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'French Coast - Operation Hardtack 11'

Friday, December 24, 1943

Location

Gravelines
France
51° 0' 47.88" N, 2° 5' 56.724" E
A reconnaisance raid of the beaches and dunes along the coast of Gravelines, France, between Calais and Dunkirk.
The raiding party embarked on MTB 25 at Dover on the night of the 24th and consisted of five members of 1 Troop (French) of No.10 Inter Allied Commando, Rene Navrault, Caron, Albert Meunier, Pourcelot, and Marcel Madec, led by Warrant Officer Pierre Wallerand. They disembarked on the morning of the 25th.
Also on board the MTB were Special Service Brigade Signals Officer Arthur Leahy and a French Doctor, Captain Villiere.

'Malta detachment - Force X'

A detachment of 4 Officers and some 60 OR's formed December 1940 from volunteers within 'B' Company No.1 Special Service Battalion. They trained at Gourock using Submarines and Folbots. After training the group embarked from Greenwich on board HMS Bonaventure joining the convoy Force H for Malta.

'Special Raiding Squadron'

In April 1943 1st SAS Regiment was restyled as the Special Raiding Squadron and undertook raids in Sicily and Italy alongside the 2nd Special Air Service, which came into existence in May 1943 in Algeria.
The Special Raiding Squadron was commanded by Major Robert Blair Mayne, better known as 'Paddy'.
In 1944, the S.R.S. and 2 S.A.S. were placed under the umbrella Special Air Service Brigade.
 

A timeline of the Special Boat Section (Home)

Type: Official Letters
Author: Lt Henry S. Quigley, Admin Officer 2SBS
Year of Publishing: 2010
Keywords: sbs, horner
Download

7 pages of a Special Boat Section memorandum about 2 SBS from its formation through to February 1944. An official memorandum by Lieut. Henry S. Quigley, Admin. officer 2 SBS dated February 1944. The last page details equipment used by 2 SBS. This document is from the collection of Arthur Horner who was attached to No.1 Commando and 2 SBS, provided to the CVA in 2010 courtesy of his son Ashton Horner. 

ALLEN, Reginald Arthur

Reg Allen 8 Commando
Sergeant
6847052
No 8 Commando
King's Royal Rifle Corps
Reginald Arthur Allen was a professional footballer who enlisted into the Armed Forces on 3 September 1939. After volunteering for commando service he served in the Folbot Troop of No.8 Commando and No.1 Special Boat Section.

ALLOTT, Richard Knowles Brian

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain)(later Major)
77673
No 8 Commando
SBS
Middlesex Regiment
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Temporary Captain Richard Allott was awarded the Military Cross [1] whilst attached to the S.B.S. after his service with No. 8 Commando, Layforce, and the 1st Special Service Regiment [2][2a] ended. 
Recommendation

ANDREWS, Trevor John

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

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.

AYTON, Philip Atterbury

Philip Ayton 2SBS
Captain
184637
SBS
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Philip Ayton, 2 SBS, was severely wounded when he stepped on a landmine during a raid on the Channel Islands. He was evacuated to the UK but later died of his wounds. Posthumous Mention in Despatches. 
Son of Sydney Harry and Elsie Alice Ayton, of Eastbourne, Sussex.

BARNES, George

George Barnes MM Special Boat Section
Company Sergeant Major (later Lieutenant)
2617252
No 8 Commando
SBS
Grenadier Guards
King's Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Sergeant George Barnes was selected for the new Folbot Troop commanded by Captain Roger Courtney which would later become No.1 Special Boat Section.

BARR, Edward

Corporal
3325427
No 11 Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Edward Barr was attached to No.11 Commando until joining No.1 Special Boat Section in the Middle East. He was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East on 9/10 June 1942 [1][2][3].

BATES, Leonard

Sergeant
3972208
SBS
Welch Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Original member of 2 Special Boat Section. Took part in the Sark and Oran operations. Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service. Post war member of the Commando Association from Charlton, London.
Recommendation

BLEWETT, C.A.

Sergeant
3972220
No 6 Commando
SBS
Welch Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Original member of 2 SBS joining from No.6 Commando 101 Troop. Took part in the Oran Harbour operation. Mentioned in Despatches for gallant and distinguished service. With 'Z' SBS when they formed in the Mediterranean. Participated in submarine patrols. Later served HQ No.2 S.B.S.

