'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.

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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.

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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 main Special Training Centre (S.T.C.) at Lochailort and remained as such for the next year. 

A decision was made to centralise all Commando training at Achnacarry. In December 1941 Achnacarry was re-designated as The Commando Depot, and passed under the authority of the Special Service Brigade. The first courses began in the months of February/March 1942. Achnacarry was now the training centre for all Commandos in the UK and was known as the Commando Depot, later renamed the Commando Basic Training Centre.

For Commandos already deployed overseas, additional training areas were set up including the Training and Holding Unit at Geneifa beside the Great Bitter Lake in the Middle East

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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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.
 
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.
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. 

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Linked Content: 
NEWMAN, Lt Col. Augustus Charles, VC
Archive pages: 
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 WW2

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

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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Archive pages: 
Commando Training WW2

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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Commando Training WW2

'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.
 
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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
Download

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)
Archive pages: 
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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Commando Training WW2

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

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)

Charles Edward Vaughan, born 1893, was originally attached to No.7 and No.4 Commando before taking up his role as the Commandant of the newly formed Commando Depot (CBTC) at Achnacarry.

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

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.

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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. This list also contains a few civilian employees in the Police. 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.
 
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 - 305 of 305

ALEXANDER, Charles Henry

Trooper
14241760
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Leicester City Police
Lance Corporal Charles Alexander was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had volunteered as part of the Police Intakes to the Commandos.

ALMONDS, John Edward

Sergeant (later Second Lieutenant )
2655648
No 8 Commando
SAS
Coldstream Guards
Bristol Police Force
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
John Almonds, a Reservist of the Coldstream Guards, joined the Bristol Police Force in 1936. In December 1939 he was a Police Constable, married, and residing at 15 York Street, Bristol, when re-called to his Regiment [1][1a].

ANDERSON, Barrie Sherwill Norman

Trooper
14241781
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Staffordshire County Police
Died on active service
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
Arthur James Ansell, warrant number 126925, joined the Metropolitan Police on 7 June 1938. Last posted to 'N' Division as a Constable.
1939 married and serving at the Police Station, 12A Holmes Road, Kentish Town, London.

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
No 1 Commando
West Sussex Constabulary
James Ashworth was a serving Police Officer from Sussex who volunteered for the Commandos. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at 116 The Gardens, Southwick, Sussex. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 
Sources

AUSTIN, Selwyn Ronald

Selwyn Austin 1 Commando
Private
14241782
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Coventry City Police / Warwickshire Constabulary
Private Selwyn Austin was wounded 17 March 1943 during operations in North Africa.
Selwyn was a Coventry Police Constable who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intake that commenced July 1942. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 

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.

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 was a Police Constable, number 396, residing at 26 Slater Avenue, Derby.

BAKER, Kenneth Claude

Private
14241727
No 1 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
West Sussex Constabulary
Private Kenneth Baker was wounded 23 February 1943 during operations in North Africa. He had volunteered for the Commandos from the Police as part of the Police Intakes of 1942 to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

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

Lance Corporal
6482286
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/X 114916
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

Gunner John Bardens was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war.
John  was a serving Police Officer from Plymouth who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the police Intakes that commenced in 1942.

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
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, V.

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. 
1939 Police Constable residing at 44 Kensal Road, Bristol. 
1942 volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes.

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

Corporal (later Second Lieutenant)
14241854
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
Corporal James Beattie was awarded the Military Medal in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [1].
Recommendation [1a]

BEAVER, S.

Corporal
CH/X 109654
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
??
Possibly Ident with Stanley Beaver who volunteered from the Police Force. Requires verification.
 
Sources
List of RM Commandos provided by R.Y. (former CA Sec and CBF).
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
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].

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/X 114618
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
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

Company Sergeant Major
-
No 1 Commando
Hartlepool, Birmingham, Mid Anglia, and North Yorkshire
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Police Medal
Robert Paul Boyes volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. 
Served with No.1 Commando, final rank Company Sergeant Major.
9 October 1939 serving Police Constable residing Welldeck Gardens, Hartlepool.

