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'Volunteers from Spain, 50 ME Commando'

The following is a list of Spanish volunteers who became prisoners of war in Crete 2 June 1941. They were originally attested into The Queen's Royal Regiment and attached No.50 Middle East Commando before their Commando was amalgamated with No.52 Middle East Commando to form 'D' Battalion of Layforce on deployment to Crete.
 
Sources
War Office, Prisoners of War Lists, WW2, 1943-1945. / National Archives file WO392/20.
*Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/34, 35, 45, and 69

ABDALE, Edward

Corporal
2656404
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Private Edward Abdale was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/54.

ABERDIEN, Archibald

Marine
EX/ 4096
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Archibald Aberdien, a warehouse clerk from Edinburgh, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 28 February 1940. Marine Aberdien, 45RM Commando, was slightly wounded and taken prisoner of war 8 June 1944 at Normandy.
 
Sources

ABRAHAM, George Henry

Private
5958457
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
George Henry Abraham from Bexleyheath, Kent, enlisted 4 September 1940 later volunteering for the Commandos. Private Abraham, No.3 Commando, was wounded 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

ABRAHAMS, Arthur Thomas

Private
5949273
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Arthur Abrahams enlisted 21 August 1939, civilian occupation - Rubber Moulder. Private Abrahams was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to have been captured by the enemy the previous day.
Prison Camps

ABRAHAMS, John Cyril

Served as : 
Alias of BAKER
Gunner
6471801
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
John Cyril Abrahams from Cullingworth, Bradford, enlisted 13 June 1940, formerly employed as a Clothing Designer. Gunner Abrahams was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and Malati Bridge (3 Commando Bridge), later found to be a prisoner of war. 

ABRAM, Cyril Henry

Cyril Abram 2 Commando
Rifleman
6922005
No 2 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Executed
Rifleman Cyril Abram was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Abram, of Manor Park, Essex.

ADAMS, William John

Sergeant
5828073
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Sergeant William Adams was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association from Lowestoft, Suffolk.
 
Sources

ADAMSON, Alexander Naismith

Lance Corporal
2754001
ME Commando Depot
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal Alexander Adamson, Depot Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Glasgow.
 
Sources

ADAMSON, Ronald Henry

Private
2756312
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Ronald Henry Adamson from Southall, Middlesex, enlisted 14 April 1939, formerly employed as an Aircraft Worker. Private Adamson was attached to the Depot Middle East Commando* when he was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

ADDERTON, Victor

Victor Adderton MM 3 Commando
Private
4974035
No 3 Commando
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Victor Adderton enlisted on 13 May 1935. During WW2 he volunteered for the Commandos. Private Adderton, No.3 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the combined attack on Dieppe [1][1a][2].

AIREY, John

Private
5193361
No 3 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
John Airey enlisted 15 January 1942 aged 19, civil occupation Clerk. He later volunteered for the Commandos. Private Airey, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 7 June 1944 during operations at Normandy later confirmed a prisoner of war. Resided Liverpool after repatriation in 1945.

ALBALADEJO, Alexander

Private
13808266
6100503
50ME Commando
Pioneer Corps
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Alexander Albaladejo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been wounded, captured and later transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources

ALEXANDER, Charles Henry

Trooper
14241760
No 1 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Leicester City Police
Charles Alexander was a Melton Mowbray Police Constable residing in 1939 at 7 The Cresent, Melton Mowbray. He volunteered for the commandos enlisting 19 July 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

ALLARDICE, William Dallas

Private
2879652
Middle East Commando
London Scottish The Gordon Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Private William Allardice received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his escape from captivity as a prisoner of war.
Recommendation

ALLEN, Reginald Arthur

Reg Allen 8 Commando
Sergeant
6847052
No 8 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Served in the Folbot Troop and No.1 Special Boat Section. Reported missing at sea later found to be a prisoner of war after a raid on shipping at Benghazi Harbour on 21 July 1941. Post war member of the Commando Association.

ALLEN, Ronald

Driver I/C
2591915
No 7 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Driver Ronald Allen was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4A and Stalag 4B.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

ALTASS, Derek

Private
4698558
No 6 Commando
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Private Derek Altass was reported as missing on 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm near El Aroussa, Tunisa), later found to be a prisoner of war. 
Post war member of the Commando Association with whom they lost contact.
 

ALVAREZ, Jose

Corporal
6100504
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal Jose Alvarez, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/35..

ANDREWS, Albert Mailly

Rifleman
6916421
No 2 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Military Medal (MM)
Rifleman Albert Andrews was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HM Submarine Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941.

ANDREWS, William

Sergeant
6397511
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Sergeant William Andrews was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bow, London.
 
Sources

ANNETTS, George Henry

Corporal
4075165
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
George Henry Annetts enlisted 19 July 1939, civil occupation Miner. He later volunteered for the Commandos. Corporal Annetts was reported missing 2 March 1943 during operations at Tunis, North Africa, later confirmed a prisoner of war. Liberated May 1945.

ARMITAGE, Harold, E.

Private
4546729
No 2 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment

Private Harold Armitage, 3 Troop, was reported missing 13 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy, before being found to be a prisoner of war. He was last seen fit and well 10 September patrolling the Eastern slopes of Liberatore Hill in the company of Pte. Brinkley and Cpl.

ARMSTRONG, Robert

Private
3452445
No 3 Commando
Durham Light Infantry
Robert Armstrong from Durham enlisted 1 December 1939, civil occupation Coal Miner. Private Armstrong, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge), later confirmed a prisoner of war.

ASHCROFT, Arthur

Arthur Ashcroft
Arthur Ashcroft 2 Commando
Private
2929623
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Arthur Ashcroft, 5 Troop, was one of the Commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot , the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner war after the raid, he was later transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland.

ASPDEN, Jack

Jack Aspden 9 Commando
Lance Bombardier (later Major)
318595 and 370978
No 9 Commando
Royal Artillery
Loyal Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lance Bombardier Jack Aspden, aged 21 and from Preston, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][2][2a][5].

ASTBURY, Albert Ernest

Sergeant
918259
No 6 Commando
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Albert Astbury, No.6 Commando, died during operations in Germany [1]. At the time of his death his Commando were engaged in fighting at the River Aller crossing.
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Astbury, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham.

ATKIN, Ernest

Lance Corporal
7896888
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Ernest Atkin enlisted 27 August 1939, civil occupation Labourer. He later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked for operations in the Middle East with Layforce.

AULD, Luke Patchcott

Luke Auld SBS
Corporal
2931015
No 4 Independent Company
No 6 Commando
ME Commando Depot
SBS
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Corporal Luke Auld was reported missing 14 September 1942 during an SBS operation in Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.

BACKHOUSE, Charles, R.