BOOTH, John Hamilton

Corporal
2824715
No 8 Commando
SBS
Seaforth Highlanders
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Corporal John Booth was attached to No.8 Commando until joining the SBS [1][2]. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [3][4].
Recommendation

BOWRA, Mark Andrew

Lieutenant Colonel
N029151H
SBS
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Captain Mark Bowra received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the former Yugoslavia during the period 1 October 2000 t

BREMNER, George

Sergeant
2880295
No 8 Commando
SBS
London Scottish The Gordon Highlanders
Military Medal (MM)
Sergeant George Bremner,having left the Commando and joined the S.B.S., was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation

BRICE, Ian William

Sergeant
P027697Y
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches

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

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

BRITTLEBANK, John

Bombardier
930882
No 3 Commando
No 8 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
John Brittlebank was employed as a Machine Tool Fitter before he enlisted into the Armed Forces on 15 January 1940 and later volunteered for the commandos. Bombardier John Brittlebank served in both No.3 and No.8 Commando before joining 1 Special Boat Section.

BUCKLEY, Edward Lindsay

Sergeant
P025425T
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Edward Buckley received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of his service during special forces patrols in the initial phase for the battle of Port Stanley between 10 -14 June 1982.
 
Sources

CHILD, Alfred Robert

Bombardier Brian Child
Bombardier
915218
No 7 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Bombardier Alfred Child was reported missing presumed killed in action at sea. Son of Charlie and Annie Child; husband of P. M. Child, of Moredon, Wiltshire.

CLIFFORD, Richard

Captain Richard Cormac Clifford
Captain (Local Major)
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Lieutenant Richard Clifford received the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Citation

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].

COLLINS, Thomas

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

CROUCH, Alfred John

Trooper
7952333
SBS
Special Air Service and Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds

Trooper Alfred Crouch, Special Boat Service, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached to 2 Commando Brigade, died during operations at Lake Comacchio.

DARLINGTON, Kenneth Carr

Kenneth Darlington MM 12 Commando
Private
3605415
No 12 Commando
SBS
No 4 Commando
Border Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Kenneth Darlington was awarded the Military Medal[1] for gallantry during Operation Cartoon, a successful raid on Stord Island. The target was the demolition of an Iron Pyrite mine.

DEAN, Martin Richard

Corporal
P047698G
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Assault Group RM
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal Martin Dean, 1 Assault Group RM,  died in service. The headstone at his grave shows Special Boat Service.
 
Sources
AFM ROH
RM Historical website.

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 

EDSALL, Keith Valentine

Trooper
7912260
No 8 Commando
SBS
Royal Armoured Corps
Killed in action or died of wounds
Trooper Keith Edsall was killed in action during operations in the Western desert. Son of Percy and Gladys Edsall; husband of E. P. Edsall, of Wealdstone. Middlesex.
 
Sources
CWGC.

ELLIS, Derek Charles

Sergeant
4032370
SBS
King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Derek Ellis, formerly 101 Troop No. 6 Commando [1], was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst attached to No. 2 Special Boat Section during operations at Oran harbour, North Africa [2][3].

EMBELIN, Arthur Edward

Company Sergeant Major
1867223
SBS
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Company Sergeant Major Arthur Embelin, 2 Special Boat Section, was reported missing later presumed killed in action during operations at Oran Harbour, Algeria. He had previously served in 101 Troop, the Folbot section of No. 6 Commando, and was the first CSM of 2 Special Boat Section.

FEEBERY, Cyril

Cyril Feebery 8 Commando
Corporal (later Squadron Sergeant Major)
2615284
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
SBS
Grenadier Guards
Army Air Corps
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Guardsman Feebery was wounded in 1940 whilst deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. Volunteereed for the Commandos and served as a Corporal in No.8 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East as part of 'B' Bn Layforce.

GILBERT, Barry

Lance Corporal
P040829B
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Barry Gilbert received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during operations on 13 -15 June 1982 in the South Atlantic. He was coxwain of a Rigid Raiding Craft in a special forces raid on the Port Stanley area on the night of the final battle 
 

GILMOUR, John

Sergeant John Gilmour SBS
Sergeant
976483
No 6 Commando
SBS
Royal Artillery
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Sergeant John Gilmour enlisted into the 79th (Scottish Horse) Regiment RA in May 1940. Volunteering for special service, he joined the 5th Special Service Battalion in November 1940.

