1 Commando

History of the Unit

1 Commando
  • 13 June 1940 first formed with personnel from No's 6 & 8 Independent Companies as No.11 Independent Company.
  • 14 June 1940 re-designated No.1 Commando.
  • 27 July 1940 absorbed into No.1 Special Service Battalion.
  • 5 March 1941 Dartmouth reformed as No.1 Commando.
  • Early Raids included 27/28 August 1941 on the French coast, and  2-7 April 1942 Bayonne ….Operation Myrmidon (Aborted).  
  • 28 March 1942 Operation Chariot. Sgt Tom Durrant was one of a small detachment from No.1 Commando chosen to participate with No 2 Commando in the raid on the dry dock at St Nazaire. He was killed in action and later posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
  • No.1 Commando was then withdrawn from raiding to prepare for Operation Torch.
  • November 1942 North Africa, Operation Torch, No.1 Commando were the first unit in history to wear the green beret in battle.
  • Several operations were undertaken by the Commando in North Africa including the Battle of Sedjenane Feb/March 1943, before fighting as part of the line and then returning to the UK for refitting and re-equipping.
  • 15 November 1943 the unit embarked on HMT Ranchi for the Far East and jungle training in India. Some additional detail about their movements can be found in this link to the history of 42 RM Commando with whom they embarked.
  • From Sept 1944, as part of the inaugural 3 Commando Brigade, No.1 Commando saw six months of active service in Burma and fought in The Arakan at Akyab and Myebon culminating in the battle of Hill 170 at Kangaw. It was one of the most intense battles of the whole Burma campaign. It was during this campaign that the Victoria Cross was awarded to Lieutenant George Knowland for this gallantry.
  • March 1945 No.1 Commando was withdrawn to India for replacements and further training.
  • No.1 Commando was earmarked for further active service with the ‘Zipper landings in Malaya. Due to cessation of hostilities the unit was redirected to Hong Kong where it carried out policing operations before finally being merged with No.5 Commando to form 1/5 Commando which was disbanded October 1946.

View our Gallery here Gallery images of No 1 Commando

Click/touch No 1 Commando below for additional content, or follow the links below to specific content entries.

Linked Content: 
3 Commando Brigade, Burma Operations
Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando

1 Commando Roll of Honour

Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando

Below is an A-Z view of the Roll of Honour with information about each of the Fallen.

Displaying 1 - 94 of 94

ALDRIDGE, William Reginald

Lance Sergeant
5830857
No 1 Commando
Cambridgeshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant William Aldridge died in North Africa. He has no known grave. Son of Walter William and Florence Phoebe Aldridge, of Smethwick, Staffordshire. Posthumous Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. 
 

ALEXANDER, John MacAlister

Fusilier
4194689
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier John Alexander died during operations in North Africa. Son of Thomas and Margaret Alexander, of Leighton, Montgomeryshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/55.

ANDERSON, Barrie Sherwill Norman

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

ANDREWS, Alfred Archley

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

ANSELL, Arthur James

Trooper
14241725
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Metropolitan Police
Killed in action or died of wounds
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.

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, George Horace

Gunner
6143891
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner George Baker died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. He has no known grave.
Son of Horace Edward and Mary Ann Baker, of Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey.
 

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.

BALL, Sydney Alonso

Gunner
917356
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Sydney Ball from Luton was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia, later presumed killed in action. He has no known grave. Son of Ernest and Alice Ball; husband of Freda Evelyn Ball, of Luton, Bedfordshire.
 

BARTER, George

Gunner
943492
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner George Barter died during operations in North Africa. He has no known grave. 
Son of Llewellyn Barter, and of Mabel Barter, of Surbiton, Surrey.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BEECH, James Frederick

Private
14404860
No 1 Commando
No 5 Commando
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Sussex Regiment
Died on war service
Private James Beech, HQ 3 Commando Brigade, died in Poona Hospital India after contracting polio. Son of Frederick William Thomas Beech and Elvina Beech, of Brighton, Sussex. [1][1a]][2].

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, 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.

BLEAKLEY, Charles

Fusilier
4208516
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Died on war service
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.

BOYCE, James Wesley R.

James Boyce 1 Commando
Private
5828291
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Boyce, 4 Troop, died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BRADFORD, John Meller

Captain
70669
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers, 2nd Bn. The Monmouthshire Regt.
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain John Bradford from Swansea died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. Son of Ernest Meller Bradford and Ethel Mary Bradford.

CAMBLIN, Cecil

Cecil Camblin 1 Commando
Lance Sergeant
6977897
No 1 Commando
Royal Irish Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Cecil Camblin was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia, later presumed killed in action. He has no known grave.
Extract from the Belfast Telegraph
18 November 1943

CLAY, Fred Henry

Gunner
6206246
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Fred Clay died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Frederick Henry and May Ethel Clay, of Ponder's End, Enfield, Middlesex.
 

COLEMAN, Harold James

Troop Sergeant Major
3957677
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Died on war service
Troop Sergeant Major Harold Coleman died in Caernarvonshire and Anglesey Infirmary as a result of injuries received whilst rock climbing. Son of Mary Coleman; husband of G. V. Coleman, of Riverside, Cardiff.

CRAIG, Samuel

Fusilier
1500685
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Samuel Craig was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1938 and transferred to the Royal Welch Fusiliers on 4 October 1939, later volunteering for the Commandos. He was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia, later presumed killed in action.

CROFT, James Herbert

Captain
38190
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Died on war service
Captain Sir James Croft died as a result of an accident. 11th Baronet and son of Sir Herbert Archer Croft, 10th Baronet, and Lady Croft (nee Parr), of Sway, Hampshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

DAVIDSON, Douglas Malcolm

Capt.D.M. Davidson MC
Captain
105288
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Cross (MC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Douglas Davidson MC died of wounds sustained on the 14th March whilst leading a patrol and being engaged by the enemy. The location for the entry recorded in the War Diary shows Sidi es Siah.

DAVIES, Thomas Alfred

Private
4033757
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Thomas Davies was reported missing presumed died of wounds during operations in North Africa. He has no known grave.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists /National Archives files WO417/75.
 

DAVIES, Verdun George

Private
4080355
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Verdun Davies was reported missing 6 December 1942, later presumed killed in action, during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave. Son of Edgar John and Margret Davies.
 
Sources
CWGC.

DUFFY, William

William Duffy 1 Commando
Private
3778082
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Duffy from Liverpool died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave. Husband of Nora Duffy. Educated at St Sylvesters Roman Catholic School. 
 
Sources
CWGC.

DUMIGAN, James

James Dumigan 1 Commando
Lance Corporal
6982426
No 1 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal James Dumigan from Belfast died during operations at Kangaw.
 

EATON, George Oliver

Private
3777516
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Eaton was initially reported missing, later presumed to have died of wounds during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave. Son of John and Emily Eaton; husband of Georgina Eaton, of Liverpool.
 
Sources

EDWARDS, Elwyn

Fusilier
4192899
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier Elwyn Edwards, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Luc Sur Mer on the French coast.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/45.

EVANS, Cyril Denman

Lance Corporal
4080201
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Cyril Evans was killed in action during operations at Luc Sur Mer on the French coast.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/47.

GEORGE, Herbert Alexander

Private
3964607
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Herbert George was reported missing presumed died of wounds during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave. Son of Michael and Sarah George; husband of Marjorie George, of Cardiff.
 
Sources
CWGC.

GROVES, Fernley William Thomas

Private
4038826
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Fernley Groves was reported missing on 6 December 1942, later presumed killed in action, during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave. Son of George and Mary Groves, of Madeley, Shropshire.

HAMILTON, James

Sapper
2983344
No 1 Commando
Royal Engineers
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sapper James Hamilton was reported wounded and missing 17 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later presumed died of wounds. He has no known grave. Son of Alexander and Catherine Hamilton, of Thornliebank, Glasgow.
Service

HUMPHREYS, James

Private
3958742
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Humphreys died of wounds during operations in North Africa. He has no known grave. Husband of Dorothy M. Humphreys, of Dartmouth, Devon.
Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in North Africa.
 
Sources

JONES, Hubert

Hubert Jones 1 Commando
Corporal
2073288
No 1 Commando
No 2 Independent Company
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Hubert Jones, No.1 Commando, was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Benjamin Hubert and Gladys Jones, of Bishopston, Glamorgan.
  • 1 May 1939 enlisted Royal Engineers.

JONES, Thomas

Private
3970706
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Jones died during operations in North Africa.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/54.
 

KLONOWSKI, Theophilus Henry

Lance Corporal
5950896
No 1 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Theophilius Klonowski, Signal Section, died when Captain Craven's troop engaged an enemy patrol at approximately 0600hrs during operations at Beja, North Africa. 
 
Sources
CWGC

KNOWLAND, Lt. George Arthur, VC

Grave of Lieut Knowland VC
Lieutenant
323566 & 578261
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Victoria Cross (VC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant George Arthur Knowland died during operations at Hill 170, Kangaw. Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Son of Arthur Philip and Mary Elizabeth Knowland, of Catford, London; husband of Ruby Knowland.

LEWIS, Frank

Lance Sergeant
3960926
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Sergeant Frank Lewis died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave. Son of John and Elizabeth Lewis, of Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan.

Source

CWGC.

LINES, Ronald James

Lance Corporal Ronald Lines 1 Commando
Lance Corporal
3964660
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Ronald Lines , 6 troop, died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. 
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/88.

LLEWELLYN, Fred

Corporal Fred Llewellyn 1 Commando
Corporal
4036505
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Fred Llewellyn was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He was part of a demolition team who embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 306.

Son of Tom and Elizabeth Llewellyn, of Worcester.

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.

LLOYD, Leonard

Private
4078866
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Leonard Lloyd was reported missing presumed killed, before later being confirmed as killed in action [1][1a].

LOAKES, Stanley John

Lance Corporal
4038903
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Stanley Loakes was reported wounded and missing in Tunisia December 1942, later confirmed as dying of wounds whilst a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
CWGC

LUCAS, Percy

Private
3768364
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Died on war service

Private Percy Lucas died in hospital in Secunderabad, India, whilst on active service in the Far Eastern theatre of operations. Son of Mrs Annie Fitzpatrick from Fazakerley, Liverpool. Married to Lina.

MORGAN, Harold Rees

Captain Harold Rees Morgan 1 Commando
Captain
88079
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Harold Morgan died during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave.
Son of William Thomas Morgan and Margaret A. Morgan, of Llanelly, Carmarthenshire [1][1a].

MORRIS, Matthew Frank

Sergeant
1905889
No 1 Commando
Royal Engineers
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Sergeant Matthew Morris MM, 6 Troop, died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. 
Son of Alfred H. Morris and Louisa Morris; husband of Maud Morris. of Station Town. Co. Durham.

PHILLIPS, Wilfrid Harold

Private
4105154
No 1 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
The Herefordshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Wilfrid Phillips was reported missing presumed killed in action during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave. Son of Harold E. and Hariett Phillips, of Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

REID, George

Private
3778097
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Died on war service

Private George Reid was wounded on 28 March 1943 during operations in North Africa. He died in the UK on 27 June 1943

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59 and WO417/63.
 

SANDO, Thomas

Private
3969167
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Sando was reported missing 6 December 1942 in North Africa, later reported as dying of wounds the following day whilst a prisoner of war [1][1a].
At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in operations at Bizerte, Tunisia.

SLAVIN, Gerrard

Private
7942540
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Gerrard Slavin was reported missing believed wounded 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa (Operation Bizerte), later presumed died of wounds. He has no known grave. Son of James Slavin, and of Annie Slavin (nee Ward), of Rosyth, Fife.
 

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.

TOMBLIN, Edward Charles

Private
6144878
No 1 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edward Tomblin was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed killed in action. He embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 306.
Son of Frank and Mary Ellen Tomblin; husband of Eleanor Margaret Tomblin, of Wandsworth, London.

TUCKER, Ivan Henry

Pte Ivan Tucker 1 Commando
Private
5621153
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Ivan Tucker was killed in action during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of Charles Henry and Florence Annie Tucker, of Kingsnympton, Devon.
 
Sources
CWGC.

WALLIS, Reginald

Corporal
5933005
No 1 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Reginald Wallis died during operations at Kangaw, Burma. Son of William Edmond and Dora Emily Wallis. Previously received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa.
 

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.

WEBBER, Ernest George William

Private
1154962
No 1 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Royal Artillery
Died on active service
Private Ernest Webber died in India as a result of an accident whilst swimming.
Extract from the No 1 Commando War Diary
Londa Astoli 12 May 1945.
Pte Webber (6 tp) who injured  himself whilst swimming died in C.M.H. Belgaum.

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.

WHELAN, Jack

Private
4867187
No 1 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jack Whelan was initially reported missing, later presumed to have died of wounds during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia. He has no known grave.
Son of John and Elizabeth Whelan; husband of E. Whelan, of Wandsworth, London.
 
Sources

WILLIAMS, Frank

Private
3778254
No 1 Commando
The King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Frank Williams died during operations in North Africa.
 
Extract from the No 1 Commando War Diary for 28 March 1943
Location: Djebel Choucha, Algeria. 

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.
 

YOUNG, James Alfred

Lance Corporal
3596431
No 1 Commando
Border Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal James Young, Mortar Platoon, died of wounds during operations at Kangaw, Burma.  
Extract from Appendix 2 of the Timeline Report.

We will Remember them

And all ranks who served in the Commando and have since passed on in the passage of time, who are also remembered by their proud families and comrades.

KNOWLAND, Lt. George Arthur, VC

Rank: 
Lieutenant
Unit / Base: 
1 Commando
3 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
323566 & 578261
Honours & Awards: 
Victoria Cross (VC)
Born: 
Saturday, August 19, 1922
Birthplace: 
Catford Kent
Died : 
Wednesday, January 31, 1945
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
22
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar
Operations: 
Termoli - Operation Devon
3 Commando Brigade, Burma Operations
Grave of Lieut Knowland VC
Lieutenant George Arthur Knowland died during operations at Hill 170, Kangaw. Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Son of Arthur Philip and Mary Elizabeth Knowland, of Catford, London; husband of Ruby Knowland.
Previously served as a Sergeant in No 3 Commando and took part in their action at Termoli in 1943. Commissioned 23 June 1944 and then joined No 1 Commando in the Far East. Reference to this, and to his leadership qualities, is made in a Testament to George Knowland by Jack Cox No.12 and No.3 Cdo. [see documents below].
[Award Source : LG 36673, page 3992, publication date 25th Aug 44.]
Citation for the Victoria Cross
War Office, 12th April 1945.
In Burma on 31st January, 1945, near Kangaw, Lieutenant Knowland was commanding the forward platoon of a Troop positioned on the extreme North of a hill which was subjected to very heavy and repeated enemy attacks throughout the whole day. Before the first attack started, Lieutenant Knowland's platoon was heavily mortared and machine gunned, yet he moved about among his men keeping them alert and encouraging them, though under fire himself at the time. When the enemy, some 300 strong in all, made their first assault they concentrated all their efforts on his platoon of 24 men, but, in spite of the ferocity of the attack, he moved about from trench to trench distributing ammunition, and firing his rifle and throwing grenades at the enemy, often from completely exposed positions.
Later, when the crew of one of his forward Bren Guns had all been wounded, he sent back to Troop Headquarters for another crew and ran forward to man the gun himself until they arrived. The enemy was then less than 10 yards from him in dead ground down the hill, so, in order to get a better field of fire, he stood on top of the trench, firing the light machine gun from his hip, and successfully keeping them at a distance until a Medical Orderly had dressed and evacuated the wounded men behind him.
The new Bren team also became casualties on the way up, and Lieutenant Knowland continued to fire the gun until another team took over. Later, when a fresh attack came in, he took over a 2 inch Mortar and in spite of heavy fire and the closeness of the enemy, he stood up in the open to face them, firing the mortar from his hip and killing six of them with his first bomb. When all bombs were expended he went back through heavy grenade, mortar and machine gun fire to get more, which he fired in the same way from the open in front of his platoon positions. When those bombs were finished, he went back to his own trench, and still standing up fired his rifle at them.
Being hard pressed and with enemy closing in on him from only 10 yards away, he had no time to re-charge his magazine. Snatching up the Tommy gun of a casualty, he sprayed the enemy and was mortally wounded stemming this assault, though not before he had killed and wounded many of the enemy.
Such was the inspiration of his magnificent heroism, that, though fourteen out of twenty four of his platoon became casualties at an early stage, and six of his positions were over-run by the enemy, his men held on through twelve hours of continuous and fierce fighting until reinforcements arrived. If this Northern end of the hill had fallen, the rest of the hill would have been endangered, the beach-head dominated by the enemy, and other units farther inland cut off from their source of supplies. As it was, the final successful counter-attack was later launched from the vital ground which Lieutenant Knowland had taken such a gallant part in holding.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 
1 Commando Roll of Honour
Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes
Additional content: 
Commandos awarded the Victoria Cross
Archive pages : 
No 1 Commando
No 3 Commando

KNOWLAND, George Arthur, VC, (No.1 Cdo), London Gazette

Type: Files
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Lt G A Knowland VC Citation
Download

The London Gazette citation for the award of the Victoria Cross to Lt George Knowland of No 1 Commando 4 Troop

Hill 170 Kangaw Burma January 1945

Follow this link to learn more of about all the Commandos awarded the Victoria Cross

Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando

KNOWLAND, George Arthur, Lieut, VC. A testament by Jack Cox.

A Letter to Harry Winch (No. 1 Cdo. 2 Troop) from Jack Cox (12 & 3 Cdos.) concerning Lt. George Knowland VC [see linked content below], who was a section sergeant in No 3 Commando with the nickname 'Nobby', during the Battle for Termoli.
 
Source
This letter was given to John Mewett by Harry Winch No 1 Commando (2 Troop) for general dissemination in tribute of Lt George Knowland VC who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action on Hill 170 Kangaw Burma January 31st 1945. Transcribed from original by Elaine Southworth-Davies
Date of letter 21 October 2005
Dear Harry,
Thank you for the package re Nobby Knowland. To express my appreciation for the trouble you have gone to - words fail me. “Absolutely brilliant” springs to mind, but seems inadequate for what I feel deep down.The following will perhaps tell you why I hold this man’s memory in such high esteem, and why I value your package greatly.Nobby I only ever knew as a battlefield commando comrade.  He was my first commando N.C.O. leader in battle when it was at its most desperate and ferocious. This was Termoli in Italy, October 1943 which turned out to be the most horrendous of my own war. With Lieutenant George Knowland of No.1 Commando in mind, on receipt of your excellent package, I thought it would be appropriate to tell you a little about the battle for Termoli, where his leadership made such an impression on me.
 
I was then 18 years of age – having joined up at 16 years, lying about my age, and ever since the Termoli battle, I’ve felt indebted to Nobby and his superb commando leadership at a time when at Termoli, it did seem that we of 3 Commando were about to be wiped out completely.  But more about that later.
 
After the disbandment of No.12 Commando, 26 of us from our Troop were sent out to Sicily in the summer of 1943 to join No.3 Commando. We arrived soon after they had been in action at “Agnone” in Sicily, where they captured a bridge behind enemy lines and held it against far superior German forces. Montgomery, being chuffed at this, ordered the title “3 Commando Bridge” to be engraved in the stone-work of the structure.  (Still there in 1948, doubtless no longer).
 
In their Sicily campaign No.3 achieved great things, but at dreadful cost in terms of casualties; when we arrived as a contingent from No.12, 3 Commando were well down in numbers to below half their original strength of 450 men. Accordingly, 3 Commando, to maintain operational viability, re-organised so that we had just three fighting Troops, as opposed to the usual commando six fighting Troops.
 
Invasion of Italy was next task ahead. For this 3 Commando were “brigaded” with the 1st SAS (re-named S.R.S. – Special Raiding Squadron, their founder, David Stirling having been captured by the Germans), and No.40 Royal Marine Commando, the newly formed commando brigade to be commanded by Colonel Durford-Slater, the Commanding Officer at that time of No.3 Commando.  Our second l/c Major 'Bungy' Young took over command of No.3.
 
Page 2
The first action was a landing on the “toe” of Italy from the Mediterranean coast against Italian Troops.  This was a doddle, for once they put up a showy fire fight with their fast firing Braeder machine-guns, and we returned the fire with interest, they caved in rather easily.Termoli came next from the Adriatic coast.  By then we of 3 Commando numbered less than 160 men and for that operation was commanded by our Adjutant, Captain Komrower, Bungy, our acting C.O. being hospital with malaria and yellow jaundice.
 
The landing took place during the night at 1 a.m. 3 Commando were first to land followed by the SAS and the Marine Commandos. We literally caught a Garrison of the elite German ‘Herman Goering Paratroopers’ napping, but once they were aware we were on their doorstep, they put up fierce resistance. By midday, however, Jerry had had it - our brigade capturing the town, the deep water port there, also about 70 German paratroopers as prisoners, who were taken on board one of the craft that conveyed us for the landing.
 
Of the several “mini-actions” our sub-section took part in that day, one in particular gives an insight into Nobby Knowland’s leadership in battle. Our sub-section was sent to the outskirts of the town adjacent to the open country-side to deal with a pocket of German resistance. 
 
The terrain only allowed us a frontal attack, with the enemy putting up a hail of rifle fire in our direction. Nobby quickly assessed the situation, sent our Bren-gunner out to the flank where he spotted a good firing point, telling him to “keep the bastards heads down.”  Once the Bren opened up, we advanced with our frontal attack, firing as we went, and not losing a man, to come across about a dozen dead German paratroopers, with three still alive whom we took prisoner.At first it looked a dodgy task, the terrain not favourable to a covered approach - in the event it turned out to be a successful “fire and movement” effort, which seemed all over in no time at all.
 