Charles Backhouse 2 commando and 1st SAS
Corporal
2931647
SAS
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Charles Backhouse served with No.2 Commando before joining the 1st S.A.S. [1].
He received a Mention in Despatches for his escape having been taken prisoner of war whilst serving with the 1st SAS [2].
Recommendation 

BACON, Walter

Marine
EX 3144
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Walter Bacon, a Warehouse Employee from Bradford, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 22 February 1940. He volunteered in 1942 for the first Royal Marine Commando unit to be formed. Marine Bacon was captured 19 August 1942 during Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France.
 

BAILEY, Arthur Alfred

Marine
CH/X 104476
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Arthur Alfred Bailey enlisted 27 May 1941, civil occupation council employee. On 11 June 1944 Marine Bailey, 46RM Commando 'B' troop, was captured at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy. On repatriation to the UK in 1945 he resided in Kenley, Surrey.
Prison Camps

BAILEY, Leonard George

Private
14731383
No 6 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private Leonard Bailey was reported missing, wounded, and believed a prisoner of war on 24 January 1945, later confirmed as having died of wounds whilst in enemy hands.
His Commando was engaged in operations at Maasbracht and Brachterbeek on this date.

BAIRD, John William

Trooper
295210
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper John Baird, Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/94 (1945).

BAKER, John

Private
6020776
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
John Baker enlisted 15 March 1940, civil occupation Electrical Engineer. Volunteered for the Commandos and attached to No.7 Commando embarking for the Middle East (Layforce). Captured 20 April 1941 during operations at Bardia, Libya (Operation Addition).

BALE, John Henry

Private
14241608
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Newport Borough Police
Private John Bale was reported missing 2 December 1942 during operations in North Africa (Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy [1][1a].
1943 escaped from captivity to a neutral country [2][2a].

BANKS, Ronald Douglas

Ronald Banks, Commando Group
Private
6351872 & 373245
No 3 Commando
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Ronald Banks, attached to Commando Group, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field [1]. 

BARBER, Harold, James

Private
5779882
No 2 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Private Harold Barber, known as John, was wrongly reported killed in action on 13 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy, before being confirmed as alive and a prisoner of war.

BARBER, Ralph

Trooper
4079711
No 3 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Ralph Barber was a Steel Machinist from Ardwick, Manchester, who enlisted 19 October 1939. Trooper Barber, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 7 June 1944, later confirmed as wounded and prisoner of war 8 June 1944 near Caen, Normandy,  
 
Sources

BARBOUR, Alexander Ewing

Private
5956234
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Alexander Ewing Barbour from Uddingston enlisted 24 June 1940, formerly employed as a Brickworker. Private Barbour was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources

BARDENS, John Henry

Gunner
14241811
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Plymouth City Police

John Henry Bardens was a Police Officer from Plymouth who volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 6 June 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

BARNARD, John William

Private
6143343
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment

Private John Barnard was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/29.

BARNES, Reginald Arthur

Fusilier
6461913
No 3 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Fusilier Barnes was reported wounded and missing 7 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/81 and WO418/82.

BARNETT, Edgar Albert

Lance Bombardier
933008
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Edgar Barnett was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
RA Attestations Register for 1939.

BARNETT, William Henry

Fusilier
6459325
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier William Barnett was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 3D.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

BARRETT, Edwin Charles

Private
5438535
No 3 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Private Edwin Barrett was taken prisoner during operations at Dieppe and later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf Poland..
 
Sources
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.

BARRINGTON, Derek, A.

Corporal (later Sergeant)
5440990
No 3 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Corporal Derek Barrington was wounded on 27 December 1941 during operations at Vaagso, Norway [1].
In 1943 he was reported as prisoner of war during operations in Sicily [2][3][4].

BARROSO, Montiano

Served as : 
Surname seen elsewhere as Banoso and Banosa
Lance Sergeant
6100505
50ME Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment

Lance Sergeant Montiano Barroso, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources

BARROW, Henry

Marine
PLY/X103998
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 and WO392/7 (Marlag and Milad Nord).
German Record Cards of British POWs / National Archives file WO416/20/418 (Stalag 12A)
 

BARRY, John

Private
4122804
No 6 Commando
Cheshire Regiment

Private John Barry was reported missing during operations in North Africa on 26 February 1943 (Battle of Steamroller Farm) later found to be a prisoner of war.

BARTON, Frank

Frank Barton 6 Commando
Fusilier (later Sergeant)
6983550
No 6 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Fusilier Frank Barton, aged 22 and from Nottingham, was reported missing 26 February 1943, later confirmed as a prisoner of war, during operations in Tunisia (Battle of Steamroller Farm). He escaped from Italian captivity 11 September 1943, along with his brother, 1460165 Sgt. F.T.

BATEMAN, Sidney Gordon

Bombardier
930701
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sidney Bateman, a Covent Garden Wholesale Salesman from London, enlisted 18 December 1939. Volunteered in 1940 for the commandos and attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked with Layforce for operations in the Middle East.

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....]

BEAUMONT, William Blair

Private
2756409
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Died on war service
Private William Beaumont, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce), died in Germany whilst a prisoner of war. He had been reported missing on 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Son of Alex and Margaret Pearce Beaumont, of Cardenden, Fife.
 

BEDDOWS, Herbert

Herbert Beddows 3 Commando
Private
5783477
No 3 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment

Private Herbert Beddows, 4 troop, was wounded and taken prisoner of war on 7 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France. Post war member of the Commando Association.

BELL, William White

Acting Lance Corporal
6461342
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Lance Corporal William Bell, 6 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 during Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 192.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/43.

BENTLEY, Charles

Fusilier
14241648
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Cheshire Constabulary
1939 Charles Bentley was a Police Civilian Clerk residing in Goostrey, Cheshire [1].
15 January 1940 joined Cheshire Constabulary as a Police Officer [1a].

BENTLEY, W

Lance Corporal
6398076
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.

Lance Corporal Bentley was was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war 

BERRY, Donald

Sergeant
3443124
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers

Sergeant Donald Berry was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid).
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/25, and WO417/31.

BERRY, James Arthur

James Arthur Berry 1 Commando
Private
14241649
No 1 Commando
Cheshire Regiment
Cheshire County Constabulary
20 February 1939 joined Cheshire Constabulary - Police Constable 256 residing at 113 West Street, Crewe. 1942 volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. 
4 March 1943 reported missing in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war.

BETTY, Arthur John

Private (later Captain)
14241813 and 35447
No 1 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Gloucestershire Constabulary
Private Arthur Betty was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands. In 1944 he is reported no longer a prisoner of war [1][1a].

BIBBEY, Newman James

Marine
CH/X 104688
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Newman Bibbey, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bexley, Kent.
 
Sources

BIRCH, Frederick

Fred Birch 7 Commando
Sergeant Frederick Birch 7 Commando
Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
2931860
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
51ME Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant Frederick Birch served in No.7 Commando taking part in operations at Bardia and Crete before moving to 51 Middle East Commando. He was attached to 'C' Bn Layforce for Operation Flipper after which he was taken prisoner of war.
 
