No 7 Commando

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'Layforce'

Three UK based Army Commando units, Nos. 7, 8, and 11 Commandos, were combined within 'Force Z' for operations initially envisaged against Rhodes in the Eastern Mediterranean.  Other elements of the Force included a number of men from No.3 Commando and the Canoe section of No.8 (Guards) Commando. They departed from the Isle of Arran on the 31st January 1941, and arrived at Suez on the 7th March.

'Rommel HQ - Operation Flipper'

Friday, November 14, 1941

Location

Beda Littoria
Libya
32° 45' 59.0004" N, 21° 44' 30.0012" E

The raiding party landed 14 November. The attack on Rommel's HQ by units from Layforce took place 17 November. The raiding party included a group from No 11 Commando (see What Links Here above) led by Lt Col Keyes supported by others, including two from No 7 Cdo who had escaped from Crete, Sgt Fred Birch (No 7 Cdo & 51ME Cdo) and Cpl John Kerr (No 7 and 51ME Commando)

7 Commando

The first troops of this Commando formed up in several locations. ‘A’ Troop in Gamblingay under Capt. Wylie R.E. while the H.Q. Staff came together in Billericay Essex. A small party of ‘B’ Troop formed in St. Albans and the remainder in Newmarket under Capt G March Phillips who was later to command No.62 Commando.

7 Commando Nominal Roll

In 1946 the Army Council decided that the Army Commandos were to be disbanded and no provision was allowed or made for any depository or office which would have at least contained a complete Roster of Names of the men who served in the various units. 

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

ADAMS, William John

Sergeant
5828073
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
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

ALLEN, Ronald

Driver I/C
2591915
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
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.

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.

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).

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

BARNARD, John William

Private
6143343
No 7 Commando
East Surrey Regiment
John William Barnard, a Soapmaker from Middlesex, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 15 November 1939 later volunteering for the commandos. Private Barnard embarked with No.7 Commando for operations in the Middle East, his commando forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

BARNETT, Edgar Albert

Lance Bombardier
933008
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Edgar Albert Barnett, a Labourer from Birmingham, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 15 July 1939. He volunteered for commando service and was attached to No.7 Commando which embarked for the Middle East forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

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.

BEALE, William

Corporal
5947082
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Middle East Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment

William Beale enlisted 29 January 1929, civil occupation Tyre Builder. He volunteered for the Commandos in WW2 and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

BEASLEY, Frederick

Corporal
3532735
No 7 Commando
Manchester Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Corporal Frederick Beasley was initially reported missing presumed prisoner of war, later confirmed killed in action during operations in Crete as part of Layforce. 
Son of Frederick and Matilda Beasley, of Salford, Lancashire.
 
Sources

BEATTIE, Bruce Albert

Captain (later Lieutenant Colonel)
214143
Brigade Signals
Royal Corps of Signals
Lieutenant Bruce Beattie took part in the Normandy landings with 1 Brigade Signal Troop.
17 June 1944 assumed command of the Signal Troop after Captain Alexander was wounded.
18 June 1944 promoted Captain, Signal Troop.

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.

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
Frederick Birch, a Wholesale Meat Salesman from Liverpool, enlisted on 21 August 1939 later volunteering for the commandos. Sergeant Birch served in No.7 Commando and took part in operations at Bardia and Crete before moving to 51 Middle East Commando.

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.

BOOKER, Clifford

Lance Corporal
5729301
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment 5th Bn.
Clifford Booker, a Labourer from Bristol, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 5 March 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. Embarked for the Middle East with No.7 Commando forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

BRADLEY, John Robert

Private
4752870
No 7 Commando
York and Lancaster Regiment
John Robert Bradley, a Farm Horseman, enlisted into the Armed Forces 30 May 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. He joined No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

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.
 

BROAD, Harry Orlando

Private
5435324
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

Harry Broad, a Labourer and Pipe Layer from Devonport, Plymouth, enlisted 11 July 1930. Private Broad volunteered for the Commandos in WW2 and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking for the Middle East as part of 'A' Battalion Layforce.

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.

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).

