Prisoners of War

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STEWART, W.S.

Corporal
2754796
50ME Commando
Black Watch
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal W.S. Stewart 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]. 

STOCKS, Douglas

Dougie Stocks 11 Commando
Driver i/c
2332752
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Corps of Signals
Driver Dougie Stocks, 'C' Bn Layforce, was reported missing 20 November 1941 during operations in the Western Desert, later confimed as wounded and a prisoner of war in Italian hands. He was repatriated to the UK in 1943. Driver Stocks was from Kirkcaldy, Scotland.
 

STOCKS, Joseph William

Private
4746205
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Private Joseph Stocks was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war date of capture 9 June 1941*.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/26, 31, and 93.

STOKES, Samuel William

Samuel Stokes 46 Commando
Corporal
PLY/X106179
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Corporal Stokes, 'X' Troop, 46RM Commando, was wounded at Beuzeville, France, and a prisoner of war from 28 August 1944 until April 1945 when he hid whilst the German guards evacuated the camp and moved the prisoners in the face of the advancing allied forces.

STOTT, Charles Henry

Trooper
322688
52ME Commando
North Somerset Yeomanry
Died on war service
Trooper Charles Stott, 52 Middle East Commando ('D' Bn., Layforce) died whilst a prisoner of war. He was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete but later found to have been captured. Son of Charles and Ada Lilian Stott.
 
Sources

STRATFORD, Mark, F.

Private
5950066
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Mark Stratford was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/36.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 8B).

SULLIVAN, Norman Tracy

Private
4618047
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
East Yorkshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Norman Sullivan from Beulah Hill, South East London, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Enlisted 1 December 1939. Previously employed as a Clerk.

SUMNER, Frank

Frank Sumner 2 Commando
Frank Sumner (2 Cdo) post war
Lance Corporal
2930811
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
20.04.1939 enlisted 2nd Bn., Liverpool Scottish T.A., civil occupation Stock Clerk.
---.04.1940 volunteered for special service joining No.4 Independent Company. 
---.02.1941 joined No.2 Commando 5 Troop on formation.

SWINBURN, Arthur

Arthur Swinburn DCM
Warrant Officer 2 Company Sergeant Major
4855159
368088
50ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment & Royal Pioneer Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Arthur Swinburn enlisted into the Leicestershire Regiment on 24th November 1928 for 9 years, and then a further 3 years in Reserve, before volunteering for the Commandos in 1940 [1].

SWINTON, Frank

Frank Swinton 3 Commando
Gunner
3445730
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Frank Swinton, from Greenheys, Manchester, was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

SYMONDS, Idwal Eric

Idwal Symonds 46 Commando
Marine
CH/X 108778
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Idwal Symonds, a Local Government Clerk from Caernarvon, Wales, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 27 April 1942. Marine Symonds, 46RM Commando, was captured and a prisoner of war 11 June 1944 during operations at Rots, Normandy.

TAITE, John Anthony

Marine (Acting Corporal)
PLY/X102032
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
John Anthony Taite, a Shipping Clerk from Wrexham, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 18 February 1941. He volunteered in 1942 for the first Royal Marine Commando unit formed. Corporal Taite was captured 19 August 1942 during Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France.
 

TALBOT, Dennis Gifford

Signalman
2324031
50ME Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Signalman Dennis Talbot was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to have been captured 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/29.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO392/11.

TASKER, John Norman

Corporal
EX/3490
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Corporal John Tasker was captured 8 June 1944 during operations at Normandy, France.
 
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111 (shows unit as 45RM) and WO392/7.

TAYLOR, George

Trooper
548993
50ME Commando
Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Tank Corps
Trooper George Taylor was reported missing between 25 and 28 February 1941 during operations on the occupied Greek island of Kastellorizo, later reported prisoner of war.

TAYLOR, Harry George

H.G. Taylor 2 Commando
Corporal
6912288
No 2 Commando
Rifle Brigade
Corporal Harry Taylor, 2 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, later confirmed as wounded and a prisoner of war. He had embarked for the raid on Motor Launch ML 262.
 
Sources

TAYLOR, Horace

Horace Taylor 2 Commando
Lance Sergeant
5047398
No 2 Commando
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Lance Corporal Horace Taylor, 2 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on Motor Launch ML 447 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid [1].

TAYLOR, J.M.