GOATLEY, George John

Marine
RMV200249
RM Reserve
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine George John Goatley, RMFVR, drowned during a training exercise with No.4 Special Boat Section.
 
Extract from the Globe and Laurel 
"No.4 Special Boat Section 

GUTTERIDGE, Tobias

Marine
P065066N
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Toby Gutteridge, Special Boat Service, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan. 
 

HANNAH, J.

Lance Corporal
SBS

Served in 2 SBS. Post war member of the Commando Association from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 6.
 

HARROD, G.E.

Corporal
SBS

Served in 2 SBS. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Scholes, nr. Cleckheaton, Yorkshire..

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legions List 6.

HAWKINS, F.G.H

Company Sergeant Major
SBS
Intelligence Corps
Served in the Mobile Flotation Unit (MFU) before joining 2 SBS. He was a parachutist and was born in France. He became Acting CSM to 'A' Group. Post war member of the Commando Association residing in Paris.
 
Sources

HOLDEN-WHITE, Harold Vere

Temporary Major
2013352
162512
SBS
Royal Sussex Regiment
Royal Engineers
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
16.05.1940 enlisted Sapper, Corps of Royal Engineers [1].
05.09.1940 transferred from Corps on posting to 163 O.C.T.U.[1].
21.12.1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Sussex Regiment [2].

HOULTRAM, Lee Andrew

Sgt. Lee Andrew Houltram RM
Sergeant
P053349X
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Lee Houltram, SBS, died [1] during operations targetting a Taliban bomb making factory near Gereshk, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service [2].

HOWE, Gilbert Rex

Colour Sergeant
CH/X4522 & T004522T
40 Cdo. RM
42 Cdo. RM
Royal Marines
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Military Medal (MM)
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Acting Corporal Gilbert Howe was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry on 21/22 February 1951 whilst attached to 40 Commando RM during operations at Kampong, Upper Perak, Malaya. He had been recommended for the M.M. but was awarded the D.C.M. [1].

HOWELLS, Ellis

Ellis Howells 1st SBS
Lance Corporal Ellis Howes
Lance Corporal
3910267
No 12 Commando
Small Scale Raiding Force (62 Commando)
SBS
South Wales Borderers
Special Air Service Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Ellis Howells was killed in action having left the Commandos and joined the 1st Special Boat Service, S.A.S. Regiment, Army Air Corps. He died during an attack on a railway bridge at Limpljani in the former Yugoslavia.

HUGHES, Stanley Raymond

Fusilier
4130995
SBS
Special Air Service and 1st Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers
Military Medal (MM)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Fusilier Stanley Hughes M.M., SBS, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached to 2 Commando Brigade, died during operations at Lake Comacchio. Son of Edward Lloyd Hughes and Bertha Hughes; husband of Hilda May Hughes, of Stoneycroft, Lancashire.

HUNT, Ian Nicholas

Sergeant
P030085W
SBS
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sergeant Ian Hunt, Special Boat Service,  was killed during an exchange of fire with an SAS patrol near Teal, Falklands.  They had accidentally strayed into an area patrolled by the SAS. He was the only member of the SBS who died in the conflict.

JARVIS, Dennis William

Marine
CH/X 4883
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Dennis Jarvis was  a member of the S.B.S. personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951. 

KEALY, Michael Robert Bayley

Temporary Major (later Honorary Lieutenant Colonel)
50892
No 8 Commando
Middle East Commando
SBS
Devonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Served in No.8 Commando and Layforce [1].
July 1942 (Major) 1st Special Service Regiment [1a].
Commanded No.1 S.B.S. Middle East after departure of Major R.J. Courtney M.C. [2].

LAPRAIK, John Neilson

Acting Captain (later Honorary Colonel)
132519
51ME Commando
SBS
SAS
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Acting Captain John Neilson Lapraik was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East [1].
Recommendation

LIVINGSTONE, Richard Percy

Captain (Temporary Major)
149081
No 6 Commando
SBS
Royal Ulster Rifles
Special Air Service Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Mentioned in Despatches
Major Richard Livingstone MBE received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field [1][1a].

