'Glomjford - Operation Musketoon’
Date commenced:
Sunday, September 20, 1942
Units:
Glomfjord, Norway
Operation Musketoon was a raid on an electricity generating station at Glomfjord in German occupied Norway. Ten Commandos from No 2 Commando and 2 Norwegian corporals working for the SOE took part in the raid leaving thier home port on the 11th September 1942.
They were taken by submarine to a remote Fjord, completed a difficult overland route, approaching their target from the rear and successfully destroyed it.
Seven were captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's infamous Commando Order.
[Click on highlighted names below for more]
Captain Graeme Delamere Black DSO, MC
Captain Joseph Blundell Houghton MC
Sergeant Miller Smith
Lance Bombardier William Henry Albert Chudley
Private Reginald Henry Makeham
Rifleman Cyril Henry Abram
Private Eric Gordon Curtis
The Commandos were accompanied by 2 scouts from Norwegian Independent Company 1 (Noric1), an SOE unit who were both later killed.
Sergeant Erling Magnus Djupdræt
Corporal Sverre Granlund
Lance Sergeant Richard O'Brien, Guardsman John Fairclough, and Private Frederick Trigg all escaped and made it back to the UK rejoining No.2 Commando. Private Trigg was killed in action in Italy on 16 February 1944. Read more about them on the links below.
Archive pages:
Sachsenhausen British and Commonwealth Memorial
Sachsenhausen British and Commonwealth Memorial
BLACK, Graeme Delamere
Rank:
Captain
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
4 Independent Company
Regiment/Corps:
South Lancashire
Service:
Army
Number:
106240
Honours & Awards:
Born:
Tuesday, May 9, 1911
Died :
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age:
31
Cemetery/Memorial:
Captain Graeme Black DSO, MC, was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven Commandos of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942.
- Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in successful combined operations, against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy during which he was wounded.
- Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field.
Sources
CWGC.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
CWGC.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Vaagso - Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.
MC : London Gazette 35510, page 1506.
DSO : London Gazette 37349, page 5574.
MC : London Gazette 35510, page 1506.
DSO : London Gazette 37349, page 5574.
Report on the Nuremberg trials in the Birmingham Gazette 10 January 1946.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :
HOUGHTON, Joseph Blundell Johnson
Birth name:
JOHNSON HOUGHTON, Joseph Blundell
Rank:
Captain
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
4 Independent Company
Regiment/Corps:
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Service:
Army
Number:
130206
Honours & Awards:
Born:
Tuesday, June 13, 1911
Birthplace:
Bromborough
Died :
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age:
31
Cemetery/Memorial:
Captain Joseph Houghton MC was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. Son of Arthur Blundell Johnson Houghton, and of Leila Mary Battersby Houghton, of Knightsbridge, London. The family used the shortened surname of 'Houghton' rather than 'Johnson-Houghton'.
In March 1942 he had taken part in Operation Chariot, the raid on St Nazaire, being i/c of the protection squad for the demolition team on ML443. This was one of only 3 ML's that would make it back to the UK. Later awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.
Sources
CWGC.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
CWGC.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Family surname: His sister Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE.
MC : London Gazette 37349, page 5574.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Additional content:
HOUGHTON, (No.2 Cdo executed), biography
So Fine and Honourable an Englishman
An account about Captain Joseph Blundell Johnson-Houghton MC, known as Joe Houghton, who served in No.2 Commando. It was written for The Colditz Society by Carol Kerr, with information provided by Capt. Houghton's sister, Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE, reproduced here with the permission of the author Carol Kerr, Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE, and The Colditz Society. Use the download facility above.
Linked Content:
Archive pages:
SMITH, Miller
Rank:
Sergeant (Temporary Company Sergeant Major)
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Prior Police Service:
Southport Borough Police
Regiment/Corps:
Coldstream Guards
Service:
Army
Number:
2657063
Born:
Tuesday, November 2, 1915
Birthplace:
Middlesborough
Died :
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age:
26
Cemetery/Memorial:
Operations:
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. Son of James Miller Smith and Jane Smith, of Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
Sources
CWGC.
CWGC.
Commando Association newsletter 96.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Nazi persecution claim: [name withheld - in closed extracts] for Mr Miller Smith / Foreign Office file FO950/4138.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Nazi persecution claim: [name withheld - in closed extracts] for Mr Miller Smith / Foreign Office file FO950/4138.
