RM Commandos 1946 - present

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'3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines'

At the end of the war and without notice a decision was made to disband the Army Commandos. Demobilization commenced almost immediately with some Commando Units being merged for short periods as numbers dwindled.
The RM Commandos did not escape the cutbacks being reduced from nine units down to three.
  • October 1946 after the disbandment of the merged No.1/5 (Army) Commando, 3 Commando Brigade, still in the Far East, was redesignated as 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines.

ABBOTT, Grant Paul

Major
N029408Q
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Grant Abbott received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan in 2013.
 
Sources
London Gazette 60813, page 5838.
 

ACID, Omar

Colour Sergeant
P061699W
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Colour Sergeant Omar Acid received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in 2017.
 
Source
London Gazette 62283, page 8433.
 

ADAMS, Alan Maclean

Warrant Officer Class 1 (later Captain)
PO43078H & 563268
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines and Regular Army
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Corporal Alan Adams received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland [1].
  • Appointed M.B.E. (Military Division)(rank Warrant Officer Class 1) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland  2004/5 [2].

ADAMS, Mark

Marine
P054173K
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Mark Adams received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
 
Source
London Gazette 59182, page 15641 published 11 September 2009.
 

ADAMS, Ross William

Corporal
P059720H
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Ross Adams received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2011.
 
Source
London Gazette 60095, page 5849.
 

ADDIS, Alan

Alan Addis RM
Marine
P037596K
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Alan Addis was serving with Naval Party 8901 when he disappeared in suspicious circumstances on the Falkland Islands in 1980.  
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Numerous online reports.

AHERN, Gerard

Marine
CH/X 5110
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Gerard Ahern, from Darwen Lancashire, died whilst a prisoner of war in Korea.
Extract from an article in the Lancashire Telegraph 28th January 2004

ALDRIDGE, Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur

Dennis Leolin Samuel St Maur Aldridge Royal Marines
Major
44RM Commando
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Silver Star (USA)
7 January 1949 Captain Dennis Aldridge, who had served during the war with 44RM Commando [1], was appointed MBE (Military Division) for gallant and distinguished services with 40 Commando RM in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1948 - 30th July, 1948. [2]

ALEXANDER, Charles

Marine
RM 9234
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Charles Alexander, 'X' troop, died of wounds after an ambush in South Perak, Malaya. Mne. Alexander was mortally wounded, Cpl. Ireland was killed, and Mne. King and Lt. Langley were both wounded [1][2].

ALEXANDER, David Crichton

Major General David Crichton Alexander
Major General
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Major General David Alexander was appointed C.B. (Military Division) on 12 June 1976 [1].
  • 1969–1970 (Lieutenant Colonel) Officer Commanding 40 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp. 46919, page 8016.
[2] + [Image] Globe and Laurel October 1970.

ALLAN, Brian Gavin

Sergeant
P045179G
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Sergeant Brian Allan was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 2003.
 
Source
London Gazette 57269, page 5129.
 

ALLEN, Thomas Charles

Marine
P032665M
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Thomas Allen, Garrison Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment RM, died as a result of a road traffic accident in Winchester.

Sources
AFM ROH
Globe and Laurel, July - August 1977 edition.
Navy News July 1977, p8.
 

ALSTON, Richard

Lieutenant Colonel
N029409G
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.

ANDERSON, Bruce William Drysdale

Lieutenant Colonel
N029622P
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Bruce Anderson received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2013 to 30 June 2014 [1].
  • 30 June 2018 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 61155, page 3471.

ANDERSON, Edward Oliver

Warrant Officer Class 2
P041461L
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Warrant Officer Class 2 Edward Anderson was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) 31 December 2003.
 
Sources
London Gazette 57155, page S5.
 

ANDREWS, Leslie

Marine
RM 9426
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Leslie Andrews received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39507, page 1880.
Royal Marines Association website.
 

ANDREWS, Trevor John

Sergeant
CH/X 3263
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Sergeant Trevor Andrews was  a member of the SBS personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951. 

ANRUDE, Jack

Lieutenant Jack Anrude
Lieutenant Colonel
P903592A
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Jack Anrude, 40 Commando RM, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2010 [1].
Citation
Lt. Anrude led his troop out of Patrol Base Hanjar accompanying an Afghan Special Forces unit to speak with locals at a mosque. 

ANTHONY, Nicholas Mark Kenwood

Captain (Local Major)
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain (Local Major) Nicholas Anthony was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of services during operations in Kosovo and Macedonia between January and June 1999.
 
Source
London Gazette 55711, page 41.
 

ARDING, Nicholas Miles Bennett

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Nicholas Arding received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1998 to 31st March 1999 [1].
  • 31 December 2004 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources

ARGLES, Edward Varnier

Lieutenant
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Cdo. Log. Regt.
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Edward Argles was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division), in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Iraq in 2007.
 
Source
London Gazette 58633, page 3615.
 

ARMOUR, Thomas

Marine
RM 131178
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Thomas Armour, HQ 3 Commando Bde.,  died in a road accident.
[Source: AFM ROH / British Cyprus Memorial Trust Book of Remembrance.]
 

ARMSTRONG, Liam Peter

Marine Liam Armstrong MC
Marine
P056725F
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Marine Liam Armstrong was awarded the Military Cross  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2002.
 
Sources
London Gazette 56920, page 5274.
[Image] BBC News online 4 Dec. 2006.
 

ARNOLD, David James

Sergeant
RM 15389
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant David Arnold died during operations in Aden [1].
Obituary in the Globe and Laurel [2]
"Sergeant David Arnold was killed during night operations on 7th August 1964. He was serving in 2 Troop 'X' Company 45 Commando in the Dhala area which has recently become the centre of intense dissident activity.

