SOE, died in London on 30th October 1993.
 

Books

Peter Kemp wrote four excellent books; in all of them his prose is succinct and clear and his narrative style is excellent and extremely readable.
  • ‘Mine were of Trouble’ describes his Spanish Civil War years.
  • ‘No Colours or Crest’ details the MI(R) and SOE years covered by his citation.
  • ‘The Thorns of Memory’ is his autobiography in which he tells things as they were, freely admitting his own imperfections.  This is the best book for reading a general overview of his life.
But I especially like
 
  • ‘Alms for Oblivion’ which details his time in Thailand, Siam, Bali and Lombok.  Here, especially in Bali, we get a glimpse of the private Peter Kemp, who always had an eye for the ladies whilst the ladies always had both eyes for him.  When he loved did not love in a mean or a shallow way, but in the fulsome way in which he fought his military battles.  
Peter Kemp was an idealist but a realist – he always believed deeply in what he did, whatever that was, and his prose is a wonderful antidote to the jaded, too-clever-by-half, cynical and sometimes plain unbelievable political and military utterings that fill our television screens today.

“Hardship shall be your mistress, danger your constant companion.”
 
Author of the above: Harry Fecitt MBE TD
 
Award Source:
National Archives file WO 373/100/420.
London Gazettes Supp. 37396, page 6188.
 
Additional content: 
'French coast - Operation Farenheit'
Archive pages : 
62 Commando Small Scale Raiding Force

MTB 250 used by the SSRF image

MTB 250 used by the SSRF
MTB 250 used for raids along the French coast by the SSRF. Photo courtesy of Chris Rooney, son of Major Oswald 'Micky' Rooney, No.12 Commando.

MTB 344 off Beachy Head image

MTB 344 off Beachy Head
MTB 344 was used for raids along the French coast by the Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF). Photo courtesy of Chris Rooney, son of Major Oswald 'Micky' Rooney . No.12 Commando. 

'British Military Mission 204'

Mission 204 was the designation given to the British Military Mission to China.

Photos of the Special Service Detachments, British Military Mission 204 to China. 

An account from the Australian War Museum of Australian involvement in Mission 204. 

Archive pages: 
Special Service Detachments
Military Mission 204

'Special Service Detachment 1'

A detachment (SSD1) taken from British Military Mission 204 for use in operations in Burma. View images in Gallery.

Archive pages: 
Special Service Detachments
Military Mission 204

'Special Service Detachment 2'

A detachment (SSD2) taken from British Military Mission 204 for use in operations in Burma. View images in Gallery.

Archive pages: 
Special Service Detachments
Military Mission 204

ENGLISH, R.W. Major, Letter on Mission 204

Transcript (by Elaine Southworth-Davies) of a letter from Major R.W. English in response to an enquiry from Kevin O'Marah about the war service of his father WO1 Andrew O'Marah.

"April 15. 1984

Dear Mr O’Marah

I am writing in response to your request in the Legion under “Lost Trails” for information concerning the British Military Mission to China (204 Mission).

I was with the Malayan Contingent which arrived in Burma (Maymyo) when the Bush Warfare School was opened in 1941. During the first few weeks we were joined by the other Contingents which made up 204 Mission.  These Contingents came from Middle East (Commando Units) Australian Infantry Units (Malaya ) Far East (Hong Kong) and ourselves of course, drawn from Infantry and R E Units etc., Malaya.

After several months training and following the outbreak of hostilities with Japan the Mission left for China as planned. Those left behind in Burma were to eventually reinforce the Mission as and when required. However, in the light of the events that followed those remaining were eventually absorbed into the Burma Forces and it is at that time that No. 9 Independent Coy. and the Special Service Battalion must have been formed.

As for ourselves, we stayed in China for about twelve months and eventually were flown out to India. Not having really done an awful lot, most of us came out sick and when fit again joined other Units such as Wingate Forces. With a number of others, I later joined Force 136.

I cannot recall your father but certainly have still a vivid recollection of those days in Maymyo and, having been there from the very early days, may be able to assist you if you should require information on any specific details. If so, please let me know.

Yours sincerely

(signed)

R. W. English, Major "

Follow this link to view our Images of Mission 204 and the Special Service Detachments. 

Archive pages: 
Military Mission 204

Mission 204 letter from IWM

Transcript (by Elaine Southworth-Davies) of part of a reply dated 23 January 1985 from the Imperial War Museum (ref CJVH/ES/074472)  to Kevin O'Marah in response to his enquiry about the war service of his father WO1 Andrew O'Marah.

"Dear Mr O'Marah

Thank you for for your recent letter, your father appears to have had an eventful war career.

Mission 204 was the designation given to the British Military Mission to China as can be seen from the extract below:

" In discussing the forces available for the defence of Burma, mention has been made only of the troops actually in the country, but arrangements existed for military assistance from China in the event of a Japanese attack. Shortly after Far East Command had been set up in November 1940, Major-General L.E. Dennys was appointed Military Attache in Chungking with a view to his becoming the head of a British military mission in China  (known as 204 Mission) should war break out.

Largely owing to his work and that of Wing Commander J. Warburton (Air Attache), British relations with the Chinese were satisfactory, and considerable progress was made in plans for mutual co-operation. These included a visit in April 1941 by a Chinese military mission to Burma and Singapore.

British assistance took the form of aid in the preparation of airfield sites in the Kunming area for the protection of the Burma Road and the despatch of stocks of explosives, aviation petrol bombs and other material to China. In addition, special squads of British and Indian personnel were put under training in Burma for eventual attachment to the fifteen Chinese guerrilla companies which were being formed in China. It was proposed ultimately to double the number of these companies and consequently, that of the special squads. The Chinese on their part promised to send troops into Burma if required, and to to threaten the Japanese northern flank should they advance against Burma by way of Chiengrai."

which was taken from The War Against Japan, Volume 2, India's Most Dangerous Hour​, by Major General S. Woodburn-Kirby (London HMSO 1958). A further extract relates to the outcome of the idea of the joint British Chinese commando units:

"Major-General Dennys, who commanded the mission at the outbreak of war had been killed in an air crash on the 14th March 1942. His place was taken by Major-General J. G. Bruce. The latter recommended the withdrawal of the small British contingents in China since they were not being properly used by the Chinese. They were withdrawn by October 1942 and in November General Bruce handed over the command of the mission to Major-General Grimsdale, who was at that time British Military Attache in Chungking."

​Follow this link to view our Images of Mission 204 and the Special Service Detachments. 

STUART, Ted, Memories of 5 Commando and Mission 204

Type: Letters
Author: Ted Stuart No 5 Commando
Year of Publishing: 2016
Keywords: Mission 204
Download

A personal account of the memories of Ted Stuart, No 5 Commando, who volunteered for Mission 204.

Archive pages: 
No 5 Commando
Military Mission 204

Combined Operations Bombardment Units

A Combined Operations Bombardment Unit (COBU) provided fire direction for ships in shore bombardment in WW2. The first COBU was formed in 1940 and by the end of the war there were five in existence. In 1946 all were disbanded, except No.2 COBU which joined the School of Combined Operations (later the Amphibious Warfare Centre) at Fremington. They were a mixture of men from different Services - Royal Artillery, Royal Marines, and the Navy. (Information from Stu Hart ex 29 Cdo)

View in our gallery some Photos of the COBU.

'Landing Craft Obstruction Clearance Units'

Landing Craft Obstruction Clearance Unit - LCOCU.
In the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, Nos 7 and 8 were with Force S, Nos 9 and 10 with Force G, and 11 and 12 with Force J. They were all intended to clear paths through beach obstacles, but owing to the conditions of the tide and dangers from incoming craft the men were unable to use their shallow water diving gear, but nevertheless cleared obstacles. 
The Unit comprised of 120 men from the RN and RM including the RM Engineer Commando. Pathé News produced a post-war film about the Naval Frogmen in the LCOCU.
 
Sources
The Royal Marines 1919-2000, J.D.Ladd.
Links below.
Linked Content: 
LCOCU title
Archive pages: 
RM Engineer Commando WW2

LCOCU title

Confirmation from Admiralty Fleet Order A.F.O. 3440/45 page 14 of the correct unit title of the Landing Craft Obstruction Clearance Units (LCOCU).

LCOCU image

Men of the LCOCU changing into their shallow water diving suits before going in to clear explosives from a beach obstruction. © IWM A 28996

Men of the Landing Craft Obstruction Clearance Unit (LCOCU) changing into their shallow water diving suits before going in to clear explosives from a beach obstruction.
Photo © IWM A 28996 (non commercial use licence).

Sea Reconnaissance Unit

The SRU were part of the Special Operations Group within Combined Operations.

More: Selection and training of the SRU

Allied Forces who operated with Commandos

Americans from the 34 Inf. Divn. 168th Reg. Combat Team attached to No.6 Commando

These are just a few of the units from different countries that engaged in operations or training specifically with the Commandos. This does not include the troops that formed No 10 Inter Allied Commando as they were a specific unit of the Commandos and can be found in our WW2 Commandos section.

In our gallery we have numerous  photos of Americans, Candians, and Greeks who operated with,  or were trained by, Commandos.

We welcome more input regarding those individuals who served in this capacity.

United States of America

The members of the 1st Ranger Battalion were drawn in the main from two divisions that had recently been sent to Ireland from the U.S., the 34th Infantry Division and the 1st Armoured. In May 1942, Company A of the 1st Ranger Battalion was formed. All of the men were volunteers. They were moved to Scotland where they were trained under the instruction of British Commandos. Their commander was Captain William Darby. Some of them were among the first US troops to fight in Europe during the raid on Dieppe in 1942. Later they were expanded and trained to a battalion of 467 men. The US Rangers took part in the North African campaign Operation Torch, serving with Nos. 1 and 6 British Army Commandos. After this additional Ranger Battalions were formed along similar lines and took part in operations in all theatres of the war

Photos and documents about the US Rangers are here

LOUSTALOT, Edward Vincent

Known as: 
Forename seen elsewhere as Edwin
Rank: 
Second Lieutenant
Unit / Base: 
3 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
US Rangers 1st Bn.
Service: 
Army
Number: 
O-395585
Honours & Awards: 
Mentioned in Despatches
Born: 
Monday, March 17, 1919
Died : 
Wednesday, August 19, 1942
Killed in action or died of wounds
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Ardennes American Cemetery Belgium
Operations: 
Dieppe - Operation Jubilee
Local Roll of Honour: 
Dieppe Raid - Commando Fallen
Lt Edward Loustalot 1st US Rangers
Second Lieutenant Edward Loustalot, 1st US Ranger Bn., died during operations at Dieppe. He was the first American soldier to die on European soil in WW2.
Posthumous Mention in Despatches
"Second Lieut. Loustalot was attached to the party of No 3 Commando which landed on Berneval, Dieppe, on August 19th 1942. This party consisted of only three boat loads out of fifteen which had been engaged and dispersed by the enemy before reaching shore. They immediately went into the attack against greatly superior forces. Throughout the action, in which he lost his life, Second Lieut. Loustalot displayed the greatest coolness and gallantry under heavy fire and by his example and leadership contributed greatly to the attack, which successfully engaged large numbers for a long time and enabled another party, a mile distant, to approach their objective with only minor oppostion." 
 
Notes on Forename and Award:
UK National Archives search result shows Edwin. Source of Edward: ABMC, US Federal  Govt / Cross on his grave.
Award Source: UK National Archives ref WO/373/93/857. Award recommended by Lt. Col. J.F. Durnford-Slater.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 
3 Commando Roll of Honour
Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Archive pages : 
No 3 Commando
U.S.A. Forces

YOUNG, Leilyn, (American), letter about his time as a US Ranger.

Type: Letters
Author: Leilyn Young, Lisa McCollum
Year of Publishing: 2010
Keywords: Leilyn Young, US Ranger
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Leilyn Young, USA Forces

Leilyn Young, one of the first US Rangers to have Special Forces training by the new UK Commandos in WW2. Leilyn trained at the Special Training Centre, Lochailort, and then again at the Commando Depot, later renamed the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry. Both training centres were in Scotland, otherwise known as Commando Country. 

This letter is a diary of events from when he left America, his arrival in Ireland, subsequent Commando training in Scotland, then onto North Africa. The letter was taken back to the USA by a returning fellow US Ranger. Leilyn Young not only went through a 4 week course at Lochailort in 1942 but also a 4 week course a few weeks later at Achnacarry with Colonel Darby and his other Rangers. This latter course ended on the 1st August 1942. Leilyn reached the rank of Colonel but was a Captain when this letter was written.

His niece Lisa McCollum recalls this about him " He was an incredible man, very soft spoken and one of the kindest and gentlest men I had ever met. I did not know him as well as I would have liked." Leilyn Young died on the 28th July 2004 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Our thanks to Lisa McCollum for sharing her Uncle's letter with us

Archive pages: 
U.S.A. Forces

'American Rangers', Assault on Pointe du Hoc Battery

Transcript of a report by Lt Colonel Trevor.

Report details the landing of the US Rangers on DDay to assault the Battery.
Source: David Cheverton, godson of Lt Col. Thomas Hoult Trevor
(click on highlighted name for more.)
 
1. The Battery dominated the OMAHA and UTAH beaches and shipping. It was essential, therefore, that the guns be destroyed at the earliest possible moment.
 
2. The outline plan at the time that I started to work on the project was to land the Rangers on OMAHA beach in the second wave, pass them through the forward troop and then for them to advance along the coast line for 4-5 miles and attack the Battery from the landward (South-East) side. This plan was identical with the plan used to attack the POINTE MATIFOU battery at ALGIERS. There it was demonstrated that even against light opposition it is impossible to reach and reduce the Battery quickly enough to prevent it engaging our shipping to considerable effect. The plan was, therefore, partially abandoned and a landing was sought nearer the objective. That this was right was demonstrated by the fact that neither the balance of the Ranger Group nor the assault Batallions landed at OMAHA, in spite of most violent exertions, covered the 4-5 miles and reached POINTE DU HOE before the evening of D+2. During which time if the damage done at MATIFOU in a few hours is any criteria much of our shipping would have been sunk. 
 
3. The search for a nearer landingwas complicated by the topography of the coast which, Westward of OMAHA to POINTE DU HOC and on to GRAND CAMP, consists of 90 - 100 ft high cliffs. ​
 
4. The second plan consisted of a landingat GRAND CAMP, some two miles to the East of the Battery, and then attacking the Battery from the East. Here, however, there was a large artificial inundation which restricted the line of advance and forced the attack over open country up hill on ground dominated by prepared positions on commanding ground. A careful study of photographs convinced everyone that not only had the enemy foreseen this attack, but that he had made very elaborate preparations to meet it, and had prepared a “killing ground”. The object of the inundation being solely to canalise the attackers' advance over this prepared ground. This plan was abandoned. Inspection of the ground and defences later showed that the enemy had, in fact, made the most careful preparations on the above lines and many hitherto unsuspected positions commanding the line of approach were discovered. ​
 
5. The right and left attacks having been ruled out, if the battery was to be quickly silenced, there remained only the centre which, as already mentioned, consisted of high vertical cliffs. A plan was produced to scale the cliffs to the East and West of the battery at selected places between the strong points which were sited at regular intervals along the cliff top, and then attack the battery from the East and West by means of a pincer movement. ​This plan offered every prospect of success, if the assault could scale the cliffs under fire. However, when they had done so - no easy task – the defences of the battery still had to be reduced, and these in themselves were formidable. ​
 
6. A study of these defences showed that they all faced inland and that the enemy were relying for defence of the battery to seaward on the sheer cliffs. If the assault force had to climb the cliffs under fire it was obviously better to do so and get right into the objective without having to overcome any additional obstacles, rather than climb the cliffs and then have to deal with the prepared defences. An additional inducement was the vital impotance of obtaining a quick decision, coupled with the economy of supporting fire which resulted from combining the supporting fire for the attack with the neutralising fire necessary to keep the battery silent during the approach. The final deciding factor was that it was a very bold conception and it is an old dictum that “bold conception and cautious execution leads to quick and favourable decisions”. This plan was adopted but unfortunately they hedged by providing for part of the Ranger Group to land at OMAHA and carry out the original plan if the assault of the Battery had not succeeded by H+30. It was, however, the original plan that failed and this “insurance” policy only resulted in the success of this operation not being fully exploited for lack of the necessary follow-up, since the assault did not land until after H+30. ​
 
7. The plan of attack having been decided and the route of approach having been chosen, there only remained the technical problem of how to waft two hundred or more men up a vertical cliff. When that problem had been solved a short eight minute film explaining how it was to be done was made, and is included as part of this report. 
 
