Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

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ALSTON, Richard

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in 2021 for “delivering game-changing results” following a redesign of the capability of the unit he commanded, 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group.
 
Sources
London Gazette 63377, page B6 published 12 June 2021.

ASHFORD-RUSSELL, Brian Harborough

Lieutenant (later Honorary Major)
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps & Intelligence Corps
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Served in No. 7 Commando as a Lieutenant. Appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy serving with the Intelligence Corps having left the Commando. 
 
On the Ist january 1968 he was appointed O.B.E. (Civil Division). 
 

AYLEN, Ian Gerald

Known as: 
Jan Aylen
Commander (later Rear Admiral)
30 Commando Assault Unit
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Post war member of the Commando Association from Honiton, Devon.

BAILEY, David Lindsay

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel David Bailey was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) on the 12th June 1971 [1].
  • 22 October 1970 to 22 March 1972  Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 45384, page 5961. Her Majesty's Birthday Honours.

BARNWELL, Thomas Frederick Barry

Lieutenant Colonel
RM Reserve
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Barnwell, RM Reserve, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
 
Source
London Gazette 57070, page 12066 published 30 September 2003.
 

BAVIN, Richard Julian Ebblewhite

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Died in service
Lieut. Colonel Richard Bavin OBE was killed whilst on board a US Marine Corps transport plane that crashed into Mount Tobin, Nevada during a snowstorm.  18 US servicemen also died in the crash.  He was serving as the UK Royal Marines representative at the Quantico Education and Development Centre.
 

BAXTER, Richard Fraser

Captain
45RM Commando
Training Centres
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
45RM Commando and Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre during 1945-6.
Post war he was ordained Reverend and was appointed OBE in the 1964 New Years Honours List "for public services in Nyasaland."
 
Sources
CA Newsletters 38 and 98.
London Gazette 43200, page 23.

BEATTIE, James Simpson

Corporal
No 1 Commando
Royal Scots
Edinburgh City Police
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Queen's Police Medal
Corporal James Beattie was awarded the Military Medal in 1943 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa [1].
1 April 1944  commissioned Second Lieutenant from O.C.T.U. [2].
1967 (Chief Superintendent, Edinburgh City Police) awarded the Q.P.M. [3]. 

BEVERLEY, Henry York la Roche

Lieutenant General
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant General Henry York La Roche Beverley, O.B.E., was appointed K.C.B. (Military Division) on the 31st December 1990 [1].
  • April 1978 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM [2].

BOYES, Robert Paul

Company Sergeant Major
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk Fusiliers
Hartlepool, Birmingham, Mid Anglia, and North Yorkshire
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Police Medal
Company Sergeant Major Robert Boyes served in No.1 Commando having volunteeered as part of the Police Intakes. 

BRUCE, Robert James

Major Robert Bruce
Major
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major Robert Bruce was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12857.
[Image] From an ITV film on an open day at Eastney.
 
Notes

BRYAN, Gerald Jackson

Captain Gerald Bryan 11 Commando
Captain
No 11 Commando
No 9 Commando
Royal Engineers
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Gerald Jackson Bryan, RE, was awarded the Military Cross [1] for his gallantry during the battle of Litani River. He was seriously wounded (leg amputation) [2][2a]. 

BUSWELL, Charles Norman

Lieutenant
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Charles Buswell was commisioned into the Royal Artillery on 13 March 1942 [1]. After volunteering, he joined No. 3 Commando and took part in the invasion of Sicily on the 9th July 1943.

BYE, Francis Clifford Edward

Known as: 
Clifford, Cliff
Lieutenant Colonel
Holding Operational Commando
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Francis Clifford Edward Bye served in the Holding Operational Commando in April 1945 [1].
  • May 1966 to July 1967 Commanding Officer 45 Commando [2].
  • 1 January 1968 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
Sources

CANTRILL, Richard John

Brigadier
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Major Richard Cantrill, 42 Commando RM, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
  • 30 June 2011 promoted Lieutenant Colonel, 42 Commando, RM [2].
  • 2014 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].