ASH, Martin

Colour Sergeant
P053437R
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Colour Sergeant Martin Ash was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in 2014.
 
Sources
London Gazette 60728, page N5 (New Years Honours).
 

ASHBY, Philip James Conyers

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)

Major Philip Ashby was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sierra Leone during Operation Turner in May 2000.

Sources
London Gazette 56168, page 4246.
Globe and Laurel May/June 2001.

ASHENDEN, Steven

Marine
P050950V
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Marine Steven Ashenden was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001.
 
Sources
London Gazette 56373, page 12745.
 

ASHLEY, Scott

Major
P046619P
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Major Scott Ashley was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in June 2014 [1].
  • 1 October 2014 promoted Major [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 60895, page B6 (H.M. Birthday Honours).
[2] London Gazette 61031, page 20825.
 

ASHTON, Paul

Colour Sergeant
P043318J
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Colour Sergeant Paul Ashton received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland in 2006.
 
Sources
London Gazette 58183, page 17355.
 

ASKWITH, Graham

Marine
RM 21331
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Graham Askwith received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in Borneo on the 1st January 1964. He had been recommended for the Military Medal.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43492, page 9824.
National Archives file WO373/139/37.
 

ATKIN, Alister Paul

Marine
PO43998J
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Alister Paul Atkin died of heart failure whilst playing rugby for his base at the time, HMS Warrior.  [Sources: AFM ROH / Navy News June 1995 page 34.]
 

ATKINS, Steven Mark

Marine
P033350C
RM Poole
Royal Marines
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Steven Atkins received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st February 1979 to 30th April 1979 [1].
  • 1982 awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland [2].
Sources

AUBERTIN, Jack Stanley

Jack Aubertin 45 Commando
Sergeant
PO.X.2916
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Jack Aubertin from Coventry was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951 [1][2].

BABB, Ronald Benjamin

Corporal
PO/X 5056
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Ronald Babb died [1] in the Korean war during a raid on the night of 6th/7th October, when two troops of the Commando landed under the command of Major D. L. St. M. Aldridge, R.M., at Churonjang.  A rail and road tunnel was blown up with two tons of explosive and completely blocked [2]
 

BABBINGTON, Peter Murray

Captain (later Honorary Colonel)
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Peter Babbington, 'K' Company Commander, was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during operations on the Falkland Islands [1].
Citation

BAILEY, David Lindsay

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 12 June 1971 [1].
  • 22 October 1970 to 22 March 1972  Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].
  • 1974 promoted Colonel [3].
Sources

BAILEY, Nicholas

Marine
P037460R
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Nicholas Bailey who had served in the Falklands died from injuries received after a fellow Marine accidentally discharged a firearm when they were off duty at the friends house in Arbroath.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Newspaper article in the Aberdeen Press and Journal 24 April 1985.
 

BAINBRIDGE, Stephen Paul

Colour Sergeant
P044135C
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Colour Sergeant Stephen Bainbridge was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field during the period 1st October 2003 and 31st March 2004.
 
Sources
London Gazette 57402, page 11252.
 

BAINES, James

Regimental Sergeant Major
PLY/X 920
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
1 January 1949, Acting Staff Sergeant, awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) [1].
1950/1951, Acting Quartermaster Sergeant 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, wounded and later awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service on 29 November 1950 in the Korean War during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir [2][4].

BAIZLEY, Michael John

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Michael Baizley was appointed M.B.E., (Military Division),  in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 1st to 15th February 1965.
Citation

BAKER, Roy

Corporal
PLY/X 5068
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Bronze Star Medal (USA)
Corporal Roy Baker was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat 'V' decoration bestowed by the President of the United States of America, for gallant and distinguished service in the Korean War.
 
Sources
London Gazette 40253 page 4684.
 

BAKER, Stephen Lionel

Lieutenant
PLY/X.5365
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
1 January 1970 (Quartermaster Sergeant) awarded British Empire Medal (Military Division) [1].
31 December 1982 appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 44999, page 23.
[2] London Gazette 49212, page 5.
 

BALDWIN, David

Known as: 
Snowy
Sergeant
RM 7784
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Sergeant David Baldwin died near Akanthou in the Karpas Peninsula during operations in Cyprus. He and Marine David Whitham were killed when their patrol landed by helicopter and came under ‘friendly fire’.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Cyprus Emergency Deaths 1955-1960.
British Cyprus Memorial Trust Book of Remembrance.
 
 

BALLANCE, John

Corporal
P060508L
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal John Ballance was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
 

BALMENT, Robert Ernest

Colour Sergeant
P022095H
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Colour Sergeant Robert Balment was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August to 31st October 1980.
 
Sources
London Gazette 48583, page 5527.
 

BANFORD, Garry Lee

Corporal
P054437L
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Garry Banford received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2007 to 31st March 2008.
 
Source
London Gazette 58776, page 11242.
 

BANKS, Michael Edward Borg

Known as: 
Mike
Mike Banks (Borg-Banks) Royal Marines
Major
3 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Michael Banks served on HMS Malaya in 1942 and HMS Valiant in 1943/44 before joining 3 Commando Brigade and 42RM Commando in Burma [1][2a].
Took part in the Battle for Hill 170 signing a captured Japanese flag afterwards [view....] [2a][2b].

BARFOOT, Wayne

Colour Sergeant
P062415A
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Colour Sergeant Wayne Barfoot received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011.
 
Source
London Gazette 59924, page 18717.
 