8. The most prominent event in the execution was that the Rangers were put ashore about 70 minutes instead of 3 minutes after the bombardment ceased. At the time I considered that this alone was enough to render the operation abortive. However, so great was the tactical surprise and such the verve and dash of the troops that it made no difference, the first men being up in about 3 – 4 minutes and the guns captured and destroyed in thirty minutes. ​
 
9. The great accuracy of the preliminary bombardment, both by air and sea – the very considerable devastation and the large craters so created were very impressive, but it was of great interest that in spite of this accurate and intnsive concentration of heavy bombs and shells, only one-third of the guns were badly damaged, one-sixth slightly damaged, while half were in perfect order which strikingly confirms the old doctrine that vital objectives must be assaulted if they are to be destroyed with certainty. ​
 
10. Throughout the 3 days holding battle that followed the destruction of the guns the supporting fire given by the destroyers, was by its weight and extreme accuracy, often the deciding factor. It is rather remarkable that much of this fire was controlled from a forward O.P.  by Aldous lamp direct to the ship; the wireless sets having become casualties.
 
11. When the battle was prolonged food and water, both of which we were in need of, were landed by the destroyers in their ships' boats.
 
12. The lack of landing craft delayed the evacuation of wounded and the value of unit M.Os having blood Plasma and the necessary facilities for blood transfusion was apparent and should never be neglected where there is any likelihood of delayed evacuation.
 
13. The unseaworthy qualities of the L.C.A. were abnormally apparent in the short lop that there was during the run in, two out of twelve sank, due to stress of weather, the others were only kept afloat by working all the pumps and every available man bailing with his helmet. Having been for long voyages in the Channel and up the Africa coast in bad weather aboard these craft, without experiencing similar circumstances, I can only suppose that on this occasion the length of the seas was peculiarly unsuited to L.C.A. But it would appear desirable, in view of the above, to consider before employing these craft in the falsely named Pacific.  
 
14. In conclusion I feel that it should be stressed that an operation of this sort against a strongly defended coast is only suitable for bold and skillfull troops who have had long and careful preparation. Their leaders must combine a courageous spirit in the conception of the plan, with the ability to take infinite pains over minor details of the execution. 
 
12th July 1944                     Signed . Lt Col Trevor
Archive pages: 
U.S.A. Forces

American Rangers at Achnacarry image (1)

US Rangers at Achnacarry 1943
Members of a U.S. Ranger Battalion on a speed march 7th Feb.'43, Commando Depot, Achnacarry
The caption reads:
"Members of a U.S. Ranger Battalion taking a ten mile speed march somewhere in Britain.
Spean Bridge, Scotland
Date: 7 February 1943.
III-SC 180096, Credit The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
 

American Rangers at Achnacarry image (2)

Lt Derek Burr instructing American Rangers at Achnacarry

American Rangers at the Commando Depot, Achnacarry. Major Derek Burr later served as OC 4 troop No.5 Commando (ref. LL2/CA Newsletter).
The caption reads:
"Lt. Derek Burr of a Commando Depot stands behind four men of a Ranger unit whom he is instructing in the use of a M.1. Rifle.
(L-R): Pfc. Vernon Dougherty of Altoona, Pa., Pfc. Chas. Perachka of Mercer, Pa., Cpl. Alonzo Colds of Todd, N.C., and Cpl. Laurence Hickman of Bishopville, Md."
Date: 7 February 1943.
III-SC 180095, Credit The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Canada

W Party - Royal Navy Beach Commandos.

W Party were mostly Canadian Beach Commandos attached to the RN Commandos. They were specially trained Commandos set up to create and maintain order on Normandy's Juno Beach during the landings. Such was the uncertainty of what they would find that they trained for all conceivable contingencies from protection against chemical warfare and clearing obstacles to driving Sherman tanks! However, their main task was to keep the traffic of men, machines and supplies flowing through the beach area.

Photos and documents can be found here

Greece

Greek Sacred Squadron

Formed in Palestine in 1942 from Greek Officers and cadets fighting at the time in the Middle East and originally under the command of Major Antonios Stefanakis. When its new commander Col. Christodoulos Tsigantes took over he changed the role to one of a Special Forces nature and they trained at the SAS base in Cairo. Also known as "Sacred Band" and increased in size to 400 men, the unit fought with General Leclerc's Free French forces in Tunisia, the SAS in the Libyan desert, and with the SAS and SBS in the Aegean. In 1944 it is increased to Regiment strength and put under the command of British Raiding Forces. It is involved in combat operations with the combined SAS/SBS raiding forces on the islands of the northern Aegean sea and the Dodecanese.

Notable among the many operations - July 1944 a combined Greek-British raiding force catures the German garrison on the island of Simi. Under Brigadier Turnbull's overall command, Lt.Col. Lapraik DSO, OBE, MC and bar [more....], played a leading role as OC of the British Special Forces (Force 142 a combined SAS/SBS force) involved. Throughout the months of 1944 and 1945 it continues in successful operations against the German garrisons on other islands. On the 7th August 1945 the unit disbands at a parade in Athens.

View on this link our Photos and documents about the Squadron.

Read the full history here The Sacred Squadron.

'Commandos in the Field 1945' - Combined Ops. Pamphlet 26

Type: Booklet
Author: Content Admin
Year of Publishing: 2020
Keywords: Provided by John Rawlinson, Hon. Sec. RMHS.
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Prepared under the direction of the Chief of Combined Operations, March 1945.

Archive pages: 
Commando Training WW2

Commando Battle Honours

Battle Honours report from Commando Association newsletter 26 March 1958
"It is with great pride and pleasure that we are now able to report a successful conclusion to our enquiries, commenced over two years ago, about the possibility of the Association being granted Battle Honours. As the result of preliminary correspondence with the War Office, we received news in March, 1957, to say that approval had been given by Her Majesty the Queen for the award of Battle Honours to commemorate the services of the Commandos in the Second World War, and that, as a special case, claims could be submitted on behalf of the Commando Association.

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.

Read on from below right ......

A timeline of Commando Training

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 majority of volunteers for the Independent Companies went onto join the newly raised Army Commandos. Volunteers came from all sections of the Field Army.  

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 Special Training Centre (S.T.C.) 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 still known as the Commando Depot but later re-designated as 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

Historical note
The first Commandos were all Army Commandos. Twelve Army Commandos were raised in 1940 and had been involved in operations since then. 
It was not until February 1942 that the first Royal Marine Commando unit was raised, initially designated as the 'Royal Marine Commando', then redesignated 'A' RM Commando when a second RM Commando was formed in October 1942, before finally being designated as 40 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines. Nine RM Commando units were in existence by the end of the war.

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.

Sources
  • Donald Gilchrist, CBTC Instructor and author of Castle Commando.
  • James Dunning, CBTC Instructor and  author of It Had To Be Tough.
  • Commando Veterans Archive Gallery
  • The No 10 Independent Company War Diary ​
 © Commando Veterans Archive  2014
 

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Archive pages: 
Commando Training WW2

'A document on the object of Special Service'

Service in a Commando
This document was written by Lt Colonel Augustus Charles Newman who served in the Essex Regiment, the Independent Companies, and was Officer Commanding No 2 Commando. 
He would later be awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry as the military force commander at St Nazaire on Operation Chariot. During this raid he was taken prisoner of war.
No.2 COMMANDO.
SERVICE IN A COMMANDO     by Lt Col. Newman.
1. The object of Special Service is to have available a fully trained body of first class soldiers, ready for active offensive operations against an enemy in any part of the world. 
2. Irregular warfare demands the highest standards of initiative, mental alertness and physical fitness, together with the maximum skill at arms. No Commando can feel confident of success unless all ranks are capable of thinking for themselves; of thinking quickly and of acting independently, and with sound tactical sense, when faced by circumstances which may be entirely different to those which were anticipated. 
3. Mentally. The offensive spirit must be the outlook of all ranks of a Commando at all times. 
4. Physically. The highest state of physical fitness must at all times be maintained. All ranks are trained to cover at great speed any type of ground for distances of five to seven miles in fighting order. 
Examples: 
a. Fighting Order (seven miles in one hour (march & run). 
b. F.S.M.O. (Full Service Marching Order)
5 miles in one hour (marching)
9 miles in two hours (marching)
15 miles in 4¼ hrs
25 miles in 8 hrs.
35 miles in 14 hrs. 
After all these distances and times, troops must be ready, in para (a) to fight, and in para (b) to fight after two hours rest. 
5. Cliff and mountain climbing and really difficult slopes climbed quickly form a part of Commando training.
6. A high degree of skill in all branches of unarmed combat will be attained. 
7. Seamanship and Boatwork. All ranks must be skilled in all forms of boatwork and landing craft whether by day or by night, as a result of which training, the sea comes to be regarded as a natural working ground for a Commando. 
8. Night sense and night confidence are essential. All ranks will be highly trained in the use of the compass. 
9. Map reading and route memorising form an important part of Commando training. 
10. All ranks of a Commando will be trained in semaphore, morse and the use of W/T. 
11. All ranks will have elementary knowledge of demolitions and sabotage. All ranks will be confident in the handling of all types of high explosives, Bangalore torpedoes, and be able to set up all types of booby traps. 
12. A high standard of training will be maintained in all forms of street fighting, occupation of towns, putting towns into a state of defence and the overcoming of all types of obstacles, wire, rivers, high walls, etc. 
13. All ranks in a Commando should be able to drive motor cycles, cars, lorries, tracked vehicles, trains and motor boats. 
14. A high degree of efficiency in all forms of fieldcraft will be attained. Every man in a Commando must be able to forage for himself, cook and live under a bivouac for a considerable period. 
15. All ranks are trained in first aid and will be capable of dealing with the dressing of gunshot wounds and the carrying of the wounded. 
16. These are a few among the many standards of training that must be attained during service in a Commando. At all times a high standard of discipline is essential, and the constant desire by all ranks to be fitter and better trained than anyone else. 
17. The normal mode of living is that the Special Service Soldier will live in a billet found by himself and fed by the billet for which he will receive 6s. 8d. per day to pay all his expenses. 
18. Any falling short of the standards of training and behaviour on the part of a Special Service Soldier will render him liable to be returned to his unit. 
Source: The document and history behind it is detailed in the book 'It Had to be Tough' written by the late Major James Dunning, a former TSM in No.4 Commando and Instructor at the Commando Depot (later renamed the Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

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Linked Content: 
NEWMAN, Lt Col. Augustus Charles, VC
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Commando Training WW2
No 2 Commando

'Commando Basic Training Centre'

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].

Located on the banks of the River Arkaig the castle is flanked by daunting and desolate mountain terrain. Ben Nevis is just 18 miles away and waiting as a final challenge at the end of most courses. In the immediate vicinity of the main building hutted accommodation was erected, amongst which a large multi purpose hut was dominant. 

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.

The first of the new centralised training courses took place in Feb/March 1942, and by the time it closed in 1946 more than 25,000 men had passed through the gates of Achnacarry to participate in what was the forerunner of all special forces training throughout the world. Not all the men were Commandos. There were other units that sent contingents to Achnacarry for training. Much of what was taught in these early days is still the basis for Commando training of today.
 
The photo below taken February 1943 depicts Commandant Lt. Col. Vaughan with his Second in Command Major Cockcraft. 

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.

Each Training Commando was commanded by a Captain, with a minimal headquarters of a CSM, a clerk and a storeman. The Commando was organized into four training Troops, each under an instructor-officer, assisted by a Troop Sergeant." Major Dunning goes on to say that there was a Demonstration Troop to assist Instructors in their training and this troop had a secondary role as the Pipe Band for the CBTC."

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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Linked Content: 
VAUGHAN, Charles Edward (Lt Col)
Archive pages: 
Commando Training WW2
Training Centre Deaths during WW2

VAUGHAN, Charles Edward (Lt Col)

Rank: 
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base: 
Training Centres WW2
7 Commando
4 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
The Buffs, East Kent
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2646398 & 142142
Honours & Awards: 
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonel Charles Vaughan

Charles Edward Vaughan, born 1893, was originally attached to No.7 Commando. The then Major Vaughan took over as Acting Second in Command of No.4 Commando on 30 June 1941 replacing Major M.G. Kerr before taking up his role as the Commandant of the newly formed Commando Depot (CBTC) at Achnacarry.

RSM of The Buffs (East Kent) Regiment from 1926 - 1935.
Awarded MBE (Military Division) 1934 [Source: London Gazette 34056; page 3563]
Promoted Lieutenant 22nd July 1940  [Source: London Gazette 34926; page 5081]
Awarded OBE  (Military Divsion)1946  [Source: London Gazette 37598; page 2771]
Promoted Lt Col. to take up post of Commandant at the Commando Depot 1942.
 
In  his book 'It had to be Tough', the author Major James Dunning says of him
" 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, Charlie'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."
 
Charles Vaughan was associated throughout the remainder of his life with The Old Comrades Association of the Special Service Brigade, later amended to the Old Comrades Association of the Army Commandos (The Commando Association). It was formed on the 20th June 1943 at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry by Lt Col Vaughan, who as Founder Member was given membership Number One.  Lt Col. Vaughan was President of the Commando Association during the  years 1947/48, 1953/54/55, and 1963/64/65. He was also involved in the formation of the Commando Benevolent Fund to assist or benefit persons who have served at any time in the Army Commandos or being dependents, wives, widows or issue of such person, being in need of assistance.

On June 6th 1964 during the ceremonies in Ouistreham commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the D Day Landings, the Commando Memorial window at the church of St Sampson was unveiled by Lieut. Colonel Vaughan. The window had been donated by the Association to the people of Ouistreham as a token of appreciation for their continued hospitality and kindness to Commando Veterans attending D Day Anniversaries. In January 1965 Lieut. Colonel Charles Vaughan OBE represented the Association at the funeral service in St Paul's Cathedral for Sir Winston Churchill.

Donald Gilchrist author of 'Castle Commando' wrote :
" But it is to you, Charles, that we who counted it an honour to serve you, wish to show our appreciation. You made us fit to fight. You taught us the art of living in a world at war, and to laugh in the most perilous circumstances. What we were - if we were anything - we owe in great measure to you."

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Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Archive pages : 
Commando Training WW2
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando

COCKCRAFT, William Gordon La Trobe

Rank: 
Major
Unit / Base: 
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
53758
Honours & Awards: 
Mentioned in Despatches
Born: 
Tuesday, September 17, 1912
Birthplace: 
Somerset
Died: 
1988
Major Cockcraft CBTC
Major William Cockcraft was second in command of the Commando Depot at Achnacarry, later renamed the Commando Basic Training Centre [1].
Member of the Commando Association from Hartley Wintney, Hants" [2].
  • The IWM have an Oral Interview (catalogue number 3935) recorded with Major William Gordon La Trobe Cockcraft covering the period he served with the Royal Berkshire Regiment and the training of the 4th Bn King's African Rifles in Uganda, Kenya and East Africa, 1938-1942. (He received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service during this period*). At the very end of the last reel (reel 2) Major Cockcraft states he left them to volunteer for the Commandos [3] .
  • 13 August 1949 Major Cockcraft retired from service [4].
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery images in training gallery..
[2] Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 88 (1989).
[3] IWM Oral Interview  catalogue 3935.
[*MiD]  London Gazette 35396, page 7348.
[4] London Gazette 38691, page 3965.
Image: III-SC 180099, Credit The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
 
Notes 
Surname erroneously spelt elsewhere as Cockraft and first name shown as Peter.
 
Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Archive pages : 
Commando Training WW2

'Lt. Col. Vaughan confers with his 2 i/c, Major Cockcraft', image

Lt Col Vaughan and Major Cockcraft
[Image] III-SC 180099, Credit The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
[Caption] "Lt. Col. C.E. Vaughan, Commandant of a Commando Depot confers with this Second in Command, Major Peter Cockraft* on the day's schedule for a Ranger Unit. Speanbridge, Scotland."
*surname should read as Cockcraft.
 
Archive pages : 
Commando Training WW2
Linked content: 
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
VAUGHAN, Charles Edward (Lt Col)
COCKCRAFT, William Gordon La Trobe

CBTC Demonstration Troop

The Demonstration Troop at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry, assisted Instructors in their training and had a secondary role as the Training Centre Pipes and Drums Band.
Gallery Images [view....].