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 

CARR, George

Signalman
2577040
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Corps of Signals
George Carr, a Press Photographer from Darlington, enlisted into the Armed Forces on 24 August 1939 later volunteering for special service and attached to No.7 Commando. Deployed overseas for service in the Middle East with No.7 Commando forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

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.

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.

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.

CHALLIS, John William

Gunner
849602
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Died on war service

Gunner John Challis died in the UK as the result of an accident. Son of John George and Hannah Challis, of Bridport.

Sources
CWGC.

Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/25.

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

CHEESEMAN, Henry Alfred

Private
6145046
No 7 Commando
Layforce
East Surrey Regiment
Henry Alfred Cheeseman, a Lorry Driver from South London, volunteered for the commandos after enlisting, joining No.7 Commando which formed 'A' Bn., of Layforce when deployed to the Middle East.

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.

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.

COLBECK, John Vivian

Captain (later Major)
101039
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Tank Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Territorial Efficiency Medal
Mentioned in Despatches - Captain Colbeck was captured on 20 April 1941 at Bardia, North Africa, and subsequently imprisoned in various camps in Italy and Germany. He made numerous attempts to escape but only succeeded in leaving the camp on one occasion.

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].

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].

COTTAM, Walter William

Walter Cottam 7 Commando
Private
3769228
No 7 Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private Walter Cottam, 1st Bn., Liverpool Scottish, volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando on 10 October 1940 [1][2].
31 January 1941 departed for the Middle East as 'A' Battalion of Layforce [2].

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.

COWPER, Alexander Bruce

Sapper
2077985
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Engineers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sapper Alexander Cowper was killed in action during operations in Crete. He has no known grave. Son of James and Agnes Cowper of Wallsend, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Service
15.05.1939 enlisted Royal Engineers.

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).

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.
 

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.

CROSBIE, John

Private
3190340
No 7 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Killed in action or died of wounds
Private John Crosbie died on or shortly after 26 May 1941 during operations in Crete.

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.

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.

DEAN, Horace

Private
5675816
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Horace Dean, a Mail Van Driver from Ripley, enlisted into the Armed Forces in February 1940 later volunteering for the commandos. He joined No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

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.

DURAND, Montague Ongley De Beauvoir

Second Lieutenant
244790
No 7 Commando
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Second Lieutenant Montague Durand was killed in action during operations in the Western Desert. He had been commissioned Second Lieutenant on 24 May 1942. Son of Charles De Beauvoir Durand and Edith Ongley Durand, of East Grinstead, Sussex.
 
Sources

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.
 

ELSE, John

Sergeant
5624579
No 7 Commando
Devonshire Regiment
Died on war service
Sergeant John Else was accidentally killed in India. Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Else, of Bobbers Mill, Nottingham.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/59.
 

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

EMMS, Cyril Deeley

Bombardier
805557
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Killed in action or died of wounds
Bombardier Cyril Emms died during operations in Crete. He has no known grave. Husband of D. R. Emms, of Hobbs Wall, Somerset.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/62.

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, George Lancelotte

Corporal
2931202
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders (Liverpool Scottish)
Corporal George Evans was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later confirmed a prisoner of war. George Lancelotte Evans from Claughton, Birkenhead, was employed at Birkenhead Central Library before enlisting on 28 April 1939.

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.

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.

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.

FLEETWOOD, Leonard

Private
5727759
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Leonard Fleetwood from Bristol enlisted on 19 September 1939, previously employed in a Tannery. He later volunteered for commando service and was attached to No.7 Commando which would go on to form 'A' Battalion of Layforce and embark for the Middle East.

FLOOD, John Alexander Mackintosh

Temporary Captain (later Major)
99069
No 7 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers, 7th Bn.
Captain John Alexander Mackintosh Flood was captured 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Postgraduate student enlisted 30 September 1939. Resided Streatham, London. Remained in service post war. Transferred to the Royal Army Educational Corps, promoted Major. Retired 30 September 1962.

FLYNN, John

Corporal (later Sergeant)
3192275
No 4 Commando
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal John Flynn, a radio operator with 'B' troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognitio

FORD, Dennis

Captain (later Major)
124856
No 7 Commando
Black Watch
King's Own Royal Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Military Cross (MC)
Dennis Ford was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 9 March 1940 [1]. He served with No.7 Commando and later in the Far East [2][3][4]. 

