40 Commando 1944

Source : National Archives ADM 202/87

Note i have added 'Roll of Honour' and 'Awards' to each year of the diary, the awards section is not fully completed.
Please let me know if any typing errors or errors to the text found.

January

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION
MOLFETTA	1		Unit Training
	2	0730	Holy Communion Service in Commando Church.
		1000	Voluntary Service in Commando Church.
	3	-	Unit Training.
	4	-	Unit Training. Prepare for move.
	5	0730	Main body entrains MOLFETTA. Transport and Stores by road.
	6		Main body arrives at CASTELLAMARE. Transport to VICO EQUENSE.
V. EQUENSE	7		Troops settle into billets. No training.
	8		Transport and Stores arrive at VICO EQUENSE.
	9		Holy Communion and Voluntary Church Service.
	10		Troops commence training.
	11		Unit Training. Prepare for move.
	12	0815	Unit (less Rear Party) embussed.
		1300	Unit debusses at Corps Reception Area, VILLA LITERNO.
VILLA LITERNO	13	-	Unit Administration.
	14		Unit Administration.
	15		Do.
	16		Do.
	17	0130	The Unit (less "S" Troop and rear party) embussed at Corps Reception Area. For forthcoming operation the Unit had been split into two seperate forces, P, A, and X Troops Force under the command of Captain L.G.B. Marshall, M.C. R.M. and B and Q Troops Force commanded by Captain E.W. Ecrepont, R.M.
		0300	Both Forces debuss at SESSA AURUNCA.
	18-31	-	The activities of both the Forces are given in the attached report.

J.C.Manners, Lt.Col. R.M.
Officer Commanding 40 Royal Marine Commando

Royal Marines on the GARIGLIANO.

Daring patrols on the GARIGLIANO front in ITALY have earned two M.C.s and three M.M.s for officers and men of a Royal Marine Commando.

The awards, recently announced, were

Bar to M.C. Capt. Lionel Guy Bradford Marshall M.C. R.M.

M.C. Capt. John Patrick O'Brien R.M

M.M. Troop Sgt. Major George Malcolm

Cpl. James John Thomas Gorman

Cpl. Neil Patrick.

In small parties the Marines infiltrated through the enemy lines to seize high ground and harrass the German lines of communication.

One of these parties - thirteen strong - finding itself isolated determined on a guerrilla role. Several enemy telephone lines were cut and motor-cycles combinations knocked out. A German battery was discovered, captured after a brisk battle and the guns destroyed.

The next objective encountered was an assortment of motor-cycles and staff cars, including two armoured cars, beside a road. These were attacked. One of the armoured cars put up a stiff fight but was knocked out with grenades. The other escaped.

The Marines then set about blocking the road. Before they had finished a German Mark IV tank came along. This was engaged with grenades and set on fire but managed to escape while still ablaze. Three more Mark IV tanks then appeared. They opened fire on the Marines at point blank range. A German officer allighted from one of the tanks and, in perfect English, said "Come over here. I have orders for you".

His reply was a burst of Bren gun fire.

The patrol's ammunition was running short and they were pinned down by fire from the three tanks, one of which covered a road leading into a gulley which was the only line of withdrawal. Capt. L.B.G. Marshall, the patrol commander, worked his way round to this tank alone and, armed with a pistol, jumped on it and tried to engage the crew within. His bold diversion caused the tank to withdraw and his patrol was able to escape.

They concealed themselves until nightfall and made their way back to the British lines with valuable information and having inflicted considerable damage on the enemy.

Another party, led by Capt. J.P. O'Brien R.M., went forward to establish a road block. Finding the position under enemy machine-gun fire, Capt. O'Brien positioned his men to cover his own advance with fire, then went forward himself with grenades and silenced the machine-gun post. The road block was then established without casualties.

Later the same officer led another patrol to observe an enemy forming-up place in a dry wadi. The patrol walked into a booby-trap and eight men were badly wounded, including Capt. O'Brien. After seeing the other wounded safely withdrawn, Capt. O'Brien made his own way back two miles to R.M. Commando HQ., with the required information. Having made his report, he collapsed.

REPORT ON THE CROSSING OF THE RIVER GARIGLIANO.

Map. Ref.ITALY Sheet 171.1.NW 1/25,000.

For this operation 40 R.M. Commando was under command 56 Div., and was divided into two forces, one consisting of B and Q troops under 169 Bde. and the other consisting of A. P. and X troops under 167 Bde.

The objects of these two forces were to move closely in rear of the assaulting battalions and when the infantry Bns. had taken their initial objectives these forces were to pass through and further high ground in rear of the position and to harass the enemy's comunications.

Force 1 (B and Q Tps.)

Strength of force five officers 126 O.Rs, plus one F.O.O. and 9 O.Rs. attached.

The force left the forming up position at 1830 hrs on the night 17/18th January and crossed the start line at 2030 hrs. in order for the river crossing. The approach to, and the crossing of the river at 838985 was uneventful and the force first came under fire when it had cleared the far bank, from an M.G. position, also a slight mortar fire was encountered. The white tape was followed, leading through the mine fields but it suddenly stopped at the edge of an orchard. On pushing on and skirting the orchard the leading man was blown up by a mine, it was then decided to skirt the orchard and see round to the left until we received another casualty by a mine. At this time the situation was very obscure as there was still a great deal of fighting on the first heights and the orders were to proceed to the force objective when the first heights had been taken. At any rate it was decided to reach the road which was done with only one casualty. On reaching the road fire came down from the first heights 885993 and it was decided to put in an attack. The attack was successful knocking out one machine gun and taking two prisoners and then contact was made with the C.O. of 2/6 Queens, the leading infantry Bn. As it was then 0500 hrs and it was impossible to reach the objective before dawn it was suggested to hold the positions that had been taken and the force remained there throughout the day. At 0200 hrs on the morning of the 19th orders were received to carry on to the original objective 895015 and also if possible Pt.320 890023. The foot of the original objective was reached and it was decided to push straight on to Pt.320 sending a patrol ander Lieut. Hill to the original objective. Pt.320 was found to be unoccupied but the patrol encountered a M.G. post which was knocked out.

The position on Pt.320 was organised just before dawn and about 0800 hrs some Germans were sighted coming down from Pt.321 (895005). These were engaged with Bren guns causing casualties and breaking up their formation. The rest of the morning and early afternoon no more enemy were sighted, but intense shelling and mortar fire was encountered with in addition, a M.G. firing from the direction of M. TURTITO (870020) which killed one and wounded two others. At 1700 hrs a patrol was sent out under C.S.M. Hawkins into the valley DI SUJO. The patrol surprised a party of Germans, 12 in number, who they took prisoner and brought back. The patrol leader said he knew where there were some more Germans and on being sent out again brought in 18 prisoners. A patrol was then asked for to be sent to contact the ration party at the village (885008). The patrol left at 0200 hrs 20th January under Lieut. Hill but did not contact the ration party, they returned at 0600 hrs. with two prisoners. At 0700 hrs another patrol under Sgt. Ainsworth contacted the ration party and in addition took 6 prisoners. On the return journey this party surprised a small force of Germans and took a further 6 prisoners. The ration party arrived at the position, left the rations, and took away casualties and prisoners. The force was again subjected to shelling and mortar fire but luckily received no further casualties. At 0200 hrs another patrol was sent out under Lieut. Neale to recce, a small valley (884020). The patrol encountered a strong machine gun position and received one casualty. The patrol returned and gave the position of the M.G. to the F.O.O. who had a very successful shoot knocking it out.

At 1800 hrs orders were received that the force would be relieved at 2300 hrs by one company of K.O.Y.L.I. but they did not arrive until 0930 hrs, 21st January. After they had taken over the position the force returned into Bde. reserve at 877990 arriving at 1400 hrs. A counter attack role was given should the situation become critical but was not used. Continous mortaring went on and on the morning of the 23rd suffered three casualties. At 1600 hrs orders were received to proceed into reserve at S.AGATA (9491).

Prisoners taken during the operation numbered 46, ten of the enemy were killed with ten others probably killed.

Our own casualties were one killed, 10 wounded, 5 missing.

For 2 (A.P, and X troops).

The day of 17th January was spent in the lying up area until 2015 hrs when the area was left and the River Garigliano crossed in rear of the 8th Royal Fusiliers. The crossing was made under spandau and mortar fire at 858969 and a slow advance was made to area 845978 where the rest of the night was spent. A. troop and 1 platoon of P. were sent to ring contour 279 to contain that feature and to deal with machine gun fire from opposite spur. X. troop was held in reserve in area Cemetery and 1 platoon of P. troop made its way onto the SALVATITO feature with orders to clear enemy opposition and take up a position on the forward slope at the eastern end of the feature. By daylight A troop had contacted a company of the 8 R.F. on ring contour 279 and the situation appeared to be quite stable. During the night number 6 platoon of P. troop had contacted the ememy in several places and had cleared them off most of the Salvatito feature, (this was the initial objective of the leading infantry Bn.). At 0800 hrs 18th 6 platoon Comdr. (Lieut. Smith) put in an attack on a position consisting of about 16 Germans, Who after a sharp engagement withdrew suffering 8 killed and several wounded, our own casualties being Lieut. Smith wounded, 1 Cpl. killed, and 2 O.Rs wounded. At 1000 hrs a patrol of X troop under Cpl. Borton were sent to deal with a spandau position 844980, resulting in 1 enemy killed and 7 P.O.W. Our own Patrol suffered no casualties. About 1100 hrs A. troop was ordered to Pt.411 to reinforce the 8 R.F. position. All positions were heavily mortared throughout the day and in the evening a further patrol was sent out under Capt. Marshall. The intentions of this patrol was to go through the enemy positions and to get on the high ground of ROTONDO and await the advance of the infantry.