CBTC Pipe Band and Demonstration Troop

The CBTC Pipe Band and Demonstration Troop
The Pipes and Drums band was based at the Commando Depot at Achnacarry, later known as the Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC). It was also the Demonstration Troop.
Major James Dunning, No.4 Commando and later on the staff at the CBTC wrote in his book 'It Had To Be Tough', "A lot of our Instruction hinged on demonstrations by both my two NCO's and the Achnacarry Demonstration Troop. The latter had a busy time for it not only gave demonstrations, but doubled as the Pipe Band".
Pipe Major T.A. MacLauchlan was in charge and in this photo is seated front row 3rd from the left next to Colonel Charles Vaughan, the Commandant of the CBTC. Cyril Corbett, is seated on the front row 1st position on the left as you view the image. He is holding his drum sticks across his knees. The commando standing to his right shoulder, drum sticks across the drum skin, may possibly be his friend, Vic Hanson. [Image credit: Denis Muir, Curator, Clan Cameron Museum].

Pipe Major Maclauchlan at Achnacarry

Pipe Major Thomas Alexander Maclauchlan
Pipe Major Thomas Alexander Maclauchlan, Commando Depot Pipes and Drums, 1943.

Training at Achnacarry image

Commandos training at Achnacarry

Arrival at Spean Bridge Railway Station

For those selected as suitable after Achnacarry became the Commando Depot/Commando Basic Training Centre in 1942, their arrival by train at Spean Bridge Railway Station has been described in many different ways. Some say they were met by a pipe band, others that they marched in full kit to Achnacarry, others that they arrived on their own. All are true but none set in stone. 
In the highly recommended book Castle Commando written by Donald Gilchrist, the author sums up his own arrival as follows: "From Crianlarich the train climbed steadily northwards, through scenery that became increasingly wilder and more forbidding. By Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy, over bleak Rannoch Moor, and on past Loch Treig.
A pitiless drizzle was falling as the train finally rumbled down a slight gradient, and clanged and clattered to a halt at a picturesque little station.
Above the hiss of steam I could hear the sound of the pipes and - like a ghostly echo of the '45 - a porter shouting in a high pitched, Highland voice: "Spee...ann Prri...dge ! "
Donald Gilchrist described the scene at Spean Bridge Railway Station as the train pulled in. A kilted Pipe Major playing the quickstep alongside instructors giving orders on the platform, distinguished by their appearance, wearing camouflaged rainproof jackets, boots and faces shining, their brasses beaten flat and burnished. 
Kit bags were thrown onto lorries but the men were formed up, flanked by Instructors, and with pipes playing, they marched the seven miles to Achnacarry.
Others have described arriving alone in possession of just their kit and a rail warrant, and not knowing where to go, having to ask for someone to phone the staff at Achnacarry who would come and collect them.
All would take the same route past the Spean Bridge Hotel through the village to the bridge. Marching across the bridge over the Caledonian Canal, then up the steep incline until Achnacarry House loomed into view. The one consolation to all the recruits was that at least the officers had to do it as well !
Stopping at the gate they had time to take in the surroundings. Everywhere you looked men were training.
Alongside the trees that lined the driveway was a long row of graves marked by white crosses. Nailed to each was a small board bearing a number, rank, and name, under which was a cause of death. "He showed himself on the skyline",  "He thought his camouflage cover perfect",  and so on. 
Donald Gilchrist, who later become an Instructor at the CBTC, describes his thoughts on these graves when he first saw them: "They were phoney of course....Or, were they? "
 
The volunteers had arrived.
 
© Commando Veterans Archive  2014

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'Commando Dark Mile training areas'

A good map of the various locations of training described on our archive.

Speed Marches
Trainees were introduced to their first speed march on the 2nd day of the course. A gentle 5 miles around the Dark Mile in under an hour. This first march was followed by other weekly jaunts each followed by an additional task  
7 miles under 70 minutes followed by digging a defensive position
9 miles under 90 minutes, followed by firing practice
12 miles in under 130 minutes, followed by a drill parade on the square
15 miles under 170 minutes, followed by assault course and firing.
These times were only basic guidelines with Troop leaders expected to aim for better times according to the fitness of the trainees. On all speed marches everyone was expected to help flagging comrades keep up. All Officers and men were expected to help out in the task of load sharing for flagging comrades. Instructors were tasked with leading by example rather than by bullying. They verbally encouraged and helped the stragglers. This was a fundamental and significant feature of Commando training.
 
Cross country marches and living rough
Located in the area between the River Arkaig on the opposite side to Glas Bheinn Mhor past the Chia-aig waterfall and forest (nb. this walk area is currently closed due to hazards).
Quite different to speed marching on open road, cross country marching would be better known today in modern Commando parlance as 'yomping'. Even the formation was different. Single file, rather than the columns of three in the speed marches, and led by an Officer or an NCO, on a compass bearing or picking his route from a map. The leader also set the pace. Over heather and swampy moors, through glens and across shallow burns and deep and fast flowing rivers, up and down mountains. In all weathers throughout the year, and with no special clothing or equipment other than standard army issues. Dressed in FSMO and carrying rifles the going was tough. The need for observation at all times was paramount as snipers and ambushes were laid on by Instructors, and as always, live ammunition was used by this 'enemy'.
The cross country marches were developed into 36 hour schemes so that the trainees slept out and learnt to make the best of any shelter, or use natural materials to construct simple bivouacs. They also had to cook their own meals and this is where the 'Me and My Pal' system came to the fore. One man prepared the 'bivvy' whilst the other got 'cracking on the grub.'  This is where their survival training from Achnacarry's CSM 'Ossie' Moon was put into practice. Alongside the River Arkaig Ossie would describe the basic principles of building to provide shelter from the rain, wind, and cold. How to live off the land, how to procure all kinds of food, animal and vegetable, and prepare and cook the same on a wide range of improvised fires.
 
Rock climbing and mountain marches
Located on the opposite side of the road leading up to Achnacarry and the Post Office, and away from there. It was also the route for cross country marches to Ben Nevis.
 
Assault courses, field firing weapons and grenades
Located in the area near to Loch Arkaig.
More time was devoted to weapon training and firing practices than any other single subject for obvious reasons. This training was the responsibility of the WTO - Weapon Training Officer. Captain 'Wally' Walbridge was the original WTO, followed by Captain Ken Allen, and later Captain 'Spud' Murphy.
The basic instruction consisted of a thorough revision of Rifle, Bren gun, Thompson sub machine gun, Boys anti tank rifle, Piat, Revolver, and Grenades. Followed by plenty of handling practices and lots of firing.
Some introductory instruction was given on the heavy weapons such as the Vickers MMG and the 3" Mortar, but it was elementary as more detailed instruction on heavy weapons was given at the Holding Operational Commando, or once at their operational Commando, if and when they passed their basic training at Achnacarry. They were also given instruction in the use of enemy weapons, and those of our major ally, the USA.
Basic instruction on mines and demolitions was also given, but it was basic, as specialist demolition courses were available elsewhere for Commandos when needed for specific missions. 
 
The Tarzan Course
This consisted of the Toggle Bridge and the Death Ride. Both were located along the banks of the River Arkaig between Achnacarry itself and the Boat House at Bunarkaig. 
The toggle rope was a piece of equipment all commandos carried. About 4 feet in length it had a piece of wood at one end and a loop at the other. It was a simple matter to thread the wood between the loop. If needed several could be joined to gether to form a chain as an aid to scaling walls. Many could be linked together to form a toggle bridge strong enough to support half a dozen men and all their equipment at a time.
As part of the training a toggle bridge was set up between the two banks of the River Arkaig. Crossing the toggle bridge was by no means an easy task with many ending up in the river below.
The Death Ride or as later some called the Death Slide was the idea of Lt. Alick Cowieson, nicknamed Alick Mor (Alick the Mighty), who at the time was an instructor at Achnacarry. One end of a climbing rope was tied to the top of a tree on one bank of the Arkaig, with the other end tied to the base of a tree on the other side. The rope was then pulled taut. A distance of about 50 feet across the river, the descent being from a height of about 30-40 feet above the river.
The recruit would then climb to the top of the tree, thread the wooden peg of his toggle rope through the loop thus making a complete circle of rope. This was then placed across the rope that was stretching across the river. so that the two loops at the end of the toggle rope now dropped on either side of the outstretched rope. Putting their wrists through the loops and twisting them securely and then holding onto the toggle rope above. Then by kicking with their feet against the trunk of the tree they were off.  
The remainder of the tarzan course consisted of ropes spread across the tall beech trees in the wooded area linking each at heights of about 30-40 feet. On these the men would learn cat crawling - torso flat on a single strand of rope with one leg extended backwards and the foot positioned over the rope, the other leg dangling down for balance. Then making your way along the rope. Additionally there were grappling nets set up where recruits would swing from a rope and let go to fall onto the grappling net.
Field Craft
Located between the banks of the River Arkaig and the area on the map marked Clunes. The primary brief for Instructors was to provide expert instruction on movement over all types of terrain by day and night, the use of ground cover to avoid detection by the enemy, camouflage and concealment, and methods of locating the enemy with both 'eye and ear'. The instruction was given by an Officer and 2 NCO's assisted with paractical demonstrations by the Achnacarry Demonstration Troop. The latter doubled as the CBTC Pipe Band ! It would be impossible to describe the training involved in a paragraph here. The Officer instructor in Field Craft during his time at the CBTC was James Dunning and he details this and all the other types of instruction givem at Achnacarry in his excellent book 'It Had to be Tough' - a must read for anyone interested in Commando training. 
 
Unarmed combat/close quarter fighting
At Achnacarry this training was delivered by the Physical Training Instructors.
The Instructors were Sgt Stanley 'Sonnie' Bissell and Sgt Roy Bellringer, led by CSMI Alex Frickleton. Sonnie Bissell, one of the first of the Police intakes to the Commandos, was accomplished in the art of boxing, wrestling, and judo. 
 
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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Commandos cross a toggle bridge image

Commando trainees crossing a toggle bridge at Achnacarry
Commandos cross a river on a 'toggle bridge' under simulated artillery fire, at the Commando training depot at Achnacarry, Inverness-shire, Scotland, January 1943. Reproduced here under the terms of the IWM Non-Commercial Licence - Photo © IWM (H 26620). 
 

'Boat Training at Bunarkaig'

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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'Cliff Assaults' Combined Ops Pamphlet 24

Type: Files
Author: Prepared under the direction of the Chief of Combined Operations 1945
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: commando mountain warfare training, cliff assaults
Download
A document published in 1945 outlining Cliff Assaults training as part of Combined Operations.
 
Archive pages: 
Commando Training WW2

'Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre' (CMWTC)

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.
 
Linked Content: 
'C.M.W.T.C History 1943-45'
Archive pages: 
Commando Training WW2

'C.M.W.T.C History 1943-45'

Type: Booklet
Author: Provided by Major James Dunning
Year of Publishing: 2019
Keywords: Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre, CMWTC
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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.

Linked Content: 
'Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre' (CMWTC)
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Commando Training WW2

A reunion of the CMWTC at St Ives

Units: 
'Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre' (CMWTC)

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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Training Centres WW2

Training Centres Roll of Honour [View the ROH].
 
Early Training Centres
Follow this link for early training including [CTC Inveraray and STC Lochailort].
View Training Courses allocated at [CTC Inveraray].
Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC)
Follow this link for the [Commando Basic Training Centre].
View in our Gallery [Images of Commando Training].
Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre (CMWTC)
​Follow this link for more about [Cliff Assaults].
View in our gallery [Images for the CMWTC].
RN Commando Training Centre
Centre for the formation and training of RN Commandos from 1942 until 1945. Based at the War Office requisitioned Glenfinart House Ardentinny, close to Loch Long, and designated from October 1942 as HMS Armadillo.
 
View in our Gallery [Images and information on RN Commandos].
Advanced Handling and Fieldcraft School at Llanberis, Caernarfonshire
This arduous course was for junior Officers and senior NCO's.  One of the Rifle Instructor's there was Tasker Watkins,  who was later awarded the Victoria Cross serving with the Welch Regiment after D Day. The course culminated in a section race over Mount Snowdon. Many Commandos attended this course whilst based at the Holding Operational Commando at Wrexham awaiting operational posting.
Combined Operations Training Centres
This link takes you to a comprehensive list of [Combined Operations Training Centres].
 

'Courses at CTC Inveraray'

Courses for the Special Service Brigade and SCU.

The No 1 Combined Training Centre (CTC) at Inverary was located on the banks of Loch Fyne. The Naval Shore Base, HMS Quebec,  was also based at this location.
 
Training courses  took place here for units from both British and Allied Forces.  The list below represent only those allocated to the Special Service Brigade, and to the Servicing Commando Units of the RAF. 
 
Source: National Archives DEFE2/1317
 

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 Training WW2
RAF Servicing Commando
Norwegian

Commando Basic Training Centre Staff, Achnacarry,1945

Commando Basic Training Centre staff 1945

Commando Basic Training Centre Staff, Achnacarry,1945

Officers and staff at Lochailort circa 1942

Officers and Staff at STC Lochailort 1942

A newspaper article by Capt. Donald Gilchrist

Type: Files
Author: Content Admin
Year of Publishing: 2024
Keywords: Achnacarry,commando,training,ww2
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This article on WW2 Commando training written by Captain Donald Gilchrist, No.4 Commando and CBTC Instructor, was published in the Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser 8 November 1990.

Linked Content: 
GILCHRIST, Donald Johnston
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Commando Training WW2

FILM 'The Story of the Green Beret

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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'Achnacarry Christmas 1945'

Extract from the Globe and Laurel
February 1946 edition
C.B.T.C.
After a brief spell "off the record" we again present the latest news. We have said farewell to our late Commandant, Lt. Col. A. G. Komrower, D.S.O., Lancashire Fusiliers, and simultaneously had the pleasure of welcoming our new Commandant, Lt. CoL Martin Price, D.S.O., R.M. Our comrades-in-arms, the Army Commandos, have also left the Centre and we are at present in the throes of the great changeover.
 
The rigours of a West Highland winter, together with the feeling one gets when one is "miles from nowhere" is being destroyed by the "buckling-to" of all ranks. And the object to be reached is the high standard of efficiency which the Army has left us to maintain.
 
Christmas was spent in camp by about fifty per cent of the staff and was much enjoyed, thanks to the efforts of the R.S.M. and a handful of volunteers. The bill of fare was not lacking in all the usual festive season's items, and the manner in which it was presented was something to be wondered at. This particular off-shoot of Glen More was filled with the strains of dance music during the two holidays, broadcast from a loud·hailer situated in a central part of camp.
 
Boxing Day was finished off with a dance in the camp, which was much enjoyed by all who attended. One Marine was actually heard to remark how sorry he was for all those on Christmas leave! 
 
Christmas was spent rather quietly by the Sergeants' Mess, who found difficulty in recovering from the epic football match with the Officers, when both sides became lost in a smokescreen under a hail of rockets and thunder flashes. Both sides subsequently claimed decisive victory. It is rumoured, though, that if Christmas dinner had been served an hour later (by the Officers and Sergeants), the Marines and Corporals would have "had it" due to the unsteady hands of some of the waiters! 
 
The Corporals' Mess is well under way, thanks to a very able President, although with the constant fluctuation of members, nothing can be tackled in the true Commando fashion. 
 
Headdress seems to be a very common topic up here these days. The withdrawal of the famous green beret is causing dIsappointment in our ranks, but it is alleviated in some measure by the vision of a trilby, bowler or top hat!
 
And on this note we close, wishing all our ex- members the very best of everything wherever they may be. This also, of course, includes ex- trainees, of whom Achnacarry has cause to be justly proud.
E.M. & E.G.

Read on from below right.....

Archive pages: 
Commando Training WW2

Army Commando disbanding

Extract from Hansard - Volume 414 - UK Parliament debate 25 October 1945.

Major Wyatt asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make on the future of the Commandos.

Mr. Lawson, Secretary of State for War
The Army Commandos were formed in 1940 for the only kind of offensive operation that we were then able to undertake. During the years of preparation, before the assault on the Continent in 1944, the Commandos were used in many raids and attacks on the enemy-held coasts. Their tasks did not cease with the invasion of Europe, for they took part in many operations until VJ Day, and they have seen service in Burma and on almost every front in this war. The manpower commitments of the Services must, however, now be greatly reduced and it is impracticable for the Army to retain in peace-time specialised units such as the Commandos. But although the Army Commandos are now to be disbanded the lessons which they learnt and the technique which they perfected will be incorporated in the Army training of the future.In addition, a certain number of Commando units will be retained in the Royal Marines, who have themselves furnished  during the war half the strength of the Commando force, and who are so fully qualified, by their long tradition and history, to carry on the special role which the Commandos have performed in the war. I take this opportunity of paying tribute to the gallant officers and men who have served in these units.