FOX, Joseph

Corporal
3653001
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Corporal Joseph Fox was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war from 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/33.

FREEMAN, Fred Edward L.

Fred Freeman 7 Commando
Private
5830905
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Suffolk Regiment
Fred Freeman enlisted into the Suffolk Regiment on 2 October 1939, trade on enlistment Iron and Steel dresser. He later volunteered for the special service with the commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando.

FREEMAN, Thomas Louis

Private
5831031
No 7 Commando
Cambridge/Suffolk Regiment
Service Record
5 March 1940 enlisted Suffolk Regiment.
11 June 1940 posted 2nd Bn The Cambridgeshire Regiment.
25 October 1940 attached No.7 Commando.
11 June 1940 3 Special Service Battalion.

GALLIER, Robert Allen

Gunner
1465403
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery

Gunner Robert Gallier was reported missing believed to be a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 after operations at Crete. In 1942 it was reported he was no longer missing.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/42.
RA Attestations Register 1938.

GAYLARD, Albert Jack

Lance Corporal
5725267
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Died on war service
Lance Corporal Albert Gaylard was reported missing in action 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica Libya, and later found to have been captured by the enemy. He died during an air raid whilst a prisoner of war in Camp PG78 Italy.

GLYPTIS, George Edward

Lance Corporal
1892369
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
George Edward Glyptis was employed as a Driver prior to enlisting into the Royal Engineers on 22 October 1938. Lance Corporal Glyptis, No.7 Commando, was reported missing in Crete later confirmed prisoner of war 1 June 1941 during operations in Crete.
 
Sources

GOLDEN, William James

Corporal (Acting Sergeant)
1881043
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
William James Golden, a Plumber from Chingford, Essex, enlisted 2 October 1939. Sergeant Golden was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war. Royal Engineer attached to No.7 Commando (Layforce) for the Bardia Raid.
 

GOODSIR, Georges Albert Jacques

Lance Bombardier
1467168
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Georges Albert Jacques Goodsir, a Schoolmaster from Hampshire, enlisted into the Armed Forces in September 1939, later volunteering for the Commandos and attached to No.7 Commando. He embarked with them for operations in the Middle East as part of Layforce.

GRAHAM, James

Lance Corporal
6981125
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Lance Corporal James Graham was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.

GRAHAM, James Leslie

Lance Corporal
3191535
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Lance Corporal James Graham from Newcastle upon Tyne 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 WO417/34.

GRAY, John, B.

Lance Corporal
3132719
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Lance Corporal John Gray 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 and WO417/92.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

GREEN, John

Bombardier
849929
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Bombardier John Green 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 1935.
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24, WO417/27, WO417/91.

GREEN, William Alfred

Private
5933643
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Suffolk Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Private William Green was reported missing presumed died died during the period No 7 Commando, as part of Layforce, were engaged in a rearguard action whilst allied troops were evacuated from Crete. He has no known grave. Son of Harry and Anne Elizabeth Green, of March, Cambridgeshire.

GREENWOOD, Stephen

Trooper
7904241
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Died on war service
Trooper Stephen Greenwood died in 1945 whilst a prisoner of war after being captured at Crete on 2 June 1941, and then transported to Germany. He spent the rest of the war in Stalag 3D near Berlin.

GUNN, Harper

Private
3319490
No 7 Commando
Highland Light Infantry
Private Harper Gunn was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations in the Middle East (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/24 and WO417/29.

HAMMOND, R.C.W.

Private
7347120
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps

Private Hammond, R.A.M.C. attached No.7 Commando, was reported as a prisoner of war during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941[1].  In 1943 he is recorded as repatriated and back in the UK [2].

HANNAH, James

Lance Corporal
3190809
No 7 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Military Medal (MM)
Lance Corporal James Hannah, No. 7 Commando, was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy. He escaped from captivity for which he was subsequently awarded the Military Medal.

HARPER, Henry Joseph

Sergeant
5180531
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Sergeant Henry Harper was reported as a prisoner of war during operations at Crete 2 June 1941. In 1943 he was reported as repatriated to UK.
  • 29 December 1930 enlisted into the Royal Tank Corps.

