Deaths during training in WW2
Details of those who died during training in WW2 either as a commando or training to be a commando. The latter is not always clear and the service record should be obtained to confirm or otherwise. This list includes United States Rangers who trained at Achnacarry.
An alternative view [here.....].
ASHLEY, Pierce
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Service:
Army
Service Number:
14430189
Died :
Friday, September 17, 1943
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
26
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Private Pierce Ashley died at the Military Hospital, Onich, of multiple gunshot wounds.
Son of Thomas and Josephine Ashley, of Inchicore, Dublin.
Source
CWGC.
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.
Register of Deaths in the district of Ballachulish via www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.
Notes
His name is on the Westminster Abbey Commando ROH as being at the Commando Basic Training Centre at the time. Casualties from there were usually taken to the Military Hospital, Onich. Recorded by the CWGC with no mention of a Commando unit. This would be correct if he died in training before completion of his course. Service in a Commando is not established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
BLEAKLEY, Charles
Rank:
Fusilier
Unit / Base:
1 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Service:
Army
Service Number:
4208516
Died :
Friday, September 18, 1942
Died on war service
Age:
20
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Fusilier Bleakley from Wigan was accidentally killed by a gunshot wound (instantaneous) at Bunarkaig, Achnacarry. Seen after death by Capt. J.E. Symondson RAMC, the Medical Officer at the Commando Basic Training Centre (CBTC). Son of Thomas and Emily Bleakley, of Higher Ince, Wigan.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty List / National Archives file WO417/52.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Notes
This location was used by the CBTC for all their boat training including the 'Opposed landing' training exercises where live ammunition was used. See linked content below.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
COOK, Herbert
Rank:
Rifleman
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Service:
Army
Service Number:
14419989
Died :
Monday, September 13, 1943
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
18
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Rifleman Herbert Cook, aged 18, died at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Cook, of Islington, London.
Death recorded as by '"shell round (mortar) of head while on service training."
Seen after death by Capt. J.H. Haldane RAMC.
Informant (name illegible), Second Lieutenant Commando Depot Achnacarry.
Also killed was Rfn. William Stockbridge
Sources.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Notes
Service in a Commando has not been established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
DOOLEY, Arthur
Rank:
Acting T/Corporal
Unit / Base:
44RM Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Service Number:
EX 4045
Born:
Tuesday, September 11, 1917
Birthplace:
Liverpool, Lancashire
Died :
Sunday, September 19, 1943
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
26
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Corporal Arthur Dooley, 'C' Troop, died in a training accident at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry, Scotland. Son of William and Annie Marie Dooley, of Liverpool.
Extract from the 44RM Commando War Diary
19th September 1943.
p.m. 2" mortar accident resulting in death of Sgt Gibson and Cpl A. Dooley, both of C Troop.
Extracts from personal Service Record
See this Forum message for more: RM44 Arthur Dooley
Enlistment: 28 February 1940
HBL RM Brigade 28 February 1940 - 31 July 1943
HBL RM Commando 1 August 1943 - 19 September 1943
HBL RM Brigade 28 February 1940 - 31 July 1943
HBL RM Commando 1 August 1943 - 19 September 1943
Promotions:
Lance Corporal 14 June 1943
Corporal (A/Ty) 1 August 1943
In 1940 he served in Dakar and Freetown as part of the 3rd Battalion.
Lance Corporal 14 June 1943
Corporal (A/Ty) 1 August 1943
In 1940 he served in Dakar and Freetown as part of the 3rd Battalion.
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.
44RM Commando War Diary.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
His great niece Annie Sillitoe.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Photo of grave in Gallery:
Yes
Additional content:
DREW, Norman
Rank:
Lance Corporal
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
Scots Guards 4th Bn.
Service:
Army
Service Number:
2697714
Died :
Sunday, October 4, 1942
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
27
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Lance Corporal Norman Drew died by drowning at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Son of John and Mary Ann Drew, of Paisley; husband of Helen Burns Drew, of Paisley.