Police Volunteers

Police Officers with pre war military service before joining the police were on the Army Reserve List and liable for call up at the outbreak of war, some later volunteering from regiments when commandos were formed. From 1942 serving police officers were permitted to volunteer direct for the commandos. 
 
Police Intake courses at the Commando Depot (C.B.T.C.), Achnacarry.
1st  Police Intake - 24 June to 27 August 1942, total 68 (Metropolitan Police).
2nd Police Intake - 23 July to 24 September 1942, total 273.
3rd Police Intake - 15 October 1942 to 18 January 1943, total 84.
There were a  number of Police Officers who joined later in 1943.
 
Lt Col. Charles Vaughan, Commandant of the Training Centre at Achnacarry later wrote of the Police Intakes, "there were only a few huts and tents in which to accomodate them, we also had to equip them with uniforms and the accoutrements of a soldier....and the conditions at Achnacarry, I can assure you, would have horrified the War Office recruiting agents or any Commandant of an ordinary training centre.....but, believe me, nothing deterred those chaps. They entered into the spirit of the situation and in two months I had the pleasure of presenting to those who passed (understandably not all did) their green berets, the hall-mark of a trained Commando....they were the finest material that I ever had to deal with in all my soldiering..." (Source: Dunning, Fighting Fourth, p. 94)
Displaying 1 - 357 of 357

AKROYD, Thomas Daniel

Served as : 
ACKROYD, Thomas Daniel
Guardsman
2656563
No 9 Commando
Coldstream Guards
Leeds City Police Force
Thomas Akroyd was wounded (gunshot wound to right leg and broken nose) 1st February 1944 during operations in Italy (Monte Faito and Ornito). Formerly a Leeds City Police Constable and Army Reservist he had been recalled for military duties at the outbreak of war.
 

ALEXANDER, Charles Henry

Trooper
14241760
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Leicester City Police
Charles Alexander was a Melton Mowbray Police Constable residing in 1939 at 7 The Cresent, Melton Mowbray. He volunteered for the commandos enlisting 19 July 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

ALMONDS, John Edward

Sergeant (later Major )
2655648 and 333683
No 8 Commando
SAS
Coldstream Guards
Special Air Service Regiment
Gloucestershire Regiment
Bristol City Police
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Croix de Guerre (France)
John Almonds, an Army Reservist of the Coldstream Guards, joined the Bristol Police Force in 1936. In December 1939 Police Constable Almonds, married, and residing at 15 York Street, Bristol, was re-called to his Regiment [1][1a]. 

ANDERSON, Barrie Sherwill Norman

Trooper
14241781
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Staffordshire County Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Barrie Anderson was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa and later found to be a prisoner of war. He died of wounds in captivity on 12 January 1943 in Italy. Son of Gibert Norman Anderson, and of Stella Christine Anderson, of Walton, Stafford.

ANDREWS, Alfred Archley

Fusilier
14604353
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Alfred Andrews died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of George Andrews, and of Dora E. Andrews, of South Harrow, Middlesex. He volunteered for the Commandos whilst serving in the Police.
  • 12.10.1936 joined the Metropolitan Police, warrant number 125297.

ANSELL, Arthur James

Trooper
14241725
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Ansell was reported wounded and missing on 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later presumed died of wounds. He has no known grave. Son of Alfred and May Ansell; husband of Eileen Dora Ansell, of Finchley, Middlesex.

ASHTON, Colin William

Fusilier
14241646
30 Commando Assault Unit
Lancashire Fusiliers
Lancashire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Colin Ashton, 34 Army Troop, died during operations in the Aegean when his unit was attacked on Leros and bombed by enemy aircraft. He has no known grave. Son of Cyril and Mary Ashton; husband of Mary A. J. Ashton, of Trafford Park, Manchester.

ASHWORTH, James Kenyon

Private
14241726
No 1 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
West Sussex Constabulary
James Ashworth, a Police Constable from Sussex, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. In 1939 he was residing at 116 The Gardens, Southwick, Sussex.

AUSTIN, Selwyn Ronald

Selwyn Austin 1 Commando
Private
14241782
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Coventry City Police / Warwickshire Constabulary
Selwyn Ronald Austin was a Coventry Police Constable who volunteered for the Commandos joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry, that commenced in July 1942.

BAGOT, Henry Hunter

Trooper
14241647
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Manchester Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Henry Bagot died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave. Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Bagot, of Manchester.

BAINES, William

William Baines 47RM Commando
Corporal
CH/X115758
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Metropolitan Police
William Baines joined the Metropolitan Police on 4 September 1939, warrant number 128100. He enlisted into the Royal Marines sometime in 1943. Corporal Baines served with 47RM Commando 'X' Troop during operations from Normandy to the Scheldt.

BAKER, Albert

Albert baker No.1 Commando
Lance Sergeant
2614133
No 1 Commando
Grenadier Guards
Bradford City Police
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Albert Baker D.C.M., died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Albert and Annie Baker, of Stanningley, Leeds, Yorkshire.

BAKER, Herbert Valentine

Herbert Valentine Baker 1 Commando
Lance Corporal
14241761
No 1 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Derbyshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Herbert Baker died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Albert and Harriet Baker, and husband of Beatrice Ellen Baker, of Handsworth, Birmingham. In 1939 Herbert Valentine Baker was a Police Constable, number 396, residing at 26 Slater Avenue, Derby.

BALE, John Henry

Private
14241608
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Newport Borough Police
Private John Bale was reported missing 2 December 1942 during operations in North Africa (Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy [1][1a].
1943 escaped from captivity to a neutral country [2][2a].

BALL, Percy William

Sergeant
6482288
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police (War Reserve)
Percy William Ball, a Meat Salesman from Fulham, London, was a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942. After successfully completing his training he was attached to No.1 Commando and served with them in Burma.

BALLANTYNE, George

Lance Corporal
PO/X114916
42RM Commando
Royal Marines
West Lothian Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal George Ballantyne died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of James and Elizabeth Ballantyne; husband of Annie McNeil Fotheringham Ballantyne, of Bo'ness, West Lothian.

BARDENS, John Henry

Gunner
14241811
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Plymouth City Police

John Henry Bardens was a Police Officer from Plymouth who volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 6 June 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

BARLOW, Jack

Lance Corporal
6482241
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Colonial Police Medal
Lance Corporal Jack Barlow served in 6 troop and also in the Intel Section of No.2 Commando. He was one of the Metropolitan Police Intakes to the Commandos.

BARNES, William Walter

Lance Sergeant
6482223
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Mentioned in Despatches
1939 William Barnes was a Metroplitan Police Constable residing in Paddington. 
1942 volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake.
December 1942 (Fusilier) No.2 Commando 6 Troop.

BARRASS, Nicholas William

Nicholas Barrass 4 Commando
Lieutenant
14253337 and 295395
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bradford City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Nicholas Barrass died during operations in Holland. Whilst engaged in a house clearance at Flushing he was killed by a sniper who fired from an adjacent building. Son of Nicholas William and Elizabeth Rutherford Barrass, of Felling, Gateshead, Co. Durham.

BARTLETT, Brian Viner

Trooper
14241812
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Bristol City Police
Trooper Brian Bartlett, No.1 Commando, was wounded 17 March 1943 during operations in North Africa. Also served at Commando Group HQ. 
Sept. 1939 Police Constable residing at 44 Kensal Road, Bristol. 

BARTON, Leslie James

Fusilier
14604357
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Leslie Barton was wounded 15 March 1944 during operations in Burma. Leslie was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos and joined HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at Gilmour House, Renfrew Road, Vauxhall, Lambeth.

BEARNE, Robert Stanley

Lance Sergeant
14604358
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Robert Stanley Bearne was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943.
In 1939 he was a Police Officer serving at the Police Station, Walworth Road, Southwark.

BEATTIE, James Simpson

James Beattie 1 Commando
Corporal (later Second Lieutenant)
14241854 and 314128
No 1 Commando
Royal Scots
Edinburgh City Police
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Queen's Police Medal (QPM)
Corporal James Beattie was awarded the Military Medal in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [1].
Recommendation [1a]

BEAVER, Stanley

Corporal
CH/X109654
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Northampton County Police
Sources
List of RM Commandos provided by R.Y. (former CA Sec and CBF).
Mentioned in a book by Peter Eads (linked content below).
 

BENNION, Thomas James

Corporal
14241783
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Stoke on Trent City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Thomas Bennion died of wounds received during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of James Owen Bennion and Florence Mary Bennion, of Baldwin's Gate, Staffordshire. In 1939 Thomas Bennion was a Police Constable residing in Stoke on Trent.

BENTLEY, Charles

Fusilier
14241648
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Cheshire Constabulary
1939 Charles Bentley was a Police Civilian Clerk residing in Goostrey, Cheshire [1].
15 January 1940 joined Cheshire Constabulary as a Police Officer [1a].

BENTLEY, Donald

Private
14241762
No 1 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment
Lincolnshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Donald Bentley died during operations in North Africa. Son of Greenwood and Mary Elizabeth Bentley, of Carlton-Le-Moorland, Lincolnshire.

BERRY, James Arthur

James Arthur Berry 1 Commando
Private
14241649
No 1 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Cheshire County Constabulary
20 February 1939 joined Cheshire Constabulary - Police Constable 256 residing at 113 West Street, Crewe. 1942 volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. 
4 March 1943 reported missing in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war.

BETTY, Arthur John

Private (later Captain)
14241813 and 35447
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Gloucestershire Constabulary
Private Arthur Betty was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands. In 1944 he is reported no longer a prisoner of war [1][1a].

BIDDISCOMBE, Edward

Also seen as: 
BIDDESCOMBE, Edward
Lance Bombardier
14241845
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
??
Lance Bombardier Edward Biddiscombe, HQ Troop, was wounded on 31 January 1945 during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Post war member of the Commando Association from Upper Lydbrook, Gloucestershire.
 
Sources

BINNIE, John

Lance Corporal
6482283
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Lance Corporal John Binnie volunteered for the Commandos from the Metropolitan Police.
5 October 1943 wounded during operations at Termoli, Italy.
June 1944 wounded during operations at Normandy, France. 

BISHOP, Arthur

Marine
PO/X114618
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Buckinghamshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Arthur Bishop died during operations in Sicily whilst aboard the HMS Queen Emma during an enemy air attack on the vessel. Buried at sea.

BISHOP, Frederick Walter

Fusilier
14317282
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Glasgow City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Frederick Bishop died during operations at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). Son of Frederick Walter and Mabel Bishop, of Glasgow.

BISSELL, Stanley

Staff Sergeant
6482222
Commando Basic Training Centre
Metropolitan Police
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Stan 'Sonnie' Bissell joined the Metropolitan Police on the 1st March 1926. In 1930 & 1934 he won silver medal at the British Empire Games middleweight freestyle wrestling events in Canada and London.

BLAKEMAN, Albert John

Fusilier
14604359
No 6 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Albert Blakeman died of wounds during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Tom Edgar and Alice Blakeman; husband of Elizabeth Blakeman, of Pontllanfraith. A.V.C.M., L.V.C.M.

BOOTH, William Martel

Lance Corporal (later Captain)
14241729 and 321576
No 5 Commando
No 1 Commando
Essex Regiment
Essex Constabulary

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.

BOYES, Robert Paul

Robert Paul Boyes No.1 Commando
Robert Paul Boyes (No.1 Cdo)
Company Sergeant Major
14241785
No 1 Commando
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Hartlepool Borough Police
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Police Medal (QPM)
Robert Paul Boyes volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 2nd Police Intake of 1942. 
Served with No.1 Commando, final rank Company Sergeant Major.
9 October 1939 serving Police Constable residing Welldeck Gardens, Hartlepool.

BRADLEY, John Percy

Fusilier
6482228 (query)
No 9 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
John Bradley was a Metropolitan Police Constable, warrant number 128022, residing in 1939 at the Police Section House, 82 Charing Cross Road, London.

BRIDLE, Desmond George

Lance Corporal
14604360
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Desmond Bridle, HQ Troop No.3 Commando, from South Harrow, was killed in action in Normandy, France, during operations near the Chateau d'Amfreville. Son of Arthur George and Bessie Bridle; husband of Winifred Gladys Bridle, of Wallington, Surrey.

BROUGH, William Gordon

Lance Sergeant
2695138
No 8 Commando
SAS
Scots Guards 2nd Bn
Army Air Corps
Cheshire Constabulary
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant William Brough, formerly No.8 Commando before joining 'L' Detachment SAS Brigade in August 1941, was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving with the SAS in recognition of gallant and distinguished service.

BROWN, Bruce Ian Murray

Private
14241815
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Yes
Served in No.1 Commando. In 1939 employed aged 17 as a Builders Labourerer in Plympton. Service number indicates Police Intake to the Commandos 1942/43. In 1955 he was residing at the Police House, West Down Ilfracombe.
 
Sources

BROWN, Ronald Gilbert

Fusilier
6482286
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police ??
Discharged from military service February 1946. Post war member of the Commando Association from Streatham Hill, London.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 40 (1967) (shown as Ronald Gilbert Brown).

BRUNT, Morris Raymond

Private
14241787
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Birmingham City Police
Private Morris Brunt was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands. He escaped in 1943 via Switzerland before returning to the UK in 1944. 

BUCKLAND, Reginald Arthur

Fusilier
6482291
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Reginald Buckland was wounded during operations in Italy (date not reported). 
Reginald Arthur Buckland joined the Metropolitan Police on 2 September 1939 as a Special Constable and subsequently became a War Reserve Constable.

BUNT, Reginald Melford

Private
14241788
No 1 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Birmingham City Police
Mentioned in Despatches
Private Reginald Bunt received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. He had volunteered for the Commandos from the Police as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. In 1939 he was a Police Constable at Digbeth Police Station, Birmingham.

BURDEN, Stanley Percival

Stan_Burden_1_Commando
Fusilier
6482242
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Stanley Percival Burden joined the Metropolitan Police Force on 31 May 1937 warrant number 126230. He entered the Armed Forces on 19 June 1942 after volunteering for the Commandos and was posted to the 1st Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

BURKE, Edmund

Private
14241861
No 1 Commando
Oxfordshire Constabulary
In 1939 Edmund Burke was a Police Constable based at the Police Station in Rectory Lane, Woodstock. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic training Centre), Achnacarry.

BURNS, Norman

Norman Burns served in No.1 Commando
Corporal (later Lieutenant)
14241855 and 327944
No 1 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Aberdeenshire Constabulary
Norman Burns joined Aberdeenshire Constabulary in 1939 and was posted to Fraserburgh. In 1942 he volunteered for the Commandos and was part of the 2nd Police Intake to Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

CALLAGHAN, Dennis

Lance Corporal
14241621
No 2 Commando
Black Watch
Halifax Police
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 the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

CAMPBELL, A.

Trooper
14317287
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
??
Wounded 14 July 1943 Sicily. Active Service included Africa, Italy, France and Germany. In 1950 he was residing in Glasgow.
 
Sources
No.3 Commando War Diary, List of casualties Sicily.

CAMPBELL, Thomas

Gunner Thomas Campbell 3 Commando
Thomas Campbell in the Police
Gunner
14317288
No 3 Commando
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
Royal Artillery
Hamilton Burgh Police
Thomas Campbell from Blantyre was a Hamilton Burgh Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Service included No.3 Commando and 62 Commando (S.S.R.F.).

CAPP, William Thomas

Bill Capp 2 Commando
Corporal
14241731
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Corporal William Capp served in 5 Troop and was Piat Mortar operator.
A serving Metropolitan Police Officer he had volunteered as one of the Police Intakes to the Commandos. In 1939 he was residing at the Police Section House, 277 Upper Street Islington. 

CAPPLEMAN, John

Sergeant
CH/X109637
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
York City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant John Cappleman died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Barker and Beatrice Ann Cappleman, of York; husband of Dorothy Vera Cappleman, of York. 

CAPSTICK, Norman

Private
14241651
No 2 Commando
Black Watch
Liverpool City Police
In 1939 Norman Capstick was single, residing with his parents at 3 Charles Street, Lancaster, and employed as a Railway Porter. He joined the Liverpool City Police on 1 September 1941.

