11 Commando

11 Commando

This Commando was formed on 23rd June 1940 in Galashiels. After formation it marched from Galashiels to Ayr and then on to the Isle of Arran for amphibious training.

The Commando sailed to the Middle East at the end of January 1941 its first task was Operation Exporter, the invasion of Vichy French Syria. No 11 Commando as ‘C’ Battalion Layforce landed against the French defences at the Litani River on 8th June. During this action No 11 lost its Commanding Officer Lt.Col R.R.N. Pedder along with about one quarter of its strength but the Commando acquitted itself admirably and was part of the success of this operation.

After garrison duties in cypress men from the Commando were involved in the now famous raid on the H.Q. of Rommel. In an attempt to kidnap the ‘Fox’ No 11’s new C.O. Lt.Col Geoffrey Keyes devised and put into operation the daring Operation Flipper raid. Parachuting 250 miles behind enemy lines and making their way to the H.Q.overland. Although the outcome was negative the bravery of the men on this operation was of the highest order and Lt Col Keyes received a posthumous Victoria Cross for his part in it.

After this raid the Commando role was changing and No 11 Commando along with Layforce was disbanded due mainly to depleted manpower.

View our Gallery images of No 11 Commando

Read a document submitted to us about Layforce

Click/touch No 11 Commando below for additional content, or follow the links below it to specific content entries.

Archive pages: 
No 11 Commando
Layforce

11 Commando Roll of Honour

Archive pages: 
No 11 Commando
Below is an A-Z view of the Roll of Honour with information about each of the Fallen. Displaying 1 - 69 of 69

ADAMS, Jack

Jack Adams 11 Commando
Private
2758154
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Jack Adams from Perth died during operations at Litani River. Enlisted October 1939. Formerly employed at a Timbers Merchants in Larbert. Member of Perth Amateur Athletic Cycle Club
 
Sources
CWGC.

AINSLIE, William Robson Milne

LCpl Ainslie 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
329331
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal William Ainslie, 2 troop, died during operations at Litani River. Son of Thomas Barclay Ainslie and Isabella W. B. Ainslie; husband of Margaret M. McLellan Ainslie. of Aberdeen.
 
Sources
CWGC.

BALLANTYNE, Alexander A.

Lance Corporal
2934334
No 11 Commando
Special Service Detachment 2
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Alexander Ballantyne was wounded 9 June 1941 during operations with No.11 Commando at Litani River. After recovering he was assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2) and was killed in Burma.

BARRAND, Peter Charles

Lance Corporal
6971182
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Rifle Brigade
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Peter Barrand was reported missing presumed killed during operations in the Western Desert. Son of Oscar A. and Grace Barrand, of Selsey, Sussex [1][2].

BERTIE, James John William

Corporal
2989781
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal James Bertie was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, later confirmed as died of wounds. Son of James and Isabella Taylor Bertie; husband of Elizabeth Brown Bertie, of Edinburgh.
 
Sources

BEST, George

Private
2883741
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private George Best died during operations at Litani River. Son of Samuel and Matilda Best, of Walthamstow, Essex.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

BULLOCK, Howard Ernest

Gunner
826260
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Howard Bullock from Worcestershire died in hospital at Ramleh of meningitis following gunshot wounds received during operations against the enemy in the Middle East. Son of Roger Ernest and Rose Bullock, of Wollaston, Stourbridge, Worcestershire.
 

BURTON, Kenneth Harwood

Sergeant
404001
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Kenneth Burton was mobilised from the Reserve List in Edinburgh on the 2nd September 1939 and posted to the 3rd Cavalry Training Regiment. He volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.11 Commando on 12 October 1940. Embarked for operations in the Middle East as part of Layforce.

CAMPBELL, William

Private
2763471
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Campbell died during operations at Litani River. Son of Robert and Marjory Campbell, of Janetstown, Caithness-shire.
 

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

CHANTRELL, William

Private
7379892
No 11 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private William Chantrell died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William H. and Sarah E. Chantrell, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

COHEN, Aaron Harry

Private
2760335
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Aaron Cohen died during operations at Litani River. Son of Atme Cohen, of Manchester.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

COODE, Donald Alastair

Lieutenant
91438
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Donald Coode, 1 troop, died during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of Donald and Alexa Coode, of Juniper Green, Midlothian.
 
Sources
CWGC.

COOKE, John

Lance Bombardier
4690225
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier John Cooke from Pontefract died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Arthur and Jane Ellen Cooke, of Pontefract, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

CRAIG, James Cross

Lance Corporal
2763490
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal James Craig was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later confirmed to have died of wounds.
 
Sources
CWGC.

DIBB, Edgar

Corporal
746439
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Edgar Dibb died during operations at Litani River.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

DINSDALE, Henry

Private
4750212
No 11 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Henry Dinsdale died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Henry and Esther Dinsdale; husband of Doris Dinsdale, of Bradford, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.

EARDLEY, Albert William

Albert Eardley 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
2072050
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Albert Eardley died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mr and Mrs L. Eardley of Burslem, Stoke on Trent.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

FRASER, Thomas Coupar

Pte. Thomas Fraser 11 Commando
Private
2934226
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Thomas Fraser, 10 Troop, died during operations in the Western Desert. He had been one of the raiding party of Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ. Son of Leslie D. and Annie H. Fraser, of Parkhead, Glasgow.
 
Sources

GALLAGHER, Denis

Denis Gallagher 11 Commando
Private
2989639
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Denis Gallagher died during operations at Litani River. Son of Mrs Sarah Gallagher of Malden Street, Leyland, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.

GIBBS, William George

William Gibbs 11 Commando
Gunner
879745
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner William Gibbs was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mr and Mrs Gibbs of Conway Street, Everton.
Extract from the Liverpool Evening Express 
24 July 1941

GREIG, Robert

Corporal
2881454
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Robert Greig died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Robert and Annie Greig, of Rickarton, Kincardineshire.
Extract from the Aberdeen Evening Express
18 July 1941

HAMILTON, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton 11 Commando
Driver
2576082
No 11 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Killed in action or died of wounds
Driver Alexander Hamilton was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of the late Private James Hamilton, RASC, killed in action 5 months earlier, and of Catherine Hamilton, of Stirling.
Extract from the Stirling Observer

HAMILTON, Robert Scott

Private
3323516
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Robert Hamilton died of wounds during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William and Ann H. Hamilton, of Glasgow.
 