CAPEWELL, David Andrew

Lieutenant General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonel David Capewell was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division)  15 June 2002 [1].
  • 2000/1 (Lieutenant Colonel) Officer Commanding 40 Commando RM [2].
  • July 2007 (Brigadier) (Brigade Commander) 3 Commando Bde. RM [3].
  • 31 December 2013 (Lieutenant General) appointed K.C.M.G. (Military Division) [4].

CARTER, Robert Ponsonby

Lieutenant Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Robert Carter received a Mention in Despatches announced on 27 April 1951 for distinguished service in operations in Malaya [1]. 

CHANT, Stuart Whitemore

Known as: 
Surname later CHANT-SEMPILL
Stuart Chant 5 Commando
Lieutenant (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
No 5 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Private (Cadet) Chant, Artists Rifles TA, granted an emergency commission 22 October 1939 rank Second Lieutenant having attended 163rd O.C.T.U. [1]. 
  • October 1940 volunteered for the Army Commandos; attached to No.5 Commando [2].

CHESTER, John Shane

John Shane Chester
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Chester, Chief of Staff 3 Commando Brigade RM, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic [1].
  • 16 March 1982 (Major) (HQ 3 Cdo. Bde) received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service In Northern Ireland in 1981 [2].

CHICKEN, Simon Timothy

Major General
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Simon Chicken was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1994 to 31st March 1995 [1].
  • 2001 (Lieutenant Colonel) Commanding Officer 45 Commando Group [2].

COLEMAN, Charles Jack

Lieutenant (later Major)
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Charles Jack Coleman served in No. 1 Commando and 1 Commando Brigade*.
  • 19 November 1939 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Welch Regiment [1].
  • 25 August 1947 (Welch Regiment) (2nd Lt. ) (War Subs. Lt.) promoted Captain, Royal Scots Fusiliers [2].

CROMBIE, Richard Dennis

Lieutenant Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Crombie was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in 1963 [1].
  • 1956 (Major) (45 Commando) Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Operations in the Near East at Suez, Oct. - Dec., 1956 [2].

Sources
[1] London Gazette 43010, page 4797.

CUNDY, Robert Graham

Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Robert Cundy received the Queen's Commendation for B

DAVIS, Edward Grant Martin

Lieutenant General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Brigadier Edward Davis, O.B.E., Commander 3 Commando Brigade RM [1][1A], was appointed C.B. E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st April 2011 to 30th September 2011 [2].
  • 28 November 2011 promoted Major General [3].

DECHOW, William Ernest

Brigadier
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Legion of Merit (USA)
Lieutenant Colonel William Dechow was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 31 December 2002 [1].
  • 4 July 2006 (Acting Colonel) promoted Colonel [2].
  • 21 June 2011 promoted Brigadier [3].

DEWAR, Duncan Andrew

Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Dewar received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].
  • Commanding Officer, 45 Commando Group [1a].
  • 31 December 2013 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

DRYSDALE, Douglas Burns

Colonel
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Silver Star (USA)
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Drysdale assumed command of 44RM Commando on the 23rd April 1945. Formerly the Brigade Major he replaced Lt. Colonel Stockley who had been appointed to a position within Brigade HQ.*

EDWARDS, Lionel Percy Fox

Captain
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Captain Lionel Edwards was appointed O.B.E. (Military Divsion) in the 1963 New Years Honours. He served in Cyprus, Port Said, and in Aden.

Sources
London Gazette 42870, page 6.
Shrewsbury School Register 1908-1958.
 

EPHRAUMS, Roderick Jarvis

Known as: 
Roger
Major General Roger Ephraums Royal Marines
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Commander of the Order of St John (CStJ)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Served with 42 Commando in Malaya in the 1950's and was later the Brigade Major, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM in Sarawak. In 1969 he commanded 45 Commando RM *.
  • 1 January 1965 (Major) appointed O.B.E. [1].
  • 17 December 1972 promoted Brigadier [2]

ETCHES, William Whitson

Known as: 
Bill
Col Bill Etches OBE MC
Lieutenant (later Colonel)
No 3 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant William Etches, a veteran of the Lofoten and Vaagso raids in Norway 1941 (he received a Mention in Despatches during the latter) [1],  was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at St Nazaire in

FLEMMING, James Maul

Marine
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine James Flemming received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in NW Europe [1].
 