Nobby knew instinctively the best way to tackle that situation, achieving success with very few words and no fuss - commando leadership at its best. If my description of that incident makes it all sound easy, it was far from that, but the reason we achieved maximum efficiency in that frontal attack, was down to Nobby’s unhesitating command of the circumstances facing us.
 
The overall strategy of the Termoli operation was for the 8th. Army to get through to us on land, to re-inforce our capture of this important deep water port.  Trouble was, heavy rains caused the Biferno River, between us and the 8th. Army, to flood sweeping away pontoon bridges; when the rain stopped, Luftwaffe planes appeared in the skies to bomb the fresh pontoons put across the river.
 
Page 3
Some of the 8th.  Army in the form of an infantry unit, a few anti-tank guns, also a few Sherman tanks (I saw three) managed to get across the river before pontoons were either swept away or bombed to join us at Termoli. We were told that a Panzer Division had been spotted advancing in our direction and to prepare for a counter-attack.
 
3 Commando were sent about 1½ miles outside the town to take up defensive positions on a wooded ridge of low growing Olive trees, which had a commanding view to our front.  Wooded areas of course are good protection against tanks, whose crews are always fearful that a stout branch fallen to the ground would get into their tracks and remove the track from the bogey wheels, so making them immobile and sitting ducks for enemy guns.
 
Our three Troops of 3 Commando lined that ridge, with a Troop of SAS on our right flank and some 8th. Army infantry off to our left. The first night on the ridge was extremely cold when it rained.  We had a bit of shelling, but not much, and the night passed without much incident.
 
Come the dawn and the welcome hot sun, we were straffed by low flying Luftwaffe planes, with a furrow of machine gun fire too close for comfort to my slit-trench.  The aircraft then swooped off to bomb Termoli town. Immediately after that, we had a clear view of the advancing Panzer Division, from the height of our ridge, with tanks and infantry in abundance.   A dawn attack was imminent. We were then attacked non-stop for the rest of that day, which only eased as darkness fell.  
 
For what has to be a brief account of that lengthy battle, suffice to mention a few of the following instances.
German artillery - extremely accurate, so they knew where we were, stonked our positions for the whole of that day with unremitting shell fire, trees were being blown in the air,  the cry of “stretcher-bearers” could be heard indicating someone had caught it, the whole ridge stunk of cordite -  it could be fairly described as a hell on earth.
 
There were three separate German infantry attacks up the slopes towards our ridge, with much blowing of German whistles, I recall, causing us to be busy with rifles and Bren.  All three attacks were successfully repulsed.
 
Our Bren-gunner, Jack Leach, was firing at enemy tanks with some effect, as in some instances, the tanks stopped as the result.  In one particular occasion I witnessed, I saw the tank actually back-off  which amazed me at the time. Difficulty was, Jack was fast running out of ammunition, and started  ‘cadging’  our spare ammo in the form of 50 rounds bandaliers we all carried with us on operations  -  later found many of us short of ammunition.
 
Page 4
During that day, two anti-tank crews set up their guns near to our slit-trench positions. I could see them plainly from my slit-trench. When the battle had reached one of its many heights, I happen to see some activity by the gun crews, thinking they were about to take on enemy tanks. To my surprise, they were in fact removing the firing pieces from their guns, and did not so much as retreat, as I witnessed, they actually “fled!”  to the rear, departing our ridge in great haste.
 
I shouted to Nobby, above all the noise, that the anti-tank crews had cleared off and I still remember his response to this day - “I had noticed, I think we’ll go forward about 20 yards near the edge of this wood, these shells will then fall behind us.” 
 
I’ve reflected often since that incident, that it could well have been Nobby’s instinctive way of showing his contempt for the anti-tank crew’s actions, symbolised by our 20 yard or so, very “mini-advance”.   I’m sure in my own mind that was the case. Nobby was nobody’s fool, and his actions always spoke louder than words.It was another example of Nobby being the sub-section Sergeant and commando leader, to be with when the going got tough. The type of man one never ever forgets.
 
By this time the infantry on our left had been forced back towards Termoli town, also the SAS Troop on our right had been forced back by an infantry attack - from our slit-trenches our sub-section were close enough to give the SAS some covering fire as they fell back, but could do nothing else in the circumstances. A look at an excerpt from Colonel Durnford-Slater’s post-war book “Commando,” tells us the state of play about then:-
 
          “THE FIGHTING RAGED. No.3 COMMANDO STILL OUT IN FRONT
           WERE GIVING, DURING THE GERMAN COUNTER-ATTACK, WHAT
           WAS PROBABLY THEIR FINEST PERFORMANCE OF THE WAR.
           HAMMERED BY TANKS, POUNDED BY GUNS, ATTACKED BY
           INFANTRY AND LEFT EXPOSED AND BLEEDING ON THEIR FLANKS,
           BY THE RETREAT OF ANOTHER UNIT, THEY DID NOT BUDGE FROM
           THEIR POSITIONS ……………………..”
 
When darkness fell, the shelling stopped, presumably because the German infantry were now close to our positions. They seemed to be puffing their cigarettes in the dark to cause a red glow in the darkness - at least it gave us an idea as to where their positions were. Then German machine-gun fire came at our positions immediately to our rear - it convinced me at the time that we were no doubt surrounded by the enemy and isolated from the main body of our troops. 
                                         
Page 5
Nobby’s calm rather low key voice then ordered to we of his sub-section, “Watch for enemy at the rear, shoot enemy on sight.”  We found ourselves returning the enemy fire at the German gun flashes showing well in the darkness. The order was then passed round to cease-fire and to conserve what ammunition we had left.  
 
Several haystacks were on fire over to the left of the ridge in a farmyard, illuminating the scene in that area. Two enemy tanks were stationary there, with their 88 millimetre guns pointing ominously and directly along our ridge. In our sight we saw German tank crews with mess tins having food.  It reminded me at the time we had not eaten for the 36 hours we had been manning that ridge.
 
We were left with our thoughts as we stayed in our slit-trenches, still watching our front. I was sure in my own mind that come the dawn the Germans would just see to the task of wiping out No. 3 Commando - with our ammunition being so low, we would not be able to fight back for very long. I was personally convinced that I was staring my own death in the face. 
 
At that stage of the war I was a “follower” of our commando NCOs and Officer commando leaders (myself not yet an NCO whose role was to lead) and whatever my commando leader did, I would do also. I knew Nobby Knowland sufficiently by then to know he would never surrender.  His leadership in battle had created in me a great loyalty to him, and I realised that as long as he continued the fight to the enemy, I would want to be with him. I only hoped I would be up to it if and when the time came.
 
My emotional thoughts then on that ridge, at that time, was for my family and the effect it would have on them to be told I had been killed in action. I said my prayers for them in that respect. But as it turned out - we were not to be killed off. Captain Hopson of 3 Commando discovered that we were only surrounded on three sides, he and his batman left the ridge on the side the Germans were absent and reported back to Termoli. Bungy Young’s book “Storm From the Sea” describes what went on:-
 
          “DURING THE NIGHT DONALD HOPSON AND HIS BATMAN,
          SUCCEEDED IN MAKING HIS WAY BACK TO TERMOLI.
          HE EXPLAINED THAT 3 COMMANDO WAS SURROUNDED ON
          THREE SIDES BY THE ENEMY AT FIFTY AND A HUNDRED
          YARDS.  IT WAS EVIDENT THAT UNLESS THEY WERE
          WITHDRAWN BEFORE DAWN THEY WOULD INEVITABLY BE
          ANNIHILATED.  JOHN DURNFORD-SLATER SENT HIM
          BACK WITH ORDERS FOR THE COMMANDO TO WITHDRAW
          INTO RESERVE AT TERMOLI.  HE REACHED THEM AT
          ONE O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING.  THREE-QUARTERS
          OF AN HOUR LATER THE COMMANDO FILTERED BACK TO
          THE REAR OF THE RIDGE POSITION AND FORMED UP IN
          FILE.     DONALD HOPSON LED THEM BACK CROSS-COUNTRY
          ………….. THE COMMANDO HAD NO AMMUNITION FOR THE
          MORTARS AND VERY LITTLE FOR THE BREN.    AT 3.30  
        TIRED BUT IN GOOD SPIRITS, THEY REACHED THE TOWN….”
 
Page 6  
To complete the story of Termoli - 3 Commando’s stubborn resistance on that ridge played an important part in delaying the Panzer Division’s intent of re-capturing Termoli town and the deep water port  - allowing Royal Engineers time at the Biferno Rover to finally secure a pontoon bridge across, enabling the main bulk of the 8th. Army to surmount that River obstacle. It further allowed the time for an extra British infantry Brigade to land at night from the sea at Termoli.
 
With these re-inforcements, together with R.A.F. planes appearing in the skies to fire rockets at the enemy tanks, the German Panzer Division was forced into full retreat.  The battle for Termoli was then won, and an important advance by the British Army achieved including the gain of a deep water port.
 
3 Commando’s casualties from their 36 hour defence of that ridge were surprisingly light. Two were killed, six missing (almost certainly blown to bits by the shelling) and twenty-eight wounded.  An indication of how 3 Commando knew how to properly dig-in.
 
Nobby’s leadership of our sub-section throughout that battle cannot be described in one sentence. He did have this aura of great strength, mentally and physically.  He showed in combat that he could “think on his feet” with few words and plenty of action -  indicated previously, for example, by our ‘frontal attack’ and the ‘mini-advance on the ridge when Anti-tank crews cleared off. He was most certainly focussed at all times with purpose on the main objectives in war - to defeat the enemy come what may. He always seemed to know what to do, despite shot and shell at its most furious.
 
Nobby Knowland as I knew him then was a man blessed with a large slice of natural humility - also did seem to have a touch of the invincibility about him.  As an 18 year old at that time, I admired him greatly.  With him as my sub-section Sergeant   -   despite the horrendous nature of that battle, he made me feel secure. He put, for me, into true perspective war at the sharp end, which greatly assisted me in the future battles I faced from the Normandy D-Day landings, when I was a newly promoted NCO, and subsequently through our European campaign.
 
By then of course, Nobby had been commissioned as Lieutenant George Knowland and sent out to Burma to join No. 1 Commando in their fight against the Japanese. It was some seven months later that he was to be killed in action and to be awarded the ‘Victoria Cross’.
 
I’ve since acknowledged the privilege it was to have served under the direct leadership of a man such as he, to whom I’ve always felt indebted for the example he gave as a commando leader at Termoli.
 
Page 7
In post-war years, whenever I have stayed at the Union Jack Club I’ve made a point of unfailingly looking up Nobby’s name on the wall listing all the winners of the ‘Victoria Cross’ and with my memories of him at Termoli, just to say a silent, “Thanks Nobby”.
 
Thank you Harry once again for the superb package you sent me which I value immensely. It has prompted me to write this “epistle length” letter in return.   I won’t apologise for that, for I’ve just written as I felt, with some emotion I suppose, especially at this poignant time of the Commando Association’s ‘Stand-down’. I do hope that you find it of interest.
 
My best regards to your good lady Pam, look after yourselves - there aren’t many of us left.
 
Yours Sincerely
Jack Cox -  12 & 3 Commandos.    
 
Additional info:                
As indicated in the above, Bungy Young our then acting C.O. was in hospital at the time of Termoli, but clearly in touch with what was going on, because he left his hospital bed and travelled somehow to Termoli in a Jeep, where the acting Brigade Commander Durnford-Slater made him ‘Brigade Major’ at Termoli - the reason Bungy was not with us on the ridge it being considered he was still not fully recovered from his illness.
 
P.S         
You and I have only met in very recent times and despite the occasional bollocking you have given me, I’ve always enjoyed your company   -   if we had lived nearer to each other, I would have made a point of seeing more of both you and Pam.   I always know a good man when I meet one.  I’m sorry I cannot make the visit to Nobby’s Croydon School, but as I explained, certain domestic obligations have prevented it.   
 
 All the best Harry, might see you sometime.
 
Linked Content: 
KNOWLAND, Lt. George Arthur, VC
YOUNG, Peter
KOMROWER, Arthur George
HOPSON, Donald Charles
LEECH, John Ernest
Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando
No 3 Commando

DURRANT, Sgt. Thomas Frank, VC

Rank: 
Sergeant
Unit / Base: 
1 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Engineers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
1874047
Honours & Awards: 
Victoria Cross (VC)
Died : 
Saturday, March 28, 1942
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
23
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Escoublc-La-Baule War Cemetery
Operations: 
'St. Nazaire - Operation Chariot'
Local Roll of Honour: 
Saint Nazaire Raid - Commando Fallen
Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant was killed in action during Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
War Office 19th June 1945
For great gallantry, skill and devotion to duty when in charge of a Lewis gun in H.M. Motor Launch ML 306 in the St. Nazaire raid on the 28th March, 1942.
Motor Launch 306 came under heavy fire while proceeding up the River Loire towards the port. Sergeant Durrant, in his position abaft the bridge, where he had no cover or protection, engaged enemy gun positions and searchlights on shore. During this engagement he was severely wounded in the arm but refused to leave his gun.
The Motor Launch subsequently went down the river and was attacked by a German destroyer at 50-60 yards range, and often closer.
In this action Sergeant Durrant continued to fire at the destroyer's bridge with the greatest coolness and with complete disregard of the enemy's fire. The Motor Launch was illuminated by the enemy searchlight and Sergeant Durrant drew on himself the individual attention of the enemy guns, and was again wounded, in many places.
Despite these further wounds he stayed in his exposed position, still firing his gun, although after a time only able to support himself by holding on to the gun mounting. After a running fight, the Commander of the German destroyer called on the Motor Launch to surrender. Sergeant Durrant's answer was a further burst of fire at the destroyer's bridge.
Although now very weak he went on firing, using drums of ammunition as fast as they could be replaced. 
A renewed attack by the enemy vessel eventually silenced the fire of the Motor Launch but Sergeant Durrant refused to give up until the destroyer came alongside, grappled the Motor Launch and took prisoner those who remained alive. 
Sergeant Durrant's gallant fight was commended by the German officers on boarding the Motor Launch.
View photos, documents and information on Tom and a few other members of his family courtesy of Tom's sister Ivy, his niece Pat, and his brother Jack's grandchildren Claire and Paul [go to gallery....].

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Primary Roll of Honour: 
1 Commando Roll of Honour
Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes
Additional content: 
DURRANT, Thomas Frank, VC, (No.1 Cdo), Recommended by the Enemy
Commandos awarded the Victoria Cross
Archive pages : 
No 1 Commando
St Nazaire Commandos

DURRANT, Thomas Frank, VC, (No.1 Cdo), Recommended by the Enemy

Type: Booklet
Author: Robert John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2016
Keywords: durrant, vc, Victoria cross, commando, chariot, st nazaire
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An  article about Sergeant Thomas Frank Durrant VC, No 1 Commando, which was published in the Victoria Cross Society Journal in March 2005. ©RJMewett.

Follow this link to learn more about all the Commandos awarded the Victoria Cross

Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando

1 Commando Commanders

Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando

TREVOR, Thomas Hoult (Lt Col)

Known as: 
Senior
Rank: 
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base: 
1 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Welch Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
53563
Honours & Awards: 
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Born: 
Tuesday, October 10, 1911
Thomas Trevor was 2i/c of No 2 Independent Company when they sailed as part of Scissors Force (Operation Avonmouth) to take part in the Combined Operations raid on Norway. After this, with the disbandment of the Independent Companies, he joined the newly raised No 1 Commando.
 
After a brief spell of 3 months as CO of No 6 Commando during the aborted raid on Bayonne, Lt Col Trevor then took command of No 1 Commando during the Operation Torch landings in N.Africa. It was during this period that he began his association with the newly raised US Ranger units, contingents of whom were operating with No 1 Commando. During the Tunisian campaign he was awarded a military OBE.
 
On return to the UK, he left No 1 Commando to become Combined Operations HQ Staff Liaison Officer with the US Rangers. He was officially attached to the US Army and was with the Rangers when they landed at Omaha Beach on D Day during which he was wounded. (See notification HERE)
 
Post war he continued his military service serving in Greece, Korea, and Malaya.
 
Sources
OBE: LG Publication date: 21 September 1943; Supplement: 3618; Page: 4213.
 
Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Additional content: 
Ken and Tom Trevor No.1 Commando
Archive pages : 
No 2 Independent Company
No 1 Commando
No 6 Commando

TREVOR, Kenneth Rowland Swetenham (Lt Col )

Known as: 
Junior
Rank: 
Brigadier
Unit / Base: 
1 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Cheshire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
63586
Honours & Awards: 
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Born: 
Wednesday, April 15, 1914
Died : 
Monday, February 10, 2003
Officer Commanding No 1 Commando 1943 - 1945.
Joined No 1 Commando in 1941.  As Captain of 1 troop in 1942 he took part in a raid at St Cecily Plage  and the later Operation Torch landings. He received a Mention in Despatches North Africa. He took command of No 1 Commando from his cousin Tom Trevor when the Commando sailed to India in 1943. During the campaign in Burma he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished services.
Post war in Korea he received a 2nd Mention in Despatches, and was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services during the war.
1958 received a 3rd Mention in Despatches whilst commanding the Cheshire Regiment in Malaya.
1966 retired from military service as a Brigadier.
2003 Memorial Service held on Sunday 14 September at Chester Cathedral.
 
Brigadier Ken Trevor was President of the Commando Association during the periods 1965/6, 1985/6 and 1989/90. Henry Brown OBE, Secretary of the Commando Association wrote this tribute in their Newsletter 116.
"The Brigadier, a greatly esteemed officer and very fair disciplinarian, took over command of No.l Commando in 1943 from his cousin, Lieut. Colonel Tom Trevor, O.B.E., and will long be remembered for his constant caring thought and understanding during No.1 Commando's time in India, and especially later in 1944/45 during fierce action against enemy forces in the Burmese campaign, particlarly during the battle of Hill 170 at Kangaw after which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
Association members will be aware of the Brigadier's very keen interest in our affairs and activities, especially during his three terms as our President, and will agree that in the passing of Ken Trevor, as he was affectionately known, the Association has lost one of its most important stalwart supporters."
 

Sources:
MiD (North Africa) : London Gazette 36180, page 4226.
DSO (Burma): London Gazette 37040, page 2079.
MiD (Korea): London Gazette 39328, page 4715.
OBE (Korea): London Gazette 39528, page 2307.
MiD (Malaya): London Gazette  41692, page 2764.
CBE: London Gazette 43343, page 4942.

Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Additional content: 
3 Cdo Bde Third Jungle Book issue 9
Ken and Tom Trevor No.1 Commando
Archive pages : 
No 1 Commando
Korean War

1 Commando Nominal Roll

In 1946 the Army Council decided that the Army Commandos were to be disbanded and no provision was allowed or made for any depository or office which would have at least contained a complete Roster of Names of the men who served in the various units. 

For historical & research purposes, we have tried to compile the names of all No.1 Commando volunteers which were obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Lists of Casualties, the No1 Commando War Diary, papers from the National Archives and further research by members of the CVA and various other resources. In preparing this list, we acknowledge that it is very likely there are omissions,

Note: Where a service number is shown on our nominal rolls and no source is shown in the end column, it should be treated as possible but not confirmed. Contact the Archive if you suspect an error.

Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando

No 1 Commando Nominal A - C

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.1 Commando.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2016. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Permitted
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives
PG= CVA Photo Gallery
WRP = 1 Cdo Winchester reunion programme in Gallery
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Leslie, William
Sgt
14315624
 
RA; later Major QM (CA59 and Burma Star Assn forms).
F.V.
Gnr
2083611
 
RA; 3 Tp; wounded 31Jan45 Burma CasList WO417/88
Abrams
John
Pte
 
 
(PG)
Adams
 Frederick, A. 'Freddie'
Pte
 
 
 (CA45) (CA106); from East Preston, Sussex
Adams
S.W.
Pte
 
 
 
Adcock
Wallace
Sgt
 
 
(CA115)
Addlesee
George, W.
Pte
 
 
(CA20, CA112)
Agnew
Patrick
Fus
 
 
(CA36); (WRP)
William
Pte
3194769
MM
KOSB; (WRP)
J.E.
Rfn (LCpl)
3249930
 
Cameronians; 4 Cdo Dieppe; 1 Cdo wounded 31/1/45 Burma CasLists WO417/88
Alderman
Islwyn, J. R.,  'Jake'
Pte
3970594
 
Welch; (CA106)
William, Reginald
LSgt
5830857
MiD
Cambs. Regt; kia
Charles, Henry
Tpr
14241760
Police
 
RAC; PoW 2/3/43 CasList WO417/60; (LL1);
John, MacAlister
Fus
4194689
 
R Welch Fus; kia
Edward, Patrick
Pte
14627308
MM
SWB; (WRP)
Allen
R.M.
Pte
 
 
R.A.M.C. (LL1)
Allison
R.G. 'Bob'
Pte
 
 
emigrated Canada (CA77)
Allsopp
Thomas, John
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Allum
E.T.
Gnr
 
 
RA; and 12 Cdo (LL1)
Allum
Frank, Edmund
Gnr
914187
 
RA; and 12Cdo; (CA114), (WRP)
Ambrose
A.W.
LBdr
946373
 
RA;  PoW 6Dec42 CasList WO417/57 and 85; (LL1)
Barrie,Sherwell, Norman
Tpr
14241781
Police
 
RAC; Died whilst PoW 
Anderson
W
LCpl
 
 
from Salford (LL1)
Anderton
Albert, 'Andy'
Pte
 
 
6 Tp and 1/5 Cdo (CA87); from Bolton (LL1) (WRP)
Alfred, Archley
Fus
14604353
Police
 
R. Fus. kia
Frederick, George
Gnr
 
RA ; 6 Tp; wounded Burma
Ronald
Gnr
11408604
 
RA; & 1/5 Cdo (CA118).
George, Henry
A/Cpl
4075165
 
SWB; POW Stalag7A
Arthur, James
Tpr
14241725
Police
 
RAC; kia
Anstee
G.W.
Pte
3711803
 
RAOC
Armstrong
James
Gnr
896030
 
RA attestation 1939
James, Kenyon
Pte
 
 
(CA98); Police
Selwyn, Ronald
Pte
14241782
Police
 
Glos. regt; wounded 17/3/43 CasList WO417/59;  (LL1)
Bacon
Albert, William
Pte
6098328
 
Q.R.R.
Henry, Hunter
Tpr
14241647
Police
 
RAC; kia 
Bailey
Herbert, Frederick
Pte
 
 
(CA76); (WRP)
Bailey
T.J.
Fus
 
 
(LL1)
Baker
Algernon, Gordon
Fus
14670424
 
R.W.F. (from G.S.C. 21 I.T.C. 15Dec43) RWF Transfer In Registers Book 7.
Albert
LSgt
2614133
DCM
Grenadier Gds; kia
Baker
Cyril, E.
Sgt
 
 
(CA51); (WRP)
George, Horace
Gnr
6143891
 
RA; kia
Herbert, Valentine
Cpl
14241761
Police
 
R. Warwicks Regt; kia
Baldock
E. (or K.E ?)
LCpl
5830944
 
Suffolk Regt; (LL1); CasList WO417/55; Escape/evasion report WO208/4240
John, Henry
Pte
14241608
Police
 
SWB; PoW escaper; (WRP); (CA82)
Ball
I.C.
Pte
4104950
 
Hereford
Percy, William
Pte
6482286
Police 
 
R Fusiliers; Met Police War Reserve
Sydney, Alonso
Gnr
917356
 
RA; kia
Banks
S.A.
Pte
 
 
from Staffs. (LL1)
Barden
E
Pte
 
 
from Kent (LL1)
J.H.
Gnr
14241811
Police
 
RA; PoW 2/3/43 CasList WO417/60
Ernest,   'Tag'
Bdr
4748087
MM
RA
Norman, Alfred, George
Tpr
14241844
Police
 
RAC; died grenade accident.
Sidney, G.
LCpl
 
 
from Teeside (CA120)
Barnett
Arthur. G.
LSgt
 
 
(LL1); (CA3); (WRP)
Barrett
John, F.
Pte
3970601
 
Welch Regt; (CA105)
Barringer
Ronald, Arthur
Gnr
936054
 
RA attestation record; 5 Tp (PG) (Forum)
George
Gnr
943492
 
RA; kia
Brian, V.
Tpr
14241812
Police
 
& Cdo Gp. HQ., emigrated NZ (CA94, CA115)
Barton
William
LSgt
 
 
Later Capt. (CA64); (WRP)
William, H.
LSgt
5830863
 
Suffolk Regt; wounded N. Africa; (WRP)
Bayliss
J.E.
Lt
 
 
E Surrey Regt
Beadle
J
Pte
 
 
(LL1)
Beale
A
Dvr
 
 
(LL1)
John, George, Arthur
Gnr
 
RA; kia
Dennis, Calloway
Sgt
14402581
 
KRRC; (WRP); Burma Star Assn.
Robert, Stanley
LSgt
14604358
Police
 
R Fusiliers; (LL7)
James, Simpson
Cpl
14241854
Police
MM
R Scots; kia
Beatty
Brian, H.
Pte
 
 
and CBTC (LL1); from Swaffham (CA120)
Beckwith
George
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
James, Frederick
Pte
14404860
 
R. Sussex Regt; died
Belcher
S.J.
Lt
 
 
lka Brentwood (LL5)
Bell
Edward
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
Bell
J
LCpl
4855999
 
Leics Regt; CasListWO417/56; PoW Escape WO208/4368.
Belston
F
Gnr
4077753
 
R Artillery
Bennett
Kenneth, Raymond
Pte
 
 
 
Richard, Albury
Capt
2724105 /
339560
 
Ox & Bucks; (LG36944); from South Africa (CA113)
Thomas, James
Cpl
14241783
Police
 
RAC; kia
James
Gnr
 
 
RA; died 1956 RMFVR; (WRP)
Charles
Fus
14241648
Police
 
R. Welch Fus; PoW escape; from Knutsford Cheshire (LL2)
Donald
Pte
14241762
Police
 
RA; kia
Bernini
Henry
Gnr
 
 
RA; (CA25)
Berry
Edgar, G.
Pte
 
 
from Newport, Gwent (CA88); (WRP)
James, Arthur
Pte
14241649
Police
 
Cheshire Regt; (LL2); PoW N.Africa WO417/91
L
LCpl
2579764
 
R. Sigs; wounded Burma
William, Sidney
Fus
 
 
From Ayr (CA102)
Arthur, John
Pte
14241813
Police
 
 
Glos Regt; Pow 6/12/42 then 1943 to UK WO417/80;  later Captain (CA25)
Beveridge
Alexander
Gnr
 
 
RA; (WRP); from Fife (CA18)
Edward
LBdr
14241845
Police ??
 
(WRP); (CA92); CasLists
Bidwell
E.G.
Pte
 
 
(LL2)
Billham
Albert, George
Pte
5773066
 
Norfolk Regt
M.E.
Pte
 
 
(LL2)
Birt
George
Pte
 
 
 
Biscoe
John, Seymour
Major
 
 
RA; (WRP); (CA88); (Burma Star Assn)
Ronald, C.
Pte
5627758
 
Devonshire; PoW St Nazaire
Blair
Thomas
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Blake
Frederick
TSM
 
 
(WRP)
Blake
Patrick, V.
Pte
 
 
 
Blakemore
A
Pte
3912083
 
Welch
Blakemore
Reginald, John
Pte
 
 
from Gwent (CA116)
Charles
Fus
4208516
 
R. Welch Fus; died training acc
Boardman
E
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Bolch
T
Gnr
 
 
RA; (LL2)
Bolton
Sproule
Lt
 
 
from Kent (CA116)
Booth
William, M. 'Bill'
Pte
 
 
(WRP); & 5 Cdo; later Captain
Botfield
John
Cpl
 
 
(CA61); (WRP)
Bowden
Cedric
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
 Gwynfor, 'Gwyn'
 
 
 
Welch Regt
Bower
Norman
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Bowler
Donald, William
Lt
 
 
from Northants (CA120)
Bowler
W.V.
Gnr
 
 
lka Guildford (LL2)
Bowman
R
Pte
3777925
 
King's Regt; CasList WO417/58
Thomas, Horne
Lt
 
 
6Tp (PG) ; &12Cdo -Para Tp (CA51, CA72) / Post war Actor
Boyack
Albert, E.
 
 
 
(PG)
James, Wesley
Pte
5828291
MiD
Suffolk Regt; kia
Boyes
E
Pte
 
 
(LL2)
Robert, Paul
CSM
 
OBE, QPM
Dep. Asst Ch. Const. Mid Anglia Police QPM (CA41)(LG); OBE 1977 Ch Const. N. Yorks
Brace
Maurice
 
 
 
RWR
John, Meller
Capt
70669
MiD
SWB; kia
Bradford
Victor
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
Brake
Fred
CSM
 
 
 
Bray
Reginald, S.
Pte
 
 
and 6 Cdo; from Crawley (CA87) (WRP)
Thomas, Garland
Cpl
 
 
SWB
Brennan
M 
Gnr
 
 
lka Derby (LL2)
Brennan
S
Pte
 
 
served 1/5 Cdo; lka Bromley (LL2)
Bright
John
CSM
 
 
 
Brine Petty
F.H.
Capt
 
 
(CA79) - x ref. PETTY
Britnell
Harry
LCpl
 
 
(WRP)
Brookes
Raymond, F.
Pte
 
 
(CA74); (WRP)
Brown
Bruce
Pte
 
 
(WRP) (LL2)
Brown
C.G.  'Topper'
CSMI
 
 
(WRP) (LL2)
Brown
Glynford, George
 
 
 
RWR
Brown
Henry
SQMS
 
OBE
Secretary of the original CA
Brown
I.M.
Pte
 
 
 
Brown
J.L.
Gnr
 
 
 
Brown
Jim
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Brown
Ronald, Gilbert
Fus
 
 
(WRP) (CA40)
Brown
William, H
Gnr
 
 
(WRP)
Browne
Victor, Thomas
Pte
5933275
 
Cambridgeshire Regt; (WRP)
Morris, Raymond
Pte
14241787
Police 
 
QOCH; POW Escaper WO208/4243.
Bruntnell
Keith, Trevor 'Charlie'
Cpl (Sgt)
5050786
 
RWF attestations; (CA30) (CA94)
Thomas, Malloch
Pte
14416348
 
wounded Hill 170; died in service; (WRP)
Buckland
D.N.
LCpl
 
 
 
Buckley
Thomas, Harry
Pte
3535581
 
Mancs Regt; wounded 4/3/43 CasList WO417/58; (PG)
M.W. 'Sam'
Pte
 
 
(CA66); (WRP)
Reginald, Melford
Pte
14241788
Police
MiD
DCLI
Burden
Stanley,Percival
Fus
 
 
CA114 of 2002; Middle name 2001 Death Register for Exeter/Devon
Burgess
S
Pte
14421501
 
 
Burke
E
Pte
 
 
from Woodstock, Oxford (LL2)
P.O.
Pte
7265212
 
RAMC; PoW N. Africa; lka Leicester (LL2)
Burnham
Joe
Sgt
 
 
(PG)
Burns
Norman
Cpl
 
 
later Lieut (CA80)
Bush
Frederick, Arthur
LCpl
 
 
from Hemel Hempstead (CA109)
Ronald, Herbert
LSgt
5774300
MM
R Norfolk
Byrne
Charles 
Pte
 
 
from Manchester (CA66); (WRP)
Patrick, Joseph
Sgt
2719257
MM
Irish Gds
Caine
T.,  Arthur
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Albert, Walter
Pte
13021639
 
KSLI; from Leominster (LL3)
Cecil
LSgt
6977897
 
R. Irish Fus; kia
Canman
F
Pte
5624887
 
R Fus.
John, Henry, 'Jack'
RSM
3955333
 
Welch Regt
Cannon
F
Pte
 
 
from Tooting (LL3)
Capstick
N
LCpl
 
 
from Standish (LL3)
Ian, Vincent
Major
156172
CBE,MiD
R.Fus.
Carrot
George, Edward
LCpl
7381707
 
RAMC; Burma Star Assn; (WRP)
Albert, George
Fus
6140785
 
RWF Records; PoW 2/3/43 CasList WO417/60
Carter
N
Pte
 
 
served in 1/5 Cdo (LL3)
Casbolt
James
Sgt
 
 
(PG)
Casey
L
Gnr
 
 
from Blackburn (LL3)
Cawse
Raymond, S.W.
Cpl
 
 
from Sussex (CA96)
Chamberlain
W
LSgt
5953153
 
Cambridge
Chambers
J
Fus
 
 
& 12 Cdo; from Notts (LL3)
Chapman
Arthur, Wiliam 'Porky'
Cpl
 
 
4 troop (CA9, CA91, CA103, CA115)
Ernest, Lionel, Desmond, 'Des'
LSgt
4198350
 
R.W.F.Enlistment Register Book 21; PoW St Nazaire; (CA120)
Clancy
W
Pte
3654743
 
S Lancs
Clarke
James
Pte
 
 
(CA96)
Clarke
Michael, Charles
Capt (Rev)
152807
 
RACD
Fred, Henry
Gnr
6206246
 
RA; kia
Cleary
John
Pte
 
 
served 1/5 Cdo (CA33)
Clegg
John
Pte
 
 
(PG)
Cobb
Robert, F.
Sgt
5826029
 
R Suffolk
Cobley
Ronald
LCpl
 
 
from Irvine (CA71; (WRP)
Cocksey
R
Pte
 
 
from Lancs (LL3)
James, Thomas
Pte
14604363
MM
QORWK; award in Burma
Colbert
George
Gnr
 
 
and 2 Cdo (CA92)
Cole
R.,   'Crasher'
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Charles, Jack
Major
105582
OBE, TD
Welch Regt; and 1 Cdo. Bde.
Harold, James
TSM
3957677
 
Welch Regt;died training acc
Coleman
R
Sgt
 
 
 
Collishaw
Arthur, B.
Capt (Rev)
 
 
RACD; and 5 Cdo; (CA107)
William, Joseph
Pte
5735209
 
Devonshire Regt; kia
Constable
E.E.
Pte
 
 
from Wimbledon (LL3)
Cook
William, A.   'Tadgie'
Sgt
 
 
6 troop (CA78); from Ross on Wye (CA92); (WRP)
C
Pte
 
 
from Aberdeen (LL3)
Corbridge
H
Cpl
 
 
from near Leeds (LL3)
Cork
H
Pte
3768221
 
King's Regt; PoW 6/12/42 WO417/55
Cornall
L
Gnr
 
 
RA; & 12 Cdo; from Lancs (LL3)
Corrigan
James
Pte
4862201
 
Leicestershire Regt; (PG)
Corry
J
Capt
 
 
 post war HQ 63 Gurkha Inf. Bde (CA12)
Cossey
Walter, S.
Pte
 
 
emigrated Canada (CA66)
Coulling
Charles, Bertram
LSgt
 
 
from Hampton (CA87); (WRP)
Counsell
Harry, P.
LSgt
866743
 
R Artillery; from Kent (CA106)
Dalton, Hayton
Capt
 
MC
aka George
Cox
A
Pte
6921440
 
Rifle Bde
Cox
Peter
Sgt
 
 
and CBTC; from Kilwinning (CA78)
Coxsey
G.H.
Gnr
3770169
 
R Artillery
Coy
A.T.
Pte
 
 
from E. Lothian (LL3)
Craig
Norman
L/Cpl
 
 
served 1/5 Cdo (CA89)
Samuel
Fus
 
R. Welch Fus.; kia
Craven
John
Capt
 
 
 
Creed
E.C.
Pte
 
 
from Hambledon (LL3)
Crellin
P.S.
Pte
 
 
1 Tp (PG); from Isle of Man (LL3).
Crewe
Frank, Harold
Lt
312403
 
wounded 31/145 Burma Caslist WO417/8
James, Herbert
Capt
38190
 
KSLI; died accident
Dennis, W. 'Danny'
Pte
3974792
 
Welch Regt; wounded Burma CasList 417/88; (LL3)
Crow
John, Edwin 
Pte
14612975
 
Gordons, Burma Star Assn.
James, A.
LSgt
313358
MM
Seaforths
Croxford
 
Pte
 
 
3 Tp (PG)
Stephen
LSgt
14604367
Police
 
Burma Star Assn; poss id with Pc 622Z Stephen Cunningham Tooting Police Stn MetPolice
Richard
Pte
 
 
1 troop; from Liverpool (CA99);
(PG) (WRP)

No 1 Commando Nominal D - H

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.1 Commando.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2016. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Permitted.
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
PG = Photo in CVA Gallery.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives.
WRP = No.1 Commando Winchester Renion Programme in gallery.
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Dakin
N
Gnr
3653477
 
R Artillery
Dale
J
Pte
4131320
 
Cheshire
Daniels
James, Reginald, D.
Pte
 
 
 
Arhtur, Amos
Gnr
11259984
 
RA; wounded Burma
Douglas, Malcolm
Capt
105288
MC
SWB
Davies
Alan, John
Capt
224659
 
S. Staffs / and 5 Cdo (CA 45, 102)
Davies
Donald
Capt
 
 
post war Solicitor (CA6); (WRP)
Davies
David, Donald, L.
Capt
 
 
from Llanelli (CA87); (maybe ident with above)
Davies
G.H.
Gnr
 
R Artillery
James, Henry, 'Jim'
Major
  
 
KSLI; (WRP); (CA51)
John, William, Henry, 'Jack'
Cpl
 
 
from Merseyside (CA102)
Thomas, Alfred
Pte
4033757
 
KSLI; kia
Verdun, George
Pte
4080355
 
SWB; kia
Davies
Victor, Oliver
 
 
 
 
W
Fus
 
 
& 12 Cdo; lka Cefn Mawr (LL4)
Davison
Frank, Felix
Capt
177896
 
R Ulster
Davy
A.A.
Gnr
11259984
 
R Artillery
Dawson
Ernest, Macdonald
Capt
 
 
(WRP); from Edinburgh (CA72)
John, Joseph, Yelverton
Capt (Dr)
23351
OBE, MC
RAMC; (WRP)
Dawson
S
Fus
 
 
lka Fiskerton (LL4)
Henry, Graham
Pte
3191706
 
KOSB; kia
Degville
H
Fus
 
 
lka Walsall (LL4)
Delaney
C.J.
Rfn
 
 
lka Ilford (LL4)
Dempsey
William
Gnr
 
RA attestation 1941
Dennison
D.L.
Lt
 
 
RA
Devereux
F
Pte
14986379
 
Glosters
Dickinson
Joseph
LCpl
 
 
& HOC; & CBTC; later Lt; from Aberdour (CA113)
George
Gnr
 
RA; kia
Arthur, Henry, 'Dock'
LSgt
940903
DCM
RA
Graham, Dennis
Fus
6482233
 
R. Fus; and SS Bde HQ; PoW 1943
Dodd
J
Pte
14446310
 
Seaforth Hldrs
Doran
W
Pte
 
 
 
William, George
Cpl
6209980
 
PLKR, Middx. Regt; (WRP); (PG)
Dousfield
R
LCpl
 
 
RAMC
Albert, Peter
Pte
 
BEM
(PG)
John, Joseph
BSM
828326
MM
RA
Doyle
James
Pte
 
 
from Gretna, Carlisle (CA42); (WRP)
Doyle
Thomas
Gnr
 
 
RA; (CA40); (WRP)
Drake
Arthur
Rev
 
 
(WRP)
Drake
F
Pte
 
 
lka Birkinhead (LL4)
Drew
F.T.
Pte
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL4)
Leonard, Henry, Pritchard
LCpl
3964051
 
Welch; kia
Drury
Cyril, A.S.
Gnr
 
 
RA; from Brentford (CA85); (WRP)
Duddin
Robert, O.
Pte
 
 
later Sgt; emig. Australia (CA13)
William
Pte
3778082
 
Kings Regt; kia
Dulson
W.E. 'Eddy'
Cpl
 
 
(CA60) (CA99) (WRP) (PG)
James
LCpl
6982426
 
R. Innis. Fus; kia
Leslie, E.H.
LSgt
5825564
 
Suffolk Regt; wounded 31/1/45 Burma; (WRP)
Dunston
M.W.
Pte
5739276
 
Devonshire
Thomas, Frank
Sgt
VC
RE; kia St nazaire
Dyson
James, Robert
Pte
 
 
from Normanton (CA92); (WRP)
Earl
Arthur,  'Duke'
Pte
5932698
 
Cambs Regt; (WRP);(CA101)
George, Oliver
Pte
3777516
 
King's Regt; kia
Eddolls
D
Pte
5188908
 
Glosters
Edgson
R
Bdr
 
 
RA; & 12 Cdo (LL4)
Edmans
Joseph, J. 'Joe'
CSM
 
 
(CA78, CA86)
Edwards
Edward, Keymer
Sgt
7609613
 
REME
Elwyn
Fus
4192899
 
R. Welch Fus; kia
Edwards
J.H.
Cpl
 
 
 
Ellerman
Roderick
Sgt 
13111286 & 334987
 
'I' Section, to OCTU. Born Von Etzdorf. ref LG, CA6, CA104
Ellis
Charles
Bdr
 
 
RA; (WRP); from Peterbrough (CA56)
Ellis
F
Fus
 
 
& 12 Cdo; lka Strone Argyllshire
Ellis
F.
Fus
 
 
1/5 Cdo; lka West Gorton (LL4)
Emblow
A.E.
Gnr
 
 
RA; & 2 Cdo; lka Southampton (LL4)
Empett
G
Gnr
 
 
RA; lka Folkestone (LL4)
Etzdorf
(See ELLERMAN)
 
 
 
 
Clifford, Gregory
Cpl
4078187; S.W.B.
MM
1941Escape evasion report WO208/5583
Cyril, Denman
LCpl
4080201
 
SWB;kia
Earl, Michael
Cpl
3959724
 
Welch Regt; PoW St Nazaire; (WRP)
Reginald, Graham
Pte
14744210
 
Burma Star Assn.
Robert, John
LSgt
4198289
 
R Welch Fus; kia
Evans
Sydney
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Everitt
F.H.D.
Pte
14207309
 
Gloster Regt; CaslIst 23/1/45 WO417/88
Evers
Frederick, A.
Fus
 
 
from Colchester (CA117)
Evill
A.R. (Tim)
Captain 
 
 
Later Lieut Colonel
Ewen
Joe
CSM
 
 
(CA26)
F.J.
Pte
 
 
from London (LL6)
Idris, Lawrence, 'Frank'
Pte
885113
 
Welch Regt; N. Africa CasList WO417/55; (CA112)
Sydney, Albert
Pte
3966447
 
Welch Regt;  CasList WO417/55; (PG);(CA48)
Farr
Horace, S.
Cpl
4078805
 
(WRP)
Farthing
Benjamin
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Faulkner
C
Pte
3597030
 
Border
James
LCpl
 
 
REME; and 1/5 Cdo
Felmingham
J
Fus
 
 
died Liverpool Feb.1950 (CA11) (WRP)
Fernie
Leslie, Frank
LSgt
 
 
from Nuneaton (CA86); (WRP)
Fielder
 
Pte
5725823
 
Kings Regt
Finn
W
Gnr
 
 
RA; lka Middlesborough (LL5)
Edward, James, Joseph,
'Eddie', 'Fitzy'
LCpl
3773098
 
