'Royal Naval Beach Commandos'

Royal Naval Commandos training at Bitter Lakes

A small party of Naval Commandos charging forward during their training course at HMS SAUNDERS, Kabret, Bitter Lakes near the Mediterranean. Photo © IWM (A 17762).

The Royal Naval Beach Commandos were landed at all places where boats were likely to need assistance in embarking or disembarking their loads. A Beach Commando was designed to handle the boats required to land a Brigade, their attached troops, vehicles, and stores.
Source: Combined Operations Pamphlet No.17 (1943).
images: RNBC Gallery.

'R.N.B.C. Roll of Honour'

Able Seaman John Kevin REED
Lieutenant Henry Albert VENN
 
Source: The above Roll of Honour has been compiled from various sources including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, CVA website, and the Naval History and Special Forces ROH websites. We recognise there may possibly be some inaccuracies and/or omissions, and welcome any evidence leading to additional names, or corrections, in order that those who made the ultimate sacrifice are duly remembered. 
 

Below is an A-Z view of the Roll of Honour with information about each of the Fallen.

Displaying 1 - 39 of 39

BAILEY, Reginald John William

Able Seaman
P/JX 381850
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Reginald Bailey died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

BRIGGS, Thomas Devlin

Petty Officer
D/SSX 15848
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Petty Officer Thomas Briggs died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

CHAMBERLAIN, Charles Edward

Able Seaman
P/JX 330745
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Charles Chamberlain died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

COVENEY, Eric Frank

Petty Officer
C/X 18887A
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Petty Officer Eric Coveney died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

CULLENS, John David Ferguson

Able Seaman
D/JX 169287
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman John Cullens died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

DAVIS, Alan

Sub Lieutenant
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds

Sub Lieutenant Alan Davis  died during operations at Elba [1][2].

ENEFER, Roland

Able Seaman
C/JX 374572
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Roland Enefer died during Operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

FAIRWEATHER, George Paton

Able Seaman
D/JX 239975
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman George Fairweather died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

HALL, Robert

Able Seaman
P/JX 264076
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Robert Hall, RN Beach Commando ‘K’, died in Italy. 

Sources
CWGC.
Registers of Reports of Deaths - Naval Ratings / National Archives file ADM 104/131.

HALLOS, Harry

Leading Seaman
D/JX 201772
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Leading Seaman Harry Hallos died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

HAYWARD, Jack Percy

Able Seaman
P/JX 195377
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Jack Hayward died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

HILLS, Leonard Matthew

Stoker 1st Class
P/KX 139728
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Stoker Leonard Hills died during operations at Elba. Son of Edward Thomas Hills and Sarah Annie Hills, of Portchester, Hampshire [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

HONEYWOOD, Douglas Alan

Able Seaman
D/JX 216869
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Douglas Honeywood died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

HOUGH, James

Petty Officer
D/SSX 14392
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Petty Officer James Hough, RN Beach Commando 'L', was killed during operations at Walcheren.
 
Sources:
CWGC 

HUGMAN, Henry Kent

Able Seaman
P/JX386133
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Henry Hugman died during operations at Elba [1][2].  At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

MCGRANN, George

Able Seaman
C/JX 407081
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman George McGrann, RN Beach Commando 'A', died during operations to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard. The operation was launched from the island of Corsica. Son of William and Bertha McGrann, of Birkenhead. 

MOONEY, Edward

Able Seaman
P/JX 175361
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Able Seaman Edward Mooney, RN Beach Commando 'P', died during operations at Normandy [1].  Beach Commando 'P' was

MORAN, Patrick

Leading Seaman
P/JX170231
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Mentioned in Despatches
Killed in action or died of wounds
Leading Seaman Patrick Moran, RN Beach Commando 'S', died during operations in Normandy. He received a posthumous Mention in Despatches.
 
Sources
CWGC.
London Gazette 36676, page 4008.
 

MURRAY, William John

Able Seaman
P/JX 198136
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman William Murray died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

O'NEILL, John Joseph

Able Seaman
D/JX 176642
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman John O'Neill died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

PEASLEY, Edward John

Leading Seaman
P/JX 166792
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Royal Navy
Mentioned in Despatches
Died on active service
Leading Seaman Edward Peasley, RN Beach Commando 'H', died by drowning in a diving accident in Genoa, Italy [1][1a][2][Notes B].
Son of Albert Edward and Margaret Dorothy Peasley, of Banstead, Surrey [1].

POMFRET, Fred

Able Seaman
D/JX 212917
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Fred Pomfret died during operations at Elba [1][2].  At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

SOALL, John James

Able Seaman
P/JX 329518
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Able Seaman John Soall, RN Beach Commando 'K', died during operations at Salerno, Italy.
Husband of Frances Maud Soall, of Enfield, Middlesex [1][2].
 
Sources
[1] C.W.G.C.

THACKRAY, Dennis Charles

Able Seaman
P/JX 384364
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds
Able Seaman Dennis Thackray died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

THOMAS, William Newell

Able Seaman
D/JX 417120
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Able Seaman William Thomas died during operations at Elba. Son of Edward John and Rose May Thomas, of Ogmore Vale, Glamorgan [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

TIDDER, Alfred

Leading Seaman
D/JX 157419
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Leading Seaman Alfred Tidder died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

TURNBULL, William, R.

Able Seaman
D/JX 365991
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman William Turnbull during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard [3].

WELSH, William McNaughton

Able Seaman
C/JX 367104
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman William Welsh died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

WHITTINGTON, John William

Able Seaman
P/JX 382818
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman John Whittington died during operations at Elba [1][2]. At the time of his death RN Commandos were involved in the operation to liberate the enemy held island of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard.

WOOD, Sydney

Able Seaman
P/JX 296624
RN Beach Commando (R.N.B.C.)
RN Beach Commando R2
Killed in action or died of wounds

Able Seaman Sydney Wood, RN Beach Commando ‘R2’,  died during Operations at Normandy.[Source: CWGC]  

'RN Beach Cdo. Nominal Roll'

A Nominal Roll for the Royal Naval Beach Commandos. For historical & research purposes, we have tried to compile the names of all RN Commando volunteers. Details were obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Lists of Casualties, the RN Commando War Diary, papers from the National Archives, books, documents, etc. However as we do not have access to Service Records we recognise this list is not complete.

The RN Commando Nominal Roll is listed below in surname order.

RN Beach Commandos A-C

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for Royal Naval Beach Commandos.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2018. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is only permitted if accompanied by the copyright marker and a clear acknowledgement to the Commando Veterans Archive.
 
Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.

SR = Service Record or documents.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives.

Surname
Forename
Rank
Number
Service
Additional
Unit
Adams
Joseph, Patrick
L/S
V 31229
RCNVR
 
W2
Addison
Kenneth, G.
A/S
D/SSX 29363
R
DSM
E
Adkins
A
 
 
 
 
 
Ainsworth
Jack
 
 
 
 
 
Aitcheson
 
AS
 
RN
 
R
Akroyd
Donald
 
 
 
 
 
Albrechtson
Francis, Conrad
AB
V 61185
RCNVR
 
W1
Alderton
Paul
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
F / H
Aldrin
 
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
L
Alexander
 
Lt Cdr
 
RN
 
N
Allen
J.V.
AB
V 49877
RCNVR
 
W1
Anderson
A.A.
Lt Cdr
 
RANVR
 
E
Andrew
A.J.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
L
Andrew
D, Keith
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
T
Angus
Forrest,  'Forrie'
Lt
0-2340
RCNVR
 
W3
Archibald
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
V3
Armstrong
C
OD
v 61150
RCNVR
 
W
Ashton
F.H.
Lt Cdr
 
RN
 
 
Ashton
James
 
 
 
 
 
Atkin
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Aylett
W
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Bagnall
A.A.
Sgt
 
RM
 
C
Baldwin
Robert
L/S
D/MDX 2177
RN
MiD
C
Ball
J.M.
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Ball
J.M.
AB
 
RN
 
N
Ball
Jack
A/S
 
RN
 
O3
Alfred, Hunter
Lt 
 
RN
DSC*
A
Ballard
 
A/S
 
RN
 
A
Barker
G.J.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Barker
William, James
AB
P/JX 43002
RN
Burma Star Assn.
U3
Barley
D.J.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
O
Barnes
G
A/S
 
RN
 
H
Barnes
Ronald, V.
AB
V 47862
RCNVR
 
W2
Barr
John
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD, CdG
S
Barrett
D.G., 'Spud'
Lt
 
RNVR
 
H
Barry
Kenneth, G.
AS
P/JX 388551
RN
MiD
R
Bartlett
Sandy
 
 
RN
 
O, M
Bayly
Patrick, Uniacke
Lt Cdr
 
RN
DSC**; Cas. Salerno. ADM 358/1892; IWM oral interview.
M
Beavis
Herbert, Thomas, Claude,  'Charlie'
AB
P/JX298734
RN
Burma Star Assn membership form
V3
Beck
Stanley
AB
D/SSX 2643
RN
MiD
F
Beckman
K
OD
V 65150
RCNVR
 
W
Beere
'Taffy'
 
 
RN
 
H
Bell
N
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
J
Bendall
A.R.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Bendall
D.C.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
M
Bentham
W
Lt
 
RNVR
 
A, B
Bentley
Jack, 'Bangalore'
Lt
0-6020
RCNVR
 
W
Bentley-Buckle
Anthony, William
Lt
 
RN
 
G3
Berkeley-Portman
 
Lt
 
 
 