On the 16th May 1950 it was announced in London Gazettes that the now Leading Fireman James Maul Flemming had been awarded the B.E.M. (Civil Division)
 

Citation

GARROD, John Martin Carruthers

Lieutenant General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Martin Carruthers Garrod received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August 1973-31st October 1973 [1].
  • 17 June 1978 - 9 November 1979 Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].

GOLDSWORTHY, James Noel Anthony

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major James Goldsworthy was appointed O.B.E. (Military Dvision) 31 December 1979.
Service included HMS Sakar, ITCRM, CTCRM, Cdo. Log Regt., and 42 Commando RM.
 
Sources
London Gazette 48041, page 3.
Navy News November 2021 edition.
Bedford School obituaries.
 

GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Basil ian spencer Gourlay
General
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2. 
 
Post war he served in 45 Commando Royal Marines 1945-1948, Brigade Major 3 Commando Bde Royal Marines 1955-1957; OC 42 Commando Royal Marines 1963-1965, ultimately being appointed Commandant General Royal Marines from 1971-75 after which he retired.

GRACE, Nicholas John

Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Grace was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 29 December 2012.
 
Sources
London Gazette 60367, page N4 (New Years Honours List).
 

HALL, Simon Jeremy

Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Hall, O.B.E., received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013.
 
Sources

HARDY, Campbell Richard

Lt Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy
General
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
2nd Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Richard Hardy, commanded the 9th RM Bn., until it was redesignated as 46 RM Commando on 1 August 1943. He remained as Commanding Officer 46RM Commando until the end November 1944 when he left to take up the post of  Brigade Commander 3rd Special Service Brigade which was operating in the Far East.

HAYCOCK, Jesse Hotchkiss

Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Jesse Haycock, 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Operations in the Near East, October to December, 1956 [1].
  • 1976 (Major) appointed O.B.E., (Military Division) [2].

Sources
[1] London Gazette 41092, page 3418.

HAYDON, Joseph Charles

Major General
Special Service Brigade
Irish Guards
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Second Lieutenant Joseph Charles Haydon was commissioned into the Irish Guards 21 December 1917 [1]. On the 8th June 1939 now a Major, and Military Assistant to the Secretary of State for War, he was appointed O

HEDGES, Justin William

Brigadier
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major Justin Hedges, HQ Squadron, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].
  • 1 July 2016 (Colonel) promoted Brigadier [2].
Sources

HELLBERG, Ivar Jack

Colonel
Cdo. Log. Regt.
Royal Corps of Transport
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Ivar Jack Hellberg, Commanding Officer Commando Logistic Regiment RM, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War [1][2].
  • 30 June 1986 promoted Colonel [3].
  • 17 January 1998 retired [4].

HICKINBOTHAM, Christopher James

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Christopher Hickinbotham received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1976 [1].
  • 12 June 1982 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 5 July 1983 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [3].
Sources

HOUGHTON, Robert Dyer

Known as: 
Titch
Robert Houghton 40 Commando
Major General
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Acting Major Robert Houghton, Second in Command of 40RM Command

HUDSON, Leslie Eric

Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Hudson received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1974 - 31st January 1975 [1].
  • 31 December 1976 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources

HUNT, Malcolm Peter John

Major General
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Hunt was the Commanding Officer of 40 Commando RM during the Falklands War in 1982 [1].
  • 31 December 1983 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 2 March 1992 (Major General) to Retired List [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 49194, page 16123.

HUNTINGFORD, Damian Jon

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Damian Huntingford, HQ Squadron, 3 Commando Brigade RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 

IZZARD, Ralph William Burdick

Lieutenant Commander
30 Commando Assault Unit
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Mentioned in Despatches for good service in operations leading to the liberation of France [1].
1 January 1946 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Post war member of the Commando Association from Tunbridge Wells, Kent [3].
 
Sources

JENKINS, Gwyn

Major General
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonel Gwyn Jenkins  was appointed O.B.E.