Sources

BIRD, Raymond Douglas

Raymond Douglas Bird 7 Commando
Private
5828120
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Raymond Bird from Lowestoft, Suffolk, enlisted 21 June 1939, civil occupation Seaman. He volunteered in 1940 for special service and was attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East with Layforce.

BISHOP, Ronald Caldwell

Private
5627758
No 1 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Ronald Caldwell Bishop from Forest Hill, London, enlisted in June 1940. After volunteering for special service he was attached to No.1 Commando. Private Bishop was wounded 28 March 1942 and reported missing after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed a prisoner of war.

BLACK, Graeme Delamere

Captain
106240
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Military Cross (MC)
Executed
Captain Graeme Black DSO, MC, was executed whilst a Prisoner of War. He was one of the seven Commandos of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. 

BLACKWELL, Alun Trevor

Lance Corporal
3655742
No 2 Commando
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
South Lancashire Regt (Prince of Wales Volunteers)
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Private Alun Blackwell enlisted with the South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales Volunteers) in October 1939. In 1940 he volunteered for the Independent Companies and took part in the Scissors Force expedition to Norway.

BLAKE, Dennis Lester

Corporal
295168
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Household Cavalry Regiment
Dennis Lester Blake from Morden, Surrey, enlisted 19 November 1936. Corporal Blake was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources

BLASCO, Vicente

Lance Corporal
6100545
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Vicente Blasco was a Spanish volunteer who enlisted on 9 September 1940. Lance Corporal Blasco, No.50 Middle East Commando, attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war since 1 June 1941.
 

BLINT, Woolf

Woolf Blint 6 Commando
Lance Sergeant
3323752.
No 6 Commando
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Mentioned in Despatches
Woolf Blint, a warehouse manager with his own business in Glasgow, enlisted 13 June 1940, later volunteering for the Commandos. Lance Sergeant Blint served at the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry prior to joining No.6 Commando. 

BLYTHE, William

Bill Blythe 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
2930644
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal William Blythe, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on Motor Launch ML 177 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.
Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war.

BOAST, Edward Albert

Corporal
6457716
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Edward Boast from Walthamstow, London, enlisted 1 January 1934. Corporal Boast was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

BOGLE, James

James Bogle 11 Commando
Private
2888381
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Gordon Highlanders

James Bogle from Glasgow enlisted 27 June 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. He was attached to No.11 Commando and embarked with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce. Private Bogle was was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ.

BOND, Edward Alfred

Second Lieutenant
170240
'Layforce'
Sherwood Foresters

28.03.1941 Geneifa, Second Lieutenant 'A' Company of 'D' Bn Layforce
---.06.1941 prisoner of war Crete. 
 
Sources
52 Middle East Commando War Diary 28/3/1941 (List of 'D' Bn Layforce Officers).
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.

BOOKER, Clifford

Lance Corporal
5729301
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Clifford Booker was reported wounded and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete [1][2]. He had been captured on 29 May 1941 [3].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.

BORWICK, Michael George

Temporary Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
64017
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots Greys, Royal Armoured Corps
Mentioned in Despatches
Deputy Lieutenant (DL)
  • 25 February 1941, Kastelorizzo, Captain, 50 Middle East Commando, engaged in Operation Abstention [1].
  • 28 March 1941, Geneifa, Captain, 'C' Company, 'D' Bn., Layforce [2].

BOWEN, Alfred Leighton

Alfred Leighton Bowen
Trooper
318358
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
North Somerset Yeomanry
1938 joined the North Somerset Yeomanry rank Trooper. 
20 February 1940 arrive in Palestine with his Regiment.
March 1940 injury to knee from horse kick.
August 1940 posted to Air Defence Operations Room at Haifa *.

BOWMAN, James

Marine
PO/X107052
40RM Commando
Royal Marines

James Bowman, a Bricklayer from Cullybackey, County Antrim, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 9 June 1941. He volunteered for the first RM Commando unit raised in February 1942. Marine Bowman was wounded 19 August 1942 and a prisoner of war after Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France. 

BOYD, John, M.

Fusilier
6980161
No 4 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Fusilier Boyd was reported wounded and missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/48, WO417/52, and WO417/93.

BOYLE, Peter, J.

Fusilier
6458472
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Peter Boyle was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BRADLEY, John Stanton

Guardsman
2659428
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman John Bradley, a Journalist born in Margate Kent, was attested into the Coldstream Guards on 23 October 1939 aged 26.  Reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 344 in Poland. 
 

BRADLEY, John, R.

Private
4752870
No 7 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private John Bradley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had been captured on 29 May 1941.
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27, WO417/33 and WO417/93.

BRADLEY, Richard

LSgt Richard Bradley MM 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
5344190
No 2 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Richard Bradley, 1 troop,  was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being wounded and captured during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942.

BRANSCOMBE, Leslie

Gunner
1525627
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Leslie Branscombe was reported missing in North Africa on 26 February 1943 (Battle of Steamroller Farm at El Arousa, Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war initially in Italy before being transported to Austria.

BRAVO, Jose

Private
6100551
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Jose Bravo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

BRETT, Gerrard

Lieutenant (later Captain)
126498
No 12 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant Brett was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire 27/28 March 1942. Wounded on board HMS Campbeltown and later prisoner of war [1][1a][2][2a][4a].

BRIGHT, Gerald Kitchener

Lance Sergeant
4974182
No 5 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Sergeant Gerald Bright was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on board HMS Campbeltown. 14 April 1945 escaped from line of march away from camp near Kreutzer.

BRINKLEY, James

Private
6104149
No 2 Commando
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Brinkley, 3 Troop, was reported missing 13 September 1943 during operations at Salerno, Italy. He was last seen fit and well on 10 September 1943 patrolling the Eastern slopes of Liberatore Hill in the company of Pte. Armitage and Cpl.

BRISTOW, William Frederick

Gunner
927388
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died whilst a prisoner of war
Gunner William Bristow died from an intestinal obstruction at Salonica Greece whilst a Prisoner of War. He had been taken prisoner during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941. Adopted son of Lewis Leonard and Decima Annie Ponting, of Swindon, Wiltshire.
 

BRITTAIN, E.

Private
4746370
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment

Private Brittain, attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

BRITTLEBANK, John

Bombardier
930882
No 3 Commando
No 8 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Bombardier John Brittlebank served in both No.3 and No.8 Commando before joining 1 Special Boat Section [1][2].  He was taken prisoner of war and later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [3][3a].

BROWN, J.

Lance Corporal
305201
50ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Lance Corporal J. Brown was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands [1][1a][1b]. 

BROWN, Jack

Trooper
326038
Middle East Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps Yorkshire Hussars
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Jack Brown, 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

BROWN, James

Private
2988948
No 5 Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Private James Brown was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services in the field relating to his successful escape in October 1943 after being captured during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. 