Report on the Nuremberg trials in the Birmingham Gazette 10 January 1946.
Notes
- Sgt Miller Smith may have held the temporary rank of CSM, his war substantive rank being Sergeant. A photo taken at Colditz shows CSM insignia.
- There is a plaque in his name at Merseyside Police Station, Albert Road, Southport, Sefton.
- There is a photo of Sgt Smith in the main gallery, and one in the CVA Memorials and Plaques Album of the Memorial Plaque at Sachsenhausen to these and other men who were executed there.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Additional content:
Archive pages :
A Special Memorial Service for Sgt. Miller Smith
Units:
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 96 issued March 1993
Special Commando Memorial Service
On 25th October last, a special Memorial Service and Parade was held in honour of Commando Sergeant Miller Smith (2 Cdo), a Southport ex-policeman, who, participating on "Operation Musketoon" the raid on Glomfjord Power Station, Norway, on 20th September, 1942, was captured with eight others trying to escape via Sweden. Subsequently taken to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and executed by the SS under Hitler's infamous Reprisal Order.
On 25th October last, a special Memorial Service and Parade was held in honour of Commando Sergeant Miller Smith (2 Cdo), a Southport ex-policeman, who, participating on "Operation Musketoon" the raid on Glomfjord Power Station, Norway, on 20th September, 1942, was captured with eight others trying to escape via Sweden. Subsequently taken to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and executed by the SS under Hitler's infamous Reprisal Order.
ln spite of atrocious weather, there was a magnificent turnout of veterans to honour him. The service was held in the South Chapel Memorial, the Mayor and Mayoress being in attendance. The Last Post was rendered beautifully by a Guardsman Bugler, and a wreath on behalf of the Commandos was laid ty Colonel Donald Long, MC., TD., DL. (9 Cdo). The march past was led by the Coldstream Guards (Sgt. Smith's parent regiment), under the command of a Guards Officer and NCO, followed by the Guards Association with Standard.
Following on was our large contingent of Commandos of some 50 in number from Bolton and Warrington with the Warrington Commando Standard, under the able guidance of Geoff Wilkes and George Rees, plus local Commandos, including Geoff Riley (5 Cdo) and Ernie Heaton (45 RM Cdo.)
Several other Associations with Standards also paraded. After the march past, a reception was held for all visitors who attended.
Read more about the raid [Operation Musketoon].
Linked Content:
Archive pages:
ABRAM, Cyril Henry
Rank:
Rifleman
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Rifle Brigade
Service:
Army
Number:
6922005
P.O.W. number:
1651
Born:
Sunday, August 20, 1922
Birthplace:
London
Died :
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age:
20
Cemetery/Memorial:
Operations:
Rifleman Cyril Abram was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Abram, of Manor Park, Essex.
The raid was on an electricity generating station at Glomfjord in German occupied Norway. The men were taken by submarine to a remote Fjord, completed a difficult overland route, approaching their target from the rear and successfully destroyed it. Seven were captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's infamous Commando Order.
Sources
CWGC.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO416/1/240.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Nazi persecution claim: Mrs Lily Abram for Mr Cyril Henry Abram / Foreign Office file FO950/3034.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :
CHUDLEY, William Henry Albert
Rank:
Lance Bombardier
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Artillery
Service:
Army
Number:
882221
Born:
Wednesday, May 10, 1922
Birthplace:
Exeter
Died :
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age:
20
Cemetery/Memorial:
Operations:
Lance Bombardier William Chudley was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. Son of Richard Henry and Ellen Eliza Chudley, of Exeter.
Sources
CWGC.
CWGC.
Nazi persecution claim: Mrs Ellen Eliza Chudley for Mr William Henry Albert Chudley / Foreign Office file FO950/3057.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Report on the Nuremberg trials in the Birmingham Gazette 10 January 1946.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :
CURTIS, Eric Gordon
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Queens Own Royal West Kent
Service:
Army
Number:
6349613
Born:
Monday, October 24, 1921
Birthplace:
London
Died :
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age:
20
Cemetery/Memorial:
Operations:
Private Eric Gordon Curtis was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon. He was executed on 23 October 1942, the day before his 21st birthday, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order. Son of Frederick William and May Curtis, of Catford, London.
Sources
CWGC.
Nazi persecution claim: Mrs Ellen Eliza Chudley for Mr William Henry Albert Chudley / Foreign Office file FO950/3073.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
CWGC.