He had been reported missing on 4 October 1942 and was found dead on 27 October 1942 in the River Arkaig, Achnacarry, 100 yards South of the Iron Bridge.
Cause of death - drowning. Seen after death by Capt. J. E. Symondson, RAMC, the Medical Officer at Achnacarry. The informant was a CSM at the Commando Depot.
Gdsm. William Hughes, Scots Guards, also died by drowning on this date and at this location [see Linked Content below].
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/52 and WO417/53.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
CVA Gallery list of Courses at the CBTC.
Notes
From the 5th-17th October 1942 a Scots Guards detachment of 8 Officers and 138 OR's attended a course at the CBTC.Elements of the 24th Guards Brigade attended four different Courses between May and October 1942 likely in preparation for forthcoming operations in North Africa. Service in a Commando is not established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
Archive pages :
DRYSDALE, Kenneth J.H.
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Service:
Army
Service Number:
3191996
Died :
Tuesday, July 4, 1944
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
27
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Private Kenneth Drysdale drowned at Mucomir, Gairlochy, whilst serving at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry. Son of Andrew Sproat Drysdale and Maggie Drysdale, of Wigtown; husband of Eileen Doris Drysdale, of Wigtown.
He died along with another soldier, Pte Charles Sweeney aged 26 from Stoke on Trent [see below], whilst fishing from a boat with 15 yr old John McKay, the son of a water bailiff from Kilmonivaig. A newspaper report states that they lost an oar whilst manoeuvring the boat into a suitable spot near Mucomir Falls on the River Lochy and got carried away into the swirling water.
The Register of Deaths records his profession as Crown Labourer "Commando Forces" and the informant is recorded as T.R. Coleman, Camp Chaplain, Achnacarry. Reverend Coleman was RNVR and on the staff at the CBTC as Chaplain. Whilst the CWGC record does not show a Commando unit, the CWGC Grave Registration report shows "Commando Basic Training Centre, KOSB". Additional detail is required as to his status at the Training Centre.
Service as a Commando has not been established.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/79.
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.
CWGC database - Grave Registration Report.
Register of Deaths in the district of Lochaber.
The Scotsman newspaper published 6th July 1944
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
Archive pages :
FARRELL, William Henry
Rank:
Marine
Unit / Base:
44RM Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Service Number:
CH/X112233
Born:
Wednesday, September 17, 1924
Birthplace:
Manor Park, Essex
Died :
Thursday, September 30, 1943
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
19
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Marine William Farrell died at the Military Hospital, Onich from a bullet wound accidentally received during training at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry. Cause of death recorded as a "gunshot wound to the neck." Son of William and Amellia Farrell; nephew of Mr. A. Gray, of Chadwell Heath.
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.
Register of Deaths in the district of Ballachulish.
Primary Roll of Honour:
GIBSON, Eric Hookway
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit / Base:
44RM Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Service Number:
PLY/X3404
Born:
Thursday, May 20, 1920
Birthplace:
Bideford, Devon
Died :
Sunday, September 19, 1943
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
23
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Sergeant Eric Gibson died in training at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry, Scotland. Son of William Ramage Gibson and Susan Broome Gibson, of Bideford.
Extract from the 44RM Commando War Diary
"p.m. 2" mortar accident resulting in death of Sgt Gibson and Cpl A. Dooley, both of C Troop".
Extract from the Kilmallie Death Registers
Former occupation - assistant golf professional.
Cause of death - multiple injuries head, neck, and chest.
Seen after death by Capt. J.E. Symondson RAMC, Medical Officer CBTC.
Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.
44RM Commando War Diary 19 September 1943.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
[Image] This image is Eric as a young boy. See this Forum message for more: RM44 Arthur Dooley
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of grave in Gallery:
Yes
Additional content:
GOMM, Arthur George
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit / Base:
'RM Engineer Commando'
Training Centres WW2
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Service Number:
EX/4520(T)
Born:
Tuesday, October 21, 1919
Birthplace:
Islington, London
Died :
Thursday, November 23, 1944
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
25
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Sergeant Arthur Gomm died from multiple injuries sustained as a result of the premature explosion of a high explosive demolition charge at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry. Son of Ernest James Gomm and Ethel Maud Gomm; husband of Edna Gladys Gomm, of Ashford, Middlesex.