BROWN, Louis Walter

Louis Walter (Ben) Brown 2 Commando
Sergeant
2929147
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Sergeant Louis Walter 'Ben' Brown, aged 24 and from Liverpool, served in 5 Troop and took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942.

BROWN, Robert Frederick

Lance Corporal (Acting Corporal)
3856668
No 3 Commando
Royal Engineers
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Robert Brown received a Mention in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service after his capture on 29 March 1942 during Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire.

BROWN, Robert Hall

Lance Sergeant
2879761
No 2 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Robert Brown, No 2 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941.

BRUCE, Charles

Sergeant
2758668
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Black Watch

Sergeant Charles Bruce, from Brechin, Angus, was reported missing 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ, later found to be a prisoner of war at Camp 59 in Italy from which he managed to escape back to allied lines after the Italian Armistice.

BRUNT, Morris Raymond

Private
14241787
No 1 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Birmingham City Police
Private Morris Brunt was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war in Italian hands.
In 1943 he escaped captivity via Switzerland eventually returning to the UK in 1944. 

BUCKLEY, Alfred, J.T.

Corporal
4856362
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment
Corporal Alfred Buckley was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BULLEN, John

Private
6398836
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private John Bullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

BURFORD, Norman Alan

Corporal
5571232
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Norman Burford was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1]. This occurred during No.7 Commando's rearguard action on Crete.

BURGESS, Neville Arthur

Able Seaman Neville Burgess 14 Commando
Able Seaman
C/JX354547
No 14 Commando
HMS Fox, RN
Executed

Able Seaman Neville Burgess  was one of the raiding party at Kopervik, Norway (Operation Checkmate). Captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Son of Arthur and Doris Burgess, of Beverley, Yorkshire.

BURKE, Patrick Oliver

Private
7265212
No 1 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Patrick Oliver Burke, a Hairdresser from Youghal, County Cork, enlisted 5 May 1939. Private Burke, R.A.M.C. attached No.1 Commando, was reported missing 6 December 1942 during operations at Bizerte, Tunisia, later confirmed wounded 3 December 1942 and a prisoner of war.

BURN, Michael Clive

Capt. Burn MC 2 Commando
Captain
74087
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Michael Burn, 6 troop, was awarded the Military Cross  for gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was in charge of the commando contingent on board motor launch ML 192.

BURT, Joseph Smith Swan

Corporal
EX/784
4 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Joseph Burt from Tillicoultry, Scotland, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 18 October 1939 previously employed as a Grocer and Paper Mill worker. Corporal Joseph Burt, attached to 47RM Commando from 4 Special Service Brigade HQ Signals, was taken prisoner of war on 7 June 1944 near Port-en-Bes

BURTON, William John

Temporary Captain
63868
'Layforce'
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
York and Lancaster Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
28 March 1941, Geneifa, 'C' Company Commander, 'D' Bn., Layforce.
June 1941 Prisoner of war during operations at Crete. Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.
 
Sources

BUSHE, Patrick

Paddy Bushe 2 Commando
Rifleman
7014446
No 2 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Patrick Bushe from Co. Tipperary, enlisted 12 November 1938, formerly employed as a Labourer. Rifleman Bushe, 6 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML 177.

BUTLER, Ronald Herbert

Ronald Butler 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
5774300
No 1 Commando
Royal Norfolk Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Ronald Butler was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot, the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of the Commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown and was a prisoner of war after the raid.

BUXTON, Leslie, J.

Lance Bombardier
5499823
No 8 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Leslie Buxton was wounded 12 June 1941 during operations in Libya [1].
  • 18 January 1943 reported missing during operations in Libya later found to be a prisoner of war [2][3].
Sources

BYRNE, John Vincent

John Vincent Byrne DCM
Corporal later Company Sergeant Major
2060658
No 11 Commando
SAS
No 6 Commando
Gordon Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
3 May 1940 wounded at Dunkirk France serving as a Private with 1st Bn. Gordon Highlanders, British Expeditionary Force [1].
Attached to and served with No.11 Commando 8 Troop (Layforce) until disbanded [5][7]. 

CADDIS, James

Fusilier
3128842
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Fusilier James Caddis was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.

CAIRNS, Bernard McNamara

Private
3192140
No 7 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers

Private Bernard Cairns was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4F).

CALLAWAY, Thomas, Frederick

Thomas Callaway12 Commando
Corporal
5499065
No 12 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Thomas Callaway was one of the commando contingent who embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942.
He was reported missing but later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources

CAMPBELL, Roderick

Gunner
1442866
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Roderick Campbell was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4G in Germany.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

CANNON, Peter Macdermack

Gunner
919866
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Peter Cannon was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.  Later imprisoned at Stalag 4C in the Sudetenland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

CANTLEY, William, J.

Corporal
1881409
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Corporal William Cantley was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
  • 4 October 1939 enlisted aged 33.
  • 12 October 1940 attached No.7 Commando 

CARMONA, Miguel

Private
6100553
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Miguel Carmona, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

CARR, Francis Arthur

Sergeant
1867740
No 5 Commando
Royal Engineers
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Francis Carr was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry during Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire.

CARR, Richard Philip

Captain
90121
No 11 Commando
Royal Artillery
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Richard Carr, 1 troop, was attached to the Commandos from the Royal Artillery. He was taken prisoner of war early in 1942 and, despite several escape attempts, remained in captivity for the remainder of the war. POW Camps Oflag 5 and Oflag 79.

CARR, Thomas

Corporal
5382064
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps

Corporal Thomas Carr, R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando, was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.

CARROLL, John Joseph

Fusilier
6469540
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Fusilier John Carroll, 3 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 177.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939045 / National Archives file WO417/43.

CASSIDY, Philip

Private
3312715
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Philip Cassidy was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CASTELLANO, Francisco

Private
6100507
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Francisco Castellano, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources

CAUDELL, Raymond Douglas

Lance Corporal
140951
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps

Lance Corporal Raymond Caudell from Hertfordshire was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28, WO417/30, and WO417/95.

CEVANTES, Santiago

Private
6100546
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Santiago Cevantes, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources

CHADWICK, Norman Stanley

Lance Corporal
3655756
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Lance Corporal Norman Chadwick was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

CHANDLER, Jack Henry

Marine
CH/X 105641
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Jack Chandler, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy, on 11 June 1944. 
 
Sources
CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
National Archives files ADM201/111 and WO392/7.

CHANT, Stuart Whitemore

Stuart Chant 5 Commando
Lieutenant (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
105159
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].

CHAPMAN, Charles

Charles Chapman 7 Commando
Private
3658109
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Private Charles Chapman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association last known residing Ancoats, Manchester.
 