LOASBY, Ronald William

Corporal
6482237
SBS
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Mentioned in Despatches
In 1939 Ronald William Loasby was a Metropolitan Police Officer residing at Gilmore House, a Police Section House in Lambeth. He volunteered for the Commandos enlisting 9 June 1942 joining the 1st Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry.

LUNN, Eric John Alfred

Captain Eric Lunn SBS
Captain (later Major)
198819
SBS
Royal Artillery
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Captain Eric Lunn was awarded the Military Cross twice and also received a Mention in Despatches for his gallantry during operations with 2 Special Boat Section [1][2][3].

MASSEY, Albert William

Private
14241864
SBS
Royal Artillery
Corps of Military Police
Buckinghamshire Constabulary
Albert Massey was a Buckinghamshire Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos in 1942. He joined 2 Special Boat Section from the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry.

McCLAIR, Alexander Richard

Alexander McClair 2 Commando and SBS
Lance Sergeant (later Captain)
6968725 & 251446
No 2 Commando
SBS
London Rifle Brigade / Essex Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Sergeant Alexander McClair, 2 Troop No.2 Commando, was one of the commando contingent who embarked on Motor Launch 156 for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. He was evacuated back to the UK after the raid [1][2]. 

MCGONIGAL, Ambrose Joseph

Ambrose McGonigal MC
Lieutenant (later Honorary Major)
113419
No 12 Commando
SBS
Royal Ulster Rifles
Military Cross (MC)
Bar to the Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Ambrose McGonigal was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during a raid on the enemy held island of Sark on the night of the 27th December 1943.

MCGOUGH, Paul

Sergeant
P043260W
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Sergeant Paul McGough received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service at sea in October 2004 [1].

MIDGLEY, M.

Signalman
2346028
SBS
Royal Corps of Signals

Special Boat Squadron. Wounded 9 September 1943 during operations in Italy.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/66.
 

MILES, A.G.

Private
SBS

2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Plymouth, Devon.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 8.

MILNE, Alexander

Sergeant
2878140
No 6 Commando
SBS
Gordon Highlanders
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Alexander Milne was reported missing 6 June 1943 after a raid to destroy a radar station on Lampedusa Island in the Mediterranean Sea (Operation Buttercup), later confirmed killed in action, whilst serving in 'Z' Special Boat Section.

MONTGOMERIE, Tom

Captain
62629
No 4 Commando
SBS
Black Watch
Died on active service
Commissioned February 1934. Officer Commanding No.4 Commando 'A' Troop. Left the Commando 8 July 1941. Attached No.8 Infantry Training Centre until joining the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers in September 1941. Embarked for the Middle East arriving late November.

MOORES, B.

Trooper
7893181
No 3 Commando
SBS
Royal Armoured Corps

Trooper Moores, No.3 Commando, was wounded 27 December 1941 during Operation Archery at Vaagso [1]. He later joined 2 Special Boat Section [2][3] and by 1944 was serving in 'Z' Special Boat section operating from Ceylon [3].

MORRISON, J.

Bombardier
SBS
Royal Artillery

2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Everton, Liverpool.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.

MUNRO, George

Sergeant
3323555
No 11 Commando
50ME Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) 2nd Bn.
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant George Munro, a veteran of the Litani River raid, died during operations with the S.B.S., on the island of Samos after leaving the Commando.
Postings
Sep   1940 - volunteered for 11 Cdo.

NEWBY, George Eric

Lieutenant
153984
SBS
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Lieutenant George Eric Newby, 'M' Section of the  Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field [1][2][3]. He had previously served in 1 Special Service Regiment.

NORDASS, Geoffrey

Marine
P038320X
SBS
Royal Marines
Mentioned in Despatches
Marine Geoffrey Nordass received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of service during the operations in the South Atlantic.
 
Sources
London Gazette 49134 page 12843.

O'REILLY, John Myles

Lance Sergeant
2716586
SBS
Irish Guards
Lance Sergeant John O'Reilly was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving in 1st Special Boat Squadron having left the Commando.
Recommendation
For distinguished conduct during the operation on the island of Santorin.

PARK, John

John Park 4 Commando
Sergeant
3709917
No 4 Commando
SBS
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Sergeant John Park, a veteran of the 1942 Dieppe raid whilst attached to No.4 Commando, was reported missing 25 December 1943, later reported killed in action during the Hardtack 11 raid at Gravelines on the French coast.