Kings Regt; (PG)
James
Pte
2185354
 
King's Regt; kia
Fleming
Robert
CSMI
 
 
lka Edinburgh (LL7); (WRP)
John, Samuel
Cpl
 
 
& 1/5 Cdo (LL5)
Flood
A
Pte
 
Buffs
Flynn
W.A.
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Fogg
William, Edward,
'Bill'
Pte
3959293
 
Welch; (CA98);  CasList WO417/55; (WRP)
Ford
Toby
 
 
 
 
Forward
W.A.
Pte
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL5)
Fotheringham
D
Pte
 
 
(LL5)
Fry
Edwin
Pte
3967735
 
Welch
Gamble
George
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Garbutt
C.W.J.
Pte
5392133
 
Ox & Bucks Li
Garbutt
 
Pte
 
 
 
Gardiner
Ronald, James
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Gardner
John, William
Gnr
799237
 
RA 1930; Burma CasList WO417/88 wounded
James, Willis
Capt
 
MBE, MiD
Hamps.Regt
John
Capt
 
MC
Listed under JONES, J.G.
Garwood
E.C.
Cpl
5775175
 
R. Norfolk Regt; wounded 28/1/45 WO417/88; (LL5)
Geddes
Martin, Grenville
 
 
 
Burma Star Assn.
Herbert, Alexander
Pte
3964607
 
Welch Regt; kia
Gibson
J.S.
Lt
 
 
R Signals; (CA20)
Gibson
Thomas
Sgt
 
 
 
Gillies
Andrew
LCpl
 
 
& 1/5 Cdo; from Edinburgh (CA110)
Gillies
Robert, J.M.
Lt
 
 
& 1/5 Cdo (CA116)(LL5)
Gillin
W.D. 'Bill'
Pte
14987611
 
and 1/5 Cdo; (CA19, CA21); plaque Spean Bridge
Giltrow
Frederick, John, George
Gnr
6015643
 
R Artillery
Gladwell
R.C.  'Gladys'
Gnr
948853
 
R Artillery
Glendinning
Will
Lt Col
 
 
(WRP)
Gooch
R.H.E.
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Goodall
R.P.
Pte
 
 
lka Cheltenham (LL5)
Gordon, Lionel
Cpl
 
 
& 1/5 Cdo
Gooding
Norman, Alexander
Pte
 
 
 
Goodlass
Robert
Sgt
4196617
 
RWF; wounded 1/12/42 WO417/55 and 31/1/45 WO417/88; (CA76) (WRP)
Goodrich
Brian
Lt
 
 
(WRP)
Charles, Gordon
Cpl
T/214905
 
RASC; kia
Gordon-Hemming
Tom
Capt
 
 
(PG) (WRP)
Grant
Arthur, P.
Sgt
13046330
 
West Yorkshire Regt; wounded 31/1/45 WO417/88; Burma Star Assn; (LL5)
Grant
James
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Lesley, Peter
Gnr
983057
 
RA; kia
Edward, James
Pte
5774940
 
Norfolk Regt; and CBTC; and 5 Cdo
Gray
Reginald, Arthur
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Green
G
Pte
 
 
lka Grangetown Yorks (LL5)
Green
L.W.
Pte
 
 
lka Folkestone (LL5)
Greenslade
Leslie, James
Pte
5679389
 
Somerset L I
Gregory
R.D.
Pte
551964
 
H L I
Gretton
E
Gnr
11256741
 
R Artillery
Griffiths
H
Pte
 
 
lka Redditch (LL5)
Griffiths
S
Pte
 
 
lka Oswestry (LL5)
Griffiths
W
Dvr
 
 
lka Manchester (LL5)
Grimes
H.H.
Cpl
 
 
& 4 Cdo (LL5)
Fernley, William, Thomas
Pte
4038826
 
KSLI; kia
Hackett
P
Sgt
 
 
 
Hale
Bernard
 
 
 
 
Halfpenny
Alfred, Royden
LSgt
 
 
(PG)
Hall
F.T.
Fus
 
 
lka Blackburn (LL9)
Hall
J.A.
Sgt
 
 
lka Denton (LL5)
Hall
Thomas
Pte
4076248
 
SWB; (WRP)
William, Edward
Lt
278631
 
Wiltshire Regt; kia
Hambling
G.H.J.
Pte
5826785
 
Suffolks; wounded 14/1/43 N.Africa
CasList WO417/56
Hamilton
J.A.
Gnr
 
 
 
James
Spr
2983344
 
RE; kia
Hansell
Leslie, John
Pte
 
 
Essex Regt.
Hansen
P.O.
Pte
6298338
 
Buffs
Hargreaves
Ronald
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Frederick, William, Arthur
Pte
 
 
from Bexhill on Sea (CA113)
Harper
William, G.
 
 
 
 
Harper-Gow
L.M.,  'Max'
Major
 
 
 
Douglas, Ewart
Capt
 
MC
 
James,  'Scottie'
Pte
 
 
(WRP) (CA89)
Harris
R.H.
Pte
3387247
 
East Lancs Regt
Harris
S.H.
Pte
14531754
 
S Staffs Regt
Harrison
J
Sgt
 
 
from Rugby (LL6)
Leslie, Francis
LCpl
 
 
from Buckleham (CA45); (WRP)
Harrison
Peter
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
Hartland
A
Pte
 
 
from Worcester (LL6)
Hartley
J.E.
LCpl
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL6)
Harvey
G.C.
LCpl
 
 
 
Reginald
Pte
5826853
 
Suffolk Regt; kia
Hathorn
Arthur, 'Toby'
Sgt
 
 
(WRP); (PG)
Hawkins
Alan, J.
LCpl
 
 
(WRP)(CA80)
Hawkins
Richard, Chapman
Cpl
5575932
 
Burma Star Assn.
Hawkins
Richard, H. 'Dick'
Pte
 
 
Glosters; (CA105)
Haworth
Frank, Marsden
Sgt
 
 
(CA82); (WRP)
Hayes
A.R.
Sgt
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL6)
Hayes
Charles, 'Chuck'
Pte
 
 
from Dartmouth (CA120)
Hayman
J.H.
Gnr
 
 
RA
Haynes
J.M.
Gnr
 
 
RA
Hayward
Henry, 'Harry'
Pte
 
 
King's Regt (Liverpool); from Belfast (CA116)
Haywood
H.J.
Pte
 
 
 
Hazelwood
Arthur, Richard
SQMS
 
 
 
Heard
L
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
Hearne
R.S.
Cpl
14604358
 
R Fusiliers
Heckle
W.H.
Rfn
14551425
 
QOCH
Hehir
Thomas, Joseph, 'Ginge'
Pte
3863684
 
Lancashire
Hemming
Tom, Gordon
Capt
 
 
(PG); (WRP)
Hemmings
R
Pte
 
 
from Barking (LL6)
Hencher
E.V.,  'Dick'
Cfn
 
 
(WRP)
Henders
Ronald, W.
Pte
 
 
 
Henderson
A
LCpl
 
 
from Dundee (LL6)
Hennessy
William
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Henry
Bernard
Pte
 
 
 
Heselden
Ronald, William
Sgt
 
Burma Star Assn.
Hewett
Alan, Davis
A/Capt
438538
 
Burma Star Assn; (LL6).
Sidney
TSM
3907388
 
Dorsetshire Regt; 1941 CasList WO417/32; (WRP)
Hick
D
Fus
 
 
from Leeds (LL6)
Hickson
D
Pte
 
 
 
Hickson
Jim
Gnr
 
 
R Artillery
Hide
Frank
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Higham
Richard, John, 'Jack'
Pte
 
 
PG; LL10
Walter
Gnr
14526092
MiD
R Artillery; (WRP)
Hill
A.W.
QMS
 
 
post war Rhodesia (LL6)
Hill
Charles
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Hill
Kenneth, G.
LCpl
5679361
 
Somerset LI; PoW 2Dec42 N.Africa WO417/56
Hillier
John, Maurice
Sgt
5697597
 
Somerset LI; (CA116); (Burma Star Assn. member)
Hinkins
Alfred
LCpl
 
 
(WRP)
Hirst
James, Richard
Pte
6028552
 
Suffolk
George, Albert
Gnr
2050295
 
RA; kia
Hobbs
Charles, Frederick, Thomas
Cpl
 
RA 1938 to R.W.F. Transfer In Registers 1939 Book 2
Hobbs
James, William
Cpl
4698646
 
KOYLI;  (WRP); 31Jan45  WO417/88 wounded; 
Hodges
C. Anthony,  'Tony'
Capt / Doctor
111725
 
RAMC; (WRP)
Hodgson
 
Rfn
 
 
from Scunthorpe, served in 1/5 Cdo (LL6)
Hogg
James, G.
Dvr
 
R Engineers
Holley
Idris
Gnr
 
RA Attestation 1940; (PG)
David, James
TSM
2609192
MiD 
Suffolk Regt; (WRP)
Hollingsworth
G.A.
 
 
 
from Liverpool
Holloway
Arthur
Pte
 
 
 
Holm
A
Pte
6300542
MiD
The Buffs; LL6; 3 Cdo Bde Jungle Book issue 9
Holme
Arthur, Thomas
Gnr
2058571
 
RA; Burma Star Assn; post war Australia (LL6)(CA120)
Holmes
Jack
Sgt
 
 
(CA99); (WRP)
Holroyd
Derek, Richards
Fus
4209855
 
RWF; Burma Star Assn.(WRP)
Holtom
Roy
LSgt
 
 
(WRP)
Maurice
Cpl
5830807
MiD
Suffolk Regt; (CA92); (WRP)
Alfred, John, Arthur
Pte
5628330
 
Devonshire; St. Nazaire wounded and POW
Hopkins
W.A.
Pte
999063
 
Worc Regt
James, John
LSgt
5048951
 
Monmouthshire Regt;
kia
Horner
Arthur
LCpl
 
 
& 2SBS; (PG); (WRP); (CA75)
Horton
John
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Christopher, George
Sgt
 
Black Watch;wounded 31/1/45 WO417/88; Burma Star Assn
Hothersall
E
Gnr
 
 
RA
Howells
Allan, John
Pte
 
 
from Gwent (CA78)
Howells
Roy
Bdr
 
 
RA; from Surrey (CA73)
Howse
A.R., Kenneth
Cpl
 
 
 
Hubbard
N
RQMS
 
 
from London (LL6)
Huckle
Reginald, Howard
Sgt
871532
 
Burma Star Assn; (LL6)
Hudson
David, E.  'Soapy'
Rfn
7021488
 
R Ulster Fusilier
Hughes
C
Dvr
 
 
from Flint (LL6)
Edward, 'Ned'
Pte
 
 
and 2 Cdo; from Brymbo near Wrexham (CA74)
Hughes
Frederick
Pte
 
 
 
James
Pte
3958742
MiD
Welch Regt; kia
Hunt
Griffyth, George, 'Griff'
Lt Col
79531
MBE
SWB; and SS Bde HQ and Cdo Gp. HQ (CA78).
Hunt
H.A.
Pte
5678952
 
Somerset LI
Hunt
Norman, 'Cowboy'
LCpl
 
 
from Burnham on Sea, Avon. (CA92)
John
Sgt
 
 
and 12 Cdo
Hustwick
C.J.
Sgt
 
 
 
Hutchins
Stanley
Pte
 
 
 
Hutton
Edward
Pte
 
 
.

No 1 Commando Nominal I - O

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.1 Commando.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2016. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Permitted. 
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
PG = CVA Photo Gallery.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives
WRP = Winchester Reunion Programme in No.1 Gallery.
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Harold, Tillotson
Sgt
3392348
 
Burma Star Assn.
William, Henry
Fus
6471335
MM
R.Fus; Burma 23Jan45 CasList WO417/88 wounded; (LL6)
Jackson
Archie
Gnr
 
 
RA; died suddenly on 14 April 1955 (CA22)
Arthur, 'Happy'
Sgt
5933908
 
Suffolk Regt; (PG); (CA118); 4 Troop, Hill 170 wounded WO417/88
Jackson
Robert
Pte
 
 
 
Jacobs
Charles, Robert
Pte
 
MiD
Volunteered from RAF; (LL6)
Jaggers
Leslie, Charles
Sgt
4201335
 
RWF Register 16/5/1940; to Welch Regt 2/7/1942;
3 Tp (Jungle Book 8)
Jahn
William, James, Thomas
Gnr
6016637
 
RA
James
Bryn
Pte
 
 
 
C
Pte
3915335
 
SWB; wounded Burma
James
D. 'Jimmy'
Cpl
 
 
 
James
David, George
LCpl
 
 
 
Jeffries
G
 
 
 
from Norwich (CA93)
Jenkins
Albert, John 'Jack'
Pte
14281110
 
Burma Star Assn.
Jenkins
Frederick
Pte
 
 
from Wolverhampton (CA65)
George, William
Gnr
851702
 
RA; 3 tp; wounded 31/1/45; (CA102) 
Jenkins
Vic
 
 
 
(CA118)
Jenner
T.D.
Pte
14423908
 
R Berkshire Regt
Johnson
R
Pte
 
 
and 12 Cdo., from Kent (LL7)
Jones
A
Gnr
 
 
RA; from Liverpool (LL7)
Jones
C.E.
Pte
 
 
from South Devon (LL7)
Jones
D.C.
LSgt
 
 
from Swansea (LL7)
Jones
E
Pte
 
 
and 12 Cdo., from Holywell (LL7)
Jones
G
LSgt
3908213
 
SWB; May be ident with below
Jones
Gwynne, I.
Sgt
 
 
from Liverpool (CA106)
Jones
Hubert, B.,  'Jonah'
Sgt
 
 
 
Jones
Idris
LCpl
4196737
 
R Welch Fusiliers
Jones
Ivor
LCpl
 
 
 
John, Garner
Capt
 
MC, MiD
Welch Regt
John, Willis
LSgt
3962861
 
later PTI at CBTC (LL7)
Jones
Jack
LCpl
 
 
(CA55)
Jones
R.G.
Cpl
 
 
from Basingstoke (LL7)
Thomas
Pte
3970706
 
Welch Regt; kia N. Africa
William 
LCpl
4195436
 
RWF;  wounded Burma 
William, John, Leonard
Cpl
4197298
 
RWF; PoW N. Africa
Jones
W.D.
Pte
3976195
 
Welch Regt; CasList 23/1/45 WO417/88
Jones
William 
Pte
3966447
 
Welch Regt; CasList/PoW N.Africa  WO417/55 and 72; CA108 from Glamorgan 
Jones
William, Robert
Gnr
 
 
(CA67)
Judge
G
Pte
3713113
 
Somerset L I
Judson
John, William
Fus
14987398
 
RWF 1944 Transfer In Register Book 9  
Julier
G.A.
Pte
6146177
 
East Surrey
Kane
G.J.
Rfn
 
 
from Birmingham (LL7)(CA120)
Keery
William
Cpl
 
 
 
Kelly
Jack
Rfn
 
 
 
Kelly
J. W.
Rfn
 
 
from London (LL7)
Kemsley
 
RQMS
6687605
 
Beds & Herts
Kenny
R
Pte
14804038
 
Manchester
Kerrigan
J
Gnr
 
 
from Liverpool (LL7)
Kerry,  GM
William, James
Cpl
 
 
(CA86)
Eric, Arnold
Lt
130209
MiD
R Fusiliers; kia
Killick
Frederick, S.
Gnr
14370676
 
RA
King
W
Rfn
 
 
 
Alfred, William
Sgt
5774460
MiD
R Norfolk
Kirkham
Thomas, P.
Pte
 
 
from Herts. (LL7)(CA120)
A.W.
Sgt
T/128368
 
from Sutton Coldfield (LL7)
Theophilus, Henry
LCpl
5950896
 
Beds & Herts Regt; kia
Knight
R.H.
Pte
 
 
from Gillingham (LL7)
George, Arthur
Lt
323566
578261
VC
Royal Norfolk Regt; kia
Lacey
V
Pte
 
 
from Birmingham (LL7)
Lamb
Thomas
Pte
 
 
 
Raymond, Frederick
Sgt
5933108
 
Suffolk Regt; kia
Lane
David, James
Pte
 
 
(LL7)
Lansley
D.H.
Pte
5511965
 
Highland LI
Larcher
J.G.
Lt
 
MC
 
Larkham
Harry
CSM
 
 
 
Latham
Charles, William
LCpl
4039208
 
KSLI; Escape evasion report WO208/4258
Lawerence
Basil, George
Sgt
 
 
 
Laycock
B.H.
Cpl
7594888
 
REME
Lear
A.H.
Pte
 
 
from Manchester (LL7)
Leaton
G.G.
Cpl
 
 
 
John, Charles
Pte
3962766
 
Welch Regt; and 12 Cdo (CA84); wounded Burma
Lee
W
Gnr
 
 
RA; from Nottingham (LL7)
LeFevre
Jack
Pte
 
 
(CA8)
Legg
Alan, John
Capt
65912
 
R Scots
Lennon
Edward, J. 'Eddie'  
Cpl
 
 
&12 Cdo; (PG); (CA28)(CA43)(CA67)
Leonard
J.  'Paddy'
Pte
 
 
 
Harry
Tpr
4862696
 
Household Cavalry; & SS Bde HQ; PoW N.Africa
Levings
John, W.
Cpl
5385550 
 
Ox&Bucks; CA115;
Escape evasion report  WO208/4258
Frank
LSgt
3960926
 
Welch Regt; kia
Lewis
George, William, John
Sgt
11260375
 
Burma Star Assn.
Lewis
G
Pte
 
 
from Llanelli (LL7)
Lewis
G.E.
Lt
 
 
 
Lewis
H
LSgt
 
 
Queens Royal Regt; wounded 4Mar43 N.Africa WO417/58
Lewis
R
Gnr
 
 
RA; 1 Cdo Sigs; p/w Sgt.RA; from Worcs. (LL7)CA14)
Ronald, James  'Danny'
Pte
3964660
 
Welch Regt; kia
Ling
William, A.
Sgt
5826893
 
Suffolk Regt; wounded 31/1/45 - WO417/88
Linham
Eric, Charles
LCpl
5679578
 
Somerset LI; wounded 1/12/42 WO417/55 and 56
Littleton
W
LCpl
5254471
 
Worcester Regt
Livsey
Charles, 'Lofty'
Pte
3974747
 
Welch; Burma Star Assn
Fred
Cpl
4036505
 
KSLI kia St Nazaire
Edmund, John
LCpl
14604377
 
QORWK; kia
Leonard
Pte
4078866
 
SWB; kia
Lloyd
 
Lt
 
 
 
Stanley, John
LCpl
4038903
 
KSLI; kia
Locke
S.B.
Pte
 
 
 
T.A.
'Sandy' or 'Alex'
LCpl
14317297
 
Black Watch; Burma Star Assn.
Loines
F
Pte
4038867
 
KSLI;LL8;Escape evasion report WO208/4258 
Long
Daniel, E.
Pte
6479299
 
Essex
Long
James, Henry, William
Pte
 
 
South Staffs
Longman
E.J.
Pte
2048203
 
 
Joe
Fus
 
 
Lancashire Fusiliers
Ronald, Arnold
Pte
5384112
 
Ox and Bucks LI; kia
Lovesey
Arthur, William
Pte
5830879
 
Suffolk Regt; CasList WO417/88; (CA62, CA116)
Lowing
A.W.D.
Pte
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
John, Vincent
Pte
14988283
 
(LL8)
Lowry
A
Fus
 
 
 
Percy
Pte
3768364
 
King's Regt; died
Luff
Patrick, Joseph
Pte
 
 
 
Frederick, John
Pte
5498036
 
Hamps Regt; PoW
Macandrew
Colin
Capt
 
 
 
Macfarlane
 
Lt
 
 
 
Mackechnie
John
 
 
 
 
Hugh, 'Blake'
Pte
2889297
 
& 12 Cdo.
Neil, Thornton
Pte
 
 
 
Mackey
David
Rfn
 
 
& 1/5 Cdo (CA120)
Maclennan
D.L.F.
Capt
 
 
Seaforth Hldrs
Macrae
W.R.F.
Pte
 
 
 
Macwhinnie
Gordon, M.
Capt
 
 
R A C
Maddaford
B
Gnr
 
 
 
Maddox
A.R.
Gnr
14327805
 
RA
Maines
Hugh
Cpl
 
 
 
Makin
G.E.
Pte
 
 
 
Maloney
Daniel
Pte
3393053
 
East Lancs Regt; wounded 31/1/45 CasList WO417/88
Malt
Peter
LSgt
 
 
 
Mann
A.R.
Cpl
 
 
 
Mann
Robert
Rfn
 
 
 
Marshall
Charles, R
Pte
7690515
 
Lincs. Regt; 2 & 3 Tps;  Cas. 23/1/45  WO417/88
Martin
Derek, Leslie
Sgt
 
 
2nd Bn Glosters: from Alnwick (CA102)
Massey
Leonard
Sgt
 
 
 
Walter, Charles
Sgt
5770767
MiD
R.Norfolk; LG36180; wounded NAfrica; (CA21)
Matthias
Austen
Sgt
 
 
 
Maycock
Ernest
Pte
 
 
 
Mayers
Richard
Pte
 
 
 
Mayhew
 
Sgt/WO
 
 
 
Maynard
J.E.A.
Pte
6103121
 
Queens Royal Regt
McConnell
C
Fus
 
 
 
G
LBdr
 
RA
Thomas,  Joseph
LCpl
3915347
 
SWB
McDonald
W.J.
Pte
7370184
 
R A M C
McFall
W
Fus
 
R.Welch Fus; wounded 31/1/45 CasList WO417/88
McGinnis
William
Pte
 
 
American
McGrath
C.R.
Rfn
14466402
 
R Ulster Rifles
McGuire
J
Pte
3974361
 
Welch Regt; 2 Tp (CA93); N. Africa  WO417/55
Mckenzie
N.F.
Pte
14503447
 
Kings Regt
McKerrigan
W
LCpl
 
 
 