Acting Corporal
T 71576
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps

Acting Corporal Taylor, 'A' Bn. Layforce, was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

TAYLOR, James Alexander

Private
2758433
52ME Commando
Black Watch
Private James Taylor was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 (Stalag 4F). 

TAYLOR, John

Marine
PO/X105820
40RM Commando
Royal Marines

John Taylor from Paisley, Scotland, enlisted Royal Marines April 1941. In 1942 he volunteered for and joined the first RM Commando to be formed known at the time simply as the RM Commando, later re-designated as 40RM Commando.

TAYLOR, Percy, V.C.

Lance Corporal
5111406
No 7 Commando
Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1/7th Bn.
Lance Corporal Percy Taylor, 3 Special Service Bn., 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 WO417/28 and WO417/36.

TAYLOR, Stanley Benjamin

Stanley Bernard Taylor 50 ME Commando
Sergeant
2657671
50ME Commando
Coldstream Guards
Sergeant Stanley Taylor from Hull was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 50 and 52 Middle East Commandos formed 'D' Battalion of Layforce for this operation. Prior service in Palestine with the Coldstream Guards.

TAYLOR, Thomas Frederick

Gunner
5256553
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Private Thomas Taylor was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later confirmed prisoner of war. During captivity he made three attempts to escape, the first two of which were unsuccessful being captured hours later.

TAYLOR, William

William Taylor 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant
4130202
No 3 Commando
Cheshire Regiment

William Taylor, a Cotton Piecer from Atherton, Lancashire, enlisted 13 February 1940. Lance Sergeant Taylor was reported missing 14 July 1943 during operations at Agnone, Sicily, and the bridge at Malati (3 Commando Bridge), later confirmed prisoner of war.

THEOBALD, Richard

Sergeant
4857854
52ME Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Sergeant Richard Theobald was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 383. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Leicester.
 
Sources

THEW, Edwin

Marine
PLY/X3563
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Marine Edwin Thew was captured on 3 June 1944 during operations on the Dalmatian Island of Brac (Operation Flounced).
 
Sources
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111.

THOMAS, Iorwerth Cyrus

Lance Sergeant
1654813
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Iorwerth Cyrus Thomas, a Welsh Labourer, enlisted 26 September 1940. He later volunteered for Special Service and was attached to No.3 Commando. Lance Sergeant Thomas, 6 Troop, was reported missing during operations at the Punta del Malati Bridge, Sicily.

THOMAS, John Smith

Private
3319284
Independent Companies and Special Service Battalions
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Private John Thomas, 3 Special Service Bn. was reported missing in the Middle East on 20 April 1941 (Bardia Raid) later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/27.

THOMAS, Norman

Private
6088017
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) 2nd Bn.
Died whilst a prisoner of war
Private Thomas, 'D' Battalion of Layforce, was reported missing in action in Crete 2 June 1941, later confirmed died whilst a prisoner of war in a German Reserve Hospital (Lazarette) at Bilina in occupied Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia.

THOMPSON, Alfred

Private
3771992
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
King's Liverpool

Alfred Thompson, a Painter from Liverpool, enlisted on 27 October 1938. Private Thompson volunteered for the Commandos in 1940 and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

THOMPSON, John Copeland

Corporal
4272278
No 6 Commando
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Corporal John Thompson was reported missing North Africa 26 February 1943 (Battle of Steamroller Farm at El Arousa, Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
[1] Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/60.

THOMPSON, William Simon

Marine
PO/X107756
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
William Simon Thompson, a Butcher from Northumberland, enlisted into the Royal Marines in October 1941. Marine Thompson, 45RM Commando, was wounded in June 1944 and taken prisoner of war in Normandy, France.

THOMSON, Robert George

Private Robert Thomson 2 Commando
Private
6014360
No 2 Commando
Essex Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Croix de Guerre (France)
Private Robert Thomson, 2 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the Commando raid at St Nazaire

THOW, Henry Beverley

Bombardier
897673
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Henry Beverley Thow, a Glazier and Painter from Ayr, Scotland, enlisted 29 August 1939. Volunteered for Special Service and attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East with Layforce.

THRIFT, Francis Walter

LCpl. Francis Walter Thrift, No.2 Commando
Lance Corporal
6459241
No 2 Commando
Royal Fusiliers
Lance Corporal Frank Thrift, 3 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, later confirmed prisoner of war. 