K
Berry
Ernest
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
M
Best
Harry
PO
C/JX 159393
RN
DSM
L
Betts
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Bevin
 
S/Lt
 
 
 
V3
K.J.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Bibby
D.T.
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
C
Bielski
A.E.
M/Ship
 
RNVR
 
C
Bintner
J.A.F.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
N
Birley
Hugh
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
N3, L, D
Blackmore
D
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Blackwell
Richard
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
K
Blackwell
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
K
Blench
Edward
AS
 
RN
 
Q
Bloomer
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
L
Boord
Sidney, J.S.
Cdr
 
RN
 
 
Bourne
 
PO
 
RN
 
N
Bowman
J
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Bramble
Joe, B.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
M
Bridgeland
A.R.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Briggs
L
Lt
 
RNVR
 
M
Brind
Clarence
A/S
D/JX 213610
RN
MiD
A
Brindle
F
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
D
Brinkley
Frank, El
Lt
 
RN
DSC
E
Brister
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
M
Broadway
H
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Bromley
Ray
L/S
 
RN
 
N1
Brown
A.D.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
K
Brown
G
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
F
Brown
P
Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Brown
 
A/S
 
RN
 
N
Burden
William
AB
V 43750
RCNVR
 
W2
Burgess
Neville, Arthur
OS
C/JX 354547
RN
 
 
Burgess
R.G.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Burke
W
 
 
 
 
 
Burns
George
AS
 
RN
 
H
Burse
Reginald, Clarence
AB
V 48280
RCNVR
 
W1
Burton
A.E.
PO
 
RN
 
C
Butler
J.B.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Byer
Cecil
AB
V 54476
RCNVR
 
W3
Byers
H
AB
V34795
RCNVR
 
W3
Caler
J
AB
V 46031
RCNVR
 
W3
Calvert
George
LS
 
 
 
V3
Campbell
Louis, Oliver
Lt
0-11800
RCNVR
 
W3
Campbell
R.H.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Canning
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Cant
M.H.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
N
Carr
John, Robert
 
 
 
 
 
Carver
P
Lt
 
RNVR
 
H
Casbourne
James, Clifton
AB
V 56832
RCNVR
 
W1
Casey
P.G.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Cattell
Albert
AS
 
RN
 
G
Causden
B
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Causley
J.C.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Cavanagh
Danny
 
 
 
 
V3
Celev
J
AB
V 46031
RCNVR
 
W3
Chandler
Arthur
AS
 
RN
 
K, N
Chaplin
Arnold, David
PO
P/JX156000
RN
DSM
M
Reginald, Charles
LS
P/JX296508
RN
 
J, P, Q,V3. 
Chilvers
D.H.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
T, S
Christie
Charles, Black
Lt
0-13770
RCNVR
 
W2
Church
J.A.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
L
Clark
Henry
PO
D/SSX 20145
RN
 
E
Clarke
J
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
L
Clarke
T.A.F.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Clarke
 
S/Lt
 
 
 
V3
Claughton
Clifford
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
H
Clifford
 
A/S
 
RN
 
H, G
Cobham
Anthony
Lt
 
RN
GC, MBE
H
Cockshoot
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Coffey
Pat
 
 
RN
 
 
Collar
Michael
Lt
 
RN
MiD
F
Compston
Sidney
A/S
D/JX 169001
RN
DSM
F1
Cook
Benedict, Edward, Matthias
PO
P.SSX. 23987
RN
Burma Star Assn membership.
V
Cook
G
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Cook
Oswald
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
G
Cook
William, Dennis
A/S
C/JX 377978
RN
DSM
R
Coppock
Robin
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
C
Cotton
J
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Couch
John
AB
JX 363389
RN
 
N2
Couldrey
S.M.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Cox
J.C.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Crammond
R.M.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
Q
Crickmar
L
Lt
 
RNVR
 
N1
Croll
'Jock'
 
 
 
 
V3
Cronikhite
Winston, F.
AB
V 61557
RCNVR
 
W2
Cronin
John, Bernard
Lt
0-16890
RCNVR
 
W3
Crookes
'Lofty'
 
 
 
 
V3
Crough
Raymond, 'Mother'
AB
V 19467
RCNVR
 
W1
Crowhurst
Kenneth, Guy
Lt
0-17120
RCNVR
 
W1
Crowther
B
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
M
Cruickshanks
George
 
 
 
 
 
Crutwell
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Cullen
J
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Cunningham
John, Ritchie
Lt
0-14270
RCNVR
 
W2
Curtis
F A
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
D

RN Beach Commandos D-G

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for Royal Naval Beach Commandos.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2018. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is only permitted if accompanied by the copyright marker and a clear acknowledgement to the Commando Veterans Archive.
 

Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives.

Surname
Forename
Rank
Number
Service
Additional
Unit
D'Arcy
Jack Orchard
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
MiD
R
Dalton
Alan N G
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
P
David
 
Lt Cdr
 
 
 
 
Alan
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
O3
Davy / Davey
Albert Charles
L/S
D/JX25236
RN
DSM
F
Dawson
Leonard
 
 
 
from North Shields
-
Day
Charles William
A/S
C/JX379987
RN
DSM
R
Deacon
T A
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
T, S
Demontigny
Paul
AB
V 50928
RCNVR
 
W3
Deruchie
L
AB
V 4365
RCNVR
 
W3
Dixon- Smith
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
H
Dodd
Oscar A W
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
M
Dodds
O
AB
 
RN
 
N
Donger
Richard
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD CdG
F
Dove
Eric
Tel
 
RN
 
 
Dowle
V
AB
 
RN
 
N1
Downey
Vincent Joseph
AB
V 57751
RCNVR
 
W2
Dowsett
Derek
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Dowsing
 
S/Lt
 
 
 
R
Draffen
D B
 
 
 
 
 
Draper
Norman Ernest
M/Ship
 
RNVR
DSC,MiD
G1
Duffin
E
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Dunbar
A G
Lt
 
 
 
C
Duncan
 
Cdr
 
RN
 
A, B
Dunn
C C
Lt
 
RNVR
 
T, S
Durham
D
Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Eade
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
G
Eddy
Edward Christopher
A/S
D/JX303084
RN
 
Northney
Edwards
'Scouse'
 
 
 
 
V3
Egginton
D
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
J
Ellison
Joseph,William
Tel
C/JX298252
RN
 
 
Ellman
Samuel E A
S/Lt
 
SANF
MiD
M
Emery
Donald
A/S
D/SSX29684
RN
DSM
F
Ensoll
J
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
D
Epstein
R
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
D
Eva
'Jan'
 
 
 
 
V3
Evans
D K
Lt
 
RNVR
 
H
Evans
Ray
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
 
Eyre
G B
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
U
Fagence
George  'JungleGeorge'
AB
C/JX378322
RN
Burma Star Assn. H
Fairley
J
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
H
Fairs
Alf
 
 
 
 
O
Farr
B C
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Farthing
Benjamin
Lt
 
RINVR
MiD
A
Faubert
Paul Louis
AB
V 44355
RCNVR
 
W2
Faulks/Faults
C
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Fearn
Stanley
PO
D/JX142689
RN
DSM
K
William, Charles
PO
C/JX 140835
RN
DSM
J
Felgar
 
A/S
 
RN
 
P
Feltham
W J
PO
 
RN
BEM
D
Ferguson
W
Lt
 
RNVR
 
Q
Ferguson
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
K
Finley
Eric Gault Skip
Lt
0-23710
RCNVR
 
W1
Fish
T
AB
 
RN
 
N
Fisher
Micky
 
 
 
 
 
Fison
 
Lt Cdr
 
 
 
 
Flemming
M
AB
V 42327
RCNVR
 
W3
Foreman
Harry Coffin Lynas
PO
P/UDX 1241
RN
DSM
S
Forsyth
John Edward
L/S
V 10963
RCNVR
 
W2
Foulger
J
AB
 
RN
 
N
Fox
David
AB
 
RN
 
O, F1
Fox
John Lloyd Jack
AB
V 57307
RCNVR
 
W1
Fox-Brown
A
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
N1, U
Franklin
Richard
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
D
Freemantle
Edmund S D
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
P
Frohock
J.M.T.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD (Newspaper); Cas.ReportSalerno.   ADM 358/1892
K
Full
Ed
 
 
 
 
V3
Gallagher
P T
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
T, S
Gamblin
Frederick James
AB
V 59716
RCNVR
 
W3
Garcia
Antonio
AB
D/JX363102
 
Cas Report Salerno. ADM 358/1892
M
Gardiner
R
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Gascoiguea
John
 
 
 
 
 
Gaster
Jack
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Gear
Eric
PO
 
RN
 
Q
George
T
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Germaine
A
AB
v 38689
RCNVR
 
W3
German
George
 
 
 
 
 
Gerrish
H L
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
K
Gibson
H
 
 
 
 
 
Gibson
M
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Gilbert
 
AB
 
RN
 
N2
Gilbey
Ernest F
L/S
C/JX 334144
RN
MiD
M
Giles
Ron
 
 
RN
 
C
Gillings
W
 
 
 
 
 
Gladwell
R E
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Glennie
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
S
Glover
Joseph
AB
C/JX 375393
RN
MiD
K
Goddard
Frederick
AB
D/JX213689
 
CasReport Salerno.   ADM 358/1892
M
Goddard
Henry John
AB
C/JX 279669
RN
DSM
A
Godwin
W R
S/Lt
 
 
 
A, B
Goodale
David F
Lt
 
RN
DSC,MiD
E
Gooding
Thomas Wiliam
PO
D/JX161420
RN
DSM
F1
Goodwin
Dennis Charles
AB
V 62012
RCNVR
 
W2
Gordon
D J
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
G
Gouge
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
P
Graham
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
M
Grainger
 
PO
 
RN
MiD
N2
Gray
Edward
AB
C/JX354652
 
CasReport Salerno.   ADM 358/1892
M
Green
E
Lt
 
RNVR
 
G
Green
Kenneth
AB
 
RN
 
Q
Greenland
P
S/Lt
 
RN
 
A, B
Greenway
A K B
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
P
Greenwood
D
AB
V 61245
RCNVR
 
W3
Gregory
Samuel
L/S
 
RN
 
N1
Gregory-Smith
William Frank Niemann
Capt
 
RN
DSC* DSO*
T, S
Gribbin
'Jock'
 
 
 
 
V3
Griffin
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Griffiths
F
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
O
John
L/S
P/JX427977
RN
 
Gueritz
Edward Findley
Lt
 
RN
DSC*
F
Gurney
E
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U

RN Beach Commandos H-N

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for Royal Naval Beach Commandos.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2018. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is only permitted if accompanied by the copyright marker and a clear acknowledgement to the Commando Veterans Archive.
 

Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives.

Surname
Forename
Rank
Number
Service
Additional
Unit
Hall
John, Bell
Sig
 
RN
 
 
Hall
Robert
A/S
P/JX 264076
RN
 
K
Hall
Ronald, Marshall
PO
P/JX149429
RN
DSM
K
Hall
William, Albert
AB
P/JX425424
RN
Burma Star Assn.
H
Harry
L/S
D/JX 201772
RN
 
A
Hamilton
J.C.C.
Lt
 
RN
 
M
Hampshire
A, Cecil
Lt
 
RN
 
H
Hampson
Harold, George
Lt
O-30400
RCNVR
 
W2
Hannaford
Edward, H.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
E, Q
Harding
C
AB
V 61890
RCNVR
 
W3
Hardy
A.H.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
L
Hargreaves
Harry
Lt
 
RNVR
 
NK
Harrington
J
AB
V 16892
RCNVR
 
W3
Harris
Geoffrey
Coder
P/JX 405338
RN
DSM ,MiD
 
Harris
Ian, Antrobus
Lt
 
RANVR
DSC
N1
Harrison
George
A/S
 
RN
 
G1
Harvey
J.S.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Harvey
Ken
PO
 
RN
 
E
Haslett
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Hatch
Carr
Lt
O-31610
RCNVR
 
W2
Hatton
Ken
AS
 
RN
 
O3
Havers
Arthur
Cdr
 
RN
OBE,DSO,MiD
K
Hay
R
L/S
V 45449
RCNVR
 
W3
Hayden
F.W.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
O
Haynes
Graham, 'Micky'
Lt
C/JX315162
RNVR
Burma Star Assn.
H2
Hazelwood
F
PO
 
RN
 
N2
Heal
S.C.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Hearne
F.H.
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
E
Hearne
W.A.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
M
Henderson
Andrew
AS
 
RN
 
G
Hewett
Rn
Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Higham
Clifford, Edward
Sto
 
RN
Burma Star Assn.
 
Hildreth
Clem
AB
V 64412
RCNVR
 
W1
Hill
G
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
N3
Hill
C.R.J,, 'Pusser'
Lt
 
RNVR
 
H3
Hillman
G.C.
Sgt
 
RM
 
C
Hobman
Ronald
Tel
P/JX 308549
RN
MiD
 
Hodges
M.W.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
W
Hodgetts
Paddy
PO
 
RN
 
Q
A.B.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
A, B
Holland
J
 
 
 
 
 
Hollands
Arthur
PO
 
RN
 
M
Holmes
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Holwill
Gordon
PO
 
RN
 
A2
Hooson
'Scouse'
 
 
 
 
V3
Hope
Thomas
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
K
Hopkins
J.P.I.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Horel
J
AB
V 45584
RCNVR
 
W3
Hort
S.H.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
H
Horton
E
AB
C/JX354402
 
Cas. Salerno.   ADM 358/1892
K
Hough
James
PO
D/SSX14392
RN
 
L
Howard
John, Thomas
PO
C/JX 110176
RN
 
F
Howard
S
Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Howe
 
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
C
Howell
Thomas, H.E.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
J
Hudson
 
Cdr
 
RN
 
H
Hughes
D
AB
 
RN
 
N
Humberstone
Alf
AB
 
RN
 
U
Hunt
Thomas
A/S
D/JX 304950
RN
DSM
F
Husband
A.P.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSM
L
Hutton
Alexander
AS
 
RN
 
J
Hutton
F.M.
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
V
Jackson
Earl
AB
V 44344
RCNVR
 
W3
Jackson
Sandy
 
 
 
 
 
Jamieson
A
Lt
 
RNVR
 
T, S
Jarrett
George
PO
A2635
RCNVR
 
W1
Jarvis
A
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
Q
Jeff
Joe
A/B
 
 
 
P
Jeffery
George,William
AB
P/JX 178921
RN
Burma Star Assn.
 
Jenkins
 
Cdr
 
 
 
G
Jobber
Victor
 
 
 
 
E
Johnson
G
 
 
 
 
 
Johnstone
Richard, John 'Dick'
Lt Cdr
O-37140
RCNVR
 
W
Jonas
P.L.
S/Lt
 
RNR
 
D
Jones
E.R.R.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
O
Jones
H.G.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
F
Jones
Hugh, L.
PO
 
RN
BEM
J
Jones
John, 'Jack'
AB
V 42208
RCNVR
BEM
W3
Jones
John
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
C
Jones
Robert
L/S
V 841
RCNVR
MiD
W3
Joyce
John
L/S
A 4041
RCNVR
 
W1
Joyes
W.F.
AB
V 17772
RCNVR
 
W3
Kennedy
Douglas
AB
V 41864
RCNVR
 
W2
Kent
Douglas, Thomas
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC*
C
Keys
Kenneth
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC MiD
S
Kidd
G
Sgt
 
 
MiD
C
Killick
Fred
Lt
 
RNVR
 
L
Kimberley
Harry
A/S
C/JX 169896
RN
MiD
H
King
D.C.A.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
E
King
J
AB
V 51758
RCNVR
 
W3
King
 
 
 
RN
 
G1
Kipling
Sydney
AB
P/SSX 29029
RN
MiD
N2
Kitteridge
E
Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Knight
N
AB
V 54536
RCNVR
 
W1
Koch
L
AB
V 51953
RCNVR
 
W3
Kroshewsky
Daniel
AB
V 64415
RCNVR
 
W2
Laing
E.A.M.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Laird
Hugh, W.
L/S
DLJX 150456
RN
MiD , CdG
S
Lamb
G
S/LT
 
RNVR
 
T
Lamb
R
L/S
 
RN
MiD, CdG
N1
Lambert
B.C.
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
P
Lang
B.L.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
F
Lappage
Ronald
AB
P/JX 388551
RN
MiD
Q
Lauder
H
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Lawrence
A
Lt
 
RNVR
 
O
Lawrence
Ronald, Joseph
Lt
142012
RNVR
 
RN Beach Sigs
Layton
J.A.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
S
Leake
F.H.A.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
P
Leeke
G, Henry
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
H
Lefever
G.C.
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
J
Legatt
William
Coder
P/JX 227523
RN
MiD
 
Lennon
 
AS
 
RN
 
G1
Leroy
R
 
 
RNVR
 
F
Letby
J
PO
 
RN
 
N1
Lewis
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
P
Lightfoot
Peter, 'Patrick'
AB
 
RN
 
N1
Lindsay
J.W.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Lines
T.A.
Capt
 
 
 
C
Linlow
G.H.E.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
H
Lock
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
A, B
Lockwood-Bunce
J.A.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Lomas
J
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
D
Lomax
H.L.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Lonsdale
Henry, James, Edward
PO
D/JX158562
RN
Burma Star Assn.
N
Lord
P
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Lovatt
Thomas, William
Acting PO
D/SSX30476
 
Cas. Salerno.   ADM 358/1892
M
Lowery
S
AB
 
RN
 
N
Lowndes
W.E.G.
Lt Cdr
 
RN
 
P
Lucas
J.C.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
G
Lucas
J.S.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
N3
Lucas
'Lofty'
AS
 
RN
 
G
Luckin / Lukin
J.B.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
A, B
Luff
Charles
AB
V 56817
RCNVR
 
W2
Lynn
 
Motor Mechanic
 
 
 
V3
Macbeth
John, Kenneth 'Jack'
Lt
O-43440
RCNVR
DSC
W3
Macdonald
A.C.
Lt Cdr
 
RN
 
R
Edward, Armstrong
S/ Lt
 
RNVR
 
A
Macdonald
O.C.
Lt Cdr
 
RANVR
MiD
G
Macdonald
Willam, Melville
Lt Cdr
O-44030
RCNVR
 
W
Macintyre
Alfred
AB
V 55697
RCNVR
 
W2
Mackenzie
D
 
 
 
 
 
Mackland
 
AB
 
RN
 
N
Madden
G
AB
V 24212
RCNVR
 
W3
Maloney
G
AB
 
RN
 
N1
Malyon
Charles, Frederick
AB
C/JX167181
RN
DSM; Burma Star Assn; LG36593
 
Mannering
Sidney
AB
 
RN
 
H
Manning
David, Kenneth
AB
D/JX420142
RN
Burma Star Assn
V3
Mantais
L
AB
V 60982
RCNVR
 