Sources:
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
CVA Gallery image of grave.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of grave in Gallery:
Yes
HARE, Owen Stewart
Rank:
Second Lieutenant
Unit / Base:
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment
Service:
Army
Service Number:
129412
Died :
Monday, January 6, 1941
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
24
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Second Lieutenant Owen Hare, 1st Special Service Bn., died result of a mountaineering accident on Ben Nevis during training at STC Lochailort.
Register of deaths records the Informant as Padre Basil Pitt, Army Chaplain.
Son of the Revd. Arthur Neville Hare, M.A., and Gwendolen Lindsay Lee Hare, of Loose Vicarage.
A funeral service was conducted at St Andrews Episcopal Church, Fort William. The coffin draped with the Union Jack lay in the church overnight. His body was then conveyed by train from Fort William for internment at his home in Maidstone, Kent.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.
Register of Deaths Kilmallie District.
Newspaper report in the Aberdeen Evening Express 09 January 1941.
Notes
The Westminster Commando Roll of Honour shows his unit as No.2 Commando. The date of his death was during the brief period of restructuring from Commando units into Special Service Battalions which ended in February 1941.
Primary Roll of Honour:
HAYDON, Alan Albert
Rank:
Gunner
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Artillery
Service:
Army
Service Number:
998913
Birthplace:
Lambeth, London
Died :
Friday, November 28, 1941
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
29
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Gunner Alan Haydon died by accidental drowning at the Commando Depot, Achnacarry.
Son of Albert and Elizabeth Haydon; husband of Muriel Ruby Haydon, of Balham, London.
8 November 1941 posted from 34th Signal Training Regiment, RA, to Commando Depot.
8 November 1941 posted from 34th Signal Training Regiment, RA, to Commando Depot.
Also drowning on this date were Private Patrick McCarthy, Fusilier James Scullion, and Corporal Frederick Turner [see Linked Content below].
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/36 and WO417/42.
RA Casualty Card.
Notes
Notes
His unit is listed as 3 Cdo/CBTC on the Commando Veterans Association plaque at their memorial at Alrewas, however the source for this connection with 3 Commando is not known. No 3 Commando were at Inverary at the time of his death. He was not on their online ROH, and his name is not on the ROH at the rear of Brigadier Durnford-Slater's book Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in WW2 which does include training accidents. The Westminster Abbey Commando ROH only shows CBTC. Further detail is needed from service records to confirm service in No 3 Commando.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
Archive pages :
HOCTEL, Lamont Durward
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
US Rangers 1st Bn.
Service:
Army
Service Number:
35170079
Born:
Wednesday, October 18, 1916
Died :
Sunday, July 12, 1942
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
25
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Private Lamont Hoctel, 1st US Rangers, Company 'E', drowned whilst training at Achnacarry. The date of his death is during the period that the US 1st Ranger Bn., led by Colonel W. Darby attended the Commando Basic Training Centre for their training. His death is noted in their War Diary as "drowned during stream crossing exercise.".
Extract from the Kilmallie Death Register
Former occupation: Petrol Attendant
Private, Ranger Battalion, United States Army
Single, Male, 25yrs.
Usual residence: South Bend, Indiana, United States.
Found 7.30pm July 12th 1942 Loch Lochy, Bunarkaig, Achnacarry
Cause of death: Drowning
Seen after death by William A. Jarrett, 1st Lieut. Medical Officer 1st US Ranger Bn.
Informant as above.
Sources
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie (Page 17, no.49) .
CVA Gallery list of Courses at the CBTC
1st Ranger Bn. War Diary via the website wwiirangers.org
Primary Roll of Honour:
HUGHES, William Nichol
Rank:
Guardsman
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
Scots Guards
Service:
Army
Service Number:
2698261
Died :
Sunday, October 4, 1942
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Guardsman William Hughes was found dead at 3pm on 27 October 1942 in Loch Lochy at Bunarkaig, 25 yards West of the boathouse. He had been reported missing on 4 October 1942. His death is recorded as by drowning and he was seen after death by Capt. J.E. Symondson, the Medical Officer at the Commando Depot, and the informant was an officer from the Commando Depot, Achnacarry.