Sources

CHAPMAN, George William

Signalman
14220497
Brigade Signals
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman George Chapman, Brigade Signals, was reported missing 25 December 1943, later reported to be a prisoner of war. He was involved in a reconnaissance raid along the coast of Gravelines, France, between Calais and Dunkirk, codenamed Hardtack 11.

CHAPMAN, Kenneth Harold

Private
5958297
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Kenneth Chapman was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during operations at Termoli, Italy, between the 3rd and 6th October 1943 [1][2].
Recommendation

CHAPPELL, Ernest Lionel Desmond

Des Chappell 1 Commando
Lance Sergeant
4198350
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers

Lance Sergeant Ernest Chappell, known as Des, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 306 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner he was subsequently transported to Stalag 383 at Hohenfels Germany.

CHARLWOOD, Harry

Marine Harry Charlwood 46 Commando
Marine
CH/X 105642.
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)

Harry Charlwood was a Labourer from Redhill, Surrey, who enlisted into the Royal Marines on 28 August 1941. Marine Charlwood, 'B' troop, 45RM Commando, was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the attack on Rots, Normandy, 11 June 1944. Wounded, captured and a prisoner of war until lib

CHEESEMAN, H.A.

Private
6145046
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Private Alfred Cheeseman was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Ontario, Canada.
 
Sources

CHEETHAM, Anthony

Signalman
2578821
'Layforce'
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Anthony Cheetham was attached to Layforce from the 6th Cavalry Brigade Signals. He was reported missing in Crete 2 June 1941 later found to be a prisoner of war. 
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Hilton, Natal, South Africa.
 

CHEETHAM, John Frederick

Jack Cheetham 2 Commando
Corporal
2930999
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Corporal John 'Jack' Cheetham, 5 Troop, was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown. Post war resided Halewood, Merseyside.
 
Sources

CHIVERS, Frederick, J.

Lance Corporal
5107918
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Lance Corporal Frederick Chivers was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/27 and WO417/94.

CHUDLEY, William Henry Albert

William Chudley 2 Commando
Lance Bombardier
882221
No 2 Commando
Royal Artillery
Executed
Lance Bombardier William Chudley was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon, and later executed under Hitler's Commando Execution Order, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, Berlin, 1942. Son of Richard Henry and Ellen Eliza Chudley, of Exeter.

CHURCHER, George

George Churcher 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant
6897997
No 3 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Lance Sergeant George Churcher, 5 Troop, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and a prisoner of war.

CHURCHILL, John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming (Lt Col)

Lieutenant Colonel
34657
No 2 Commando
No 3 Commando
No 5 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Military Cross (MC)

After a brief spell as 2i/c No 5 Commando, the then Major John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming Churchill (later affectionately known by some as Mad Jack) moved to 2i/c No 3 Commando. Wounded during Operation Archery at Vaagso 27 December 1941.

CLAY, Alfred

Bombardier
815069
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Bombardier Alfred Clay was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

CLEAVELEY, Francis, G.

Francis Cleaveley 4 Commando
Private
5186173
No 4 Commando
Gloucestershire Regiment
Private Francis Cleaveley was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/52 and WO417/94.

CLELLAND, Frank

Fusilier
3129351
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Fusilier Frank Clelland from Kirkconnel was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.

CLEMENT, Robert Andrew

Lieutenant
88691
No 3 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Territorial Decoration (TD)
27.12.1941, Lieutenant, 2 Troop, Operation Archery, Vaagso, Norway [1]
19.08.1942, Lieutenant, Operation Jubilee, Dieppe, France, wounded and prisoner of war [2].

CLETO, Sanchez

Private
6100554
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Sanchez Cleto, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

CLIBBORN, William Cuthbert

Lieutenant William Clibborn 2 Commando
Lieutenant
90842
No 2 Commando
No 3 Independent Company
Essex Regiment
Lieutenant William Clibborn, 2 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and become a prisoner of war. He embarked on ML 447 for the raid.
 
Sources

CLIFT, Ernest, L.

Private
5510933
No 3 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

Ernest Clift was reported missing 14 July 1943, later found to be a prisoner of war, during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge).

COCHRANE, Archibald Leman

Captain
136278
'Layforce'
Royal Army Medical Corps
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Professor Archibald Cochrane, CBE, MB, FRCP, was the Medical Officer of 'D' Bn. Layforce (50 and 52 Middle East Commandos). He was taken prisoner of war during operations at Crete continuing his work as a Doctor in the prison camps.

COCKBILL, Edward James

Private
5257172
No 8 Commando
SAS
Worcestershire Regiment
Edward Cockbill was a milk salesman before enlisting in the Worcestershire Regiment. From there he volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.8 Commando which became part of Layforce for operations in the Middle East.

COCKIN, Robert

Lance Corporal Robert Cockin 2 Commando
Robert Cockin 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
3654681
No 2 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Lance Corporal Robert Cockin, 4 Troop, aged 22 and from Stockton, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He embarked on Motor Launch ML 267 which was hit by enemy fire and sank.

COFORD, Alan, E.

Marine
CH/X 105643
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Alan Coford, B troop, was taken prisoner of war during operations at Rots and le Hamel, Normandy.
 
Sources
[1] CVA Gallery image of 'B' Troop.
[2] National Archives file ADM201/111.
[3] The Story of 46RM Commando by Capt. P.K.W. Johnson RM.

COGGINS, Ernest Dennis

Private
5955773
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Ernest Dennis Coggins was reported missing on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe France, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Bristol. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.

COLCLOUGH, Gordon Duncan

Private
5726964
No 7 Commando
SBS
Dorsetshire Regiment
Private Gordon Colclough was reported missing 16 September 1942* during operations in the Middle East later confirmed as a prisoner of war in Italian hands [1].
1943 reported escaped and in a neutral country [1][2].

COLEMAN, Nicholas John

Lance Corporal
2656171
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal Nicholas Coleman, M.M.,  was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 4B in Germany [1][2]

COLGROVE, Frederick

Private
5953029
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Fred Colgrove was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Dalston, London E8.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/34.

COLLINGWOOD, Fred

Private
4454318
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Wiltshire Regiment

Private Fred Collingwood was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28, WO417/34, and WO417/94.

COLVIN, Felix Beale

Lieutenant Colonel
78288
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Felix Beale Colvin was Commanding Officer of No.7 Commando until taken sick  during operations on Crete. Major Wylie was appointed by Laycock to take his place [1].

CONNOLLY, John Henry

Corporal (acting Sergeant)
5500110
335137
No 6 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)

Sergeant John Connolly was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He had been captured at Bizerta on the 15 December 1942 and taken via Palermo to Campo 70 at Monturano, Italy.  He and 2 other NCO's escaped on 12 July 1943, and made their way towards Switz

CONNOLLY, William Andrew

Lance Sergeant
6139725
No 3 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
Lance Sergeant William Connolly was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.

COOK, Frank, B.

Fusilier
6458666
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
Fusilier Frank Cook was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 (army no. amended in WO417/29.)