TORRALBO, Miguil

Private
6100538
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment
Private Miguil Torralbo, a Spanish farmer who volunteered for the British Army in Egypt, was attached to 'D' Bn. Layforce and reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been captured the previous day and a prisoner of war. Enlisted 5 October 1940.

TOTMAN, Basil Walter

Private
6021180
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment

Basil Walter Totman, a Labourer from Suffolk, enlisted into the Armed Forces 15 March 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. Private Totman, No.7 Commando attached to Layforce, was reported missing later confirmed prisoner of war 20 April 1941 during an operation at Bardia, Cyrenaica, Libya.

TRILL, Jaime

Private
6100540
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Royal Regiment

Private Jaime Trill, 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 WO417/35.

TRUSTY, Robert George

Robert George Trusty, Layforce
Also seen as: 
TRUSTY, George Robert
Private
4858686
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Leicestershire Regiment, 2nd Bn.
Robert Trusty enlisted 4 April 1938 as a regular soldier in the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. Served in Palestine, later volunteered for the Middle East Commandos.

TUCKER, Rowland Derrick

Private
4864330
No 6 Commando
Leicestershire Regiment
Rowland Derrick Tucker was a Clerk who enlisted on 4 January 1940 and later volunteered for the Commandos, Private Rowland Tucker, No.6 Commando, was reported missing 6 January 1943 during operations in Tunisia, later confirmed prisoner of war. His Commando were engaged in an assault on one of

TURNER, Alfred James

Gunner
993754
No 1 Commando
Royal Artillery
Alfred James Turner was a Cabinet Maker from Bow East London prior to enlisting into the Armed Forces on 22 August 1940. He volunteered for special service and was attached to No.1 Commando. Gunner Turner was reported missing 4 March 1943 during operations at Sedjenane, Tunisia.

TURNER, Edward

Corporal
5496525
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Corporal Turner was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to have been captured and transported to Stalag 344.

TYMAN, Frederick Philip

Marine
CH/X113132
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Military Medal (MM)
Marine Frederick Philip Tyman was awarded the Military Medal for courage, determination and resource in silencing a German mortar position single handed in an operation in Italy. He was later taken prisoner of war at Castelforte, Italy on 20 January 1944.

VARNEY, Frank Ernest

Frank Varney 11 Commando
Lance Corporal
4977399
No 11 Commando
'Layforce'
Sherwood Forresters

Lance Corporal Frank Varney, 10 Troop, was reported missing on 24 November 1941 after Operation Flipper, the raid on Rommel's HQ in Libya, and later found to be a prisoner of war.

VAUGHAN, John Henry

Sergeant
305373
52ME Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
John Henry Vaughan, a Farmer from Kent, enlisted into the Household Cavalry Regiment 12 December 1938. He was later attached to 52 Middle East Commando which formed part of 'D' Battalion Layforce for operations in Crete.

VERNER, Thomas

Fusilier
2982693
No 3 Commando
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Mentioned in Despatches
Fusilier Thomas Verner was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war [1][1a]. 

VERRI, Alexander

Corporal
5337321
No 2 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Alexander Verri was awarded the MIlitary Medal for gallant and distinguished service during operations on the Island of Brac in the Adriatic. He was captured during the raid on 3 June 1944 and imprisoned in Germany.
Recommendation

VINCENT, Andrew

Lance Bombardier (Acting Sergeant)
797043
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant Andrew Vincent, No.1 Section of No.6 Troop, was reported missing 19 August 1942 during operations at Dieppe, France, later found to be a prisoner of war.

VOWLES, Richard Guy

Corporal
T 180262
No 4 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Corporal Richard Guy Vowles, aged 31 and from York, was captured at Dieppe on 19 August 1942 and was a prisoner of war until liberated in 1945. He had initially been wrongly reported by the War Office as killed in action and this was published in the local newspapers.

WAINWRIGHT, Terrance

Lance Corporal
3958400
52ME Commando
Welch Regiment
Lance Corporal Terrance Wainwright was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

WALDOCK, Harold Frank

Private
5497482
50ME Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Harold Frank Waldock enlisted 18 November 1935, civil trade Cook. Corporal Waldock, 50 Middle East Commando, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete later found to be a prisoner of war.