LCpl. Norman Drew, Scots Guards, also died by drowning on this date and at this location [see Linked Content below].
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/52 and WO417/53.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
CVA Gallery list of Courses at the CBTC
Notes
From the 5th-17th October 1942 a Scots Guards detachment of 8 Officers and 138 OR's attended a course at the CBTC. Elements of the 24th Guards Brigade attended four different Courses between May and October 1942 likely in preparation for forthcoming operations in North Africa. Service in a Commando is not established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
Archive pages :
JOHNSON, Herbert
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Prior Police Service:
Wiltshire Constabulary
Regiment/Corps:
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Service:
Army
Service Number:
14241825 and 302137
Died :
Friday, March 17, 1944
Died on war service
Age:
28
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Herbert Johnson was a Detective Sergeant in the Wiltshire Constabulary who volunteered in 1942 for the commandos. His first service number corresponds with those attending the 2nd Police Intake on 23 July 1942 at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. There is then a gap in our knowledge of his service until 4 December 1943 when he completed officer training at an Officer Cadet Training Unit and was commissioned Second Lieutenant.
On 17 March 1944 at 03.45hrs Lieutenant Herbert Johnson died of illness at the Military Hospital, Buchanan, Stirling. The Register of Deaths records his details as "(Detective Sergeant, Police Force) Lieutenant KOY Light Infantry (attached Commandos)" and his cause of death as "chronic interstitial nephritis". His name is recorded on the Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour and on the Wiltshire Constabulary WW2 Roll of Honour. Son of Herbert and Emily Johnson, of Barnsley; husband of Irene Johnson, of Bemerton, Salisbury.
On 17 March 1944 at 03.45hrs Lieutenant Herbert Johnson died of illness at the Military Hospital, Buchanan, Stirling. The Register of Deaths records his details as "(Detective Sergeant, Police Force) Lieutenant KOY Light Infantry (attached Commandos)" and his cause of death as "chronic interstitial nephritis". His name is recorded on the Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour and on the Wiltshire Constabulary WW2 Roll of Honour. Son of Herbert and Emily Johnson, of Barnsley; husband of Irene Johnson, of Bemerton, Salisbury.
Sources
Commission - London Gazette 36343, page 464.
CWGC Grave Registration Report Final.
CWGC Grave Registration Report Final.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/5
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.
Register of Deaths District of Buchananan, Stirling, ref 474/1/3.
Report in the Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser 31 January 1942.
Notes
The CWGC does not show a Commando Unit. Their Grave Registration report shows Commando Basic Training Centre, KOYLI. This would be correct if he died in training or was a member of staff. Some of those from the Police Intakes to the CBTC remained on the staff after training. Service record required for further clarification.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
LEES, Archibald
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Prior Police Service:
Lancashire Constabulary
Regiment/Corps:
General Service Corps
Service:
Army
Service Number:
14241677
Born:
Saturday, August 25, 1917
Died :
Thursday, September 3, 1942
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
25
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
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.
Seen after death by Capt. J.E. Symondson RAMC, Medical Officer, Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry.
Archibald Lees joined the Police in 1939 attending Stanley Grange Police Training School, Preston, Lancashire. The Lancaster Guardian reported on 11 September 1942 that he was one of the Police intakes to the Commandos entering military service in July 1942. The 2nd Police Intake Course at Achnacarry consisting of 273 Police Officers took place between 23 July 1942 and 23 September 1942. The CWGC does not show a Commando Unit. Casualty Lists show 'Commando'.
Archibald Lees joined the Police in 1939 attending Stanley Grange Police Training School, Preston, Lancashire. The Lancaster Guardian reported on 11 September 1942 that he was one of the Police intakes to the Commandos entering military service in July 1942. The 2nd Police Intake Course at Achnacarry consisting of 273 Police Officers took place between 23 July 1942 and 23 September 1942. The CWGC does not show a Commando Unit. Casualty Lists show 'Commando'.