CARRICK, George

Lance Corporal
14241652
No 2 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Lancashire Constabulary (Colne)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal George Carrick, 3 troop, died during operations on 13 September 1943 at Dragone Hill, Salerno, Italy, where he was initially buried (Map ref 602409) [1][2].
Son of George and Ethel Carrick, of Astley, Lancashire.

CARTWRIGHT, William

Trooper
14241732 or 14241792
No 2 Commando
City of London Police
Trooper William Cartwright served in 3 Troop. He had volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes that commenced that year.
In 1939 he was Police Constable 90 'B', warrant number 9363, serving at Snow Hill Police Station, City of London.
 

CASLIN, Patrick Gerard

Fusilier
6482302
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
In 1939 Patrick Gerard Caslin, from Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, Eire, was a Metropolitan Police Constable, warrant number 127627, residing in the Section House adjacent to Stoke Newington Police Station.

CASSIDY, Maurice Francis

Sergeant
824949
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police

Sergeant Cassidy was wounded 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). He was initially attested into the Royal Artillery before the war until discharged 11 March 1938.

CHAPMAN, William Jopp

William Chapman 2 Commando
Private
14241789
No 2 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Birmingham City Police
William Chapman was a Police Constable in Birmingham who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In January 1943 he was in the Mortar Section. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Birmingham.
 
Sources

CHEETHAM, Gerald

Fusilier
6482292
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Died on active service
Fusilier Gerald Cheetham, Heavy Weapons Troop, died of illness (pneumonia) whilst on active service in Italy. Son of Thomas James Cheetham and Charlotte Cheetham [1][1a][1b].

CHESTERS, William

Corporal
14241790
No 2 Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
??
Corporal William Chesters was wounded 17 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy (Piegolelle)*. Post war member of the Commando Association from Derrington, Staffs.
 
Sources

CLARKE, Hilary Laurence

Fusilier
6482249
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Hilary Clarke was killed in action during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). Son of Ralph and Mahlah Anne Clarke, of Leicester; husband of Evelyn Alice Clarke. His brother Stanley William Clarke, RN, also died in the war.

CLARKE, Patrick Joseph

Fusilier
6482285
No 4 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police (War Reserve)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Patrick Clarke was killed in action during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Daniel and Mary Clarke, of Newry, Co. Down, Northern Ireland; husband of Irene Margaret Clarke, of Newry.

CLARKSON, George Francis

George Clarkson 2 Commando
George Francis Clarkson 2 Commando
Lance Corporal (later Lieutenant)
14241653 and 311303
No 2 Commando
Border Regiment
Cheshire Constabulary
George Clarkson, a native of Cumbria, was a Police Officer in Crewe who volunteered in 1942 for the Commandos and was part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

COBLEY, Victor Charles

Lance Corporal
14241816
No 2 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Plymouth City Police
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Victor Cobley served in the Heavy Weapons Troop. In 1944 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. A serving Police Officer he volunteered as one of the Police Intakes to the Commandos.

COKER, James Thomas

Private (later Lance Corporal)
14604363
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Military Medal (MM)
In 1939 James Coker was a Metropolitan Police Constable serving at Highgate Police Station, Archway Road, London. He later volunteered for the Commandos and after his training at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry, was attached to 6 Troop of No.1 Commando in 1943.

COLEMAN, Lloyd William

Lloyd Coleman 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
14241610
No 2 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Newport Borough Police Force
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Sergeant Lloyd Coleman was Mentioned in Despaches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Mediterranean theatre. He served in 5 troop, ('B' Section, No.4 Sub Section) and, after a course on the 3" Mortar, the Heavy Weapons Troop.

CONWAY, John Alphonsus

Fusilier
14241817
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers, 9th Bn.
Gloucestershire Constabulary
Fusilier John Conway was wounded 18 January 1944 during operations in Italy.
1939 - Police Constable serving at the Police Station, High Street, Stow on the Wold.
1942 - Volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes.
 

COOK, Kenneth

Private
14241818
No 2 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Police Force not known
Kenneth  Cook was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

COOKSON, Charles

Charles Cookson 2 Commando 1943
Constable Charles Cookson
Corporal
14241654
No 2 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Burnley Borough Police
Corporal Charles Cookson served in 1 Troop and later the Heavy Weapons Troop.
A serving Police Officer he volunteered as part of the Police Intakes to the Commandos.
1939 Police Constable, Burnley Borough Police, residing at 117 Woodgrove Road, Burnley.

COOPER, Dudley Edward

Dudley Cooper MM 2 Commando
Fusilier
14241655
No 2 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Manchester Police
Military Medal (MM)
Fusilier Dudley Edward Cooper was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy. Member of the Commando Association from Manchester.

COOPER, George

George Cooper 2 Commando
Private
14241819
No 2 Commando
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment
Yes
Private George Cooper served in 'B' Section, No.3 Sub-Section of 5 Troop, and later in the Mortar Section.
A serving Police Officer he volunteered as one of the Police Intakes to the Commandos. He was married and from New Houghton near Mansfied.
 

COULSON, John Richard

Corporal
14241656
No 2 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Southport Police
Corporal John Coulson served in 5 Troop before transferring to the HQ Troop.
1942 serving Police Officer from Southport, volunteered for the commandos as part of the Police Intakes. Post war member of the Commando Association (Liverpool).
 

COULTHARD, Arnold Crone

Private
14241706
No 2 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Sunderland Police Force
Private Arnold Couthard served in 6 Troop. He was a Police Officer from Sunderland who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and joined the 2nd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

COWLES, Percival Victor Arthur

Corporal
14604365
No 5 Commando
Metropolitan Police
Percival Cowles was a Metropolitan Police Officer in 1939 serving at Stoke Newington Police Station, London. He later volunteered for commandos and was posted to No.5 Commando after his training. Service included Burma. Discharged from military service 9 May 1946.

COX, Cecil Ernest Robert

Corporal
14241734
No 2 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
West Sussex Constabulary and Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Cecil Cox, 1 troop died on 22 March 1944 of wounds received on the 18/19 March 1944 during a raid on the village of Grohote on the Dalmatian island of Solta. Son of Ernest and Alice Jane Cox of Horsham Sussex.

CRABTREE, Ben

Guardsman (later Sergeant)
14241707
No 2 Commando
Coldstream Guards
Sunderland Police
Guardsman Ben Crabtree served in No.2 Commando 6 Troop. Post war on 6 October 1945 he transferred to the Corps of Military Police.

CRAIG, John

John Craig 2 Commando
Private
14241657
No 2 Commando
Black Watch
Police Force not known
John Craig was a Police Officer from Blackpool who volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

CRAIG, Robert

Robert Craig 2 Commando
Bombardier
14241708
No 2 Commando
Royal Artillery
Hartlepool Police
Robert Craig was a Police Officer from Hartlepool, County Durham, who volunteered for the Commandos enlisting on 23 July 1942 as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. He was attached to No.2 Commando on 24 September 1942.

CRAIG, Robinson Ostle

Robinson Ostle Craig 2 Commando
Private
14241791
No 2 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Police
Killed in action or died of wounds

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.

CROSS, Swinford Joseph

Fusilier
14241735
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police War Reserve
Swinford Joseph Cross, known as Sid, was a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable from 1 September 1939 until 22 July 1942. He volunteered for the Commandos joining  the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry, on 23 July 1942.

CROWE, Edward Louis

Ted Crowe 2 Commando
Private
14241837
No 2 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Peterborough Police
Edward Crowe volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes of 1942.
1939 residing with his parents in Sheringham, Norfolk, profession Printers Apprentice.
1941 April, joined the Police at Huntingdon, Peterborough.

CUNNINGHAM, Stephen

Private
14604367
No 1 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Metropolitan Police
Private Stephen Cunningham, 6 Troop, was wounded 31 January 1945 during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Post war member of the Burma Star Association residing Upper Norwood, South London.

DAVID, Douglas William

Fusilier
6482296
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Corps of Military Police
Metropolitan Police
Douglas William David volunteered for the Commandos from the Police.
  • 9 February 1939 joined the Metropolitan Police, warrant number 125614. Later resided at Blackheath Police Section House, Greenwich, SE10.

DAVID, Gordon Percy

Trooper
14241820
No 2 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Frome, Somerset Constabulary
Gordon Percy David, a Police Constable from Frome, Somerset, volunteered in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), located at Achnacarry. On completion of his training he was attached to No.2 Commando.

DAVIDSON, Douglas Oscar

Trooper
14241622
No 2 Commando
Leeds City Police
Douglas Oscar Davidson was a serving Police Officer who joined the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable with Leeds City Police residing at 45 Richmond Avenue, Leeds.

DAVIES, Arthur Henry William

A. Davies 2 Commando
Rifleman
14241793
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Stoke on Trent Police
Arthur Davies was a Police Officer from Aldridge, near Walsall, Staffordshire. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

DAVIES, Leonard

Private
14241658
No 2 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Lancashire Constabulary (Barrowford)

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.

DAVIES, William Leslie

Private
14241736
No 3 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Royal Armoured Corps
Metropolitan Police
In 1939 William Leslie Davies was a Metropolitan Police Constable, warrant number 127086, residing in Esmond Road, Ealing. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Posted to No.3 Commando.

DAVIES, Wyndham Francis

Wyndham Davies 2 Commando
Fusilier
6482247
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Wyndham Davies, 6 troop, was killed in action at Dragone Hill, Salerno, Italy. Initially buried as far as is known by the 6th Yorks and Lancs Regiment on the forward slope of the hill. Son of Francis and Mary Ann Davies, of Port Talbot, Glamorgan.

DAVISON, John Cyril

Corporal (later Lieutenant)
14241659 and 326323
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
East Lancashire Regiment
Birkenhead Police Force
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal John Davison, No 3 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations at Bova Marina, Italy, between 28 August and 5 September 1943. [1][1a].

DAW, Herbert Frank

Corporal
14241846
No 3 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
2nd Police Intake
Herbert Frank Daw from Sussex volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) located at Achnacarry.

DELL, Charles Richard

Private
14241737
No 3 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Metropolitan Police (War Reserve)
Charles Richard Dell became a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable on 3 September 1939. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and joined the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

DENHAM, Joah Selwyn

Lieutenant Denham MM
Captain
14241763 and 329309
No 3 Commando
Sherwood Forresters
Lincolnshire Constabulary
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Joah Denham was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service at Bova Marina and Capo Spartivento, Italy, 27 August to 5 September 1943 [1][2]. 
15.11.1943 Lance Sergeant, No.3 Commando HQ (Admin) [3].

DENT, John

John Dent 3 Commando
Sergeant
14241709
No 3 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Durham
John Dent was a Police Officer in 1939 residing in Hartlepool, Durham. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Posted 6 Troop No.3 Commando.

DICKINSON, John Leonard

Lance Corporal
14241642
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Hull City Police
John Leonard Dickinson joined Hull City Police as PC 239 on 7 October 1935. In WW2 he volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 26 July 1942 as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

DOCKERILL, Graham Dennis

Fusilier
6482233
Special Service Brigade
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Graham Dockerill, HQ Special Service Brigade and No.1 Commando, was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
Police Service

DRIVER, John

Fusilier
14241662
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Preston Borough Police
Fusilier John Driver, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando bridge), later confimred prisoner of war.

DRURY, Thomas

Trooper
14241624
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Dewsbury Police

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.

DUNFORD, Edwin

Edwin Dunford 3 Commando
Pc Edwin Dunford post war
Trooper
14317743
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Dorset Constabulary
Edwin Dunford was a serving Police Officer from Dorset Constabulary who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes that commenced in 1942. Edwin joined the Dorset Constabulary on 1st April 1939. He was Police Constable 126 residing in Weymouth.

EADS, Peter

Peter Eads 40RM Commando
Sergeant
CH/X109658
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Northampton County Police
Peter Eads from Dallington joined the Northampton Police in 1941 having previously been employed as an Audit Clerk for a firm of Chartered Accountants. 

EARL, Dennis Victor

Private
14317744
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Wiltshire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Bristol City Police
Dennis Victor Earl was a Police Constable with the Bristol City Police prior to volunteering for commando service. Enlisting on 15 October 1942 he joined the 3rd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

EAST, Gerald Thomas

Corporal
6482238
No 4 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Corporal Gerald East, No.4 Commando, was wounded 6 June 1944 (remaining on duty) during operations at Normandy, France. Also served in No.3 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade.

ELMS, Frank

Lieutenant Frank Elms 6 Commando
Frank Elms and his wife Joan on wedding day
Second Lieutenant
304633
No 4 Commando
Northamptonshire Regiment
Northampton Borough Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Frank Elms died during operations at Normandy, France.
A serving Police Officer in Northampton he volunteered for the Armed Forces in 1941 serving in the Royal Air Force before joining the Commandos.

ENNIS, James Francis

Lt James Ennis 4 Commando
Lieutenant (later Honorary Major)
53193
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
Metropolitan Police
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant James Ennis received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on 19 August 1942 in the combined attack on Dieppe [1].

EVANS, Gwilym

Private
14241612
No 3 Commando
Welch Regiment
Glamorgan County Police
Killed in action or died of wounds

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).

EVANS, Leslie Daniel

Guardsman
14241613
No 3 Commando
Welsh Guards
Cardiff City Police
Leslie Daniel Evans was a Cardiff City Police Officer at Bridge Street Police Station in 1939. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Member of the Commando Association.
 

FANTHAM, Maurice

Mne Maurice Fantham 40RM Commando
Marine
PO/X114817
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Birmingham City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Maurice Fantham died in Italy on 13 October 1944 from wounds received 3 days earlier. Son of Henry Harold and Jane Fantham, of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

FERRIE, James Eglinton

Constable Jim Ferrie No.3 Commando
Ch. Supt. Jim Ferrie No.3 Commando
Corporal
14317290
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Renfrewshire Constabulary
Corporal James Ferrie, 6 Troop, was wounded (shot in the left arm by a sniper) 11 April 1945 during operations at the River Aller. Member of the Commando Association.

FLETCHER, John Harold

Lance Corporal
14241626
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Doncaster Borough Police
Trooper John Fletcher was wounded 5 October 1943 during operations at Termoli, Italy. He had volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Officer residing at 77 Cusworth Lane, Doncaster.

FRASER, John George

Sergeant
2694279
No 3 Commando
Scots Guards
City of London Police
Pre WW2
18.07.1932 attested into the Scots Guards aged 18, civil occupation Labourer. Military service included deployment to Egypt.
22.12.1936 transferred to Army Reserve to join the Police.

FROST, Sidney Edward

Private
-
Commando Basic Training Centre
City of London Police
In 1939 Sidney Edward Frost was a Police Constable, married, and residing at Chelsham Road, North Clapham. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources
The 1939 Register covering Wandsworth Borough.

FRY, William Charles

Private
14241823
No 3 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Bristol City Police
William Charles Fry, a probationary Police Constable residing in Kingsdown, Bristol, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 23 July 1942 after volunteering for commando service.

GALE, William S.

Sergeant
14241795
No 3 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Birmingham City Police

Private William Gale was wounded on 13 July 1943 during operations at Agnone Sicily and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

GARRETT, William John Stanley

Acting Sergeant
14241740
No 3 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
City of London Police
William Garrett was a City of London Police Officer, warrant number 9330, who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

GELDERD, John

Private Gelderd 1 Commando Brigade
Private
14241665
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Army Service Corps
??
Served in 1 Commando Brigade. Active service included France and Germany. Released from military service 26 August 1945. In 1948 he was residing at Failsworth, Manchester.
 
Sources
WW2 Medal Cards Index.

GILL, L.M. (Len)

Corporal
14241615
No 3 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Newport Borough Police
Private Len Gill was wounded 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). Final rank attained - Corporal.

GILLINGS, Leonard Richard

Fusilier
14241741
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Leonard Richard Gillings was a Metroplitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos and on 24 July 1942 joined the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Wounded 1943 during operations in Sicily.

GODDARD, Alfred

Private
14241765
No 3 Commando
Sherwood Forresters
Grimsby Borough Lincolnshire
Private Alfred Goddard was wounded 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at David Street, Grimsby, Lincs.

GRANT, Archibald Campbell

Archibald Grant 62 and 3 Commando
Private
14317292
No 3 Commando
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Royal Army Service Corps
Ayrshire Constabulary
Archibald Campbell Grant  joined the Police in 1938 and was a Police Constable in Troon, Ayrshire in 1942 before volunteering for the Commandos. He was in the 3rd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

GRANT, James

Lance Sergeant
14241856
No 3 Commando
Black Watch
Moray and Nairn Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant James Grant died 11 July 1944 during operations at Amfreville, Normandy. Previously wounded at Termoli October 1943. Son of Peter and Beatrice Grant, of Rothes, Morayshire.

GRAY, Reginald Halliday

Lance Sergeant (later Second Lieutenant)
14241796 and 346807
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Worcestershire Regiment
Birmingham City Police
Lance Sergeant Reginald Gray was wounded on the 8th June 1944 during operations in Normandy, France. Reginald Gray was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos and was part of the July 1942 Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

GREALEY, Thomas Louis

Private
14241742
No 3 Commando
East Lancashire Regiment
City of London Police
Thomas Grealey was a City of London Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes that commenced in 1942. He was wounded on 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily at Agnone and Malati Bridge (3 Commando Bridge). 

GREER, J.C.

Lance Corporal
14241766
No 3 Commando
Black Watch
Scots Guards
??
Lance Corporal Greer, No.3 Commando, was wounded 5 October 1943 during operations at Termoli, Italy [1].
  • 15 November 1944 (Guardsman) (Scots Guards) wounded in Italy [2].

GRIEVE, John

Acting Lance Bombardier
14241629
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Hull City Police
John Grieve, a Hull City Policeman, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Lance Bombardier John Grieve, No.3 Commando, was wounded 5 October 1943 during operations at Termoli, Italy.

GRIGG, Eric Alfred

Fusilier
6482231
No 9 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary
Eric Alfred Grigg, a member of the Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 1st  Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Badic Training Centre) at Achnacarry. After his commando training he was attached to No.9 Commando.

GROSE, Reginald George

Fusilier
6482300
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
George Medal (GM)
Fusilier Reginald Grose G.M. was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
  • 1939 Police Constable residing at 162 Stanhope Street, Camden.
  • 27 June 1941 awarded the George Medal.

GROVE, Ronald

Ronald Grove 3 Commando
Troop Sergeant Major
7882436
No 3 Commando
Royal Tank Regiment
Manchester City Police
Mentioned in Despatches
Ronald Grove first enlisted on 16 March 1931 and served until 1936 when released to Reserve List. He then joined the Manchester City Police Force, Police Constable B193, until recalled on 1 December 1939. His home address was in Middleton, Manchester [1][2].

HACK, Ronald Roger Louis

Private
14317745
No 3 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Kingswood Police Station Gloucestershire
Private Ronald Hack, 6 Troop, was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily at Agnone and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge), later found to have been captured and a prisoner of war.

HADDOW, David Foster

Fusilier (later Sergeant)
6482263
No 6 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier David Haddow was wounded 30 November 1942 during operations in North Africa.
1939 Metropolitan Police Constable residing at the Police Section House, Salisbury Road, Queens Park. Volunteered for the Commandos and was part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942. 

HALLIDAY, Bernard Neil

Lance Corporal
14241743
No 3 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Bernard Neil Halliday was a serving Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. 
  • 02.01.1939 joined the Metropolitan Police.

HARDY, Eric Arthur

Gunner
14317814
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Hampshire Constabulary
Eric Arthur Hardy was a Police Constable serving at the County Police Station in Winchester in 1939. He volunteered for the commandos in 1942 joining a Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre).

HARRISON, Ivan

Ivan Harrison RM
Constable Ivan Harrison
Sergeant
PO/X113372
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Oxfordshire Constabulary
Mentioned in Despatches
Ivan Harrison from Holt in Wiltshire joined the Oxfordshire Constabulary as a Police Constable in 1939. In 1942 he volunteered for the Commandos joining the Royal Marines on 12 August at the time of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

HARRY, John Grismond

Lieutenant (later Major)
2738332 and 341531
No 6 Commando
Welsh Guards, 3rd Bn.
South Wales Borderers
Royal Corps of Signals
Northampton Borough Police
Mentioned in Despatches
1939, Police Constable, Northampton Borough Police, residing Billing Road, Northants [1][1a].
19.02.1944, Lance Corporal, 3rd Bn., Welsh Guards, wounded during operations in Italy [2].

HENDERSON, Walter Hector

Walter Henderson 3 Commando
Sergeant
14241666
No 3 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Liverpool City Police
Private Walter Henderson was wounded on 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone Sicily and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge) [1].
November 1943 (Lance Corporal) No.3 Commando HQ (Admin) [2].

HENDRY, William

William Hendry 3 Commando
Trooper
14241858
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Perth City Police
Trooper William Hendry was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone Sicily and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge), later found to be a prisoner of war [1][2]. 
30 March 1940 joined Perth City Police [3].

HERN, Gordon

Private
14241862
No 3 Commando
Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
Oxfordshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Gordon Hern was reported missing 27 August 1943 during early beach reconnaissance at Bova Marina, Italy, later presumed killed in action. He has no known grave. Son of Charles Thomas Hern and Mildred Cicely Hern, of New Marston, Oxford.

HERSTELL, Ernest Maxwell

Gunner
14317992
SAS
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bristol City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Ernest Herstell was reported wounded and missing 29 May 1943 during operations with the 2nd SAS at Pantelleria, an island between Sicily and Tunisia (Operation Snapdragon). He was later presumed to have died of wounds and has no known grave.

HEWITT, Albert John Henry

Sgt Harry Hewitt 46RM Commando
Sergeant
PO/X114619
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Oxfordshire County Constabulary
Sergeant Albert Hewett served in 'S' troop.
A serving Oxford Police Officer he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes and resumed his police service with Oxford County Constabulary after the war ended.

HILL, Arthur Charles

Arthur Charles Hill 5 Commando
Lance Corporal
14604371
No 5 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Arthur Charles Hill was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at the Police Section House in Judd Street, Kings Cross. 
 
Sources

HILL, Harry Leslie

Harry Les Hill 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant
14241797
No 3 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Birmingham City Police
Harry Leslie Hill was wounded twice. The first was as a Private during operations in Sicily in 1943, the second as a Lance Sergeant at Normandy on D Day.

HILL, Reginald

Gunner
14317317
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
??
Gunner Reginald Hill was wounded 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). Post war member of the Commando Association from Stoke on Trent.
 
Sources

HODGES, William Albert

Trooper
14241632
No 3 Commando
Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment
Barnsley Borough Police Force
William Albert Hodges was a Barnsley Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. After completing his training he was attached to No.3 Commando. 

HOLLAND, James

Lance Sergeant
No 3 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Barnsley Borough Police Force
James Holland was a Barnsley Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos and was likely part of the 1942 Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. In 1939 he was a Police Constable, single, and residing at 1 Darley Terrace, Barnsley.

HOLLINGWORTH, Leslie

Private
14604372
No 5 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Private Leslie Hollingworth was wounded 31 January 1945 during operations in Burma. Leslie was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at Bromley by Bow Police Section House, Poplar.

HOLT, A.

Private
14241668
No 3 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
??
Private Holt was wounded during operations in Sicily.
 
Sources
No.3 Commando War Diary September 1943, List of Casualties.
 
Notes

HOOPER, Samuel Lyndon

Sam Hooper 3 Commando
Private
14241616
No 3 Commando
Welch Regiment
Cardiff City Police
Samuel Lyndon Hooper joined Cardiff City Police on 19 May 1941. Volunteered for commando service enlisting 23 July 1942 and joined the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot, also known as the Commando Basic Training Centre, at Achnacarry.

HORSFIELD, Harry

Harry Horsfield 47RM Commando
Marine (Acting Temporary Sergeant)
PO/X115384
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Lancashire Constabulary
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Harry Horsfield was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during a raid against enemy forward defence lines East of Sallenelles, Normandy [1][2].

HOUGH, Richard

Sergeant
14241669
No 3 Commando
Coldstream Guards
Liverpool City Police
Richard Hough volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing in Pilch Lane, Huyton with Roby, Liverpool.
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Liverpool.
 
Sources

HOWARD, Edward John

Private
14241744
No 3 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Metropolitan Police (War Reserve)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edward Howard was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge), later confirmed killed in action. He has no known grave.

HOWELLS, William James Cyril

Private
14241617
No 3 Commando
Welch Regiment
Corps of Military Police
Cardiff City Police ??
April 1943 No.3 Commando War Diary records Private Howells being at 96 British General Hospital. Service number and regiment indicates likely entry to Commandos via 2nd Police Intake at Achnacarry in 1942.

HOWSON, William

Private
14241670
No 3 Commando
Corps of Military Police
Lancashire Constabulary ??
Believed 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot in July 1942. Released from military service 15 September 1946. Possibly identical with Detective Chief Inspector William Howson, head of Lancaster Police CID who retired in 1975.

HUMBLE, William McLean

Lance Sergeant
2940188
No 2 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Metropolitan Police
Military Medal (MM)
Colonial Police Medal
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Sergeant William Humble, 5 troop, was awarded the Military Medal and also received a Mention in Despatches, both during operations in Italy [1][1a].
Recommendation
"Gulf of Salerno 13th September 1943.

HURLEY, Philip

Private
14503448
No 5 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Birkenhead Police Force
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Philip Hurley, 2 troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of Philip and Clarice G. Hurley, of Claughton, Birkenhead.

IMRIE, Bruce Berriff

Bruce Imrie 3 Commando
Lance Corporal
14604373
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots
Metropolitan Police
Lance Corporal Bruce Imrie, 4 Troop, was wounded by a shell fragment in his shoulder during operations at Weser, Germany, on 7 April 1945. He was later medically discharged.

INNES, James Fraser

James Fraser Innes 3 Commando
Private
14317293
No 3 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Stirling and Clackmannan Police

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.

IVES, Arthur Christopher

Private
14241863
No 3 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
??
Private Arthur Ives was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone Sicily and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge), later confirmed as a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources 

JACKSON, Colin

Colin Jackson CBTC
Gunner
-
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Artillery
Preston Borough Police
Colin Jackson was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos and served at the Commando Basic Training Centre.
  • 20 September 1938 joined the Police Service.
  • 1939 single and a Police Constable residing at 191 Shelley Road, Preston.

JACKSON, Herbert

Lance Sergeant
14241710
No 3 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
2nd Police Intake

Lance Sergeant Herbert 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.

JARVIS, Joseph Augustus

Corporal
14604375
No 5 Commando
Metropolitan Police
Joseph Jarvis was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Constable based or residing at 62 Wapping High Street, Stepney. Discharged from military service 15 February 1946.

JENKYNS, Lionel Victor

Private
No 3 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Monmouthshire Police Force
Lionel Victor Jenkyns from Pontypool joined the Monmouthshire Police Force in 1939. Lionel volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot, Achncarry.

JOHN, William, H.

Fusilier
6482272
No 6 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier William John was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be a prisoner of war. 

JOHNSON, Henry Horace

Henry Horace Johnson 3 Commando
Sergeant
14241768
No 3 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment
Lincolnshire Police
Sergeant Henry Horace Johnson, known as Harry, served in 5 Troop. He was one of the Police Intakes who volunteered for the Commandos. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at Cliff Road, Stamford.
 
Sources

JOHNSON, Herbert

Lieutenant
14241825 and 302137
Commando Basic Training Centre
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Wiltshire Constabulary
Died on war service
Herbert Johnson was a Detective Sergeant in the Wiltshire Constabulary who volunteered in 1942 for the commandos. His first service number corresponds with those attending the 2nd Police Intake on 23 July 1942 at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

JONES, Anthony Windsor

Lance Sergeant
14317912
No 5 Commando
Derby Borough Police Force
Before the outbreak of war Anthony Windsor Jones was a Derby BoroughPolice Constable residing in 1939 at 85 Brackensdale Avenue, Derby. He later volunteered for the Commandos and after his training was attached to No.5 Commando attaining the rank of Lance Sergeant.

JONES, George Edward

Gunner
14241633
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Yorkshire
Gunner George Jones was wounded 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). Also served in No.10 Inter Allied Commando.

JONES, Kenneth Edwin

Private
14317295
No 3 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Glasgow City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Kenneth Jones died during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). Son of Edwin and Georgina P. Jones, of Glasgow.

JONES, Thomas Ellis

Thomas Ellis Jones 3 Commando
Private
14241672
No 3 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Liverpool City Police
Thomas Ellis Jones resided in 1939 at 63A Gwladys Street, Liverpool. He joined the Liverpool City Police as a Police Constable in April that year.

JOSS, James

Gunner
14317296
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Paisley Police Force
James Joss joined the Paisley Police Force in 1939. He later volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 15 October 1942 joining the 3rd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

KEERY, William James

Corporal William Keery GM
Corporal (Lance Sergeant)
14604376
No 1 Commando
Sherwood Foresters
Metropolitan Police
George Medal (GM)
William James Keery from Derbyshire served in the Sherwood Foresters before the war until 20 October 1936 when he purchased his discharge. He joined the Metropolitan Police on 28 June 1937.

KELLY, Brian Bernard

Sergeant
6482224
No 9 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Brian Bernard Kelly, a serving Metroplitan Police Officer,  volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942. After completing his training at the Commando Depot (CBTC) Achnacarry he was attached to No.9 Commando.

KENDRAY, Harold

Lance Sergeant
14241711
No 3 Commando
Black Watch
Middlesbrough Borough/Teeside Constabulary
Harold Kendray was a Middlesborough Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. After successfully completing his commando training he was attached to No.3 Commando.

KENNEDY, Albert

Albert Kennedy 4 Commando
Private
14241673
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
Wallasey Borough Police / Cheshire Constabulary
In 1939 Albert Kennedy was a Police Constable residing in Wallasey, Cheshire. Constable Kennedy volunteered for the commandos in 1942 and was posted to the 2nd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

KENT, Frederick, P.

Corporal
PO/X114623
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Oxfordshire Constabulary
Served in 'B' Troop. Active service included Port en Bessin and Fecamp in Normandy and Walcheren in the Netherlands. Wounded in knee during the latter. 
 
Sources

KIRBY, William John

Fusilier
6482295
No 4 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier William Kirby was wounded June 1944 during operations in Normandy, France.
1939 - Metropolitan Police Officer serving at the Police Station, High Street, Stoke Newington.Volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942.

LAMKIN, Sydney James

Sydney Lamkin 2 Commando
Fusilier
6482244
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police (War Reserve)

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.

LANGLEY, Percy

Lance Corporal
6482274
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
In 1939 Percy Langley was a Metropolitan Police Constable serving on 'F' Division, collar number 616 [1].

LATHAM, Leslie James

Private
14241799
No 4 Commando
North Staffordshire Regiment
Stoke on Trent Police
Private Leslie Latham was wounded in 1944 during operations in North West Europe. Leslie was a Police Constable who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

LEEMING, William Cedric

TSM Leeming 46RM Commando
Troop Sergeant Major
CH/X100711
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
??
Killed in action or died of wounds

Troop Sergeant Major William Leeming died during operations at Rots and Le Hamel, France. Son of William Herbert and Alice Leeming, of Dublin, Irish Republic.

LEES, Archibald

Private
14241677
Commando Basic Training Centre
General Service Corps
Lancashire Constabulary
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Private Archibald Lees drowned in Loch Lochy during training at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry. Son of Robert and Emily Lees; husband of Joan Lees, of Lancaster.

LITTLER, Ronald

Lance Corporal
14316405
No 3 Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Wolverhampton Borough Police
Lance Cororal Ronald Littler was wounded 11 April 1945 during operations in Western Europe, this date being that of the crossing of the River Aller.

LLOYD, Edmund John

Lance Corporal
14604377
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Edmund Lloyd was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. 
Son of Frederick Robert and Fanny Jane Lloyd; husband of Mona (Mollie) Dorothy Lloyd, of of Earl's Court, London.

LOASBY, Ronald William

Corporal
6482237
SBS
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Mentioned in Despatches
In 1939 Ronald William Loasby was a Metropolitan Police Officer residing at Gilmore House, a Police Section House in Lambeth. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 9 June 1942 joining the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

LOCKWOOD, Frank

Gunner
14241769
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
??
Frank Lockwood enlisted 23 July 1942 this date being that of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Transferred to No.4 Commando 24 September 1942.

LOGAN, Frederick James

Lance Corporal
14241747
No 4 Commando
Essex Regiment, 2nd Bn.
Metropolitan Police
Private Frederick Logan was wounded 1st November 1944 at Flushing, Holland.
  • 2 September 1939 Frederick Logan became a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable and in 1942 he volunteered for the Commandos.