Sources

HARPER, Ian Rennie

Sergeant
1466969
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Sergeant Ian Harper was reported missing and a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. In 1943 it was reported he was back in the UK no longer a prisoner of war.

HARPER, Stanley Eric

Stanley Eric Harper 7 Commando
Harper 7 Commando
Sapper
1880061
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper Stanley Harper was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Previously served in No.4 Commando. Stanley Harper was an Art Student who enlisted 9 September 1939 and resided Great Malvern, Worcester. 

HARRISON, Thomas

Gunner
1461853
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Thomas Harrison 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 and WO417/45.

HAYWARD, Arthur, N.

Lance Corporal
5567812
No 7 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Arthur Hayward 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 WO417/94.

HEESOM, Daniel

Lance Corporal
3657716
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Lance Corporal Daniel Heesom was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

HERD, James

Sapper
1986469
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
James Herd, a Boilermaker from Maryhill, Glasgow, enlisted into the Royal Engineers in March 1939. He later volunteered for commando service and was attached to No.7 Commando which formed part of Layforce after embarking for the Middle East.

HILDRETH, Sidney James

Lance Corporal
3657806
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds

Lance Corporal Sidney Hildreth, formerly 7 Commando, was reported missing, later confirmed killed, whilst attached to 'L' Detachment SAS.  He left the Commando to join the SAS on the 30th August 1941 and was fatally injured parachuting into the SAS first raid, Operation Squatter, an abortive atta

HOLBROOK, Alfred

Private Alfred Holbrook
Private
815569
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Medical Corps
Royal Artillery
Private Alfred Holbrook was attested into the Royal Artillery in 1930 before transferring to the Royal Army Medical Corps on 29 September 1934 [1]. 

HOROBIN, Gilbert Crawford

Private
7632126
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Private Gilbert Horobin was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war since the previous day. In 1939 Gilbert, an ARP Warden, was residing in Fulham, London, and employed as a wholesale tea salesman. Enlisted 25 May 1940. 
 

IBBETSON, Reginald Thomas

Lance Bombardier
914872
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Reginald Ibbetson was reported missing in Crete on 2 June 1941; found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 357.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.

JAMIESON, John

John Jamieson 7 Commando
Private
2933872
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private John Jamieson, 'B' Company of the 1st Bn., Liverpool Scottish, volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando. 
31 January 1941 departed for the Middle East as 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

JEFFS, Arthur Bertram

Private
5504715
No 7 Commando
Hampshire Regiment
Private Arthur Jeffs was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to have been taken prisoner the previous day. Enlisted 17 March 1940. Resided St. Johns Way, London N19. Civil employment - Machine Ruler, Printing Trade.
 

JONES, Glyn Watkar

Gunner
1545477
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Glyn Jones 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.

JONES, John James

Lance Corporal
2933682
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Liverpool Scots Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
John James 'Jack Jones, a Tanners Sole Leather Machine Operator, resided in 1939 at 63A Gwladys Street, Liverpool. Enlisted 12 January 1940 and posted 'B' Company, 2nd Battalion Liverpool Scots. Volunteered for the commandos and attached to No.7 Commando 1 August 1940.

KAUFMAN, Ivor Isaac

Private
6098454
No 7 Commando
The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey)
Private Ivor Kaufman from East Ham enlisted 24 June 1940, civil occupation - Hairdresser. Prisoner of war (back serving with his Regiment) 6 March 1943 Tunisia (Battle of Medenine).
 
Sources

KING, Thomas, J.

Private
5191561
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Gloucestershire Regiment

Served: No.4 Commando; 3 Special Service Battalion; No.7 Commando; 'A' Bn., Layforce. 
Private Thomas King was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

KINGSNORTH, Ronald Harry

Lance Corporal
5572477
Wiltshire Regiment
Lance Corporal Ronald Kingsnorth was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/94.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

KIRKUP, Kenneth Campbell

Private (Corporal)
3189636
No 7 Commando
Kings Own Scottish Borderers
Lance Corporal Kenneth Kirkup, No.7 Commando was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Devon.
 
Sources

LALEY, W.P.

Lance Bombardier
5384244
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Lance Bombardier Laley 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.