McLean
Angus
Dvr
 
 
 
McMullan
G
Sgt
 
 
 
McMurchie
J
Pte
2991485
 
R.S.F; wounded 23July43 Sicily CasList WO417/67.
McNeil
John
Cpl
 
 
 
McNelly
 
 
 
 
 
McSweeney
C.B.,  'Pat'
Pte
6096749
 
Queens Royal
Frederick, John
Pte
5398036
 
Hamps Regt; PoW 1942
Mellish
John
Cpl
 
 
 
Mellor
N
Pte
 
 
 
Mercer
Cecil, James
Fus
4801882
 
R.W.F. 29Dec43 Transfer In Register Bk ; CasLists Burma WO417/88 31/1/45
Meredith
Bernard, 'Taffy'
Capt
 
 
 
Robert
Pte
 
 
 
Milford
A
Pte
4036279
 
Herefordshire
Richard
Gnr
 
 
RA; (PG); (CA11)
Millar
R
Pte
4194166
 
KOSB
Miller
A
Pte
 
 
 
Miller
R
Pte
3188157
 
KOSB
Mills
Arthur
Pte
 
 
 
Mills
I.S.
Pte
 
 
 
Milne
Ian, C.G.
Lt
 
 
 
Minnett
R.J.
Pte
 
 
 
Moat
Desmond, Henry
Pte
 
 
 
Moeller
H.H.
Pte
13805587
 
Pioneer Corp
Alexander, Duncan
Pte
920407
 
RA/KSLI; wounded Burma
Moore
Alfred
Fus
4209808
 
RWF 19Mar42 Transfer
in Register; C.M.P. Jul45;  Burma Star Assn.
Moore
E
Pte
 
 
 
George, Arthur, N.
LSgt
5828374
 
Suffolk Regt; POW
Stalag 4B; 
Moore
L.J.
Gnr
 
 
 
Mordecai-Jones
Ion, Herbert
Capt
 
 
 
Morgan
C
Pte
14519522
 
AAC
Morgan
G.H.
Sgt
 
 
 
Harold, Rees
Capt
88079
MiD
Welch Regt; kia
Morgan
H.W.C.
Pte
3970740
 
Welch Regt; CasList 23/1/45  WO417/88
Morgan
J.W.G.
Cpl
 
 
From Cardigan (LL8)
Morgan
J.J.
Pte
 
 
From Liverpool (LL8)
Morgan
W.H.
Pte
 
 
& 12 Cdo; from Keswick (LL8)
Morni
Claude
Capt
 
 
 
Morrell
Harry, H.
Gnr
 
 
RA
Matthew, Frank,  
Sgt
MM, MiD
RE; kia; (CA106)
Robert, Derek
L/Sgt
 
 
& 1/5 Cdo. (CA82)
Muies
Laurence
Pte
3775857 
 
King's Regt; wounded CasList WO417/56 
Muldoon MC
E.H.
Capt
 
 
Gen List
William
TSM
 
 
(CA99)
Leslie, Charles
Cpl
 
RA Attestation 1940; & 12 Cdo; (CA88) (PG)
A.G.
Gnr
5186519
 
RA ; wounded Burma
Leonard
Sgt
3959214
 
from Devon (CA68)
Munro
Ben
Pte
 
 
from Irvine (CA72)
Murphy
C
Pte
2828376
 
 
Murphy
Henry
LCpl
14590409
 
Devonshire Regt;  wounded 31/1/45 CasList WO417/88
Naylor
F
Pte
 
 
 
Douglas, Alexander
Sgt
 
I.S.O.
Queens Royal Regt; and 1/5 Cdo
Nergeard
A.A.
LCpl
 
 
 
Newal
R
Gnr
 
RA
Newlands
R
Pte
14804511
 
Welch Regt
Newman
Alan
Pte
 
 
 
Newnham
R.A.
Pte
 
 
 
Newport
F.W.F.
Pte
14526333
 
Buffs
David
Capt
74607
MiD
R. Warwicks Regt
Nicholas
Henry
Pte
 
 
and 12 Cdo (CA91)
Nicholls
Cecil, Roy
Pte
 
 
& 1/5 Cdo; CA80, CA118, later Captain, post war
resided Zimbabwe 
Nicholson
Kenneth, J.
Gnr
 
 
from Hutton Essex (CA120)
Nightingale
Ronald
LCpl
5730599
 
Dorsetshire Regt
Nixon
R.J.
Pte
13118778
 
Pioneer Corps
Nixon
S
Pte
14601363
 
Suffolk Regt
Noden
George
Pte
 
 
from Irvine (CA67) (WRP)
Norton
J.T.
Rfn
6853522
 
KRRC
Gordon, Lesley.
Sgt
7366507
MM
RAMC; award in Burma
W
Pte
5383388
 
Beds & Herts; 2 & 6 Tps.; wounded 31/1/45 WO417/88
William, Henry
Pte
 
 
& 1/5 Cdo (LL9) (WRP)
John
Gnr
 
RA; wounded Burma
O'Gorman
Desmond
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Oliver
Matthew, Dudgeon
6482278
321564
 
 
RFus; commissioned June 44; & 5 Cdo (CA 118)
Olson
J
Gnr
3771698
 
RA
L.C.
Pte
 
MM
 
O'Mahoney
J
Pte
3782972
 
Kings Regt
O'Mahony
J.O.
Pte
 
 
 
O'Marah
Andrew, J. 'Mick'
WO1
4185353 /
353122
 
RWF; 142 Cdo Coy; to OCTU; (PG); (WRP)
Osbourne
Henry,  George
Rfn
 
 
 
Osbourne
 
Rfn
 
 
 
O'Shea
John, Peter
Pte
6028684 
 
Suffolk Regt; CasLists 6Dec42; PoW List WO392/1 Stalag 344.
Owen
 
Lt
 
 
.

No 1 Commando Nominal P - Z

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.1 Commando.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2016. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Permitted.
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in Commando Association newsletter.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
LG followed by a number = London Gazette reference
PG = CVA Photo Gallery.
POW = Prisoner of War.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives
WRP = No.1 Commando Winchester Reunion Programme in Gallery.
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Anthony, Ashford
Lt
242779
 
York & Lancs; kia
Palmer
F.G.
Gnr
2063437 
 
RA;CasLists;31Jan45 
wounded  Burma
A.C.
Pte
5679492
 
Somerset LI; PoW
Parker-Smith
Brian
Pte
 
 
see SMITH. Brian Parker.
Parrott
Ronald, D.
Pte
 
 
(LL 9)
Parry
Gordon
Pte
 
 
(CA 118); (WRP)
Samuel
Fus /
LCpl
4192874
 
RWF; PoW 2/3/43; PoW escape file WO208/5400
Paterson
John
 
 
 
 
Patrick
W.G.
Pte
6028621 
 
Suffolk Regt;CasLists 6Dec42; (WO392/1) PoW Stalag 4F
Leslie, Vincent
Pte / Lt
5627019
MiD
Devonshire
H.B.
Gnr
14241751 Police
 
RA; PoW 26Feb43
Antony
Pte
3973636
 
Welch; Burma Star Assn.
Pawson
S
LCpl
 
 
 
Payne
Francis, E.
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Peachey
Alan, S.
Pte
 
 
(CA109)
Pearce
Eric, Paul
Pte
 
 
from Teddington (CA100)
George
Sgt
 
 
and CBTC (CA106)
Peckham
Alan, David
Lt / Capt
337753
 
Buffs; LL9;
LG 37800 and LG 38998
Perkins
George, Reginald
Sgt
871900
MiD (LG37730)
RA; Wounded 27Feb43 CasList WO417/58
Perrin
Peter, John
Pte
 
 
1/5 Cdo (CA 65); (WRP)
Alfred, Charles.
LSgt
 
and 12 Cdo (CA94); (WRP)
Peters
R.J.M
Lt
 
 
KRRC
Petty
Frank, Hector, Brine
Lt
76630
 
RA; (CA79); (PG); PoW North Africa (WO417/4; later Hon Capt. LG37364; (WRP)
Wilfred, Harold
Pte
4105154
 
KSLI; kia
Phillipson
Matthew
Gnr
3718320
 
RA;CasLists;wounded 31Jan45 Burma WO417/88
Philp
Michael, E.
Maj
 
 
 
Pigott
Herbert, Robert
Pte
5772993 
 
R. Norfolk Regt; (WRP);
Burma Star Assn.
Pilkington 
J.R.
Fus
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL9)
Pilling
Harry
CSM
2619518
 
Grenadier Gds; & 12 Cdo; (PG)
Pirie
J
Lt
 
 
 RE
Pirie
Thomas
 
 
 
unit query 1/5 Cdo (LL9)
Pitman
Henry, James, 'Harry'
LSgt
 
 
& No.2 Ind. Coy. (CA95, CA118)
Andrew
Pte
7942336
 
Welch Regt; kia
Charles , J.B.
Capt
37725
OBE, MC
Border Regt
Pollock
J.A. 'Doc'
Capt
 
 
RAMC
Porter
A.H.
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
Powell
Bernard Joseph
RSM
 
 
 
Christopher, William
Fus
2149919
 
RWF; kia
Reginald, J.H. 'Pongo'
TSM
3908241
MiD
SWB; (WRP)
Poyntz
Ernest, William
Cpl
 
 
(PG)
Preston
Arthur, Noel,  'Bob'
Capt
2585824
323034
 
R.Corps Sigs & SWB; OCTU (LG 36669) (WO417/57); and  5 and 1/5 Cdo (CA112)
Preston
Thomas, Davis
Fus
4195482
 
RWF; (WRP) (PG)
Price
Arthur, Livsey
Pte
 
 
 
David, Elvet
Fus
6482275
Police
 
R. Fusiliers; (WRP) (CA57)
Price
Jack
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
Pritchard
A
Pte
 
 
 
Pritchard
Cyril
Gnr
 
R.A. (Cdo. service Far East
& H.O.C.)
Proctor
W.H.
Pte
 
 
 
Prosser
Aubrey
Dvr
3975491
 
(WRP); Burma Star Assn.
Pugh
Benjamin, Gordon
A/Maj (later Col)
75575
 
RWF, & 4 Cdo & CBTC
(CA 113)
Putt
Richard, J.K.
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Pym
G.D.
LCpl
5055844
 
N. Staffs Regt; 6 Tp.wounded 23/1/45; WO417/88;
Quelch
E.W.
Pte
 
 
(CA21)
Quick
Derek, Reginald
TSM
14003051
 
London Scottish
Quill
D
Fus
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL9)
Quincey
John, A.
Gnr
2062315
 
RA
Eric, William
Gnr
5884633
MM
RA (CA84)
Rackley
Ronald, B.
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Ronald, George
Pte
5192138
 
kia '45 with Glosters
Ralph
Vic
Sgt
 
 
 
Rankin
James
Bugler
 
 
(WRP)
Ransome
W.C.
Rfn
6921406
 
Rifle Bde
Rawlings
E.P.
Pte
4035419
 
KSLI; POW 6/12/42 WO417/56; in UK 1944
Raymond
Jack
Gdsm
 
 
 
Reardon
Terence Patrick
Pte
 
 
 
Reay
Francis, James
Pte
4039267
 
KSLI; Burma Star Assn; (WRP)
Joseph
RQMS /  RSM
5950322
MBE, MiD
Beds & Herts
Redpath
J
Pte
 
 
from Lynemouth (LL9)
Reed
Neville
Sgt 
5827421 & 459426
MBE
Later Major; (WRP); PoW;
2SAS Malaya.
John, Leslie,  'Tim'
Sgt
315706
MiD
RA/RWF/4Cdo/6Cdo;
(WRP)
D.
LCpl
5676284
 
SLI; HQ Troop
Ernest, E.
LCpl
5627457
 
Devonshire Regt; POW; (LL9)
Reid
F. David
CSgt
 
 
(WRP)
Reid
George
Pte
3778097
 
King's Regt; died
Reppion
J.M.
Cpl
 
 
& 5 Cdo; lka Liverpool (LL9)
Reuben
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Rhue
M
Pte
2933929
 
QOCH; lka Glasgow (LL9)
Richardson
J.C.
Pte
 
 
served 1/5 Cdo (LL9)
Rideout
Sidney, Herbert
Gnr
 
RA Attestation 1940
Rigg
Stephen
Gnr
 
 
RA; (WRP)
William, Dunbar
Pte
2185488
 
Welch Regt; kia
Stanley, A.
LBdr
 11268880
MM
RA; (WRP); (PG)
Arthur, Graham, Lines
Lieut / Maj 10IA
 
 
KSLI; and 10 (IA) Cdo
(CA82)
E.A.
Fus
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL10)
H.W.
Cpl
4033985
 
KSLI; wounded Burma
Ronald, Nathan, 'Ron'
Pte
 
 
and 12 Cdo; Olympic swimmer
Tudor, 'Taffy'
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
William, Henry, Edward
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Robertson
F
Fus
3131175
 
R Scots Fus;
and 12 Cdo (LL10)
Robson
Richard
Pte
 
 
& 12 Cdo (CA68); (WRP)
Roche
W.B.
Pte
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL10)
Roderick
Ellerman
 
 
 
 
John, Francis 'Baron'
Lt
 
 
& 2SBS; (WRP);
Burma Star Assn; CA96.
George, Montague
LCpl
5828060
 
Suffolk Regt; kia
Rowlands
Bernard
 
 
 
R Welch
Rowlands
T.G.M.
Pte
3963256
 
R Welch
Rowlands
Verdun
 
 
 
R Welch
Rowlands
William, V.
Pte
 
 
from Dyfed (CA120)
Rowley
Edward
Pte
4036149
 
Herefordshire Regt; Wound/PoW 2Dec42;   WO417/76 repatriated '44
Rudgeley
Stanley
LSgt
 
 
(WRP)
James, Thomas
Pte
5734313
 
Dorsetshire Regt; died
Ruff
P.J.
Gnr
 
 
RA; lka Newcastle (LL10)
Ruffell
H.G.
Pte
5826616
 
Suffolks; wounded 31Jan45 Burma CasLists WO417/88.
Alfred, Ernest
Bdr
852223
 
RA; CasLists;wounded 31Jan45 Burma; (CA27)
Harold, George
LCpl
7366356
 
RAMC; kia
Rust
W.S.
Rfn
 
 
 
Sabin
Bob
Cpl
 
 
(CA102)
Salisbury
Glyn
Cpl
4191846
 
R Welch
John, A.
Sgt
5676395
MiD
Somerset L I
Thomas
Pte
3969167
 
Welch Regt; kia
Saunders
J.I.N.C.,  'Ian'
Capt
 
 
 
Savage
Clifford
Bdr
 
 
(WRP)
Austin
Pte
3964285
 
Welch Regt; N. Africa 6/12/42 CasList WO417/55; (LL10)
Scanlon
W
Sgt
 
 
& CBTC; lka Fort William (LL10)
John, 'Jack'
TSM
6096409
MM
Middx. Regt; (WRP)
George, Ambrose
Capt
109011
MC
KSLI; award Tunisia; later Reverend; (WRP)
Scarborough
J.W.
LBdr
 
RA; lka Kentish Town (LL10)
Schneiderman
S.H.
Pte
14586858
 
Queens Royal
Scholes
John, W.
Sgt
 
 
from the Isle of Wight (CA120)
Scott
Walter
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Scully
J
Pte
3195760
 
KOSB
Seargeant
Harry
Lt
132425 
 
Welch Regt; Burma Star Assn; LG34861; (WRP)
Searle
R
Gnr
11412891
 
RA
Segger
P.R.
Pte
6216530
 
Middlesex
Selby
D.B.
Sgt
 
 
lka Surrey (LL10)
Semple
Robert (Roy), William
Capt
289675 
MiD (LG37425)
Hamps. Regt; (WRP);
Burma Star Assn.
Sewell
William
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Robert, William
LSgt
175245
 
Middx. Regt; died
Sharman
Sidney, C.
Pte
 
 
from Derby (LL10)
Shaw
Robert, 'Bob'
 
 
 
To OCTU then No.4 Cdo
Shaw
Charles, Herbert 'Bill'
Sgt later Lt
 
 
CA 23 & 108
Shaw
E
Pte
2978417
 
A&SH
Shaw
E.W.
Pte
14572777
 
Essex
Shaw
George, Robert
Lt
 
 
 
Shaw
Joseph
Cpl
 
RA, SWB; (LL10)
Shaw
J
Sgt
 
 
lka Bow E3 (LL10)
Shaw
S
Gnr
 
 
RA;  (LL10)
Shea
John
Gnr
 
 
RA; (WRP)
Sheffield
Henry, James
 
 
 
 
Shelley
F.C.
RQMS
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL10)
Shepherd
J.,  'Phil'
TSM
 
 
(WRP)
Shields
Jack
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
Shipp
L.W.
Sgt
 
 
(WRP)
Shorrock
Harry
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Bert
Pte
7263761
MM
RAMC
Sim
B
Pte
3055448
 
R Scots
Simmonds
S
Pte
6215749
 
Middlesex Regt
Simmonds
William
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Simms
 
LSgt
 
 
 
John
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Sydney
Pte
4036306
 
PoW 2/12/42; from Stoke on Trent (LL10)
William, Lockhart, Main
Lt
14442599 
335339
 
R Scots; post war 15 Para TA (Army Air Corps), rank Major
A.W.
LSgt
4035009
DCM
KSLI
Skuse
Peter, Francis
Maj
 
 
(CA 108)
Gerrard
Pte
7942540
 
Welch Regt; kia
Smart
Robert
Fus
 
RWF; (LL10)
Smead
Frank, W.
Pte
 
 
(LL10)
Smedley
C.A.
Pte
 
 
lka Derby (LL10)
Joseph, William
Fus
 
 
and 12 Cdo (CA80); (WRP)
Smith
A.E.
Pte
3964634
 
Welch Regt wounded N.Africa 17/3/43 CasList WO417/59
Smith
Albert, 'Curly'
Pte
 
 
lka Cardiff (CA85); (WRP)
Smith
Brian, Parker
Pte
3973386
 
Welch; (CA25);PoW Stalag 4D WO392/1- WO417/93; (WRP)
Smith
H
Pte
14540471
 
Pioneer Corp
Smith
Ivor, Clarence, 'Sol'
Sgt
 
 
SWB; (CA106)
Smith
J.E.
Rfn
6853803
 
KRRC; (LL10)
James, 'Jimmy'
TSM
 
 
3 Troop (CA6); (CA77); (WRP)
John, Henry
Gnr
 
RA; PoW
Smith
Joseph, John
Sgt
 
 
lka Gwent (CA109)
Kenneth, N.
Sgt
4036459
 
KSLI; lka Darlington (CA98); PoW 4/3/43 WO417/58 
Leonard, Edward
Gnr
6015678
 
RA; wounded Burma; CA82; (WRP)
Smith
Luke
 
 
 
 
Smith
M
Pte
4546900
 
W Yorks; (LL10)
Smith
Percy, Charles
Sgt
 
 
and 12 Cdo (CA99); (WRP)
Smith (formerly Moller)
Roy
Pte
 
 
(CA48); (WRP)
Smith
Sidney, W.
LSgt
 
 
R. Signals;  Signal Section (CA22 and CA95); (WRP)
Smith
Trevor, G. M.
Gnr
 
RA; (CA116)
Smith
William
Bugler
 
 
(WRP)
W.S.
Rfn / LCpl
14603190
 
KRRC; wounded Burma
Smithson
Roy, Herbert, Peter
LSgt  S/Sgt 
14219410; 22797464
 
E. Surrey Rgt; (WRP);
Burma Star Assn.
Somery
J
Pte
7896145
 
West Yorks
Sooby
John, Goulton
Maj
 
 
 
John, Charles, Hughes
CSM
4079448
MM
SWB; award Sedjenane
Speakman
J
LCpl
 
 
(LL10); (Troop Notes in PG)
Spiers
Percy
Pte
 
 
(WRP) ; (LL10)
Squire
J.A.
Gnr
2061794
 
RA; lka Southampton (LL10)
Stack
John, A.
Maj
 
 
(WRP)
Staley
George
Gnr
 
RA attestations 1941
Stanley
Geoffrey, L.
Cpl
 
 
(WRP); Nairobi 1959 (CA28)
Starling
George, Henry
Pte
 
 
 
Stead
W
Fus
 
 
(WRP)
Steffensen
Laurite, T.
Pte/LCpl
6298707
 
The Buffs; CasList 23/1/45 WO417/88; emig. Australia; (CA45); (WRP)
Stevens
George, William, John
Rfn
14542349
 
KRRC
Stevens
Leslie, James
Gnr
 
RA attestations 1938
Stevenson
Norman
Tpr
 
 
(WRP)
Stevenson
Victor
 
 
 
 
Stewart
F.K.
Pte
 
 
 
Stewart
J.C.H.
Fus
 
MM
 
Stone
Frank, J.
Pte
14632669
 
Durham L I
Stone
Peter George
LCpl
 
 
 
Stradwick
Gerald, William
Lt
14418784 & 314067
 
The Buffs; LL11;
LG36519
John
Gnr
5252482
 
Worcesters Regt; RA; 3 tp (PG); (LL11).
Jack
Pte
 
 
emig Rhodesia (LL11); (CA46)
Charles
Pte
4076802
 
SWB; kia
Surtees
W.R., 'Rob'
Tpr
 
 
(WRP)
Alexander
Pte
3970806
 
Welch Regt; kia
Sutton
George
LSgt
 
 
 
Ronald, Oliver, Carless
Lt
94975
MC
Herefordshire; (WRP);
Op Chariot
Daniel
LCpl
5437882
 
DCLI; wounded Burma
Swift
E.J.
Pte
6406789
 
R Sussex
Symonds
Harold, John
Capt (Maj)
180616
 
later Major; Burma Star Assn; (WRP)
Symondson
John, E.
Dr
 
 
(WRP)
Taberner
Joseph
Lt
 
 
(WRP)
Talbot
 
Pte
 
 
 