JOBBINS, Paul Anthony

Colonel
RM Reserve
Royal Marines
George Medal (GM)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Reserve Decoration (RD)
Colonel Paul Jobbins, O.B.E., R.D *., RM Reserves, was awarded the George Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2004 [1].
 
Citation

JOLLY, Richard Tadeusz

Surgeon Commander
Cdo. Log. Regt.
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Richard Jolly, acting Surgeon Commander, commanded the Medical Squadron of the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines during Operation Sutton in the South Atlantic May/June 1982. He also had under his operational control two surgical support teams and a parachute clearing troop. Appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [1][2]. 

JOYCE, Philip

Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Philip Joyce was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 11 June 2011.
 
Sources
London Gazette 59808, page B5 (Her Majesty's Birthday Honours.)
 

KING, David Christopher Michael

Brigadier
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonel David King was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
  • 3 May 2012 promoted Brigadier [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15642.

LAMB, Peter Ralph

Major (Local Lieutenant Colonel)
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Peter Lamb, HQ Commando Forces RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic [1].
  • 17th June 1989 (Major) (Local Lt. Col) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Source
[1] London Gazette 49134, page 12842.

LANE, Roger Guy Tyson

Brigadier
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Roger Lane received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1980 [1].
  • 1990 he received a second Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland [2].
  • 31 December 1993 (Major) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].

LAPRAIK, John Neilson

Known as: 
Ian Lapraik, or Jock
Acting Captain (later Honorary Colonel)
51ME Commando
SBS
SAS
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Acting Captain John Neilson Lapraik was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation

LEAHY, Arthur John

Known as: 
John
John Leahy Brigade Signals
Major (later Colonel)
Brigade Signals
Royal Signals
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Officer Commanding the Special Service Brigade Signal Troop. 
Service History
5 Commando - July 1940 to November 1940 
3 Commando (raising Special Service Brigade Signal Section) - Nov 1940 to Dec 1940 
Special Service Brigade Signals - Dec 1940 to October 1943. 

LEE, Oliver Andrew

Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Captain Oliver Lee received The Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003 [1].

LITSTER, Alan

Brigadier
Fleet Protection Group RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant (Local Captain) Alan Litster was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1996 to 31st March 1997 [1].

MADOC, Reginald William

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major General Reginald Madoc D.S.O., O.B.E., was appointed C.B. on 1st January 1959 [1].
  • 1951 (Lieutenant Colonel) (42 Commando RM) appointed O.B.E. for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya [2].

MANSELL, William Bradbury

Lieutenant (later Colonel)
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant William Mansell was awarded the M.C., for distinguished service in operations in Malaya during the period 10th June  to 4th September, 1950 [1].
 
In 1985 Colonel William Bradbury Mansell, M.C., former principal of the National Maritime Museum, was appointed O.B.E. (Civil Division) [2].
 
Sources

MASON, Alexander Malcolm

Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Alexander Mason received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in the period 1st May 1976 to 31st July 1976 [1].
  • 1978 (Captain) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August 1978 to 31st October 1978 [2].

MAYNARD, Paul Andrew

Paul Maynard 40 Commando
Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Colonel Paul Maynard was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 28 December 2019 [1].
  • March 2017 (Lieutenant Colonel) Officer Commanding 40 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 62866, page N6 / New Years Honours List.
[2] Royal Navy/ MOD website.

MCGAREL-GROVES, Robin Jullian

Colonel (Brigadier)
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
November 1964 to May 1966 Commanding Officer 45 Commando RM.*
11 June 1966 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [1].
22 July 1968 (Colonel) promoted Brigadier [2].
05 June 1970 Colonel (Brigadier) relinquished rank of Brigadier and placed on Retired List 6 June 1970 [3]..
 

MESSENGER, Gordon Kenneth

General
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
General Gordon Kenneth Messenger, C.B. D.S.O. O.B.E., was appointed K.C.B. on 11 June 2016 [1].
  • 16 May 2016 promoted General and to be Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and Aide-de-Camp to Her Majesty The QUEEN [2].
  • Appointed C.B. 13 June 2015 [3].