The force consisted of X. troop, A. troop and 1 platoon of P. troop, and the plan was to split up and move off at half an hour intervals and join up again at ROTONDO, where it was to contain the feature, cut the road, destroy and harass the enemy in the vicinity until relieved by the infantry. The going was very hard and finding one's way was very difficult. Apart from hearing German voices in the distance, no contact was made with the enemy. On reaching the low ground at Pt.820003 a German sentry was seen guarding what appeared to be a barracks, it was by-passed. At this time owing to the darkness, the force had become split up and the men badly needed a rest, ao it was decided to lie up for a short period in the area 826003. Here 2 Italians were brought in who gave us very useful information as to the strength and dispositions of the Germans. The strength of the force was 2 Officers, 1 TSM and 10 0.Rs.

Daylight arrived and it was obvious that the attack by the infantry had not materialised, and as it was impossible for such a small force to hold ROTONDO we turned ourselves into Guerillas and proceeded to act as such. Several telephone lines were cut and M/C combinations were knocked out, the occupants being killed. One amoured car appeared which was fired upon, but it continued on in the direction of CASTLEFORTE and was lost to view, German voices were heard to the right of our position and on investigation it was found to be a gun emplacement. A sharp engagement followed and a great deal of 'Pepper Potting', the site was captured, containing 2 field guns which had already been prepared for demolition. These were destroyed. A quick reconnaisance was made and an assortment of motor cycles, staff cars, and 2 armoured cars were discovered at the side of the road. The position was attacked and owing to to the closeness of the country, the enemy's fire was not accurate and only one casualty was sustained, the armoured car put up a stiff resistance but was eventually knocked out by a 77 grenade, one German being killed and one wounded. A Red Cross armoured car got away during the attack but was manned by machine guns which opened fire at our troops, although we were unable to reply.

A road block was being constructed when the first thing that came along was a Mk.iv Tank, this was engaged with 77 grenades which set the tank alight and although not knocking it out, the tank made away in the opposite direction.

By this time 3 more Mk iv Tanks had arrived and they opened up on the rest of the party at point blank range, the patrol receiving 2 casualties. A German Officer alighted from one of the tanks and in perfect english said, "Come here, I have orders for you," to which the reply was a burst of L.M.G. fire.

By this time the Germans were far more numerous and with their tanks had a greater fire power, and the force under Capt. Marshall made its way into a gulley. It was also ascertained that ammunition was getting very short, the force commander decided to return. After concealing themselves during daylight hours, our own lines were reached by about dawn having passed through one of our own artillery concentrations. Thus ended a very useful patrol which did a considerable amount of damage.

After the return of the patrol at 1100 hrs 20th January the force moved up to area 839993 to assist the Ox. and Bucks. in their defensive position. At approx. 1545 hrs. 12 men under Lieut. Atkinson attacked a spandau position at 839994. The attack was met with heavy fire including grenades and 4 casualties were sustained, the position being held by approx. a company. One spandau was silenced but the patrol had to withdraw owing to the difficulty of the ground and the heavy fire. Shortly after this and enemy counter attack resulted in the withdrawal of the Ox. and Bucks about 200 yards. No further action took place until 0300 hrs on the 21st when the Ox. and Bucks and the Commando were relieved by a Bn. of the Royal Berkshires. During the period of the occupation of the DAMIANO feature, 5 platoon of P. troop had been on the forward slopes with the F.O.O. and had been responsible for directing several salvoes into the enemy positions with resultant casualties.

The force returned to area 851975 and at dusk took up a defensive position in conjunction with 8 R.F. covering the ground down to the river. Heavy shelling during the night resulted in 3 casualties but attempts at infiltration by the enemy were driven off. The following day, Saturday 22nd Jan. heavy shelling continued 3 more casualties being sustained. At 1900 hrs on 22nd A.troop was sent to reinforce 8 R.F. in the area LORENZO. At midnight a patrol was ordered to recce. the area of a Wadi 857989 to find out the enemy were forming up for a night attack. Capt. O'Brien, the patrol commander, returned at 0230 hrs and gave the information that apart from a patrol of 8 germans the enemy were inactive in that area. Just previous to the appearance of the enemy patrol Capt. O'Brien's patrol had set off an S mine booby trap resulting in 8 casualties, Capt. O'Brien himself was badly wounded when he brought back this information. During the next day, active patrolling took place in order to find out whether the area was clear of enemy which was confirmed.

At approx. 1900 hrs on the 23rd Jan. the force returned to S. AGATA where together with force one, the Commando was placed in Corp. reserve.

Phase 11

The Commando moved from bivouac area at S.AGAGTA 2030 hrs on 29th Jan. to be placed under command 167 Bde. 56 Div. after a five day rest. At 2100 hrs 30th Jan, the unit arrived at LORENZO 848984 and took over the 5 Hampshires position in the village, remaining until the evening of the 1st Feb. At 1800 hrs on that day, the Commando moved into area 806977 relieving 9 R.F. and remained in position until 7th Feb. In this position the Commando was merely in a counter attack role. At 1600 hrs 7th Feb. the 2/7 Queens took over our position and the unit moved into Div. reserve. At 1700 hrs 11th Feb. the Commando once again took up position in the LORENZO area relieving the 44 Recce. and coming under command 13th Bde. 5 Div. The Commando was now defending the right flank of 5 Div. and were disposed as follows :-

P and Q Troops area 847984

A and X Troops area 849984

B and M.M.G. s area 855979

Mortar Det, area 848983

Commando H. Q. area 848980

These positions were occupied until the 21st Feb.
During this time extensive patrolling was carried out inflicting a certain amount of casualties to the enemy situated in the town of CASTLEFORTE. The village of LORENZO was shelled excessively during the period and a certain amount of casualties were sustained.

Own casualties: 12 killed, 3 missing, 65 wounded.

February

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION
SAN LORENZO	1-21	-	For the activities of the Commando see Report attached to January War Diary.
	21	1800	The Commando relieved from positions in SAN LORENZO by two companies of the 60th KRRC.
	22	0230	Commando embussed at Military Police Post. (Map Ref. ITALY 1/50,000. Sheet 171 1. 825933).
VICO EQUENSE	"	0630	Commando arrives VICO EQUENSE.
	"	1000	"Y" Troop arrives from MOLFETTA.
	23	-	Commando to baths at CASTELLAMARE.
	24	1000	Pay Parade.
	25	-	Administration.
	26	-	No Routine.
	27	-	Holy Communion and Commando Church Service.
	28	-	No Routine.
	29	P.M.	Prepare for move.

J.C.Manners, Lt.Col.R.M.
Officer Commanding 40 R.M. Commando.

March

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION
	1	-	Lieutenant P.J. McColl promoted Captain and Adjutant with effect from 20th February, 1944.
ANZIO	1-25	-	For the activities of the Commando see attached Report.
	26	0200	Arrived POZZUOLI.
		1030	Disembark at POZZUOLI.
		1130	Embuss at POZZUOLI for 159 Transit Camp.
		1230	Arrive 159 Transit Camp.
	27	0930	Leave 159 Transit Camp by march route for NAPLES station.
		1100	Entrain at NAPLES Station for MOLFETTA. Rear party and stores join main body here.
		1400	Depart from NAPLES.
MOLFETTA	28	0730	Arrive MOLFETTA.
		0900	Troops by march route to billets.
	29	-	No Routine.
	30	1400	Pay Parade.
		-	Lieutenant R. Neale and four other ranks temporarily detached for training teams in CORSICA.
	31	-	Unit Administration.

J.C. Manners. Lt.Col. R.M.
Officer Commanding 40 R.M. Commando.

REPORT ON ANZIO.

Ref. map Italy "Ardea" sheet 158 (iv) 1/50,000.

After barely a week in the rest area at VICO EQUENSE the Commando received, on 29th Feb, orders to proceed to ANZIO the following day. All troop less X who remained at Vico, were embarked at POZZUOLI and reached Anzio early on the morning of 2nd March after an uneventful trip. Transport was waiting ready to convey them to the concentration area 8123 where bivouacs improvised from the tarpaulins of 3 ton trucks had been erected. Rations for the day were cooked for them by a local R.A.S.C., unit and after a night spent in the area the Commando moved again by transport, to a position at 845289 to assume their allotted task of active patrols on the 56 Div. front with the 169 Lt. Inf, Bde. The area was fairly thickly covered with scrub and undergrowth but while it afforded protection from hostile eyes was marshy and practically water-logged. The Commando provided defence in depth with alarm posts and suffered a few casualties from mortar and shell fire. Two nights were spent there.