Nazi persecution claim: Mrs Ellen Eliza Chudley for Mr William Henry Albert Chudley / Foreign Office file FO950/3073.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Report on the Nuremberg trials in the in the Birmingham Gazette 10 January 1946.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :
MAKEHAM, Reginald Henry
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Gordon Highlanders
Service:
Army
Number:
841059
Born:
Wednesday, January 28, 1914
Birthplace:
Ipswich
Died :
Friday, October 23, 1942
Executed
Age:
28
Cemetery/Memorial:
Operations:
Private Reginald Makeham, 6 troop, was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. Son of Reginald Linnel Makeham and Mary Susan Janet Hope Makeham; husband of R. Makeham, of Keswick, Cumberland.
Sources
CWGC.
Killing of British POWs Germany after capture in Norway Operation Musketoon / National Archives file WO311/382.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :
TRIGG, Frederick Harry
Rank:
Private
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Sussex Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
6399046
Honours & Awards:
Died :
Wednesday, February 16, 1944
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age:
25
Cemetery/Memorial:
Private Frederick Trigg MM from Haywards Heath, Sussex, was killed in action in Italy. He has no known grave. Awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in 1942 during Operation Musketoon, Norway, and his subsequent evasion from capture. Seven of those on that raid were captured and executed. Private Trigg rejoined No.2 Commando taking part in Operation Avalanche at Salerno, Italy, from 9 September 1943. It was reported in newspapers that he had been wounded during the Salerno operations and had subsequently rejoined his Regiment.
Extract from the recommendation
Private Trigg was attached to No.2 Commando for Operation Musketoon. This highly successful operation resulted in the destruction of the important electric power plant at Glomfjord in Norway. Private Trigg throughout showed skill and resolution. He spent, in all, twelve days in enemy occupied country and eventually made his escape in spite of great exhaustion and hardship. [Recommended by Brigadier R.E. Laycock].
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 35853, page 210.
Recommendation for Awards / National Archives file WO373/93/75.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/72.
Report in the Mid Sussex Times newspaper 22 March 1944 [see linked content below].
[Image] Collection of Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE.
Primary Roll of Honour:
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Additional content:
Archive pages :
O'BRIEN, Richard
Rank:
Lance Sergeant
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
5340890
Honours & Awards:
Operations:
Lance Sergeant Richard O'Brien, 2 troop, was one of the Commandos who returned from Operation Chariot, the raid on St Nazaire. He sailed on board ML 447.
6 months later he was one of the ten Commandos who took part in Operation Musketoon. Seven were taken prisoner and later executed. LSgt O'Brien evaded capture after the successful raid and made it back to the UK. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during this raid.
(Source: LG Publication date: 5 March 1943, Supplement: 35929, Page: 1118).
The following year, now with the rank of Acting Sergeant, he was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry between the 10th and 18th Sept. 1943 during the battles of Salerno, Dragone Hill, and Piegolelle (also seen spelt as Piegolette).
(Source: LG Publication date: 13 January 1944, Supplement: 36327, Page: 258)
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :
FAIRCLOUGH, John
Rank:
Guardsman (later Sergeant)
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Grenadier Guards
Service:
Army
Number:
2619513
Honours & Awards:
Operations:
Guardsman John Fairclough was one of the ten Commandos and 2 Norwegians who took part in Operation Musketoon. Seven were taken prisoner and later executed. He was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during this raid.
Extract from the recommendation
Guardsman Fairclough was attached to No.2 Commando for Operation Musketoon. This highly successful operation resulted in the destruction of the important electric power plant at Glomfjord in Norway. Fairclough throughout showed skill and resolution. He spent, in all, twelve days in enemy occupied country and eventually made his escape in spite of great exhaustion and hardship. [Recommended by Brigadier R.E. Laycock].
Guardsman Fairclough was attached to No.2 Commando for Operation Musketoon. This highly successful operation resulted in the destruction of the important electric power plant at Glomfjord in Norway. Fairclough throughout showed skill and resolution. He spent, in all, twelve days in enemy occupied country and eventually made his escape in spite of great exhaustion and hardship. [Recommended by Brigadier R.E. Laycock].
The death of Sgt. John Fairclough MM of Wrexham, Clwyd, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 110 issued March 2000.
Sources
London Gazette 35853, page 210.
Recommendations for Awards / National Archives file WO373/93/76.
[Image 2] Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE, sister of Captain Joseph Houghton MC.
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :