Commando Veterans Archive Information

About the Commando Veterans Archive

The Commando Veterans Archive website is a not for profit online source of free information about Commandos who have served since their formation in 1940. The website team consists of three people - two sons and one grandson of WW2 Army Commandos. It is owned, funded, managed, and updated independently of any Association. We have now arranged for the website to be included in the British Library Website Archive with regular captures of all of its content being processed by the British Library for posterity.

 

Website Owner, Manager  & Technical
Responsible for all matters on website policy or technical issues.
  • John Mewett and his son Dan Mewett.
Website Content Manager
Responsible for all new content additions or ammendments and general administration.

Research Enquiries
  • Read the section on Research Tips before you contact us.  
  • You should register on the forum to make a family research enquiry on any individual or commando unit. Alternatively you can contact the Content Manager..
  • For all other matters you can send a message below on our Contact Form.

Contact Us.
Go to the Contact Form  [Contact Form]
 

Exploring this Archive

The Commando Veterans Archive website has grown since its inception to hold a valuable wealth of information on the Commandos, both units and individuals from their formation right up to the present day. The site is now used by authors and programme makers as a reference resource. Alongside of this family members find it useful when researching their relatives or friends service in the Commandos.  
 
View some frequently asked questions here FAQ's.

This website is made up of three sections. 
  • Our Archive [you are here] has links to all Commando related content. Included are Rolls of Honour, and also our Nominal Rolls which are updated as and when we receive evidence of Commando service 
  • Our Forum has all the thousands of questions asked, and information posted, since the website came into being;
  • Our Gallery of over 11,000 images is one major part of the website. However there is a considerable amount of valuable information included elsewhere.
Additionally there are thousands of biography entries on individuals and these can be accessed via our Personnel A-Z  [go to A-Z Personnel....] or other pages shown on the navigational panel. These are a work in progress and many more names will be found in the individual unit nominal rolls.
 
[Note: Anything highlighted has more information, or will take you to specific pages.]

Service Numbers
Our nominal rolls sometimes show service numbers against names. These should be treated as possible but not confirmed. They are often transcribed from war diaries or lists provided by veterans themselves and occasionally errors are found.
 
Searching the website content
  • The Google Custom Search box can be found at the top of Forum and Gallery pages. This searches the entire website.
  • The Gallery additionally has its own unique search facility. This will only search the already identified images in the gallery. 
  • The Main Archive additionally has its own unique search facility.  This will search all the content entered within there, any content listed on the links in the navigation panels at the side, and the thousands of pages included within it. This would include Rolls of Honour, Nominal Rolls, etc.  It will NOT search the Gallery or the Forum.
The Commando Veterans Archive Forums.
  • We do NOT hold Service Records.
  • If you wish to provide information, or ask specific questions, whether on individuals, units, campaigns, equipment, insignia etc, you must register and post a message on our website forum. 
  • Our website forums have expanded to be a very worthwhile and interesting research facility.
  • The forums are for information exchange and family members and friends also correspond through them with information and details where possible.
The Commando Veterans Archive Gallery
  • The gallery contains over 11,000 photos of commandos and commando related events etc. The majority of these photos have never been seen before and have been supplied by, family members of, or former commandos. 
  • Many family members have discovered their relatives, fathers or grandfathers image in this gallery. For some it is the very first time they have seen a photo of their relative serving in the commandos.  This is a most thrilling event for most people and provides evidence for them of what for some is a family rumour or story.
  • Please browse the gallery and see what you can find. We are always trying to add names to unknown faces in the photos so if you spot a face you know simply register on the gallery and add a comment to the photo. Please be 100% sure and do not guess. If in doubt leave it out.
Adding Photos
  • If you have a photo you think may be of interest for our gallery, register on the forum and post it as an attachment to a forum message you create with the details about the photo and your connection to it if this is not already known to us.
  • It will then be reviewed by administrators. A credit must be applied to photos in our gallery so include your full name.
  • Photos must be under 1 mb or 1000kb's in size.
  • If posting a resized image please add if you have a higher resolution copy available if needed.
Adding Comments to photos
  • If you have information about the content of, or individuals in, a photo, register on the gallery, go to the image, and add your comment.
When reading documents on this site.
Whilst every effort has been made to maintain accuracy when transcribing documents to this site we are aware that mistakes can be made. Therefore we strongly advise researchers etc. to, where possible, view the original document at source and confirm accuracy, and copyright,  for yourself before using the information for any future publication. 
 
Please enjoy the site.
John Mewett, Commando Veterans Archive Website Manager.
 

Commando Research

Commando Veterans Archive research header
About

This section, and its sub pages shown under ‘ Content ‘ in the side Navigation panel, gives the reader an insight into how best to research the content within the Commando Veterans Archive, and  also provides some useful information about external avenues for your further research.  It additionally provides detail on how you can add to our Archive any information or photos that you consider may be relevant. 

View some frequently asked questions here FAQ's.


Asking questions or adding information to this site
We do not have access to official service records and our website archive contains most of the information we do have. If you have any questions about an individual, or you wish to add information about, or photos of an individual, then you should register on our Forum and ask your question, or add your information, in a message there [go to forum registration....].
 

Prisoner of War Photos

The National Archives have high resolution images from the German Record Cards of British Prisoners of War (WO 416 files) that they have almost completed digitising and are searchable for free on their website. They still have to add surnames commencing N-Z.

The regrettable thing is that what you will find is only a transcript of the card and no photo. To get the photo you will have to pay. Basically they charge £40 + vat for 20 photos with further restrictions such as resolution below 72 dpi and watermarking to prevent misuse. To date I have added pages on around 750 commando prisoners of war with many more coming. As such we will not be able to add these photos to those pages in our Archive. We ourselves make no charge for our content.

Each of the entries below where I have found a reference to the German Record Cards I have included that as one of the sources. Obviously family members may be interested in privately applying for a copy of the image.
 
Commando Veterans Archive Prisoners of War (work in progress):
 
Search the National Archives database of WO 416 files here: 
 
Pete Rogers
Content Manager
Commando Veterans Archive
 

‘Prisoner Escape Reports’

Reports from the War Office are in the National Archives WO208 series [view online....]

Linked Content: 

Service Records and Medals

Medals
  • Criteria for award of ALL medals issued since 1914  [more.....].
  • Search recommendations for military honours and awards 1935-1990 [more.....].
  • If the recommendation is approved and the award granted it is published in the London Gazette. When searching the Gazette remember to tick the box "Include Supplement". 
  • Search the London Gazette [more.....].
  • Apply for medals [more.....].

Service Records
This Archive does NOT have access to official military service records of any individual. They are an essential source of information for those looking for information and getting a copy of them is the best starting point. You can apply for them. Most Service Records have now been transferred to The National Archives (TNA) and can be applied for with a Freedom of Information (F.O.I.) request.
Follow this link to Apply for a Service Record.(updated Feb. 2024).

Royal Marines who served in Combined Operations
Unlike today in World War 2 and for some time afterwards not all Royal Marines were Commandos.
Service records of Royal Marines that show reference to certain shore bases such as HMS Copra, HMS Quebec, HMS Dinosaur indicate service in Combined Operations either as commando personnel, non commando Landing Craft personnel, or in some other capacity. There were also other Combined Operations shore bases. 
Victualling records were kept on all who served in the Royal Navy. They are kept at Restore Records Management, Navy Search, PO Box 7814 William Nadin Way Swadlincote DE11 1EG. ( Tel: 01283 227912 ). They will only advise if they have received a formal request via the service record application process to check on an individual.

Follow this link for an explanation of Royal Marines Register Numbers.
 

Post WW2 Qualifying Medal Earning Theatre Descriptions

Criteria for award of ALL medals issued since 1914 - UK Government website [view....].

POST WW2 QUALIFYING MEDAL EARNING THEATRE DESCRIPTIONS 
Palestine (GSM) 3 Sep 1945 to 30 Jun 1948
British Armed Forces were deployed in Palestine in response to a campaign by Jewish underground groups against British forces and officials in Mandatory Palestine between 1939 and 1947. Tensions arose between militant Jewish underground organisations and the British mandatory authorities following publication of the MacDonald White Paper of 1939, which proposed restrictions on Jewish immigration and independence for Palestine with an Arab majority after 10 years. Tensions within Palestine rose towards the end of WW II and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
Malaya (GSM) 16 Jun 1948 to 31 Jul 1960
In the period after the Second World War the Malayan Communist Party, backed by China, sought to overthrow the British Administration in Malaya and to establish a communist republic. Following the formation of the Malay Races Liberation Army, the Federal Government declared a state of emergency following which substantial British Forces were deployed to defeat the insurgency.
Berlin Airlift (GSM) 25 Jun 1948 to 6 Oct 1949
The Berlin Airlift was the first major confrontation between the East and the West during the Cold War. It was known as Operation 'Plainfare' by the British and Operation 'Vittles' by the Americans. The divided city of Berlin lay deep in Soviet territory and was connected to West Germany by formally agreed road, rail, waterway and air 'corridors'. Anxious to oust their former American, British and French allies, the Soviets embarked on a progressive strangulation of the city, beginning in January 1948. Currency reforms, opposed by the Russians, were introduced in West Germany in June 1948 and were to be the catalyst that sparked the Berlin Blockade in earnest. Access between West Berlin and West Germany was prohibited on the ground. Two-and-a-half million Berliners, as well as the Allied garrisons, needed to be supplied with food, fuel and the means to continue production and export. The only way to supply the city was by the three air corridors into Berlin from Hamburg, Hanover and Frankfurt. Britain, the United States and other Western Allies flew aircrafts of supplies into Berlin's Tempelhof, Gatow and Tegal airports. Initially the situation was improvised and uncoordinated, but soon developed into an efficient operation that at its peak was landing aircraft at three-minute intervals. Realising that the Western half of the city was coping well, the Russians lifted the blockade on 12 May 1949.
Yangtze (NGSM) 20 Apr 1949 to 31 Jul 1949
In 1949 Chinese Communist People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were involved in a protracted Civil War with Chiang Kai-Shek’s Kuomintang Nationalist forces. On April 20th PLA forces shelled the Royal Navy ship HMS Amethyst as she made her way up the Yangtze towards Nanking. The ship was trapped for three months 100 miles upriver under periodic bombardment before making a night-time escape on 30th July. Earlier attempts  by other ships to assist her escape had all failed.
Korea (UN) 27 Jun 1950 to 27 Jul 1954
At the end of the Second World War the Korean peninsula had been divided into North and South Korea. In June 1950 North Korean Communist forces invaded South Korea. An American led UN- approved coalition, including a British Commonwealth Brigade, was deployed to support the South against the North’s Chinese backed communist forces.
Canal Zone (GSM) 16 Oct 1951 to 19 Oct 1954
In October 1951, the Egyptian government pulled out of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936, the terms of which granted Britain a lease on the Suez base for a further 20 years. Britain refused to withdraw from Suez and this resulted in a steady escalation of hostility towards Britain and increasing acts of sabotage and violence against British troops stationed in Egypt.
Kenya (AGSM) 21 Oct 1952 to 17 Nov 1956
Kenya was put under a state of emergency from October 1952 to December 1959, due to the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule.
Cyprus (GSM) 1 Apr 1955 to 18 Apr 1959
In 1955 the guerilla movement, EOKA, led by Colonel Georgios Grivas, sought the unification of Cyprus under Greek rule which led to an escalation of guerrilla attacks on the island’s Turkish minority population, British Forces and property. A state of emergency was declared, following which Field Marshal Sir John Harding was appointed Governor of the island.
Near East (Suez) (GSM) 31 Oct 1956 to 22 Dec 1956
In 1956, President Gamel Abdel Nassar decided to nationalise the Suez Canal after an offer by Britain and the United States to fund the building of the Aswan Dam was withdrawn. French, British and Israeli forces then invaded Egypt. British troops were deployed primarily to regain Western control of the Suez Canal but were withdrawn under intense American diplomatic pressure.
Arabian Peninsula (GSM) 1 Jan 1957 to 30 Jun 1960
Historic disagreements about land and associated oil rights, and resentments over the Sultan’s authority led Imam Ghalib and his brother Talib to rebel against the Sultan of Muscat. After initial setbacks, in 1955 the Sultan called for assistance from UK forces. It was not until British Forces were deployed that the rebels were dislodged from their territory in the Jebel Akhbar mountains.
Congo (ONUC) 10 Jul 1960 to 30 Jun 1964
Opération des Nations Unies au Congo, abbreviated to ONUC, was a United Nations peacekeeping force established after the United Nations Security Council Resolution 143 of 14 July 1960. The formation of troops was a response to the Congo Crisis.
Brunei (GSM) 8 Dec 1962 to 23 Dec 1962
British Forces were deployed by air and sea following an attempted coup against the Sultan of Brunei led by the North Kalimantan National Army which enjoyed strong covert support from Indonesia. The coup was successfully suppressed.
Borneo (GSM) 24 Dec 1962 to 11 Aug 1966
The Indonesian–Malaysian confrontation erupted into a violent conflict which stemmed from Indonesia's opposition to the creation of Malaysia. Initial Indonesian attacks into East Malaysia relied heavily on local volunteers who had been trained by the Indonesian Army. However, when the infiltration forces became more organised, the British responded in 1964 by launching their own operations.
Cyprus (GSM) 21 Dec 1963 to 26 Mar 1964
By December 1963 relations between the majority Greek-Cypriot and the minority Turkish-Cypriot communities had deteriorated. There were armed clashes between the two sides, particularly in Nicosia. Forces from Greece, Turkey and Britain were deployed to keep the peace and a ‘Green Line’ was established to keep the two sides apart.
Cyprus (UNFICYP) 27 Mar 1964 to present
UN Security Council Resolution 186 recommended the formation of UNFICYP on 4 Mar 1964 following intercommunal fighting between the Greek and Turkish communities on Cyprus. The Force became operational on 27 Mar 1964 as a joint civilian/military security corps and remains ongoing today.
Radfan (GSM) 25 Apr 1964 to 31 Jul 1964
This uprising was thought to be a result of the Federation of South Arabia preventing the collection of tolls from passing camel caravans resulting in a loss in income and led to local Qutaibi inhabitants attacking the British on the Aden to Mecca caravan route, which passed through Dhala. This conflict led to the deployment of British troops.
South Arabia (GSM) 1 Aug 1964 to 30 Nov 1967
This campaign is related to the Radfan Campaign, because both were Egyptian-inspired attempts to end not only the British presence in Aden but also the embryonic Federation of South Arabia. This three year long campaign was to see numerous terrorist attacks on both civilian and military targets.
Malay Peninsula (GSM) 17 Aug 1964 to 11 Aug 1966
This campaign was an extension of the conflict in Borneo where British and Malaysian troops were operating against Indonesian insurgents. In 1964, the Indonesian President decided to attack the Malaysian mainland. Parachute landings were made in Johore while other troops managed to land across the Malacca Straits from Indonesian Sumatra. Between November 1964 and March 1965 there were five attempts to establish guerrilla groups in Johore, all of which failed.
Northern Ireland (GSM) 14 Aug 1969 to 31 July 2007
Operation Banner was the operational name for the British Armed Forces operation in Northern Ireland from August 1969 to July 2007. British troops were initially deployed at the request of the Unionist government of Northern Ireland to support the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). After the 1998 Belfast Agreement, the operation was gradually scaled down. Its role was to assert the authority of the Government of the UK in Northern Ireland.
Dhofar (GSM) 1 Oct 1969 to 3 Sep 1976
The Dhofar Rebellion was launched in the province of Dhofar against the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. British troops were deployed alongside Omani and Iranian forces, which led to the defeat of the rebels.
Rhodesia 1 Dec 1979 to 20 Mar 1980
Operation AGILA was the multi-national force tasked with keeping the peace between 22,000 guerrilla fighters and the Rhodesian forces during the ceasefire in the run-up to the 1980 elections.
South Atlantic (Falklands) 2 Apr 1982 to 21 Oct 1982
On 2 April 1982, Argentinean forces invaded the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands. A UK Task Force was swiftly dispatched to regain the islands sovereignty. British forces landed on 21 May 1982 and after a series of engagements culminating in the liberation of Port Stanley, the Argentineans surrendered on 14 June 1982.
Gulf War (GSM) 2 Aug 1990 to 7 Mar 1991
The first Gulf War (2 Aug 1990 to 28 Feb 1991), codenamed Operation Desert Shield, encompassed operations leading to the build-up of troops and air power for the defence of Saudi Arabia. Operation Desert Storm (17 Jan 1991 to 28 Feb 1991) was a war waged by coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.
Air Operations Iraq (OSM) 16 Jul 1991 to 30 Apr 2003
1991 witnessed the start of coalition air patrols over the Northern Iraqi No-Fly Zone designed to protect Iraq’s Kurdish minority. The RAF contributed detachments of Jaguars, Harriers and Tornados to this operation over a period of nearly twelve years. In August 1992, the RAF based a detachment of six Tornado GR1s at Dhahran in Saudi Arabia to contribute to the maintenance of the Southern No Fly Zone, which was created to protect the Iraqi Shiite community. This detachment was later moved to Prince Sultan air base, Al Kharj. In late 1997, Iraq’s failure to comply with the requirements of the United Nations Special Commission on disarmament led to the dispatch of carrier-borne Harrier GR7s and more GR1s were deployed to Ali Al Salem air base, Kuwait, from where twelve aircraft eventually participated in Operation Desert Fox in December 1998. Soon afterwards, the Saudi commitment was taken over by Tornado F3s. Tornado GR1s and GR4s operating from Ali Al Salem continued to patrol the Southern No Fly Zone until 2003.
Cambodia (UNAMIC/UNTAC) 1 Oct 1991 to 30 Sep 1993
The United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) was a United Nations peacekeeping operation in 1992–93. The UN deployed to Cambodia to help maintain the ceasefire and provide experience in training the civilian population in how to avoid injury from land mines and booby traps.
Balkans (NATO)1 Jul 1992 to present
The NATO intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina comprised of a series of actions undertaken by NATO to establish and then preserve peace during and after the Bosnian War. NATO’s intervention began largely as political and symbolic, but gradually expanded to include large-scale air operations and the deployment of approximately 60,000 soldiers under Operation Joint Endeavour.
Sierra Leone (OSM) 5 May 2000 to 31 Jul 2002
The UK began a military intervention in Sierra Leone in May 2000, codenamed Operation Palliser, following the outbreak of the Sierra Leone Civil War. The Civil War had erupted in early May 2000 when the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) advanced on the country's capital, Freetown, which prompted the British government to dispatch an Operational Reconnaissance and Liaison Team to prepare to evacuate foreign citizens. On 6 May 2000 the RUF blocked the road connecting Freetown to the country's main airport Lungi. The next day, British soldiers began to secure the airport and other areas essential to the planned evacuation. British Forces subsequently assisted the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and the Sierra Leone Army (SLA). The Sierra Leonean government eventually signed a ceasefire with the RUF that obliged the latter to enter the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process. By September 2001, when the British training teams were replaced by an international force, the DDR process was almost complete. British forces continued to be involved in Sierra Leone by providing the largest contribution of personnel to the international training team and advising on a restructuring of the country.
Afghanistan (OSM) 11 Sep 2001 to present
NATO and Allied forces intervened in the ongoing Afghan civil war following the September 11 attacks, with the aim of dismantling al-Qaeda and preventing it having a safe base of operation in Afghanistan by removing the Taliban from power. This includes the UK operations Op VERITAS, Op HERRICK and Op TORAL.
Iraq (Op TELIC) 20 Jan 2003 to 22 May 2011
A joint resolution of the US Congress, known as the Iraq Resolution, led to the 2003 invasion of Iraq under the authority of the UN Security Council Resolutions 678 and 687, essentially to use all necessary means to compel Iraq to comply with its international obligations. Prior to the invasion, the US and UK indicated that Iraq was developing weapons of mass destruction, which presented a world-wide threat. As a consequence, on 8 September 2002, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1441, which effectively provided Iraq with a final opportunity to comply with its obligations and disarm. Resolution 1441 strengthened the mandate of the UN Monitoring and Verification Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and led, ultimately, to a combined NATO invasion on 19 March 2003.
Libya (NATO) 19 Mar 2011 to 31 Oct 2011
On 19 March 2011, a multi-state coalition began a military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorised the creation of a No-Fly Zone in response to the Gaddafi regime’s efforts to suppress the mass uprising sparked by the so-called Arab Spring. The British contribution, codenamed Operation Ellamy, principally consisted of RAF air power and naval forces, which enforced the accompanying arms embargo. All operations were conducted under NATO command from 31 March 2011. The conflict in Libya ended in late October 2011, following which NATO confirmed it would end operations on 31 October 2011.
Iraq and Syria (OSM) (Op SHADER) 9 Aug 2014 to present
Operation SHADER is the UK’s contribution to the global coalition committed to defeating Daesh. The MOD is providing military support which includes training Kurdish and Iraqi security forces with over 320 tonnes of UK gifted weapons, UK gifted machine guns, ammunition and other military equipment. Since the Parliamentary vote, the RAF has flown successful strikes and provided valuable intelligence and surveillance.
 

LIST OF QUALIFYING MEDAL EARNING THEATRES FOR THE ELIZABETH CROSS
Theatre Dates

UK & Pacific (Minesweeping 45/51) (Navy) 09-May-45 to 30-Sep-51
UK (Bomb & Mine Clearance GSM) 09-May-45 to 30-Sep-53
Palestine (GSM) 03-Sep-45 to 30-Jun-48
Malaya (GSM) (Singapore) 16-Jun-48 to 31-Jan-59
Malaya (GSM) (Malaya) 16-Jun-48 to 31-Jul-60
Berlin Airlift (GSM) 25-Jun-48 to 06-Oct-49
Yangtze (NGSM) 20-Apr-49 to 31-Jul-49
Korea Medal 02-Jul-50 to 27-Jul-53
Korea Medal (UN) 27-Jun-50 to 27-Jul-54
Canal Zone (GSM) 16-Oct-51 to 19-Oct-54
Kenya (AGSM) 21-Oct-52 to 17-Nov-56
Bomb & Mine Clearance (Med) (GSM) 01-Jan-55 to 31-Dec-60
Cyprus (GSM) 01-Apr-55 to 18-Apr-59
Near East (Suez) (GSM) 31-Oct-56 to 22-Dec-56
Arabian Peninsula (GSM) 01-Jan-57 to 30-Jun-60
Congo (ONUC) 10-Jul-60 to 30-Jun-64
Brunei (GSM) 08-Dec-62 to 23-Dec-62
Brunei (GSM) (Navy) 08-Dec-62 to 20-Dec-62
Borneo (GSM) 24-Dec-62 to 11-Aug-66
Cyprus (GSM) 21-Dec-63 to 26-Mar-64
Cyprus (UNFICYP) 27-Mar-64 to present
Radfan (GSM) 25-Apr-64 to 31-Jul-64
South Arabia (GSM) 01-Aug-64 to 30-Nov-67
Malay Peninsula (GSM) (All services) 17-Aug-64 to 12-Jun-65
Malay Peninsula (GSM) (Navy) 17-Aug-64 to 11-Aug-66
Malay Peninsula (GSM) (RAF) 13-Jun-65 to 11-Aug-66
Northern Ireland (GSM) 14-Aug-69 to 31-Jul-07
Dhofar (GSM) 01-Oct-69 to 03-Sep-76
Rhodesia Medal 01-Dec-79 to 20-Mar-80
South Atlantic Medal (Falklands) 02-Apr-82 to 21-Oct-82
South Atlantic Medal (Falklands) (Ascension Island) 02-Apr-82 to 12-Jul-82
Lebanon (GSM) 07-Feb-83 to 09-Mar-84
Gulf of Suez (GSM Mine Clearance) 15-Aug-84 to 15-Oct-84
Gulf (GSM) 17-Nov-86 to 28-Feb-89
Peshawar (UNOCHA) 1989 to 1990
Namibia (UNTAG) 01-Apr-89 to 31-Mar-90
The Gulf Medal 02-Aug-90 to 07-Mar-91
Kuwait (GSM) 08-Mar-91 to 30-Sep-91
Iraq/Kuwait (UNIKOM) 01-Apr-91 to 06-Oct-03
Western Sahara (MINURSO) 10-Apr-91 to present
Northern Iraq & South Turkey 06-Apr-91 to 17-Jul-91
Air Operations Iraq (RESINATE SOUTH) 16-Jul-91 to 18-Mar-03
Air Operations Iraq (RESINATE NORTH) 16-Jul-91 to 30-Apr-03
Cambodia (UNAMIC/UNTAC) 01-Oct-91 to 30-Sep-93
Former Yugoslavia (NATO FRY) 01-Jul-92 to 31-Dec-02
Sarajevo Airlift (UN Special Service) 03-Jul-92 to 12-Jan-96
Georgia (UNOMIG) 23-Aug-93 to present
Rwanda (UNAMIR) 01-Oct-93 to 31-Mar-96
Angola (UNAVEM 3) 01-Feb-95 to 01-Jun-97
Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) 01-Jun-98 to 31-Dec-02
Kosovo (NATO) 13-Oct-98 to 31-Dec-02
East Timor (UNAMET/UNTAET) 07-Jun-99 to present
Kosovo (UNMIK) 10-Jun-99 to present
Congo (MONUC) 30-Nov-99 to present
Sierra Leone (OSM) 05-May-00 to 31-Jul-02
Ethiopia/Eritrea (UNMEE) 15-Sep-00 to present
Macedonia (NATO) 01-Jun-01 to 31-Dec-02
Afghanistan (OSM) 11-Sep-01 to present
Balkans (NATO) 01-Jan-03 to present
Iraq (Op TELIC) 20-Jan-03 to 22-May-11
Democratic Republic of Congo (OSM) 14-Jun-03 to 10-Sep-03
Southern Asia (Op LEEWAY) (GSM 08) 01-Jan-08 to 06-May-15
Arabian Peninsula (Op QUANTAM) (GSM 08) 01-Jan-09 to 31-May-12
Eastern Africa (Op PRESIDIUM) (GSM 08) 10-Feb-10 to present
Libya (NATO) 23-Mar-11 to 31-Oct-11
Northern Africa (Op DEFERENCE) (GSM 08) 21-Feb-11 to 22-Mar-11
Northern Africa (Op VOCATE) (GSM 08) 01-Nov-11 to present
East Africa (Op BACKWELL) (GSM 08) 24-Apr-12 to present
Arabian Peninsula (Op ICENI) (GSM 08) 01-Jun-12 to 02-Dec-13
Western Africa (Op NEWCOMBE- Phase 1) (GSM 08) 13-Jan-13 to 22-May-13
East Africa (Op MODEST) (GSM 08) 24-Jan-13 to present
West Africa (Op GRITROCK) (Ebola medal) 23-Mar-14 to 29-Mar-16
East Africa (Op PRAISER) (GSM 08) 16-Dec-14 to present
East Africa (Op TANGHAM HQ) (GSM 08) 01-Nov-13 to present
East Africa (Op CATAN) (GSM 08) 03-Mar-16 to present
Iraq & Syria (Op SHADER) 09-Aug-14 to present

ANNEX C – QUALIFYING MEDAL ABBREVIATIONS
AGSM – Africa General Service Medal
GSM – General Service Medal
MINURSO – Mission des nations unies pour le referendum dans le Sahara Occidental
MONUC – Mission des Organisation des Nations Unies en République démocratique du Congo
NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
NATO FRY – North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Former Republic of Yugoslavia
NGSM – Naval General Service Medal
ONUC – Operation des Nations Unies au Congo
OSM – Operational Service Medal
UN – United Nations
UNAMET – United Nations Assistance Mission in East Timor
UNAMIC – United Nations Advanced Mission in Cambodia
UNAMIR – United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda
UNAVEM – United Nations Angola Verification Mission
UNFICYP – United Nations Force in Cyprus
UNIKOM – United Nations Iraq/Kuwait Observer Mission
UNOCHA – United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
UNMEE – United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
UNMIK – United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
UNOMIG – United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia
UNOMSIL – United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone
UNTAC – United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia
UNTAET – United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor
UNTAG – United Nations Transition Assistance Group.

Source
MOD published 28 March 2019.

Army abbreviations

A good guide to abbreviations used by the Army can be found here The Royal Anglian & Royal Lincolnshire Regimental Association.

RN, RM, and RAMC abbbreviations

This guide sheet contains a selected list of common abbreviations and phrases used by either the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, or the Royal Army Medical Corps. This list is not exhaustive. It has updates from our own archive.
[Sources: The National Museum Royal Navy and the British Medical Journal .]
 
A Absence (where not covered by something more specific)
(A) Air Branch
 A/ or Act. prefix for temporary rank
AA Anti-Aircraft
AAC Anti-Aircraft Corps
A.B.H.C. - Advanced Base Hospital Centre (RAMC term)
A.B.H.G. - Advanced Base Hospital Group (RAMC term)
AC Aircraftsman
ACM Aircrewman
AD Artificer Diver
ADD Artificer Deep Diver
A.D.S. - Advanced Dressing Station (Advanced meaning Forward)(RAMC term)
AEM Air Engineering Mechanic
AG Air Gunner
A/G I Anti-Gas Instructor
AM Air Mechanic
Armd Armoured
A/S OW Anti-Submarine Officer’s Writer
A.S. Group Age and Service Groups used for the purpose of determining demobilisation dates.
AWOL Absent without leave
 
Battn, Bn Battalion
Bd Band (eg. Bd Cpl, Bd Sgt)
Bde Brigade
Bdr. Bombardier, junior non-commissioned rank Royal Marine Artillery 1804-1923
B.D.S. - Beach Dressing Station (RAMC term)
BEF British Expeditionary Force
B.M.U. - Beach Medical Unit (RAMC term)
B.N.U. - British Neurosurgical Unit (RAMC term)
BPF British Pacific Fleet
Bty Battery
 
or CELLS Confined to ships’ cells or barracks detention block
Capt Captain
Cas. Casualty
C.A.E.U. - Casualty Air Evacuation Units (RAF/RAMC term)
CASEVAC - Casualty Evacuation (RAF/RAMC term)
C.C.P. - Casualty Colllection Point (RAMC term)
C.C.S. Casualty Clearing Station (RAMC term)
CCAC Commando Cliff Assault Centre
Cdr Commander
Cdre Commodore
CG Captain of Gun
CH/ service number prefix for Chatham Division
CHU Commando Holding Unit
C.M. Courts Martial
C.M.C. - Corps Medical Centre (RAMC term)
CMWTC Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre
CO Commanding Officer
Commd  Commissioned
COPRA Combined Operations Pay & Records Administration (including RM Landing craft crews 1939-46)
Coy Company
CP Civil Power
Cpl. Corporal
CPO Chief Petty Officer
C.P.S. - Corps Psychiatric Centre (RAMC term)
CR 1/2/3 Control Rating & class
CS Continuous Service
C/Sgt Colour-Sergeant (sometimes Col.Sgt)
CSM Company Sergeant Major
CTCRM Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone, Devon. Formerly ITCRM.
CW Commander’s Office Writer
 
DAMS Defensively Armed Merchant Ships (1914-18)
D Detention (in RN or other military Detention Quarters) Sentence of Detention required a Punishment Warrant and was for a period of upwards of 28 days. Could be remitted by up to 7 days and recorded as ‘awarded’ or ‘served’
D Discharged
DD Discharged Dead (usually written in red pencil or heavy black ink)
DEMS Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships (1939-45)
Demob. Demobilisation followed by release class and date
DEPOT Deal
Det Detached, detachment
Div, Divn Division: Chatham (Ch), Portsmouth (Po), Plymouth (Ply)
D/Maj. Drum Major
DP Detained Pay
D.U. - Dental Unit (RAMC term)
DW Daily wage
DWS Died on War Service (as opposed to KIA)
 
EW Engineer’s Writer
EX/ service number prefix for Exton 1939-42
 
F.A. - Field Ambulance (this was a mobile medical unit, not a vehicle)(RAMC term)
FAA Fleet Air Arm
FCPO Fleet Chief Petty Officer
F.D.S. - Field Dressing Station (RAMC term)
F.H.S. - Field Hygiene Section (RAMC term)
Flt Flight - Either as part of a rank, e.g., Flt Lt (Flight Lieutenant) OR as in Ship’s Flight, the part of a naval air squadron assigned to a ship
F.M.U. - Field Medical Unit (RAMC term)
FO Flying Officer
FP Field Punishment, usually followed by a number that would refer to a set discipline tabled in King/Queens Regulations, and with days forfeited.
F.T.U. Field Transfusion Unit (RAMC term).
 
GD General Duties
G.H. - General Hospital (RAMC term)
G.H.C. - General Hospital Centre (RAMC term)
GLW Gunnery Lieutenant’s Writer
GM Gunner’s Mate
 
HBL Home Base Ledger (personnel within the UK)
HDML Harbour Defence Motor Launch
Hd.Qtrs Head Quarters (usually followed by Division)
H.O. Hostilities Only (1939-46)
 
I of M Instructor of Musketry.
I.G.H. - Indian General Hospital (RAMC term)
I.S.D.M.S. - Indian Sub Depot Medical Stores (RAMC term)
I.S.S. - Indian Staging Section (RAMC term)
ITC Infantry Training Centre (also CTCRM, Lympstone, Exton, etc.)
 
JSAWC Joint Services Amphibious Warfare Centre
 
K.I.A Killed In Action
KR &I/QR & AL King’s/Queen’s Regulations and Admiralty Instructions
 
Leading – as in LAM Leading Air Mechanic, etc
Lab A Laboratory Assistant
L/Cpl. Lance-Corporal (also L/Sgt)
LH Leading Hand
LR Layer Rating
LRLC Lead Rates’ Leadership Course (2 week course which is not mandatory for
advancement to Acting Leading Rating)
LS Leading Seaman
LS&GC Long Service & Good Conduct Medal
LSP Length of Service Pay
LSR Long Service and Reserve engagement
Lt, Lieut Lieutenant
Lt Cdr Lieutenant Commander
LFX/ service number prefix for Fleet Air Arm, Lee-on-Solent
 
M Medical Branch
Maj Major
M.A.C. - Motor Ambulance Convoy (RAMC term)
M.A.S. - Motor Ambulance Section (RAMC term)
MCTC Military Correction Training Centre
M.D.S. - Main Dressing Station (of Field Ambulance)(RAMC term)
ME Marine Engineering Branch
Med. - Medical
MEF Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (1915-16)
M.F.T.U. - Malaria Forward Treatment Unit (RAMC term)
M.I.A. Missing in Action
M.I.D. Mentioned-In-Despatches
MNBDO Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation
Mne. Marine, entry rank of Royal Marines from 1923 onwards
M.O. - Medical Officer
MOA Marine Officers’ Attendant
MSM Meritorious Service Medal (can be with annuity)
M.S.U. - Mobile Surgical Unit (RAMC term)
MTD Mechanical Road Transport Driver
MTI Military Training Instructor
MTM Mechanical Road Transport Mechanic
 
NA Naval Airman
NAS Naval Air Squadron
NGSM Naval General Service Medal
NCO Non Commissioned Officer
Non-CS Rating entered for non-continuous service
NP Naval Party
NS Non-sea-going or New System
 
(O) Observer
OM Oberser’s Mate
On Passage aboard ship or transport but not part of detachment
ORA Operating Room Attendant
OS Old system
 
P Prison (civil prison sentence)
(P) Pilot
P or Prob. Probationary
Pay F Pay forfeited (punishment)
PCG Lump sum credit payment for pay rises during wartime but not paid until discharge
PLY/ service number prefix for Plymouth Division
PO Petty Officer
PO/ service number prefix for Portsmouth Division
POLC Petty Officers Leadership Course (4 week course mandatory for advancement to Acting Petty Officer, although possible to complete post-advancement if operational requirements prevented rating from participating before)
POW Prisoner Of War
PPT Passed the Provisional Test for swimming. Could swim 40 yards in pool with clothes
(duck suit) and stay afloat for 3 minutes
Prob. Probationary – as in Probationary Flying Officer (WW1)
PRTI Physical and Recreational Training Instructor
PST Passed Standard Test for swimming. Same as provisional test but in open sea.
Pte. Private, entry rank of Marines up to 1923
PURMS Permanently Unfit for Royal Marines Service
PVR Premature Voluntary Release
PWC Post War Clothing (1939-45)
 
QARNNS Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service
QELR Qualified Educationally for Leading Rate
QESDL Qualified Educationally for Special Duties List
QMS Quartermaster Sergeant (now Warrant Officer 2 or WO2)
QR Quarters Rating
 
R run, deserted
R.A.M.C. - Royal Army Medical Corps.
RAN Royal Australian Navy
R.A.P. - Regimental Aid Post (RAMC term)
RCN Royal Canadian Navy
RFR Royal Fleet Reserve (c1900-1914) sometimes given as a number prefix
RMA service number prefix for Royal Marine Artillery upto1923
RMB Royal Marine Barracks
RMB as service number prefix for Royal Marine Band personnel
RME Royal Marine Engineers (1939-46)
RMFVR Royal Marines Forces Reserve (renamed RMR in the 1960s)
RMG Recommended for Medal & Gratuity (see NGSM & MSM)
RMLC Royal Marine Labour Corps (1917-19)
RMLI Royal Marines Light Infantry (1855-1923)
RMMS Royal Marines Military School (Second World War officer training establishment at
Thurlestone, Devon)
RMP Royal Marine Police (1922-49). Also RMPSR Special Reserve
RMRD Royal Marine Reserve Depot
RMSAS Royal Marines Small Arms School
RMSC Regt Royal Marines Support Craft Regiment
RMSM Royal Marine School of Music
RMTG Royal Marines Training Group (c1942-46) usually one of four camps in Wales
RMTTD Royal Marines Technical Training Depot (Fort Cumberland c1930-1973, then to
Poole, Dorset)
RNACD Royal Naval Armoured Car Division, also RN Armoured Cars, RNAS Armoured Cars
RNAS Royal Naval Air Service 1914-19
RNAS (plus place name) Royal Naval Air Station, e.g. RNAS Yeovilton
RND Royal Naval Division (1914-18) RM provided two Battalions & support units.
Sometimes referred to as Victory Brigade and RM Brigade 1914-15.
RNR Royal Naval Reserve
RQ Run, with a query
RR Recommended for Re-engagement
RM Royal Marines
RNSM Royal Naval School of Music (1903-50)
RNVR Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
RNZN Royal New Zealand Navy
RNZNVR Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve
Rt right
 
S Seagoing
(s) Indicating short service when placed after service number (1914-18)
SAR Search and Rescue
S/C Submarine Coxswain
SCGM Senior Cook General Mess
SDI Submarine Detector Instructor
S.D.M.S. - Sub Depot Medical Stores (preceded by name of Country)(RAMC term)
SEAC South East Asia Command (1942-46)
SG Seaman Gunner
Sgt. Sergeant
Shore landed after leaving the service for a non-dishonourable reason
Sh T (H/LG) Shorthand Typist (Higher/Lower Grade)
SM Submarine Service
SNLR Services No Longer Required
SO Senior Observer
SOS Struck Off Strength
Sqn or Sqdn Squadron
SP Senior Pilot
S&S or S/L Supply & Secretariat or Supply/Logistics Branch
SS Special Service (eg SS Bde was renamed 3 Commando Bde)
S.S. (preceded by Country name) Staging Section - R.A.M.C. casualty evac. term.
SSV Special Service Vessel
Sup. Or Supy. Supernumerary, attached but not on the strength of (e.g.) a unit or ship
Supr Superior
 
TAG Telegraphist Air Gunner
TC Torpedo Coxswain
TDI Telegraphist Detector Instructor
Tel  Telegraphist
Temp or Tpy. Or Tempy. Temporary rank or appointment
TG Training Group (see RMTG)
TGM Torpedo Gunner’s Mate
TLW Torpedo Lieutenant’s Writer
TOS Taken on Strength
TO(V/S) Trained Operator (Visual Signalling)
TO(W/T) Trained Operator (Wireless Telegraphy)
Tp Troop
TSM Troop Sergeant-Major
TTD Technical Training Department (see RMTTD)
TTW Technical Training Wing
 
UL Unpaid leave
 
VG Very good
V/S Visual Signaller
 
WAR CHEVRONS also known as service stripes, worn point up on lower right sleeve.
WE Weapons Engineering Branch
WG War Gratuity
WO Warrant Officer
WOUND STRIPES Two inch lengths of gold or red braid worn above left sleeve cuff. Issued for each time wounded.
WRA Ward Room Attendant
WRNS Women’s Royal Naval Service
WSI War Service Increment paid for years of war service completed 1939-45
WT Wireless Telegraphist
WT Waiting trial
 
X Seaman/Operations/Executive Branch
XRA X-ray Assistant
 
Yeo Stores Yeoman of Stores
Yrs Years

Royal Navy Shore Establishments

The Royal Navy Museum have a list of naval shore establishments here [View the List].

'X' Lists 1939 -1945

Almost without exception, Second World War army service records contain numerous references to the ‘X Lists’. The X Lists recorded personnel who were absent from their regular units for one reason or another.


THE “X” LIST

All personnel are held on the posted strength of a unit or are carried on the “X” list.

The “X” list is maintained in 5 sections, and all transfers to and from it – or from one section of it to another - Units will, of course, casualty movements within the sections of, or involving transfer to, or from the “X” list.


THE X (i) LIST 

  • All ranks posted to fill vacancies in authorised War Establishments of a Headquarters or an extra-regimental unit (such as a base depot, school etc.).

Notes

An officer placed in X (i) list will be seconded.
 

THE X (ii) LIST 

  • All ranks evacuated on medical grounds beyond Regimental First Aid Post. Personnel so evacuated cease to be on the effective strength of their units.

Notes

  • Temporary or acting rank will be relinquished 28 days after being so transferred to X (ii) list.
  • Personnel remain in X (ii) list until they are classified as fit for posting when they are transferred to the X (iv) list of their corps and marched out to the appropriate training depot, or until discharged by a medical unit direct to their original units.
 

THE X (iii) LIST 

  • a) Confirmed prisoners of war,
  • b) Personnel officially declared missing,
  • c) OR under un-suspended sentence of detention or imprisonment (personnel undergoing field punishment remain on unit strength),
  • d) Deserters

Notes

  • Missing personnel will NOT be transferred to X (iii) list until the official notification is received. 
  • Deserters are NOT struck off unit strength until [notification] is received and personnel are declared deserters through Part II Orders.
  • Temporary or acting rank will be retained by, and extra-duty pay will continue to be payable to, personnel posted missing or PoW [Prisoner of War].
 

THE X (iv) LIST 

  • All unposted reinforcements and incoming reinforcement drafts. 
  • Personnel discharged from (x(ii)) to Training Depots, fit for duty, are transferred to the X (iv) list of their corps, until posted to a unit, when they are struck off X (iv) and taken on unit strength. 
  • Reinforcements in transit between the Base and a unit remain on X (iv) (and the Base Depot  strength) until they actually reach and are taken on the strength by the unit to which they are proceeding.
  • Escaped PoWs [Prisoners of War] who until such escape have been on the X (iii) list are transferred to X (iv) list on reaching their respective training depots.
 

THE X (v) LIST 

  • a) Officer personnel attending as students at courses of instructions or schools, for more than twenty-eight days.
  • b) Other rank personnel attending as students at courses of instruction for more then twenty-eight days. They will be struck off the strength of their unit unless the unit expressly states that they should remain detached.
  • c) All candidates for OCTU [Officer Cadet Training Unit.]  On commissioning they will be transferred to X (iv) list of their corps and subsequently posted to a unit.
  • d) Personnel acting as instructors at courses or schools outside the …., or struck off unit strength for duty with a unit outside the …., will be transferred to X (v) list. Although officers might in such circumstances be seconded, they will be placed on X (v) list.

Additional Notes

  • Immediately an officer or other rank is transferred to the “x” list, he is “lost” to his unit, and is immediately replaceable by a reinforcement.
  • Subject to Regulations, a vacancy for promotion is immediately created. It is in the interest of the unit to make immediate promotion or replacement as there is no guarantee that the individual will ever return to his unit. Return of specialist may, however, be requested.
  • Once personnel are transferred to X (iv) list from any other section of the “X” list, they are liable to be used as reinforcements for any unit within their own corps. 
  • Subject to certain conditions and exceptions as laid down in Regulations, acting or temporary rank will be relinquished on transfer to the “X” list.
  • Personnel temporarily detached from their units and not actually posted or transferred to other units or corps will NOT be transferred to the “X” list, neither will they be replaceable by reinforcements.

National Archives - DEFE2 files

Records of the Ministry of Defence files (DEFE)
More files at the National Archives referencing WW2 Commandos can be searched here [search the National Archives].
 