Sources
CWGC.

HARLAND, Edwin

Private
2882955
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Edwin Harland died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Edwin Scriven Harland and Annie Aline Harland, of Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

HUGHES, Albert Edwin

Lance Corporal
5569217
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Albert Hughes died in Egypt.
Son of Mrs. R. Newbury, of Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty lists / National Archives file WO417/58.
 

HURST, Ben

Private
3715891
No 11 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Ben Hurst was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.

INNES, John

Lance Corporal
2932101
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders 2nd Bn.
Died on active service
Lance Corporal John Innes died in a field hospital in Egypt on 16 January 1942.

JOHNSTON, Robert

Corporal Robert Johnston 11 Commando
Corporal
2931826
No 11 Commando
Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Died on active service
Corporal Robert Johnston died of exhaustion and malaria whilst assigned from the Commando to Middle East Detachment 2, later redesignated 2nd Special Service Detachment (SSD 2), in Burma. He has no known grave.

JONES, Charles Ernest

Trooper
554075
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps/Staffordshire Yeomanry
Died on war service
Trooper Charles Ernest Jones died in the Middle East as a result of an accident. 
Son of Charles Henry and Annie Jones, of Wolverhampton.
 
Sources
CWGC.

JONES, Harold

Corporal
550620
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Harold Jones died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William and Charlotte Jones, of Sale, Cheshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

KING, Ernest Taylor

Lance Corporal
4803483
No 11 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment 6th Bn
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Ernest King was reported missing 9 June 1941 during operations at Litani River, Syria, later confirmed killed in action.

KINGHORN, Robert

Private
2884403
No 11 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private Robert Kinghorn was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

KNIGHT, Denis Hammond

Second Lieutenant
108158
No 11 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Died on war service
Second Lieutenant Denis Knight died during the period the Commando were based for training on the Isle of Arran. He was found with a gunshot wound to his head in the dwelling house in Lamlash where he was billeted.

LANG, John

John Lang 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
326577
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal John Lang died during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of James and Mary Watt Stirling Lang; stepson of Charlotte D. Lang, of Mount Kembla, New South Wales, Australia.

LISTER, Richard

Private
3319075
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Richard Lister died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Harry and Lena Lister, of Kirkburton, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

MACARTHUR, Robert

Lance Bombardier
1455543
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier Robert Macarthur died during operations at the Litani River, Syria.
Son of Mr and Mrs James Macarthur of Mile End, Campbeltown, Argyll.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

MACQUARRIE, Donald Maclean

Donald Macquarrie 11 Commando
Original grave of Donald Macquarrie
Lance Corporal
3319006
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Donald MacQuarrie, 8 troop, died of wounds during operations in the Middle East. Initially reported as missing on 24 November 1941 then as wounded and a prisoner of war (since recaptured). 

MCAULEY, Michael

Lance Corporal
2986292
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Michael McAuley died during operations at Litani River. He has no known grave.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

MCGUIRE, John

Corporal
2934163
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal John McGuire was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of William and Cecilia McGuire, of Glasgow.
 
Sources
CWGC.

MCKAY, Robert

Corporal
2928972
No 11 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Robert McKay was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 

MCKEOWN, John

Private
2760779
No 11 Commando
Black Watch
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John McKeown died during operations at Litani River.
Son of Patrick and Catherine McKeown, of Ruchill, Glasgow.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

MULLEN, James Cassidy

Private
3325329
No 11 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Mullen was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

MURPHY, James

Private
2981807
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private James Murphy died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of James and Annie Murphy, of Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

O'SULLIVAN, William Martin

William O'Sullivan 11 Commando
Sergeant
4803368
No 11 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment 6th Bn
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant William O'Sullivan was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Thomas and Violet May O'Sullivan, of Spalding, Lincolnshire.
Previously wounded May 1940 at Dunkirk.
 
Sources

OLIPHANT, Archibald Johnston

Lance Bombardier
894985
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Bombardier Archibald Oliphant died of wounds received during operations at Litani River in the Middle East. Son of James and Martha Lucy Oliphant, of Belvedere, Kent.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.

PADBURY, John

Corporal
320986
No 11 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
3rd Cavalry Training Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal John Padbury died during operations at Litani River, Syria.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
 

PARNACOTT, Geoffrey Alfred Henry

Lieutenant
105607
No 11 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Geoffrey Parnacott, 4 troop, died during operations at Litani River, Syria. He has no known grave. Previously served at Dunkirk with the British Expeditionary Force.
Son of Horace Walter and Muriel Mary Hunter Parnacott, of Shortlands, Bromley, Kent.
 

PLUNKETT, John

Fusilier
3773880
No 11 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Fusilier John Plunkett was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Joseph Edward and Alice Jane Plunkett, of Liverpool.
 
Sources
CWGC.

PURSE, Jack

Lance Corporal
2987094
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Jack Purse was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of Bertha Elizabeth Purse, of Gleadless, Sheffield.
 
Sources
CWGC.

RICHARDS, Charles Geoffrey

Second Lieutenant
126476
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Charles Richards, 5 troop, was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of the Revd. Charles Louis Richards, M.A., and Alice Winifred Richards, of Pimperne Rectory, Blandford, Dorsetshire. B.A. (Oxon.).
 

ROBB, Leslie

Private
5570437
No 11 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Leslie Robb died of wounds after operations at Litani River, Syria.
Husband of Rosa Robb, of Leeds, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/26.

ROBERTSON, Andrew

Gunner
958993
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Gunner Andrew Robertson died of wounds received during operations at Litani River, Syria. Son of Andrew and Louisa Robertson, of Cupar, Fife.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

ROONEY, Lawrence

Private
4534896
No 11 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Lawrence Rooney was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria.
Son of Frank and Catherine Rooney, of Moss Side, Formby, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

SEVERN, Clive

LCpl. Severn SBS
Lance Corporal
5887258
No 11 Commando
SBS
Northamptonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Clive Severn was reported missing at sea whilst on board the submarine H.M.S. Triumph later presumed killed in action. Mentioned in Despatches (posthumous) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.