W3
Marsh
Johnny
AS
 
RN
 
Q
Marshall
 
AB
 
RN
 
N
Martin
T
Lt
 
RNVR
 
G
Martin
Thomas
Lt
 
RN
DSC
G
Martin
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Matthais
J.K.
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
L
Maylon
Charles Frederick
A/S
C/JXD 167181
RN
DSC
H
Mcarthur
D
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
DSM, MiD
G
Mcarthur
J.C.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
T
Mcauley
F.S.P.K.
Lt
 
RNZNVR
 
J
Mcauliffe
George
AS
 
RN
 
L
Mccann
John
A/S
C/JX 351309
RN
MiD
F
Mcclune
James, Reginald
PO
C/SSX 2424
RN
DSM, MiD
L
Mcconnell
A
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSM
C
Mcdewell
J
L/S
 
RN
 
F1
Mcdonald
W
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Mcfadden
Michael
A/S
 
RN
 
L
Mcgann
J
 
 
 
 
 
George
A/S
C/JX 407081
RN
 
A
Mchenry
 
AB
 
RN
 
N
Mcintosh
J.T.
S/LT
 
RNVR
 
N3
Mcintosh
T
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Mcintyre
Douglas
PO
V 5747
RCNVR
 
W2
Ronald, Harry, George
PO
P/JX 245579
RN
CGM
P
Mclean
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
P
Mclennan
F.J.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
CGM
 
Mcpherson
J.C.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
G
Middleton
 
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
C
Millar
R.D.
S/LT
 
RNVR
 
D
Milne
Eric, G.S.
PO
C/JX 160081
RN
MiD, CdG
F1
Mitchell
J.E.M.
Lt  Cdr
 
RNVR
 
P
Mitchell
R.B.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD , CdG
D
Mitchell
Robert, N.
Tel
NZ 4492
RN
MiD
 
Mitchell
 
Lt Cdr
 
 
 
T
Mitchell
 
AS
 
RN
 
G1
Moffatt
Robert
Sig
D/JX 248258
RN
MiD
 
Moran
Patrick
L/S
P/JX 170231
RN
MiD
S
Morel
J
AB
V 45584
RCNVR
MiD
W3
Morgan
Theo, C.
Lt
 
 
MiD
 
Morley
Johnny
 
 
 
 
V3
Morris
Arthur, Edward, Art
AB
V 38938
RCNVR
 
W2
Moses
G.E.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Murphy
Donald
AB
V 2980
RCNVR
 
W3
Murphy
William, Robert
L/S
V 5392
RCNVR
 
W2
Murray
Harold, 'Tiny'
AB
V 19196
RCNVR
 
W1
Nadin
R
Sig
 
RN
 
 
Neal
K.J.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
F
Neavers
C.P.
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
T
Needham
R
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Nelson
Russell, Charles
AB
V 38716
RCNVR
 
W2
Newby
W
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Newell
William
AB
V 57709
RCNVR
 
W1
Newport
John, Alfred
AB
P/JX 38625
RN
 
S,T
Nicholl
H.R.M.
Cdr
 
RN
DSC
G
Nix
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Norris
 
Cdr
 
 
DSC
C
Norwood
Roger
Lt
 
 
DSC, MiD*
K
Notley
 
Lt
 
RNVR
DSM
A, B

RN Beach Commandos O-Z

Commando Veterans Archive Nominal Roll for Royal Naval Beach Commandos.
© Commando Veterans Archive 2018. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is only permitted if accompanied by the copyright marker and a clear acknowledgement to the Commando Veterans Archive.
 

Notes
Click on highlighted surnames for more information.
CA followed by a number = entry in a Commando Association newsletter.
LL followed by a number = entry in Commando Association Lost Legion List.
CasList = National Archives Army Casualty Lists.
WO = War Office file at the National Archives.

Surname
Forename
Rank
Number
Service
Additional
Unit
D.G.A.
A/S
P/JX 608040
RN
MiD
A2
O'Donnald
P
AB
 
RN
 
N
O'Hagan
Denis, James, Patrick
Lt Cdr
O-56170
RCNVR
GM*
W
O'Rourke
J
A/S
D/JX 392953
RN
GM, DSM
M
Oag
Henry, George
PO
P/SSX 20886
RN
DSC
E
Oakley
Fred
 
 
RN
 
O
Oakley
Kenneth
A/S
D/SSX32778
RN
MiD
F
Oakley
 
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
D
Offless
J
AB
V 37973
RCNVR
 
W2
Ogilvie
Joe
 
 
 
 
V3
Oliver
J.G.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Osbaldstone
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSM
F
Painter
P.V.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Palmer
John
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
K
Paradise
 
AB
 
RN
 
N
Parkin
F
AB
 
RN
 
N2
Parr
Abraham, Acton
Tel
P/JX 232311
RN
DSM
 
Parr
 
AB
 
RN
 
N
Parrish
C
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
K
Parry
D.H.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Parry
J.G.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Parry
L.V.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
N1
Parsey
C
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSM
K
Parsons
Victor, William
AS
C/JX 374660
RN
DSM
O
Pascall
Maurice
PO
 
RN
DSC
M1
Paul
Stanley
Tel
C/JX 358108
RN
MiD
 
Payne
W.G.
Lt Cdr
 
SANF V
 
F
Payton
Jack
W/Op
647456
RAF
 
 
Pearson
T
Lt Cdr
 
SANF
DSC
D
Peasley
Edward, John
L/S
P/JX 166792
RN
MiD
H
Peebles
A.P.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
Q
Pendlebury
Arthur, 'Art'
AB
V 56436
RCNVR
MiD ?
W1
Perkins
E.H.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Perkins
R
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Perrin
Frederick, Raymond
PO
P/JX 157866
RN
DSM
R
Perry
Albert
AB
 
RN
 
N1
Petty
Arthur, Henry
AB
V54229
RCNVR
DSM
W2
Phibbs
David
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC, MiD
A, Q
Phillips
G
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
DSC
Q
Pirks
Edward
PO
C/JX 136995
RN
DSC, MiD
H
Pittendrigh
J.L.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
C
Pittendrigh
William
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
F
Pitts
'Tiny'
 
 
 
 
 
Platjouw
Joseph, 'Joe'
L/S
V 46327
RCNVR
DSC
W1
Pocock
H
PO
 
RN
 
N3
Pollock
 
S/Lt
 
 
 
 
Albert, Buckley, 'Joe'
AB
 
RN
 
V3
Portman
Charles, Berkley
Lt
 
RNVR
 
K1
Potter-Irwin
F.D.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Potts
 
AB
 
RN
 
N
Powell
 
AB
 
RN
 
N1
Power
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
A, B
Preistley
L
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Prestidge
Kenneth
W/Op
1097069AC2
RAF
 
 
Priddle
Raymond, C.W.
Sig
D/JX 340303
RN
MiD
 
Prior
Redvers, M.
Cdr
 
RN
DSO,DSC*
L
Pudney
Arthur, W.
A/S
P/JX 323658
RN
DSC, MiD
K
Pugh
P.L.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Quesnel
Joseph, Louis, Robert, Lucien
AB
V 39610
RCNVR
MiD
W3
Quinn
William, George
Tel
C/JX 361334
RN
DSM
 
Radford
R.D.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
L
Ramsker
 
AB
 
RN
 
N
Ransome
Geoffrey
Cdr
 
 
DSC
F, J
Rayburn
A. Dudley
Lt
O-61310
RCNVR
DSC
W2
Raynor
Hank
 
 
 
 
 
Read
John,  'Jack'
AB
V 45963
RCNVR
 
W1
Redshaw
Maurice, Vernon
Lt Cdr
 
 
 
N, Q, V
Reid
Charles, N.
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
E
Rennie
F
AB
V 61476
RCNVR
MiD
W3
Richards
George, Collin
PO
D/JX 142919
RN
DSM
R
Richards
R.C.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C3
Richmond
Frederick, Frank / Mick
OS
P/JX 425580
RN
MID, CdG
S
Roberts
H.E.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Roberts
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
D
Roberts
 
PO
 
RN
MiD,CdG
G1
Robinson
Malcolm
Tel
 
RN
 
 
Romerile
R
AB
 
RN
 
N
Ross
John, Dayton, 'Salty'
AB
V 59089
RCNVR
 
W2
Ross
P
Lt
 
RNVR
 
D
Rowell
Morris
 
 
 
 
 
Rowley
Leonard, John
AB
C/JX398826
RN
Burma Star Assn
V
Rowse
J.W.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
O
Roy
Joseph, Felix
AB
V 58383
RCNVR
 
W2
Rushworth
'Do Char'
 
 
 
 
V3
Russell
John, B.
Lt
 
RN
DSC**
N
Saunders
Edward, George, S.
A/S
D/JX 237823
RN
DSM
F
Sauve
L
AB
V 4520
RCNVR
DSM
W2
Savoury
John
PO/Tel
 
RN
 
 
Scoltz
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
P
Scott
M.B.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
G1
Scott-Wilson
James
Lt
 
RN
DSC**
F
Seaton
Ray
AB
 
RN
 
N
Seddon
R
AB
 
RN
 
N1
Seedy
Harry
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
M
Seely
Harry
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
DSC
M
Seline
Mick
 
 
 
 
V3
Sellars
J.M.
 
