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View the No 2 Commando Archive

View the No 2 Commando Roll of Honour

View No.2 Cdo. casualties at Salerno

View POW photos with some from No.2 Cdo after St Nazaire

Special thanks for many of the photos of officers (from her family album) must go to Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE who was married to Captain Richard Broome of No.2 Commando 5 troop who was killed in action at Salerno. Her brother Lieutenant Joseph Houghton MC of No.2 Commando was executed by the Germans after Operation Musketoon. After the war she married Dr.John Roderick MC who was a Lieutenant in No.2 and taken POW at St. Nazaire. Mrs. Roderick was awarded the MBE for all her dedication and hard work for the Commandos Benevolent Fund over many years.

All photos subject of copyright © 2010 CVA. Contact the CVA for further details]]> en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:47:50 +0100 120 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/d/224-47/2.jpg https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/ https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/LSgt_John_Gallagher_18/John_Gallagher_2Cdo_with_grandson.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/LSgt_John_Gallagher_18/John_Gallagher_2Cdo_with_grandson.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of his son and namesake John Gallagher].

King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Service Number 3768318.
P.O.W. number: 18741
P.O.W. camps: Front Stalag (Lazarette) 133, nr. Rennes, France; Stalag VIII-B (8B)(Stalag 344), Lamsdorf Poland; Stalag 357 (Thorn, Poland, relocated to Oerbke, nr. Fallingbostel, Germany)

John Gallagher from Liverpool enlisted into the 2nd Bn. King's Regiment (Liverpool) on 16 June 1931. In WWII he volunteered for special service and was attached to No.2 Commando. Lance Sergeant Gallagher, No.2 Commando 4 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on motor launch ML 306 for the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner of war. Treated initially at Rennes before being relocated to Stalag VIIIB and later Stalag 357. In May 1945 his home address was 5C St Andrews Gardens, Liverpool.

John Gallagher
b. 11.04.1914 Liverpool.
d. 20.09.1997 Liverpool.

Note: Not to be confused with LCpl. John Gallagher (No.2 Cdo) from Greasby, Cheshire.
In album LSgt. John Gallagher, No.2 Commando 4 Troop. PoW St Nazaire]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Thu, 28 May 2026 19:58:44 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/LSgt_John_Gallagher_18/John_Gallagher_18_2_Cdo.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/LSgt_John_Gallagher_18/John_Gallagher_18_2_Cdo.jpg.html
[Photo circa 1949 courtesy of his son and namesake John Gallagher].

King's Regiment (Liverpool)
Service Number 3768318.
P.O.W. number: 18741
P.O.W. camps: Front Stalag (Lazarette) 133, nr. Rennes, France; Stalag VIII-B (8B)(Stalag 344), Lamsdorf Poland; Stalag 357 (Thorn, Poland, relocated to Oerbke, nr. Fallingbostel, Germany)

John Gallagher from Liverpool enlisted into the 2nd Bn. King's Regiment (Liverpool) on 16 June 1931. In WWII he volunteered for special service and was attached to No.2 Commando. Lance Sergeant Gallagher, No.2 Commando 4 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on motor launch ML 306 for the raid at St Nazaire on 28 March 1942. Wounded and taken prisoner of war. Treated initially at Rennes before being relocated to Stalag VIIIB and later Stalag 357. In May 1945 his home address was 5C St Andrews Gardens, Liverpool.

John Gallagher
b. 11.04.1914 Liverpool.
d. 20.09.1997 Liverpool.

Note: Not to be confused with LCpl. John Gallagher (No.2 Cdo) from Greasby, Cheshire.
In album LSgt. John Gallagher, No.2 Commando 4 Troop. PoW St Nazaire]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Thu, 28 May 2026 20:01:38 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/John_Cudby_2_Cdo.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/John_Cudby_2_Cdo.png.html
Fusilier John Cudby, No.2 Commando 6 Troop, was reported missing 28 March 1942 after Operation Chariot at St Nazaire, later found to be a prisoner of war. He had embarked on ML177 for the raid. Post war member of the Commando Association from Workington.