WALKER, Andrew Scott

Signalman
2587945
Brigade Signals
No 1 Commando
Royal Corps of Signals
Brigade Signals and No.1 Commando..
01.12.1942 Prisoner of war Bizerte, Tunisia.
24.09.1943 Escaped by jumping from a train between Padova and Venice.
04.11.1943 Arrived in Switzerland.

WALSH, Joseph

Marine
EX/3846
43RM Commando
Royal Marines
Joseph Walsh from Sheffield enlisted Royal Marines 28 February 1940. Marine Walsh, 43RM Commando, was captured on 23 May 1944 during operations on the Dalmatian Island of Mljet (Operation Foxhound).
 
Sources

WALSH, Percy John

Bombardier
786833
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
31.01.1941 attached to No.7 Commando from Royal Artillery.
02.06.1941 reported missing during operations at Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

WALSH, Stanley, G.

Private
6402554
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Sussex Regiment 1st Bn.
Private Stanley Walsh was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured on 1 June 1941. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.

WALSH, Thomas

Sergeant
2754819
Middle East Commando
Black Watch
Military Provost Staff Corps
Died in service
Sergeant Thomas Walsh, Black Watch attached Middle East Commando, was reported missing 14 September 1942 during operations in the Middle East (Tobruk), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy before being transported to captivity in Germany. After his release at the end of the war all the

WARD, Alfred George

Private
5951286
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Private Alfred Ward 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.

WARDIL, John Jabez Alexander

Marine John Jabez Alexander Wardil RM (46RM)
Marine
PO/X3634
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Marine Wardil, 'B' Troop, was wounded and a prisoner of war 11 June 1944 at Rots, Normandy. Escaped from a hospital at Alencon and arrived back in the UK 16 August 1944. Awarded the British Empire Medal for outstanding courage and devotion to duty.

WARNER, Morton Wallace

Marine
CH/X104498
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
Morton Wallace Warner, a Dairy Hand from Canning Town, London, enlisted into the Royal Marines 29 May 1941. On 11 June 1944 Marine Warner, 46RM Commando, was captured during operations at Rots, France.
 
Sources

WATSON, Harold Alexander

Gunner (later RQMS)
6017445
No 12 Commando
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Harold Alexander Watson from Essex enlisted into the Armed Forces on 7 August 1939, civil occupation Machinist. He later volunteered for commando service. Gunner Watson served in No.12 Commando and No.6 Commando.

WATSON, William Humphreys

2nd Lieut Bill Watson MC 2 Commando
Lieutenant
189409
No 2 Commando
The Black Watch
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Territorial Efficiency Medal
Bill 'Tiger' Watson was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 21 May 1941. Volunteered for the Commandos and attached No.2 Commando 1 Troop. Awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during the raid at St. Nazaire [1][2][3]. ​

WEBB, Alfred Allen

Lance Corporal
PO/X2852
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Alfred Allen Webb, a Shop Assistant from Ayr, enlisted in the Royal Marines 23 November 1937. At some time after August 1943 he joined 45RM Commando. Lance Corporal Webb was captured on 8 June 1944 at Sallenelles, Normandy, and remained a prisoner of war until May 1945. 
 

WEBB, Frederick, C.

Lance Sergeant
7911147
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Sergeant Frederick Webb was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch ML 262 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 383 at Hohenfels, Germany.

WEBB, Harold Levi Henry

Private
5257127
No 3 Commando
Worcestershire Regiment
Harold Levi Henry Webb, a Chocolate and Cocoa Presser from Birmingham, enlisted 24 June 1940. He later volunteered for the Commandos. Private Webb, No.3 Commando, was reported missing 19 August 1942 after operations at Dieppe, France, then confirmed a prisoner of war.
 

WEST, Andrew Anthony

Able Seaman
D/JX363264
No 14 Commando
HMS Fox, RN
Executed

Able Seaman Andrew West was one of the raiding party at Kopervik, Norway (Operation Checkmate). He was captured and later executed at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Son of Patrick West, and of Sarah West, of Glasgow.

WESTLAKE, Peter David

Peter Westlake 2 Commando
Rifleman
7016551
No 2 Commando
Royal Ulster Rifles
Peter David Westlake enlisted into the Royal Ulster Rifles on 3 May 1940, civil occupation - Clerk. He later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.2 Commando 6 Troop.