MILTON, Anthony Arthur

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Milton was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 1994 [1].
  • 1996 (Brigadier) Commanding Officer 3 Commando Brigade RM [2].

MINORDS, David John

Major
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major David Minords was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12857.

MOORE, John Jeremy

John Jeremy Moore
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Major General John Jeremy Moore served as the commander of the British land forces during the Falklands War in 1982.
  • Lieutenant - awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service with 40 Commando RM in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952 [1].

MORRIS, Richard Charles

Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major Richard Morris was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 April 2013 to 30 Sept. 2013 [1].
  • 30 June 2015 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
  • 1 January 2022 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].

MOTTRAM, John Frederick

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major John Frederick Mottram was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division)  on 1st January 1969 [1].
  • 23 March 1972 - 20 February 1974  (Lieutenant Colonel) Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].

MOULTON, James Louis

Lt. Col James Louis Moulton
Major General
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel James Louis Moulton, Commanding Officer 48RM Commando until March 1945, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. [1] . 

NEWMAN, Lt Col. Augustus Charles, VC

Known as: 
Colonel Charles
Col. Newman VC, 2 Commando
Augustus Charles Newman VC
Lieutenant Colonel
No 2 Commando
No 3 Independent Company
Essex Regiment
Victoria Cross (VC)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
Mentioned in Despatches
Order of the Legion of Honour (France)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Lt. Colonel Augustus Charles Newman, Officer Commanding No 2 Commando, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry whilst Military Force Commander of Operation Chariot, St. Nazaire. He was a prisoner of war after the raid.
Extract from Commando Association Newsletter 55 of September 1972

NORCOCK, Peter Lawrence

Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Peter Norcock was Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service during the War in the Far East [1].
  • 1948 (Major) Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948 [2]. 

NORMAN, Jaimie McCoy

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Captain Jaimie Norman was appointed to the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2007 [1].
  • December 2020 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Source
London Gazette 58633, page 3612.

OVENS, Patrick John

Lt PJ Ovens
Major General
46RM Commando
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Commando Basic Training Centre
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)

Lieutenant Patrick Ovens served  for a period at the CBTC and is shown in a photo entitled "Commando Basic Training Centre - Officers Mess - 1945." 

He joined 46RM Commando shortly before it was disbanded.

OWEN, John Ivor Headon

Major General
45 Cdo. RM
44RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
John Ivor Headon Owen was Captain of 'C' Troop' 44RM Commando in Burma January 1945 [1][1a]. Post war he served in 42 Commando RM in Borneo and he commanded 45 Commando RM in Aden [2]. 
1 January 1963 (Major) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].

PARSONS, John Farleigh

Captain (later Colonel)
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Acting Captain John Parsons, 41RM Commando, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Salerno, Italy, on the 17th September 1943 [1].
Recommendation

PENNEFATHER, David Anthony Somerset

Major General
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Commandant General Royal Marines in 1996.
  • (Major) (HQ Commando Forces RM) received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic [1].
  • (Lt. Colonel) Appointed O.B.E., (Military Division), in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland [2].

PILLAR, Andrew Robert

Lieutenant Colonel
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Andrew Pillar, 40 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches  in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic [1].

POLLARD, Gordon

Maj Gordon Pollard MC MM
Major
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
The then Sergeant Gordon Pollard, RA,  was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East (Egypt and Libya) during the period May, 1942 to October, 1942.
 

POLLITT, Charles Jordan Bellingham

Lt Colonel Charles Pollitt
Lieutenant Colonel
No 1 Commando
No 5 Commando
No 10 Independent Company
Border Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Charles Pollitt, then a Captain, embarked with No 10 Independent Company on their deployment to Freetown in April 1940.  At the end of the year after No 10 Independent Company was disbanded he volunteered for and was posted to the Holding and Training Wing at what was then STC Achnacarry.

PORTER, Matthew Edward

Brigadier
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Matthew Porter was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division)  31 December 1999 [1].
  • 29 December 2007 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 29 December 2012 (Colonel) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
  • 21 July 2014 promoted Brigadier [4].

POTTER, Stephen

Major
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Major Stephen Potter was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) 17 June 2006.
 