LAMBERT, Joseph

Fusilier
3714345
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Lancashire Fusiliers
Fusilier Joseph Lambert from Wesham near Preston was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured the previous day. Enlisted 12 March 1940, civil occupation - Hotel Worker. Post war member of the Commando Association.

LILLEY, Harold

Gunner
950256
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Harold Lilley from Hull, East Yorkshire, enlisted 16 October 1939, civil occupation - Fish Worker. Volunteered for the Commandos. Attached No.7 Commando 24 August 1940.

LINDSAY, J.

Private
3319495
No 7 Commando
Highland Light Infantry
Private Lindsay was reported missing on 20 April 1941 during operations in the Middle East (Bardia raid). Later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy. 10 September 1943 escaped from captivity.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/68.

LISTER, Dudley Stuart

Dudley Stuart Lister MC
Lieutenant Colonel
No 10 Commando
The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
Military Cross (MC)
Mentioned in Despatches
Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Lister MC, a veteran of World War One, was Commanding Officer of three different commando units in WW2. An international sportsman his forte was boxing.

MACDONALD, R.H.

Private
No 7 Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association with whom they lost contact. Last known residing Glasgow, Scotland.
 
Sources
Commando Association Lost Legion List 8 (1976).
 

MACKIE, W.

Lance Corporal
3247568
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers

Lance Corporal Mackie was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO392/1.

MALLETT, John

Acting Sergeant
5333348
No 7 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Sergeant John Mallett 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 and WO417/30.

MAXWELL, Kenneth Horton

Lieutenant
87670
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Territorial Decoration (TD)
Kenneth Horton Maxwell, a Merchant from Oxton in Birkenhead, Cheshire, enlisted into the Armed Forces August 1939. He volunteered for commando service and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East, his Commando forming 'A' Battalion of Layforce.

MCCONVILLE, Maurice James

Corporal
5947918
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment 2nd Bn.
Maurice James McConville enlisted on 19 November 1931, civil occupation Clerk. During WW2 he volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.4 Commando* before embarking for the Middle East with No.7 Commando as part of Layforce.

MCGEACHY, E.

Rifleman
3245800
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Rifleman McGeachy was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war at Stalag 4C. 

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
Prisoners of War Lists / National Archives file WO3921/1.

MCGLONE, Andrew

Rifleman
3249718
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Military Medal (MM)
Rifleman Andrew McGlone was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war. During the years that followed he escaped several times from captivity only to be recaptured later.

MCHUGH, Gerard Thomas

Lance Corporal
2929858
No 7 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Lance Corporal Gerard McHugh was reported as a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. He had been captured on 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/96.

MCKEE, Peter McIntyre Hugh

Peter Mckee 7 Commando
Sergeant (Acting Troop Sergeant Major)
1477227
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Troop Sergeant Major Peter McKee was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later confirmed a prisoner. Repatriated to the UK in 1943.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/68.

MCLEAN, Donald

Gunner
898731
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Donald McLean was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. He was later found to have been taken prisoner and transported to Stalag 344 in Poland.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.

MCMURTRIE, William Vass

Gunner
906239
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner William McMurtrie 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.

MEADLEY, George Albert

Sapper
1888651
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper George Meadley from Hartlepool was captured during operations in Crete. 
Timeline
29.03.1940, enlisted Royal Engineers.Trade on enlistment - Painter/Decorator.
11.11.1940, attached 3 Special Service Battalion.

MEISTER, Donald Martin

Driver
T/117289
No 7 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Driver Donald Meister was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured on 1 June 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/72.

MILLIGAN, John

Regimental Sergeant Major
2927484
No 7 Commando
Liverpool Scottish Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Regimental Sergeant Major John Milligan was reported missing and later a prisoner of war 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete. Post war member of the Commando Association from Ayr.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/30 and WO417/96.

MILLS, Charles Ernest

Private
5827821
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Suffolk Regiment

Charles Ernest Mills, a Miller and Millwright from Suffolk, enlisted 15 January 1940. Private Mills later volunteered for the Commandos and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East.

MILNER, Harold

Lance Corporal
3653894
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment
Lance Corporal Harold Milner was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations on Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Warrington.
 