SMITH, John Rolland

Sergeant
2986958
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant John Rolland Smith died during operations at Litani River.
Son of William and Elizabeth Smith, of Alloa, Clackmannanshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

SMITH, Peter

Gunner
1527750
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died on war service

Gunner Peter Smith, from Glencraig in Fife, was reported missing in 1942 (full date not reported) during operations in the Middle East , later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a].  He was subsequently killed as a result of aerial bombardment [2][2a].

STEVENSON, Thomas

Corporal
2977763
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Thomas Stevenson died during operations at Litani River. He has no known grave. Husband of Williamina Stevenson, of Prestwick, Ayrshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

THOMPSON, Royce

Private
2984367
No 11 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Royce Thomspson died during operations at Litani River. He has no known grave. 
Son of Harry and Charlotte Thompson, of Monk Bretton, Yorkshire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

TITTERTON, Cyril Arthur

Lance Corporal
3604006
No 11 Commando
Border Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Cyril Titterton died during operations at Litani River, Syria. 

Son of Arthur Titterton and of Mary Annie Titterton, (nee Ratcliffe); husband of Helen Titterton (nee Casson), of Skerton, Lancaster.

WALLACE, Hugh

Corporal
3130762
No 11 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Hugh Wallace was reported missing presumed killed in action at sea on 5 December 1941.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35 and WO417/52.
 

WOOD, Alfred Joseph

Alfred Joseph Wood 11 Commando
Sergeant
3054128
No 11 Commando
Royal Scots attd. 2nd Bn. Queen's Own Cameron Highalnders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Alfred Wood was killed in action during operations in the Western Desert.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Joseph Wood; husband of Eliza Wood. of Warrington, Lancashire.
 
Sources
CWGC.

WOODNUTT, Desmond

Sapper
1894107
No 11 Commando
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sapper Desmond Woodnutt died during operations at Litani River, Syria.

Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
RE Enlistment Register for 1939 (enlisted 16 Oct. 1939).
RE Casualty Card.

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.

11 Commando Commanders

Archive pages: 
No 11 Commando

PEDDER, Richard Robert Newsham (Lt Col)

Rank: 
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base: 
11 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Service: 
Army
Number: 
31724
Died : 
Monday, June 9, 1941
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
36
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Sidon War Cemetery Lebanon
Operations: 
Litani River - Operation Exporter
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Pedder, Officer Commanding No.11 (Scottish) Commando, was killed in action during operations at Litani River, Syria. Commissioned on 27 August 1924 he served with the Highland Light Infantry until the outbreak of war.
Son of Brigadier General Ernest Newsham Pedder and Mary Aloisa Pedder; husband of Pamela Anne Pedder.
Winston Churchill later wrote: "Their advance (referring to the Australians) was aided by a daring raid by No.11 Commando, which was landed from the sea behind the enemy lines.
In this devoted stroke the Commando lost its leader Colonel Pedder, and all its other officers were either killed or wounded, together with nearly 120 other ranks, or a quarter of its total strength."
 
Sources
CWGC. 
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.
[Image] His daughter Mrs Elisabeth Humphryes.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 
11 Commando Roll of Honour
Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes
Archive pages : 
No 11 Commando
Layforce

KEYES, Lt Col. Geoffrey Charles Tasker, VC

Rank: 
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base: 
11 Commando
'Layforce'
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), Royal Armoured Corps
Service: 
Army
Number: 
71081
Honours & Awards: 
Victoria Cross (VC)
Military Cross (MC)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Died : 
Tuesday, November 18, 1941
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
24
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya
Operations: 
Litani River - Operation Exporter
'Rommel HQ - Operation Flipper'
Geoffrey Charles Tasker Keyes VC
Geoffrey Charles Tasker Keyes VC © IWM (E 4732)
Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Keyes MC died during the commando raid on Rommel's HQ. Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Son of Admiral of the Fleet Roger John Brownlow Keyes, G.C.B., K.C.V.O., C.M:G., D.S.O., A.D.C., 1st Baron Keyes, and of Lady Keyes (nee Bowlby), of Buckingham.
Formerly Captain of 2 troop, No 11 Commando, he was promoted Officer Commanding No 11 Commando after the death of Lt Col Pedder during the Litani River raid.  It was during this raid that the then Captain Keyes was awarded the Military Cross. 
Victoria Cross.
War Office, 19th June, 1942.
Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes commanded a detachment of a force which landed some 250 miles behind the enemy lines to attack Headquarters, Base Installations and Communications. From the outset Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes deliberately selected for himself the command of the detachment detailed to attack what was undoubtedly the most hazardous of these objectives—the residence and Headquarters of the General Officer Commanding the German forces in North Africa. This attack, even if initially successful, meant almost certain death for those who took part in it.
He led his detachment without guides, in dangerous and precipitous country and in pitch darkness, and maintained by his stolid determination and powers of leadership the morale of the detachment. He then found himself forced to modify his original plans in the light of fresh information elicited from neighbouring Arabs, and was left with only one officer and an N.C.O. with whom to break into General Rommel's residence and deal with the guards and Headquarters Staff.
At zero hour on the night of 17th-18th November, 1941, having despatched the covering party to block the approaches to the house, he himself with the two others crawled forward past the guards, through the surrounding fence and so up to the house itself. Without hesitation, he boldly led his party up to the front door, beat on the door and demanded entrance.
Unfortunately, when the door was opened, it was found impossible to overcome the sentry silently, and it was necessary to shoot him. The noise of the shot naturally aroused the inmates of the house and Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes, appreciating that speed was now of the utmost importance, posted the N.C.O. at the foot of the stairs to prevent interference from the floor above. Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes, who instinctively took the lead, emptied his revolver with great success into the first room and was followed by the other officer who threw a grenade. Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes with great daring then entered the second room on the ground floor but was shot almost immediately on flinging open the door and fell back into the passage mortally wounded. On being carried outside by his companions he died within a few minutes.
By his fearless disregard of the great dangers which he ran and of which he was fully aware, and by his magnificent leadership and outstanding gallantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes set an example of supreme self sacrifice and devotion to duty.
 