Sources
London Gazette 58014, page B4.

PRICE, Martin

Lieutenant Colonel
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Martin Price D.S.O., R.M., was posted Commanding Officer 48RM Commando in March 1945 [1]. He had previously been Second in Command of 47RM Commando [1A].
  • By February 1946 Lt. Colonel Price had replaced Lt. Colonel Komrower as Commandant of the Commanding Basic Training Centre [1B].

PULVERTAFT, Rupert James

Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Acting Colonel Rupert Pulvertaft was awarded the Bronze Star bestowed by the President of the United States of America in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during coalition operations in Iraq [1].
  • 14 June 2014 (Acting  Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division [2].

PURSER, Lloyd John

Acting Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Warrant Officer Class 2 Lloyd Purser  was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) on 14 June 2003 [1].
  • 9 June 2018 (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 56963, page 5. Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List.

RIES, Norman Charles

Known as: 
Charles
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ries RM
Colonel
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Charles Ries was the first Commanding Officer of 45 RM Commando on its formation in August 1943 [1] and remained as such until June 1944 when wounded by enemy gunfire in Normandy. Post war he returned to command the restructured unit from December 1948 until August 1950 [2].

ROBERTS, Gerald Frederick Dawson

Lieutenant (later Lieutenant Colonel)
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Lieutenant Gerald Roberts received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Korea [1].  He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal bestowed by th

ROGERS, Simon Milward

Colonel
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Simon Rogers received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan [1].
  • 27 June 2016 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
  • 1 July 2021 (Acting Colonel) promoted Colonel [3].
  • 1 January 2022 (Colonel) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [4].

ROY, Alexander Campbell

Lieutenant Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Alexander Roy received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1990 [1].
  • 16 June 2001 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 52324, page 17200.

SALMON, Andrew

Major General
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Acting Colonel Andrew Salmon received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of distinguished service during Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone in 2000 [1][1a].
  • 31 December 2003 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].

SECCOMBE, Thomas

Colonel
41 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Seccombe was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st May 1978 to 31st July 1978 [1].
  • 15 June 1985 (Colonel) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources

SHERIDAN, James Maurice Guy

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Major James Sheridan was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic. He commanded the Land Forces that repossessed South Georgia.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12857.
National Archives file WO373/188410.

SHERMAN, Thomas

Known as: 
Tom
2/Lt Tom Sherman
Lt Col Tom Sherman RMR
Troop Sergeant Major (later Lt Col RM Reserve)
No 2 Commando
RM Reserve
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Reserve Decoration (RD)
Tom Sherman volunteered for the Independent Companies and was posted to No.4 Ind. Coy.  He took part in Scissorforce, the North West Expeditionary Force in Norway, and after joining No.

SIDWELL, Richard Charles

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Richard Charles Sidwell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service during operations in East and West Malaysia during the period 24 June to 23 December 1965 [1].

STEVENS, Terence Morton Patrick

Known as: 
Paddy
Acting Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
41RM Commando
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Acting Captain Terence Morton Patrick Stevens, 41RM Commando,  was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army during the successful landings in Normandy. [1]
Recommendation 

STEWART, David James

Colonel
45 Cdo. RM
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant David Stewart was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands [1].
Citation
"Early in the morning of the 9th June Lieutenant Stewart, 45 Commando led a troop strength fighting patrol to the Two Sisters feature in East Falklands with a mission to harass the enemy and cause him casualties.

STICKLAND, Charles Richard

Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Stickland, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM, received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 [1].

STORRIE, David Robert Bruce

Lieutenant Colonel David Storrie
Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant David Storrie received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Borneo Territories during the period 24th December 1963 to 23rd June 1964 [1].
  • 1 May 1968 (Lieutenant) (Local Captain) promoted Captain [2].
  • 31 December 1974 (Captain) (Acting Major) promoted Major [3].

SYRAD, Stuart Lawrence

Major
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Stuart Syrad was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service on 6 November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt [1][2].
  • 2 June 1973 (Major) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 41092, page 3418.