Sources

MOORE, Sidney Henry

Corporal (later Company Sergeant Major)
No 8 Commando
No 7 Commando
51ME Commando
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Ripon, Yorkshire. His brother Albert served in No.3 Commando.
 
Sources
Commando Association newsletters 64 (1977), 77 (1983) and obituaries in newsletter 119 (2004).

MOXEY, Edward Ernest

Corporal
5949820
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Corporal Edward Moxey 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 Cambridge.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/32.

MUNACHEN, James

Corporal
3318575
No 7 Commando
SAS
Highland Light Infantry

Corporal James Munachen served in No.11 Commando before joining 'L' Detachment Special Air Service. He was reported missing 16 November 1941 during Operation Squatter, the first parachute raid carried out by the SAS on the enemy fighter bases at Gazala and Timimi, Libya.

MUSK, Eric

Eric Musk 7 Commando
Lance Corporal
5830939
No 7 Commando
Cambridgeshire Regiment

Lance Corporal Eric Musk was wounded during operations in Crete on 28 May 1941 whilst his unit were designated as part of Layforce. He avoided capture at Crete and later served in the SAS.

NEAVES, James Mack

Gunner (Driver I/C)
924941
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner James Neaves was reported missing believed a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later imprisoned at Stalag 4A in Germany.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/28.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

NEILL, William

Corporal
3127276
No 7 Commando
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Corporal William Neill 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 and WO417/29.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

NICHOLLS, Frank Raymond Jocelyn

Captain
71042
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Special Service Detachment 1
Royal Artillery
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Frank Nicholls, No 7 Commando and Layforce, died whilst attached to No 1 Special Service Detachment. He has no known grave. Son of Mrs. A. M. Connell, of West Brompton, London.

PALMER, Robert George

Private
5437449
No 7 Commando
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry
Private Robert Palmer 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 WO417/28.

PATERNOSTER, Harry

Private
5827448
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Died on war service

Private Harry Paternoster died at the 13th General Hospital, Suez, as a result of heatstroke. Son of Herbert and Jeannie Paternoster, of Burgh, Suffolk.

PAYNE, Ronald McClure

Gunner
896888
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery

Gunner Ronald Payne was reported missing on 8 April 1941 at Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/24 and WO417/30.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/11.

PETERS, Albert Thomas

Private
5952655
No 7 Commando
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Private Albert Peters was reported as wounded and a prisoner of war on 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/35.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1 and WO392/11.

PORTER, Leonard, E.

Trooper
405323
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Trooper Leonard Porter 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, WO417/25 and WO417/94.

PREECE, Bernard Llewellyn

Gunner
2044484
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner Bernard Preece was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war having been captured 28 May 1941.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/30.

RAESIDE, Bendon Walker

Bendon Raeside 7 Commando
Sergeant
898968
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant Bendon Raeside was reported missing on 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists  / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/33.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

RALPHS, Edward

Private
3656776
No 7 Commando
SAS
South Lancashire Regiment
Military Medal (MM)
Private Edward Ralphs was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving in the Special Raiding Squadron [1][2]. He had previously served in No.7 Commando [3].
Recommendation

READ, Kenneth Edward

Private
5673603
No 7 Commando
Somerset Light Infantry
Private Kenneth Read from Bath, Somerset, was reported missing 20 April 1941 (Bardia raid) during operations at Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war. Enlisted May 1930. Civil employment - Carpenter.
 
Sources

REDWOOD, Albert C.

Sergeant
5727778
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Killed in action or died of wounds
Sergeant Albert Redwood died [1] having left the Commando and joined Force 136, the S.O.E.  At the time of his death he was part of Operation Ramrose, team Fox at Myothit - Irrawaddy. 
 

REED, Robert Middleton

Lance Sergeant
913695
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Sergeant Robert Reed was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28.

REEVES, Francis Samuel

Sapper
2079933
No 7 Commando
Royal Engineers
Sapper Francis Reeves was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captued and later transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/28 and WO417/30.

REGAN, William

Gunner William Regan 7 Commando
Gunner
882766
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Gunner William Regan, a former Salesman from Gateacre, Liverpool, was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be prisoner of war. Enlisted 25 April 1938. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Runcorn, Cheshire.
 