Sources
CWGC.
The 1939 Register covering Preston.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie, ref. page 22, no. 66.
Lancaster Guardian Newspaper dated Friday 11th September 1942.
CVA Gallery image of Courses at the CBTC.
CWGC.
The 1939 Register covering Preston.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie, ref. page 22, no. 66.
Lancaster Guardian Newspaper dated Friday 11th September 1942.
CVA Gallery image of Courses at the CBTC.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
LYONS, Frank
Rank:
Marine
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Service Number:
CH/X112024
Born:
Thursday, July 26, 1923
Birthplace:
Glasgow
Died :
Thursday, May 4, 1944
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
20
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Marine Frank Lyons died of gunshot wounds and shock at The Military Hospital, Onich, near Fort William, believed to be located at the time in the grounds of Alltshellach House. His death occurred during an operation to treat the wounds to his left leg and right foot. Son of Francis and Catherine Lyons, of Glasgow.
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / Admiralty file ADM104/133.
[3] Register of Deaths in the district of Ballachulish.
Notes
The source at [2] records his unit as Chatham Division, RM; [3] records his unit as RM Commando's. Source at [1] records unit as Royal Marines with no reference to Commando which would be correct during this period if he died in commando training. Service in a specific RM Commando Unit has not yet been established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
MCCARTHY, Patrick
Known as:
Pat
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Service:
Army
Service Number:
5509745
Died :
Friday, November 28, 1941
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
18
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Private Patrick McCarthy, aged 18, died by drowning at the Commando Depot, Achnacarry.
Son of Kathleen McCarthy, of Sholing, Southampton.
Found dead on the 10th February 1942 at 10am in the River Lochy, 800 yards East of Lochy Bridge. Last seen alive 28th November 1941. Cause of death - drowning.
Informant - Capt. Hoare, RA, for Officer Commanding Commando Depot, Achnacarry.
Also recorded as dying by drowning on this date were Gunner Alan Haydon, Fusilier James Scullion, and Corporal Frederick Turner [see Linked Content below].
The CWGC does not show a Commando Unit which would be correct if he was in training for Commando service. Service as a Commando has therefore not been established.
The CWGC does not show a Commando Unit which would be correct if he was in training for Commando service. Service as a Commando has therefore not been established.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/35 and WO417/38.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
Archive pages :
MCLEAN, George
Rank:
Lance Corporal
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
Seaforth Highlanders
Service:
Army
Service Number:
2828784
Died :
Monday, August 31, 1942
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
38
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Lance Corporal George McClean was accidentally killed in an explosion at the Commando Depot, Achnacarry.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/49.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Notes
Casualty Lists and CWGC Grave Registration Report show unit as Commando Depot which was the CBTC. CWGC main page shows no reference to Commando service. Awaits confirmation of status at the CBTC, ie. Trainee or Staff.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
PHILLIPS, Albert Henry
Rank:
Corporal
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Armoured Corps
Service:
Army
Service Number:
7885644
Died :
Sunday, February 16, 1941
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
24
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Corporal Albert Phillips, 11 Special Air Service Bn., formerly No.2 Commando, died in a climbing accident during training at STC Lochailort. Son of Albert Henry and E. E. Phillips, of Newport, Monmouthshire. Cause of death “Multiple injuries. Accidentally killed by falling over precipice. Instantaneous.” Informant was the Adjutant at STC Lochailort.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/22.
Cause of death - Register of Deaths in the district of Arisaig.
Notes
- He was serving with 11 Special Air Service Bn formerly designated as 2 (Parachute) Commando, at the time of his death. The change of Unit name, in November 1940, from No 2 Commando in which he served, to 11 SAS Bn., occurred only a couple of months before his death. This unit was the forerunner of the Parachute Regiment.