WHALEY, James Arundel

Corporal
5950224
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Marines
James Arundel Whaley enlisted in 1939, civil occupation Electricity Meter Reader. In 1940 he volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

WHEELAN, George Leslie

Private Leslie Wheelan 2 Commando
Private
2930965
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish QOCH

Private Les Wheelan, 5 Troop, was one of the commando contingent on board HMS Campbeltown during the raid at St Nazaire in March 1942. He was reported missing after the raid, later found to have been wounded and taken prisoner. He was transported to Stalag 344 (V111b) Lamsdorf, Poland.

WHEELDON, E.

Gunner
6983520
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner E. Wheeldon was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be prisoner of war in Italy. In 1943 he is reported no longer a prisoner of war. 
 
Sources

WHITE, Charles, E.

Corporal White RM
Corporal
CH/X 1736
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Corporal Charles White was captured on 3 June 1944 during operations at the island of Brac (Operation Flounced).

Sources:
RM Prisoners of War / National Archives file ADM201/111.

WHITEHEAD, Robert Harvey

Marine
CH/X111121
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
---.---.1939 resided with family in Carshalton, Surrey.
10.11.1942 enlisted Royal Marines at Chatham. Former civil trade Painter.
10.06.1944 prisoner of war until 28 April 1945. Captured at Sallenelles, Normandy.
 
Sources

WHITEHOUSE, John Henry

Corporal
PO/X108013
41RM Commando
Royal Marines
John Henry Whitehouse, an Aircraft Fitter and Assembler, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 26 August 1941. Corporal Whitehouse, 41RM Commando, was captured on 6 June 1944 at Lion sur Mer, Normandy.
 
Sources

WICKS, Joseph Albert

Gunner
940930
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Joseph Wicks was reported missing 26 February 1943 during operations in North Africa (Battle of Steamroller Farm), later found to be prisoner of war in Italy. In 1944 he is reported no longer a prisoner of war.

WICKSON, Lionel Charles

Lionel Wickson MM
Lance Sergeant
5950750
No 2 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Sergeant Lionel Wickson, 1 troop,  was one of the Commando contingent who had embarked on Motor Launch ML 457 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St Nazaire 28 March 1942 [1]. 

WILCOCK, Richard

Richard Wilcock 2 Commando
Lance Corporal
2931468
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Lance Corporal Richard Wilcock, 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 he was later transported to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, Poland.

WILKES, Frederick

Fred Wilkes 2 Commando
Private
2931680
No 2 Commando
No 4 Independent Company
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Frederick Wilkes enlisted into the Liverpool Scottish 2nd Bn., in May 1939. Volunteered for Special Service in April 1940 and posted No.4 Independent Company.

WILKINSON, John

John Wilkinson 40RM Commando
Marine
PLY/X103684
40RM Commando
Royal Marines

John Wilkinson, a Cotton Operative from Rochdale, enlisted in the Royal Marines 6 May 1941. Volunteered in 1942 for the first Royal Marine Commando unit formed. Marine Wilkinson was wounded and a prisoner of war 19 August 1942 after Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France.

WILLETT, Douglas

Trooper
7913048
'Layforce'
Royal Armoured Corps

Trooper Douglas Willett was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica, Libya (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

WILLIAMS, Albert Ivor

Trooper
553121
Middle East Commando
Household Cavalry Regiment
Trooper Albert Williams, 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, WO417/30, and WO417/93 (1945).

WILLIAMS, George James

Fusilier
6465623
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Fusiliers 1st Bn.
George James Williams, a Glass Blower from London, enlisted 1 October 1939. 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.

WILLIAMS, Harry

Lieutenant Harry Williams 3 Commando
Lieutenant
237917
No 3 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Harry Williams, a former Steel Turner from Rochdale, was commissioned 11 July 1942. Lieutenant Williams, No.3 Commando, was reported wounded and missing at Sallenelles, Normandy, on 7 June 1944, later confirmed prisoner of war 9 June 1944.

WILLIAMS, Hubert

Lance Corporal
325648
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Cheshire Yeomanry
Royal Corps of Signals
Lance Corporal Hubert Williams, 50 Middle East Commando attached to 'D' Bn., Layforce, was reported missing 2 June 1941, later confirmed a prisoner of war, during operations in Crete. Prior to enlisting in April 1939 he was employed as a Stockkeeper.
 

WILLS, Herbert Charles

Private
5613511
No 3 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Died on war service
Private Herbert Wills was reported missing during operations at Dieppe on 19 August 1942 and  later found to have become a prisoner of war. He was transported to Stalag 344 in Poland where he later died. Cause of death is not known to this archive.
 