Sources

RICHARDS, Branson

Captain
108195
No 7 Commando
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Captain Branson Richards was captured during operations in Cyrenaica in 1941 (Bardia Raid) and detained at Camp P.G. 29, Veano, Piacenza, Italy. Reported shot and killed escaping captivity. He has no known grave. Posthumously Mentioned in Despatches.

RICHARDSON, Peter Lingwood

Lance Bombardier
908598
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Peter Richardson from Banstead, Surrey, was reported missing 19th April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia Raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.
Civil occupation - Bank Clerk.
Enlisted Territorial Army 1st May 1939.

ROBERTS, John

Corporal
3648905
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Corporal John Roberts was reported wounded and missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. Post war member of the Commando Association from Warrington.

ROBERTSON, William Thorburn

Private
3055828
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Scots

William Robertson from Edinburgh enlisted on 1 August 1939, civil trade Painter. He later volunteered for the Commandos. Private Robertson was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica (Bardia), later found to be a prisoner of war. 

ROBINSON, James William

Driver
T/166871
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps
In 1939 James William Robinson was employed as a Grocer's van man and resided with his wife Kathleen in Boston, Lincolnshire. After enlisting into the Armed Forces he was posted as a Driver in the R.A.S.C. before volunteering for special service and attached to No.7 Commando.

RODGER, Thomas Buchanan White

Corporal
2324891
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Engineers
Mentioned in Despatches
Thomas Rodger, a Sales Supervisor from Glasgow, enlisted into the Royal Engineers Reserve on 30 January 1936. Called to the Colours on 30 August 1939. Attached to 3 Special Service Battalion on 11 November 1940. Attached No.7 Commando on 31 January 1941*.

ROSE, Harry, E.G.

Lance Corporal
5827498
No 7 Commando
Suffolk Regiment
Northamptonshire Regiment
Mentioned in Despatches
Lance Corporal Harry Rose was reported missing and a prisoner of war on 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica, Libya (Bardia raid). He later made good his escape and received a Mention in Despatches.
Recommendation

RUSSELL, Frederick James

Private
5572601
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Wiltshire Regiment

Private Frederick Russell 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 WO417/94.

SCOTT, Edward

Rifleman
3251748
No 7 Commando
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Rifleman Edward Scott was reported missing during operations at Crete on 2 June 1941 and later found to be a prisoner of war after being captured the previous day.

SEEKINGS, Albert Reginald

Albert Reginald Seekings 7 Commando and SAS
Private (later Warrant Officer 1 (SAS)
5933155
No 7 Commando
SAS
Cambridgeshire Regiment
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Military Medal (MM)
Mentioned in Despatches
Albert Reginald Seekings served in No.7 Commando. Due to illness he did not take part in the Crete landings after which he joined 'L' Detachment SAS [1][2].
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Lance Sergeant, 'L' Detachment SAS, Middle East.

SHAWYER, Henry Alfred

Private
5502080
No 7 Commando
Hampshire Regiment

Henry Alfred Shawyer, a Flour Mill Machine Hand from Southampton, enlisted 16 October 1939. Volunteered for Special Service and attached to No.7 Commando. Embarked for the Middle East with Layforce.

SIMPSON, Arthur, C.

Lance Bombardier
946849
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Arthur Simpson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

SIMPSON, D. (Pte)

Private
2933253
No 7 Commando
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Private D. Simpson was reported wounded 21 April 1941 in the Middle East (Bardia raid ?).
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/27.
 
Notes

SIMPSON, David

Corporal
3310206
No 7 Commando
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.

Corporal David Simpson was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had served in India before the war and was the recipient of the India General Service Medal.

SMETHURST, Harry

Lance Corporal
7907192
No 7 Commando
Royal Armoured Corps
Lance Corporal Harry Smethurst was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/30.

SMITH, Eric, A.

Lance Corporal
T/99352
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
No 6 Commando
Royal Army Service Corps
Served with No.4 Commando on the Dieppe raid 19 August 1942.
Post war member of the Commando Association from Wargrave on Thames, Berkshire.
 
Sources
Partial nominal roll of No.4 Cdo at Dieppe in archive.