  Ref Report
DEFE 2 4 No 4 Cdo, June / July 1944
DEFE 2 37 No 2 Cdo
DEFE 2 37 No 1 Cdo
DEFE 2 38 No 3 Cdo
DEFE 2 39 3 Cdo,war diary records
DEFE 2 40 No 4 Cdo
DEFE 2 41 No 5 Cdo - war diaries 1940-1944
DEFE 2 42 No 5 Cdo
DEFE 2 43 No 6 Cdo
DEFE 2 43 No 7 Cdo
DEFE 2 44 No 9 Cdo
DEFE 2 44 No 8 Cdo
DEFE 2 45 Holding Operational Cdo
DEFE 2 45 No 10 Cdo
DEFE 2 45 No 12 Cdo - 1940 - 43
DEFE 2 45 No 14 Cdo - Nov 1942 - Aug 1943
DEFE 2 45 No 2 SS Bn - Nov 1940 - Mar 1941
DEFE 2 45 No 5 SS Bn - Dec 1940 - Feb 1941
DEFE 2 45 No 3 SS Bn - Nov 1940 - Feb 1941
DEFE 2 45 No 4 SS Bn - Dec 1940
DEFE 2 46 4 Cdo Bde - Sept.1943 - Dec 1944
DEFE 2 47 No 4 Cdo Bde
DEFE 2 48 42 R.M.Cdo
DEFE 2 48 No 48 R.M.Cdo -
DEFE 2 48 No 1 R.M.Cdo
DEFE 2 48 No 41 R.M.Cdo
DEFE 2 49 R.M. Engineering Cdo
DEFE 2 49 No 43 R.M.Cdo
DEFE 2 50 44 R.M.Cdo
DEFE 2 51 45 R.M.Cdo
DEFE 2 51 No 46 R.M.Cdo
DEFE 2 52 47 R.M.Cdo
DEFE 2 52 No 48 R.M.Cdo -
DEFE 2 53 R.M. Sec G.H.Q. 2nd Echelon,21 Army Group
DEFE 2 53 No 1 SS Bde Signals troop
DEFE 2 53 HQ 3 SS Bde Nov 1943 - JUNE 1945
DEFE 2 53 No 1 SS Bde
DEFE 2 53 Commando Wing GHQ. 2nd Echelon
DEFE 2 54 S.S.Bde
DEFE 2 55 S.S.Bde
DEFE 2 56 S,S.Bde GHQ.2nd Echelon
DEFE 2 57 S.S.Bde.(main),records and war diaries
DEFE 2 58 Combined Ops - war diaries
DEFE 2 58 No 3 Cdo
DEFE 2 60A Alpha index of events in HQ war diary
DEFE 2 61 Operation Abercombie
DEFE 2 62 Operation Abercombie
DEFE 2 63 Operation Abercombie
DEFE 2 65 Operation Acid Drop, Cartoon, Bristle,Sunstar
DEFE 2 66 Operation Anklet and Ambassador
DEFE 2 73 Operation Anklet
DEFE 2 74 Operation Anklet - photographs
DEFE 2 80 Operation Archery part 1
DEFE 2 81 Operation Archery / 2
DEFE 2 82 Operation Archery - photographs
DEFE 2 83 Operation Archery - narrative
DEFE 2 85 Operation Avalanche and others-reports
DEFE 2 95 Operations Blackcock,Bristle and others
DEFE 2 98 Operation Basalt and others
DEFE 2 104 Operation Bizerte
DEFE 2 105 Operation Blackcock - and others reports
DEFE 2 109 Operations,Branford, Dryad,Musketoon, Fahrenheit, Barricade,Aquatint, Basalt - photographs
DEFE 2 111 Operation Brassard
DEFE 2 112 Operation Brassard
DEFE 2 122 Operation Cartoon
DEFE 2 125 Operation Chariot / 1
DEFE 2 126 Operation Chariot part 2
DEFE 2 127 Operation Chariot part 3
DEFE 2 128 Operation Chariot part 4
DEFE 2 130 Operation Chariot vol 1
DEFE 2 131 Operation Chariot
DEFE 2 132 Operation Chariot vol 3
DEFE 2 133 Operation Chariot vol 4
DEFE 2 136 Operation Chess,Chopper,Deepcut,Collar, Ambassador - reports
DEFE 2 137 Operation Chess and others
DEFE 2 139 Operation Chopper - reports
DEFE 2 140 Operation Claymore
DEFE 2 141 Operation Claymore - part 1
DEFE 2 162 Operation Corkscrew
DEFE 2 176 Operation Devon and others - reports
DEFE 2 198 Operation Fahrenheit
DEFE 2 205 Operation Flipper,reports
DEFE 2 208 Operation Forfar
DEFE 2 209 Operation Forfar /1
DEFE 2 210 Operation Forfar part
DEFE 2 211 Operation Forfar Vol 1
DEFE 2 212 Operation Forfar Vol 2
DEFE 2 213 Operation Forfar Vol 3
DEFE 2 236 Operation Hardtack / 1
DEFE 2 237 Hardtack / 3
DEFE 2 239 Operation Hardtack / 5
DEFE 2 240 Operation Hardtack part 6
DEFE 2 241 Operation Hardtack / 7
DEFE 2 242 Opwration Hardtack part 8
DEFE 2 243 Operation Hardtack / 9
DEFE 2 244 Operation Hardtack / 10
DEFE 2 245 Operation Hardtack / 11
DEFE 2 246 Operation Hardtack part 12
DEFE 2 247 Opeation Hardtack part 13
DEFE 2 248 Operation Hardtack / 14
DEFE 2 249 Operation Hardtack - part 15
DEFE 2 251 Operation Hardtack / 17
DEFE 2 252 Operation Hardtack part 19
DEFE 2 254 Operation Hardtack / 22
DEFE 2 254 Opeation Hardtack part 16
DEFE 2 255 Operation Hardtack / 23 and 25
DEFE 2 256 Operation Hardtack / 26 and 27
DEFE 2 257 Hardtack - parts 29,30,37,41,42,44
DEFE 2 268 Communique - Sicily 10 July - 25 Aug 1943,memos ,Honours and Awards
DEFE 2 307 Operation Infatuate / 1
DEFE 2 308 Operation Infatuate / 2
DEFE 2 309 Operation Infatuate / 3
DEFE 2 310 Operation Infatuate / 5
DEFE 2 311 Operation Infatuate / 6
DEFE 2 312 Operation Ironclad part 1
DEFE 2 313 Operation Ironclad part 2
DEFE 2 314 Operation Ironclad part 3
DEFE 2 315 Operation Ironclad / 4
DEFE 2 316 Operation Ironclad - maps
DEFE 2 317 Operation Ironclad / Vol 1
DEFE 2 318 Operation Ironclad part 2
DEFE 2 319 Operation Ironclad - part 3
DEFE 2 320 Operation Ironclad
DEFE 2 324 Operation Jubilee part 1
DEFE 2 325 Operation Jubilee - part 2a
DEFE 2 326 Operation Jubilee - part 2b
DEFE 2 328 Operation Jubilee Part 3
DEFE 2 329 Operation Jubilee Public Relations
DEFE 2 330 Operation Jubilee - part 5
DEFE 2 332 Operation Jubilee Vol 1
DEFE 2 333 Operation Jubilee - part 2
DEFE 2 334 Operation Jubilee part 3
DEFE 2 335 Operation Jubilee part 4
DEFE 2 336 Operation Jubilee - part 5
DEFE 2 337 Operation Jubilee / 6
DEFE 2 338 Operation Jubilee / 7
DEFE 2 339 Operation Jubilee
DEFE 2 342 Operation J.V.
DEFE 2 343 Operation Kitbag
DEFE 2 345 Operation - KVH, Hardtack, Manacke
DEFE 2 349 Operation Flipper,Export,and translation of paper entitled The Cdo
DEFE 2 364 Operation Musketoon
DEFE 2 365 Operation Musketoon, Barricade, Aquatint
DEFE 2 366 Operation Myrmidan - photographs
DEFE 2 367 Operation Myrmidan
DEFE 2 492 Casuality and effect of fire support on Brit beaches in Normandy
DEFE 2 510 Operation Plunder / 1
DEFE 2 511 Operation Plunder / 1A
DEFE 2 512 Operation Plunder / 2
DEFE 2 518 Operation Postage Able
DEFE 2 541 Operation Rumford
DEFE 2 554 Operation Screwdriver
DEFE 2 555 Operation Shingle (Anzio landings) / 1
DEFE 2 556 Operation shingle (Anzio landings) / 1A
DEFE 2 557 Operation Shingle (Azio landings) / 1B
DEFE 2 558 Operation Shingle `1C
DEFE 2 559 Operation Shingle /1D
DEFE 2 560 Operation Shingle photographs
DEFE 2 569 Operation Screwdriver and others
DEFE 2 570 Operation Sunstar
DEFE 2 572 Operation Talon / 1
DEFE 2 574 Operation talon / 1B
DEFE 2 575 Operation Talon / 1C
DEFE 2 576 Operation Talon / 1D
DEFE 2 579 Operation Jubilee and other - reports
DEFE 2 612 Operation Tarbrush and others
DEFE 2 650B Code names for operations-places-dates
DEFE 2 652 Review of harbours- British channel and Appledore
DEFE 2 653 Arakan and Burma - ops-reports
DEFE 2 655 Burma campaign - reports
DEFE 2 678 Norway Ops - objectives and intelligence
DEFE 2 680 Combined Ops - report - Rhine crossing
DEFE 2 681 Assault on Wesel - battle study
DEFE 2 692B S.E.Asia Command - operations
DEFE 2 694 Small Scale Raids in Europe - alpha list
DEFE 2 695 Location of Combined Ops 1940-45,with code names,data etc
DEFE 2 697 History of Combined Ops H.Q. 1939-45
DEFE 2 699 Early history of COPPs - notes, memo's,and interviews
DEFE 2 700 History of Comando in the Med. 1943-45
DEFE 2 701 No 4 Cdo Bde - History
DEFE 2 708 Manual of Combined Ops
DEFE 2 709 Manual of Combined Ops
DEFE 2 726 Combined Ops - Navy and Army pers
DEFE 2 748 COPP. -depot trg book
DEFE 2 762 Combined Ops - Navy and R.M. officers -1943
DEFE 2 763 List of Combined Ops - Naval and R.M. officers
DEFE 2 766 Small Operation Group - Handbook
DEFE 2 787 Raids and operations in Middle East - reports -1940 -41
DEFE 2 792 Beach Org - policy and responsibility
DEFE 2 808 Combined Ops Trg Centre - Middle East - establishment, appointments, 1942
DEFE 2 815 Combined Ops Trg Centre - Inverary- establishment,and objectives etc
DEFE 2 816 Combined Ops Trg Centre - Inverary- staffing etc
DEFE 2 843 Commando casualities,1940-45 - incomplete returns
DEFE 2 849 SS Bde-equipment,appointments,Standing Orders and instructions
DEFE 2 851 Honours and Awards - 1941-42
DEFE 2 875 Org - fitting schemes of employed ships for hospital and carriers
DEFE 2 899 Bases - locations - arrangements and reports
DEFE 2 929 Beach Groups - change of name to Naval Cdo, standards and selection trg
DEFE 2 943 North (Fynn)Force - formation
DEFE 2 946 Combined Ops -badge design,production,and instruction for wearing
DEFE 2 952 R.M Boom Patrol Detachment - reports on operations
DEFE 2 953 R.M Boom Patrol Detachment - formation
DEFE 2 957 Small Scale Raid Force - procedures and responsibilities
DEFE 2 960 S.S.Bde - recruitment standards, - reorg , wearing of flashes
DEFE 2 961 R.N.Beach Cdo - complements,org, - reports and policy
DEFE 2 965 Dieppe Raid - reports - honours and awards
DEFE 2 977 History of 46 R.M.Cdo plusActivities of 10 IA
DEFE 2 978 Combined Operation badge,design production,wearing,abolition
DEFE 2 979 C.O H.Q.- historical records,war diaries,and record system org
DEFE 2 1016 No 10 IA Cdo - deployment of tps 1943
DEFE 2 1038 R.N.Beach Cdo - stores,eqpt, pers, clothing and green beret
DEFE 2 1066 Maj.Gen R.E. Laycock,DSO. - papers
DEFE 2 1067 Foreign honours and awards issued to British pers
DEFE 2 1068 Comms - history of signals in Combined Ops
DEFE 2 1078 Canoes - type-design-reports of trials
DEFE 2 1079 Canoes - type-design-reports of trials
DEFE 2 1080 Canoes - type-design-reports of trials
DEFE 2 1091 Commando in action,- reports
DEFE 2 1107 30 AU(S.E.U) , 30 Cdo , 30 AU.
DEFE 2 1111 C.O.P.P - Honours and Awards - progess report
DEFE 2 1116 C.O.P.P -History and reports
DEFE 2 1117 C.O Trg areas UK - requistion
DEFE 2 1118 Combined trg areas UK
DEFE 2 1119 Honours and Awards - recommendations
DEFE 2 1123 Honour and Awards USA
DEFE 2 1134 Trg policy for Cdo
DEFE 2 1152 C.O.P.P - progress report
DEFE 2 1161 Combined Ops HQ. organization etc
DEFE 2 1189 Beach Groups locations and reports
DEFE 2 1198 Honour and Awards recommendations
DEFE 2 1214 C.O.P.P. - Awards and Medals
DEFE 2 1231 10 IA,report on Belgian andPolish tps in Italy
DEFE 2 1257 Small Operation Group - Org
DEFE 2 1268 34 Amph Support Regt RM
DEFE 2 1276 Combined Ops -minutes of records -crossing the Rhine
DEFE 2 1295 41 R.M.Cdo - Viscountess Davidson M.P. regarding recognition and Awards
DEFE 2 1432 Canadian Pers - Cdn offer of one complete Cdo and Beach Signal unit
DEFE 2 1773 History of Combined Ops Org 1940-45
DEFE 2 1775 Bulldozer
DEFE 2 1780 Operation Torch - misc reports
DEFE 2 1787 Combined Ops - Navy and R.M. officers -July 1944
DEFE 2 1869 Operation Baytown, Hooker and Ferdy
DEFE 2 1893 S.S.R.F - Policy,formations,and responsibility etc
DEFE 2 2084 C.O.P.P. - records
DEFE 2 2108 Combined Ops - for unit commandos - pamphlet No 9,R.A.M.C.
DEFE 2 2119 Arty in Combined Ops