BARKER, Alfred

Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
PO/X4213
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Alfred Barker was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service on 29 February 1952 during operations at Rawang, which is located in Selangor, Malaya.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39584, page 3523.
National Archives file WO 373/131/7.
 

BARLOW, Phillip

Colour Sergeant
P053286A
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service

Colour Sergeant Phillip Barlow received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in in the field during the period 1 April to 30 September 2016.

Source
London Gazette 61908, page 8515.

BARNES, Charles Ernest

Sergeant
PO/X 4003
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Charles Barnes, 'B' Troop, died during operations at Hodo Pando, Korea. He was part of a raiding party that landed by canoe and were engaged in a daylong firefight.

BARNES, Rex Warwick

Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service

Major Rex Barnes received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland in 2000.

Sources
London Gazette 56168, page 4244.

BARNES, Roger Michael

Colour Sergeant
P018166M
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Colour Sergeant Roger Barnes was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1974.
 
Sources
London Gazette 46456, page 221.
 

BARNETT, Nicholas John

Marine
P038293A
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Nicholas Barnett, a GPMG gunner, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic on 12 June 1982.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
National Archives file WO373/188/220.
 

BARNWELL, Alan Fitzgerald

Captain
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Alan Barnwell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst on operations in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003.
 
Source
London Gazette 57100, page 6.
 

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.
 

BARRETT, Donald John

Corporal
PO/X 6473
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Donald Barrett died during operations in Cyprus. He was crushed when a DUKW hit a house and brought a wall down.
 
[Sources: AFM ROH / SFROH website]
 

BARTON, David Alexander

Colour Sergeant
P030829F
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Colour Sergeant David Barton received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1992.
 
Sources
London Gazette 53086, page 17976.
 

BARTON, Francis Christopher

Major (later Major General)
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Francis Barton received a Mention in Despatches in 1951 in recognition of gallant and distinguished services with 40 Commando RM in Malaya [1].
  • 31 December 1960 (Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 1 January 1964 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [3].

BATEMAN, Richard

Corporal
P052775P
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal Richard Bateman was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009.
 
Sources
London Gazette 59182, page 15640.
 

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.
 

BEADLE, Jeffrey Charles

Major
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Temporary Lieutenant Jeffrey Charles Beadle was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry, leadership and outstanding determination whilst serving in Commando operations in the Adriatic, June, 1944, specifically the attack on Brac Island [more....] [1].

BEADON, Colin John Alexander

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Colin Beadon was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distingushed service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 1994 [1]
  • 1994 promoted Major [2].
  • 2 June 2007 (Lieutenant Colonel) to retired list [3].
Sources

BEASLEY, Nicholas

Sergeant
P048395W
Royal Marines
Died in service
Sergeant Nicholas Beasley died 2 weeks before his retirement after 22 years service.  At the time he was serving on the staff at the Royal Navy's basic training establishment, HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall. His career included service in Iraq and tours of duty in Northern Ireland.
[Source:  AFM ROH / Northants Telegraph dated 11/8/2010]

BEEVER, Fred

Marine
CH/X 118708
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)

Marine Fred Beever was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Divsion) in recognition of non operational services in Japan in connection with operations in Korea.

Source
London Gazette 39248, page 3107 dated 7 June 1951..
 

BEEVERS, Peter

Sergeant
P026130T
RM Reserve
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Peter Beevers, RM Reserve Tyne, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct. 1982.
 

BELL, Alan William

Sergeant
PO25911D
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Alan Bell received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980.
 
Source
London Gazette 48237, page 9373.
 

BELL, Thomas Matthew

Marine
P043401V
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Thomas Bell from Gateshead, was serving at the Commando Training Centre RM at the time of his death.  He and his colleagues were celebrating the end of their training at Penhale Camp near Perranporth, Cornwall. On the way back to his quarters along the cliff path he accidentally fell to his death.  The Coroner recorded a verdit of Misadventure.
 

BELSEY, Jarvis Edward

Corporal
CH/X 4167
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Jarvis Belsey died during operations in Korea. 41 Independent Commando RM were engaged in operations with American Forces as part of Taskforce Drysdale, named after their Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Douglas B. Drysdale, heading out from Koto-ri, Korea, in an attempt to relieve allied forces at Hagaru-ri.

BENNETT, Henry

Known as: 
Wiggie
Acting Temporary Company Sergeant Major
CH/X 512
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Acting Company Sergeant Major Henry Bennett was awarded the Military Medal [1] for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe whilst serving with 45RM Commando [2]. Post war he remained in service and in 1954 was serving as a Sergeant with 40 Commando RM [3]

BENSLEY, James

Known as: 
Brother Ben
James Bensley
Corporal
RMV 202718
RM Reserve
Royal Marines
Died in the UK
Corporal James Bensley, a Royal Marines Reservist with the R.M.F.V.R. (Tyne), died [1] in a parachute training exercise at Poole, Dorset [2].

BERESFORD, David John

Corporal
P054093B
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Corporal David Beresford was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service whilst on operations in Iraq during the period 19 March to 19 April 2003.
 
Source
London Gazette 57100, page 4.
The book 'Target Basra' author Mike Rossiter.
 

BEST, James Nigel

Second Lieutenant (Acting Lieutenant)
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Lieutenant James best received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Borneo Territories during the period 24th December 1962 to 23rd June 1963.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43189, page 10451.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Major J.C. Beadle MBE MC.

BETTERIDGE, Michael John

Sergeant
P044665W
SBS
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Corporal Michael Betteridge was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field, dated 20th June 1994 [1].
  • 30 December 2000 (Sergeant) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 54212, page 15370.

