45 COMMANDO
After reforming and retitling, the unit transitioned to the Commando role as a formed unit, by-passing the individual volunteer and selection process undertaken by Army Commando candidates. Personnel undertook, and completed, the Commando Basic Training Course at Achnacarry, Scotland. As part of the 1st Special Service Brigade, the Commando participated in Operation Overlord (the D-Day Normandy landings), before going on to move through Europe into Germany, including Brachterbeek on 23 January 1945. During the Ardennes Offensive, the retitled 1st Commando Brigade was given the task of holding a stretch of the River Meuse; it was during this period of operations that Lance Corporal H. Harden, a medical orderly of the RAMC attached to 45 (RM) Commando, won the Victoria Cross.
SURNAME
Rushforth
FORENAME
John Nicholson
UNIT
45 Commando
RANK
Major
NUMBER
AWARD
Military Cross
PLACE
Normandy 1944
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 11.3.1919
died 24.3.2004
London Gazette 36676, 25th August 1944, Page 4008
SURNAME
Noakes
FORENAME
William James
UNIT
45 Commando
RANK
Sergeant
NUMBER
EX/977
AWARD
Military Medal
PLACE
N.W.Europe 1944-45
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
resided 15 Houston Road,Forest Hill,London
SURNAME
Neaves
FORENAME
Alexander Wood
UNIT
45 Commando
RANK
Lieutenant (A/Captain)
NUMBER
AWARD
Croix de Guerre with vermilion star (Fr)
PLACE
N.W.Europe 1944-45
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SURNAMEKennen FORENAMEHarry (the Rev.) UNIT45 and 46 Commandos RANKChaplain R.N.V.R. NUMBER AWARDDistinguished Service Cross PLACENormandy 1944 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SURNAMEHaw FORENAMEReginald (the Rev.) UNIT47 and 45 Commandos RANKChaplain R.N.V.R. NUMBER AWARDDistinguished Service Cross PLACEN.W.Europe 1944-45 ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONB.A.
SURNAME
Green
FORENAME
Norman
UNIT
45 Commando
RANK
Marine
NUMBER
PLY/X 106617
AWARD
Military Medal
PLACE
Normandy 1944
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
London Gazette 36676, 25th August 1944, Page 4008
SURNAMEGray FORENAMEWilliam Nichol UNIT45 Commando (2-in-command + Commanding Officer) RANKMajor + Lieutenant Colonel NUMBER AWARDDistinguished Service Order and bar PLACENormandy 1944 Germany 1945 ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONbrother of Lt-Colonel Thomas Malcolm Gray,41 and 46 Commandos
SURNAMEde Courcy-Ireland FORENAMEB.W. UNIT45 Commando and 30 Assault Unit RANKMajor NUMBER AWARDDistinguished Service Cross PLACEN.W.Europe 1944-45 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SURNAMEDay FORENAMEJohn E. UNIT45 Commando (Adjutant + A Troop) RANKCaptain NUMBER AWARDCroix de Guerre (Fr) PLACEN.W.Europe 1944-45 ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONWIA 12.6.1944 Normandy