Regiment/Corps: Royal Fusiliers.
Service: Army.
Service no: 6468006.
P.O.W. no: 18570.
P.O.W. camps:
Front Stalag (Lazarette) 133, nr. Rennes;
Stalag VIII-B (8B)(Stalag 344), Lamsdorf Poland.

John Cudby
b. 09.06.1917 Cockermouth, Cumbria.
d. 05.06.2004 Whitehaven, Cumbria.
In album No.2 Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:02:24 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/2+Cdo+vets/Justice_2Cdo_CA_Meeting.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/2+Cdo+vets/Justice_2Cdo_CA_Meeting.jpg.html
[Photo from the collection of Pte Len Justice No.2 Commando courtesy of his son David Justice].

Top row: 1. Possibly Tom Heard; 2. Stan Buckmaster;

Partially hidden row below top row includes Jack Barlow MBE, BEM, as well as Ken Cook, Joe Rogers MM, and Charles Priest.

Next row down: 1-4. nk; 5. Lt Col Jack Churchill DSO* MC;

Bottom row: 1. 'Tiny' Burke BEM; 2. Len Justice; 3. nk; 4. Zvi Swet; 5-8. nk; 9. Harry Richman.
In album Numerous photos of No.2 Commando Veterans]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:05:55 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Davies58/W_L_Davies_2Cdo.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Davies58/W_L_Davies_2Cdo.png.html
[Photo courtesy of his granddaughter Karen Garth].

Walter Leslie Davies served in the 5th King's Own Royal Regiment, T.A. from May 1934 to May 1938. By 1939 he had joined the Police and was at Stanley Grange Police Training School, Preston. Constable Davies, collar number 1705, aged 25 and married to Winifred, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942. Served in No.2 Commando 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ until November 1944. He then joined the Corps of Military Police and was posted to 68 Special Investigation Section (Branch) until discharged in 1946 with rank of Sergeant.
Active service included Sicily, Adriatic Isles, Italy, and Greece. Suffered from bouts of Malaria and Sandfly during his service. Re-joined the Police after the war. Recipient of the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Testimonial on discharge from C.M.P.
Conduct: Exemplary. An excellent type, honest, clean, of sober habits, thoroughly reliable and trustworthy. Has an abundance of self confidence and initiative. Has carried all duties allotted to him efficiently and well. I thoroughly recommend this N.C.O.
Commando timeline
23.07.1942 enlisted General Service Corps and taken on strength Commando Depot, Achnacarry (2nd Police Intake).
14.09.1942 transferred General Service Corps to Lancashire Fusiliers. Army no. 14241658.
24.09.1942 posted No.2 Commando. Served in 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ.
13.04.1943 embarked with No.2 Commando for overseas service.
18.06.1944 appointed Lance Corporal.
22.11.1944 reverts rank (own request) and transfers to the Corps of Military Police.

Walter Leslie Davies
b. 22.04.1917 Preston, Lancashire
d. 17.03.1983 Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
In album LCpl Walter Leslie Davies, No.2 Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:27:24 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Davies58/Walter_Leslie_Davies_2_Cdo.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Davies58/Walter_Leslie_Davies_2_Cdo.png.html
[Photo courtesy of his granddaughter Karen Garth].

Walter Leslie Davies served in the 5th King's Own Royal Regiment, T.A. from May 1934 to May 1938. By 1939 he had joined the Police and was at Stanley Grange Police Training School, Preston. Constable Davies, collar number 1705, aged 25 and married to Winifred, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942. Served in No.2 Commando 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ until November 1944. He then joined the Corps of Military Police and was posted to 68 Special Investigation Section (Branch) until discharged in 1946 with rank of Sergeant.
Active service included Sicily, Adriatic Isles, Italy, and Greece. Suffered from bouts of Malaria and Sandfly during his service. Re-joined the Police after the war. Recipient of the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Testimonial on discharge from C.M.P.
Conduct: Exemplary. An excellent type, honest, clean, of sober habits, thoroughly reliable and trustworthy. Has an abundance of self confidence and initiative. Has carried all duties allotted to him efficiently and well. I thoroughly recommend this N.C.O.
Commando timeline
23.07.1942 enlisted General Service Corps and taken on strength Commando Depot, Achnacarry (2nd Police Intake).
14.09.1942 transferred General Service Corps to Lancashire Fusiliers. Army no. 14241658.
24.09.1942 posted No.2 Commando. Served in 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ.
13.04.1943 embarked with No.2 Commando for overseas service.
18.06.1944 appointed Lance Corporal.
22.11.1944 reverts rank (own request) and transfers to the Corps of Military Police.