BEVERLEY, Henry York la Roche

Lieutenant 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)
April 1978 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed Commanding Officer 42 Commando RM [1].
1979 (Lieutenant Colonel) appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1978 [2].
31 December 1990 (Lieutenant General) appointed K.C.B. (Military Division) [3].
 

BEVIS, Timothy John

Major General
N028921J
Royal Marines
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Timothy Bevis received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland in 1986 [1].
  • 13 December 2015 (Brigadier) appointed C.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 31 May 2016 promoted Major General [3].
  • 28 December 2019 appointed C.B. (Military Divisionj [4].
Sources

BEWLEY, Neil

Marine
PO33524C
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Neil Bewley was shot and killed during operations in Turf Lodge, Belfast, Northern Ireland. [Source:  AFM ROH / Northern Ireland - An Agony Continued author Ken Wharton.]
 

BILLINGHAM, Paul Jonathon

Staff Sergeant
P051994A
Royal Marines / Parachute Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Staff Sergeant Paul Billingham, serving with the Parachute Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of his gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 October 2013 to 30 June 2014 [1]
  • 26 August 2008 (Corporal) (Royal Marines) awarded the Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal [2].

BIRCH, Marc John

Known as: 
Birchy
Cpl. Marc Birch
Corporal
P057087H
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Marc Birch died whilst deployed on operations with X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Group, Royal Marines. The company was conducting an operation alongside Afghan National Army troops to dominate areas posing a dangerous threat to British forces and the local Afghan population.

BIRD, Stephen Alun

Sergeant
PO36027S
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Stephen Bird was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland [1].

BIRDSALL, Steven James

Marine Steven Birdsall
Marine
30039350
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Steven Birdsall died during operations in Afghanistan. 
During the late afternoon of Sunday 13 June 2010, Bravo Company was providing security to Royal Engineers who were reinforcing the defences at one of the UK Check Points in Sangin.

BIRRELL, Stuart Martin

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Stuart Birrell received a Mention in Despatches, announced on 14 February 1992, in recognition of service within the operations in Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey [1].
  • 2007 (Lieutenant Colonel) Commanding Officer 40 Commando RM [2].

BISS, Ernest Robert James

Quartermaster Sergeant
CH.X.4564
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Quartermaster Sergeant Ernest Biss received a Mention in Despatches in 1951 for gallant and distinguished services in Malaya.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39361, page 5432.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Maj. Beadle MBE, MC, RM.
 

BLAKEWAY, Benet Carr

Marine
CH/X 5377
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Benet Blakeway, HQ 3 Commando Brigade, died during operations in Cyprus. He, and QMS Alfred Wheeler, both perished from exposure on anti-terrorist operations after their vehicle fell into a deep gully in the Troodos Mountains during a blizzard [1].

BLIGHT, Timothy

Lance Corporal
P041258V
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Lance Corporal Timothy Blight was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland.
 
Sources
London Gazette 51296, page 4325 dated 12 April 1988..
 

BLOOM, Peter John

Corporal
P025789T
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Peter Bloom was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland in 1978 [1].

BLYTH, Eric Joseph

Colour Sergeant
PLY/X 5332
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Eric Blyth received a Mention in Despatches for distinguished service with 45 Commando in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate, during the period 13 April to 15 October 1964 [1].

BOGLE, Dexter

Marine
P065095Y
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Dexter Bogle received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011.
 

BOORN, Peter William

Lance Corporal
P037261V
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Peter Boorn received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on 12 June 1982 at Mount Harriet, Falklands. 
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
National Archives file WO373/188/216.
 

Bordeaux - Operation Frankton

Monday, December 7, 1942

Location

Bordeaux
France
44° 51' 33.1488" N, 0° 33' 7.4268" W

Operation Frankton  was a raid on shipping in the port of Bordeaux which was under German occupation. Often wrongly associated with being undertaken by serving Commandos, it was in fact carried out by a select group of Royal Marines who were designated as the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment or RMBPD, operating under the command of Combined Operations.
 

BOTHAM, Grenville

Warrant Officer Class 1
P039153G
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
Warrant Officer 2 Grenville Botham was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) on the 19 June 2000 [1].
  • 25 April 2006 (Warrant Officer 1) awarded the Meritorious Service Medal [2].
  • 1996 (Sergeant) Zulu Company 45 Commando RM [3].
  • 2007 RSM at the Commando Training Centre RM [4].

BOULANGER, Martin John

Marine
P033758G
41 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Martin Boulanger died of acute alcohol poisoning after celebrating his 21st birthday.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Globe and Laurel March-April 1979 page 131.
Report on the inquest at Dover in the Lichfield Mercury newspaper 13April 1979.
 

BOWDEN, Arthur Alan

Sergeant
P024018C
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Sergeant Arthur Bowden was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st August to 31st October 1980.
 
Sources
London Gazette 48583, page 5527.
 

BOWES, Frederick James

Corporal
PO36351C
Royal Marines
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Corporal Frederick Bowles was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland.
 
Sources
London Gazette 50486, page 5187 dated 15 April 1986.
 

BOWKETT, Robert Murray

Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bowkett received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1998 to 31st March 1999.

Sources
London Gazette 55651, page 11554.

BOWRA, Mark Andrew

Lieutenant Colonel
N029151H
SBS
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Captain Mark Bowra received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the former Yugoslavia during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001 [1].

BRADFORD, John Gwyther

Surgeon Lieutenant
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Navy
Mentioned in Despatches
Surgeon Lieutenant John Bradford, attached to 45 Commando RM, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of distinguished services in the Operations in the Near East, October-December, 1956.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 41092, page 3418.
 

BRAMBLE, George

Marine
CH/X 114854
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine George Bramble, 41 Independent Commando, Royal Marines, from Norwich, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service on 29 November 1950 in the Korean War during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He was wounded during this operation [1][3].