WILLS, Richard Lloyd Joseph

Captain
129346
No 3 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Captain Richard Wills was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations at Dieppe 19 August 1942 during which he was shot in the neck and became a prisoner of war [1][1a][2]. There is an additional reference to this in our entry for Gunner Hub

WILMOTT, John Leslie

John Leslie Wilmott 6 Commando
Also seen as: 
WILLMOTT, John Leslie
Gunner
318666
No 6 Commando
Royal Artillery
John Leslie Wilmott from Melton Mowbray worked for a Heating and Ventilation company prior to enlisting into the Royal Artillery on 1 September 1939. He later volunteered for special service joining No.6 Commando.

WILSON, Arthur

Trooper
409682
50ME Commando
'Layforce'
Yorkshire Dragoons, Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Arthur Wilson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/31, WO417/32, WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1.

WILSON, John Eric

Driver
T/7684352
No 3 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
John Eric Wilson, a Commercial Traveller from Blackpool, enlisted 4 April 1939. Driver Wilson later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.3 Commando.

WILSON, Matthew Steel

Private
2824820
No 11 Commando
Seaforth Highlanders
Matthew Steel Wilson enlisted 2nd April 1940, civil occupation Salesman. He later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.11 Commando embarking for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

WILSON, Peter

Peter Wilson 7 Commando
Lance Bombardier
947129
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Lance Bombardier Peter Wilson from Thornley, Durham, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Enlisted 17 October 1939. Civil trade - Bricklayer.

WILSON, Robert

Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
97240
No 8 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Efficiency Medal
Gunner Robert Wilson was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 2 September 1939 [1]. After volunteering for the Commandos he joined the folbot section of No.8 Commando, prior to a move to the Special Boat Section in the Middle East.

WINTER, Thomas William

Thomas William Winter MM
Acting Company Sergeant Major
108938
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
Royal Army Service Corps
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Medal (MM)
Company Sergeant Major Thomas William Winter was reported missing 12 September 1942 later confirmed as a prisoner of war.

WINTERBOTHAM, Sydney, J..

Lance Corporal
T/2574005
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps
Lance Corporal Sydney Winterbotham, 'F' Troop, 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 Nottingham.
 
Sources

WINTERBURN, Martin Henry

Martin Winterburn MM 6 Commando
Gunner (Acting Lance Bombardier)
4801255
No 6 Commando
Lincolnshire Regiment and Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Gunner Martin Winterburn, No.6 Commando 1 Troop, from Lincolnshire, was awarded the Military Medal [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his escape after he was taken prisoner of war at Mateur, Tunis, on Thursday 19 December 1942.

WOOD, George Evelyn

Marine
CH/X 103876
47RM Commando
Royal Marines
George Evelyn Wood enlisted 3 April 1941, civil occupation Tractor Driver. Served in the Commandos from August 1943. Prisoner of war 7 June 1944 during operations at Port en Bessin, France. Member of the Commando Association residing Coggeshall, Essex.

WOOD, Peter

Sapper
2093376
No 1 Independent Company
Royal Engineers
Sapper Peter Wood was reported missing 23 May 1940 during operations with the North Western Expeditionary Forces (Norway) (Scissors Force). Later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured on 10 May 1940 at Hemnesberget.
 
Sources

WOOD, Wilfred Edward

Lance Corporal
4747183
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
Lance Corporal Wilfred Wood was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later confirmed prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association. Emigrated to Australia.
 
Sources

WOODHEAD, Dudley George

Dudley George Woodhead 3 Commando
Sergeant Woodhead 3 Commando
Lance Sergeant
7885700
No 3 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps

Lance Sergeant Dudley Woodhead was reported missing during operations at Dieppe, France, on 19 August 1942, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Lydney, Gloucestershire.

WOODING, Joseph Henry

Lance Sergeant
4202517
No 1 Commando
Royal Welch Fusiliers
13.06.1940 attested into Royal Welch Fusiliers. Later volunteered for the Commandos and attached No.1 Commando.
02.03.1943 North Africa (Battle of Sedjenane) reported missing, later confirmed prisoner of war in Italian hands. 1944 reported no longer a prisoner of war.