Tanner
James
Gnr
 
 
 
T.H.
Pte
5933074
 
Suffolk Regt; PoW N.Africa
Tasker
Norman
 
 
 
 
Taylor
Bertram, James
Sgt
921147
 
RA
Taylor
Clifford
Pte
 
 
 
Taylor
J
Pte
3391174
 
Border Regt;  (possibly ident with Taylor 1/5 Cdo in LL11)
William, Ronald
Fus
14604392 Police
 
R.Fus;CasLists; died 
Teager
Reg
Cpl
 
 
 
Templeman
W
Pte
 
 
 
Maurice, William
Cpl
14241719 Police
 
KOSB
Thomas
Jack, M.
LSgt
 
 
(WRP)
Thomas
Thomas, Edward
Bdr
952588
 
Burma Star Assn; (WRP)
Thomas
Walter 'Roy'
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Thompson
A.G.
Cpl
6970370
 
R.Bde;CasLists;Burma wounded  31Jan45
Thompson
J
Gnr
14408516
 
R Artillery
Thompson
K.C.V.
Pte
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL11)
Malcolm
Pte
5826923
 
Suffolk; CA108; CVA gallery
Thomson
J.D.
LCpl
14241720
 
KOSB
Norman
Pte
 
 
post war moved from Carlisle to Whitehaven as Police Sgt  (CA20); Obits (CA90)
Thornton
William, Thomas, 'Bill'
Gnr
3654035
 
RA; Burma Star Assn.
J
LCpl
5628253
MiD
Devonshire Regt
John, Fortescue
2/Lt
337612
 
KSLI; died
Timmins
Peter
Pte
 
 
from Dublin (CA32); (CA45); (WRP)
Tincombe
W.G.
Pte
14610123
 
SLI
Toft
Albert, 'Curly'
LBdr
 
 
from Notts; (CA78); (WRP)
Edward, Charles
Pte
6144878
 
East Surrey Regt; kia St Nazaire
Tomlin
Raymond
Pte
 
 
 
Tonner
James
Gnr
 
 
from Glasgow (CA57); (WRP)
Towill
Peter
Capt
 
 
(WRP)
Kenneth, R.S.
Brig
 
DSO
Commanding Officer
Thomas, Hoult
Lt Col
53563
 
Welch Regt; COHQ Liaison US Rangers
Ivan, Henry
Pte
5621153
 
Devonshire Regt; kia
William
LCpl
7370100
MiD
RAMC; (WRP)
Tuppin
J.R.
Capt
 
 
KOYLI
J.H.S.
Lt Col
 
MC*
 
Turner
Alan
Cpl
 
 
(WRP)
Turner
N
Gnr
 
RA
Turpin
J.R.,  'Dick'
Capt
 
 
(WRP)
Turrill
R.D.
Cpl
6216802
 
Middlesex
Turvey
Aubrey, John
Pte
 
 
from Bucks (CA59); (WRP)
Tuzzio
Anthony, Ashford
Pte
 
 
&12 Cdo (PG); (WRP)
Venn
Len
Pte
4077222
 
SWB
Vernalls
Eric, William
 
 
 
 
Vickers
John
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
Vincent
Kenneth
Ssgt
 
 
 
Wade
Matthew
Gnr
876563
 
RA Attestation Register 1937
Wakefield
Raymond
Pte
 
 
& 12 Cdo. Post war Police Sgt Whitley Bay (CA22); later resided York (CA82)
Waldron
V.  'Wally'
LSgt
 
 
 
W.
Fus
 
 
(LL11)
Walker
Alfred, Henry,  'Sandy'
Sgt
4189381
 
(CA54); RWF Registers 1931; Nov.1943 to CBTC.; (WRP)
Reginald
Cpl
5933005
MiD
Suffolk Regt; kia
Walters
Maxie
Pte
 
 
 
Ward
J.
LCpl
 
MiD
3 Cdo Bde Jungle Book
William, G
Pte
5052724
 
& 12 Cdo; N.Staffs;  31Jan45 CasList WO417/88; (WRP ?)
Ware
Henry, A.
Sgt
5510944
 
(WRP)
Wareham
E.G.
LSSgt
 
 
 
Wareham
William
Fus
 
 
(WRP)
Arthur, Henry
Sgt
6205797
 
PLKR; and 12 Cdo.
Wassell
R. Peter
Capt
 
 
Beds & Herts; from Edinburgh (CA120)
W
LSgt
3392797
 
East Lancs; wounded Burma
Watkins
C
Pte
 
 
 
Watson
Bob
Cpl
 
 
 
Watson
Jack
Pte
 
 
 
Watts
G.C.
Pte
5774418
 
R Norfolk
Watts
Reginald, W. 'Reggie'
Pte
 
 
(CA8); (WRP)
Robert, Edward
Cpl
14241839
Police
 
R. Norfolk Regt; kia
Edward, Walter
Pte
3973708
 
Welch Regt; kia
Webb
Douglas
Gnr
 
RA; Burma Star Assn; (WRP); from Cardiff (LL11) (CA84)
George, Henry
Pte
14604144
MM
QORWK; 4Tp; award Burma; (WRP); Signature on reverse of 4 tp photo(PG)
Henry, T.
Pte
6482293
Police
 
R. Fusiliers; Met Police
Ernest, G.W.
Pte
 
Wiltshire Regt; died
Sydney, G.D.
Fus
6482277
Police
 
R. Fusiliers; kia
Donald, Ernest
LBdr
2055627
 
RA; (CA119)
West
Stanley
LCpl
 
 
from Herts (CA88); (WRP)
Samuel, Charles
LCpl
5671053
 
SLI; kia
Stanley, C. 'George'
TSM
5825978 
MiD
Suffolk Regt; (WRP);
Burma Star Assn.
Wheeler
G.R.
Lt
 
 
 
Whelan
J
Pte
3783303
 
Kings Regt
Jack
Pte
4867187
 
Leics. Regt; kia
Whisker
Fred
Pte
 
 
 
White
R.D.
Pte
83994
 
Black Watch
Whiteman
R.H.
Pte
4077052
 
SWB
Laurence
Cpl
 
 
& 12 Cdo; Guards;(CA21);  Police Lieut. died in Malaya
Wight
N.W.E
Capt
 
 
R Sigs; 1956 manager Stn. Hotel Netley Abbey
Geoffrey, C.
WO2, RQMS
MiD
RA; (CA98)
Wilkin
E.R.
 
14989201
 
GSC
Wilkins
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Williams
D.W.
Pte
6215774
 
Middlesex
Frank
Pte
3778254
 
King's Regt; kia
Williams
Fred, 'Blondi'
Pte
6104720
 
Queens Royal
Williams
George, Henry
Pte
 
 
 
Williams
J
Gnr
 
RA
Williams
J.H.
Pte
5511336
 
Hampshire
Williams
Jack
Pte
 
 
 
Williams
John
Cpl
 
 
 
John, Arthur
Pte
4032283
MM
KSLI
Williams
Kenneth, Morris
Pte
4105160 
 
Herts Regt;
Burma Star Assn
Williams
Ken
Cpl
 
 
 
Williams
L
 
 
 
 
Williams
Mervyn
Bdr
 
 
 
Williams
P
Pte
 
 
 
Williams
P
Pte
 
 
 
Williams
Robert
LCpl
 
 
 
Thomas, Ivor
Sgt
3909922
MM, 3xMiD
SWB; & 'B' Grp. S.B.S.
Williams
William, Edward, 'Chas'
LCpl
 
 
 
Williamson
Harry
Cpl
14489150
 
QOCH
Williamson
Ronnie, A.
Capt
 
 
Gordons
Williamson 
W.T.
LCpl
 
 
and 12 Cdo (LL11)
John
LSgt
3962861
 
later PTI at CBTC
Graham, Charles
Fus
6482243
 
R. Fusiliers; kia
Wilson
Jack
Pte
 
 
 
Wilson
James, Joseph, 'Spud'
Fus
6979516
 
R.Inniskilling Fus.
Wilson
L.T.
Pte
 
 
 
Wilson
Robert, Matthew
LCpl
 
 
 
Wilson
T.C.
Gnr
 
RA; wounded 23/1/45 CasList WO417/88; (CA103)
Winch
Harry
Cpl
4755433
 
Burma Star Assn.
Windebank
Patrick, E
Pte
14764470 
 
QRR; Burma Star Assn.
Witchard
William James
Pte
5123982
 
SWB
Withers
George
Pte
 
 
from Bath (CA64, CA67); (WRP)
Withey
A.J.
LSgt
5775478
 
R Norfolk
Witton
Freddie
Pte
 
 
 
Wogel
Albert, Raymond
Fus
4192949
 
RWF Registers; medical discharge 1/10/44
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wood
Jack
Cpl
 
 
 
J
Pte
3915316
 
SWB; CasList WO417/88
Woodcock, TD
Bernard, Edward, 'Tim'
Maj
76597
 
Suffolk Regt; & CBTC; & 4SS Bde; (PG) (CA100); LG 41438
Woodham
Cyril, Arthur  'Chuck'
Sgt
14414855
 
Burma Star Assn.
Joseph, Henry
LSgt
4202517
 
RWF; PoW 2/3/43 until 1944 WO417/81
Woodroffe
Derek
Lt
 
 
later Major RAEC (CA40)
Woods
Anthony, Gerald
Fus
4196585
 
RWF; 1/5 Cdo (PG);(CA81)
Woodyatt
Raymond, Charles
Fus
4198369
 
RWF Registers 1940 ; to Kings Regt 9/7/44; from Gwent (CA76)
Wookey
Leonard, E.
LCpl
5679467
 
SLI; & 1 Cdo Bde; wounded 23/2/43 CasList WO417/58;  (CA94); (WRU)
George
Pte
14241724
Police ?
 
Black Watch;  31/1/45 CasList WO417/88
Worthington
Charles
Pte
5726274
 
Burma Star Assn.
Wren
C
Pte
2766013
 
Black Watch
Wren
Stanley, W.
'Stan'
Pte
6351482
 
R West Kent;
emig. Canada (CA109)
Wringe
Walter, William
Pte
 
 
(WRP)
James, Albert
Pte/Sgt
14353401
 
Gloster Regt; (CA107); wounded Burma
Albert, Henry
RQMS
5435853
 
DCLI; later Major (CA111)
Young
George, William, Arthur
Cpl
 
 
 
James, Alfred
LCpl
3596431
 
Border Regt; kia
Young
Robert, C.
Tpr
 
 
(WRP)
Ronald, Herbert
Sgt
4105327
 
Herefordshire Regt. PoW 4/3/43

1 Commando, Documents

Documents and maps relevant to No 1 Commando. These include reports on specific actions, orders of the day, troop reports, newsletters, and other items. Some of these documents are transcripts taken from official records covering specific periods. They are basic transcripts for private research and educational use only. Whilst we always endeavour to achieve accuracy, we acknowledge that there may be dates and/or entries missing, and other possible errors, The actual documents can be found at the National Archives in Kew. The full and complete documents at Kew should be viewed by those wishing to reference/source war diary entries in any future publications to ensure historical accuracy. The UK National Archives website

After the Victoria Cross citation, the documents are listed in date order.

Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando

Ken and Tom Trevor No.1 Commando

Transcript of Forum Message from Simon Trevor
I am the son of the late Brigadier Kenneth Rowland Swetenham TREVOR CBE DSO who during WW11 was CO of No 1 Commando. His cousin Tom Trevor was known in the family as 'Joe' to differentiate him from his father who was also called 'Thomas'. [I believe that US Rangers records show Tom as 'Travis Trevor'.]

In the Commandos Lt Col Tom Trevor was called 'Senior' because of his rank and tall stature (6 foot 4 inches) and my father Ken Trevor (who was also a big man) was known as 'Junior'. My father who was in Ireland having travelled from West Africa at the beginning of the war received a message from Joe asking him to volunteer for 'special service' and if he managed to get permission he was to go to interview in Scotland.

Ken became a Captain in the Unit which was to be No 1 Commando. It was comprised from two units which had been in the Norway campaign and had been known as 1st Independant company Special Service. The OC was Colonel Wil Glendinning of the Welch Regiment and Joe Trevor was his second in command. My father was put in charge of No 1 Troop.

My father told me (and recorded in his memoirs) that there was some talk of parachute jumping and that the whole unit might become a parachute battalion. The Commandos wanted him because there was a possibility about there being an operation in West Africa or the Azores and they thought his experience with the Royal West African Frontier Force in Nigeria would be helpful.

In 1943 my father and Joe were warned that they were going to the Far East. One or two officers including Joe preferred to stay in Europe and fight the Germans and my father then took over command of No 1 Comando from his cousin Joe and led them at the Kangaw landings in Burma and at Hill 170 where my father recommended Lt Knowland for a posthumous VC. [The full details of this battle from my father's unpublished memoirs are now on the Burma Star website]

Prior to going to Burma a group photograph was taken in Winchester of all officers and men in No 1 Commando and the picture of Joe from this photo was used by 'The Daily Telegraph'/ 'The Times' in his Obituary.

Joe was the British liaison officer with the US Rangers on D-Day. He had trained with the Rangers in Scotland and was an expert at climbing. Joe was wounded in the head at Point du Hoc by a German sniper whilst walking alomg the beach giving encouragement to the US Rangers. To avoid sniper fire he took two short steps and three one long ones but unfortunately it didn't fool them and took a shot in his helmet which gave him a nasty head wound.

My father was on Operation Torch and had under his command three Troops of No 1 Commando and two American Troops of Rangers. My father was the first British Officer ever to have commanded US soldiers in the war and when they landed at Algiers to capture the 8 Gun Battery of De Lazaret on Cap Matifou he ordered his men to wear the 'Green Beret' - the first time it had been worn in Battle. As a result of the involvement with the American trops No 1 Commando adopted the Garand rifle until the end of the war. 
 
Linked Content: 
TREVOR, Kenneth Rowland Swetenham (Lt Col )
TREVOR, Thomas Hoult (Lt Col)

No 1 Commando Newsletter from India Feb 13th 1944

No. 1 Commando - News Letter

13th February 1944

 

Author:  Lieut. John S. Gilson

Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett

Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow

 

In The Field

This, the second news-letter from INDIA and the fifth since the Commando left England, comes from the same camp described in our last letter of the 29th January.

We have been stationed here for three weeks;  and since we have gained a clearer view of conditions, some fuller description of the Commando's daily life might be in place.  Of what training we are doing, you will appreciate that we can say little, but you might like to hear of the sports that are played every evening.

Our Inter-Troop League in Hockey, soccer, basketball, volley-ball and soft-ball is underway and, if training permits, every troop plays at least one of these games each evening.  An athletic meeting will soon be held.

The Officers of 1 Commando have played the Officers of No. 5 Commando at hockey.

Boxing is becoming very popular;  Lieut. T.H. Bowman, our Boxing Officer, is arranging a boxing meeting with 5 Commando on the 18th February, and later on we hope to take part in a 3 S.S. Brigade meeting.

Passing to other forms of recreation, I may say that the four Commandos have arranged among themselves a tombola session to be held in the canteen on three nights of every week:  that a reading room has been opened, Padre having obtained some books to form a small library:  that one night 5 troop held a sing-song around a blazing fire, and that a native conjuror - magician has given two amusing performances.  You may be interested to hear that the Officers of the Unit were invited to the opening of the Sergeants' Mess, and on the 5th February the W.O.'s and Sergeants were invited to a party in the Officer's Mess.

As a footnote to this description, I may say, that cigarettes here are cheap: a packet of ten "Capstan" costs four pence.  Beer, however, costs rather more than it does in England:  for a pint bottle one is charged 2/3d.

So much for the present:  of the past, I can say now that a few days after our arrival we received a visit and had an encouraging talk from our former C.C.O. Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten:  of the future there is nothing more startling to tell than that on the 10th February, forty-five men from 6 Troop are going on forty-eight hours leave to an army rest camp in POONA and that it is hoped that the whole unit will spend 48 hours leave there before March 10th.

On Saturday, 6th February, with our Commanding Officer as judge, a Commando competition for the smartest tent and an inter-troop competition of the best troop lines was held.

Best in layout, cleanliness and improvements was 1 Troop, with H.Q. Troop a close second.  A tent in 3 troop called "Hobo's Rest" was found to be the smartest in the Unit.

Promotions and Appointments

As from 2nd February 1944:

To be Sergeant:

T/128368          L/Sgt. Kirkley A.

To be Corporals:

5830863           L/Cpl. Bate W.

5628253           L/Cpl. Thorpe J.

5676395           L/Cpl. Salter J.

5933005           L/Cpl. Wallis R.

14241719          L/Cpl. Tennick M.

3392348           L/Cpl. Irvine H.

 

As from 5th February 1944:

To be L/Cpls:

1534184           Gnr. Smith T.

14513163          Pte. Gamble G.

 

To be L/Sergeant:

3959214           Cpl. Mundy L.

3392797           Cpl. Waterhouse W.

1057916           Cpl. Perry A.

2614133           Cpl. Baker (D.C.M.) A.

 

To be L/Corporals:

3970601           Pte. Barrett J.

4192239           Fus. Wareham E.

2579764           Sgm. Berry L.

3915347           Pte. McDonald T.

1149363           Gnr. McCudden G.

2613937           Gdsm. Whittingham L.

4196440           Fus. Wales W.

 

As from 10th February 1944:

To be L/Corporals:

3963727           Pte. Rowlands W.

Inter-Troop Transfers

The following men have been posted to the Troops stated against their names:

5772993           Pte. Piggott H. (6 Tp) to 4 Troop

7690515           Pte. Marshall C. (3 Tp) to 2 Troop

3970740           Pte. Morgan J. (2 Tp) to 5 Troop

6215774           Pte. Williams D (2 Tp) to 6 Troop

4203417           Fus. Smethurst W. (2 Tp) to 6 Troop

3964661           Pte. Noden G. (2 Tp) to 6 Troop

3392797           L/Sgt. Waterhouse W. (4 Tp) to 5 Troop

5628253           Cpl. Thorpe J. (5 Tp) to 1 Troop

5933005           Cpl. Wallis R (4 Tp) to 6 Troop

4196440           Fus. Wales W. (6 Tp) to 5 Troop

3771698           Gnr. Olsen J. (1 Tp) to 2 Troop

5773066           Pte. Bilham A. (2 Tp) to 4 Troop

3976195           Pte. Jones W. (2 Tp) to 5 Troop

1641438           Gnr. Mullett L. (2 Tp) to 6 Troop

5383388           Pte. Nutley W. (2 Tp) to 6 Troop

T/128368          Sgt. Kirkley A. (6 Tp) to 3 Troop

1057916           L/Sgt. Perry A. (3 Tp) to 1 Troop

5676395           Cpl. Salter J. (5 Tp) to 4 Troop

2613937           L/Cpl. Whittingham L. (3 Tp) to 5 Troop

Queries

Reference second News Letter, 23 Dec 43, No. 1136783 Gunner Williams G. is very grateful for the news of his wife, Mrs. G. Williams of 26 Milburn Street, Crook, C. Durham and sends her the following message:

"Pleased with news.  Hope everything is O.K.  Keep smiling.  Am very well.

Gordon."

 

No 1 Commando Newsletter Feb 27th 1944

Author:  Anonymous;                                       

Copy of original document supplied by  John Mewett; Transcribed by Jennie Barlow.

"You may gather how very pleased I'm feeling now that there's this 'club' running for your benefit and mine too.  It sure makes me feel that there's someone in this lot who cares enough to let us wives know under what circumstances you are in."

This is an extract from an Airgraph received by one of our men from his wife in England.  I think it is a fitting opening to this news letter.  As a tribute, it speaks for itself:  may we add that we are all equally grateful for the work you are doing back home.

The Commando is still in the location described in the News Letter of 13th February.  The location hasn't changed but the weather is daily becoming warmer.  Between eleven in the morning and four in the afternoon it is now appreciably better than England in August.

As for recreation in Camp, on the evening of the 14th February we enjoyed a very fine show by an E.N.S.A. party consisting of seven girls and three men.  The Camp cinema continues to show a surprisingly good selection of old films.   A wireless set and two amplifiers provide some radio entertainment to the Camp;  we hope to improve on this soon.  A Brigade magazine entitled "The Third Jungle Book" in being published.  From this unit Lieut. J.R. Turpin is publishing advisor and Lieut. A.J. Davies is Art Director, on the publishing staff.  Finally on the 3rd and 4th March, "Commando Performance" the unit's Concert Party is celebrating its first birthday and giving a show.  I can't do better than give you the artists' names and quote from the programme, for we are very proud of this show.  They are:

            Lieut. Alan Davies         (More Caricatures)

            Q.M.S. Brown               (on the high C's)

            Sgt. Frank Payne

            L/Sgt. George Sutton

            Pte. Maurice Hook        (with his harmonica)

            Pte. Fitzgerald              (on sentry go)

            Gdsm. Jack Raymond   ("The Story Teller")

            Pte. "Taffy" Lewis         (The Welch Tenor)

            Pte. Freddie Witton       (and a piano)

and       Pte. Maxie Walters       ("Jankers Permitting")

The show is devised and produced by CSM. J. Smith.

To Bombay, Fus. Burden (H.Q.), Gnr. Bernini (3 Troop) and Rfn. Smith (4 Troop), went on the 23rd and 24th February to take part in a Greeting Film that is being made.  On the 11th and 12th of this month Pte. Garbutt (3 Troop) and Fus. Dawson (4 Troop) also went to Bombay for the same purpose.

The relatives of these men will be informed of the time and place where these films will be shown in the United Kingdom.

Every troop has by now had 48 hours leave in POONA.  POONA has several good cinemas and a swimming pool for H.M. Forces;  and while on leave the Troops lived in a very good rest camp.