BRAND, Douglas John

Lieutenant
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Douglas Brand was awarded the Military Cross for distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area, Western Aden Protectorate during the period 1st to 15th February 1965.
 

BRAY, George Albert

Regimental Sergeant Major
CH/X 4313
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Regimental Sergeant Major George Bray was awarded the British Empire Medal on 1st January 1965. 
 
Sources
London Gazette 43529, page 26.
The Light Blue Lanyard, author Major J.C. Beadle MBE MC.
 

BRAY, Matthew

Lieutenant
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Second Lieutenant Matthew Bray received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of services in the former Republic of Yugoslavia during the period April 1993 to November 1993.
  • 1993 promoted Lieutenant.
Sources
London Gazette 53653, page 6168.
 

BRAY, William

Known as: 
Bill
-
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Served with 'B' Troop in Malaya circa 1951-1953.
 
Source
Reunion article with photo in the Globe and Laurel magazine Nov/Dec. 2000 edition.

BREAM, George Leonard

Known as: 
Percy
Captain Leonard George Bream
Corporal/Captain
PLY/X 3273
48RM Commando
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

George Leonard Bream, or 'Percy', as he was known in the Corps, was born on June 1st 1919 in the hamlet of Buckworth, Huntingdonshire. He was the middle son of a a family of six, his father being a farm labourer. After leaving school with a basic education he moved to his eldest sister's home in Luton where he at first worked as a market trader, and then in a gent's outfitters.

BRETT-IVESON, Christopher

Marine
P049551T
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Christopher Brett-Iveson died as a result of an accident involving electric power cables during Exercise Gaelic Venture.  He was serving  at HQ and Sig. Sqn., 3 Commando Bde RM, at the time. [Source: Globe and Laurel Jan/Feb 1996 ]
 

BREWER, Francis James

Corporal
RM 20905
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Francis Brewer, Mortar Mobile Fire Controller, received a Mention in Despatches for gallantry in Aden between the 27th to 29th May 1967.
 
Sources
London Gazette 44440, page 11787.
National Archives file WO373/138/25.
 

BREWER, Mark Anthony

Sergeant
PO42747Y
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Sergeant Mark Brewer received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1998 to 31st March 1999.
 
Source
London Gazette 55651, page 11554.
 

BRICE, Ian William

Sergeant
P027697Y
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Sergeant Ian Brice, S.B.S., received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during operations on South Georgia and patrols in the Mount Kent region of the Falklands.

Sources
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
National Archives file WO373/188/205.

BRIDGER, Brian

Colour Sergeant
P051960H
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)

Colour Sergeant Brian Bridger was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan in 2010.

BRISTOWE, Frank Hilary

Frank Bristowe 40 Commando
Captain
40RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Frank Bristowe served with 40 RM Commando from 1944 [1].
  • 1951 (Captain) (40 Commando RM) received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya [2].
Sources
[1] Navy Lists - see linked content below.

BROUGHTON, Jack Edward

Major
P051456V
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Jack Broughton received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst on operations in Iraq between 19 March and 19 April 2003 [1].
  • Commissioned, and later on 3 April 2009, promoted Captain [2].
  • May 2013 (Afghanistan) 40 Commando Logistics Company [3].

BROWN, Adam Robert

Marine Adam Brown
Marine
P061555T
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine Adam Brown died during operations in Afghanistan. 

He was conducting a reassurance patrol as part of 3 Troop, Alpha Company 40 RM Cdo., to provide security for the locals in the area. At approximately 1750hrs on Sunday 1 August, there was an explosion in the vicinity of his patrol base and he was killed instantly in the blast. [Source: MOD]

BROWN, Alfred George

Major
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Captain Alfred Brown was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) 31 December 1960 [1].
Service [2].
1937 enlisted Royal Marines.
Served aboard HMS Curlew, HMS Argus, and HMS Penelope.
1941 promoted Corporal at Eastney and a Military Training Instructor.

BROWN, Christopher John Graham

Corporal
P033816X
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Christopher Brown received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on the night of 11/12 June 1982 against enemy held positions on the craggy hill feature known as Two Sisters, East Falkland.
 
Source
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.

BROWN, Graeme Norman

Colour Sergeant
P043050S
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Colour Sergeant Graeme Brown was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001.
 
Sources
London Gazette 56373, page 12745.
 

BROWN, Leonard Anthony

Lieutenant Colonel
N028958A
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Leonard Brown was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field in 2011 [1]
Extract from Royal Navy media release

BROWN, Robert John

Warrant Officer Class 2
P021729L
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Warrant Officer 2 Robert Brown, 3 Cdo. Bde. HQ., received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during operations in the South Atlantic. 
He had taken command of the Royal Marines Police Troop just one week before the start of Operation Corporate, his O.C. having broken a leg.

BROWN, Stuart Anthony

Colour Sergeant
P044265X
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Colour Sergeant Stuart Brown was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 57070, page 12068 published 30 September 2003.
 

BROWN, W.E.

Marine
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Marine W.E. Brown was reported missing during operations in Korea, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
British Casualties, Korean War 1950-1953.
 

BROWNING, James Gardner

Corporal
P029435P
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Corporal James Browning, HQ 3 Commando Bde. RM,was reported missing presumed drowned, after the cessation of hostilities on the Falklands, when caught in a sudden squall whilst in a dinghy off Port Stanley. He had previously served in 45 Commando workshops.