Sources
Victoria Cross: London Gazette 35600, page 2699.
Military Cross: London Gazette 35316, page 6086.
[Image 1] Image © NMS/2012 National Museum Scotland.
[Image 2] Image © IWM (E 4732) Imperial War Museum.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 
11 Commando Roll of Honour
Photo of Commando in Gallery: 
Yes
Additional content: 
Commandos awarded the Victoria Cross
Archive pages : 
No 11 Commando
Layforce

11 Commando Nominal Roll

For historical & research purposes, we have tried to compile the names of all the volunteers for No.11 Commando which were obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Lists of Casualties, the No.11 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 11 Commando

No.11 Commando Nominal A-C

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.11 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.
FM = CVA Forum Message.
PG = CVA Photo Gallery
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Abbott
Aiden, Alphonsus
Gnr
970064
 
Newfoundland Regt; RA Attestations; (FM).
C.A.
Pte
4803670
 
Lincs Regt; wounded 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27
Jack
Pte
2758154
 
Black Watch (RHR); kiaLitani
William, Robson, Milne
LCpl
329331
 
RAC; kia Litani
Aitken
Robert
 
 
 
 
Alexander
Roy, Percival
Pte
2819724
 
Seaforth Hldrs; Cdo service not confirmed; SAS service is confirmed. Email from A. Orton
Allkin
R
Pte
 
 
 
John, Clover
Sgt
 
 
(CA79)
Archibald
Adam
 
 
 
Royal Scots
Arnold
D
 
 
 
 
Alexander, Charles
LCpl
2885492
 
Gordon Highlanders; Kia Litani
Baird
James Parlane 'Jimmy'
Capt
 
 
RAMC
Alexander, A.
LCpl
2934334
 
QOCH; kia with SSD2
Banks
Alistair
Lt
 
 
 
Edward
Cpl
3325427
MM
HLI; awarded MM with SBS
Peter, Charles
LCpl
6971182
 
London Rifle Brigade; kia
J
Pte
3325685
 
HLI wounded Litani River
Alexander
Cpl
2886105
 
Gordon Highlanders; PoW
Beavis
 
Pte
 
 
 
Bell
Denis
LCpl
 
 
RAOC; 2 Tp (CA93)
James, John, William
Cpl
2989781
 
A&SH; kia Litani
George
Pte
2883741
 
Gordon Highlanders;
kia Litani
Biddiscombe
 
LCpl
 
 
 
Birch
Denis, John
 
 
 
 
Blackwell
 
Pte
 
 
 
David, Arthur
Capt
73177
MC. MBE
Seaforth Highlanders;
MC with Seaforths
Jim
Pte
2888381
 
Gordon Highlanders; PoW
Bookless
 
Pte
 
 
 
Borthwick
 
 
 
 
 
Botherway
A.H.J.
Cpl
 
 
Sherwood Forresters
David
Bdr / Lt
269318
 
RA and DLI;
to OCTU kia with DLI 
Bradley
John, 'Jack'
Pte
 
 
from Southport (CA115)
J.
Sig
2332471
 
R. Corps of Sigs; wounded Litani River
Brand
George
 
 
 
Royal Scots
Brankin
George
 
 
 
 
Brodie
D
Bdr
 
 
 
Brown
Edward, Albert 'Ted'
Cpl
 
 
 
Charles
Sgt
2758668
 
Black Watch; PoW escapee
Gerald, Jackson
Lt
425189
MC
RE; award at Litani
Howard, Ernest
Gnr
826260
 
RA; died of wounds Litani
Burgess
Les
Tpr
321601
 
Royal Dragoons; PoW 1944 (R. Armoured Corps)  WO417/79
Burke
Harry
 
 
 
 
Charles, William
Gnr
872276
 
RA; kia Litani
Kenneth, Harwood
Sgt
404001
 
Royal Dragoons, RAC;
kia Litani
Howard, H.C.
Cpl
927900
MM 
South Lancs, 9 Cdo, and SBS
John, Vincent, 'Jack'
Cpl / CSM
2060658
DCM
Gordon Highlanders, SAS, and 6 cdo
Calderwood
William, John,  'Bill or Jock'
Cpl
 
 
Cameron Highlanders
Campbell
Colin, 'Streaky'
Tpr
 
 
 
Campbell
William
Pte
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Campbell
William
Pte
2763471
 
Black Watch; kia Litani
Campion
Thomas, Whawell 'Whay'
LSgt
 
 
for 3 months then to No.9 cdo
Canavan
Hugh
Pte
 
 
QOCH
Richard, Philip
Capt
90121
MBE,MC
RA; PoW
Carter
Tommy
 
 
 
 
Carver
J
Sgt
 
 
 
Cassidy
J
Pte
 
 
QOCH
Caton
Geoffrey
Bdr
 
RA/ME Cdo/L Det SAS/1SAS/      kia SRS
Chadwick
N.S.
LBdr
2754683
 
RA; wounded Syria 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27; later PoW WO417/48
William
Pte
7379892
 
RAMC; kia Litani
Chell
Thomas, William, Herbert
Sgt
 
 
(CA105, CA111)
Chevelier
Harold
Lt
 
 
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
John, 'Jock'
Sgt
2876138
 
Gordon Highlanders;
to 'L' Det. SAS died of wounds
James, Alexander
Sgt
2929812
 
QOCH; kia Litani
P
Pte
2989810
 
A&SH; wounded Litani
Clarke
J.C.E.
Pte
4802202
 
Lincs Regt;  wounded 9Jun41
Syria WO417/34
Cleverley
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Clithero
George, E.
Cpl
 
 
 
Cockett
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Lawrence, Joseph
Sgmn
2332748
 
R Signals and 2 Cdo (CA26)
Aaron, Harry, 'Ike'
Cpl
2760335
 
Black Watch; kia Litani
Collins
J.H.
 
 
 
 
Connell
 
Pte
 
 
 
Donald, Alastair
Lt
91438
 
RE; kia Litani
John
LBdr
4690225
 
RA; kia Litani
Cooke
Royston, 'Roy'
Lt
 
MC
Royal West Kent Regt
Corcoran
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Coulthread
Denis, Edlington
LCpl
3061447
 
2nd Bn.,Royal Scots; PoW 24Nov41 CasList WO417/36
James, Cross
LCpl
 2763490
 
Black Watch; kia Litani
Cranfield
Sam
Lt
 
 
Royal Artillery
Crawford
Walter
Tpr
 
 
2nd Dragoons R Scots Greys (CA86)
Crowe
Wilfred, R.
Capt
 
 
 
Cunnell
W
Pte
 
 
.