- The diary of Ernest Dale [view...] who was at STC Lochailort at the time records "In the winter of 1941 a soldier of No.10 Commando tried to lead a loaded mule along the icy top of a whale-backed mountain. Both man and mule slid about a thousand feet to be dashed onto huge rocks." Whilst the Unit differs, the cause and time period is similar.
Primary Roll of Honour:
RUSCHKEWICZ, James R.
Rank:
Ranger
Regiment/Corps:
US Rangers 1st Bn.
Service:
Army
Service Number:
36165787
Born:
Friday, March 19, 1920
Died :
Friday, September 11, 1942
Died on war service
Cemetery/Memorial:
Ranger James Ruschkewicz, US Rangers 1st Bn. 'C' Company, died in an accidental explosion of a landmine at Barry Rifle Range, near Dundee, during a training exercise.
- 33068148 Ranger Aaron M. Salkin, 'C' Company, was severely injured.
- The Rangers had been training with No 1 Commando under Lieut. Col. T. Trevor.
SCULLION, James
Rank:
Fusilier
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 70th Bn.
Service:
Army
Service Number:
6983742
Died :
Friday, November 28, 1941
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
18
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Fusilier James Scullion, aged 18, died by drowning at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. Son of Henry and Margaret Jane Scullion, of Culnady.
He was last seen alive on the 28th November 1941. His body was found at 3.30pm on the 2nd June 1942 on the foreshore of Loch Eil, opposite Kilmallie Houses, Corpach. Cause of death was declared as drowning. The informant was the Commanding Officer, Commando Depot Achnacarry.
Also died on this date by drowning were Corporal Frederick Turner, Private Patrick McCarthy, and Gunner Alan Haydon [see Linked Content below].
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/35 and WO417/44.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Notes
The CWGC entry does not record any Commando unit which would be correct if he was in training. Service as a Commando is not established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
Archive pages :
SIMPSON, John Denys Stenhouse
Rank:
Captain
Unit / Base:
'Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre' (CMWTC)
46RM Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Engineers
Service:
Army
Service Number:
153779
Died :
Monday, January 29, 1945
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
32
Cemetery/Memorial:
Captain John Simpson from Stockport died in a road traffic accident whilst driving a tracked vehicle on Devonshire Road, Weston-super-Mare [1][2][3]. Captain Simpson was an Instructor at the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre (C.M.W.T.C) [4] who had been attached to 46RM Commando on 5 April 1944 at Folkestone [5].
Sources
[1] CWGC.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/8.
[3] Report in the Western Daily Press 16 February 1945.
[4] CMWTC History doc (see linked content below).
[5] 46RM Commando War Diary April 1944.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
SMITH, Andrew Henry
Rank:
Captain
Unit / Base:
Training Centres WW2
Regiment/Corps:
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Service:
Army
Service Number:
67373
Died :
Monday, June 1, 1942
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Captain Andrew Smith, formerly a civil engineer, was accidentally killed by a gunshot wound at STC Lochailort. The informant was Major Hodges, STC Lochailort Medical Officer.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/3.
Register of Deaths in the district of Arisaig.
Notes
Service in a Commando is not established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
STOCKBRIDGE, William
Rank:
Rifleman
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
Rifle Brigade
Service:
Army
Service Number:
14411910
Died :
Monday, September 13, 1943
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
18
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Rifleman William Stockbridge died at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry.
Son of Frederick and Helen Stockbridge; ward of Dorothy M. Playden, of Ruislip.
Cause of death - shell wound (mortar) of head and chest while on service training.
Seen after death by Capt. Haldane MC.
Informant (name illegible), Second Lieutenant, Commando Depot Achnacarry.
Also killed was Rfn. Herbert Cook.
Sources.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Notes
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Notes
The CWGC record shows only his Regiment and not a Commando Unit, but their Grave Registration report shows "Commando, Rifle Brigade". The absence of a Commando unit is correct as he died in training prior to completing the Commando course. The source of the information on 'Commando' was from the family but the CWGC were unable to verify it. Service as a Commando has therefore not been established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
SWEENEY, Charles Henry
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Service:
Army
Service Number:
328576
Died :
Tuesday, July 4, 1944
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
26
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Private Charles Sweeney drowned at Mucomir, Gairlochy, whilst at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry. Son of Thomas Henry and Ethel May Sweeney; husband of Bridget Sweeney, of Meir, Stoke-on-Trent.