World War 2 despatches

Despatches during World War 2, submitted by commanders-in-chief, were published in The Gazette. 

The issue or supplement number, title and date of publication of a few are listed below, or [view full list]

38005 First and second Battles of Narvik, 10 and 13 April 1940 

37584 Operations in Central Norway,1940 

38011 Norway campaign 17 July 1940 

38331 Raid on military and economic objectives in the Lofoten Islands 1941

38342 Raid on military and economic objectives in the vicinity of Vaagso Island, 7 Jan 1942 

38293 Transportation of the Army to Greece and evacuation of the army from Greece, 1941 

38296 The Battle of Crete, 4 August 1941 

37655 Operations of East Africa Command, 12 July 1941 to 8 January 1943 

37779 Operations in North West Africa from 8 November 1942 to 13 May 1943 

38569 The landings in North Africa, 1943 

38177 Operations in the Middle East from 1 November 1941 to 15 August 1942 

37786 Operations in the Middle East from 16 February 1943, to 8 January 1944 

38086 The Attack on St Nazaire, 1942 

38225 The capture of Diego Suarez, 16 June 1942 

38045 The Dieppe Raid, 30 August 1942 

38432 Coastal Force actions, 13 March 1943 

38205 The conquest of Sicily from 10 July 1943 to 17 August 1943 

38899 Operations in connection with the landings in the Gulf of Salerno on 9 September 1943 

38937 The Allied Armies in Italy from 3 September 1943 to 12 December 1944 

39367 The part played by the Allied forces in the final defeat of the enemy in the Mediterranean theatre, March to May 1945.

37728 Operation in Eastern Theatre, based on India, from March 1942 to 31 December 1942 

38274 Operations in the Indo-Burma theatre based on India, 21 June 1943 to 15 November 1943  

37711 Operations in the North-west Europe from 6 June 1944 to 5 May 1945 

38110 The Assault Phase of the Normandy Landings, 16 October 1944 

39171 Operations in Burma and North-East India from 16 November 1943 to 22 June 1944

39187 Operations in Assam and Burma from 23 June 1944 to 12 November 1944  

39195 Operations in Burma from 12 November to 15 August 1945 

39195 Operations in Burma from 12 November 1944 to 15 August 1945 

38269 Naval operations in Ramree Island area 19 January to 22 February 1945 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Commando Veterans Archive ?

This Archive is a not for profit online source of free information about Commandos who have served since their formation in 1940 to the present day.

How is it managed ?

The website and its domain are owned and managed by John Mewett and his son Dan. The Content Manager is Pete Rogers. We are the sons, and in Dan's case, the grandson, of WW2 Army Commandos. Unlike Service museums, etc. we are not funded but do our best.

How can I add information or photos to this website ?

This is done via the Forum, or by contacting the archive website team direct, if you are the owner of the collection. We will need to speak with you to ask any relevant questions we have. Photos will be assessed and moved to the Gallery where suitable. There is a Contact Form on the Home Page navigation panel under 'About the Archive' and someone will respond by email to you. You can also Register on the Gallery to add a comment to any photo in there.

How much does it cost ?

It's completely free! The website team freely donate their time and any costs involved.

Who are the website team ?

John Mewett and his son Dan, and Pete Rogers. View the answer for the question ‘How is it managed?’

Do the website team represent the views of the Commando Association ?

No. This online Archive is an independent entity. As such any views expressed by their website team are their own, and not those of any Association.

So what is the connection with the Association ?

The Commando Veterans Archive is owned and managed independently as described above, The Forum and Gallery were created by John Mewett and his son Dan as a means of providing a greater knowledge about the history of, and preserving the memory of, the Commandos; and to provide a platform that members of the association and other interested parties could use to help in achieving this. Later a main Archive was added to display content created by the website team from their research.

If I register on this website am I a member of the Association ?

No. The Commando Veterans Archive is an independent entity. To join the Commando Association download the application forms from the Home page menu ‘Association-Membership.’ Complete and send to the Association using the address on the Form.

Who should I contact if I need to speak to someone ?

Contact the Commando Veterans Archive website team for ALL matters pertaining to the content or management of this archive including adding your content or photos, or use of its content or photos. For Commando Association events, membership, newsletter, or shop, contact representatives of the Association via the side navigation panel of any page in this archive. Both the archive website team and the association can also be contacted via the CONTACT form accessed again on the side navigation panel of any page.

How can I notify you of the death of a Commando ?

Use the Contact Form or post a message on our Forum. Provide full details, including forename/s, age if known, unit, and date of death. We will respond to all such messages. You can register on the Forum and post a message with a photo if you have one. For deaths of serving personnel be security aware on what you post on a public Forum. If in doubt use the Contact Form.