 
RNVR
DSC
D
Sergeant
B
Lt
 
RNVR
 
F
Shales
Robert, Irwin, 'Bob'
S/Lt
O-66130
RCNVR
 
W2
Shepherd
'Jock'
 
 
 
 
V3
Sibley
Jack
AB
 
RN
 
N1
Simpson
Frederick, 'Fred'
A/S
 
RN
DSM
T
Sims
Raymond, Thomas, Henry
PO
D/JX 133648
RN
DSM
K
Sinkins
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
K
Skerry
'Chuck'
 
 
 
 
V3
Skinner
James, 'Jimmy'
AB
V 57957
RCNVR
 
W1
Slyfield
Malcolm, David
A/S
P/JX 325864
RN
DSM
A3
Smallman
William, Henry
AB
JX 380389
RN
 
O, F1
Smiley
Delbert, William, 'Del'
L/S
V 37293
RCNVR
DSM
W1
Smith
A.W.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
V
Smith
C
AB
 
RN
 
F1
Smith
D.P.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
G1
Smith
Francis, Sidney
PO
P/JX 9594
RN
DSM; Burma Star Assn.
A
Smith
Haydon, Dawson
AB
V 51476
RCNVR
 
W1
Smith
Irving, 'Big Smith'
PO
A 1702
RCNVR
 
W3
Smith
L.W.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
M
Smith
P.M.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Smith
Robert, 'Bob'
AB
V 41800
RCNVR
 
W1
Smith
 
AB
 
RN
 
N2
Snelling
P
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Snow
 
LT
 
RNVR
 
P
Snowden
John
AB
 
RN
 
N
Sowden
G
AB
 
RN
 
N1
Speed
James, H.S.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
R
Spencer
C
AB
 
RN
 
N
Springall
 
LS
 
 
 
 
Stanley
Wallace, Victor
PO
C/JX 241463
RN
DSM; Burma Star Assn.
A
Stanton
 
AB
 
RN
 
N2
Stark
M.A.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
F
Steel
Harold
AB
V 40651
RCNVR
 
W1
Stephens
W.R.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Stephens
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
D
Stephenson
R.V.
AB
D/JX288456
RN
Cas. Salerno.   
ADM 358/1892
K
Stevenson
D.A. 'Pete'
A/S
 
RN
 
C
Stevenson 
Thomas
L/S
SSX/32356
RN
 
Q
Stewart
S.A.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
U
Stewart
 
A/S
 
RN
 
G1
Still
William,  J.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
T
Stillman
Alec, 'Don'
 
 
 
 
V3
Stone
Bernard
Sig
 
RN
 
 
Stone
George
AB
V 59719
RCNVR
 
W1
Stoneforth
Robert, 'Bob'
 
 
RN
 
M
Strafford
E.O.
Sgt
 
RM
 
C
Stubbs
P.W.F.
Lt. Cdr
 
RN
DSC (Navy Lists)
N
Summers
R.W.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
J
Sutherland
Donald, Marshall
Lt
O-7 1250
RCNVR
 
W1
Sutherland
J
AB
V 57957
RCNVR
 
W1
Swailes
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swain
A.H.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Sykes
 
AB
 
RN
 
N2
Symonds
J
Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Tapley
John, Grahame
PO
D/JX 139148
RN
DSM
R
Taylor
J.B.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
 
Taylor
Terence, Reginald, Parry
AB
 
RN
 
N
Taylor
Thomas, W.
A/S
P/JX 201278
RN
DSM ,MiD
K
Telfer
H
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
F
Thacker
Archibald
PO
V 1434
RCNVR
 
W2
Therien
Armand
AB
V 31372
RCNVR
 
W1
Thom
K.J.
 
 
 
 
 
Thomas
W.A.
AB
 
RN
 
N
Thomson
R
Cdr
 
RN
 
M
Thomson
 
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
D, J
Thornbarrow
 
A/S
 
RN
 
N1
Threlfell
J
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Towers
G.A.
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
 
S
Townends
Leonard, G.
Tel
C/JX 425031
RN
MiD
 
Treson
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trewin
Donald, Frederick
AB
V 57668
RCNVR
 
W2
Tuff
C
AB
V 56817
RCNVR
 
W2
Turner
David, R.
A/S
 
RN
 
M
Turney
W.A.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
Turton
Thomas, J.
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
N3
Underwood
F
PO
 
RN
 
N2
Urwin
J
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
T
Usher
John
 
 
RN
 
F
Vaillancourt
Jacque
Lt
O-74790
RCNVR
MiD
W3
Varley
Alex
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
N2
Vaughan
K.L.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
D
Veal
Herbert, V.
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
K
Venn
Henry, Albert
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
M
Verity
R.G.
Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
K
Verran
W
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
P
Vierson
J.A.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
Q
Vilneff
George
AB
V 53046
RCNVR
DSC
W1
Vine-Jones
Herbert
Lt
 
RNVR
MiD
F
Wadsworth
D.G.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
O
Wake
Roger
Lt
 
 
 
 
Walker
George
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
R
Walker
James, Gray
Lt
O-75580
RCNVR
 
W
Walker
W.W.R.
A/S
P/JX 383763
RN
DSM,MiD
K
Wallace
William, Brian
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
N2
Wallbank
Ron
Sig
 
RN
 
 
Walsh
William, D.
A/S
C/SSX 27179
RN
MiD
F
Walton
R.I.
Lt
 
 
DSM
C
Ward
P.A.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
N3
Ware
H
Tel
 
RN
 
 
Warren
Denis, A.
LS
V 39693
RCN
 
W1
Waterworth
Alan
A/S
D/JX 363891
RN
MiD, CdG
F
Watkins
Ivor, Eugene, 'Junior'
AB
V 44071
RCNVR
MiD, CdG
W1
Watson
Jim
AS
 
RN
 
F
Watson
William, P.
A/S
C/JX 397187
RN
MID
S
Watt
Arthur, Frederick
AB
V 56914
RCNVR
 
W2
Watts
F.E.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
E
Webster
R
AB
 
RN
 
N
Welsh
D
Lt
 
 
MiD
H
Westerman
L
OD
V 58750
RCNVR
 
W3
Western
E.R.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
K
Weston
Norman
Sig
 
RN
 
 
Wheeler
R.G.
Lt
 
RNVR
 
J
White
Joseph
AB
V 5019
RCNVR
 
W2
Whitehorn
Derek
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
F
Whyte
James
 
 
 
 
 
Whyte
R.B.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
C
Philip
AB
 
 
 
 
D.W.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
D
Wilkins
 
PO
 
RN
 
H
Wilkinson
 
PO
 
RN
 
H
Williams
H
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
N2
Williams
'Taffy'
PO
 
RN
 
Q
Willie
Douglas, B.
 
 
 
 
 
Willis
S.E., 'Sis'
S/Lt
 
RNVR
DSC
F
Wills
H
Lt
 
RNVR
 
S
Wilson
A
Lt Cdr
 
RNVR
DSC
C
Wilson
J
Lt
 
RNVR
 
F
Wilson
'Tug'
 
 
 
 
V3
Wing
Charles
A/S
 
RN
 
L
Winn
George
PO
V 8098
RCNVR
 
W1
Wolton
H.M.
 
 
 
 
 
Maurice, A.P.
Padre
 
RNVR
DSC
 
Woodall
Cyril
A/S
 
RN
DSM
O3
Woodall
Earl, Gerald
AB
V 15246
RCNVR
DSM
W2
Woodcock
 
MR
 
 
 
 
Woodhouse
R.E.
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
L
Woods
William
AS
 
RN
 
D
Woollard
 
Lt
 
RNVR
 
L
Worden
Sidney
A/S
 
RN
 
K
Worracker
 
AB
 
RN
 
N2
Wostenholme
A
AB
 
RN
 
N
Wright
W
AB
V 67555
RCN
 
W1
Wyatt
Jan
PO
 
RN
 
H
Wyllie
J.R.
Lt
 
RNZVR
 
T3
Yelland
J
S/Lt
 
RNVR
 
 
Young
J
Lt Cdr
 
RN
 
J, O
Yule
 
LS
 
RCN
 
 

'Title for Commandos in the R.N.'

Type: Files
Author: Content Admin
Year of Publishing: 2018
Keywords: Royal Naval Beach Commandos, RNBC

Initially raised as 'Naval Beach Parties', they were redesignated as Royal Naval Beach Commandos. At the end of the war they were again redesignated as Naval Beach Control Parties'

There is a general misconception amongst some about the correct title for those who served as Commandos in the Royal Navy during WW2. This memorandum from their Commanding Officer outlines under "Unauthorised Badges" that whilst their shoulder flash was "RN Commando",  their correct Unit title at the time was Royal Naval Beach Commando. This was one of a series of monthly memos for the R.N.B.C. dating between May 1943 and 20th July 1944. 

Units: 
'Royal Naval Beach Commandos'

'RN Beach Commando units'

Initially raised as 'Naval Beach Parties', they were redesignated as Royal Naval Beach Commandos. At the end of the war they were again redesignated as Naval Beach Control Parties'
 
The transcripts of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987 relating to each RN Beach Commando unit are listed below.
 

RN Beach Commando 'A' + 'B'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
 
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'A' and 'B' Commando
 
It is not known when the first beach parties were formed, but up till the time the Madagascar expedition sailed in March 1942, the parties appear to have been associated with the particular troop transport to which they were more or less permanently attached. It is believed that the five or six parties that proceeded to Madagscar where known as "Keren" party, "Karanga" party, etc., and that subsequently they were named "A" and "B" by C.O.H.Q., though in actual fact there was by that time only sufficient personnel to complete one commando which was known as "A". As such it formed part of Force P in India in the autumn of 1943 under command of Commander Duncan R.N. and Lt. Cdr.  J.S. Scott-Wilson, D.S.C., R.N.V.R. afterwards moving in January 1944 to the Mediterranean where they participated in the Anzio landing.
 