Walter Leslie Davies
b. 22.04.1917 Preston, Lancashire
d. 17.03.1983 Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
In album LCpl Walter Leslie Davies, No.2 Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:21:23 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Davies58/Davies_walter_leslie_later_2cdo.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Davies58/Davies_walter_leslie_later_2cdo.png.html
[Photo courtesy of his granddaughter Karen Garth].

Walter Leslie Davies served in the 5th King's Own Royal Regiment, T.A. from May 1934 to May 1938. By 1939 he had joined the Police and was at Stanley Grange Police Training School, Preston. Constable Davies, collar number 1705, aged 25 and married to Winifred, volunteered for the Commandos in 1942. Served in No.2 Commando 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ until November 1944. He then joined the Corps of Military Police and was posted to 68 Special Investigation Section (Branch) until discharged in 1946 with rank of Sergeant.
Active service included Sicily, Adriatic Isles, Italy, and Greece. Suffered from bouts of Malaria and Sandfly during his service. Re-joined the Police after the war. Recipient of the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Testimonial on discharge from C.M.P.
Conduct: Exemplary. An excellent type, honest, clean, of sober habits, thoroughly reliable and trustworthy. Has an abundance of self confidence and initiative. Has carried all duties allotted to him efficiently and well. I thoroughly recommend this N.C.O.
Commando timeline
23.07.1942 enlisted General Service Corps and taken on strength Commando Depot, Achnacarry (2nd Police Intake).
14.09.1942 transferred General Service Corps to Lancashire Fusiliers. Army no. 14241658.
24.09.1942 posted No.2 Commando. Served in 5 Troop and later No.2 Commando HQ.
13.04.1943 embarked with No.2 Commando for overseas service.
18.06.1944 appointed Lance Corporal.
22.11.1944 reverts rank (own request) and transfers to the Corps of Military Police.

Walter Leslie Davies
b. 22.04.1917 Preston, Lancashire
d. 17.03.1983 Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
In album LCpl Walter Leslie Davies, No.2 Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:27:37 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/jake_2_commando_ayr.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/jake_2_commando_ayr.png.html
[Photo courtesy of Lianne Hackett].

This No.2 Commando, only known by his first name Jake, was billeted with Lianne's mother and widowed grandmother at their home at Tigh An Alt, Holmston Road, Ayr, whilst No.2 Commando were based in Ayr before deployment overseas.
In album No.2 Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:31:35 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Alex_2_commando_feb_43.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/Alex_2_commando_feb_43.png.html
[Photo courtesy of Lianne Hackett].

This No.2 Commando, only known by his first name Alex, was billeted with Lianne's mother and widowed grandmother at their home at Tigh An Alt, Holmston Road, Ayr, whilst No.2 Commando were based in Ayr before deployment overseas.
In album No.2 Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:19:11 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/robert_h_mason_2_commando.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/2/robert_h_mason_2_commando.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of his grandson Sean Mason].

Known as: Bob, Taffy
Regiment: Monmouthshire Regiment and Royal Artillery
Army no.: 4076471
Born: 28.06.1915.
Died: 1993
Age: 78

Medals: 1939/45 Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal; War Medal.
Also served in No.4 Commando.
21.01.1935 - 22.06.1937 Monmouthshire Regiment T.A.
12.04.1938 re-enlisted Monmouthshire Regiment T.A., later posted Royal Artillery.
Details of commando service timeline not known.
23.08.1946 Released to the Army Reserve (Territorial).
Post war member of the Commando Association resided Caerphilly.

Sources: WW2 Medal Cards Index; Commando Association newsletter 87 (1988); Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 98 (1994).
In album No.2 Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:07:34 +0000