No11 Commando Nominal D-H

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.11 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.
FM = CVA Forum message.
PG = CVA Photo Gallery.
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Danson
Joss
Tpr
 
 
 
Dare
G.A.
Pte
 
 
 
Alexander
LSgt
2886121
 
Gordons; ME Cdo; SRS;
kia 1SAS
Alexander
Pte
2888515
 
Gordons
Davidson
R
Capt
 
 
 
Dawson
Kenneth
 
 
 
 
L.W.
Rfn
6897356
 
KRRC
Dear
Frederick
Tpr
 
 
Wiltshire Regiment; resided Wiltshire (CA92)
Deegan (Deigan)
Matt
Pte
2823443
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Dengel
Harry
Tpr
 
 
Rac
Dent
Charles
Tpr
 
 
 
Devine
Frank, 'Darky'
Pte
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Edgar
Cpl
746439
 
Black Watch; kia Litani
Henry
Pte
4750212
 
York And Lancaster Regt;
kia Litani
Dobbie
 
Pte
 
 
 
Donnelly
Peter
Tpr
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Donohue
Albert, Reuben
Sgt
907338
 
RA
Douglas
David
 
 
 
 
Dove
George
Pte
 
 
 
Dowse
George
LCpl
 
 
Northumberland Hussars,
R Scots Greys
Dowson
 
 
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Drummond
David
 
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Duff
David
LCpl
2932497
 
QOCH; 10 troop; left cdo when disbanded, kia 23 March 1943 Mareth Line
Joseph, Aloysius
Pte
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Duncan
G.C.T.
Lt
 
 
Black Watch 
George, Ian, Alistair
Lt (T/Capt)
132481
MC&bar, MiD
Black Watch 
Dunn
George, William
Bdr
 
 
RA
Dunnachie
John
Pte
 
 
QOCH
Duvivier
Jeffrey, 'Jeff'
Sgt
 
MM
Gordon Highlanders
Albert, William
LCpl
2072050
 
RE; kia Litani
Gordon
LCpl /
Captain
2886140 /
302399
 
Gordon Highlanders; wounded Syria 9Jun41; 1943 OCTU left commando; later awarded MC
John, 'Jack'
 LCpl 2989826
 
A&SH; 'C' Bn Layforce until late 1941 
Ellis
A.W.
Pte
4749106
 
York and Lancaster Regt; 'C' Bn Layforce 9/6/41 WO417/27 and 29
Ellison
Edward
Sgt
 
 
from Cowie, Stirling (CA93)
Emanuel
 
Pte
 
 
 
Emms
 
Cpl
 
 
 
Evans
 
Sgt
 
 
Welsh Guards
Evans
Andy
Cpl
 
 
 
Fairlie
 
 
 
 
 
Fairweather
David, Calder
Pte
2763524
 
Black Watch/ME Cdo; died 21/11/43 result of accident (in SBS) WO417/69
William, Arthur, Robin
Capt
96878
 
London Rifle Bde; kia Litani
Farrell
T.A.
 
 
 
 
Fielding
Ted
 
 
 
 
Findley
Dave
Piper
 
 
 
Fitzwilliam
 
Lt
 
 
 
Flewin
Harry
 
 
 
Wiltshire Regiment
Foster
 
Dvr
 
 
 
Foulger
Peter, Frederick
Gnr/Dvr
 
RA
Fowler
J
Pte
 
 
QOCH
Robert
Pte
2932499
 
QOCH; 10 troop; PoW
Christopher, 'Chris'
Sgt
2822017
 
Seaforths; (CA102)
Thomas, Coupar
Pte
2934226
 
QOCH; kia Libya
Fraser
William
Lt
132513
MC*
Gordon Highlanders
Fraser
William, 'Jock'
Pte
2820455
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Freeberry
 
Cpl
 
 
 
Freke
Ronald,George, 'Fred'
LCpl
5572722
 
Wiltshire Regiment
Denis
Pte
2989639
 
A&SH; kia Litani
Garland
Eric, Francis
Lt
 
MC*
York And Lancaster Regt
Garraway
William, B.
Sgt
 
 
 
Gemmell
 
Pte
 
 
 
William, G.
Gnr
879745
 
RA; kia Litani
Gibson
J W
CSM
 
 
 
Girvan
William
Sgt
 
 
 
Glennie
Ian, M.
Capt
 
 
Gordon Highlanders
Glitheroe
G.E.
Cpl
4804364
 
Lincs Regt; wounded 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27
Goode
 
Lt
 
 
 
Goodgrove
C
LCpl
 
 
Sherwood Foresters
Gorman
Joe
Tpr
 
 
Sherwood Foresters
James
Gnr
3856286
MM
RA
Grant
 
 
 
 
 
Gray
 
LCpl
 
 
 
Greehaulgh
Frank
 
 
 
 
Greenless
H.S. Kenneth
Major
 
 
Cameronians
Gregory
Jack
Pte
 
 
Manchester Regt
Gregory
L
LCpl
 
 
 
Robert
Cpl
2881454
 
Gordon Highlanders;
kia Litani
Thomas, Basil, 'Tommy'
LCpl
2989323
 
A&SH; 7 Troop
David
Pte
28222381
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Hall
J
LCpl
 
 
Cameronians
Alexander
Sig
2576082
 
Royal Signals; kia Litani
Hamilton
J
Pte
 
 
QOCH
Robert, Scott
Pte
3323516
 
HLI; kia Litani
Hammond
H
Pte
4744958
 
Black Watch; wounded 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27 Syria
Edwin
Pte
2882955
 
Gordon Highlanders;
kia Litani
Reg
Pte
 
DCM
Wiltshire Regt
Harper
A., 'Foo'
Sgmn
2579777
 
Royal Signals
Harris
Sam
Pte
2985315
 
A&SH; 9/6/41 Litani WO417/27 and WO417/29
Haselden
Jock
Capt
 
 
 
Hastie
 
Tpr
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Hay
J.D.  'Johnnie'
Pte
2880859
 
London Scottish Gordon Highlanders; wounded 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27 & 29 Syria.
Heath
 
WO2
 
 
RA
Heavysides
W
Cpl
4742353
 
York & Lancs; Layforce; PoW 24/11/41 CasList WO417/36
Herd
John,  'Jock'
Pte
 
 
Black Watch
Hibberson
Ken
LBdr
 
 
RA
Hickford
 
Cpl
 
 
 
Highland
A., George
Capt
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Hill
Charles, Stewart
Sgt
 