COOK, George, M.

Lance Corporal
2754904
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Lance Corporal George Cook was reported missing 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

COOPER, Bernard

Marine
CH/X104627
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Bernard Cooper, a Stoneware Pipe Worker from Derbyshire, enlisted into the Royal Marines 19 June 1941. Marine Cooper, 45RM Commando, was captured on 8 June 1944 at Sallanelles, Normandy.
 
Sources

COPLAND, William Oranmore

Major
50169
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
South Lancashire Regiment
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Major William Copland was second in command of No 2 Commando. He had previously served with No 4 Independent Company. Major Copland was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war.

CORDA, Francisco

Lance Corporal
6100521
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Spanish volunteer who served in 'D' Bn., Layforce. Reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 21A at Thorn, Poland.
 
Notes/Sources

COUTTS, John Davies

Corporal
4746052
52ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Corporal John Coutts was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during his escape from a Prisoner of War Ca

COWIE, Aikman Duncan

Gunner
884272
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Aikman Cowie was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

COX, Charles Frederick

Charles Cox 7 Commando
Private
5950061
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Charles Cox was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4A).

COX, Victor John

Sergeant
5671612
No 12 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Executed
Sergeant Victor John 'Jack' Cox, No 12 Commando, was assigned to No.14 Commando for Operation Checkmate.  He was captured on the raid at Kopervik in Norway on 29th April 1943. Sergeant Cox was imprisoned and later executed after being taken to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and shot.

CRAIG, John

John Craig 2 Commando
Private
14241657
No 2 Commando
Black Watch
Police Force not known
John Craig was a Police Officer from Blackpool who volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

CRAIG, Robert, P.

Private
3311330
52ME Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Private Robert Craig was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. In 1943 he is reported repatriated and no longer a prisoner.
 
Sources

CRAMPTON, Jack Barraclough

Lance Corporal
1892271
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Died whilst a prisoner of war
Lance Corporal Jack Crampton, 3 Special Service Bn. died in Berlin as a prisoner of war. He had been reported missing, later found to have been taken prisoner in Crete on 2 June 1941. 
Son of Fred and Beatrice Crampton, of Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire.
 

CRAPNELL, John James

Lance Corporal
5823141
No 6 Commando
Suffolk Regiment

Lance Corporal John Crapnell was reported missing during operations in North Africa on 26 February 1943 (Battle for Steamroller Farm) later found to be a prisoner of war.

CRAWFORD, Thomas McGregor

Private
2752178
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch
Private Thomas Crawford was reported missing on 2nd June 1941 during operations in Crete with Layforce, later confirmed prisoner of war. Enlisted into the Black Watch on 15 September 1928 aged 15yrs.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

CROOKE, Alexander

Bombardier
6202077
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Bombardier Alexander Crooke was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Suffolk.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

CROSS, Walter

Guardsman
2658849
52ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Guardsman Walter Cross from Hull was reported wounded and missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a][3].

CROSSAN, William George

Trooper
410677
50ME Commando
Royal Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper William Crossan was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists WO417/23 and WO417/94.

CROXTON, Michael John

Michael John Croxton 6 Commando
Bombardier (later Major)
917046
334592
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
North Staffordshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Croix de Guerre (France)
Bombardier Michael Croxton, No.6 Commando 5 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his escape from captivity whilst a prisoner of war.

CRUICKSHANKS, John

Sapper
1877778
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper John Cruickshanks was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/32.

CUDBY, John

John Cudby 2 Commando
Fusilier
6468006
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers

Fusilier John Cudby, 6 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML177 for the raid. Post war member of the Commando Association from Workington.

CULLEN, John

Private
2756121
52ME Commando
Black Watch

Private John Cullen was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

CUMMINGS, John

Lieutenant
77341
No 3 Commando
King's Own Royal Regiment
Lieutenant John Cummings was reported missing 13 September 1943 after being seriously wounded and taken prisoner of war during operations in Italy. After recovery from his wounds he was repatriated to the UK the following year.

CURTIS, Eric Gordon

Eric Curtis 2 Commando
Eric Gordon Curtis 2 Commando
Private
6349613
No 2 Commando
Queens Own Royal West Kent
Executed
Private Eric Gordon Curtis was one of the seven men of No. 2 Commando who were captured after Operation Musketoon. He was executed on 23 October 1942, the day before his 21st birthday, at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp under Hitler's Commando Execution Order.

DARBY, Arthur Claude

Corporal
408910
50ME Commando
The Royals, Royal Armoured Corps
Corporal Arthur Darby was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association from Dunfermline, Fife.
 
Sources

DARGUE, T.D.

Sergeant
4387897
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Sergeant Dargue was reported wounded and prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27 and WO417/28.

DARTS, Frederick Joshua

Sgt. Frederick Darts DCM No 3 Commando
Sergeant
5949117
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Sergeant Frederick Darts was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during operations in Sicily [1]

DAVIES, Arthur Henry William

A. Davies 2 Commando
Rifleman
14241793
No 2 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Stoke on Trent Police
Arthur Davies was a Police Officer from Aldridge, near Walsall, Staffordshire. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

DAVIES, William Henry

Regimental Sergeant Major
819092
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery

Regimental Sergeant Major William Davies was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be a prisoner of war. 

DAVIS, Major Edgerton

Private
1895607
No 6 Commando
Royal Engineers

Sapper M.E. Davis was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from County Antrim.

DAVIS, Stanley Berkeley Edward

LSgt Stanley Davis 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
6459239
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Lance Sergeant Stanley 'Dai' Davis, 3 Troop, was reported missing on 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid. Post war member of the Commando Association from Surrey.

DAW, Herbert Frank

Corporal
14241846
No 3 Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment
2nd Police Intake
Herbert Frank Daw from Sussex volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 23 July 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) located at Achnacarry.

DAWNAY, Guy Nicholas

Lieutenant (later Major)
73131
No 3 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Lieutenant Guy Dawnay was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Released from captivity in 1945 he remained in military service with the South Wales Borderers until 1967, final rank attained Major.

DAY, Stanley Ambrose

Capt Stanley Day MC 2 Commando
Captain
70873
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Royal Corps of Signals
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Stanley Day, adjutant of No 2 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Operation Chariot, the raid on St. Nazaire. He was one of Lt. Col. Newman's HQ party on board MGB 314 and was taken prisoner after the raid.

DAY, William, C.

Lance Corporal
1875966
No 3 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal William Day was reported missing 28 March 1942, later found to be a prisoner of war, after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire. Embarked for the raid on motor launch ML262.
 
Sources

DE LA TORRE, Luis Eric Rupert

Luis Eric de la Torre 3 Commando
Lance Corporal
7611796
No 3 Commando
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lance Corporal Eric de la Torre took part in Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. Embarked on motor launch ML262, taken prisoner after the raid, and transported to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf, Poland [1][2].

