The Commando 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.

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 :

Greater Manchester, Ince-In-Makerfield Cemetery, Wigan

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:

Cemetery/Memorial:

Local Roll of Honour:

1 Commando 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:

'Boat Training at Bunarkaig'

Archive pages :

No 1 Commando

London, Islington Cemetery

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:

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.

Notes

Service in a Commando has not been established.

Primary Roll of Honour:

Archive pages :

Merseyside, Liverpool (Anfield) Cemetery

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:

Cemetery/Memorial:

Local Roll of Honour:

44RM Commando 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

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.

Sources

CWGC.

Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/130.

44RM Commando War Diary.

His great niece Annie Sillitoe.

Primary Roll of Honour:

Photo of Commando in Gallery:

Yes

Photo of grave in Gallery:

Yes

Additional content:

GIBSON, Eric Hookway

Archive pages :

44RM Commando

Paisley (Woodside) Crematorium Panel 1

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:

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.

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:

HUGHES, William Nichol

Archive pages :

Dumfries and Galloway, Wigtown Cemetery

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:

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:

SWEENEY, Charles Henry

Archive pages :

London, Ilford, Buckingham Rd.Cemetery

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:

Cemetery/Memorial:

Local Roll of Honour:

44RM Commando 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.

Primary Roll of Honour:

Archive pages :

44RM Commando

Devon, Bideford Church Cemetery

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:

Cemetery/Memorial:

Local Roll of Honour:

44RM Commando 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.

[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:

DOOLEY, Arthur

Archive pages :

44RM Commando

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:

Cemetery/Memorial:

Local Roll of Honour:

'RM Eng.Commando 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. He had previously served in France from 7 August 1944. 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.

RM Engineer Commando War Diary, Report on Activities of 1 Troop 6/6/44 to 27/9/44.

CVA Gallery image of grave.

Primary Roll of Honour:

Photo of grave in Gallery:

Yes

Archive pages :

RM Engineer Commando WW2

Kent, Loose (All Saints ) Churchyard

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:

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.

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.

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:

Archive pages :

No 2 Commando

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:

Cemetery/Memorial:

Local Roll of Honour:

Royal Artillery attestation papers.

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.

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

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:

TURNER, Frederick William Morgan

Additional content:

MCCARTHY, Patrick

SCULLION, James

Archive pages :

Lakeville Cemetery Indiana USA

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:

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

CVA Gallery list of Courses at the CBTC

1st Ranger Bn. War Diary via the website wwiirangers.org

Primary Roll of Honour:

Archive pages :

Ayrshire, Ardrossan Cemetery

U.S.A. Forces

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.

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:

DREW, Norman

Archive pages :

Yorkshire South, Barnsley Cemetery

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:

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.

Sources

Commission - London Gazette 36343, page 464.
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.

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 :

Lancashire, Skerton Cemetery Lancaster

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:

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'.

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.

Primary Roll of Honour:

Archive pages :

Glasgow (St Peter's) Roman Catholic Cemetery

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:

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:

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.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/35 and WO417/38.
Register of Deaths in the district of Kilmallie.

Primary Roll of Honour:

TURNER, Frederick William Morgan

Additional content:

HAYDON, Alan Albert

SCULLION, James

Archive pages :

Glasgow (Cardonald) Cemetery

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:

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.

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 :

West Midlands, All Saints Churchyard Extensions, West Bromwich

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:

Cemetery/Memorial:

Local Roll of Honour:

2 Commando 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:

Archive pages :

No 2 Commando

Pere Marquette Cemetery Ludington Michigan USA

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.

[ Source: 1st Ranger Bn. War Diary / Find a Grave website ]

Archive pages :

U.S.A. Forces

No 1 Commando

Culnady Presbyterian Churchyard Londonderry

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:

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.

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:

TURNER, Frederick William Morgan

Additional content:

MCCARTHY, Patrick

HAYDON, Alan Albert

Archive pages :

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.

Notes

Service in a Commando is not established.

Primary Roll of Honour:

Archive pages :

Middlesex, Ruislip (St Martin) Churchyard Extension

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:

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 R fn. Herbert Cook.

Sources.
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 :

Staffordshire, Caverswall (St Peter) Churchyard Extension

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:

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.

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:

DRYSDALE, Kenneth J.H.

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:

Cemetery/Memorial:

Local Roll of Honour:

12 Commando 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:

Archive pages :

Surrey, Mitcham (London Road) Cemetery

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:

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.

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:

46RM Commando 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

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

Archive pages :

46RM Commando