On the night of 3rd and 4th March, Y troop under Capt. Laidlaw R.M. provided a fighting patrol with the object of clearing the area Map. Ref. 842308 in front of the forward company of the Queens, working in a circular clockwise direction. They cleared a house containing a Spandau and a section of Germans with grenades and some slit trenches to the right, inflicting 8 known casualties on the enemy. They themselves had two wounded. The night was very dark and a tremendous thunder storm during the patrol rendered keeping of control extremely difficult, men falling into shell holes waist deep in water. The following night Lieut. Brockbank was ordered to patrol to 835307 moving initially up the road to his start line. A standing patrol from 2/6 Queens was to occupy the house covering this approach from dusk to dawn, unfortunately this was not achieved and the house was occupied by German troops. During the advance of the patrol fire was opened from this house and German positions from the other side of the road. The German interpreter from No.10 Commando tried to make the Germans surrender and two came out who were shot. Then much heavier fire was brought down and the patrol was forced to return as it had not even reached the start line. Casualties received were one killed and two wounded.

Sunday, March 5th saw the Commando moving in a heavy downfall into the front line to relieve the 2nd Batt. Sherwood Foresters and the 2nd Batt, Duke of Wellington's Regiment. B and Y troops were forward in the area 855296 with Q troop further back up the Wadi at 859291 and P troop in reserve near the R.A.P. at 852296. A and S troops remained in the area 845289, A moving on the 6th March to relieve a company of the Queens. The ground in this area was flat and very open but intersected by many deep Wadis. Troops could only move in and out of these Wadis by night as the intervening ground was under observation by the enemy. During their five days stay in this defensive position the Commando suffered many casualties from mortars and shelling which was methodical and accurate. There was mud and water everywhere, causing the digging of trenches to be extremely difficult.

On the night of the 8th Capt. Wakeling now attached to London Scottish 169 Bde. in 56 Div, was ordered to take a fighting patrol out to the left front of the position to find out enemy strength and to annihilate a M.G. position. Zero hour was to have been 2300 and supporting fire (smoke and H.E. 25 pdrs) was to be brought down at 2345 hrs in order to cover the withdrawal. Owing to an earlier alarm the patrol consisting of Capt. Wakeling and six marines did not leave until midnight. The support fire was brought down as originally planned in spite of the Patrol Commander asking it to be delayed.

Consequently the patrol moved forward along the edge of the Wadi in a thick smoke screen and charged on the objective to find a long row of dugouts guarded by a single sentry, remainder being asleep. The sentry was killed by a grenade and T.M.G. fire aroused the remainder. The patrol moved swiftly from dugout to dugout putting in 36 grenades and shooting any Germans who showed themselves. It was now apparent that the patrol was in a platoon position and a spandau opened up from the flank. Orders were being given by an N.C.O. and the Germans were beginning to organise themselves, the patrol withdrew.

Casualties received by the patrol was Capt. Wakeling wounded, and ten of the enemy were definitely killed and most probably more may have been killed or wounded by the grenades put into the dugouts, the results of which were not observed.

On the night of March 10th and 11th a small recce, patrol under Lieut. Hill penetrated down a small Wadi to the N. W. of our positions with the object of ascertaining whether there were any Germans in the area. Spandau fire and considerable movement indicated that the enemy were present in some strength and a mortar was observed firing.

The patrol withdrew successfully in the brilliant moonlight without casualties.

During this period in the line and owing to movement being entirely restricted to the hours of darkness communication had to be maintained entirely by wireless and owing to the very proximity of the enemy positions it was necessary to use code within the unit for all messages.

Maintenance was carried out during the hours of darkness by porters provided by 2nd Batt. Sherwood Foresters, and due to the brightness of the moon casualties were sustained from Mortar and spandau fire. Unfortunately maintenance had to be carried out by the same route each night, it being the only one and 200 yards of open ground had to be crossed. Whilst in this position the snipers of each troop had a certain amount of success during daylight hours.

The same night the unit was relieved by 14th Batt. Sherwood Foresters moving back under cover of darkness to the transport park and from thence to the rest area 8123. The Commando was now under command of 18 Inf. Bde.,1 Div.; with the exception of A troop who remained under command of 169 Bde.,56 Div. and rejoined the unit the following day. The two days spent here were hardly peaceful as the many 25 pdrs. in the area were regularly plastered by a German heavy battery.

Monday March 13th saw the Commando again on the move to the area 8528 to take up reserve positions. Mortar and artillery fire were intermittent and the unit again suffered casualties. Whilst in this area more patrols were sent out to discover the exact location of the enemy and to bring in prisoners for identification and interrogation. A patrol under Lieut. Hill on the 14th reconnoitred the area 854298-861292 forward of the Yorkshire Dragoons. Voices were heard and the patrol had one casualty. The following night a patrol under Lieut. Smith was forced to return with a prisoner owing to heavy illumination of the area by flares.

On March 16th however, a patrol under Lieut. Dutton bumped into an advance spandau post of two men in the area 859294 killing one and taking the other prisoner. A patrol under Lieut. Tarry caused a diversion but suffered two casualties and three more from mortar fire after returning to our forward positions. Again bright moonlight and flares illuminated the area, fire being brought to bear on our patrols by three spandau posts. Much shouting and cries of 'Achung' were heard.

The first battalion of the Buffs was relieved by the Commando on the 17th March who took over A and B company positions in the area 852286, A.B. and P troops were in A company position, Q. Y. and S troops in B company position. Except for the usual shelling and mortar fire things remained quiet although the C.O's command post received a near miss which blew in the side and the R.A.P. similarly damaged. The weather had now fortunately improved. The Commando was relieved by the same companies of The Buff's on the 22nd March and returned to the echelon area 8123 remaining under command 1 Div.

After two days spent here the Commando returned to Anzio where they embarked under slight shell fire in two L.C.Is POZZUOLI was reached on the morning of 26th March.

Casualties	Killed	Wounded	P.O.W.
Officers	1	3	-
O.Rs	10	60	3

J.C. Manners, Lt. Col. R.M.

April

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION
MOLFETTA	1	-	Unit Training and Administration.
	2	1000	Church Service in Commando Church.
		1100	Holy Communion
	3	-	Unit Training and Administration.
	4	-	Do.
	5	-	Do. Lieutenant J.H. Tarry appointed I.O. w.e.f. from 31/3/44.
	6	-	Unit Training and Administration. J.P.C. Commences.
	7	0930	Morning Prayers at P and X Troops' Billets.
		1430	Commando Parade, all Troops less H.Q. - MOLFETTA Quay.
	8	-	Unit Training and Administration.
	9	0930	Church Service in Commando Church.
		1015	Holy Communion.
	10	-	Unit Training and Administration.
	11	-	Do.
	12	-	Unit Training and Administration.
		1000	J.P.C. passes out on first week's training before C.O., 2 i/c and Major Wakeling.
	13	-	Unit Training and Administration.
	14	-	Do.
	15	-	Do.
	16	-	Commando prepare to move.
	17	0900	Advance party leaves for new location.
		1900	Commando less Administrative Staff to new location by March route.
CAMP.	18	0900	Commando arrives area 275607 (Ref. Map ITALY 1/100,000 ALTAMURA)
		-	Prepare Camp.
	19	-	Camp Improvements.
	20	-	Do.
	21	1100	Pay Parade.
		-	Administration.
	22	-	Unit Training.
	23	0800	Holy Communion.
		1000	Church Parade.
	24	-	Rev. Briggs, R.N.V.R. ends appointment with Unit. X and Y Troops for Vaccination and Innoculation. J.P.C. commences second week of instruction. Y, S and H.Q. Troops day off.
	25	-	Issue of Tropical Kit to Commando. A and Q Troops Vaccination and Innoculation.
	26	-	A and X Troops day off. S and P Troops Vaccination and Innoculation.
	27	-	Rev. R.S. Hook, R.N.V.R. temporarily attached w.e.f: 15/4/44. H.Q. Vaccination and Innoculation. Heavy rain throughout day and night.
	28	-	Q and P Troops day off. Improvements to Camp Lines.
	29	1000	Training Conference.
		-	J.P.C. completes second week of instruction.
	30	0800	Holy Communion.
		1000	Church Parade.

J.C. Manners
Lieut. Colonel R.M.
Officer Comanding 40 R.M. Commando.

May

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION	REFERENCES TO APPENDICES
Camp	1		Unit Training. Kit Deficiencies. Rear Party inoculation.
	2		Unit Training and Administration
		1900	Move Order.
	3		Prepare to move.
		1415	Unit embussed.
		1500	Unit debusses at 197, Transit Camp, BARI.
Bari	4	0800	Leave 197, Transit Camp by march route for BARI HARBOUR.
		0900	Arrive BARI HARBOUR. Loading of stores etc. Rear Party less small section of Administrative Staff, join Main Party.
		1245	Embark and sail.
At Sea	5	0700	Arrive KOMISA, VIS. A & Y Troops disembark, and proceed to Troop Areas.	Map 1:25000 CTOK VIS Ref. 7086
		0855	Leave KOMISA.
		1030	Arrive VIS. Disembark, unload stores etc.
		1600	Move to Troop Areas. H.Q. established at PODSELJE.	do. do. Ref. 784865
Podselje	6		Prepare area and settle down.
	7		Administration.
	8		Unit Training and Administration.
	9		do.
	10		do.
	11	0005	Air Raid by 15 enemy planes, several bombs dropped, no damage or casualties to Commando. Administrative staff move from MOLFETTA to MOMOPOLI. Unit Training and Administration.	Italy Sheet I90 1:50000 Ref. 761667
	12	1030	C.O. inspects S.Troop. Administration.
	13	1030	C.O. inspects X.Troop. Unit Training.
	14	1400	H.Q. sports meeting.
	15		Unit Training and Administration.
	16		2nd i/c attends demonstration Platoon Attack by Y Troop. Unit Training and Administration.
	17		do. do.
	18		2nd i/c attends demonstration Platoon Attack by P Troop. Commando in Tropical Rig. Boarding Party.	Report No.1 attached
	19		Unit Training and Administration.
	20	0900	Q & S Troops under 2nd i/c to VIS for operation Foothound.
		1200	do. do. return. operation postponed. Unit Training and Administration. Boarding Party.	Report No.2 attached
	21	1800	H.Q. Church Parade. Boarding Party.	Report No.3 attached
	22	0900	Q & S Troops under 2nd i/c to VIS for operation Foothound. Unit Training and Administration.	Report No.4 attached
	23		do. do. Boarding Party.	Report No.5 attached
	24		Unit Training and Administration.
	25		Unit Training and Administration.
	26		do. do.
	27		do. do.
	28	1030	H.Q. Church Parade. X Troop detached for special duties.
	29		Burial Service for Lt.B.P.Hill, R.M. at Vis Naval Cemetery	Re. O.VIS. 1:25000 793891
	30		Unit Training and Administration.
	31		do. do.

M.S.E.Maude Major R.M.
Officer Commanding 40 R.M. Commando.

June

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION	REFERENCES TO APPENDICES
Podselje	1		Administration.
	2/4		For the activities of the Commando see attached report.	No1
	5		Administration. H/Q, & S.Troops Boarding Parties; see attached reports	No2
	6		Unit Training; Administration.
	7		do. do.
	8		do. do.
	9		do. do. A Troop Boarding Party; see attached report	No3
	10		do. do.
	11		Administration.
	12		Unit Training; Administration.
	13		do. do.
	14		do. do.
		1030	H.Q. exercise, manning of Defence positions.
	15		Unit Training; Administration. S Troop Boarding Party; see attached report.	No4
	16		do. do. A/Tempy. Capt. J.D.Wakeling promoted to A/Tempy.Major; w.e.f. 28/2/44
		1900	First leave party to 8th Army Rest Camp, Bari for 7 days leave.
	17		Administration.
	18		do. Section of Administrative Staff join Commando from Rear Party, Monopoli.
	19		Unit Training; Administration.
	20		do. Brig.Davy inspects P; & Q.Troops.
	21		do. Brig.Davy inspects A.Troop
	22		do.
	23		do.
	24		do.
	25	0815	Church Service; S & X troops.
		1030	do. H.Q. & A Troops.
	26		Administration
	27		do.
	28		Major N.S.E.Maude to Hospital. Major J.D.Wakeling assumes command.
			Unit Training; Administration.
	29		do. do.
		1700	Second leave party to 8th Army Rest Camp, Bari, for 7 days leave.
	30		Unit Training; Administration.

No1

TOP SECRET
40 R.M. COMMANDO
Report on Operation "FLOUNCED"

REF. Map YUGOSLAVIA - 1/100,000, Sheet 109.

Friday, 2nd June 1944.

2115 hours	Orders received to embark at VIS by 2230 hours.
2245 hours	H.Q., A, Q & Y Troops mustered at VIS.
2330 hours	Embarked in L.C.I.

Saturday, 3rd June 1944.

0130 hours	Sailed from VIS.
0345 hours	Landed at ITEM beach on BRAC (068120).
0400 hours	Moved off inland.
0630 hours	Arrived in lying up area 076148. Lay up and rested all day.
1800 hours	Received orderd from Bde. to stand by.
2000 hours	C.O. went up to Bde. to find out reasons for delay. He discovered the guide leading Captain Wakefield had gone astray and that as a result we were very late.
2035 hours	Cdo. moved off to join 43 R.M. Cdo. for the attack on Pt. 622. 0917
2130 hours	Reached start line 084164. Lieut. Colonel Churchill briefed the Cdo. as a body.
2200 hours	Cdo. moved off in order Force H.Q., Y, A, Cdo. H.Q. & Q. Soon after reaching the bottom of the valley the Cdo. opened out and continued with A & Y Troops up and Q Troop in rear. Casualties were sustained at this stage in A Troop due to M.G. fire.
2230 hours	The Cdo. halted and reformed at the foot of the objective (095169). B Troop, 43 Cdo. was contacted here. They had reached the wire but had suffered several casualties and could not get on. Lt. Col. Manners gave orders for the assault to start immediately and the Cdo. went forward with Y Troop on the left and A Troop on the right. Y Troop struck mines and moved over to the right to bypass them, thus slowing down their attack. A Troop advanced straight up the hill and on to the objective, 2 Pl. suffering several casualties from mortar fire on the way up. The leading Pl. (1 Pl.) under Lieut. Copsey crossed the top of the hill clearing several trenches and taking 6 prisoners who were sent to the rear. The second Pl. (2 P1.) followed, clearing one trench but they were now reduced to 5 men and their Pl. Comd. was missing, having been last seen charging an M.G. position. A Troop now consolidated on the far slope of the hill (see diagram) and informed the C.O. of their position. Marine Marshall, Lieut. Copsey's batman fired two green Verey lights (the success signal) on Col. Manners' orders. Y Troop had meanwhile got up on to the left of the objective but had not managed to get as far forward as A Troop and there was therefore a gap between them. Their Troop Commander, Captain Laidlaw was killed during the attack and both Platoon Commanders were missing when the Troop started to consolidate. T.S.M. Gordon therefore took charge. Force H.Q., consisting of Lt. Col. Churchill, D.S.O. M.C. and Lt. Col. Manners, D.S.O. and Captain Wakefield had led in the assault. Col. Churchill played his bagpipes throughout the attack and was last seen walking up and down playing them on the objective. Cdo. H.Q. followed A Troop on to the objective and took up position on the top as the success signal was fired. A Marine from H.Q. took back four prisoners who were turned over to Bde. next morning. Two Germans were shot in their trenches. Shortly after H.Q. had taken up their position on the crest, heavy mortar fire came down, followed by a counter attack from the left. A similar counter attack was launched along the far slope at A Troop who repelled it killing at least six Germans. I ordered H.Q. signalmen to withdraw down the slope as they were a liability, and with several men of B Troop, 43 Cdo. opened fire at the attack. At this time I was very much afraid of running into 43 Cdo. whose position I did not know. Shortly after this I took up position in a trench with two men from H.Q. and Captain Schooley (B Troop 43 Cdo.) who had 8 men with him. We engaged the Germans who were still counter attacking from the left. Meanwhile Q Troop had come up behind H.Q. having had several casualties from mortaring on the way up. Seeing that the situation was sticky on the left the Troop Commander, Lieut. Thomson, decided to attack up the left side of the hill. The Troop reached the first line of German dugouts end reformed there, having come under heavy fire from the left. Y Troop on the left was now being heavily counter attacked and the T.S.M. finding himself being overrun decided to join A Troop on the right. He withdrew the Troop under cover of his 2" Mortar which fired all its ammunition into the German attack at point blank range. They succeeded in joining A Troop and from then on came under their command. I was at this time still in a trench with the remnants of Cdo. H.Q. and B Troop, 43 Cdo. Captain Schooley reported to me that he was almost out of ammunition and that he would have to withdraw. I therefore told him to reform 50 yards. down the hill near where we had started the assault and to form a firm base for the Cdo. to reorganise on. These orders were carried out by Lieut. Odendaal as Captain Schooley was killed almost immediately. I managed to contact elements of A, Y & Q Troops and formed a defensive position half down the hill facing the objective. Apart from the fact that the Germans had reoccupied the top of the hill and I had no information as to what was going on, and had no idea where Force H.Q. was, I therefore determined to hold on to our position in case 43 Cdo. should still be attacking as, apart from B Troop, I had seen none of them. However, after some minutes the battle seemed to be dying down and ammunition was very low, I therefore ordered A & Y Troops to reform on the start line (084164). Q Troop I ordered to remain with me and cover the withdrawal. A search was made for any wounded in the area but none could be found. We therefore started to withdraw slowly. Our Padre, Rev. Hook was then contacted and I discovered he had been dealing with the wounded. Soon afterwards we found a seriously wounded man who had to be carried back and this slowed down our withdrawal considerably. We finally contacted A & Y Troops on the start line at about 0200 hours. I formed a defensive position here and left Major Wakeling in charge while I returned to Bde. to report the position.
0830 hours	4-6-44 40 Cdo. started to withdraw to the beach on orders from Bde.
1100 hours	40 Cdo. embarked on L.C.I.
1500 hours	Cdo. disembarked at KOMIZA.

Commando Casualties.

Officers.	1 Killed 4 Missing including the C.O. Lt.Col. J.C.Manners, D.S.O. 1 Lightly wounded.
O.R.'s.	5 Killed 9 Missing 20 Wounded (in hospital) 20 Lightly wounded.

Casualties Inflicted.
At least 20 of the enemy were seen to be killed during the assault by small arms fire.
10 Prisoners were sent back of whom six, who were under the charge of the Partisans, were not turned over to use.

Signed N.S.E.Maude Major, R.M. Cdg. 40 R.M. Commando
6th June 1944.

No3
"A" Troop Boarding Party night of 9/10 June 1944
The party consisted of Lt. Copsey, Cpl Mee, Mne. Marshall, Mne. James, Mne. Bryce, Mne. Steer and Mne. Botho. They embarked on M.G.B. 647 and sailed at about 1900 hours in company with an M.T.B. The channel between Mljet Island and the Peljesac peninsula was reached at dusk and speed was reduced to 4 or 5 knots. There was a full moon and observation was very easy. The boats "idled" down the Peninsula coast, lying about 40 yards off shore. Nothing was seen until the boats turned about to go back up the coast, then the M.T.B. in the rear signalled "enemy sighted astern". The patrol turned again on to its original course, but as they did so a white verys light was put up from the shore. Speed was increased and the boats went a further 5 or 6 miles south - no sign of the enemy was seen and it was concluded that they had taken refuge amongst a group of small islands among which the channels were too shallow and dangerous for an M.G.B. to venture. The M.T.B. furnished the information that there were three ships which had been proceeding from Mljet to the mainland.

Returning up the coast it was determined to mark the point where the light had been fired as an enemy observation post. As the point was reached a coastal gun battery opened fire on the two boats. About 20 secs later two enemy boats were sighted approaching along the coast about 20 yards off shoring coming from the north. They were an E boat and an I lighter. Fire was opened simultaneously but the enemy's opening burst put the 2pr. pom-pom, the starboard twin 0.5 turret and the starboard twin Lewis out of action. The M.G.B. passed between the E and I boats and was repeatedly hit by their fire. The M.G.B. 6 pr. sank the E boat as it was passing and seriously damaged the I boat. At this point the action was broken off and some 4 minutes later a loud explosion was heard from the damaged I boat.

At this point it was found that the Navy had 3 sailors dead and 3 badly wounded, while the Marines had 1 dead and 2 badly wounded. The casualties were taken below and tended by the boarding party until the boat reached Komiza at 0600 hours. The wounded men were Mne. Marshall and Mne. Botho; the fatality was Mne. Bryce.

D. Copsel Lt. R.M.

July

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION	REFERENCE TO APPENDICES
PODSELJE	1		Unit Training, Administration. Major N.S.E.Maude from hospital and resumes command. Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey,D.S.C. arrives and assumes command w.e.f. 2.7.44 Major P.R.Matters arrives and takes up duties as 2nd. i/c w.e.f. 2.4.44
	2		Administration. Garrison Cross Country Competition: Winners 40 R.M.Commando.
	3		Unit Training. Administration.
	4		do. do. Lt.R.Neale and party return from CORSICA.
	5		Unit Training. Administration. Inspection by Major General R.G.Sturges,C.B.,D.S.O. Operation "Xerces".	See attached report.
	6		Unit Training. Administration.
	7		do. do. Major N.E.S.Maude & Lt. A.M.Berriff leave to take up new appointments. Capt. M.S.Macpherson, joins Commando. Capt. W.J.Hiles joins Commando.
	8		Unit Training. Administration. C.O. inspects inter troop drill competition.
	9		Administration.
		1130	Commando Church Parade.
	10		Unit Training. Administration. 'S' Troop Boarding party.	see attached report. 2.
	11		Unit Training. Administration.
	12		do. do.
		1530	Advance party move to MONOPOLI.
	13		Commando prepares to move.
	14		do.
	15	1400	Commando stands by to move.
		1500	Embuss
		1550	Arrive VIS.
		1615	Embark S.S.LUBLJANA. Loading of stores etc.
		1740	Sail.
		1900	Arrive KOMISA. Lie off.
AT SEA	16	0400	Sail.
		2000	Arrive MONOPOLI HARBOUR.
MONOPOLI	17	0840	Dis-embark. Unloading of stores.
		0945	Move off to Camp Area.
		1015	Arrive Camp. Settle down.
	18		Settle down.
	19		Settle down.
	20		Administration.
	21		Administration. Unit Training.
	22		do. do.
	23		Administration.
		1000	Church Parade.
	24		Administration. Unit Training.
	25		Administration. Exercise L.F.A. No.1.	see particulars attached. 3.
	26		Administration. Unit Training.
	27		do. do.
	28		do. do. M.O. and Sick Bay party attached to No.2 Commando.
		1100	Pay Parade. Lt.Col. R.W.Sankey,D.S.C. moved on duty. Major P.R.Matters in command.
	29		Administration. Unit Training.
	30		Administration. M.O. and Sick Bay party return to Commando.
	31		Administration. Unit Training. Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey returns and resumes command. 1st Drill Class commences. 3rd leave party leaves for 8th Army Rest Camp, Bari for 7 days leave.

R.W.Sankey Lt.Col. R.M.
Officer Commanding 40 Royal Marine Commando

August

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION	REFERENCE TO APPENDICES
Monopoli	1		Unit Training. Administration.
	2		Unit Training. Administration.
	3		Unit Training. Administration.
	4		Unit Training. Administration. Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey moved on duty A.M. Major P.R.Matters in command.
	5		Unit Training. Administration.
	6		Administration.
		1000	Cdo Church Parade.
	7		Unit Training. Administration.
	8		Unit Training. Administration. Lt.Col. R.W.Sankey re-assumes command.
	9		Unit Training. Administration. Battle School commences 1st week of training.
	10		Unit Training. Administration.
	11		Unit Training. Administration.
	12		Unit Training. Administration.
	13		Sunday Routine.
	14		Unit Training. Administration.
	15		Commando prepares to move.
	16		Commando moves.
		1730	Fall in.
		1815	Entrain at Camp area.
Taranto	17	0600	Detrain at Taranto Station.
		0650	Arrive Transit Camp.
		1330	Depart Transit Camp by March Route.
		1430	Arrive Traranto Harbour; load stores and embark on S.S.THISTLEMUIR.
		1700	Sail.
At Sea	18		P.T. Lectures.
Augusta	19	1100	Arrive Augusta Harbour. P.T. Lectures forenoon.
		1200	Dieppe Memorial Service. Swimming afternoon.
		1945	Sail.
At Sea	20	0730	Commando Parade.
		0830	Arrive Valetta Harbour.
		0930	Dis-embark and embuss.
		1000	Arrive at R.N.Rest Camp, Ghain Tuffieha, Malta. Settle down.	Ref. Malta and Gozo (2) 2 inch. 315305
Ghain Tuffieha	21		Unit Training. Administration.
	22		Unit Training. Administration. Training Classes commence.
	23		Unit Training. Administration. Visit by F.R.M.O. Col.Neville.
	24		Unit Training. Administration.
	25		Unit Training. Administration.
		1300	Pay Parade.
	26		Unit Training. Administration.
	27		Sunday Routine.
	28		Unit Training. Administration.
	29		Unit Training. Administration.
	30		Unit Training. Administration.
	31		Unit Training. Administration.

R.W.Sankey, Lt. Col. R.M.
Officer Commanding 40 Royal Marine Commando

September

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION	REFERENCES TO APPENDICES
Ghain Tuffieha	1		Unit Training and Administration.
	2		Drill classes pass out. Unit Training and Administration.
	3		Sunday Routine.
	4		Visit of Vice Admiral Sir L.Hamilton, K.C.B., D.S.O. who addressed Commando and watched Battle Demonstration.
	5		Unit Training and Administration.
	6		do. do.
	7		do. do. Reinforcements arrive - 7 Officers, 160 O.R's.
	8		Unit Training and Administration.
	9		do. do. Brigadier Churchill, D.S.O. arrives.
	10	1000	Commando inspection by Brigadier Churchill, D.S.O. Sunday Routine.
	11		Unit Training and Administration.
	12		do. do.
	13		do. do.
	14		do. do.
	15		do. do.
	16		do. do. Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey, D.S.C. moves on duty. Major P.R.Matters in command.
	17		Sunday Routine.
	18		Commando prepares to move.
	19	0700	Loading of stores etc.
		1230	Commando embark L.S.T.353
		1530	Sail from Valetta Harbour.
	20		At sea.
Bari	21	1200	Arrive Bari Docks.
		1400	Disembark.
		1800	Commando arrives by transport at Monopoli Camp.
Monopoli	22		Settle down.
	23		Move order; Commando prepares to move. Capt. O'Brien, Lt.Murphy, and 10 O.R's briefed for Operation. Lt.Murphy recalled.	Bucket Force Report Attached
Otranto	24	0800	Commando leaves Monopoli Camp for Otranto.
		1600	Embark L.C.I;s, 184,251,254
		1730	L.C.I's sailed.
Albania		2300	Commando disembarked ALBANIA. SUGAR BEACH 272861; Bivouaced.
	25	1000	C.O. recced enemy positions in DELVINE.
		1200	'Q' Troop took over 2 Commando Section site 265860.
		1400	'Y' Troop, one section patrol to SARANDE under Capt. Hiles, R.M.
	26	1030	'Y' Troop, one section patrol returned, no enemy seen.
		1400	'P' and 'S' Troops moved to area 294805. Established O.P.
	27	0830	Commando H/Q., 'A' and 'X' Troops move to 273828.
		1600	'I' Section recced beach 282806.	M.R. 1:100,000 GREECE; Sheet Z.2. KERKIRA.
		2200	Stores unloaded Yoke Beach. 282806.
	28	0900	Commando, less 'Q', 'Y' and 'P' Troops move to 289808.
		1000	'I' Section recced beach 282806.
		1400	4 Spitfires straffed enemy positions 336794. SARANDE O.P. reported enemy vehicles moving on roads S. and E. of SARANDE.
	29		Heavy rain 24 hours.
		1000	Brigadier Churchill, D.S.O. visited O.P. Conference with O.C. 40. Commando.
		1600	Commando withdrawn to Yoke Beach.
		1630	Schooner reached SARANDE from CORFU. Partisans gave much information on enemy dispositions.
	30		Heavy rain 24 hours.
		0630	Large vessel escorted, arrived at SARANDE from CORFU.
		0645	Swedish M/V, HALLAREN (2700 tons) sailed N; between CORFU and mainland. (Red Cross Ship) Usual enemy activity reported from O.P.

R.W.Sankey, Lt.Col. R.M.
Officer Commanding 40 R.M.Commando

October

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION	REFERENCES TO APPENDICES
Albania	1		Heavy rain 24 hours. Usual enemy activity; Enemy on Pt;261	M.R. 1:100,000 GREECE. Sheet Z.2. KERKIRA.
		1100	Bragade O.Group attended by C.O. and I.O.
	2	1100	Commando concentrated Yoke Beach area. Heavy rain.
		2100	Capt.Marshall with S.O.R.E. recced Pt. 261; No contact.
	3	A.M.	Considerable enemy movement. Enemy patrol reported moving to Pt. 469. Our forward position withdrawn 400 yards. Returned to 294805 after one hour.
		1430	R.S.R. 75mm guns on Yoke Beach engage SARANDE.
		1610 } 1630	R.A.F. Fighters straffed SARANDE gun positions.
		1730	Transhipping ammunition from Yoke Beach to forward positions by Dory.
		1815	Capt.Marshall, Capt.Angue, S.O.R.E. and I.O. recced Pt 261 and peninsula.
	4	1025	4 R.A.F. Rocket firing planes attached gun sites on CORFU. Large fire started.
		1105	Enemy patrol engaged by party from 'Q' Troop. Lt.Murphy wounded. See patrol report Appendix 'A'	Appendix 'A'
		1500	2, R.F.Planes and 2 fighters attacked enemy gun positions.
		1830 } 1930	Destroyer shelled CORFU Coast artillery gun site.
	5	1205	4 R.F.Planes attacked enemy gun positions SARANDE. Partisans report no shipping at SARANDE the last 2 nights owing to bombing. Enemy believed to be using PREVEZA and IGOUMEZA for evacuation.
		1430	Large explosion at SARANDE. House burning.
		1800	Capt.Hiles, S.O.R.E. 1 Troop S.M., and 3 O.R's recce enemy positions below Pt.261.	Appendix 'B'
	6	0630	Demolitions proceeding CORFU gun site.
		0900	C.O. and party to Pt. 507 (Q.Troop) to observe SARANDE.
		1130	4 Hurricanes attacked SATANDE - GJASTE. Heavy A.A. fire.
		1625	Demolitions continued in CORFU.
		1630	'P' Troop forward patrol reported enemy mule train Pt.261 area. 'Q' Troop engage this party with small arms fire. Artillery fire on forward slopes of Pt.507 given by our own 25 pounders.
	7	1530	2 Hurricans and 2 Spitfires attacked Pt.261.
		1545	'Q' Troop position Pt.507 shelled and mortared. Lt.D.Thomson and 1 marine wounded.
		1600	P.O. reports 5 vehicles probably A.F.V's leaving SARANDE, S.E.
		1930 } 2000	Enemy artillery fire from DELVINE on to Sugar Beach.
	8	0845	Destroyed shelled SARANDE area throughout the morning.
		1700	Commando concentrated area 294807.
	9		Attacked and took SARANDE.	Appendix 'C'
	11		Rested in SARANDE.
		1830	Violent explosion of D.A.Charge in EAST of Town.
	12	1000	'Q' and 'X' Troops took up positions around SARANDE.
		1200	Commando (less 'Q' and 'X' Troops) embark from SARANDE to Sugar Beach.
	13	1300	Lt.Col.Sankey, D.S.C. R.M. and I.O. with one section 'A' Troop left for CORFU.
		1530	Arrive CORFU CITY. Welcomed by all population.
Corfu	14	1100	March past Brig.Churchill, and Archbishop of CORFU.
	15		Section 'A' Troop occupied area GASTOURI; 200460
		1100	O.C.40 Commando, O.C.2 Commando attend Solemn Te Deum, CORFU.
	16	1600	M.Makas (Governor General Ionian Islands) and Staff arrive.
	17		Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey, D.S.C., R.M. appointed Island Force Commander, CORFU; Major P.R.Matters assumed command 40, R.M. Commando. Capt.E.R.Cooper appointed Acting Adjutant. 'Y' Troop occupied areas N of Island.
	18	1300	M.Makas and staff left CORFU. Commando Guard of Honour.
	19	1300	Major Matters with 'P' Troop and remainder 'A' Troop arrive CORFU. 'P' Troop occupy area LIAPADHES; 075995. 'Y' Troop in area KOTOMERI. 150610.
	20		Rear H.Q. arrive from Sugar Beach.	Patrol report attached.
	21		Island Administration. 'Q' Troop arrive.
	22		Col; The Hon.R.Lytton Millbanke, D.A.Q.M.G., L.F.A; arrived. 'Q' areas 1 Section MANDOUKI POLICE STATION 215532. Reminder S.SOTIRIOTISSA 176552.
	23		Island Administration.
	24		do. do.
	25		do. do.
	26		do. do.
	27		do. do.
	28		'S' Troop move to new location; Hotel St.George, Corfu.	Patrol reports attached.
	29		Sunday Routine.
	30	1200	General N.Zervas, G.O.C. Zervas Andartes arrives, Commando Guard of Honour.
	31		Island Administration.

APPENDIX C

MAPS. 1:100,000 GREECE SHEET Z2 KERKIRA

REPORT ON ATTACK ON SARANDE ---- 9TH OCTOBER 1944.

0330 hrs - 0415 hrs.	Artillery shelled enemy positions SARANDE AREA.
0400	X,P,Y Troop advanced in direction of SARANDE from F.O.P.
0545	X,Y Troops held up by Spandau's at 314300. Capt.Hiles (O.C. X Troop) killed at 314799, one O.R. wounded, and four P.O.W. taken. C.S.M.Bain killed 306802.
0600	Q Troop reached Pt.261 from Pt.507.
0610 - 0623	S Troop 3" and R.S.R; 4.2" Mortars shelled enemy in area 314800.
0630	Q Troop engaging enemy on Pt.261.
0715	X Troop still held up by Spandau fire. 4 more P.W. taken.
0735	R.A.F. Iraq Levies now hold Pt.264.
0755	Q Troop control Pt.261. Capt.Macpherson (O.C. 'Q' Troop) killed at 300812. R.S.R; F.O.O. in command of Q Troop.
0835	Germans on Pt.261 surrendered.
0855	O.C. 'A' Troop took over command of 'Q' Troop.
0915	X Troop again attacked enemy area rd. 145134.
0945	Enemy surrendering area 318798. 'Q' Troop report position consolidated.
0955	'X' Troop moving across area 145135.
1000	S.O.R.E. clearing gap in mines on Z Beach 300815 R.A.P. established NORTH end of ITALIAN BAY 309800.
1005	'X' Troop exploiting peninsula 3179.
1030	Cdo.H.Q. move from 282807 to 306800.
1045	S.O.R.E. killed on Z beach by mine.
1200	P,X,Y Troops under Capt.Angus (O.C. 'X' Troop) held up 400 yards WEST of Hospital by Spandau nests in hospital.
1210	GJASTE captured by Partisans.
1400 - 1445	P,X,Y Troops resting preparatory to final assault. Artillery 4.2" and 3" Mortars shelled SATANDE TOWN and 319796.
1500	P,X,Y Troops advanced across 158138 while covered by Q, A Troops and Partisans, with S Troop, M.M.G firing all available Brens from lower slopes of Pt.261.
1530	Own Troops reached harbour area. Firing continued from isolated groups.
1600	SARANDE surrendered by Major STUSSER, O.C. Garrison.
2000	Two Greek schooners with German troops x CORFU.

10th October 1944

0400	One Greek schooner with German troops and 2 Bofors.
0900	One Greek schooner with German troops, 1 Bofors and 1 P.A.K. gun x CORFU. All the above surrendered to our troops in the harbour.

TOTAL P.W. 624.
TOTAL OWN CASUALTIES.
2, O; 4, O.R. Killed
4, O. 18, O.R. Wounded.

November

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION	REFERENCE TO APPENDICES
Corfu	1		Island Admin.
	2		do. Move Order.
	3		Island Admin.	Appendix "F"
	4		do.
	5		St. Spiridian procession. Detachment Cdo. takes part. Gen.Zervas leaves CORFU. Opening of Corfu Cricket season after 4 years without sport. Cdo. v Corfu. Corfu win by 10 runs.
	6		Island Admin.
	7		do.
	8		Cdo. less "A" and "X" Tps. prepare to move. Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey resumes command. "A" Tp. to Hotel Suisse. "X" Tp to Hostel St. George.
	9	1100	Cdo. parade at Mon Repos. Maj. Matters appointed Island Force Comdr. Talk by Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey. March through town to port.
		1230	Arrive Harbour. Load stores etc. British Vice Consul Mr. Papadachi dies. New consul Mr. Spiro Vontetsiano appointed.
		1700	Embark L.C.I. 303., L.C.T. 183.
	10	1430	Sail.
		1600	Return Corfu owing to storm. Shore leave.
	11	1530	Sail. Capt. B. Parker, Capt. N.M. Porter., Capt. W.F. Hoare, Capt. W.C. Pook and Lt. L.G. Marsh join Cdo.
Monopoli	12	1445	Arrive Monopoli Harbour/
		1500	March oute to Monopli Camp.
		1530	Arrive Camp, settle down.
	13		Admin. Lt. F.H. Bristowe to be A/Capt. w.e. 24.10.44.
	14		Admin. Kit Muster.
	15	0930	Advance party move to new area.
		1645	Cdo. Parade. Inspection and talk by C.C.O. Brig. Laycock.
	16		Admin. Cdo. prepare to move.
		1400	P; Q; and S Troops and attached personnel move by transport to TURI. M.R. Italy 1/50,000. Sheet 190 IV Ref. 5361.
Turi	17		H.Q. and Y Troops move to Turi. Settle down.
	18		Leave parties to Bari and Salerno.
		1000	Cdo. Parade talk by CO
	19		Sunday Routine.
	20		Leave party to Salerno.
	21		Admin.
	22		do.
	23		do.
	24		Lt.Col.Sankey moved on duty. Capt. E.R. Cooper in command.
	25		Admin. Bari leave party returns.
	26		Sunday Routine.
	27		Admin. Salerno leave party returns.
	28		Admin.
	29		Admin. Unit Training.
	30		Admin. Unit Training. Visit by Brig. R.J.F. Tod, D.S.O.

December

PLACE	DATE	HOUR	SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION	REFERENCE TO APPENDICES
TURI	1		Administration.	Appendices F 1,2,3
	2		Administration.
	3		Sunday Routine.
	4		Unit Training. Capt. J.W.E. Bradley, M.C. Capt. J. O'Brien, M.C. Lt. J.A. Smith end Commando.
	5		Unit Training. Pay inspection by I.O.O. all weapons.
	6		Unit Training. Capt. P.J. McColl ends Commando.
	7		Unit Training. Administration.
	8		Unit Training. Administration.
	9		Unit Training. Administration.
	10		Sunday Routine.
	11		Unit Training. Administration.
	12		Unit Training. Administration.
	13		Unit Training. Administration.
	14		Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey resumed command. Unit Training. Administration. a.m. Exercise "Chesm" P Troop & I Sec	Appendix F 4
	15		Unit Training. Administration.
	16		Unit Training. Administration.
	17		Unit Training. Administration.
	18		Unit Training. Administration.
	19		Unit Training. Administration.
	20		Unit Training. Administration.
	21		Unit Training. Administration.
		1900	Commando stand by to move.
	22		Unit Training. Administration.
		1100	Visit of Formation & Brigade Commanders Brig. G.M.O.Davey, C.B.E., D.S.O., and Brig. R.F.J. Tod, D.S.O.
	23		Unit Training. Administration.
		1900	Move Order cancelled.
	24		Sunday Routine.
	25		Sunday Routine. Lt.Col.R.W.Sankey, D.S.C., R.M. moved on duty P.M.
	26		Sunday Routine. Capt. N.M.Porter in command.
	27		Unit Training. Administration. Major J.D.Wakeling, Lt. D.Copsey end 40 R.M. Commando.
	28		Unit Training. Administration.
	29		Unit Training. Administration.
	30		Unit Training. Administration.
	31		Sunday Routine.
		1000	Church Parade.

Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4 relating to the activities of the Troops on CORFU are attached.

Roll of Honour

18th January

Day, Albert Ernest
Hastings, Frank Reginald
Heryet, George William
Ockwell, Christopher Thomas
Garigliano River Crossing

19th January

Fisher, James C.
Matthews, Frederick Gordon
Garigliano River Crossing

21st January

Grey, Thomas Patrick
Mant, Frederick Henry George
Garigliano River Crossing

22nd January

Hurst, John
Klincke, Edward Sydney
Garigliano River Crossing

23rd January

Malcolm, George
Garigliano River Crossing

24th January

Ward, George
Anzio

14th February

Swan, Leslie Victor
Garigliano River Crossing

2nd March

Longland, Norman Harry

4th March

Burgess, Francis Edward Gualbert

5th March

Craig, John Henry

6th March

Bluck, John Arthur

7th March

Platt, John Henry
Tack, Ronald Edward
Towers, James
Wallace, Gordon Peter

8th March

Brown, Jack

9th March

Herman, Douglas Alfred

10th March

Cockitt, Herbert
Ganner, James Maurice

15th March

Evans, George Albert

19th March

Musgrove, Douglas James

21st March

Jackson, Thomas

28th May

Hill, Bertram Peter

3rd June

Bates, George Henry
Bone, Percy James
Cross, Leonard
Dutton, Charles Llewellyn
Gee, Donald Percy
Harvey, Leslie George
Hopper, Norman Charles
Laidlaw, Ian Douglas
Manners, James Calvert
Pickering, Alfred George
Short, Dennis Leslie Wayne Nicholas
Tarrant, Kenneth Albert
Wood, Robert Frederick
Operation Flounced

10th June

Bryce, William

11th June

Morgan, Kenneth William

30th July

Blake, Albert Henry

9th October

Bain, James Sidney
Hiles, William Jenkin
MacPherson, Michael Stuart
Pratt, George Stephen
Salt, James Valentine
St Ange, William James
op.Mercerised

10th October

Pincher, Ronald
op.Mercerised
White, Charles Henry Patrick

13th October

Fantham, Maurice

26th October

McKenna, George
Corfu - Due accident

9th November

Leonard, Thomas
Corfu - Battle accident (fractured skull)

1st December

Cope, Herbert James
Illness

22nd December

Capes, Edward Albert
Hadfield, Robert William
Died due grenade accident

24th December

Kendrick, Roy
Died due grenade accident (Lcpl E.A.Capes, Mne R.W.Hadfield & Mne R.Kendrick)

25th December

Kenney, Howard
Accidentally stabbed in abdomen. Died 98th General Hospital, Bari

Awards

22nd January

Military Cross (Bar) - Marshall, Lionel Guy Bradford

Capt Marshall was in command of two Troops who were ordered to go to Rotondo. During the night advance one Troop became separated. This officer carried on with his depleted force about two miles behind the enemy lines for 36 hours. During which time lines of communication were cut, four enemy strong posts were wiped out and important information as to the location of an ammunition dump and a tank forming up position was brought back. At one time Capt. Marshall's force was pinned to the ground by fire from tanks. The only line of withdrawal for his force was across a road into a gully. The road was covered by fire from the leading tank. Capt. Marshall himself worked his way round to the tank and armed only with a pistol jumped on to the tank and tried to attack the crew inside. This diversion was sufficient to cause the tank to withdraw, and thus leave the line of withdrawal open to Capt. Marshall's patrol. Throughout this operation Capt. Marshall displayed very great powers of leadership and initiative, and he was instrumental in that the force sustained very few casualties, although causing considerable disruption to the enemy.

Military Cross - Ecrepont, Edward William

On the 22nd Jan 44 after the crossing of the river GARIGLIANO, Capt. Ecrepont was in command of a force consisting of two troops, which had orders to seize and hold the essential feature to the NORTH of MOUNT CASTELLUCCIO. In the face of heavy opposition he gained his objective - and in spite of repeated counter attacks held the position for 36 hours until relieved. In the course of this operation 46 of the enemy were taken prisoner.

The successful capture of this most important feature was made possible by the skilful leadership and determination of Capt. Ecrepont. His complete disregard for his personal safety was a magnificent inspiration to the men under his command.

Military Cross - O'Brien, John Patrick

22/1/44 Crossing of the GARIGLIANO.

This officer showed great leadership and courage throughout a night patrol in the ROTONDO area. He personally led a small party to form a road block in a position which was covered by enemy S.A. fire. Finding the fire too intense to proceed he placed his party in a position to cover his personal advance, and he himself went forward and silenced an M.G. post with grenades. The road block was then formed and no casualties were sustained.

Three days later, Capt. O'Brien was ordered to take a patrol of 10 in order to discover if enemy forces were forming up in a dry wadi South of CASTELFORTE. The patrol encountered some "S" mines and 7 were badly wounded including himself. After seeing that the wounded were withdrawn safely he himself made his way back to Commando H.Q. to make his report. The distance he travelled was about 2 miles and after making his report he collapsed.

This officer showed great courage, disregard for personal safety and displayed extreme devotion to duty.

Military Medal - Gorman, James John

22/1/44. Crossing of the GARIGLIANO

This N.C.O. was in command of a platoon which were the only Troops on the forward slopes of the DAMIANO feature. His position was being heavily mortared and covered by intense enemy S.A. fire. As it was impossible to move his platoon without sustaining many casualties he himself took two men round to a flank under heavy fire from the enemy, where, with bren gun and two T.S.M.G.'s he forced the enemy to withdraw from their position, causing some casualties. Through his extreme courage and decisive action, he no doubt saved his platoon from further casualties.

Military Medal - Hawkins, Kenneth Scott

22/1/44 Crossing of the GARIGLIANO River.
On 22nd Jan 44, north of the River Garigliano, C.S.M. Hawkins led a small patrol consisting of himself and six men. On encountering a German patrol of greatly superior strength he outwitted, by skilful leadership, and succeeded in capturing 12 prisoners.

Later he led out a second patrol and this time returned with a further 18 prisoners. During the whole operation his courage, initiative and coolness were of the highest order and were a fine example and inspiration to the men under his command.

Military Medal - Johnson, George Albert Thomas William

22/1/44 Crossing of the GARIGLIANO River.

Whilst holding a position NORTH of the river GARIGLIANO on 22nd Jan 44 one man of Corporal Johnson's section was hit by machine gun fire and lay, in the open, badly wounded. Any attempt to reach the injured man was met with intense fire but Cpl. Johnson, completely disregarding his personal safety, went forward. Before he had completed the journey he fell severely wounded in the hip. Undeterred he continued to crawl forward until he reached the wounded man. He then moved him out of direct enemy fire, tended his wounds and remained with him until it was possible under cover of darkness for them both to be brought in.

His action undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade. His personal courage and devotion to duty was a great inspiration to all who saw him.

Military Medal - Malcolm, George

Sgt Kinnear was acting in the capacity of Troop Sergeant Major during Operation 'IMPACT' 10-13 Apr 45, and became at once an outstanding figure on the battlefield. In the area of MENATE the Commando met stiff enemy opposition on a narrow front, with the additional hazards of deeply sown minefields. Heavy toll was taken of unit personnel. During this critical period, with morale badly shaken and the success of the operation in the balance, Sgt KINNEAR emerged as a leader of the highest qualities. Tirelessly applying himself to the welfare of his men he moved freely through his section positions, succouring the wounded and exhorting tired men to renewed effort. In so doing he was repeatedly exposed to enemy SA fire, but by demonstrating complete disregard for his own safety he so stimulated the Troop that it was able to resume the attack and capture the objective.

During the many operations carried out by 40 (RM) Cdo from SICILIY to ARGENTA, Sgt Kinnear has been conspicuous by his gallantry.

During an operation on the DALMATION Island of BRAC in June 1944, he was again acting as Troop Sergeant Major. When heavy casualties had been sustained he went out alone over open ground to evacuate many of them under fire. Again in the same action he evacuated two casualties from the middle of a Schu minefield, and later returned to the summit of a hill within easy range of the enemy positions to evacuate wounded left behind in the withdrawal, although he was forced to retire by accurate sniping.

Within his troop and within the unit, Sgt KINNEAR has been a tower of strength. With always a helping hand for the weak, a word of encouragement to the faint hearted and above all, by his own shining example he has upheld the highest traditions of his Corps and of the British SNCO.

Military Medal - Patrick, Neil

22/1/44. Crossing of the GARIGLIANO.

This Corporal accompanied the patrol to ROTONDO. The force was pinned to the ground by enemy small arms fire and was also being engaged by tanks. Despite this, Cpl. Patrick worked his way forward to the road and threw a 77 grenade under an armoured car which was set on fire. He then withdrew his section into a gulley under cover. Later whilst on a night patrol "S" mines were encountered and 7 men were wounded including the officer in command. Cpl. Patrick being the only N.C.O. left, was entirely responsible for organising the evacuation of the wounded despite a German patrol passing within ten yards of him. He himself carried many of the wounded back to safety. Throughout the operation Cpl. Patrick showed extreme courage and was responsible for the saving of many lives.

op.Flounced (2nd - 4th June)

Military Cross - Beadle, Jeffrey Charles (WIA also taken as POW)

Lt Beadle, 40 RM Commando, took part in the night attack on Sat 3rd June 1944 on Hill 633, Island of Brac, Adriatic, by 40 and 43 RM Commandos. In this attack his troop captured the hill top almost by themselves, but suffered very heavy casualties. The troop leader was killed, then the 2nd in command.

Lt Beadle, the last remaining officer, took command and pressed forward until the summit was taken. Here he consolidated his position and was violently counter-attacked by the enemy. However he refused to withdraw and finally the hill was retaken by the Germans. Lt Beadle was wounded and fell into the enemy's hands. There is no doubt that but for this young officer's gallant leadership the hill top would probably never have been taken, and but for his stubborn defence and truculent fighting spirit its recapture by a numerically much superior enemy was greatly delayed.

Military Cross - Wakeling, James Dennis

3/4 June 1944 BRAC.
This Officer was the Troop Commander of the leading Troop in the assault on Pt. 622. During a long approach to the objective under continual fire he kept his Troop well under control and never ceased to encourage them on. He formed his Troop up in most difficult circumstances and pressed home his attack through wire and mines under particularly heavy fire. His Troop successfully reached their objective killing numbers of the enemy and taking prisoners. He then reorganised his Troop under heavy mortar fire and beat off a counter attack. Only when he found himself surrounded by Germans, out of touch with Headquarters, and running short of ammunition did he order his Troop to withdraw. This he succeeded in doing with remarkably small losses. His example and high standard of leadership were largely responsible for the success of his T....

Military Medal - Kinnear, Ernest Athur

Sgt Kinnear was acting in the capacity of Troop Sergeant Major during Operation 'IMPACT' 10-13 Apr 45, and became at once an outstanding figure on the battlefield. In the area of MENATE the Commando met stiff enemy opposition on a narrow front, with the additional hazards of deeply sown minefields. Heavy toll was taken of unit personnel. During this critical period, with morale badly shaken and the success of the operation in the balance, Sgt KINNEAR emerged as a leader of the highest qualities. Tirelessly applying himself to the welfare of his men he moved freely through his section positions, succouring the wounded and exhorting tired men to renewed effort. In so doing he was repeatedly exposed to enemy SA fire, but by demonstrating complete disregard for his own safety he so stimulated the Troop that it was able to resume the attack and capture the objective.

During the many operations carried out by 40 (RM) Cdo from SICILIY to ARGENTA, Sgt Kinnear has been conspicuous by his gallantry.

During an operation on the DALMATION Island of BRAC in June 1944, he was again acting as Troop Sergeant Major. When heavy casualties had been sustained he went out alone over open ground to evacuate many of them under fire. Again in the same action he evacuated two casualties from the middle of a Schu minefield, and later returned to the summit of a hill within easy range of the enemy positions to evacuate wounded left behind in the withdrawal, although he was forced to retire by accurate sniping.

Within his troop and within the unit, Sgt KINNEAR has been a tower of strength. With always a helping hand for the weak, a word of encouragement to the faint hearted and above all, by his own shining example he has upheld the highest traditions of his Corps and of the British SNCO.

24th September to 17th October

Distinguished Service Order - Sankey, Robert Woodall

Capture of SARANDE, 24 Sep to 17 Oct 44

Lt-Col SANKEY commands 40(RM) Commando. He took this unit over 3 months ago when his predecessor had been killed in action and a number of casualties had occurred in an unsuccessful night attack in the Dalmatian Islands. The morale of the Cdo was below standard and Lt-Col SANKEY's task was to restore discipline and confidence. On 24 Sep Lt-Col SANKEY landed with his Commando in Albania as a component of 'HOUNDFORCE' which had orders to attack and capture the port of SARANDE. Owing to torrential rain which fell almost incessantly for a fortnight, and lack of adequate shelter and means of distributing rations, the hardships endured by the men were considerable. During the whole of this period, however, Lt-Col SANKEY, by his initiative and energy, not only kept the enemy closely under observation, establishing undetected positions within 300 yds of the enemy front line, but also called for, and obtained, superhuman efforts on the part of the troops themselves, so that his forward troops in the front line positions and on a mountain 2,000 ft high, could be rationed and supplied. After nearly three weeks it was possible to initiate the attack on SARANDE and 40 Commando were assigned the task of capturing the heavily wired and mined strongpoints flanking the town as well as the direct attack on the town itself from the WEST. The route up which the Commando was to advance passed through 3 minefields and 4 barbed wire fences, The attack commenced at 04.00 hrs on 9 Oct and by dawn the strongpoint had been captured: but the Commando was held up on the WEST outskirts of the town by MG fire from the windows and doors of houses in SARANDE, and from the hillside above the town. Between 0900 and 1500 hrs Lt-Col SANKEY made numerous visits to exposed positions in the forefront of the battle to ascertain exactly, the location of the enemy defences and to initiate a series of local attacks designed to overcome the various points of resistance in the enemy's system of defences, leading at least three of these himself. At the same time he skilfully utilised the fire of the troop of 75mm guns and the 4.2" mortars which were under his command, to assist his troops to get forward. Although 2 of the troop leaders had been killed and a third gravely wounded Lt-Col SANKEY inspired his whole Commando with a determination to close with and defeat the enemy and in the final assault on the town at1945 hrs Lt-Col SANKEY himself led his unit forward. The town was captured three-quarters of an hour later and the German garrison commander surrendered to Lt Col SANKEY. During the whole period of the battle the Colonel showed complete disregard for personal safety while displaying leadership and determination of the highest order: and the fighting qualities which his unit displayed after the severe conditions of the first three weeks were entirely due to his personal inspiration and energy.

Seizure of Island of Solta

Military Cross - Angus, David Charles
Military Medal - Palmer, Ernest Edward

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