How can I find out more about an individual's military service ?

Check your extended family first to see what they know. Copies of actual Service Records can only be obtained by application to the MOD through their disclosure sections. The application process is changing as of 2023. Don't be fooled by pay websites that offer a similar service. Our Research Advice guide on the Home page provides details on how to request a service record.

Do the Commando Veterans Archive have access to service records ?

No. Copies of actual Service Records can only be obtained by application to the MOD through their disclosure sections (this process is changing). Our Research Advice guide on the Home page provides details on how to request a service record. Click on Research at the top of each page or copy and paste this link into your browser to take you there https://www.commandoveterans.org/ServiceRecords

If a name is not listed does that mean he was not a Commando ?

No. The Commando Veterans Archive records are not complete. If you provide us with the details in a Forum message, including evidence of service in a Commando (see next question), then we will review it and update our records where necessary. The place to do this is by registering on the Forum and posting the information there. Any problems contact the website team.

What evidence of commando service do you require ?

Where we have no record, you must provide the evidence. This can vary from a copy of a service record, to a photo or even a letter. Anything referencing commando service in writing, or where commando insignia is visible. Remember, unlike today, in World War Two not all Royal Marines were Commandos.

The service number I have does not match the one you list ?

We do not have access to Service Records.Where a service number is shown on our nominal rolls they should be treated as possible but not confirmed. They are often transcribed from war diaries or lists provided by veterans themselves and occasionally errors are found. Contact the Archive if you suspect an error.

Why are some Police Officers who were Commandos not on the Police List ?

Police Officers who volunteered for the WW2 Commandos as part of the Police Intakes commencing 1942 are included on the Police List. As are serving Police Officers who were on the Army Reserve List in 1939 and were called up then volunteered for the Commandos when formed in 1940 or later. Those whose police service commenced after their commando service ended will not be on the Police List but the details can be included on any A-Z personnel page or gallery entry created, once we are made aware.

Forum - The photo I have posted does not display ?

There is a maximum size limit for photos on the Forum which has likely been exceeded. Try reducing its size if you know how to, or use the Contact Form located on the navigation panel on the Home Page, select the appropriate category, and tell us what the problem is. Someone will be in touch soon.

Forum - Registration activation email not received ?

Occasionally an e-mail provider incorrectly marks our 'activation’ e-mail as spam so check your spam/junk folder first. If the email is in your junk folder you will need to move this to your inbox to enable the activation link. If you still cannot see the email 24 hours after registering try to log in anyway . If you cannot please use the Contact Form and advises us of your full name and and we will activate your account for you.

Forum - Other difficulty registering ?

If you have tried to register and have encountered issues eg. it says you've already registered when you haven't, or the system isn't accepting the information you've entered, please contact us via our Contact Form.

Forum - email received about a reply to a post but cannot find the message ?

When a reply is made to any Forum message you post an automated email notification is sent. Occasionally those advertising products or services post replies. We delete these but the automated reply will already have been sent. If you receive such an email and cannot find the post or the link on there is broken just ignore it. Do not mark the email as spam as any future notifications will go straight to your spam folder.

Forum - How do I edit my profile ?

Log in. Click on My Profile. Edit the bio page as you wish. Scroll down. Click submit. Towards the top of the form in green you should see the words “Information updated”. This indicates the change has been made.

Can I use some of the photos on your website ?

Whilst we have a Creative Commons licence for non commercial use displayed at the bottom of every gallery page, it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with any terms or copyright. Click on the link below for clarity on copyright law., https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/copyright-notice-digital-imag...
If your use is for a commercial purpose get in touch via our Contact Form and someone will respond soon.

Why are there different search facilities on the website ?

The Google Custom search checks the Forum, the Gallery, and the main Archive. This can result in a multitude of responses. So, for those wanting a limited check, we include a search facility specific to the Gallery, and another for the Archive.

How do I report a broken link on your website ?

Use the Contact Form located on the navigation panel on the Home Page, select the appropriate category, and tell us what the problem is. Someone will be in touch soon.

How do I report any other problem on your website ?

Use the Contact Form located on the navigation panel on the Home Page, select the appropriate category, and tell us what the problem is. Someone will be in touch soon.

Do you manage the Commando Association Facebook page ?

No. The Facebook social media page is managed independently.

If I post a photo or info on the Facebook page will it be replicated here ?

No. Users must make contact with, or place their own photos, on this website as direct contact is necessary. Facebook and other social media pages are managed independently and not monitored by the website team.

How do you use the personal data of users of your website ?

This is explained in our Privacy Statement here www.commandoveterans.org/site/privacy-statement

Website Feedback

These are just a few of the comments. Leave your own feedback via our Contact Form [go to form ...].

"Your website is fantastic and has given me a very real and very sad insight into how these incredible men fought for us". Jill, Jan.2024.

"Thank you for your great website. I realise as a volunteer in a museum the amount of work and time it takes to make it work." Frédéric, Aug.2023.

"Thank you for this amazing website." John, June 2023.


"Thanks again for the hard work for producing all this. Great site. Keep up the great work." Clarke, June 2023.


"Many congratulations on your site, which is a fine tribute to a group of very courageous souls, and a great resource for families etc." Jane, Feb. 2023.

"Fantastic archive, really informative." Phil, Jan. 2023.


"Thank you so much, you have no idea how much I appreciate you doing that. It’s a lovely tribute to my grandad." Eiley, Sept. 2022.


"Thank you so much for posting my Dad's postcard from 1941. It means such a lot to me and that these wonderful men are remembered for the sacrifices they made so many decades ago." Jeffrey, Sept.2022.


"Thank you very much. To have this is absolutely amazing. It puts many pieces together." Debbie, Jun. 2022. 


"Well done for such a brilliant tribute with your website." Alexandra, May 2022.


"May I congratulate you on such a fantastic resource that this site is for family, friends and historians alike. Thank you." Jason, March 2022.


"I am certainly most grateful for all the hard work and  time put into this site to make it such a beautiful historical record. The Commandos deserve to be recognised in such a way, especially those who didn't make it home." Paul, Jan. 2022.


"I will be citing and recommending your site. I hadn't found it before doing this research and I think it's absolutely first class." Simon, Nov. 2021.


"I spent some time today looking at different pages on the site. I am very impressed with the amount of information that it has on all topics." Denise, Sept. 2021.


"I am glad Dad’s photo now sits with his Commando record.  His days in the commandos were some of the happiest in his life. With thanks again and best wishes." Gordon, August 2021.

"I have been researching my great grandfather and thanks to this site I have been able to get a lot of information out to my family that they never knew existed so I appreciate everything you do." Garry, April 2021.

"I have just had a read of your website and you have an incredible history of service." Chas, April 2021.


"Thank you very much. What an excellent site." Paul, March 2021.


"Excellent site."  Doug, March 2021.

"My dad would have been so excited about your website, and I'm sure I'm not the only descendant of a commando who appreciates your efforts." Barbara, Feb. 2021.


"Thank you. The good work you do is much appreciated." Sandra, Jan. 2021.


"Many thanks the family have all seen it and are really pleased we have a good record saved on your excellent site." Adrian, Nov. 2020.


"Thanks to your amazing help I now know that my Dad was in No.40 Royal Marine Commando. How lovely to see the photos posted in the gallery." Linda, July 2020. 


"This is a fascinating website - thank you for enabling everyone to access it - we much appreciate it, thank you." Debby, June 2020.


"It makes me so proud to see my grandfather's name on your website, thank you for this." Douglas, June 2020.


"A sincere thank you for your prompt replies and actions, its made me very happy to see my father added to the nominal roll and gallery." Allan, May 2020.


"Great site and a really fitting tribute to those who served to preserve our freedom." Neil, May 2020.


"I never anticipated a response so soon... and one that would lead us to the most incredible photos of Tommy." Abbie, May 2020.


"You have created an extremely valuable resource - congratulations." John, March 2020.


"Just found your site WOW, speechless info. Many thanks great work."  Clive, Nov. 2019.


“I came to your website to explore my family history where I found a photograph of the grave stone of Reginald Roy Philips from the Bari Cemetery. So I would just love to thank you for that. Your website is wonderful and I deeply appreciate the photograph.” Lauren, July 2019.

"I have discovered your wonderful and meticulous Roll of Honour with my Father listed. Thank you for all your work." Stephen, July 2019.


"The history I have gleaned from your input and this page touches my heart truly." Andrea, July 2019.

“Thanks for adding all the information to your site it will give others a good understanding of what happens to the soldiers and families through these troubled times..” Mike, June 2019.

“Thank you so much for your superbly efficient response to my request to include a photograph - it only took one brief hour and the photo pinged up.”  Janet, May 2019.

“I was quite astonished with your ROH training death list - I was aware of a number of training incidents that had caused deaths but had no idea it was so many.”  Dave, April 2019.

“I had not been aware of the document giving the history of SBS and its references to COPP shown in your excellent gallery.” Andrew, April 2019.


“Thank you.  My Father would be proud to be posted up among his mates.” Clive, March 2019.


“Its good to see an old Oppo remembered properly.” Roy, March 2019.


“Just like to say many thanks for the help I have received from the site when looking into my fathers Commando past.”  Tom, Feb.2019.

Leave your own feedback via our Contact Form [go to form ...].