Thereafter the Unit moved to Corsica where it remained untl 17th June when 'A'  1 particpated in the attack on Elba with 'OBOE', in which two Officers and eighteen ratings were killed. [view Elba ROH in archive]
 
The balance of 'A' returned to Corsica where they were relieved by 'DOG' before they returned to the U.K. in September 1944. The Unit reached Armadillo on the 28th October 1944 , where it was disbanded in December, in view of the casualties sustained and the long service of the majority of Officers and men in Beach Parties. 
 
Naval Beach Commando BAKER never had any real existence in fact, though on paper it was counted as a formed unit for a long period.
 
Lt. W. Bentham,  R.N.V.R
Cdr. Duncan, R.N.
Lt. P. Greenland, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. W.R. Godwin, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. Hodgson, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. Lock, R.N.V.R.
Lt. J.B.  Luckin, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. MacDonald, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Notley, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Phibbs, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Power, R.N.V.R.
Lt.Cdr. Scott-Wilson, R.N.V.R.

 

RN Beach Commando 'Charlie'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
 
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Charlie'
 
Formed at Coulport House about March 1942 after the Madagascar Force had sailed. Personnel from this Unit, notably S.Lt.  D.T. Kent, D.S.C, R.N.V.R., S.Lt.  F.A.H. Leeke, R.N.V.R., and P.O. Murphy, had taken part on the raids at Lofoten, Vaagso, and Boulogne.
 
Took part in Dieppe raid, where it lost a considerable number of Officers and men, the sub-unit 'C' 2 having to be replaced in toto.
 
After its return to U.K. from North Africa, it was attached to Force 'W' (afterwards Force 'G')  sailing for Suez via the Cape in March 1943 before taking part in the invasion of Sicily in July.
 
On its return to U.K. in October 1943, it remained in Gailes Camp for some months and later it was accomodated in ARMADILLO before proceeding to carry out exercixe commitments in APPLEDORE and Burnham. A reserve unit for "OVERLORD" it was not called on to participate, it proceeded to S.E.A.C. in two sections in 21.2.45 and  -.4.45 with Force 'W'.
 
Operations
1942 Lofoten, Vaagso, Boulogne
19th August 1942 DIEPPE
8th November 1942 NORTH AFRICA - ORAN
10th July 1943 SICILY
September 1945 MALAYA.
 
C.O.             April 1944 - November 1945  Lt. Cmdr. A. Wilson, D.S.C., R.N.V.R.
 
Disbanded Nov 1945 in S.E.A.C.
 
S.Lt. G.J. Barker, R.N.V.R.
Lt Crutwell, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Bentley-Buckle, R.N.
S.Lt. Griffin, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. Haslett, R.N.V.R.
Mid. A.E. Bielski, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. Holmes, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Canning, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Howe, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. A.W. Charles, R.N.V.R.
Lt. J.A. Jones, R.N.V.R.
Lt. E.A.M. Laing, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. H. Lauder, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. A. McConnell, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Middleton, R.N.V.R.
Lt.Cdr. Norris, R.N.
S.Lt. P.V. Painter, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. D.H. Parry, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt.  J.L. Pitt, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. Richards, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. R.C. Richards, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. J. Threlfall, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. D. White, R.N.V.R.
Lt. R.B. Whyte, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Cdr. A. Wilson
 

RN Beach Commando 'Dog'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
 
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Dog'
 
1942
The original unit was formed at Couport House or Inveraray about April-May 1942. Took part in Dieppe raid in which majority of personnel were casualties. Not reformed in U.K. but as result of C.C.O.'s decision July 1943 name 'Dog' was allocated to Unit formerly known as No 5 or SAUNDERS B.P. (The other Saunders Party became N.B.C. Zebra by same signal, but it was absorbed into Dog at some date after Salerno in September 1943. Zebra was maintained as a separate entity for a brief period  only, duration unknown.)
 
1943
Participated in Salerno landing, afterwards returning to SAUNDERS*, where it remained until going to Corsica to relieve Able in June 1944. After periods in Naples and Messina the Unit returned to the U.K. in February 1945, reaching ARMADILLO on the 29th March, where it was disbanded about the end of April or beginning of May 1945.
 
Operations
Dog (1st)
Dieppe, August 1942
 
Dog (2nd)
June 1943 Pantellaria as No. 5 B. Cdo.
Sept 1943 Salerno (Vietri and Amalfi as No. 5 B. Cdo.)
15 August 1944 Present afloat South of France.
 
C.O.    Lt. Cdr. T. Pearson, D.S.C., R.N.
 
Disbanded at Armadillo May 1945
 
S. Lt. F. Brindle, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Oakley, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. F.A. Curtis, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Cdr. Pearson, R.N.
S. Lt. J. Ensoll, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Roberts, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. R. Epstein, R.N.V.R.
Lt. P. Ross, R.N.V.R.
Lt. R. J. Franklin, R.N.V.R.
Lt. J.M. Sellars, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. P.L. Jonas, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. Stephens, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. J. Lomas, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. Thomson
S. Lt. Miller, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. K.L. Vaughan, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. R.B. Mitchell, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. D.W. Wilders, R.N.V.R.
Notes
* Saunders was H.M.S. Saunders,  the Combined Training Centre, Middle East, at Kabret by the Little Bitter Lake on the Suez Canal.
 

RN Beach Commando 'Easy'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
 
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Easy'
Formed at Inverary and Coulport House in May - June 1942. Took part in the North African landings and in March 1943 sailed with Force 'W'. Took part in Sicily under Force 'G' (formed W), returning to the UK about the beginning of October 1943 [1]. After leave the Unit was billeted in Gailes until early in January when they moved to Mylodon to come under the orders of Force 'L'. They proceeded to Hayling 6. 6. 44, where they remained in reserve at eight hours notice for three weeks.
 
To ARMADILLO    29.7. 44
To DRAGONFLY  16. 8. 44
To FALMOUTH         .9. 44
To MYLODON        .11. 44
Sailed for S.E.A.C.  .12. 44.
 
Took part in MALAYA landing September 1945 and were disbanded in November 1945.
 
Operations
November 1942  North Africa - ORAN [2].
July 1943               Sicily - Force 'G'
Sept. 1945            Malaya.
 
C.O.    Jan - Aug. 1944              Lt. Cdr. A.A. Anderson, R.A.N.V.R.
           Aug. 1944 - Nov. 1945  Lt. Cdr. F.H.  Hearn, R.N.V.R.
 
Disbanded in S.E.A.C.              November 1945.
 
Lt. Cdr. A. Anderson, R.A.N.V.R.
Lt. E. Kitteridge, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Brinkley, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. J.A. Lockwood-Bunce, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. H. Broadway, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. Martin, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. R.G. Burgess, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. J.G. Parry, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. J.C. Cox, R.N.V.R.
Lt. C.N. Reid, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. R. Gardiner, R.N.V.R.
Lt. H.E. Roberts, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Goodale, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. P.M. Smith, R.N.V.R.
Lt.  Cdr. F.H. Hearne, R.N.V.R.
Lt. J. Symonds, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. D.C.A. King, R.N.V.R.
S. Lt. F.E. Watts, R.N.V.R.

Notes 
H.M.S. Armadillo was at Glenfinnart, Scotland.
H.M.S. Dragonfly was at South Hayling Island.
H.M.S. Mylodon was near Lowestoft.
 
This transcript contains some minor amendments as follows:
1. Shown on original erroneously as 1944.
2. Shown on original as ORA.
 

RN Beach Commando 'Fox'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Fox'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'George'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. George'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'How'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. How'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Jig'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Jig'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'King'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. King'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Love'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Love'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Mike'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Mike'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Nan'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
 
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Nan'
 
Formed at Armadillo February 1943 under Lt. Cdr. M.V. Redshaw, R.N.V.R. whence on completion of training proceeded to FOLIOT and Achnacarry before being attached to Force 'V' with whom the Unit sailed for Sicily on the 29th June 1943.
 
After 'Husky',  'Nan' was stationed at Bougie before returning to Sicily to take part at the crossing from Messina to Reggio.
 
In October 1943 the unit moved to H.M.S. SAUNDERS at Kebret where it remained until it returned by cruiser to Italy in time for Anzio landings in January 1944. Several casualties were incurred at Anzio. After a period in Corsica and Naples the unit moved to the Adriatic about May 1944 where it saw extensive service in the forward port areas with the 8th Army.
 
Operations
July 1943               Sicily - Force 'V'
Sept. 1943            Reggio Opeartion Baytown
Jan. - April 1944   Anzio.
 
P.B.M.  April 1943 - Sept. 1943       Act. Cdr. P.W.F. Stubbs, D.S.C., R.N.
C.O.      Sept. 1943 - Feb. 1944        Lt. Russell, D.S.C., R.N.
             Aug. 1944  - Nov. 1945        Lt. Cdr. F.H.  Hearn, R.N.V.R.
             Lt. Cdr.  T.J. Turton, R.N.V.R.   May 1945
             June 1945 - Nov. 1945         Lt. A. Varley, R.N.V.R.
 
Disbanded at Dundonald November 1945.
 