While training permits, sport is carried on as usual.  Hockey, football and volleyball games are held, if possible in the evening.  The Sergeants won a hard game with the officers at hockey by the odd goal on the 25th.  On the afternoon of the 27th February the officers of No. 1 Commando played the officers of No. 42 Commando at football, the result of this hard-fought game was a draw.

To round off this description of our life during the last fortnight I would like to tell you of the boxing meeting held in POONA on the evening of Saturday 26th February.  You may remembers that we were to fight No. 5

Commando.  That meeting, "owing to the exigencies of the service" had to be cancelled and in its place a meeting was held with a team drawn partly from our friendly rivals 42 (RM) Commando and partly from Poona District.  There were 15 bouts each of three one and a half minute rounds.  They were fought in an open air stadium before a large crowd.  This was our team:

            Lieut. T.H. Bowman      No. 6 Troop

            Sgt. Jackson                 No. 4 Troop

            Pte. Prosser                  No. 2 Troop

            Gnr. O'Donnell.             No. 5 Troop

            Rfn. Osbourne              No. 6 Troop

            L/Cpl. Ware

            Pte. Rudgely                 No. 6 Troop

            Pte. Wren                     Intelligence Section, Headquarters

            Pte. Talbot                    No. 6 Troop

            Pte. Crellin                    No. 1 Troop

            L/Cpl. Chapman           No. 4 Troop

            Pte. Thompson            No. 4 Troop

            Pte. Croxford               No. 3 Troop

            Pte. Curran                   No. 1 Troop

            Rfn. King                       No. 4 Troop

The contest was very keen and the result very close, for of the fifteen fights, 1 Commando won seven and Poona District eight. I think the show put up by everyone has put 1 Commando on the map out here.  1 Commando won a cup as winning team compared with the Marines. 

A stop press item of news is that on Sunday 27 Feb 44 the unit was inspected by General Sir Claude Auchinleck, G.O.C. India Command. Films were taken of this visit and of the visit of Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten;  these may be shown in the U.K.

Promotions

            4194098           L/Bdr. Williams (Headquarters) to be Bdr.

            5676284           Pte. Reid, D. (Headquarters) to be L/Cpl.

1 Commando, Troop Organisation Nov'44

Type: Files
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: Troop Organisation No 1 Commando 1944
Download

War Diary entry for the Troop organisation of No 1 Commando Nov 1944.

Source: National Adchives Document Reference WO218/81

Training Instructions ( Arakan ) October 1944

TRAINING INSTRUCTION NO. 3 COPY NO. 18 (ARAKAN) 22 OCT 44         

 

Copy of original document supplied by John Mewett

Transcribed by Elaine Southworth-Davies

 

N/A Document WO/218/63

During the next 10 weeks the Commando will be required to mount and carry out small raids on the enemy coast line.  These raiding parties will form a back-bone of well trained personnel for larger scale ops in the future.

TRAINING ORGANISATION

  1. All Tp Comdrs will train and prepare small raiding parties.  Only their best raiding party will be employed when the opportunity occurs.

It is suggested that Tps form 6 raiding parties per Tp.These will be composed of 1 Offr, 2 TMOs, 2 Bomber- Pistolmen, 2 Garrand Riflemen (This may be increased to 3 B.O.Rs at Tp Comdrs discretion;the Sec Offr being trained to lead in 3 groups).A Bren Gp or 2” Mortar Team may be attached and will, invariably, be attached with 2 Gps which are working together:the 2” Mortar to be used for smoke, H.E., and light signals to confuse the enemy.

The best organisation will be carefully studied and particular attention will be paid to weights and equipment.After trials, Tp Comdrs will submit their proposals.Tp Comdrs are reminded that the success of any raiding party depends largely on attention down to the very smallest detail. See Suggested Organisation shown in para 3.

TRAINING TASKS

  1. (a) Practice by day in route-finding and rapid movement as a preliminary.

 

(b)The night will be the usual time for training in order that movement and control may bebrought to a high standard.Battle drills will be studied and rehearsed.

(c)The following points will be studied and practiced:Stalking of sentries-capturing and securing a prisoner – small demolition work on bridges and guns-road mining and ‘booby trapping’-general knowledge of first aid and the carrying of a wounded comrade-searching of a village and contacting friendly agents-disembarkation and swimming through surf-the waterproofing and rapid cleaning of weapons-ambuscades-the use of field glasses and telescope.

(d)Sand Table:A largescale sand table is being prepared so that patrol sand table exercises, battle drills, movement, can be studied.

(e)Shooting:Ranges of various types are being made so that men will be well-exercised in their weapons.Tp Comdrs will make full use of these ranges.

(f)Support Troop:2 Tp will organise Troop patrol parties out of MMG personnel.The 3” Mortar Sec will be practiced in firing from S.L.Cs and if it can be arranged will occasionally man the 3” Mortars already mounted in M.Ls.

(g)Intelligence:Int personnel will be attached to Tps and will pay particular attention to observation-using the telescope or field glasses.

(h)Signals:Sigs will exercise under the Signal Offr and complete their post classification training.A new Sig Cadre will be started and the Signal Officer’s target will be to have a 400% reserve of trained signallers.

NO. 1 COMMANDO - BLOCK TRAINING PROGRAMME

For 4 days Ship-board Training

 

 
  1. HOURS OF WORK             (A period equals 45 minutes)

                        6 periods (inc. Boat Drill) per day.             Total ….24

  1. BLOCK PROGRAMME                                     Periods

A. Lectures to Troops6

B. Exercise8

C. Boat Drill6

D. Military Tag3

E. Spare1

24

A.            (i) Lectures to Tps  ( 1 period each)

 

Serial

Lecturer

Subject

Reference

Given to

1

Lt. Larcher

Jungle Lore

AITM 21

4 Corps Notes

2 Div Notes, etc.

All Tps

2

Lt. Dawson

“Words of Wisdom from the Front”

AITM 24

do.

3

Capt. Davies

Japanese in Battle

Enemy methods

Notes on Jap Army No.1

Battle Bulletin No.1

News from Theatres of War 12 & 15

do.

4

Lt. Nias

Arakan – Country and people.

-

do.

5

Trg. Offr.

Drill for occupation of Cdo Box

-

do.

6

Medical Offr

New Medical Pack

-

do.

(ii)

Lectures to selected personnel (NOT inc. in Block Programme)

7

Sig. Offr

Supply by Air

14th Army

316/8/CT

Officers, WOs & Sgts

8

I.O.

“Maplay” M.R. Code

3 S.S.Bde

G/14/5/21

All Officers

9

I.O.

“Unicode” M.R. Code & Syllabic Cipher

do.

do. (for transmission to Tps)

D

Military Trg
  1. Compass & Navigation
  2. Weapon Training
  3. “Deaf & Dumb” Alphabet
  4. Supply by Air (Serial 7)

Rifle Tps will do periods a, b, c.

Signal Sec “    “     “          b, c, d.

Intell. Sec.      “     “          b, c, d.

 

4/10/44                                                                                (J.H.S. TURNBULL)      Major.                                                                                                                                       Offr i/c Trg.  No. 1 Commando.

1 Commando Fighting Patrol Composition/Arms/Intercom

Type: Files
Author: John Mewett
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: 1 Commando Fighting Patrol 1944
Download

Document  listing the composition in men and arms of a fighting patrol for No 1 Commando for November 1944 in Burma operations.

Document was sent to John Mewett  by Sgt. John Huntington 3 Troop N0 1 Commando

1 Commando War Diaries

Transcripts taken from the War Diary for No 1 Commando covering specific periods. They are basic transcripts for private research and educational use only. Whilst we always endeavour to achieve accuracy, we acknowledge that there may be dates and/or entries missing, and other possible errors, The actual War Diaries can be found at the National Archives in Kew. The full and complete War Diaries at Kew should be viewed by those wishing to reference/source war diary entries in any future publications to ensure historical accuracy. 

The UK National Archives website

Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando

No 1 Commando War Diary January 1945

No. 1 Commando War Diary for January 1945.
Author: Lt.Col. K.R.S. Trevor [view], Cheshire Regiment  Commanding, No. 1 Commando.

Teknaf

01.01.45:

Commando packing operational equipment and stores, and attending lectures on future Operations. Special pack rations were issued. Operation Order No. 1 and Adm. Instr. were issued (see Appx. 1 and 2). 16 I.A.M.C. Stretcher bearers, Det.of Tank Recce Unit, R.M. Beach Unit and R.A. FOO Party were temporarily attached to the Commando.

02.01.45

0600:  Reveille

News received of the award of the MC to Capt. J.G. Jones (Welch Regt) and the MM to L/Sgt. Crow and Pt.Oliver all of No. 3 Troop, for distinguished service during Ops in Maungdaw area in November .44.

0900:  All troops paraded and commenced moving by march route to the Jetty.  Here L.C.Ms and L.C.Ps moved personnel to six minesweepers at anchor in the River Naf. 

1400:  All ships moved slowly out of the river to form up in mouth of river. 

At Sea

18.30:  All craft stopped and anchored off St. Martins Island for the night.  

03.01.45

04.45:  Convoy commenced to move towards R.V. with supporting craft off FOUL POINT. 

11.15:  Commando transferred to 10 L.C.As. and 2 L.C.Ms. 

Akyab Island 

13.05:  Commando landed on AKYAB ISLAND on Beach Map Ref 756650 (Maps Akyab 1 & 2 1/2500) and concentrated.  Landing unopposed.  Admin. Party remained on shore collecting extra ammunition and ration dropped by men as they landed. 

1310:   C.O. received instructions from Brigadier to move forthwith to KAUNDAGA 8060. 

1320:  Commando moved off.  All attached Tps except FOO Party and stretcher bearers left unit of beach. 

16.10:  Commando reached KAUNDAGA where C.O. decided to establish Adm. Base. Commando then moved onto  KAWADI8358. 

17.30:  Commando concentrated area KAWADIL and bivouacked night.  No enemy contacted during day or night. Brigade ordered no patrolling. 

04.01.45  

Unit at KAWADIL all day.  Checks of stores and ammunition were made. 

10.00:     F.O.O. Party left the Commando to rejoin the Artillery. 

12.30:     C.O. & I.O. attended conference at Brigade H.Q. 

14.30:     Conference of Dept. Offrs. of HQ. and Troop Commanders to discuss future Ops. 

05.01.45 

Unit still at KAWADIL. 

08.30:   C.O. & I.O. attended conference at Bde. H.Q. ref future Ops and moves. During the day B.I.C. and Unit Intelligence personnel searched the area for information from local inhabitants.  Several suspects were handed over to Bde. HQ. 

06.01.45 

09.30:  Commando left KAWADIL area by march route for new location at  FAKIR POINT884529, where Commando HQ. was established. 

12.00:  Commando billeted in three houses in area 885528. Rest of day spent clearing houses and areas and making Adm. arrangements. 

1700:     C.O. & I.O. attended conference at Bde HQ re future Ops. Bedding Rolls commenced to arrive in L.C.T. from TEKNAF. 

07.01.45    

Commando still in area FAKIR POINT 885528. 

1000:     Bde. Comd. (Brig. C.R. Hardy DSO) visited Commando HQ. 

1500:     Int. Sgt. visited all Troops and outlined Burma War Situation. 

1600:     The I.O. visited all units in the Area & Div. HQ, also 'V' Force HQ. 

1730:     2nd in Command held conference with Troop Commanders re. Adm. Arrangements and future training. 

08.01.45 

1000:     C.O. & 2 i/c visited KAUNDAGA. 

1200:      C.O. attended conference at Bde. HQ. re future Ops. 

1430:     A.T.E.W.T. was held for all officers in Area FAKIR POINT on Beach defences. Adm. HQ. at KAUNDAGA closed down and moved to join main body.  Special order of the day by Maj. Gen. G.N. Wood (Comd 25 Ind Div)  was received (see Appendix 3).  Personnel attended bathing parades in the harbour. IAMC Stretcher Bearers left to rejoin M.D.S. 

09.01.45 

09.15:      C.O. held conference with Tp Cmd and HQ Department offrs. re future ops. 1 OR left for 28 days leave in U.K. M.O. held skin inspection. Move postponed for 24 hrs. 

10.01.45    

Spent day in preparation for future ops. 

11.01.45 

1010:       Commando moved to B.O.A.C. jetty AKYAB. 

1215:       Embarked in LCAs. 

1300:        Transferred to LCI in harbour. 

1445:        Weighed anchor and sailed.

Myebon

12.01.45 

0630:      Commando still in LCI approaching MYEBON peninsula. 

0915:       Commando transferred to LCAs. 

1010:       Commando landed on MYEBON peninsula on beach Map Ref.  BURMA 84 1" 435375 in two flights.  C.O. and I.O. went off to contact the Brigadier. 

1110:        1 & 4 Troops under command of Major J.M. Davies moved to hills 424383 and 424486, 3 & 6 Troops to island 4336. 

1120:        HQ and 5 Troop moved 431374. 

1202:        Patrol of 1 Offr & 20 ORs of 5 Troop moved to area 424376. 

1300:        Troops in position - nothing to report - NES. 

1407:        All Troops except 1 & 4 ordered to concentrate at Commando HQ 431374. 

1425:       C.O. and I.O. went to Bde. 

1450:        C.O. returned with orders for move for 1 & 4 Troops to 403418. Remainder of Commando to TIGER NORTH 425385. 

1540:         Commando less 1 & 4 Troops arrived 425385.  Dispositions for night:  1 & 4 Troops 419402 under command of Major J.H. Davies.  6 Troop & mortars under command of Major J.H.S. Turnbull, MC at 425393. 

13.01.45 

0720:          Orders sent to Major J.H. Davies to patrol to 415412 and be prepared to cover paddy WEST of VIOLET.  6 Troop & mortars ordered to remain present posn.  Main HQ 3 & 5 Troops moved to 421395. 

0750:           H.Q. 3 & 5 Troops moved off. 

0915:          H.Q. 3 & 5 Troops halted at 419401. 

0920:         Enemy guns firing from NORTH slope of hill 425434.  Fire being directed upon MYEBON village. 

1000:        H.Q. 3 & 5 Troops linked up with Nos. 1 & 4 Troops. 

1040:       Order received from Bde. to concentrate area 427397 prior to attack on ONION 424418. 

1043:        C.O. held O Gp at 420398 to give orders to move to concentration area. 

1110:        H.Q. and Troops move off to concentration area. 

1145:        C.O. went to Bde. 

1305:        O Gp.

1330:        Leading Troops moved off for ONION.

1440:       3, 4 & 6 Troops reached area 424410.  No. 1 & 5 Troops, mortars and Commando HQ 424409. 

1500:       No. 6 Troop advanced on to ONION 424418, followed by 3 Troop. 

1615:       ONION occupied.  1 Jap killed.  Own cas nil. 

1700:        Disposition for night - 3, 4 & 6 Troops area feature 423423.  Commando HQ 1 & 5 Troops and  423418. 

2000:        Mortars defensive task Tk junc 424427. 

14.01.45 

0830:    Commando moved off for WORTHINGTON 425425. 

0900:    1 LO to meet 44(RM) Commando at village 424411 to act as guide to ONION. 

0940:    Commando concentrated at WORTHINGTON. 

1000:   Brig. arrived. 

1200:   Patrol of 1 Sec 4 Troop with IO to recce approaches to Hill 432441. 

1430:   Patrol returned having seen no enemy but found many signs of recent occupation by the enemy, including freshly dug posns. 

1500:   CO & IO attending conference at Bde HQ at WORTHINGTON 425435. 

1600:   2 patrols from 4 Ytoop to 428439 and 431433 left unit area.  Bde Tec HQ move up to WORTHINGTON. 

1710:   Patrol to 428439 returned nothing to report. 

1715:   Patrol to 431433 returned nothing to report. 

1730:   O Gp at Commando H.Q. 

1850:   Patrol from 5 Troop to Pt 163 Map Ref 428442.

2200:   Patrol of 5 Troop returned nothing to report.

Lieutenants G.A. Knowland [view], F.H. Crewe & G.W. Stradwick were posted to this Commando and joined Adm. HQ party for night. 

15.01.45 

0630:   Commando left for forming up place 432432. 

0745:   Commando arrived at forming up place. 

0800:   O Gp held. 

0830:   Shelling of feature 432441 by HMISloop commenced.

0920:   Commando moved forward for attack on feature 432441.

1000:   5 Troop crossed the start line anti tank ditch 432435.

1010:   4 Troop crossed the anti tank ditch.

1020:   5 Troop contacted enemy in area 432439.

1026:   4 Troop engaged in area 432437.  Own cas Pte. Coman [view] killed, Capt. D.H. Cowap, MC  wounded.  Lt. R.W. Semple assumes comd 4 Troop.

1031:   6 Troop move up to support 5 Troop.

1117:   1 tank moved up onto hill to support left flank of 5 Troop.

1120:   1 Troop moved up behind 4 Troop in support.

1130:   5 Troop plus 1 tank cleared hill 431441.  1 Dead Jap found - own cas 4 ORs wounded.

1145:   Tank overturned on slope 433442.

1155:   Patrols clearing NORTHERN slopes of feature from 432441.

1200:   Commando concentrated and HQ established area 432441.  O Gp held at Commando HQ.

1400:   3 Troop left to patrol 432447.

1508:   3 Troop in posn 43247 asked for permission to proceed to village NATTHETKE 433450.

1545:   3 Troop ordered to proceed to NATTHETKE 433450.

1700:   3 Troop searched NATTHETKE 433450 and returned to 432447 digging in for the night.

1730:   O Gp held at Commando HQ.

16.01.45

0730:   Commando still on hill 432441.  1 Troop ordered to move to 427457.

0915:   3 Troop patrolled to 426437.

0950:   1 Troop contact 3 Troop NATTHETKE.

1030:   1 Troop arrived 426456 and remained.

1330:   1 Troop patrolled along chaung 430457 - 1 Jap killed and contacted 3/2 Ghurkas and 5 Commando at KANTHA bridge 418451. 

1400:   1 Troop patrolled chaung EASTWARDS to 440457.  Sampans observed 429456.

1430:   CO ordered ambush to laid on sampans same night.

1535:   3 Troop ordered to re-inforce 1 Troop with 1 Platoon to take the place of 1 Troops ambush party.

1630:   CO and IO attended O Gp at Bde.

1730:   1 Troops patrol left posn for ambush.

2230:   Ambush party returned to 1 Troop posns.

17.01.45

0835:   3 Troop recce for possible embarkation beaches for LCAs area 435447 to 435453.

1000:   CO & IO attended conference at Bde. HQ with Capt. A.R. Evill and Lt. J.G.L. Larcher.

1020:   All troops ordered towithdraw 500 yds SOUTH of KANTHA chaung  for air strike at 1100 hours.  NORTH of Chaung.

1100:   1 Troop moved to NATTHETKE.

12.30:  1 Offr & 10 ORs of 6 Troop warned to be prepared to move for patrol same night. Lt. J.G.L. Larcher gave out the orders.

13.50:  Recce patrols left Commando HQ for EASY beach 425376.  Major  J.H.S. Turnbull, MC, Capt. A.R. Evill, Lt. D. Nias, Lt. J.G.L. Larcher and 10 ORs.

1500:   C.O. went to Pt. 163 427442.  Patrol from 3 Troop left NATTHETKE for area 434457.

1540:   1 Troop returned to the posn at 426457.

1645:   3 Troop patrol returned.  OP est in Troop posns. to observe BRANDY ONE IS. 456460.  Lt. B.W.F. Goodrich (RA) and 7 ORs joined the unit and were posted to Troops. 

18.01.45

Unit still on Hill 432441.

1430:   Recce party returned (Major J.H.S. Turnbull, MC, Lt. D. Nias).

1530:   Major J.H.S. Turnbull, MC, left HQ to recce new Commando area.

19.01.45   

Unit still on Hill 432441.

1130:   All were warned to move.

1200:   Lt. J.G.L. Larcher and patrol returned - nothing to report.

1540:   C.O. left for Bde for conference.

20.01.45 

Unit still on Hill 431441.

0930:   HQ 4,5,6 Troops & mortars left posn for new area 433384. 

1030:   1 Troop left 426457 for 433384.

1045:   3 Troop left NATTHETKE for 433384.

1145:   HQ 4,5,6 Troops and mortars arrived 433384 and made bivouac.

1245:   1 & 3 Troops joined rest of Commando.

1730:   CO, IO and SO to conference at Bde.

21.01.45

0800:   Commando O Gp. Nos. 1 & 2 Troops were amalgamated and renamed No. 12 Troop under the command of Capt. J.S. Biscoe.  Rest of morning spent on preparation for ops at KANGAW.

1400:   Burmese guide (ex Burmese policeman from KANGAW area) attached to Commando.

1545:   Commando moved from location to EASY beach 425376.

1700:   Commando embarked LCAs.

1800:   Transferred to HMI Sloop 'NARBADA' with Bde. HQ.  Vessel extremely crowded.  Anchored for night 2 miles SE of MYEBON peninsula.

22.01.45

06.30:  Sloop moving up the THEGYAN river.

08.30:  Anchored south of island 5434.

1000:   Commando disembarked onto 16 LCAs.

1045:   LCAs proceeded up DAING BON CHAUNG.

1245:   Air strike by Mitchels on Pt.170 5149.

Kangaw

22.01.45

1308:   Commando landed on GEORGE beach 505481 and concentrated.

1330:   Commando moved off to Hill 170 in the following order:-  6 Troop 3 Troop 4 Troop HQ 5 Troop.   12 Troop with mortars in posn 509481.

1417:   6 Troop started moving onto Hill 170 from SOUTH.

1435:   6 Troop came under fire from enemy on NORTH end of Hill.  1 OR slightly wounded.

1500:   HQ established 519492, 5 Troop moving up on WEST of feature came under fire at 512498 and 5 ORs were wounded.