BRIDLE, Desmond George

Lance Corporal
14604360
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Desmond Bridle, 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, Kenneth, S.

Lance Corporal
14604361
No 5 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Lance Corporal Kenneth Brown was wounded 13 January 1945 during operations in Burma. Kenneth was a Metropolitan Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos joining HM Armed Forces on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was residing at the Police Section House, 277 Upper Street, Islington.

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.
In 1943 he escaped captivity via Switzerland eventually returning to the UK in 1944. 

BRYANT, J.

Fusilier
6482239
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police ??
Service number in a batch allocated to many Metroplitan Police Officers who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (CBTC) Achnacarry commencing 24 June 1942. 

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.

BURNS, Norman

Norman Burns served in No.1 Commando
Corporal (later Lieutenant)
14241855
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 a Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

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
Yes
Served in No.2 Commando 5 Troop and later the Transport Section. Former occupation Policeman. Single. Next of kin was his mother at 3 Charles Street, Lancaster [1].

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.

CARTER, Donald, A.

Fusilier
6482271
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Private Donald Carter was wounded 5 October 1943 during operations at Termoli, Italy (Operation Devon). 

1939 - Metropolitan Police Constable residing at the Police Section House, King David Lane, London E1. Volunteered for the Commandos as part of the 1st Police Intake of 1942.

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.
 

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.

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)
Private James Coker, 6 Troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma. He was a Metropolitan Police Constable who had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes.

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
Private Kenneth Cook served in 'A' Section, No.2 Sub-Section of 5 troop. A serving Police Officer he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes.

From 1994 onwards he was the Secretary of the Bristol Branch of the Commando Association. 

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, C.

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 as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. Arnold is amongst the Police Officers from Sunderland who had passed their Police First Aid Course named in a newspaper report in 1940.

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
14241707
No 2 Commando
Coldstream Guards
Sunderland Police
Guardsman Ben Crabtree served in 6 Troop [1]. Post war on 6 October 1945 he transferred to the Corps of Military Police [2] before being released from service.

CRAIG, John

John Craig 2 Commando
Private
14241657
No 2 Commando
Black Watch
Police Force not known
Private John Craig from Blackpool served in 'A' Section, No.2 Sub-Section of 5 Troop. He was reported missing 13 September 1943 whilst with Rfn. A. Davies in a forward section post on Hill 321 at Vietri Sul Mare, Italy, which was overrun by the enemy for a period of 2 hours.

CRAIG, Robert

Robert Craig 2 Commando
Bombardier
14241708
No 2 Commando
Royal Artillery
Hartlepool Police
Bombardier Robert Craig served in No.4 Troop and the Heavy Weapons Troop.
A serving Police Officer from Hartlepool County Durham he volunteered as one of the Police Intakes to the Commandos. Post war member of the Commando Association.
 

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.

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, W.

Fusilier
6482296
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Douglas 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
Trooper Gordon David was wounded on 14 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy. A serving Police Officer from Frome, Somerset, he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes.
 
Sources

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
Rifleman Arthur Davies served in 'A' Section, No.2 Sub-Section of 5 Troop. He was reported missing 13 September 1943 whilst with Pte. John. Craig in a forward section post on Hill 321 at Vietri Sul Mare, Italy, which was overrun by the enemy for a period of 2 hours.

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, 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
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].

DENHAM, Joah Selwyn

Lieutenant Denham MM
Captain
14241763
329309
No 3 Commando
Sherwood Forresters
Lincolnshire Constabulary
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Joah Denham was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during operations at Cape Spartivento, Italy, between 27 August and 5 September 1943 [1][2]. 

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 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.

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/X 109658
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 Police Force
Trooper Dennis Earl was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war. Dennis was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and was part of a Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), 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
Guardsman Leslie Evans was a serving Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable at Bridge Street Police Station Cardiff. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Cardiff.
 

FANTHAM, Maurice

Mne Maurice Fantham 40RM Commando
Marine
PO/X 114817
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 he had received 3 days earlier. A serving Police Officer he had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes.

FEATHERSTONE, Charles Roland

Bombardier
-
No 10 Commando
Royal Artillery
Hull City Police Force
Bombardier Charles Featherstone served in the HQ of No.10 (Inter Allied) Commando. Charles volunteered for the Commandos from the Police. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing in Kingston upon Hull with his parents. His father Arthur was a retired Police Inspector.

FERRIE, James, E.

Corporal
14317290
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
??
Corporal James Ferrie, 6 Troop, was wounded 11 April 1945 during operations at the River Aller. After 1949 he was a Police Officer in the Renfrew and Bute Constabulary. Member of the Commando Association from St. Johnstone, Renfrewshire.
 
Sources

FLETCHER, Edmund Frederick

Lance Corporal
6482294
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Lance Corporal Fletcher was wounded 7 July 1944 during operations in Normandy, France. Edmund Frederick Fletcher, warrant number 125160, joined the Metropolitan Police on 4 Aug 1936. He was a Police Constable on 'F' Division in 1939 residing at 20A St Charles Square, Notting Hill.

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
2694???
No 3 Commando
Scots Guards
City of London Police
In 1939 John Fraser was a City of London Police Constable, warrant number 9267, single, serving at Bishopsgate Police Station. Post war resumed his Police Service in the City of London. In 1962 he was employed in the Recruiting Office for the City of London Police.

FROST, Sidney Edward

Private
-
Commando Basic Training Centre
City of London Police
In 1939 Sidney Frost was a Police Constable, warrant number 9163, in the City of London Police, married, and residing at Chesham Road, North Clapham [1][2].
Post war member of the Commando Association [3].
 

FRY, William Charles

Private
14241823
No 3 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Bristol Police Gloucestershire
Private William Fry was reported missing 14 July 1943, later found to be a prisoner of war,  during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). 

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).

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.

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 during operations at Amfreville, Normandy. Son of Peter and Beatrice Grant, of Rothes, Morayshire.

GRAY, Reginald Halliday

Lance Sergeant (later Second Lieutenant)
14241796
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 North West Europe [2].

GRIEVE, J.

Acting Lance Bombardier
14241629
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
??
Lance Bombardier Grieve was wounded 5 October 1943 during operations at Termoli, Italy.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/68.
 
Notes

GRIGG, E.A.

Fusilier
6482231
No 9 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police ??
Fusilier E.A. Grigg was wounded 19 March 1944 during operations at Monte Ornito and Monte Faito, Italy. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/74.
 

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.

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 [1][1a][1b][4].

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.

HARRY, John Grismond

Lieutenant (later Major)
2738332
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].

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 Italian beach reconnaissance, 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
No 6 Commando
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
SAS
Royal Artillery
Bristol City Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Ernest Herstell served in 6 Commando, then the SSRF (62 Commando) and finally the SAS. He died during operations with 2 SAS at Pantelleria during Operation Snapdragon.

HEWITT, Albert John Henry

Sgt Harry Hewitt 46RM Commando
Sergeant
PO/X/114619
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
General Service Corps
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, Eric Albert

Corporal
-
No 3 Commando
Metropolitan Police
Corporal Eric Hill, 4 Troop, served at Sicily, Italy and North West Europe. He volunteered for the Commandos from the Police as part of the Police Intakes of 1942. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing in the Police Section House, Ambroseden Avenue, Westminster.

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.

HORSFIELD, Harry

Harry Horsfield 47RM Commando
Marine (Acting Temporary Sergeant)
PO/X 115384
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.

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.

IRVINE, J.F.

Sergeant
Commando Basic Training Centre
Kent Constabulary
1955 Police Sergeant at Hythe Police Station and member of the Commando Association. Awaits verification of whether joined the Commandos in WW2 as part of the Police Intakes. 
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 21

IRVING, Robert, Anderson

Lance Sergeant
14241798
No 3 Commando
Border Regiment
Birmingham City Police
Lance Corporal Robert Irving was wounded during operations in North West Europe.
A serving Police Officer he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Constable at Speedwell Road Police Station, Birmingham. 

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, H.

Lance Sergeant
14241710
No 3 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
??

Lance Sergeant H. Jackson was wounded on 24 March 1945 (remaining on duty) during operations to cross the River Rhine at Wesel and again on 11 April 1945 at the River Aller.

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 on 19 May 1943. In 1939 he was a Constable based or residing at 62 Wapping High Street, Stepney. Post war member of the Commando Association.

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
302137
Commando Basic Training Centre
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Wiltshire Constabulary
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Lieutenant Herbert Johnson died of illness at the Military Hospital, Buchanan, Stirling at 3.45 am on the 17th March 1944. The Register of Deaths records the cause of death as "chronic interstitial nephritis".

JONES, Anthony Windsor

Lance Sergeant
14317912
No 5 Commando
Derby Borough Police Force
Before the outbreak of war Anthony Windsor Jones was a Derby Borough Police 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
Private Thomas Jones was reported missing on 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone Sicily and Malati Bridge (3 Commando Bridge), later found to be a prisoner of war.

JOSS, James

Gunner
14317296
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Paisley Police Force
Gunner James Joss was wounded 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). He joined the Police Force in 1939 and volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes that commenced in 1942.
 

KEERY, William James

Corporal William Keery GM
Corporal
No 1 Commando
Metropolitan Police
George Medal (GM)
Corporal William James Keery G.M. served in No.1 Commando. A serving Metropolitan Police Officer he volunteered for the Commandos as part of one of the Police Intakes.

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
Private Harold Kendray was wounded during operations at Normandy, France. Harold was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 as part of the Police Intakes to the Commando Depot ( Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

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.

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 from Stoke on Trent who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. He served in 'A' Troop and the Intelligence Section of No.4 Commando.
 

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

Private
14316405
No 3 Commando
South Staffordshire Regiment
Wolverhampton Borough Police
Private 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
Corporal Ronald Loasby, 2 Special Boat Section, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the Oran landings, North Africa.
  • 1939 Metroplitan Police Constable residing at Gilmour House, Lambeth.

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.

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.

MADRA, Robert Peter

Guardsman
14241680
No 4 Commando
Scots Guards
??
'C' Troop and HQ Troop. Post war member of the Commando Association from Liverpool.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 83 (Sept. 1986) shows first name only as Peter.

MAHAN, Robert McKenna

Fusilier
14241712
No 4 Commando
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Yes

Fusilier Robert McKenna Mahan, 'C' Troop, was wounded on 6 June 1944, remaining on duty, during operations at Normandy, France. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Guisborough, Cleveland, Teeside.

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

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
Sergeant Donald Martin, 1 Troop (formerly C Troop), received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe, specifically for his part during operations on the island of Schouwen, Holland. 

MASSEY, -

Private
SBS
Corps of Military Police
2nd Police Intake
Joined 2 Special Boat Section from the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry. Trained with them for a short period before transferring to the Special Investigation Branch of the Military Police.
 
Sources

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.

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, T.E.

Sergeant
14317301
No 6 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
Black Watch
??
Sergeant Edward McElveen, No.6 Commando, was wounded 20 August 1944 during operations in France. He also served at the Commando Basic Training Centre. Post war member of the Commando Association from Glasgow.
 
Sources

MCKAY, Alec

Alec Mckay 8 Commando
Alec_Mckay_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, Ridley

Private
-
No 4 Commando
Durham Constabulary
Member of the Commando Association*.
Post war served in the Durham Constabulary and in 1966 held the rank of Police Sergeant.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 8 issued to members in March 1976.