PETERS, Richard James McGregor

Lieutenant Richard Peters 2 SBS
Richard Peters 2 Special Boat Section
Lieutenant
226391
SBS
Kings Royal Rifle Corps, 7th(1st Bn Queen Victoria's Rifles)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lieutenant Richard Peters, 2 Special Boat Section, died whilst leading a small reconnaissance operation to gather intelligence from villagers on the strength and disposition of Japanese forces on the other side of a bridge across the River Irrawaddy in the area of Pakkoku-Pagan. He was accompan

PHILLIPS, Mark Christopher

Lieutenant Colonel
N029239W
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Acting Major Mark Phillips was appointed M.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field in 2004 [1].
  • 30 June 2010 promoted Lieutenant Colonel [2].

PLANK, Ian

Corporal
P051163J
SBS
Royal Marines
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Ian Plank, a Swimmer Canoeist with the S.B.S.,  was killed by hostile fire during a Coalition operation in Iraq.  [Sources: AFM ROH / MOD / email Jase]
 

PLUMMER, J.W.

Sapper
SBS
Royal Engineers

2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association last known residing Dunblane.

Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 9.

POMFORD, Douglas

Sergeant
3456406
No 11 Commando
SBS
South Lancashire Regt (Prince of Wales Volunteers)
Military Medal (MM)
Bar to the Military Medal
Corporal Douglas Pomford joined the S.B.S. from No. 11 Commando. He was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field [1].
 

PREECE, Frederick Amos

Trooper Frederick Preece 6 Commando
Sergeant
404153
No 6 Commando
SBS
Royal Armoured Corps (Dragoon Guards)
Royal Tank Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Trooper Frederick Preece, 101 Troop, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal [1] for his gallantry in a raid on Boulogne Harbour.
Recomendation for award

PROUT, Charles Leslie

Charles Leslie Prout
Private
2929485
No 4 Independent Company
No 2 Commando
Middle East Commando
SAS
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Army Air Corps
Service: No.4 independent Company; 1 Special Service Bn; embarked for Malta with Force 'X' serving alongside the SBS; 'A' Squadron Middle East Commando; joined 1st SAS for a short period before transferring to the Parachute Regiment; wounded 18 September 1944 with Paras at Arnh

ROBERTS, Edward

Corporal
5884746
SBS
2 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
Hampshire Regiment 5th Bn.
Special Air Service Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Corporal Edward Roberts, Special Boat Service, SAS Regiment, AAC, attached 2 Commando Brigade, died during operations at Lake Comacchio.
Son of Leslie D. and Annie H. Fraser, of Parkhead, Glasgow.

Sources
CWGC.
 

RODNEY, John Francis

Lieutenant
No 1 Commando
SBS
Mentioned in Despatches
Baron John Francis Rodney served as a Lieutenant in No.1 Commando HQ and also as an Operational Officer in HQ, 2 SBS. Post war member of both the Commando and Burma Star Associations.
 
Sources

SEVERN, Clive

LCpl. Severn SBS
Lance Corporal
5887258
No 11 Commando
SBS
Northamptonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Clive Severn was reported missing at sea whilst on board the submarine H.M.S. Triumph later presumed killed in action. Mentioned in Despatches (posthumous) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.

SHERGOLD, Edward Norman

Marine
PO/X 5874
SBS
Royal Marines
Died in service
Marine Edward Shergold was a member of the S.B.S. personnel who were on the submarine HMS Affray to carry out further training in exiting submarines etc. The submarine sank with all hands in Hurd Deep off Alderney in 1951. 

SHERWOOD, James Barlow Brookes

James Sherwood 8 Commando
Sergeant (later Captain)
T/106321 and 305079
No 8 Commando
'Layforce'
SBS
Royal Army Service Corps
Royal Ulster Rifles
Military Medal (MM)
Served with No 8 Troop, No 8 Commando in GB, 9/1940 -12/1940; served with Folboat Troop, No 8 Commando in GB, 12/1940 - 2/1941; served with Folboat Section, Layforce in Egypt and Mediterranean, 2/1941 - 3/1941; served with No 1 Special Boat Section in Mediterranean and North Africa, 4/1941 - 2/

SIDLOW, Ronald

Sgt Ronald Sidlow 2SBS
Sergeant
2621940
SBS
Grenadier Guards
Mentioned in Despatches
Corporal Ronald Sidlow joined 2 Special Boat Section on its formation from 101 Troop of No.6 Commando [1][2]. 8 November 1942 Mentioned In Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa [3].