TAPLIN, John Aubrey

Acting Brigadier
41RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Captain John Taplin was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours dated 31 May 1956 [1].
  • December 1942 (Acting Temporary Captain) Adjutant of 41RM Commando [2].
  • August 1943 Captain serving in 41RM Commando [3].

TAYLOR, Martin Kenneth

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Lieutenant Colonel Martin Taylor O.B.E., was awarded the Bronze Star  Medal bestowed by the President of the United States of America for meritorious, gallant and distinguished service during coalition operations in Afghanistan [1].
  • 2007 Commanding Officer RM Stonehouse [2].
Sources

TAYLOR, William John

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Cdo. Log. Regt.
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Captain William Taylor received a Mention in Despatches in reco

THOMAS, John Francis

Known as: 
Jack
Brigadier Jack Thomas
Lieutenant (later Brigadier)
No 6 Commando
1st Lifeguards
Welch Regiment
Parachute Regiment
Royal Artillery
Corps of Royal Military Police
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
No.6 Commando. President of the Commando Veterans Association until November 2016.
Military Service
Enlisted 1st Lifeguards rank Trooper [1][1a].
21 April 1945 commissioned from O.C.T.U. Second Lieutenant, Welch Regiment [2].
Attached No.6 Commando [1][3].

TOTTEN, Philip Mark

Colonel
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Philip Totten was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division)  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st April 2010 to 30th September 2010 [1].
  • 30 June 2012 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
  • 16 July 2018 promoted Colonel [3].

TREVOR, Thomas Hoult (Lt Col)

Known as: 
Senior
Lieutenant Colonel
No 1 Commando
No 2 Independent Company
Welch Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Thomas Trevor was 2i/c of No 2 Independent Company when they sailed as part of Scissors Force (Operation Avonmouth) to take part in the Combined Operations raid on Norway. After this, with the disbandment of the Independent Companies, he joined the newly raised No 1 Commando.
 

VAN DER HORST, Richard Evert

Lieutenant Colonel
SBS
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Died in service
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Evert van der Horst OBE, Officer Commanding the Special Boat Service, died on the 14th March 2005 after a diving accident on the 7th March during an amphibious exercise off Norway.
Service
  • 1984 joined the Royal Marines as a university cadet entrant and passed out in 1988 with the Sword of Honour.

VAN DER HORST, Rupert Cornelius

Brigadier
Royal Marines
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Brigadier Rupert Cornelius Van Der Horst, O.B.E., was appointed C.B.E.,(Military Division), 31st December 1991 [1].
  • 1982 Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 52767, page 5
[2] London Gazette 49134, page 12842.

VAUGHAN, Charles Edward (Lt Col)

Lieutenant Colonel
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
The Buffs, East Kent
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Charles Edward Vaughan, born 1893, was originally attached to No.7 and No.4 Commando before taking up his role as the Commandant of the newly formed Commando Depot (CBTC) at Achnacarry.

WAND-TETLEY, Peter Michael

Lieutenant (later Captain)
No 7 Commando
Middle East Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
19 October 1939 attested into the Honorable Artillery Company [1].
26 April 1940 to 168th Infantry O.C.T.U. [1].
17 August 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Wiltshire Regiment [1][2].
1941 attached No.3 Special Service Battalion embarked for the Middle East with Layforce [3].

WHEELER, George Russell

Lt George Russell Wheeler MM
Corporal
No 2 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

George Wheeler, a pupil of Godolphin School, Wiltshire, graduated as a BSc from Exeter University. He married in 1941. After enlistment he volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No 2 Commando

WOOD, Steven Patrick

Lieutenant Colonel
No 5 Commando
Royal Tank Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel (Temporary) Steven Wood was the first Commanding Officer of No 5 Commando when it was formed at Bridlington in July 1940 remaining in post until 8 November 1940 when he relinquished command [1]. 
Post war

WOOLLEY, Arthur Rupert

Lieutenant Colonel
30 Commando Assault Unit
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Arthur Woolley joined the Royal Marines on 1 December 1939 and after his basic training was posted to the 5th Batallion Royal Marines Brigade.
  • Promoted Temporary Captain April 1940, Acting Temporary Major November 1941, and Second in Command of 5RM in June 1942.

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