S.Lt. G. Hill,  R.N.V.R. Lt. Russell, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. J.A.F.  Bintner, R.N.V.R. Cdr. Stubbs, R.N.
Lt. M.H. Cant, R.N.V.R. Lt. Cdr. T.J.  Turton, R.N.V.R.
Lt. L.  Crickmar, R.N.V.R. Lt. A.  Varley, R.N.V.R.
Lt. I.  Harris S.Lt. W.B.  Wallace, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. J.S.  Lucas, R.N.V.R. Lt. P.A.  Ward, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. McIntosh S. Lt. H.  Williams, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt. L.V.  Parry, R.N.V.R. Lt. J. Symonds, R.N.V.R.

RN Beach Commando 'Oboe'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Oboe'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Peter'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Peter'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Queen'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Queen'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Roger'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Roger'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Sugar'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Sugar'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Tare'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Tare'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Uncle'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Uncle'
 
Awaits upload
 

RN Beach Commando 'Victor'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
 
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. Victor'
 
Formed in September-October 1943 with Lt. F.M. Hutton R.N.V.R., B.M. of V.1 as Senior Officer. Under training the ratings of this Unit proved exceptionally smart and keen as there were no C.S. Able Seamen or other malcontents from big ships.
 
On completion of its training this unit remained split up in its sub units while carrying out exercise commitments at Appledore, Burnham, Inveraray, until in April 1944 it assembled for unit in Armadillo under the command of Lt. Cdr. F.M. Hutton, R.N.V.R. It remained in Armadillo, except for a Brigade training period at Inveraray with 52nd Lowland Division, until 10th -11th August 1944 when it proceeded to Lowestoft. Remained at Lowestoft until it proceeded overseas to S.E.A.C. on 16th December 1944.
 
Operations
May 1945  Rangoon.
September 1945 Malaya.
 
C.O.  Lt. Cdr. F.M. Hutton R.N.V.R.
 
Disbanded Nov 1945 in S.E.A.C.
 
Lt. Archibald, R.N.V.R. 
Lt. Cdr.  F.M. Hutton, R.N.V.R.
Lt.  J.G. Causley, R.N.V.R. 
Lt.  G.E. Moses, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt.  B. Gausden, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt.   J.G. Oliver, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt.  T. George, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt.  L. Priestley, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt.  N. Gibson, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Howe, R.N.V.R. 
S.Lt.  J.S. Harvey, R.N.V.R.
Lt. Cdr  M.V. Redshaw, R.N.V.R.
Lt.  P. Hopkins, R.N.V.R.
S.Lt.  A.W. Smith, R.N.V.R.

Notes
From the Navy Lists at the National Library of Scotland digital collections.
Temp. Lt. W. I. Archibald posted Beach Duty 16 Sep. 1943
Temp. S.Lt. J.G. Causley posted Beach Duty 11 Mar. 1943
Temp. Mid. B.H. Gausden posted Beach Duty 30 Sep.1943
Temp. S.Lt. N. Gibson posted Beach Duty 20 Sep. 1943
Temp. Lt.Cdr. F.M. Hutton posted Beach Duty 4 Oct. 1943.
Temp. Lt. G.E. Moses posted Beach Duty 16 Sep. 1943
Temp. S.Lt. L.G. Priestley 
Temp. Lt.Cdr. M.V. Redshaw posted Beach Duty 18 Feb. 1944
Temp. Lt. L.W. Smith posted Beach Duty 9 Dec. 1943
 

RN Beach Commando 'William'

'History of Naval Beach Control Parties (formerly Royal Naval Beach Commandos)'
Transcript of National Archives document file DEFE 2/987. 
 
'R.N.B.C. William' [view....].
 
Linked Content: 

A history of 'W' Commando

Written by Bill NEWELL (Royal Canadian Beach Cdo - W1 Section) who died 5 March 2012 aged 87.
 
'W' Commando

The Commando was made up of volunteer members of the Royal Canadian Navy. In August of 1943 it was assigned overseas to HMS Armadillo at Ardentinney in the Clyde estuary of Scotland. The Commando unit was made up of 3 sub-units, W 1, W 2 and W 3 each with 25 ratings and leading seamen and 3 officers under the combined leadership of a Commanding Beach Master and an Assistant Beach Master. The Commando was set up to organise and control the flow of vehicles, men and supplies onto and through Juno Beach on D-Day and for several crucial weeks thereafter. Any congestion on the beach resulting in delays in the orderly supply of ammunition, vehicles. equipment, food, medical supplies, not to mention fresh troops, would have dire consequences for the progress of the war.

Training

HMS Armadillo was a relatively small and rugged Royal Navy Combined Operation base specializing in beach commando training. On arrival we were inducted into the code of requirements as trainees at the base. We were supplied with British Army uniforms and fatigues with badges to be sewn on and assigned to our sleeping quarters in Nissan huts. We were left to locate the heads (toilets) and mess hall but since we arrived late for supper we went without.

Our six month training period during that winter was very arduous. Quite apart from the frequent cold rains the temperatures hovered around freezing with snow on the hill tops. The general tenor of the training was best illustrated by the trainers often shouted learning point, 'If you're dumb enough to get yourself killed, we'd rather have it happen here than later in combat when others will be depending on you.? Learning to crawl under barbed wire with live machine-gun fire overhead was a salutary experience as was making our way through a detonating mine field on the long assault course. To describe it as stimulating is an understatement. I finished one exercise with a bullet hole through my backpack. There were many sessions of unarmed combat.

Our numerous three-day exercises in the rugged hills around Ardentinney were gruelling, cold and tough, but the experiences instilled a strong sense of survival in us, which was the purpose behind the training. Getting any sleep at night was a trial as we fashioned one-man tents with our ground sheets as best we could. We ate meagre amounts of food consisting of one K ration* for each day with a small block of sugar and one of chocolate which was hardly adequate considering the physical exertions involved. However, the experience made us appreciate the 'comforts' of our camp accommodations which, although basic, were luxurious in comparison. We were always pleased to get home from the hills. [* K rations were issued to American service personnel in the field. Unlike regular military rations they required minimal preparation using canned, pre-cooked or freeze-dried foods, powdered beverage mixes and concentrated food bars.]

The weapons and survival equipment we used in the training was old and worn and although it served the purpose it caused frequent accidents resulting in casualties which the instructors seemed to anticipate. We made many practice night landings from a well-worn Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM) and not once did the ramp operate properly... so it was over the top and down into frigid water. Many items of equipment and weapons were left on the bottom in the interest of surviving and as a result of these nocturnal exercises our sleeping hut was continually cluttered with clothes lines loaded with wet clothes.

We completed the course at Ardentinney in February 1944 and we were sent to HMS Lizard in Hove, on the south coast of England adjacent to Brighton. From there we were posted to various Canadian Army and Combined Operation bases throughout the south of England for specialty training. In the Hazelmere area we operated Sherman tanks and other mechanized equipment and dispatch riding on Harley-Davidsons (on the road) and Nortons off the road. Elsewhere we trained in sniper firing, chemical warfare, flame-throwing, detecting and disarming mines and booby traps, and demolition. We were issued with reading materials on aircraft recognition to study at night.

Part of the motorcycle course involved jumps in an area known as the Devil's Punchbowl. There were many accidents and minor injuries and the instructors seemed more concerned about the bikes than to the riders! The tank operating training was undertaken with enthusiasm and, as it turned out during the Normandy landings, it paid off in large measure in keeping the armoured traffic moving through the beachhead. Any serious congestion on the beaches would have severely restricted the deployment of fresh troops and their equipment as well as supplies of fuel, food and armaments to the advancing front line.

The soldiers of the Canadian Army regiments stationed at the bases where we received training did not welcome our presence because of the danger that our higher levels of discipline and fitness might be adopted by their own commanding officers. One such example was the requirement to 'double-up' anywhere outside our living quarters except while we were on leave. Also, whereas they would discard much of their mess hall food with complaints, we would often return for seconds because it was so much better than our rations on the British bases both in quantity and quality.

A short time later we moved to an army base in the Hindhead area for a ten day training course in chemical warfare and flame-throwing. After the cold winter months spent in Scotland the weather in the late spring of southern England was balmy in comparison. We put up four-man bell tents for our sleeping quarters in a valley below the main camp with outhouses and water troughs for washing. 45 gallon drums with classified contents were everywhere. The flame-throwing training used Bren-gun carriers against mock pillboxes which we were expected to encounter along the beaches of France. The fluid used was a new development which later became known as napalm. It would stick to whatever it hit up to a hundred yards and continue burning with a very hot flame.

Training with the mustard gas often used during WW1 was unpleasant and hazardous. It was dabbed on our hands and arms to illustrate what would happen if we failed to protect ourselves. Liquid mustard gas was also covertly sprayed on the wooden floor of the training lab with the result that several of us felt painful burns on our feet as the gas penetrated through the soles of our jack boots.

We discovered that exposure to the gas had the effect of desensitising our noses. Two of us had been accidentally sprayed with liquid gas on the backs of our fatigues and our necks. The burning pain was instant and painful causing us to run back to our camp to wash it off. By then it was late in the day so we went for a glass of bitters before supper in the canteen. It was full of soldiers and the air very warm and thick with smoke. We picked up our drinks at the bar and made our way through the crowd to a table in the far corner. We were oblivious to all of the coughing and spluttering going on around us and to the sudden preference people had for the outdoors. In no time we had the entire canteen to ourselves and shortly afterwards an MP wearing a respirator entered and ordered us to vacate the premises. Outside we encountered the patrons in resentful mood at having had their rest and relaxation so rudely interrupted. The incident did not endear us to our Canadian army colleagues. On returning to HMS Lizard we learned that W-1 unit was to be sent to HMS Volcano in the Cumbrian mountains of northwest England for a ten-day course on handling explosives, demolition, detecting mines and booby-traps. Much of the training was performed on beaches overlooking the Irish Sea from where we could see the Isle of Man on a clear day. We learned to load and detonate ‘Beehive’ anti-pillbox devices which fired a nickel ball through concrete up to two feet thick, and the application of cortex cord explosives used in removing anti-tank pillars as well as detecting concealed booby-traps.