LOGAN, Thomas Alex

Lance Corporal
14317297
No 1 Commando
Yes
Policeman from Largs, Scotland, who volunteered for the Commandos being part of a Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Post war member of the Commando and Burma Star Associations [1][2][3][4][5].

MACGOWAN, Sydney James Watt

Private
14317303
No 5 Commando
Black Watch
Stirlingshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Sydney Macgowan, 2 Troop, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw, Burma. Son of James and Elizabeth MacGowan; husband of Jessie MacGowan (nee Robertson), of Stirling.

MACKENZIE, Roderick Gimson

Captain
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Leicester City Police
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Roderick Mackenzie MC,  'X' troop, died in hospital in Belgium from wounds caused by enemy mortar fire during operations at Walcheren. Son of John Ross Mackenzie, and of Elizabeth Mackenzie (nee Gimson); nephew of Alice M. Gimson, of Leicester.

MANNING, Frederick

Frederick Manning 5 Commando
Corporal
-
No 5 Commando
-
West Malling, Kent County Constabulary

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.

MARRON, Austin

Also seen as: 
MARRON, Augustine Peter
Corporal
14241713
No 4 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Newcastle City Police
Corporal Marron, 'C' Troop, was wounded on 6 June 1944 (remaining on duty) during operations at Normandy, France. 

MARTIN, Donald Hugh

Donald Martin 4 Commando
Sergeant
14241838
No 4 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Norwich City Police
Mentioned in Despatches
Donald Hugh Martin, a Police Officer from Norwich, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), at Achnacarry. After completing the commando course he was attached to No.4 Commando.

MASSEY, Albert William

Private
14241864
SBS
Royal Artillery
Corps of Military Police
Buckinghamshire Constabulary
Albert Massey was a Buckinghamshire Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942. He joined 2 Special Boat Section from the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry.

MATHER, Ernest Griffith

Ernest Griffith Mather 4 Commando
Constable Ernest Griffith Mather
Lance Sergeant
14241681
No 4 Commando
Black Watch
Cheshire Constabulary
Ernest Griffith Mather joined the Cheshire Constabulary on 2 May 1938, collar number 96, and was posted to Altrincham. On 27 July 1942 he enlisted into the Armed Forces volunteering for the Commandos.

MCCUBBIN, Duncan Stuart

Private (Acting Lance Corporal)
14241679
No 4 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Liverpool City Police
Duncan McCubbin served in 'C' Troop and 1 Troop. He volunteered for the Commandos as part of the police intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at 20 Thurston Road Liverpool.

MCDAID, Francis

Trooper
14317298
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Armoured Corps
Glasgow City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Francis McDaid, 34 Army Troop, was killed in action during operations in the Aegean when his unit was attacked on Leros and bombed by enemy aircraft. He has no known grave. Son of William and Mary McDaid, of Glasgow.

MCDONALD, Robert Stewart

Lance Sergeant
14317300
No 5 Commando
Royal Artillery
??
Robert Stewart McDonald enlisted 15 October 1942. This was the date date of the 3rd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. 30 December 1942 posted No.5 Commando later embarking for India and operations in Burma.

MCDOUGALL, William Lawrence

Served as : 
seen on records as MCDOUGALL and MACDOUGALL
Lance Corporal
2694429
No 8 Commando
Scots Guards 2nd Bn.
Perth City Police Force
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal William McDougall, Scots Guards, was attached to No.8 Commando in 1940. He left the commando and returned to his unit, the Scots Guards, in October 1941. Killed in action in Italy serving with the 2nd Bn. Scots Guards. Son of Mrs C. Miller, 30a Ainslie Gdns, Perth.

McELVEEN, Thomas Edward

Sergeant
14317301
No 6 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Black Watch
Glasgow City Police
Sergeant McElveen, No.6 Commando, was wounded 20 August 1944 during operations in France. He volunteered for the Commandos from the Police and also served at the Commando Basic Training Centre. Post war member of the Commando Association from Glasgow.
 

MCKAY, Alec

Alec McKay 8 Commando
Alec McKay (8 Cdo) in the Police
Lance Sergeant (later Company Quartermaster Sergeant)
2654904
No 8 Commando
Coldstream Guards 3rd Bn.
Burnley Borough Police Force
01.10.1930 attested at Burnley into the Coldstream Guards. Former trade Railway Employee. 
October 1934 Lance Corporal released to Army Reserve.
02.11.1934 joined Burnley Borough Police Force aged 24. Sworn in 18 June 1935.

MEDDINGS, Sidney William

Sidney Meddings 4 Commando
Corporal (Sergeant)
6482267
No 4 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Corporal Sidney Meddings was wounded during operations in Western Europe (Flushing Holland). 
1939 - Police Constable residing at 16 Sherrard Road, Manor Park. Volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942. Post war member of the Commando Association.

MEEK, Angus

Lance Corporal
14241634
No 4 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Barnsley Borough Police Force
Angus Meek was a Barnsley Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre). After completing his training he was attached to No.4 Commando.

MELLARS, Vivian Roy

Lance Corporal
14241770
No 4 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Leicester Police, and, Metropolitan Police
Lance Corporal Vivian Mellars was wounded during operations in North West Europe (date not reported). He was a Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes of 1942 [1][2][2a][3]. 

MILBURN, John

Gunner
14241714
No 4 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Artillery
??
23.07.1942 enlisted.
24.09.1942 attached No.4 Commando.
---.11.1944 attached Holding Operational Commando.
12.02.1945 - 01.09.1945 attached Commando Basic Training Centre.
 
Source

MILBURN, Ridley

Private
14241715
No 4 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Durham Constabulary
Member of the Commando Association*. Post war served in the Durham Constabulary and in 1966 held the rank of Police Sergeant.
 
Sources

MITCHELL, William

Trooper
14317309
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Renfrewshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper William Mitchell was killed in action at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati, known as 3 Commando Bridge. Husband of Jean Currie Mitchell, of Thornliebank, Renfrewshire.

MOFFAT, Robert Tweedie

Robert Moffat 40RM Commando
Sergeant
PO/X115392
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Manchester City Police
Robert Moffat was a serving Police Constable in the Manchester City Police (PC A172) who volunteered for the Commandos. He was part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.
RM Service and training commenced 1 September 1942.

MOLD, Herbert John

Herbert Mold 47RM Commando
Corporal
PO/X114621
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Oxfordshire Constabulary
Herbert John Mold joined Oxfordshire Constabulary on 24 January 1938 and in 1939 was a Constable serving at Witney. 13 August 1942 enlisted Royal Marines, Lympstone, aged 27. Served 10th RM Battalion  and 47RM Commando.

MONEY, Douglas Anthony William

Douglas Money 45RM Commando
Corporal
PO/X116678
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Oxfordshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Douglas Money died of wounds at the 9th British General Hospital, Holland. Son of Albert William and Florence Lily Money, of Botley, Oxford. His name is on the Oxfordshire Constabulary WW2 Roll of Honour
 
Sources

MORGAN, Albert Stuart

Albert Morgan 30 Commando
Marine (Acting Lance Corporal)
PO/X115315
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Wallasey Borough Police
Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
Acting Lance Corporal Albert Morgan was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for good service in operations leading to the liberation of France. He enlisted from the Wallasey Constabulary and served with 30 Commando in the Mediterranean and as a photographer in 'X' Troop on D Day.

MORRIS, Charles Henry

Trooper
14317747
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Plymouth City Police
Trooper Charles Morris, 6 Troop, was wounded 15 March 1944 during operations in Burma. Charles Henry Morris joined the Plymouth City Police 18 August 1939 and resided at Woodhey, Plymouth.

MULLARD, Sidney John

Sergeant (later Lieutenant)
14241800 and 352357
No 4 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Birmingham City Police
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Sidney Mullard was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe [1][2].

MYNHEER, Frederick Robert Charles

Lance Corporal
14241865
No 4 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
High Wycombe Borough Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Frederick Mynheer was reported missing 20 June 1944 presumed killed in action Normandy, France. He has no known grave. 
Son of William Harold and Esther Mynheer, of Gillingham, Kent.

NAYLOR, Howard

Lance Corporal
14241772
No 4 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Nottingham Constabulary
Lance Corporal Howard Naylor was wounded on 10 June 1944 (remaining on duty) during operations in Normandy France.

NEALE, Arthur

Gunner
14241759
No 4 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Artillery
Sheffield City Police ??
Arthur Neale enlisted 23 July 1942 attending the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry, before joining No.4 Commando. This was the date of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot.

NICHOLAS, John David

John David Nicholas
Private
7688187
No 3 Commando
Corps of Military Police
Birmingham City Police
Jack was a 25 year old Policeman at Steelhouse Lane Police Station, Birmingham.
June 1940 attested into the Corps of Military Police.
April 1941 transferred to the Infantry Training Centre (Welch Regiment).
15 April 1941 posted to the Auxiliary Units.

NICOLSON, Angus

Corporal
14241801
No 4 Commando
Black Watch
Birmingham City Police
Corporal Angus Nicolson was wounded 8 August 1944 during operations at Normandy. He had volunteered for the Police as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. In 1939 he was a Police Constable at the Police Station, 234 Ladywood Road, Birmingham.

OLIVER, Matthew Dudgeon

Later Major
6482278 and 321564
No 1 Commando
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Matthew Oliver was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining the Armed Forces on  24 June 1942. He was part of the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Served in No.1 and No.5 Commando.

OLIVER, Roland

Roland Oliver 4 Commando
LCpl Roland Oliver 4 Commando
Lance Corporal
14241866
No 4 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Dorset Constabulary
Roland Oliver joined the Dorset Constabulary on 6 November 1939. He volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commandos that commenced in July 1942.

OSTICK, Ernest

Private
14241685
No 4 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Yes
Private Ernest Ostick was wounded 20 August 1944 during operations at Normandy. He had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. In 1939 he was a Police Constable, married, and residing with his wife Mary at Tanfield Road, Manchester.

OVENDEN, Roderick Joseph

Lance Corporal Ovenden 4 Commando
Lance Corporal
14241749
No 4 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Roderick Ovenden, 'F' troop, died during operations at Normandy, France. Son of Eric and Florence Ovenden; husband of Gladys Catherine Ovenden, of Paddington, London.

PAGE, Thomas Harold

Sergeant
CH/X109662
44RM Commando
Royal Marines
Lincoln City Police
Thomas Page was a Lincoln City Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos. After his training he was attached to the HQ Troop of 44RM Commando serving in India, Burma, and Hong Kong. He re-joined Lincoln City Police after the war*.

PALFREY, Edward Francis

Edward Palfrey 4 Commando
Lance Corporal
14241827
No 4 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Somerset Constabulary
Lance Corporal Edward Palfrey, 'F' Troop, was wounded 6 June 1944 during operations in Normandy. He had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing 97 Benedict Street, Glastonbury. Post war member of the Commando Association.

PALMER, Frederick

Fred Palmer 5 Commando
Frederick Palmer 5 Commando
Corporal
14317316
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Durham County Constabulary
Frederick Palmer was a Durham County Constabulary Police Constable from Hartlepool who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry, that commenced in 1942.

PANTALL, Richard William White

Richard_Pantall_3_Commando
Bombardier later Lieutenant
14241750 and 327724
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Brighton Borough Police
Military Medal (MM)
Richard William White Pantall joined the Metropolitan Police, warrant number 125976, on 10 May 1937, and left on 5 February 1939. Last posted to J Division as a Constable. He left the Metropolitan Police Force on transfer to the Brighton Police Force joining them on 6 February 1939.

PARISH, Kenneth Peter

Captain
-
44RM Commando
Royal Marines
Metropolitan Police
Served as a Civilian Clerk in the Metropolitan Police before volunteering for the Royal Marines at the outbreak of war.
8 March 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant.
Served 3rd Battalion Royal Marines 1940-1943.

PARKER, Robert John

Guardsman
14241686
No 6 Commando
Irish Guards
Cheshire Constabulary

Guardsman Robert Parker was reported missing 26 February 1943 in Tunisia, North Africa (Battle for Steamroller Farm), later found to be wounded and a prisoner of war.

PASK, Douglas

Lance Sergeant
14241636
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Artillery
Barnsley Borough Police Force
Douglas Pask was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos. He enlisted on 23 July 1942 as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

PEARCE, Kenneth

Kenneth Pearce 6 Commando
Private
14241688
No 6 Commando
Black Watch
New Brighton Police Station Wallasey
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Kenneth Pearce died during operations in North Africa. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in the Battle for Steamroller Farm at El Arousa, Tunisia [1][1a][2].
Son of Arthur W. and Emma Pearce, of Hipperholme, Yorkshire [1].

PEARSE, George

Fusilier
14241752
No 6 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
George Pearse was a Metroplitan Police Constable in 1939, collar number 353K, serving at Barking Police Station. In 1942 he volunteered for the commandos and was posted to the 2nd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

PETKEN, William Henry

Fusilier
6482258
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police (War Reserve)
Fusilier William Petken was wounded 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). He volunteered for the Commandos from the Police. 

PHILLIPS, Hedley Joyce

Captain
48RM Commando
44RM Commando
Royal Marines
Berkshire Constabulary
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Police Medal (QPM)
Order of the Legion of Honour (France)
1941 left school and became a Police Cadet, Berkshire Constabulary [1].
24 March 1944 appointed Temporary Second Lieutenant, Royal Marines [2].

PHILLIPS, Norman Arthur Firth

Lance Corporal
14241828
No 6 Commando
Black Watch
Bristol City Police
Private Norman Phillips was wounded 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm). Wounded a second time in 1944, rank Lance Corporal, during operations at Normandy.
  • 1939 employed as a Clerk at the Education Offices, Bath.

PICKTHALL, Gerald

Private
14241689
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Liverpool City Police
Gerald Pickthall was a Liverpool City Policeman who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), at Achnacarry.
09.06.1941 joined Liverpool City Police as Constable 103F.

POCOCK, Thomas Charles

Fusilier
14604383
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Thomas Charles Pocock joined the Metropolitan Police, warrant number 127910, on 10 July 1939. He later volunteered for military service with the Commandos enlisting 20 May 1943. After completing his military training he was attached to No.5 Commando serving with 1 Troop in the Far East.

PORTWAIN, Edward

Fusilier
6482259
No 6 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
In 1939 Edward Portwain was a Metropolitan Police Officer residing at the Police Section House, Arlington Road, Camden. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 June 1942 joining the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Badic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

PRATT, Henry

Gunner
14241716
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Newcastle upon Tyne
Henry Pratt, a Police Constable residing in 1939 at Wingrove Gardens, Newcastle upon Tyne, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942.

PRICE, David Elvet

Fusilier (later Lieutenant)
6482275 and 320917
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Welch Regiment
Metropolitan Police
1939 serving as Police Constable 'L296', Camberwell Police Station, London. Volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942 [1][1a].
Fusilier, No.1 Commando Intelligence Section. To O.C.T.U.[2]. 

RAMAGE, James Burns

Fusilier
6482227
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
James Ramage was a Metropolitan Police Officer (warrant number 126274) who volunteered for the Commandos joining the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. The course commenced 24 June 1942.

RAMSDEN, Harry

Private
14241637
No 6 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Leeds City Police Yorkshire
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Harry Ramsden died during operations at Normandy, France. He had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Probationary Police Constable residing at 10 Highthorne Street, Leeds. Son of Alfred and Annie Ramsden, of Lofthouse, Yorkshire.

REEVE, Stanley Richardson

Fusilier
14604385
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Stanley Reeve was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Stanley was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943.

RIDGE, Thomas William

Thomas Ridge 6 Commando
Sergeant
14241691
No 6 Commando
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Liverpool City Police
Thomas Ridge was a serving Liverpool City Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. He served with No.6 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade, final rank Sergeant. 
14 April 1945 (Acting Corporal) (No.6 Commando) wounded in Western Europe.

RILEY, Charles George Gibson

Guardsman (later Captain)
2656281 and 281325
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
SAS
Coldstream Guards
Isle of Ely Constabulary
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
15 January 1934 enlisted Coldstream Guards former trade Quarryman; 1937 to Army Reserve List; 1 January 1938 joined Isle of Ely Constabulary; September 1939 mobilised Coldstream Guards; 1940 No.8 Commando; Layforce; 1st Special Service Regiment; September 1941 'L' Detachment SAS; January - Apri

RILEY, Hugh

Corporal
14241692
SBS
Royal Artillery
Manchester City Police ?
In 1939 Hugh Riley was a Police Constable residing in Edge Lane, Manchester. Volunteered for the Commandos in 1942, his service number indicating he joined the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Joined No.1 Special Boat Section.