BRUCE, Robert James

Major Robert Bruce
Major
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
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

BUCHANAN, Craig Andrew

Marine Craig Andrew Buchanan 40 Commando
Marine
30114215
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Marine Craig Buchanan was awarded the Military Cross for his immense bravery and remarkable composure under fire when his patrol was attacked by a rogue Afghan policeman, during the period 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013.

BUCKLEY, Edward Lindsay

Sergeant
P025425T
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Edward Buckley received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during special forces patrols in the initial phase for the battle of Port Stanley between 10 -14 June 1982.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
National Archives file WO373/188/206.
 

BUDGEN, Paul Kindersley

Lieutenant
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Paul Budgen died whilst deployed oversees to Malaya.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.
Plaque on the north wall at St Leonards Church, Misterton Somerset.
 

BURDETT, Julian

Corporal
PO36660J
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Corporal Julian Burdett was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

BURGESS, Brian Gordon

Warrant Officer 2
P037926M
RM Poole
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Brian Burgess, RM Poole, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations in the South Atlantic [1][1a].
  • 16 June 1990 (Warrant Officer 2) appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
Source
[1] London Gazette 49134 page 12843.

BURGESS, George

Lance Corporal
P060621A
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Lance Corporal George Burgess recieved The Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 59554, page 18537,  24 September 2010.
 

BURNS, Stephen

Acting Lance Corporal
P056221X
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Acting Lance Corporal Stephen Burns was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2008.
 
Source
London Gazette 58999, page 4082.
 

BURRELL, Aleck Michael George

Major
N029015K
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Aleck Burrell, Officer Commanding Lima Company, 42 Commando RM [1], received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan in 2011 [2].
  • 2nd September 2012 to retired list [2].
Sources
[1] MOD News Release 16 May 2011.

BURTON, Donald

Sergeant
PO23294X
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air
Sergeant Burton was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air for his outstanding display of airmanship in landing his aircraft and casualty in Northern Norway on Thursday 14th February 1980.
 
Sources
London Gazette 48338, page 14277.
 

BURTON, Nathaniel Paul

Junior Marine
P055938P
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Junior Marine Nathaniel Burton drowned in a remote pool on Dartmoor.  He was 11 weeks into his 30-week Commando training course and was taking part in a river crossing exercise at Crazy Well Pool, near Burrator reservoir.
[Sources: AFM ROH / BBC News online 16th Oct. 1998.]
 

BUSCALL, John Allan

Capt Buscall RM
Captain
PLY/X 561
46RM Commando
Commando School RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Died in service
Captain John Buscall RM died whilst serving at the Commando School RM [1].
  • 1942 PLY/X 561 Sgt John Allan Buscall RM promoted Lieutenant [2
  • August 1943 joined 46RM Commando 'Z' troop rank Lieutenant [3].
  • Acting Major, Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service in NW Europe [4].

BUTCHERS, Peter John

Marine
P041519X
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Peter Butchers from Paignton Devon was attached to the Mortar Platoon. He died when a mortar bomb exploded in the barrel during a live firing training exercise on Otterburn Ranges, Northumberland. Also killed were Marines Anthony Helstrip and Glenn Miller.
 

BUTTERY, George Desmond

Marine (later Quartermaster Sergeant)
PO/X 4096
46RM Commando
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)

Quartermaster Sergeant George Buttery, 40 Commando RM,  who had served as a Marine in 46RM Commando during WW2, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.  

BUXTON, James George

Colour Sergeant
PLY/X 1055
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Colour Sergeant James Buxton was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division), for gallant and distinguished service with 45 Commando, Royal Marines, in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1952.
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 39675, page 5527.

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

BYRNE, Kenneth

Colour Sergeant
PLY/X 5599
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Colour Sergeant Kenneth Byrne received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Borneo Territories, and in supporting operations during the period 24th June to 23rd December 1964.
 
Sources
London Gazette 43691, page 5981
 

CAIN, Philip James

Marine Recruit
30104081
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Recruit Philip Cain died of a short but fatal illness during his training at the CTCRM. [Sources; AFM ROH / Nottingham Post online family announcement.]

CALLAN, Paul David

Marine
P041627B
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Paul Callan died on the 10th June 1982 of wounds received during an enemy bombing attack at Ajax Bay, Falkland Islands that occurred on the 27th May 1982.
 

CALWAY, David Gerald

Marine
RM 24220
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Marine David Calway was gunned down by unknown Arabs in the back streets of the Crescent area of Aden while in civilian clothes.

Sources
AFM ROH.
British Casualties, Aden 1955-1967.
The Times 18th May 1967.

CAMERON, Angus Arthur

Corporal
RM 16834
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

Corporal Angus Cameron received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Brunei during the period 8-22 December 1962.

Sources
London Gazette 43009 page 4693.
 

CAMERON, Charles Peter

Known as: 
Peter
Major Charles Peter Cameron
Lieutenant Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
In 1982 Major Cameron was the Officer Commanding 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron. He was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations on the Falkland Islands [1][2].
Citation

CAMPBELL, Gordon Alexander

Known as: 
Gordy
Lance Corporal
P054965X
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Lance Corporal Gordon Campbell died during training  at the Pontrilas Army Training Area near Hereford involving fast roping from a helicopter. During his nine years in the Corps he had served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. His funeral with full military honours, took place at Oldmeldrum Parish Church, Aberdeenshire.  

CAMPBELL, Robert Adair

Major (later Lieutenant Colonel)
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Major Robert Adair Campbell received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct  in recognition of distinguished service in operations in the Radfan Area during the period 8th-14th May 1965 [1].
  • 1971 Lieutenant Colonel commanding 41 Commando RM [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 43773, page 8973.