He died along with another soldier, Private Kenneth Drysdale [see below], whilst fishing from a boat with 15 yr old John McKay, the son of a local water baliff from Kilmonivaig. It appears they lost an oar whilst manoeuvring the boat into a suitable spot near Mucomir Falls on the River Lochy and got carried away into the swirling water.
The Register of Deaths records his profession as Crown Labourer "Commando Forces" and the informant is recorded as "T.R. Coleman, Camp Chaplain, Achnacarry". Reverend Coleman was RNVR and on the staff at the CBTC as Chaplain.
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/79.
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.
CWGC database - Grave Registration Report.
Register of Deaths in the district of Lochaber.
The Scotsman newspaper published 6th July 1944.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/79.
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.
CWGC database - Grave Registration Report.
Register of Deaths in the district of Lochaber.
The Scotsman newspaper published 6th July 1944.
Notes
Whilst the CWGC record does not show a Commando unit, the CWGC Grave Registration report shows "Commando Basic Training Centre, R. Warwick. Regt". Additional detail is required as to his status at the Training Centre. Service as a Commando not yet established.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Additional content:
Archive pages :
TURNER, Frederick William Morgan
Rank:
Corporal
Unit / Base:
12 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Gloucestershire Regiment
Service:
Army
Service Number:
4203290
Died :
Friday, November 28, 1941
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
27
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Corporal Frederick Turner, No.12 Commando, died by drowning in Loch Linne whilst serving at the Commando Depot, Achnacarry. Son of William Sidney and Matilda Caroline Turner, of Dagenham, Essex.
Also recorded as dying by drowning on this date were Private Pat McCarthy, Fusilier James Scullion, and Gunner Alan Haydon [see Linked Content below].
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35 and WO417/38.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of grave in Gallery:
Yes
Additional content:
WELCH, Frederick Edward
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Prior Police Service:
Metropolitan Police Force
Regiment/Corps:
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Service:
Army
Service Number:
14604147
Born:
Sunday, March 19, 1916
Died :
Tuesday, September 14, 1943
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age:
27
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Private Frederick Welch died at the Military Hospital, Onich, of multiple gunshot wounds.
Son of Frederick John and Alice Jane Welch; husband of Phyllis Margaret Welch, of Mitcham.
Occupation on Register of Deaths is Police Officer.
Frederick Edward Welch, warrant number 125936, joined the Metropolitan Police on 26 April 1937, and left on 14 Sept 1943 (died). In 1939 he was Metroplitan Police Constable 262G and based or residing at the Metropolitan Police Convalescant Depot, Chigwell Hall, High Road, Chigwell. He joined HM Armed Forces 19 May 1943.
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/66 and WO417/67.
Register of Deaths in the district of Ballachulish via www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/66 and WO417/67.
Register of Deaths in the district of Ballachulish via www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.
Register of leavers from the Metropolitan Police / National Archives file MEPO 4/350/227.
The 1939 Register covering Chigwell.
Tony Moore, FRHistS and Police Historian.
Notes
His name is on the Westminster Abbey Commando ROH with his unit as CBTC. He is not listed as a Commando on the CWGC database.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Archive pages :
WOOLLAM, George Arthur
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit / Base:
46RM Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Died :
Thursday, June 7, 1945
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Lieutenant George Woollam died in an accident whilst serving at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry. Son of Henry and Jane E. Woollam, of Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent.
- He died of a fractured skull at the North British Aluminium Company's Works, Fort William [view....].
- 46RM Commando from 1943 onwards.
- From Tunstall and remembered on their War Memorial.
Sources
CWGC
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.
Navy Lists Bi Monthly Oct.1943 Vol.1.
CVA Gallery.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Photo of grave in Gallery:
Yes