DE NOBRIGA, Derrick John

Sergeant
6896540
No 2 Commando
The King's Royal Rifle Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Sergeant Derrick John de Nobriga was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941.

DE WAARD, Willie

Willie De Waard 10 Commando 2 Troop
Sergeant
132
No 10 Commando
-

Sergeant Willie De-Waard, No.10 (IA) Commando 2 Troop 'Dutch' was wounded and taken prisoner of war on 24 September 1944 during operations at Oosterbeek, Holland. He was one of the twelve Dutch commandos who were attached to the 1st Airborne for Operation Market Garden at Arnhem.

DEAN, Frank

Acting Sergeant
2657630
'Layforce'
Coldstream Guards
Sergeant Frank Dean, attached Layforce, was reported a prisoner of war having been captured on 28 January 1942 at Benghazi.
 
Sources
Coldstream Guards Registers.

DEAN, Horace

Private
5675816
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Private Horace Dean was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/32.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

DEERY, Stewart

Sergeant
6977293
No 12 Commando
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant Stewart Deery, No.12 Commando, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during Operation Chariot at St Nazaire. He had embarked on HMS Campbeltown for the raid and was taken prisoner of war afterwards [1][a][1b][2][2a]. 

DENHOLM, Robert

Trooper
403856
52ME Commando
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Robert Denholm from Inveresk was reported missing during operations at Crete, later found to be a  prisoner of war. He was a Reservist who was called up at the outbreak of war.
 
Sources

DENISON, Mallinson Charles

Mallinson Charles Denison 2 Commando
Lieutenant (later Major)
145047
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Mentioned in Despatches
Croix de Guerre (France)
Lieutenant Mallinson Charles Denison, 3 Troop, was one of the Commando contingent for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire. He embarked on HMS Campbeltown in charge of a small protection party to cover the personnel carrying out demolitions on the dry dock.

DERBYSHIRE, John Joseph

Derbyshire_3_Commando
Corporal
2010303
No 3 Commando
Royal Engineers

John Joseph Derbyshire, an Insurance Agent from Wigan, enlisted on 17 April 1940. Corporal Derbyshire, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 19 August 1942 during Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France, later confirmed prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association.

DEWICK, Holford Simpson

Dewick 40RM Commando
Marine
PO/X4736
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Holford Dewick, aged 20 and from Clubmoor in Liverpool, was captured during operations at Dieppe, France.

Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 (M&MN) and WO392/7 (Stalag 8C). 

DIAZ, J.

Corporal
6100509
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Corporal J. Diaz, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

DIAZ, Juan

Corporal
6100533
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Juan Diaz, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/39.

DICKINSON, John Leonard

Lance Corporal
14241642
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Hull City Police
John Leonard Dickinson joined Hull City Police as PC 239 on 7 October 1935. In WW2 he volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 26 July 1942 as part of the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

DIPLOCK, Anthony Bruce

Lance Corporal
6291999
No 4 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)

Lance Corporal Anthony Diplock was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, later found to have been wounded and prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Broadstairs, Kent.

DOCKERILL, Arthur Henry

Lance Sergeant
940903
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Lance Sergeant Arthur Dockerill was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry during the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. He was part of a Lt. Chant's demolition team that embarked on board HMS Campbeltown.

DOCKERILL, Graham Dennis

Fusilier
6482233
Special Service Brigade
No 1 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Fusilier Graham Dockerill, HQ Special Service Brigade and No.1 Commando, was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
Police Service

DOLLERY, Edmund Charles

Temporary Regimental Sergeant Major
PO/ 216782
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
Enlisted 11 November 1918. Prisoner of War 7 June 1944. Liberated 1945. Resided Southsea.
Prison Camps
16.07.1944 to 21.12.1944 Stalag X11A.
23.12.1944 to 10.04.1945 Marlag and Milad Nord.
23.04.1945 to repatriation Lubeck.

DONOVAN, James

Private
5948105
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private James Donovan, No.1 Section of No.6 Troop, was reported missing on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe France, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/52.

DOWLING, W.G.

Private
5500848
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Private W.G. Dowling was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later found to be a prisoner of war 

DRAIN, Frederick, T.

Private
5949825
No 3 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Private Frederick Drain was reported missing after Operation Ambassador, a raid on Guernsey in July 1940. He was later found to have been taken prisoner of war and transported to Stalag 8B.

DREWITT, Glanville

Private
3959808
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Welch Regiment

Private Glanville Drewitt, 52 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He also served in 50 Middle East Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association, London Branch.

DRIVER, Frank

Gunner
1431687
No 2 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Frank Driver was reported missing 13 September 1943 during operations in Italy (Salerno), later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Hull.

DRIVER, John

Fusilier
14241662
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Preston Borough Police
Fusilier John Driver, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the Bridge at Malati (3 Commando bridge), later confimred prisoner of war.

DRORI, Avishalom

Corporal
PAL/14538
51ME Commando
'Layforce'
Pioneer Corps

Corporal Avishalom Druri was Jewish and from Palestine. He volunteered for the British Army and was first posted to the Pioneer Corps before being attached to 51 Middle East Commando.

DUMPER, Dennis

Corporal
6139501
No 3 Commando
East Surrey Regiment

Corporal Dennis Dumper was reported missing after Operation Ambassador, a raid on Guernsey in July 1940, later found to be a prisoner of war.

DUNBAR, W.

Sergeant
2986278
SBS
Middle East Commando
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant W. Dunbar, 'M' Section of the  Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field.

DUNCAN, George Ian Alistair

Temporary Captain George Duncan MC and bar
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)
132481
No 11 Commando
SBS
Black Watch
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant George Duncan served No 11 Commando and Layforce before moving to the Special Boat Section as a Temporary Captain. He was awarded the Military Cross 

DUNGATE, Walter Henry

Sergeant Walter Dungate 3 Commando
Sergeant
816399
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant Walter Dungate was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be prisoner of war [1][1a].
  • Attested into the Royal Artillery in 1930 [2].
Sources

DUNK, Leonard

Fusilier
3449378
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Fusilier Leonard Dunk was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/28 and WO417/95.

DUNLOP, James Manson

Lance Corporal
14226329
45RM Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Lance Corporal James Dunlop, Medical Orderly of 'E' Troop, volunteered to remain with casualties during operations at Franceville- Plage, Normandy, 7 June 1944. He was taken prisoner and later transported to Stalag 12A in Germany.
 
Sources

EARL, Dennis Victor

Private
14317744
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Wiltshire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Bristol Police Force
Trooper Dennis Earl was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations in Sicily, later found to be a prisoner of war. Dennis was a Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and was part of a Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

ECKMAN, William John

William Eckman 2 Commando
Private
3772667
No 2 Commando
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)

Private William Eckman, from Everton Liverpool, served in 4 Troop and was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 306 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported as missing he was later found to be a prisoner of war.