CAMPBELL-SMITH, Richard Carl

Mne Richard Campbell-Smith CTCRM
Marine Recruit
P062662A
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Recruit Richard Campbell-Smith was four weeks from the end of his 32-week course at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon, when he reportedly scratched his legs while running. He was admitted to the base medical unit, and later taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where he died on 2 November. 

CANDLISH, Edgar Robert

Sergeant
P031726H
3 Cdo. Bde. Air Sqn / Helicopter Force
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Edgar Candlish received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during the landings at San Carlos, East Falkland, May 1982. He was crewman of a Gazelle helicopter which was forced to ditch in the sea after the pilot was wounded by enemy fire.

CANTERBURY, Derrin Mark

Captain
P052382J
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Sergeant Derrin Canterbury received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009 [1].
  • 4 January 2016 commissioned Lieutenant and appointed to the Trained Strength 17 March 2016 [2].
  • 4 January 2018 promoted Captain [3].

CANTRILL, Richard John

Brigadier
N029210Q
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
N028792K
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].

CAPPER, Francis William

Sergeant
P019729W
Royal Marines
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Sergeant Francis Capper was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1974 - 31st January 1975.
 
Source
London Gazette 46614, page 8051.
 

CARNS, Alistair Scott

Colonel
N029561Y
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Alistair Carns RM was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011 [1]

CAROE, Christian Thomas Gordon

Lieutenant
N0287517
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Christian Caroe received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during operations on the 12th June 1982. He commanded 2 Troop, 'X' Coy., during the attack on the feature known as Two Sisters, East Falklands [1][1a].
  • 19 June 1987 to Retired List [2].
Sources

CARTER, Adam Paul

Corporal
P064796A
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Corporal Adam Carter received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the field during the period 1 April to 30 September 2016.
 
Source
London Gazette 61908, page 8515.

CARTER, Dean

Marine
P050957K
Comacchio Gp. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service

Marine Dean Carter died when he slipped off a cliff top footpath near Plymouth. His body was found near Stoke Beach and he is believed to have slipped when part of the footpath collapsed.

Sources
AFM ROH.
Navy News published 1st August 1995.

CARTER, Kevin Charles

Major
P043447N
Royal Marines
George Medal (GM)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Sergeant Kevin Carter was awarded the George Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan. [1].

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]. 

CARTY, Michael Gareth

Major
N029415J
US Air Medal
Major Michael Carty was awarded the US Air Medal conferred by the President of the United States of America  in recognition of meritorious, gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in the field.
 
Source
London Gazette 62283, page 8434 published 11 May 2018.
 

CASEY, Christopher Raymond

Acting Lance Corporal
P063005D
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Lance Corporal Christopher Casey received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
 
Source
London Gazette 60283, page 18624 published 28 September 2012.
 

CATTON, Innes

Colonel
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
September 2002 joined the Royal Marines.
2006 Troop Commander Special Forces Support Group.
Feb 2012 - May 2013 Operations Officer 40 Commando RM.
Jun 2013 - Dec 2014 Company Commander 40 Commando RM.
Jan 2015 - Aug 2015 Officer Commanding Royal Marines Initial Officer Training CTCRM.
Commanding Officer 45 Commando RM.

CECIL, John

CSgt. John Cecil
Colour Sergeant
P043777V
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service

Colour Sergeant John Cecil,  UK Landing Force Command Support Group, died in a helicopter crash.

CHADWICK, James

Marine
PO/X5282
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine James Chadwick died when a 3 tonne vehicle he was driving ran off the road during the hours of darkness in the Lenggong area of Malaya.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.

The Light Blue Lanyard, author Maj. J.C. Beadle MBE, MC, RM.
 

CHAPMAN, Patrick Roy

Known as: 
Pat
Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1) (later Major)
PO18990P
533435
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Royal Corps of Transport
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
RSM of 45 Commando RM during Operation Corporate (Falkland Islands) 1982 [1].
  • 31 December 1983 appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) [2].
  • 2 March 1985 commissioned Lieutenant RM, to trained strength 2 March 1986 [3].

CHAPPELL, Reginald

Corporal
RM 15686
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Reginald Chappell was killed during operations in Sarawak, Borneo.
Extract from the Daily Mirror - Saturday 22 February 1964

CHARNOCK, Andrew

Marine Recruit
P054183
CTCRM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Recruit Andrew Charnock collapsed and died from heat exhaustion during a 30-mile training run on Dartmoor. He was in the final stage of training with the Royal Marines.
[Source: AFM ROH / Daily Mirror and other media reports 10 July 1997]
 

CHEESEMAN, G.E.

Marine
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Marine G.E. Cheeseman was wounded on 29 November 1950 during operations at Chosin Reservoir Korea.

Sources
British Casualties, Korean War 1950-1953.

CHEESEMAN, Kevin John

Warrant Officer Class 2
P046175L
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Cheeseman was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2008 to 31st March 2009.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15639.
 

CHEESMAN, Daniel James Edward

Major Daniel Cheeseman
Brigadier
N029047U
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Major Daniel Cheesman, 40 Commando RM, was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2007 to 31st March 2008 [1].
  • 30 June 2010 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].
  • 2012 Chief of Staff, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM [3].

CHERRY, Roland John

Marine
RM 9447
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Roland Cherry died in the British Military Hospital Meetajam, Malaya.
 
Sources:
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.
 

CHESTER, John Shane

John Shane Chester
Major General
NO14112L
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
N025815E
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].

CHISNALL, David Alan

WO1 David Chisnall
Captain
PO22798L
42 Cdo. RM
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Colour Sergeant David Chisnall was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st November 1979 to 31st January 1980 [1].
  • 16 April 1982 promoted Warrant Officer 1; RSM of 42 Commando RM during the Falklands Campaign [2][3].