 
R Scots Fusiliers
Holden
A
Gnr
 
 
Newfoundland Regt / RA; FM
Holmes
Harry
Tpr
 
 
 
Holton
Cyril, Stanley
Sgt
 
 
Liverpool Irish
Hoyle
Geordie
Sgt
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Albert, Edwin 'Tommy'
LCpl
5569217
 
Wiltshire Regt; kia N.Africa
Hughes
Malcolm, Edward
Pte
2606248
 
Manchester Regt; PoW 24/11/41 CasList WO417/36.
Hughes
Tommy
 
 
 
Wiltshire Regt
Humphries
 
 
 
 
 
Hunt
A.C.B.
Pte
4748247
 
York and Lancaster Regt; WO417/27 9/6/41 'C' bn Layforce
Ben
Pte
3715891
 
KORR (Lancaster); kia Litani

No.11 Commando Nominal I-O

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.11 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.
FM = CVA Forum message.
PG = CVA Photo Gallery.
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
Inglis
Robert
Maj
 
 
RAMC
Ingliss
R
Lt
 
 
A&SH
Innes
J
LCpl
2932101
 
QOCH
Irons
A.J.
LCpl
 
 
 
Irons
Terry
Cpl
 
 
 
Irvine
T
Pte
 
 
 
Jackson
 
LCpl
 
 
RAMC
James
C. Dennis
Fus
 
 
 
Jennings
Mark
Tpr
328631
MiD
RAC; MiD 1944 with R.A.C.(PG)
Johnson
William, Gallacher
Sgt
3310706 
 
HLI;  P.O.W. 248352
Johnson
 
Capt
 
 
HLI
Robert
Cpl
2931826
 
QOCH; died on war service
Johnstone
Bill
 
 
 
 
Charles, Ernest
Tpr
554075
 
Staffs Yeomanry/RAC; died on war service
Jones
Douglas, Idris
Sgt
 
 
(CA25, 26, 94)
Jones
G.
Pte
4748200
 
York and Lancaster Regt; wounded Litani River
Harold
Cpl
550620
 
RAC; kia Litani
Josling
Francis, 'Frank'
Gnr
 
 
RA; CA106
Judge
F
Pte
2934246
 
QOCH; POW 4/10/43 CasList WO417/68 Italy.
Kaim
Paddy
 
 
 
 
Joseph, Francis, 'Joe'
Gnr
970050
 
Newfoundland Regt; RA; (FM); PoW; (CA52)
Kearney
H
Cpl
 
 
 
Douglas
Pte
2882330
 
Gordon Highlanders; SAS (died as POW)
Kelly
Tom,  'Pat'
Gnr
 
 
RA
Kennedy
Davie
 
 
 
 
Kent
Pat
 
 
 
 
Geoffrey, C.T.
Lt Col
71081
VC. MC
2nd Dragoons, R Scots Greys, RAC; kia
Killops
'Blondie'
 
 
 
 
Kilpatrick
Jimmy
 
 
 
 
Ernest, Taylor
LCpl
4803483
 
Lincolnshire Regt;
kia Litani
Robert
Pte
2884403
 
Gordon Highlanders;
kia Litani
Kirk
D
Pte
 
 
QOCH
Denis, Hammond
Lt
108158
 
West Yorkshire Regt;
died on war service
Knight-Hall
Ian, Cunningham
 
 
 
& 9 Cdo;OCTU 1942 (CA92)
J
Pte
2879329
 
Gordon Highlanders
Lamont
 
 
 
 
HLI
Lancaster
Bill
Lt
 
 
 
John
LCpl
326577
 
3rd Cavalry Training Unit & RAC; kia Litani
Langton
Tommy
Lt
 
 
 
James, 'Jimmy'
Tpr (Cpl)
2934114
MiD
QOCH & SAS
Lashmar
Charles, Wilson
Dvr (Capt)
129917
MBE
RASC; LG35436 MBE Sicily 1944; Retired as Hon Lt Col.
Laverick
 
Tpr
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
James, Wallace, 'Jimmy'
Piper
 
 
Gordon Highlanders
Leggatt
R., 'Cocky'
Cpl
 
 
QOCH
Lisle
George
 
 
 
 
Lister
Richard
Pte
3319075
 
HLI
Little
John
Pte
 
 
QOCH
Livingston
 
 
 
 
 
Charles
Cpl
2884454
 
Gordons; PoW
Lockhart
 
Tpr
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Lockyer/Lockier
 
Cpl
 
 
 
Longmore
A. J.
Pte
2878961
 
Gordons; CA56; CasList WO417/29.
Loss
 
 
 
 
 
Laurie
Sgt
 
 
 
Lumsden
 
 
 
 
 
Lyle
Doug, 'Tich'
Pte
2763368
 
Black Watch
Macarthur
Joe
 
 
 
 
Robert
LBdr
 
RA; kia Litani
Macculloch
J
Sgt
 
 
Black Watch
Machen
S
 
 
 
 
Mackay
A
LCpl
 
 
QOCH
Mackay
Hughie
 
 
 
 
Mackay
John, S.
 
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Mackintosh
Paul
Pte
2930901
 
QOCH; ME Cdo; 1SSD; PoW escapeee WO208/4260.
Macmillan
 
RQMS
 
 
 
Macpherson
Ronald, Thomas, Stewart
Capt
90855
MC
QOCH
Donald, Maclean
LCpl
3319006
 
Gordon Highlanders;  died of wounds Libya
Philip
LBdr
 
RA; PoW Western Desert CasList WO417/94
Maher
Pat
 
 
 
 
Mann
Walter
 
 
 
 
Marklam
John, Wilson
 
 
 
 
Marshall
Walter
LCpl
329260
 
Royal Scots Greys
Martin
Dougie
LCpl
2362945
 
Royal Signals;  (CA86)
Martin
J.F.
 