On returning to HMS Lizard once again we were relocated to HMS Mastodon at Exbury, Hampshire where we were to provide security on the Rothschild estate. This had been requisitioned by the RN for the planning of Operation Neptune - the water-borne part of Operation Overlord. The comings and goings of many high-ranking personnel during this period was strictly classified. While not engaged on security patrols we continued training in the use of small arms and elsewhere on the nearby Beaulieu River others were training crews for the many types of landing craft to be used in the forthcoming invasion.

Many night hours were spent here watching for low flying German aircraft which were known to be dropping espionage agents in the area. One Junkers 188 was shot down and crashed on the front lawn of the estate. There were seven bodies pulled from the wreckage whereas this aircraft was known to have a crew of only five. Our searches for enemy agents in the surrounding country only turned up Land Army girls working in the fields. Early in May '44 we were moved to HMS Vectis, a holiday camp near Cowes on the Isle of Wight which had been requisitioned by the RN for use as a Combined Operations base. It was here that we waited for our assignment into action with the invasion, although at the time we knew nothing about when, where or what. I spent much of my time on the firing range practicing with my elderly Lewis air-cooled machine-gun. Above the target bank we could see many of the barrage balloons in the near distance as they drifted above all of the ships anchored in the channel. Each ship had two balloons with dangling cables as protection against dive bombers.

The required sequence of .303 cartridges loaded into the breech pan of the Lewis gun was one ball, one armour-piercing and one tracer. The tracer enabled the gunner to see where he was shooting. The down side to this sequence was that in constant rapid fire the barrel of the gun seriously overheated. To reduce the likelihood of this happening I occasionally had the pans loaded without tracers. The gun was heavy and had a tendency to pull upwards when firing, and for better control I preferred to lie down to fire the gun. In any position it was quite hard to control. One of our officers criticized my low firing position and wished to show me how to do it standing up. I removed the empty pan and loaded one with no tracers. The kick from the gun was much greater than he expected and he could neither control the upward drift or release the trigger. We stayed well out of his way and watched as one the barrage balloons succumbed to his uncontrollable fusillade by deflating and falling to the ship's deck with all of its cables. Much to his discomfort and our pleasure he handed back the gun and left the scene muttering obscenities as he strutted off.

Bomb Disposal at HMS Volcano

It was about a five hour ferry and train ride from our operational base at HMS Vectis on the Isle of Wight to London and a lot longer from there to the small community named Holmrook on the west coast of Cumberland (now Cumbria) some 300 miles further north. At the railway station we boarded two trucks which were there waiting for us and after a comparatively short ride we passed through the gates of an estate. The mansion house was similar to HMS Mastodon but considerably smaller.

We were W-1 Unit made up of twenty five men and three officers from Royal Canadian Navy Beach Commando ‘W’ which was composed of three units - W-1, W-2, W-3, totalling 75 men and 11 officers. Since completing our basic Commando training at HMS Armadillo in Scotland, each unit had been sent to several different training centres for a wide variety of offensive and defensive instruction.

The men were assigned to two temporary out-buildings at the rear of the mansion and on a bank overlooking a fast-flowing river, and the officers were taken into the mansion. There was a small mess hall nearby and the meals were typical of that provided at most British bases, but still an improvement over that fed to us during our six months of basic training at HMS Armadillo in Scotland during the winter. After breakfast we were mustered on the small parade square with our weapons and told that we were to double down about a half mile to the beach for explosives training. The beach was secured off from the public and on a clear sunny day we could see the Isle of Man. On arriving at the beach we found three instructors waiting for us and we were broken into three groups of nine each. The instructors allowed us to handle various types of explosives such as forcite, cortex and cordite. He instructed us in detail as to the use of each type and the amount applied in each application.

There were 6 inch diameter wooden poles driven deep into the underwater beach at an angle towards the sea and which showed about two feet above the surface when the tide was out. We were taught how to cut these off underwater using a triple cord of cordtex with a blasting cap. Many of these posts were armed with an explosive which we were taught to disarm prior to cutting the pole off, but of course in our instance dummy explosives were used.

In the area directly behind the beach in long grass we were shown how to recognize the anti-personnel ‘S’ mines. They were vicious, hard-to-see and easily-tripped devices that had three tempered steel wires protruding about six inches above the sand holding a ball bearing amongst them. If any of the wires was jarred by a boot the ball bearing dropped down through a canister and detonated a firing pin, similar to a shot gun shell, which blew the canister into the air where it exploded about ten or twelve feet above ground, spraying some 200 lead pellets in a circle. The only effective action was to stand aside, let the 'S' mine eject into the air and then lie down over the hole it had created because the pellets sprayed outwards leaving an untouched space of about six feet in diameter in the centre... easier said than done!

There were various simulated concrete German defence structures such as gun emplacements on the beach for practicing the use of demolition devices. One of these devices was known as a 'beehive'. It was about the size of a large coffee can with three small steel bars about six inches long attached around it. Also attached was a length of cortex with a fuse cap inserted into the core of it. The objective was to fasten the device to the concrete wall by cord, if possible, and then light the fuse. In about twenty seconds the fuse detonated a charge which fired a white-hot nickel ball with the capacity to penetrate a concrete wall up to two feet thick and then ricochet around inside the bunker disabling or killing the gun crew.

We were also taught the skill of using the No. 36 hand grenade while at HMS Armadillo, from pulling the pin and holding the spring lever down until we knew where to throw the grenade. This was a dangerous practice to yourself and to others nearby if you were hit by enemy fire or inadvertently dropped the grenade it would explode. We also learned how to detect anti-tank land mines which required a weight of 1500 lbs to detonate them.

Back at the base there was a wooden building set off by itself which was used for training in the detection of booby traps. Such devices were hidden under simulated casualties lying on the floor, attached to furniture and anything else that could be moved. These were small hidden explosives which could be detonated by the slightest movement. The idea was, in the event that you occupied any facility which had previously been occupied by the enemy, to move very carefully and not move anything until the area had been checked and cleared.

The first enemy bunker which I occupied just behind the beach on Juno was a four foot deep excavation about twelve feet by ten feet with three feet of sand bags around all sides except the opening to get in and out. The two beds inside comprised twelve German army blankets.

The only booby trap I could find was a large picture of Betty Garble taking a milk bath!

Normandy

Two weeks later we were transported to Ryde where we boarded an LCI(L) to be taken across the channel to Juno Beach in Normandy where wee took over the positions of  'P' Commando, which had suffered a number of casualties. The sight of all the battle cruisers, destroyers, mine-sweepers, landing ships and landing craft was awesome. While there was still enemy shelling and dive-bombing of the landing area, the ground combat action had moved inland some distance behind the beach. There were increasing numbers of German prisoners being gathered on the beach and many of them had soiled field dressings on their wounds.

From that point on we were busy night and day guiding in landing craft and directing the steady flow of incoming troops as well as unloading tanks and other armoured equipment. We were also occupied carrying the wounded and escorting prisoners into empty landing ships to be taken to England. My weapon was always at my side ready for firing in the event of counter attacks and for firing at low flying enemy aircraft intent on strafing the beaches. The first day I found a vacant enemy bunker in the sand dunes behind the beach which was close enough for me to use for short naps during any lapse in the traffic. I was taken aback to find twelve German army blankets for a bed and a large picture pinned on the sand bags of Betty Grable taking a bath; I had stumbled into a luxury suite.

A short time later in the dark of night I was unloading Churchill Tanks from an LCT during shell fire from a 200mm railway cannon at Le Havre. I became trapped in the grates of the loading ramp injuring both legs and was taken to a nearby Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) station with a makeshift airfield and flown to a hospital in England. On recovering well enough to walk with a crutch I was sent back to Vectis and from there over to HMS Dolphin at Gosport for transport back to Normandy on a motor launch (ML). Arriving off the coast at Arromanches we could see shell fire behind the beaches so the young captain would not go in close to put me ashore. After a couple of shots of navy rum the cook offered to row me in the 8ft skiff carried by the launch. In the black of night we made it to the beach without being hit by a landing craft. It was likely the only rowboat landing made during the invasion!

While making my way from Gold Beach north to Juno I was recruited into driving a Sherman tank up to the combat lines. After two days of that I managed to find my unit on Juno Beach. In all we had spent 6 weeks on the beach and the operations were in good order. In addition the Mulberry Harbours and the capture of French ports provided other routes for the movement of men, machines and supplies and W Commando was returned to HMS Vectis where we were officially disbanded.

Shortly after we boarded RMS Queen Elizabeth at Southampton for the voyage to New York with three thousand American casualties and four thousand German POWs for company.

I left the unit with an everlasting deep sense of pride for having accomplished one of the most demanding military training schedules in existence at the time and having played a part in the difficult process of ensuring the success of the greatest amphibious invasion in history.

Bill Newell
 
Follow this link to view our Gallery for W Party RN Beach Commando.
 

Back to top

RNBC Composition 1943 - image

RNBC Compositionn1943
Source: Combined Operations Pamphlet No.17.
Unit: 
'Royal Naval Beach Commandos'