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 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge). A serving Police Officer from Renfrewshire he had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes.

MITCHELL, William Henry

Trooper
14241635
No 4 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Yorkshire
Trooper William Mitchell, 'D' Troop, was wounded 6 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France. He had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing at Devonshire Street, Keighley, Yorkshire.

MOFFAT, Robert Tweedie

Robert Moffat 40RM Commando
Sergeant
PO/X 115392
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.

MONEY, Douglas Anthony William

Douglas Money 45RM Commando
Corporal
PO/X 116678
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 Police
Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
Marine (Acting Lance Corporal) Albert Morgan was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for good services 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, H.

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. He volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing in Woodhey, Plymouth.
 
Sources

MULLARD, Sidney John

Sergeant (later Lieutenant)
14241800
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.

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, 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.

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 during operations in North Africa (Battle for Steamroller Farm) and later found to be a prisoner of war.

PASK, Douglas, M.

Lance Sergeant
-
Special Service Brigade
Royal Artillery
Barnsley Borough Police Force
In 1939 Police Constable Douglas Pask was residing at 51 Dodworth Road, Barnsley with his wife Nora whom he married in 1938, and her father.

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].

PEARSE, George

Fusilier
14241752
No 6 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier George Pearse was wounded 22 November 1942 during operations in North Africa.
He had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was Police Constable 353K at Barking Police Station, London.
 
Sources

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, 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.

POCOCK, Thomas Charles

Fusilier
-
No 5 Commando
- Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Thomas Pocock served with No.5 Commando 1 Troop. For a short period of time from 9 November 1944 he was attached to 42RM Commando.
He volunteered for the Commandos from the Police as part of the Police Intakes of 1942.

PORTWAIN, Edward

Fusilier
6482259
No 6 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Edward Portwain was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be a prisoner of war.

PRATT, Henry

Gunner
14241716
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Newcastle upon Tyne
Gunner Pratt was reported wounded and a prisoner of war November 1942 during operations in Libya, North Africa. He had volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing Wingrove Gardens, Newcastle upon Tyne.
 

PRICE, David Elvet

Fusilier (later Lieutenant)
6482275
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]. 

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
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

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
Special Service Brigade
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/X 109679
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.

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

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 found to be a prisoner of war [1][2][3].

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
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 during the war on 19 March 1944 during operations in Italy.  

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

Private
14241717
No 9 Commando
Black Watch
North Riding Constabulary
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Smith died during an operation against German forces in the wadis near the Anzio beachhead, Italy, and has no known grave.

SMITH, Miller

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

Sergeant Miller Smith, a former Police Officer, was one of seven men from No.2 Commando captured after Operation Musketoon and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order.

SNADDON, J.

Lance Corporal
14317314
No 5 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
??

Lance Corporal Snaddon, 4 troop, was wounded in 1944 during operations in Burma.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/74.

Document in 5 Cdo. Gallery titled 'No 5 Cdo Memorial Service held on the 27th March 1944.'

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.

STROWGER, John Dunkirk

Sergeant
-
No 5 Commando
Metropolitan Police

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

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
Lance Corporal Thomas Alfred Taylor, 2 Troop, was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy (Sicily).

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
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.

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
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, T.

Fusilier
6482293
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Henry 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, R.H.

Gunner
14241640
No 4 Commando
Royal Artillery
??
Gunner Webster was wounded 10 June 1944 during operations at Normandy.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/77.
 
Notes

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.

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, Francis Arthur

Trooper
14241758
No 9 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Metropolitan Police
Trooper Francis Williams was wounded 19 March 1944 during operations in Italy (Monte Ornito and Monte Faito). He volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable at the Police Station, 256 Hornsey Road.

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. 
In 1939 he was a married textile salesman residing at 40 Richmond Road, Wimbledon, and a Metropolitan Police War Reserve Constable. He later volunteered for the Commandos.
 

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.]