 
 
 
Mayne
Robert, Blair, 'Paddy'
Lt laterLt.Col
87306
DSO**, MiD
RUR [att'd Cameronians]; & SAS; LG36217, LG35465, LG37004, LG37302
L
Sgt
46720
 
Cameronians; POW CasList WO417/35
McArthur
T
Pte
 
 
 
Michael
LCpl
2986292
 
A&SH; kia Litani
McCormick
R
 
 
 
 
McCubbin
Alec
Pte
 
 
 
McCubbin
J
CSM
 
 
Gordon Highlanders
McCulloch
J
Sgt
 
 
Black Watch
McCunn
Robin, C.
Lt
 
 
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
McDiarmid
John, 'Jock'
Pte
 
 
Black Watch
McDonald
Edward
Sgt
 
 
QOCH
McDonald
Ian H
Capt
 
 
QOCH
McDonald
Kenny
LCpl
 
 
 
McGill
G
Pte
 
 
 
McGinn (or McGuinn)
Cornelius, 'Maggie'
A/Sgt
 
MM
Army Air Corps
McGlade
 
 
 
 
 
Eoin, Christopher
Lt
97290
 
RUR [att'd Cameronians]; Kia with 'L' Det. SAS
McGovern
Peter
Pte
900715
 
RA; AAC; 2SAS executed
McGrory
 
Sgt
 
 
 
John
Cpl
 2934163
 
QOCH; kia Litani
McKay
John  'Daisy'
Cpl
2822158
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Robert
Cpl
2928972
 
QOCH; kia Litani
McKenzie A.J. Cpl     from Glasgow (LL8)
James
Pte
2880400
 
Gordons; PoW
McKenzie
Bill
 
 
 
 
John
Pte
2760779
 
Black Watch; kia Litani
McLeod
Alexander
Pte
2822451
 
Seaforths; 6 Ind Coy; ME Cdo; SBS; SRS;1SAS executed
McMillan
W
LCpl
2763698
 
Black Watch; wounded 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27
McNinch
William, Matthew
Cpl / LSgt
 
 
RAC/11Cdo/ME Cdo/1SAS/kia SRS
McQuarrie
 
 
 
 
see MacQuarrie
McSwiggan
Daniel
LCpl
 
 
 
Charles, Henry
Gnr
(Dvr i/c)
6896651
 
RA; 4 Cdo; (PG); (CA111) (CA112); wounded Litani CasList WO417/27 & 30
Menti
Crali
 
 
 
Wiltshire Regiment
Mgunn
 
 
 
 
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Millar
 
Tpr
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Miller
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Mitchell
Len
Cpl
 
 
 
Mitchell
Willie
 
 
 
 
Alan
Sgt
7586369
 
 London Scottish; and 9 Cdo
Monaghan
G.S.
Cpl
 
 
QOCH
George, R.M.H.
Capt
 
MC *
RE; 1st MC at Litani; 1944 with SOE
Moretto
Tommy
 
 
 
 
Morris
William
Pte
 
 
Black Watch
Morrison
J.D.
Pte
 
 
 
James, Cassidy
Pte
3325329
 
HLI; kia Litani
George
Sgt
3323555
 
HLI;ME Cdo;1SAS
kia SBS
Munro
Norman
 
 
 
 
Murdoch
Lindsay,  Thomas 
Capt
 
 
10th Hussars; known as Tommy
James
Pte
2981807
 
A&SH; kia Litani
Robert
Pte
2877544
 
Gordons; CasList WO417/35
Myler
J.R.
Gnr
3653610
 
wounded 9Jun41 Syria CasList WO417/28.
B.C.A. 'Charles'
Major
 
 
Gordon Highlanders
Ness
Robert
Tpr
 
 
 
Nicol
Charles, 
'Red' or 'Charlie'
Sgt
2873369
 
Gordons; CasList WO417/35
Nixon
Malvern
Pte
 
 
R Scots (The Royal Regt)
O'Hagen
Terry
LBdr
 
 
RA
Archibald, Johnston
LBdr
894985
 
RA; kia
William, Martin
Sgt
4803368
 
Lincolnshire Regt;
kia Litani
Orton
John
LCpl
2819656
 
Seaforth Highlanders;
6 Troop; PoW 16Nov41

No.11 Commando Nominal P-Z

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for No.11 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.
FM = Forum Message.
A.O. = Alan Orton.
 
SURNAME
FORENAME
RANK
 NUMBER
AWARD
ADDITIONAL
John
Cpl
320986
 
RAC; kia Litani
Geoffrey, Alfred, Henry
Lt
105607
 
York And Lancs. Regt;
kia Litani
Patrick
George
Pte
 
 
Sherwood Foresters
Charles, Henry
Pte
2933778
 
QOCH; PoW.
Payne
Bill
 
 
 
 
Richard, Robert 'Dick'
Lt Col
31724
 
HLI; Commanding Officer; 
kia Litani
Peet
I.F.
 
T/77321
303975
 
RAC; To OCTU; wounded Lieut. RAC 1944 Italy WO417/8
Penner
Joe
Cpl
 
 
 
Percival
 
Gnr
 
 
RA
Phimister
J.A.
Pte
2934126
 
QOCH;CasLists;PoW; W.Desert Escape evasion WO208/4266
John
Fus
3773880
 
R Inniskilling Fus; kia Litani
Douglas
Cpl
 
MM*
South Lancs Regt
William
LCpl
2932498
 
QOCH; POW Cyrenaica
Pryor
 
Lt
 
 
 
Jack
LCpl
2987094
 
A&SH; kia Litani 
Purvis
Johnny
Tpr
 
 
 
Quarrie
R.G.M.
Capt
 
 
West Yorks. Regt
Ratcliff
H
LCpl
3521261
 
KORR; Wounded and PoW; CasList WO417/38 and 67
Ramsay
Bruce
Major
 
 
QOCH
Ravenscroft
Trevor
Lt
 
 
 
Reed
E. Freddy
Pte
5572296
 
Wiltshire Regt; CasLists
Reid
Archie
Sgt
 
 
Royal Signals
Reynolds
J. ( belvd to be John, Allenby)
Gnr
(belvd  970558)
 
Newfoundland Regt / RA Attestations; FM
Reynolds
Jack
CSM
 
 
HLI
Reynolds Walter, John, Albert Pte T69250   RASC; wounded Litani River; from Edinburgh (CA105)
Charles, Geoffrey
Lt
126476
 
Wiltshire Regt; kia Litani
Ritchie
 
 
 
 
 
Leslie
Pte
5570437
 
Wiltshire Regt; kia Litani
Andrew
Gnr
958993
 
RA; died of wounds  Litani
Donald, Tyson
Sgt
79555
 
 RASC
Robinson
L.T.
 