EDNEY, Frank Leslie

Private
6205420
No 7 Commando
Middlesex Regiment
Private Frank Edney was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Member of the Commando Association.
1973 Inspector in Charge of the Commonwealth Police for the State of Tasmania.
 

EDWARDS, Denis Gold

Private
5253147
No 5 Commando
Worcestershire Regiment
Denis Edwards from Coventry enlisted 15 July 1939. Previously employed as a Fitter in a motor car factory. Private Edwards was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Charot at St Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war.

EDWARDS, Harry

Fusilier
6458488
50ME Commando
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.

Fusilier Harry Edwards was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

EDWARDS, Peter

Guardsman
2720703
No 3 Commando
Irish Guards

Peter Edwards, a Labourer from Soham, Cambridgeshire, enlisted 2 May 1940. Guardsman Edwards, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, later confirmed a prisoner of war.

EKINS, Arthur, William

Lance Corporal
5336245
No 2 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment

Arthur William Ekins, a Wood Machinist from Stoke Newington, London, joined the Territorial Army in May 1937. Lance Corporal Ekins, No.2 Commando, was reported missing at Brac 6 June 1944, later confirmed a prisoner of war.

ELLIOTT, Alfred John

Private
3773017
No 2 Commando
Kings Regiment (Liverpool)
Mentioned in Despatches

Private Alfred Elliott, 3 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the Commando raid at St Nazaire on 28/29 March 1942.

ELLIOTT, Thomas Wilson

Gunner
3598665
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Thomas Elliott was reported wounded and missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Cleveland.
 
Sources

ELLIS, Arthur Alfred Burdon

Captain
191508
No 3 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps

Captain Ellis was reported missing 26 August 1943 during early Italian beach reconnaissance, later confirmed as dying of wounds whilst a prisoner of war in German hands. Son of Colonel A. C. Ellis, C.B.E., and of Mabel C. Ellis (nee Dwyer); husband of Kathleen Adele Ellis (nee Gahan).

ELLISTON, Roland Desmond

Roland Elliston
Private
5949114
52ME Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Roland Desmond Elliston, a farm worker from Colchester, Essex, enlisted into the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment on 1 July 1936. Served in Palestine; awarded the General Service Medal Palestine Clasp March 1940.

ELY, H.P.

Lance Corporal
3191999
No 7 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers

Lance Corporal Ely was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid). Later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy. In 1943 he was reported no longer a prisoner of war.
 
Sources

EMMOTT, Harry

Harry Emmott 3 Commando
Company Sergeant Major
3446285
No 3 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers
Company Sergeant Major Harry Emmott was reported missing on 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe France, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Yatton, Avon.
 
Sources

ETCHES, William Whitson

Col Bill Etches OBE MC
Lieutenant (later Colonel)
112866
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],

ETHELSTONE, Harry

Private
5670462
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
Somerset Light Infantry

Private Harry Ethelstone was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Originally shown on Casualty Lists as No.7 Commando attached 'A Bn., Layforce this was amended to No.8 Commando attached 'A' Bn., Layforce.

EVANS, Clifford Gregory

Lance Corporal
4078187
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal Clifford Evans was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa, later found to be a prisoner of war. The following year he escaped at Munsterberg, Germany, from a working detachment out of Stalag VIIIA, Gorlitz.

EVANS, Earl Michael

Corporal (Acting Lance Sergeant)
3959724
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
Acting Lance Sergeant Evans was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML 306 for the raid.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Caerphilly.
 

EVANS, Frank

Private
5617635
No 2 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Private Frank Evans took part in the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. He embarked on motor launch ML262 and was reported missing after the raid, but was subsequently found to have been taken prisoner.

EVANS, T.W.

Private
3960772
No 7 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Private Evans was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
  • 10 September 1943 escaped from captivity.
Sources

EVERITT, Harry, C.

Lance Corporal
1866574
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal Harry Everitt, a veteran of Dunkirk, was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Registers of Royal Engineers 1900-1949.

FAHY, James or John

Private
3771871
No 2 Commando
King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Private Fahy, 4 troop, embarked on ML 177 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources

FAIRBRIDGE, A.F.H.

Fusilier
3452795
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Lancashire Fusiliers

Fusilier Fairbridge served in No.4 Commando before embarking with Layforce for the Middle East. He was reported missing during operations at Cyrenaica on 20 April 1941 (Bardia Raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.

FAJARDO, Joaquin

Private
6100512
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Joaquin Fajardo, a Spanish volunteer attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C. Liberated in 1945.

FARMER, H.

Private
4746551
50ME Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment 2nd Bn.

Private Farmer was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo (Operation Abstention), later found to be a prisoner of war. 

FARMER, Sydney Albert

Private
3969289
No 1 Commando
Welch Regiment
December 1942 prisoner of war in Italian hands during operations in North Africa.
1943 reported to be in a neutral country no longer a prisoner.
1944 reported back in the UK.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Wrexham.
 

FARRINGTON, John Beddell

John Beddell Farrington
Private (Acting Lance Corporal)
5111475
No 4 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Warwickshire Regiment
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Lance Corporal John Farrington was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete with Layforce. He was held as a prisoner in both Germany and Poland, and later awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for his numerous escapes from different camps.

FELLOWES, Hubert, H.

Corporal
5497866
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Corporal Hubert Fellowes was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

FENTON, David

Acting Lance Sergeant
2754192
ME Commando Depot
Black Watch

Lance Sergeant David Fenton, attached Middle East Commando Depot, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

FERGUSON, John Ronald Alexander

Lance Corporal
2880192
No 2 Commando
London Scottish
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal John Ferguson was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He was one of the Commando contingent that took part in operations from HMS Triumph against the Palermo and Messina railway on the 29/30 August 1941.

FERGUSON, William John

Corporal
7903097
No 12 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps

Corporal William Ferguson was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He had embarked on board HMS Campbeltown for the raid.

FERGUSON, William Watson

Guardsman
2696113
52ME Commando
Scots Guards
07.07.1938 enlisted Scots Guards.
01.11.1940 posted 52 Middle East Commando.
05.01.1941 wounded in action (gunshot wound to hand) Sudan.
26.04.1941 posted 'B' Bn., Layforce.
15.05.1941 posted 'D' Bn., Layforce.

FIELD, William Frederick

Lance Corporal
5337375
No 2 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
William Frederick Field, a Lithographic Printer from Homerton, London, enlisted 17 April 1939. Lance Corporal Field, No.2 Commando 1 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later confirmed a prisoner of war [1][2][3][3a].

FILMER, Ronald

Corporal
7343128
50ME Commando
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Corporal Ronald Filmer was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

FINCH, John

John Finch 7 Commando
Lance Corporal
1877787
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal John Finch was reported missing 20 April 1941, later confirmed prisoner of war, during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid).
Extract from the Aberdeen Evening Express
14 May 1941.

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