SMITH, Ernest William

Lance Bombardier
909986
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier Ernest Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete, later found to be a prisoner of war.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/33.
POW Lists / National Archives file WO392/1.

SMITH, George

Sergeant
833291
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Sergeant George Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 383.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/30.

SMITH, William Henry

Lance Bombardier
904285
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Lance Bombardier William Smith was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 344.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/29.

SMITH, William John

Private
5726899
No 7 Commando
Dorsetshire Regiment
Private William John Smith 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 Swanage, Dorset.
 
Sources

SNEESBY, Eric

Driver
67473
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Royal Army Service Corps

Driver Eric Sneesby 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 WO417/96.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.

SNELSON, Cyril

Cyril Snelson 7 Commando
Cyril Snelson
Lance Corporal
3655291
No 7 Commando
South Lancashire Regiment

Lance Corporal Cyril Snelson was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations in Cyrenaica (Bardia raid), later found to be a prisoner of war.

SPEECHLEY, William

Private
5830134
No 7 Commando
Green Howards
Private William Speechley, No.7 Commando, was reported missing 20 April 1941 during operations at Cyrenaica.  Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 344. Had earlier served in No.4 Commando. Post war member of the Commando Association residing Cambridgeshire.

STAMPER, Sydney

Lance Corporal
3060120
No 7 Commando
Royal Scots
Killed in action or died of wounds
Lance Corporal Sydney Stamper died during operations in the Middle East. Son of Sarah Stamper, and stepson of T. Storm, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham.
 
Sources
CWGC.

STANNACK, Luke

Luke Stannack 7 Commando
Lance Corporal
1890170
No 7 Commando
No 4 Commando
Royal Engineers
Lance Corporal Luke Stannack from Hull was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations in Crete, later found to be wounded and a prisoner of war. In 1943 he is reported as back in the UK no longer a prisoner.
 
Sources

STEWART, Charles

Sergeant
2979811
No 7 Commando
'Layforce'
Highland Light Infantry 2nd Bn.
Charles Stewart from Glasgow enlisted on 2 March 1936. He volunteered for the Commandos in WW2 and was attached to No.7 Commando embarking with them for the Middle East as part of Layforce.

STILL, Edgar Thomas

Lance Corporal
5572401
No 7 Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Died on active service
Lance Corporal Edgar Still died as a result of an accident in the Middle East. Husband of Marie Still, of Gravesend, Kent.
 
Sources
CWGC.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/48.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

VAUGHAN, Charles Edward (Lt Col)

Colonel Charles Vaughan
Lieutenant Colonel
2646398 & 142142
No 4 Commando
No 7 Commando
Commando Basic Training Centre
The Buffs, East Kent
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Charles Edward Vaughan, born 1893, was originally attached to No.7 Commando. The then Major Vaughan took over as Acting Second in Command of No.4 Commando on 30 June 1941 replacing Major M.G.

WALSH, Percy John

Bombardier
786833
No 7 Commando
Royal Artillery
Bombardier Percy Walsh was reported missing 2 June 1941 during operations at Crete. Later found to have been captured and later transported to Stalag 4C.
 
Sources
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives files WO417/28 and WO417/34.

WAND-TETLEY, Peter Michael

Lieutenant (later Captain)
6463867
143484
No 7 Commando
Middle East Commando
Wiltshire Regiment
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Military Cross (MC)
19 October 1939 attested into the Honorable Artillery Company [1].
26 April 1940 to 168th Infantry O.C.T.U. [1].
17 August 1940 commissioned Second Lieutenant, Wiltshire Regiment [1][2].

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.

WESTWATER, Alexander

Sergeant
876932
No 7 Commando
SAS
Royal Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
Died on war service
Sergeant Alexander Westwater DCM, formerly 7 Commando and SAS,  was killed in Italy after an explosion in what is described as a battle accident whilst serving with the Royal Artillery (AFHQ).

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.

WHITE, Harold

Harold White 7 Commando and SAS
Corporal
154976
No 7 Commando
SAS
Royal Army Service Corps
Military Medal (MM)
Corporal Harold White was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry whilst serving with 'L' Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, having left the Commando after operations in Crete.
Recommendation
(by Lt. Col. A.D. Stirling, D.S.O.)

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.

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

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, 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. 

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