 
 
 
Robinson
T.I.
Lt
 
 
Gordon Highlanders
Robson
Fred
 
 
 
 
Roft
Peter, W.
Pte
4803542
 
Lincs Regt; wounded 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27; (CA85).
Rollo
 
 
 
 
 
Lawrence
Pte
4534896
 
West Yorks Regt; kia Litani
Rutherford
Davie
 
 
 
QOCH
E
Pte
3717786
 
Kings Own Royal Regt.
Ryan
Paddy
 
 
 
 
Sadler
Fred
Gnr
 
 
 
James, Stewart, M.
Capt
108213
 
A&SH
Scott
Ernie
 
 
 
 
Scott
Jim
 
 
 
 
Scott
P
Pte
4858920
 
Sherwood Forresters; 1941 wounded Middle East WO417/35.
Scott
S
Pte
 
 
 
Thomas, Fields, 'Tom'
Cpl
2934127
GM
QOCH
Neil, Beauchamp
Lt
117474
 
1st Royal Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps; Major with SOE died wilst POW
Service
 
Tpr
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Clive
LCpl
5887258
MiD
Northants Regt; kia with SBS
Shanks
 
LCpl
 
 
 
Shields
 
 
 
 
10 Troop (PG)
Short
Len
Cpl
 
 
HLI (PG)
Sillars
 
Capt
 
 
 
Simpson
Andy
Pte
 
 
Sherwood Forresters
Archibald, Roy, McGregor
Sgt
3326187
 
HLI; ME Cdo; SBS; L Det SAS; kia with 2SAS 
Smith
Alec
Rfn
 
 
and CBTC. lka Caol, Fort William (CA91)
Smith
John, Lawson
 
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders
John, Rolland
Sgt
2986958
 
A&SH; kia Litani
Peter
Gnr
 
RA; died whilst a PoW
Southall
Jimmy
Cpl
5252164
 
RA
Spring
Albert, Edward
Cpl
4805452
 
Seaforths
Sproat
J
LCpj
 
 
QOCH
Sproule
Noble,Goulding, 'Nobby'
LCpl
 
MiD
Manchesters
 [att'd Cameronians]
Stables
Leslie
LCpl
3063118
 
Royal Scots; PoW WO417/94
Starling
R.F.
 
 
 
 
Startin
R.F.
 
 
 
 
Thomas 
Cpl
2977763
 
A&SH; kia Litani
Stockdale
George
 
 
 
 
Stock
Frederick, 'Rocky'
Pte
4804207
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Stocks
D.H.
'Dougie'
Dvr
2332752
 
R.Signals; 20Nov41 wounded,POW; 1943 repatriated CasList 417/46+60 
Storie
James,
'Jimmy'
LCpl
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders;
'L' Detachment SAS
Stuart
Jock
 
 
 
 
Alexander, Mundie
Sig
2584344
 
Royal Signals; kia Litani
Summers
Andy
 
 
 
 
Sutherland
 
Lt
 
 
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Swanson
Jim
 
 
 
 
Syme
 
Tpr
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Duncan, Robert, 'Bob')
LCpl
2888693
 MM+bar
Gordons (LS) & SAS
Taylor
 
Piper
 
 
 
Felix, Henry
Sgt
826185
 
RA attestation 1933; wounded 9Jun41 CasList WO417/28
Tennyson
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Jack
Sgt
 
DCM
RA
Tevendale
Lewis
RSM
 
DCM
Gordon Highlanders
Thomas
 
Tpr
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Royce
Pte
2984367
 
A&SH; kia Litani
Walter, Herbert, 'Bob'
Gnr
 
 
RA (CA97)
Tideswell
Norman
 
 
 
 
Tie
John, James, William
Cpl
 
 
A&SH
Cyril, Arthur
LCpl
3604006
 
Border Regt; kia Litani
Turner
 
A/QMS
 
 
 
Turner
 
Tpr
 
 
 
Turton
Leslie
Tpr
 
 
 
Valentine
R
Pte
 
 
Gordon Highlanders
Varly
Harold
 
 
 
 
Varney
Frank, E.
Pte
 
 
Sherwood Forresters
Waiter
Roy
 
 
 
Wiltshire Regiment
Hugh
Cpl
3130762
 
Royal Scots Fusiliers; kia
Walters
Reg
 
 
 
 Lincs Regt and Royal Scots; 4 Tp; and later Mission 204.
Kenneth
Pte
 
 
Seaforth Highlanders
White
Frederick, Henry, 'Chalky'
LSgt
 
DCM, MM
Loyal Regt.
Whiteford
Ron
 
 
 
 
Whitfield
Frank, C.
 
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Wilkinson
Norman
LCpl
 
 
Royal Scots Greys (CA 100)
Williams
Frank
 
 
 
Royal Scots Greys
Williamson
 
Sgt
 
 
 
Willis
B
Sgt
 
 
QOCH
Wills
H.B.
 
 
 
 
Wilson
David
Tpr
 
 
 
Wilson
E.D.H.
Pte
4130949
 
Cheshire Regt; wounded Syria 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27;
to 'L' Det, SRS &1SAS (A.O.)
John, Marshall, Prentice
Cpl
2758951
 
Black Watch; wounded Syria 9Jun41 CasList WO417/27;
died Iraq 1945 CWGC
M.S.
Pte
2824820
 
Seaforth Hldrs; 21/6/42 POW - CasList WO417/48
Wood
Alec
Cpl
 
 
QOCH
Alfred, Joseph
Sgt
3054128
 
Royal Scots att'd QOCH ; kia
Wood
Henry, Robert, Noel
Gnr
970158
 
Newfoundland Regt / RA Attestations; FM
Wood
R.S.
 
 
 
R Scots att'd QOCH
Desmond
Spr
 
RE; kia Litani
Woods
Noel
 
 
 
 
Frederick, William, Gordon
Sgt
877988
MM
RA; award at Litani
Wykes
T. (George)
Gnr
 
 
RA; from Haverfordwest
(CA100)
Yardley
 
Dvr
 
 
 
Young
Thomas
 
4389966
 
Seaforth Highlanders
Matthew, S.
LCpl
834706
 
 RA & R. Signals; wounded Litani River

11 Commando Operations

Units: 
11 Commando

These are some  of the operations that No 11 Commando took part in, either on their own, or as part of a Combined Operations assault.  No 11 Commando became part of Layforce. 

Operation Exporter

Operation Flipper

Archive pages: 
No 11 Commando