CHUNG, Martin

Colour Sergeant
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines

Extract from Commando Association newsletter 71 (1980)
"Our congratulations to another Commando son, Martin Chung, on receiving his green beret on completion of the course at the Commando Training Centre, RM., Lympstone, Devon, on May 30th last. Watching the parade was proud Dad and St. Nazaire Raid veteran, Cpl. Ron Chung of 12 Cdo."

CHURCHWARD, Matthew

Lieutenant Colonel
N029189Q
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Major Matthew Churchward, HQ ISAF, received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007 

CLAMP, John James

Corporal
RM 9426
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal John Clamp received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Malaya during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1951.
 
Sources
London Gazette 39507, page 1880.
 

CLAPSON, Keith

Captain Keith Clapson
Captain (later Major)
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Keith Clapson, 40 Commando RM [1], received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April to 30th September 1994 [2].
  • May/June 2001 (Major) Commanding Officer Amphibious Trials and Training Unit Royal Marines (ATTURM) [3].

CLARICOATES, Daniel

Marine
P062664H
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Military Cross (MC)
Marine Daniel Claricoates was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan [1].
Citation
Claricoates displayed outstanding courage and determination on three separate occasions. Every time he demonstrated remorseless and unerring gallantry in the face of the enemy.

CLARK, Graham David

Colour Sergeant
PO50772B
Royal Marines
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Colour Sergeant Graham Clark received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1996 to 31st March 1997.
 
Sources
London Gazette 54969, page 13690.
 

CLARK, Ian Campbell

Lt Ian Campbell Clark RM
Lieutenant
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Ian Clark died during a cross border operation to Sajingan Besar*, Indonesia.
He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches for distinguished service in support of operations and had previously served in Aden with 45 Commando RM.

CLARK, Robert Anthony

Marine
RM 8810
40 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Robert Clark died of wounds during operations in Malaya.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Malayan Emergency Commonwealth Deaths 1948-1960.
 
Notes
Surname spelt CLARKE at second source above.
 

CLARKE, Nigel Ronald

Sergeant
P032121K
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Sergeant Nigel Clarke was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland, award to be dated 12 May 1992 [1].

CLIFFORD, Richard

Captain Richard Cormac Clifford
Captain (Local Major)
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Lieutenant Richard Clifford received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Citation
"On the morning of 18th May 1972, a team of Service personnel was sent to deal with a bomb threat in the Queen Elizabeth II which at that time was in mid-Atlantic on her way to Europe.

CLUTTERBUCK, Wesley Andrew

Mne Leslie Clutterbuck 43 Commando
Marine
30164559
43 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Wesley Clutterbuck was assaulted and killed in Rochdale whilst on leave to attend a friend's funeral.  The assailant was subsequently arrested and convicted of his manslaughter.
 
Sources
AFM ROH
Numerous press reports of the trial online.
 

COATES, Timothy Patrick

Marine
P048572A
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died on active service
Marine Timothy Coates, serving on attachment to the UNHCR in Sarajevo, was shot dead by personnel manning a Bosnian Government checkpoint in the city. He was off duty and wearing plain clothes at the time. 
 

COCKTON, Peter Graeme

Corporal
P038344X
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)

Corporal Peter Cockton was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland.
 
Sources
London Gazette 51733, page 5813.

COLE, Adrian

Sergeant
P043449V
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Sergeant Adrian Cole was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) on the 30th December 2000.
 
Sources
London Gazette Supp. 56070, page 5.
 

COLE, Michael Anthony Falle

Captain
NO17739E
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Michael Cole, commanding 'Z' Company, received a Mention in Despatches during operations against enemy positions on the feature known as Two Sisters on East Falkland. 
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134, page 12842.
National Archives file WO373/188/195.
 

COLES, Russell Howard

Corporal
P056941M
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Russell Coles received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan.
 
Source
London Gazette Supp. 59182, page 15641.
 

COLLEY, Robert Baden John

Acting Colour Sergeant
P054858L
Royal Marines
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Sergeant Robert Colley was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field during the period 1 January to 30 September 2015. 
  • 2016 Acting Colour Sergeant.
Source
London Gazette 61529, page 6082.
 

COLLINGWOOD, Frank Arthur

Quartermaster Sergeant
CH/X 2595
45 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Quartermaster Sergeant Frank Collingwood was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) for distinguished service in operations against terrorists in Cyprus between 1955 and 1956..
 
Sources
London Gazettes Supp. 40987, page 653.
National Archives file WO 373/126/17.
 

COLLINS, Thomas

Sergeant
P029088B
SBS
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Thomas Collins, SBS, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation

COLLINS, Thomas Joseph

Marine Thomas Joseph Collins 42 Commando
Marine
RM 20139
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Marine Thomas Collins was shot on Indonesian territory on 16 March 1966, the same day as Lieutenant Ian Clark from L Coy 42 Cdo RM.,[see linked content] while taking part in a cross-border operation during “Conf

COLWILL, Horace Cecil

Company Sergeant Major
PLY/X 819
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Company Sergeant Major Horace Colwill died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head at Shandur Camp, Fayid, Egypt.
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Registers Of Reports Of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM104/129.
 

COMBES, David Stanley

Marine
P037746K
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine David Combes, attached H.M.S. Endurance, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.
Globe and Laurel Sept/Oct. 1982.
 

CONDRON, A.M.

Marine
41 Ind. Cdo. RM
Royal Marines

Marine A.M. Condron was reported missing on 29 November 1950 during operations at Chosin Reservoir Korea. He was later found to be a prisoner of war

Sources
British Casualties, Korean War 1950-1953.

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