1530:   12 Troop joined HQ from beach.

1648:   3 Troop passing through 6 Troop to clear enemy from NORTH of feature encountered heavy opposition and were ordered to withdraw and dig in for the night.  Casualties suffered - killed L/Cpl. Dumigan [view] (R. Innis.Fus.), missing believed killed Gnr. Graves [view] (RA), wounded 6 ORs.  L/Sgt. Baker DCM [view] (6 Troop) killed. 

1730:   Enemy shelled the beach area.

1900:   Platoon of 5 Troop withdrawn from 512498 and ordered to remain as standing patrol at 513494.  Commando dug in for night.  Dispositions for night - 5 Troop less 1 Platoon, 6 Troop less 1 Platoon.  1 Platoon 6 Troop, 3 Troop, 4 Troop and Tac HQ in posn along top of Hill from 514495 to 515492.  Main HQ and 12 Troop at 514492.  5 Commando on SOUTH of Hill 170. 

23.01.45

0001:   Enemy attacked 5 & 6 Troops posns (515495), with force estimated from 20 - 25 strong with LMCs and grenades.  Enemy were driven off by grenades but continued assaults up to 0345 hrs. without success. 

0100:   Enemy attacked Standing Patrol (Pl. 5 Troop) but were driven off  leaving three dead.  Total enemy casualties during night - 9 bodies including 1 Offr counted.  Own cas - killed Gnr. Clay [view] - wounded Capt. H.J. Symonds and 9 ORs (5 Troop).  Casualties evacuated to 61 ADS.  Lt. E.M. Dawson took over comd 5 Troop. 

0900:   Arty registered on NORTH end of feature preparatory to attack by 4 Troop. 

0930:   Arty preparation.

1000:   4 Troop moved on to feature which was completely occupied by 1040 hrs. without opposition.  Commando continued digging in during the day.

1745:   Bridgehead shelled by Japs - no cas in Commando.  Booby traps were laid by own Troops between 4 & 5 Troop posns. 

24.01.45

06.30:  Mortars stand by to put down smoke on enemy occupied features (Sq.5150) to cover evacuation of cas from 44 (RM) Commando. 

1000:   Mortars 'Stand Down'.

1100:   44 (RM) Commando took up posns on feature between 4 & 5 Troops.  Maj. Gen. Wood Comd. 25 Ind Div visited Tac HQ.

1120:   O Gp at Command HQ.

1630:   A number of trees on feature were blown down with explosive to avoid tree bursts from enemy shelling.  Enemy shelling bridgehead  spasmodically throughout the day - no cas in Commando.

2300:   Small party of enemy dispersed from 4 Troop area by grenades.

25.01.45

The Adm party (Capt. J.W. Gardner) moved from beachhead and now established at 513494.

1300:   O Gp at Commando HQ.  Enemy continued periodical shelling of bridgehead - no cas in 1 Commando.

26.01.45

0630:   Heavy shelling of Hill 170 by enemy arty - no cas.

0930:   O Gp at Commando HQ.

1000:   Hill 170 again shelled by enemy - one tree burst over 3 Troop posn caused 3 cas.

1100:   Body of Gnr Graves [view] previously reported missing believed killed found near 4 Troop posn and buried at 514496.

1600:   Patrol of 1 Offr & 6 ORs left hill 170 for HILL (527487).

1900:   Hill 170 shelled by enemy.  Own cas 1 OR wounded.  Spasmodic shelling of bridgehead by enemy continued throughout the day.  Numbers of promotions and appointments being made to bring Commando up to full NCO strength.

27.01.45

0630:   Enemy shelled Hill 170 - no cas.

0700:   No. 12 Troop patrol returned.

0800:   O Gp at Commando HQ re ops in KAGAW area 28 Jan 45.

1000:   Enemy shelled Hill 170 and bridgehead area - no cas.

1730:   Enemy shelled Hill 170 - no cas.

28.01.45

0830:   3" mortars of 3 Commando Bde (less 5 Commando) concentrated under command of No. 12 Troop and five Brens on tripods sighted in 4 Troop posns for diversionary fire on enemy held feature in Sq. 5150.

1000:   Mortars and Brens opened fire on features Sq. 5150.  One large fire started, thought to be oil in area 508500.  One enemy MMG area 508510 silenced.  Enemy shelled 4 Troop posn - own cas 1 OR wounded.

1730:   Four large calibre shells burst near 12 Troop posns - no cas.

1830:   Enemy again shelled Hill 170 - no cas.

29.01.45

0630:   Enemy again shelled Hill 170 - no cas.  Spasmodic shelling by enemy during the afternoon until dusk.

30.01.45

Enemy shelling Hill 170 during the day.

15.30:  Warning order issued to Troops to be ready to move out of posns by 1100 hrs 31 Jan 45 on relief by 7/16  Punjab Regt.    

31.01.45

0545:   Enemy commenced shelling Hill 170 and concentrated their fire on 4 Troop posns.

0615:   Small parties of enemy area 512495 WEST of Hil 170 fired on by own Troops and cas inflicted. 

0630:   Enemy attacked 4 Troop posn in great strength.  Fighting continued throughout the day.

Notes
Copy of original document supplied by John Mewett. Transcribed by Jennie Barlow.
 

No 1 Commando War Diary February 1945

No. 1 Commando War Diary for February 1945
Authors: 
Lt.Col. K.R.S. Trevor, Cheshire Regiment [view]  OIC No 1 Commando
Major J.H.S. Turnbull, MC, Gordon Highlanders [view] 2 I/C No 1 Commando
 

Kangaw

01.02.45  

Unit at Hill 170 (MR.515493 BURMA 1", Sheet 12)

0900:        After attack by PUNJABS feature reported clear of enemy.

0900-1300      Unit preparing for move.  Identification and burial of own dead under direction of Major J.H.S. TURNBULL, MC at MR.51396. Capt. A.B. COLLISHAW (Padre) of 5 Commando read Burial Service.

1030:       5 Commando took over 1 Commando positions.

1300:       Unit evacuated Hill 170 and marched to beach MR.512484 on NGASINBON CHAUNG.

1330:       Embarked on L.C.Ms and moved to DAINGBON CHAUNG.

1410:      Transhipped to L.C.L. about ½ mile down DAINGBON CHAUNG. 42 and 5 Commandos also on L.C.L.

1700:      Anchored off EASY BEACH, MYEBON PENINSULA, MR.4237 (1/25000 MYEBON).

1730:      First troops landed by Alligators owing to difficulty in negotiating mud; further disembarkation postponed, until high tide.

2100:     L.C.I. moved inshore.

2115-2130     Unit disembarked and proceeded by transport and march route to MR.439392.

2230:     Arrived Camp.  Hot meal for troops.  Bedrolls and blankets issued.

Myebon Pen

02.02.45

Unit at MR.439392.  Troops settling in. Issue of canteen stores and limited issue of personal kit. An order of the day by Lt.Col. K.R.S. TREVOR was published.

03.02.45

0930:    Major J.H. DAVIES left for TEKNAF and CHITTAGONG to obtain canteen stores, etc.  Capt. I.V. CARREL left for TEKNAF on admin duties.

1050:    The unit was addressed by the Bde Comd (Brig. C.R. HARDY, DSO).  Special order of the day by Gen. G.N. Wood, OBE, MC, Comd 25 Ind Div received. Special Corps Order by Lt.Gen. A.F.P. CHRISTISON, KBE, CB, MC, Comd 15 Ind Corps.

04.02.45

1100:    Memorial Service held in memory of the personnel of the Commando who were killed in action at MYEBON and KANGAW.

Myebon

05.02.45

0830:    Unit paraded and marched off for area Bde. H.Q. at 436384 to join remainder of Bde units.

0930:    Address to whole Bde by Comd 25 Ind Div (Maj-Gen. G.N. WOODS)

1000:    Unit returned to camp.

1530:    Capt. I.V. CARREL (Adjt) arrived in camp from TEKNAF.

06.02.45

Unit in same posn.

07.02.45

Commando reorganised into H.Q., Mortar Platoon, and four fighting Troops in consequence of depletion in strength due to recent actions. A number of promotions and appointments were made to bring the Commando up to strength in N.C.Os.

1030:        Lt. J.K. PATERSON and one NCO left for TEKNAF to obtain Signal Stores.

08.02.45

Unit in same posn.

1100:       Major J.H. DAVIES returned to camp from CHITTAGONG.

09.02.45 

Lt. A.J. DAVIES (Bde H.Q.) posted to this unit and assumed the appointment of I.O.

1400:       Lt. E.M. DAWSON proceeded to 2nd Bn Black Watch for posting and S.O.S. this unit.  Lt. D. NIAS took over command of No. 5 Troop.

1500:      Six B.O.Rs proceeded to DEOLALI to return to parent unit.

Teknaf  

Fire reported to have broken out in 44 Cdo lines at TEKNAF. Quickly spread to 42 Cdo lines and unit bashas in this area had to be demolished in order to check progress of fire. Fire was got under control by 1600 hrs.

1700:     Officers' farewell dinner to O.C. (Lt-Col. K.R.S. TREVOR).  Address to unit by Lt-Col. K.R.S. TREVOR on leaving unit for duty in U.K.

10.02.45

1030:    Lt-Col. K.R.S. TREVOR left MYEBON by 'plane and ceased the appointment of Commanding Officer, No. 1 Commando.  A large number of unit personnel were on the airstrip to see his     departure.  Major J.H.S. TURNBULL, MC. temporarily assumed command of unit. Party of ex-sick and wounded personnel rejoined unit from hospital.

1400:    Troop Commanders' conference re training programme.

11.02.45 

Small advance party of 1 Officer and 3 B.O.Rs moved to AKYAB. Verbal order issued for move of unit to AKYAB. Lt. J.K. PATERSON returned to AKYAB from TEKNAF with Signal Stores.  Troops' sing-song during evening.

12.02.45

0930:    Unit stores packed, moved by tpt to jetty, and loaded on to I.W.T. Ferryboats.

1100:    Orders received that unit would commence embarking at 1600 hrs today (Original intention that unit should move tomorrow, 13 Feb 45).

1500:    Troops moved from bivouac area by march route to jetty, MYEBON, MR.437402. On completion of embarkation, the Ferry boats moved out into the chaung and weighed anchor for the  night.

At Sea

13.02.45

0615:    Ferry boats moved down chaung to open sea. Course was SOUTH from MYEBON down WEST coast off large unnamed island SOUTH of MYEBON PENINSULA, then N.W. across HUNTER'S BAY and NORTH along coast of EAST BARONGA ISLAND through SINBAIK and KWEDE rivers to AKYAB.

Akyab

1340:    Docked at jetty, AKYAB, MR.896537.

1350:    Disembarkation commenced.

1630-1800    Unit conveyed by tpt to KAUNGDAGA, NR.804606.  Troop areas allotted. Orderly Room and communication with Bde established.

14.02.45

0900:    Troops engaged in building shelters.

1130:    Unit Routine Orders issued.  Drinking water point established in unit Admin area. 30 x range established 100 yds NORTH of camp. Location and direction of fire reported to Bde.

1400-1530    Unit inoculated against small-pox.

15.02.45 

Lt. J.K.PATERSON (Signal Officer) left unit on repatriation to U.K. for long service overseas. Interior Economy and building of bivouacs.  Evening party to Cinema.

16.02.45 

Training Programme for 16 and 17 Feb issued.

0900-    Drill Parade under R.S.M.  Nos. 5 & 3 Tps on Firing Range. Nos. 1000  5 & 6 Tps on bathing and football. No. 4 Tp preparing to move to TEKNAF to act as Bde (Rear Details) loading    party. Evening party to Cinema.  Unit canteen opened.

17.02.45

0630:    No. 4 Troop left camp en route to TEKNAF together with one Troop of 42 Cdo.

0900-    C.O's Parade and R.S.Ms Drill.  Two B.O.Rs left unit for 28 days leave in UK.

1000-    Unit Pay Parade.  Kit Issues.

1130     Interior Economy.  Evening party to Cinema.

18.02.45

Interior Economy and preparation for Deputy-Comd's visit.

19.02.45

0930:    Issue of Training Programme for week ending 24 Feb 45. Unit paraded on Football Ground.

0945:    Col. P. YOUNG, DSO, MC, Deputy Comd, 3 Cdo Bde inspected the unit.

1045:    Camp area inspected by Deputy Comd.

1430:    H.Q. Troop on Firing Range. Psychiatrist visited the unit. Commando entertained by the "Roosters Concert Party".

20.02.45

Troops on training as per Training Programme. Evening party to see ENSA Show starring "FRANCES DAY".

21.02.45

Normal routine and training.  Fire broke out in scrub around camp area.

22.02.45

Fire pickets detailed to watch fire - fire reported to S.O.1.

1000:    Five men per Troop attended lecture at Bde H.Q. by A.L.O. and Sq/Ldr Adams on R.A.F.support for the Army.

1630:    Football Match - 42 (RM) Cdo ..... 2 - 1 Cdo ..... 0.  Cinema parties restricted to Wednesdays and Saturdays.

23.02.45

Normal routine and training.

1400:    Unit Pay Parade.

1630:    Organised games.  Football Match 1 Cdo v 42 Cdo.  Result 2-3. Evening party to BESA Show at Bde HQ.

24.02.45

0900:    Adjutant's Parade.

1000-    H.Q. Troop on Range for Shooting Competition.

1200     ALAN HUMPHRIES, Press Reporter, visited unit and interviewed chosen personnel of the Commando on their experiences in the recent fighting. Order of the Day by Lt-Gen. CHRISTISON, Comd 15 Ind Corps, was received.  Copy of letter written to Comd 25 Ind Div from Gen. Sir Oliver W.H. LEESE, Bart., KCB, DSO, ADC,  C-in-C Allied Land Forces, S.E.A.C. was received.

25.02.45

Church Services held in unit Canteen.  No. 3 Tp as loading party for 15 Ind Corps HQ.  Rev. E. CROWLEY (R.C. Padre) was attached to this unit.

26.02.45

Issue of Training Programme for week ending 3 Mar 45.  Lt. J.R. TURPIN rejoined this unit from U.K.  Guard of honour selected for visit of Lt-Gen CHRISTISON.

27.02.45

0900:    Swimming trials at chaung 7767 to select team for Swimming Gala.

1305:    The Comd 15 Ind Corps (Lt-Gen A.F.P. CHRISTISON, KBE, CB, MC) visited the Commando to thank all ranks for their part in the recent operations, and he gave a very interesting talk about the war situation in the ARAKAN.

28.02.45

1200:    Capt. D. NIAS together with other unit Officers of the Bde moved to the unit's new location.

1500-    Swimming Gala.

1630     Evening party to Cinema.

Notes
Copy of original document supplied by:  John Mewett; Transcribed by:  Jennie Barlow.
 

1 Commando Operations

These are the main operations that No 1 Commando took part in, either on their own, or as part of a Combined Operations assault. They are in date order and form part of our overall history of No 1 Commando. No 1 Commando were part of 3 Commando Brigade during the Burma Campaign. Many of the documents we have for this period are related to more than one single commando unit and are listed jointly in the document 3 Commando Brigade Operations in Burma.

Click on the links for more detail about each.

Operation Chopper

Operation Myrmidon

Operation Bizerte

Operation Chariot

Operation Bristle

Operation Torch

Operation Bean

Battle of Hill 170

More on 3 Commando Brigade Operations in Burma

Operation Bottle

Unit Archive (excludes gallery): 
No 1 Commando

1 Commando, Memorial Service

Document from John Mewett,  transcribed by Elaine Southworth-Davies. Source: National Archives  WO 218/81. 
Note: 12 Troop is thought to have been a short lived merger due to numbers of 1 and 2 Troops.
[Source: Henry Brown OBE.]
 
MYEBON 4th FEBRUARY 1945
Memorial Service for the Fallen and Wounded Officers and Men of No. 1 Commando during operations on Myebon Peninsula and the Kangaw Bridgehead, January 1945.
 
1. HYMN “Let Saints on earth in concert sing”
 
2. LESSON Wisdom of Solomon 3.
 
3. ROLL OF HONOUR 
Read by the Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel K.R.S. Trevor.
No. 12 Troop
3596431 Cpl. J. A. YOUNG
No. 3 Troop
5933108 Sgt. R. J. LANDER                                               3191706 L/Cpl. M. DEARDEN
6982426 L/Cpl. J. DUMIGAN                                            1453333   J.G A. BEANEY
983057 Gnr. L .P. GRAVES                                                5384112 Pte. R. A. LOOKER
No. 4 Troop
Lieut. G. A. KNOWLAND                                                   14241761 Cpl. H. BAKER
7942336 L/Cpl. A. PLLU                                                    14604377 L/Cpl. E. J. LLOYD
7366356 L/Cpl. H.G. RUSHTON                                       5828291 Pte. J. BOYCE
2185354 Pte. J. FITZSIMMONS                                         5621153 Pte. I. N. TUCKER
No. 5 Troop
6143891 Gnr.G. M. BAKER
No. 6 Troop
Lieut. A. A. PALMER                                                            1905889 Sgt. M. F. MORRIS (MM)
2614133 L/Sgt. A BAKER (DCM)                                        2073288 L/SGT.M. B. JONES
5933005 L/Sgt. R. WALLIS                                                  6482243 L/Cpl. G. C. WILSON
3964660 L/Cpl. J. R. LINES                                                 14241839 Pte. R. E. WATTS
14604353 Fus. A. A. ANDREWS                                         6206246 Gnr. F. H. CLAY
Headquarters (Signals)
5735209 Pte. W. J. COMAN
 
4.   LESSON 1 Corinthians, 15.
 
5.  SHORT ADDRESS  by Rev, A. B. COLLISHAW, B.A.  Ch.  D.
 
6. PRAYER
 
7. HYMN “The Church’s one foundation”
 
8.  LAST POST AND REVEILLE
 
9.  ROLL OF WOUNDED 
Read by Troop Leaders.
No. 12 Troop
14241783 Cpl. T. G. BENNION                                        3915316 Pte. J. WOOD
3974792 Pte. D. W. CROSS                                              5052724 Pte. W. G. WARD
No. 3 Troop
Lieut. F. H. CREWE
7690515 Pte. C. R. MARSHALL                                        5510944 Pte. H. A. WARE
11259984 Gnr. A. A. DAVEY                                            14207309  Pte. F. EVERITT            
4195436 L/Cpl. W. JONES                                                14603190 L/Cpl. W. S. SMITH      
6015678 Gnr. L. E. SMITH                                                3915335 Pte. C. JAMES
4033985 L/Sgt. H. W. ROBERTS                                      4698646 Cpl. J. W. HOBBS
5437882 Pte. D. SWEENEY                                              1500881  Fus. W. MCFALL
851702 Gnr. G. W. JENKINS                                             2083611 Gnr. F. V. ABBS
13046330 Pte. A, P, GRANT                                             5826616 Pte. H. G. RUFFELL
No. 4 Troop
Capt. D.H. COWAP (MC)
5825564 L/Sgt. L. E. DUNNETT                                        5933908 L/Sgt. A. JACKSON
5826893 L/Sgt. W. A. LING                                               4196617 Cpl. R. GOODLASS
6970370 Cpl. A. G. THOMPSON                                      3249930 L/Cpl.J. E. AITKEN
14327805 Gnr.A. MADDOX                                             2063437 Gnr. F. G. PALMER
6300127 Pte. A. J. WILLIAMS                                           3863684 Pte.T. HEHIR                    
5830879 Pte. A. W. LOVESAY                                          14416348Pte. T.N. BUCHANAN
799237 Pte. J. W. GARDNER                                            3973636 Pte. A. PAWSON
14627308 Pte. E. T. ALLEN
No. 5 Troop
Capt. H. J. SYMONDS
1606430 Gnr. J. O’DONNELL                                            866743 Gnr. H. COUNCELL           
3713113 Pte. G. JUDGE                                                     6298707 Pte. L. T. STEFFENSON
2579764 L/Cpl. H. BERRY                                                 1432055 Gnr. T. C. WILSON
3976195 Pte. W. D. JONES                                                828326 BSM J. J. DOWNEY           
3392797 L/Sgt. W. WATERHOUSE                                   5186819 Gnr. A. G. MULHOLLAND
6215749 Pte. S. SIMMONDS                                            3194769 Pte. W. AIRD
2062315 Gnr. J. A. QUINCEY                                            3962766 Pte. J. C. LEAVER
3970740 Pte. J. C. MORGAN                                            14353401 Pte. J. A. YANDELL
2048203 Pte. E. J. LONGMAN
No. 6 Troop
5055844 L/Cpl. G.D. PYM                                                 14241724 Pte. G. WOOLARD
6298002 Pte. K. VINCENT                                                 5933209 Pte. W. T. SEWELL
852223 Bdr. A. E. RUSDALE                                              6215774 Pte. D. W. WILLIAMS
14590409 Pte. H. MURPHY                                              14604392 Fus. W. R. TAYLOR       
4748087 Cpl. E. BARNES                                                  1732198 L/Cpl. C. HOTHERSALL  
4801882 Fus. C.J. MERCER                                               14421501 Pte. S. BURGESS          
4032499 L/Cpl G. L. STANLEY                                          1650807 Gnr. F. G. ANDREWS
14604367  Pte. S. CUNNINGHAM                                    5383388 Pte. W. NUTLEY              
6103121 L/Cpl. J. E. A. MAYNARD                                    11268888 Gnr. S, R, RUDGLEY
3393053 Pte, D. MALONEY                                               3718320 Gnr. M. PHILLIPSON
Headquarters
6104720 Pte. F. WILLIAMS                                               14241845 L/Bdr. E. BIDDESCOMBE
7366507 Sgt. G. L. NORLEY                                              6471335 Fus. W. H. IRVING
 

10.   PRAYER

11. BLESSING
 
Archive pages: 
No 1 Commando