SINCLAIR, Archibald Roy McGregor

Sergeant
3326187
No 11 Commando
SBS
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Archibald Sinclair was reported missing 6 June 1943 after a raid to destroy a radar station on Lampedusa Island in the Mediterranean Sea (Operation Buttercup), later confirmed killed in action. He was attached to 'Z' Special Boat Section, 2nd SAS Regiment, A.A.C.

SMITHSON, Milton

Corporal
No 4 Commando
SBS

Parachute trained No.4 Commando took part in the Dieppe raid. Later transferred to 2 Special Boat Section. Post war member of the Commando Association from Rossendale, Lancashire.

STANWORTH, John

Corporal
RM 24064
Royal Marines
Died in service
Corporal John Stanworth was serving at HMS Rooke, a shore establishment in Gibraltar, at the time of his death. He was King's Badge man for JE26 Squad in 1966.
 
Sources
AFM ROH

STEPHENS, Seth Vincent Scott

Cpl Seth Stephens CGC
Corporal
P999732L
SBS
Royal Marines
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Seph Stephens, S.B.S., died during operations in Southern Afghanistan. He was hit by enemy small arms fire while he was protecting and inspiring his British and Afghan comrades.

THOMPSON, F.A.

Roy Thompson RAF
Flight Lieutenant
SBS
Medical Officer 2 Special Boat Section. Member of the Commando Association residing Nairobi, Kenya.
 
Sources
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 64 (1977).
Images in the CVA 2 SBS Gallery.

THOMSON, Jonathan James

Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier)
45 Cdo. RM
SBS
3 Cdo. Bde. RM
Royal Marines
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thomson O.B.E., was awarded The Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallantry within the operations in Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey  in 1991[1].
Citation 

TOOGOOD, David Cyril

Corporal
No 12 Commando
SBS
Wiltshire County Constabulary
David Toogood served in No.12 Commando and later 2 SBS HQ. He had volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 whilst serving as a Police Constable at Corsham, Wiltshire. He joined the County Police Force on his 19th birthday and Corsham was his first posting.

TOUGH, Alexander

Lance Corporal
6482290
No 12 Commando
SBS
Royal Fusiliers
Metropolitan Police
Alec Tough joined the Metropolitan Police on 6 March 1939, later residing at the Police Section House in Crawford Place, Marleybone. He volunteered for the Commandos in 1942 and served in No.12 Commando before joining the Special Boat Section.

VAN DER HORST, Richard Evert

Lieutenant Colonel
N028003Q
SBS
Royal Marines
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Died in service
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Evert van der Horst OBE, Officer Commanding the Special Boat Service, died on the 14th March 2005 after a diving accident on the 7th March during an amphibious exercise off Norway.
Service

WEATHERALL, Stamford

Stamford Weatherall SBS
Company Sergeant Major
4611219
No 6 Commando
SBS
Duke of Wellington's Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Service
July 1940 No.6 Commando.
April 1941 Lance Sergeant, No.6 Commando 101 Troop.
11 March 1942 No.2 Special Boat Section.

WILLIAMS, Thomas Ivor

Thomas Ivor Williams MM, SBS
Sergeant
3909922
SBS
No 1 Commando
South Wales Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Sergeant Thomas Ivor Williams, 'B' Group 2 Special Boat Section, was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service in Burma between August and November 1944 [1][1a].
Recommendation

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.

WOOD, Geoffrey

Craftsman
SBS
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Post war member of the Commando Association from Harborne, Birmingham.
 
Sources
Obitauries in Commando Association newsletter 98 (1994).
 

WOOD, Hector

Sergeant
14241779
SBS
Scots Guards
Nottinghamshire Constabulary
Mentioned in Despatches
Hector Wood was a Nottinghamshire Police Constable residing at Kirkby-in-Ashfield in 1939. He volunteered for commando service in 1942 joining the 2nd Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre) at Achnacarry.

WRIGHT, Harold

Gunner
14241643
SBS
Royal Artillery
Police Intake
Mentioned in Despatches
Gunner Harold Wright, 2 Special Boat Section, was Mentioned in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa. The operation was the Oran Landings, an assault on the port by HMS Walney and HMS Hartland, 8th November 1942.

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