ROBERTS, Charles Edward James

Rifleman
S 59005
No 6 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
City of London Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Rifleman Charles Roberts died in Germany. Son of Charles and Susan Roberts; husband of Ivy Alice Roberts, of Stockwell, London. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at the River Aller crossing.

ROBERTS, Edwin Albert

Edwin Albert Roberts
Sergeant (later Captain)
6482225 and 320954
No 12 Commando
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Somerset Light Infantry
Metropolitan Police
In 1939 Edwin Albert Roberts from Nunney, Somerset, joined the Metropolitan Police and was posted to Islington Police Station, 277 Upper Street, London N1 [1][2].

ROBERTSON, George

Corporal
CH/X109679
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Stirlingshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal George Robertson died at the 50th Field Hospital US Army, Portland Island Dorset, of wounds inflicted at Port-en-Bessin, Normandy.  He was described as a "distinguished Scottish athlete" by Captain Forfar M.C., Medical Officer of the Commando.

ROLFE, Charles Kenneth

Gunner
14241693
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Manchester Police
Charles Kenneth Rolfe joined the Manchester Police on 10 August 1938 and in 1939 was a Police Constable living in Urmston. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

ROSTANCE, James, H.F.W.

Private
14241805
No 6 Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Staffordshire Police
Private James Rostance was reported missing and a prisoner of war on 26 February 1943 (Battle of Steamroller Farm). He was later reported as no longer a prisoner of war.

RUSHTON, Edward Gordon

Edward Rushton 4 Commando
Corporal
14241694
No 4 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Lancashire Constabulary
Corporal Edward Rushton, 'F' Troop, was wounded in North West Europe in 1944.

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.

SALISBURY, Frank

Frank Salisbury No.6 Cdo and son Peter
Frank Salisbury No.6 Cdo veteran
Private
14241695
No 6 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Cheshire Constabulary
Private Frank Salisbury was reported missing 26 February 1943 in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm, El Arousa, Tunisia), later confirmed wounded and a prisoner of war [1][2][3].

SAVORY, Dennis

Pte / Gnr
14241830
No 6 Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Royal Artillery
Police Intake
Dennis Savory was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Post war rejoined the Police. Married to Josie.

SEARLE, Clifford Frederick

LSgt Clifford Searle DCM 9 Commando
Lance Sergeant
14241831
No 9 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Somerset Constabulary
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Queen's Police Medal (QPM)
Lance Sergeant Clifford Searle, 5 troop, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his leadership and gallantry during Operation Roast at Lake Comacchio, Italy [1][2].
Recommendation

SIGSWORTH, Stanley

Private
14241696
No 9 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders 2nd Bn.
Liverpool City Police
Stanley Sigsworth was a Liverpool City Police Constable before entering military service. In 1961 he was promoted to Police Sergeant transferring from Prescot Street Division to Old Swan Division. He had been wounded in Italy during the war on 19 March 1944.

SMART, Albert Kenneth

Albert Smart 9 Commando
Private
14241644
No 9 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Leicester Police
Albert Smart was a serving Leicestershire Police Officer who volunteered in July 1942 as part of the Police Intakes. He was attached to No.9 Commando on 9 September 1942 after completing his training at the Commando Depot (CBTC).

SMITH, George Alfred

Constable George Alfred Smith
George Alfred Smith 9 Commando
Private
14241717
No 9 Commando
Black Watch
North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Smith was killed in action during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead, Italy, and has no known grave. Son of George Henry and Alice Smith; husband of Elsie Smith, of Middlesbrough, Yorkshire. 

SMITH, Miller

Miller Smith 2 Commando
Sergeant (Temporary Company Sergeant Major)
2657063
No 2 Commando
Coldstream Guards
Southport Borough Police
Executed

Company Sergeant Major 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.

SNADDON, John

Lance Corporal
14317314
No 5 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Fife Constabulary

John Snaddon was a Fife Constabulary police officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining a Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Badic Training Centre) at Achnarry.  Lance Corporal Snaddon, No.5 Commando 4 troop, was wounded in 1944 during operations in Burma.

SPINKS, Edward George

Edward Spinks 2 Commando
Fusilier
6482234
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Edward Spinks was a serving Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining them in June 1942 as part of the 1st Police Intake. He served in 3 Troop and was wounded during operations at Grohote, Solta, on 18 March 1944.

STACK, William John

William Stack 9 Commando
Trooper
14241832
No 9 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Gloucestershire Constabulary

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.

STANSFIELD, Stewart Milsom

Bombardier
14241698
No 9 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lancashire Constabulary
Stewart Milsom Stansfield served in No.9 Commando with active service in the Meditteranean theatre of war. He was released from miltary service on 26 December 1945. In 1949 he was a Police Officer based at Longton Police Station, Preston.

STORER, Sidney

Corporal
14241808
No 9 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Warwickshire Constabulary
Corporal Sidney Storer, No.9 Commando, was wounded on 3 March 1944 during operations in Italy. Sidney was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), at Achnacarry.

STROWGER, John Dunkirk

Sergeant
14604389
No 5 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Metropolitan Police

John Strowger was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos. In 1939 he was a Police Constable serving at Croydon Police Station, London. Post war member of the Commando Association.

TANNER, John Andrew

Corporal
14241755
No 9 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
City of London Police
Killed in action or died of wounds

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. 

TAYLOR, Thomas Alfred

Thomas Alfred Taylor 3 Commando
Lance Corporal
6482262
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Mentioned in Despatches
Thomas Alfred Taylor joined the Metropolitan Police on 16 January 1939. Police Constable Taylor volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and was posted to the 1st Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) Achnacarry.

TAYLOR, William Ronald

Fusilier (Lance Corporal)
14604392
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier William Taylor died of wounds during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of William George Thomas Taylor and Lilian Josephine Taylor, of Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

TEVENDALE, Lewis Legertwood Legg

Lewis Tevendale 11 Commando
Regimental Sergeant Major (later Major)
2873628 and 226916
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Royal Leicestershire Regiment
Kincardineshire Constabulary
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Warrant Officer Class 1 Regimental Sergeant Major Lewis Tevendale, No.11 Commando ('C' Bn., Layforce), was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of his distinguished service during the battle of Litani River, Syria, on 9-10 June 1941.

THOMSON, John, D.

Lance Corporal
14241720
No 1 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Tynemouth Police

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.

THRIFT, Robert William

Lance Sergeant
6482253
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusliers
Metropolitan Police
Robert William Thrift, son of Thomas and Henrietta Thrift of Leyton, was a Metropolitan Police Officer in 1939, warrant number 127121, residing at Ambrosden Police Section House, in Westminster.

TOOGOOD, David Cyril

Corporal
No 12 Commando
SBS
Wiltshire County Constabulary
David Toogood served in No.12 Commando and later 2 SBS HQ. He had volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 whilst serving as a Police Constable at Corsham, Wiltshire. He joined the County Police Force on his 19th birthday and Corsham was his first posting.

TORDOFF, Kenneth

Private
14509788
No 5 Commando
East Yorkshire Regiment
West Riding Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Kenneth Tordoff , Intelligence Section, No 5 Commando HQ, was killed in action during operations at Maungdaw. Son of Robert and Amy Olive Tordoff, of Old Goole, Yorkshire.

TOUGH, Alexander

Lance Corporal
6482290
No 12 Commando
SBS
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Alec Tough joined the Metropolitan Police on 6 March 1939, later residing at the Police Section House in Crawford Place, Marleybone. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and served in No.12 Commando before joining the Special Boat Section.

TOVEY, Norman Charles

Lieutenant
6482251 and 326331
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Norrman Tovey was a Metropolitan Police Constable (PC 201W) serving in Battersea who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942. 
29 July 1944 commissioned Second Lieutenant.
Member of the Commando Association.

TOWSE, Alfred Burley

Lance Sergeant
14241859
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Scots Guards
Hove Borough Police Force
Corporal Alfred Towse served in No.12 Commando before joining No.6 Commando. He was wounded in France on 7 August 1944. Alfred Towse joined the Hove Borough Police Force on 5 July 1939.

TUDOR, William John

Private
14241701
No 9 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Cheshire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Tudor was killed in action during operations at the Anzio beachhead, Italy.
Son of John J. and Emma A. Tudor, of Clive, Shropshire [1][2][3].
Previously wounded 30 December 1943 (Operation Partridge), Italy [4].

TUNGATT, Leonard Frederick

Original grave of Fusilier Tungatt 5 Commando
Fusilier
14604394
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Leonard Tungatt was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Frederick Tungatt, and of Susan Tungatt (nee Tyler); husband of Kathleen Mary Tungatt, of Leytonstone, Essex.

TURNER, William George Jack

Private
14604395
No 5 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Private William Turner was wounded in 1944 during operations in Burma.
William was Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at 32 East Dulwich Road, London.
 

TYREMAN, George Vincent

Private
14241777
No 4 Commando
No 12 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment
Lincolnshire Police
Private George Tyreman, 'C' Troop, was wounded during operations at Normandy, France.
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Lincolnshire.
1939 employed as a Clerk with Lincolnshire Police later joining as a Constable.

WAKELY, Terence Raymond John

Terence Wakely 6 Commando
Lance Sergeant
14241620
No 6 Commando
Welch Regiment
Glamorgan County Police
Terence Wakely was wounded 11 April 1945 during operations at the River Aller crossing. He was a Police Officer who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes of 1942 only nine months after joining Glamorgan County Police in September 1941.

WARD, Arthur William

LCpl AW Ward 4 Commando
Lance Corporal
14241809
No 4 Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Wolverhampton Police Force
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Arthur Ward died during operations at Normandy, France.
Arthur served in the Wolverhampton Police Force for 3 years before the war and volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. 

WATSON, J.R.

Private
14241860
No 6 Commando
Border Regiment
??
Private J.R. Watson was wounded on 10 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/76.

WATTS, Robert Edward

Private
14241839
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk
Norwich City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Robert Watts died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Walter and Thirza Agnes Watts, of Norwich; husband of Gladys Georgina Eliza Watts, of Old Catton, Norwich.

WEBB, George Henry

Private
14604144
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Metropolitan Police
Military Medal (MM)
Private George Webb was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Burma.
Recommendation
"Arakan 1945.

WEBB, Henry Thomas

Fusilier
6482293
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Henry Thomas Webb was a serving Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942. 
  • 1939 Metropoltan Police Constable at the Police Station, 370 Romford Rd., East Ham.

WEBSTER, Roland Hutchinson

Gunner
14241640
No 12 Commando
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
Consiborough Police Station ??
Roland Hutchinson Webster enlisted 23 July 1942 and after his training was attached to No.12 Commando on 24 September 1942. He transferred to No.4 Commando on 15 July 1943. On 10 June 1944 he was wounded during operations at Normandy, France.

WEEKES, Sydney George Douglas

Fusilier
6482277
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Sydney Weekes was killed in action during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia, and has no known grave. Son of Edward and Emma Weekes; husband of Muriel Hartnoll Weeks, of Stoke Newington, London.

WELCH, Frederick Edward

Private
14604147
Commando Basic Training Centre
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Metropolitan Police Force
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Private Frederick Welch died at the Military Hospital, Onich, of multiple gunshot wounds. 
Son of Frederick John and Alice Jane Welch; husband of Phyllis Margaret Welch, of Mitcham.
Occupation on Register of Deaths is Police Officer.

WELSH, J.L

Marine
PO/X116154
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Yes
Marine J.L. Welsh, joined 30 Commando Assault Unit on 29 January 1943. Ward Room Attendant. Served in Sicily and Italy. Former occupation Police Officer.
 
Source

WILLIAMS, Albert

Fusilier
14309591
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Lancashire Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Albert Williams died during operations at Termoli, Italy. Son of Thomas Hugh and Elizabeth Williams; husband of May Williams (nee Hyde), of Prescot, Lancashire.
Albert was a serving Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos.

WILLIAMS, Sidney Walter

Lieutenant
14312296 and 331368
No 4 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Cardiff City Police
Sidney Walter Williams was a Cardiff City Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing with family (his father was also a Constable) at  5 Tony yr Ywen Avenue, Cardiff. Served in No.4 Commando and the Commando Basic Training Centre.

WILSON, Graham Charles

Fusilier
6482243
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)
Metropolitan Police (War Reserve)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Graham Wilson was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Charles Lawrence Wilson and Alberta Louisa Wilson; husband of Marjorie Wilson, of West Wimbledon, Surrey.

WILSON, Irvine Ridley

Lance Sergeant
14241641
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
West Riding Constabulary
Irvine Ridley Wilson was a Police Constable in 1939 and resided in Keighley, Yorkshire. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942. Posted to the 2nd Police Intake at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacary.

WOOD, Hector

Sergeant
14241779
SBS
Scots Guards
Nottinghamshire Constabulary
Mentioned in Despatches
Hector Wood was a Nottinghamshire Police Constable residing at Kirkby-in-Ashfield in 1939. He volunteered for commando service in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

WOOLLARD, George

Private
14241724
No 1 Commando
No 12 Commando
Black Watch
Liverpool City Police
Private George Woollard served in No.12 Commando and later No.1 Commando. He was wounded 31 January 1945 during operations with No.1 Commando 6 Troop at Kangaw, Burma.

WORMLEY, Wilfrid John

Corporal
6482257
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Corporal Wilfrid Wormley was wounded on 6 June 1944, and again on 13 June 1944, during operations at Normandy, France. He volunteered for the Commandos from the Police as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942. Post war member of the Commando Association from Deptford.

WRIGHT, Harold

Gunner
14241643
SBS
Royal Artillery
Police Intake
Mentioned in Despatches
Gunner Harold Wright, 2 Special Boat Section, was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. The operation was the Oran Landings, an assault on the port by HMS Walney and HMS Hartland, 8th November 1942.

There may be content on individuals that is not listed here. If you do not find a name use the different Search options within the Site. Contact the Archive to have a name included.

A newspaper article about Police Intakes

Type: Files
Author: Content Admin
Year of Publishing: 2023
Keywords: Police,Intakes
Download

Published in The Scotsman 15 January 1943.

Linked Content: 
Police Volunteers

A newspaper article about Scottish Police War Service

Type: Files
Author: The Scotsman newspaper 3 March 1945
Year of Publishing: 2021
Keywords: police
Download
A newspaper account about Scottish Police Officers who joined the Armed Forces in WW2. Police Officers from across the UK volunteered for the Commandos. 
 
Linked Content: 
Police Volunteers

A newspaper article on Lancashire Police Officers in the Armed Forces

Type: Files
Author: Content Admin
Year of Publishing: 2022
Keywords: police,sicily,commandos
Download
Article published in the Nelson Leader newspaper 03 September 1943 naming some Lancashire Constabulary Police Officers who served in the Armed Forces in WW2 including George Carrick and Len Davies of No.2 Commando. Lance Corporal George Carrick was killed at Salerno, Italy, ten days after this article was published.
Also mentioned is William Yates who had joined the Royal Marines. Not all Royal Marines were Commandos at this time. From his own description of his journey to Sicily, it is likely he was in the 7th RM Battalion at the time of the article. In 1944 the 7th RM Bn., was disbanded and many went onto join the new 48RM Commando with others being trained for Landing Craft crew (non commando). Awaits confirmation or otherwise as to any Commando service.
 
Linked Content: 
CARRICK, George
DAVIES, Leonard
Police Volunteers

Police Intakes (Royal Marines)

In WWII not all Royal Marines were Commandos. This list contains a few names of Police Officers who volunteered for the Royal Marines in 1942 at the time of the Police Intakes who may have gone on to serve in the Commandos. Verification of any service in a commando unit is still required. If commando service is confirmed their name will be removed and included on the main Police List.
 
Source for below: Peter Eads [more....], 'Once Upon A Lifetime', vol.1 p.136.
Requiring confirmation, or otherwise, of any commando service
  • John FISHWICK (Northampton Borough Police Force).
  • Alf BENNETT (Northampton Borough Police Force).
  • Reg ROSWELL (Northampton County Police Force).
  • Alf BROWN (Northampton County Police Force).
  • Stan BEAVER (Northampton County Police Force). Possibly ident with [more....].
 

Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge

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

Read on from below right.....

Origins of the Green Beret

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.]