WOODS, Andrew Lithgow

Corporal
CH/X109897
40RM Commando
Royal Marines
Andrew Lithgow Woods, employed as a Grocer and residing in Ibrox, Glasgow, enlisted into the Royal Marines on 4 June 1942. Marine Woods, 40RM Commando, was wounded 3 June 1944 and a prisoner of war during an operation at Brac Island (former Yugoslavia). 
Camps

WOODS, John

Lance Corporal
2658476
No 3 Commando
Coldstream Guards
John Woods, a Labourer from Liverpool 5, enlisted into the Armed Forces 1 July 1938, later volunteering for the commandos. Lance Corporal Woods, No.3 Commando, was wounded and a prisoner of war 23 January 1945 during operations in Holland. Rejoined his Regiment 21 October 1946.

WORSLEY, Stanley

Stan Worsley 45RM Commando
Marine Stan Worsley 45RM Commando
Marine
PO/X121876
45RM Commando
Royal Marines
Educated Leicester Road Council School. Employed prior to enlistment at Harrison and Co. Ltd., Manchester. Enlisted Royal Marines 19 October 1943. Trade on enlistment Engineer.
19.12.1943 RM Training Group.
12.04.1944 RM Commando.

WRIGHT, Duncan

Signalman
2328187
Brigade Signals
1 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Royal Corps of Signals

Private Duncan Wright, 1 Special Service Brigade Signals, was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 6 June 1944 during operations in Normandy France.

WRIGHT, Henry Walter

Henry Walter Wright 3 Commando
Lieutenant (later Major)
822200
232387
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lancashire Fusiliers
17.08.1932 attested into the Royal Artillery.
16.08.1938 released to Army Reserve.
04.10.1939 mobilized for service Royal Artillery.
07-11-1940 Sergeant (Royal Artillery) attached to No.3 Commando.

WRIGHT, Robert Ernest

Corporal Robert Wright 12 Commando
Bob Wright
Corporal
2009393
No 12 Commando
Royal Engineers
Corporal Robert Wright was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St. Nazaire, France, later found to be wounded and a prisoner of war. He embarked for the raid on HMS Campbeltown.
Obituary

WRIGLEY, John William

Private
47045203
52ME Commando
'Layforce'
York and Lancaster Regiment
John William Wrigley, a Labourer from Bradford, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 13 January 1933. Private Wrigley, 52 Middle East Commando which was part of 'D' Battalion of Layforce, was reported missing later confirmed prisoner of war 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. 

WYLIE, Kenneth Neil

Major (later Honorary Colonel)
51356
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Temporary Major Kenneth Wylie, B.A. was second in command of No.7 Commando. During operations on Crete he was placed in command replacing the sick Lt. Col. Colvin and was subsequently captured by the enemy [1]. 

YOUNG, Arthur

Lance Corporal
2880180
No 2 Commando
Gordon Highlanders (The London Scottish)
Mentioned in Despatches

Lance Corporal Arthur Young, 6 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished serviceduring the raid on St.

YOUNG, D.A.

Private
5955706
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

Private D.A. Young  was reported missing believed prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Later found to be imprisoned at Stalag 4B. 

YOUNG, George Alan Dawson

Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
23734
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Royal Engineers
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel George Alan Dawson Young R.E., was the Commanding Officer of 50 Middle East Commando until November 1940 when he assumed  command of 52 Middle East Commando after its former commanding officer, Harry Fox-Davies, was taken ill.

YOUNG, John Galbraith

Gunner
1132664
No 3 Commando
Royal Artillery
John Galbraith Young, a Bricklayer from Paisley, Scotland, enlisted on 4 December 1941. He volunteered for Special Service and was attached to No.3 Commando. Gunner Young was reported missing 19 August 1942 during Operation Jubilee at Dieppe, France, later confirmed prisoner of war.

YOUNG, John Stow

Lieutenant
46RM Commando
Royal Marines
John Stow Young from Tain, Ross-Shire joined the Royal Marines 11 March 1941. Lieutenant Young, 46RM Commando, was wounded and a prisoner of war 11 June 1944 during operations at Rots, Normandy. 
Camps
02.07.1944 to 14.08.1944 Oflag XIIB.

YOUNG, Ronald Herbert

Sergeant
4105327
No 1 Commando
Herefordshire Regiment
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Sergeant Ronald Young was reported wounded and a prisoner of war on 4 March 1943 during operations in North Africa. 
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/58, WO417/59, WO417/63.

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