https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/
Additional photos of WW2 RM Commandos are in the Nos 1 and 4 Special Service Brigade Galleries [View Here]

nb. Unlike today, in WW2 not all Royal Marines were Commandos. Therefore photos must be of individuals whose Commando service has been established, or in the case of troop or group photos, where the image is clearly of commandos rather than RM Battalion images. Exceptions to this are at the discretion of the site administrators.

Add new photos or place a comment against a photo. [View Here].

All photos subject of copyright © 2010 CVA. Contact the CVA for further details]]> en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:50:43 +0100 120 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/d/397-35/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units.jpg https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/ https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Royston_Wild_46RM.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Royston_Wild_46RM.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of his daughter Lynda Wild].

CH/X114493 Marine Royston Wild 46RM Commando.
Royston Wild enlisted into the Royal Marines on 4 May 1943 aged 18. There followed postings at the RM Depot, Lympstone, the RM Infantry Training Centre, the RM Holding Company, and 22 Training Bn., before being attached to the Holding Operational Commando and posted to the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry from 11 April 1944 to 19 May 1944.
Wounded twice in action. 20 August 1944, near Dozoule, Normandy, High Explosive shrapnel wounds, evacuated to hospital later rejoining 46RM Commando; and 18 April 1945, near Winsen, Germany, gunshot wounds, evacuated by air from 86 British General Hospital to the UK. Transferred to the Worcester Royal Infirmary and then to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Salop. Nominally transferred to Chatham Division whilst in hospital. Medically discharged 21 November 1947.

Royston Wild
b. 12.01.1925 Eccles, Lancashire.
d. 02.06.1971 Branahuie Loch, Lewis.
In album 46 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 29 May 2026 15:57:48 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Harry_Minchin_46RM_150.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Harry_Minchin_46RM_150.png.html
[Photo courtesy of his son Robin Minchin].

From the Navy Lists, 46RM Cdo War Diary. and the Story of 46RM Cdo (Johnson RM)
18.02.1941 - appointed 2nd Lieut.
18.08.1941 - appointed Lieut
Feb 1942 - Signal Officer 9th Bn. RM.
Apr. 1942 - 103 RM Brigade.
Oct. 1942 - 102 RM Brigade.
Apr. 1943 - 102 RM Brigade.
Aug. 1943 - appointed Act. Temp. Capt. and Signal Officer 46RM Commando.
11.06.1944 - 46RM Commando, 'Y' Troop, wounded at Rots, Normandy.
Oct. 1944 - RM Holding Commando.
In album 46 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Fri, 22 May 2026 12:04:02 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/42/Vale/G_E_Vale_RM_cdo__cert.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/42/Vale/G_E_Vale_RM_cdo__cert.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of his grandson Scott McArthur].

George Ellis Vale served in the Commandos from August 1943 to November 1945. He joined the Royal Marines at Deal on 16 August 1939 and after initial training was posted to the RM Brigade. His commando service commenced on 1 August 1943. Lance Corporal Vale was seriously wounded with multiple gun shot wounds on 12 January 1945 in Burma, this date being that of 3 Commando Brigades' assault on Myebon. 42RM Commando had some casualties in the Landing Craft and on the beach.
George (CH/X3182) and his brother Wilfred (CH/X3183) joined the Royal Marines together. Wilfred served in the East Indies with the British Pacific Fleet rather than the Commandos.
Timeline
16.08.1939 - enlisted for long service (12 years) Depot, RM Deal.
20.02.1940 - posted Chatham Division.
08.05.1940 - posted RM Brigade
01.08.1943 - posted RM Commandos.
11.09.1943 - attended No.1 Snipers Refresher Course, RM Small Arms School, Gosport.
27.03.1944 - appointed Temporary Lance Corporal, RM Commandos.
12.01.1945 - seriously wounded in action.
01.02.1945 - appointed Temporary Corporal.
09.11.1945 - posted Chatham Division.
15.12.1945 - Chatham Division, end of war leave (28 days).
16.10.1946 - medically discharged due to war injuries.

George Ellis Vale
b. 14.03.1920 Swansea
d. 01.11.1997 Paisley.
In album Cpl. George Ellis Vale, 42RM Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:41:38 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/42/Vale/George_Ellis_Vale_42RM.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/42/Vale/George_Ellis_Vale_42RM.png.html
[Photo courtesy of his grandson Scott McArthur].

George Ellis Vale served in the Commandos from August 1943 to November 1945. He joined the Royal Marines at Deal on 16 August 1939 and after initial training was posted to the RM Brigade. His commando service commenced on 1 August 1943. Lance Corporal Vale was seriously wounded with multiple gun shot wounds on 12 January 1945 in Burma, this date being that of 3 Commando Brigades' assault on Myebon. 42RM Commando had some casualties in the Landing Craft and on the beach.
George (CH/X3182) and his brother Wilfred (CH/X3183) joined the Royal Marines together. Wilfred served in the East Indies with the British Pacific Fleet rather than the Commandos.
Timeline
16.08.1939 - enlisted for long service (12 years) Depot, RM Deal.
20.02.1940 - posted Chatham Division.
08.05.1940 - posted RM Brigade
01.08.1943 - posted RM Commandos.
11.09.1943 - attended No.1 Snipers Refresher Course, RM Small Arms School, Gosport.
27.03.1944 - appointed Temporary Lance Corporal, RM Commandos.
12.01.1945 - seriously wounded in action.
01.02.1945 - appointed Temporary Corporal.
09.11.1945 - posted Chatham Division.
15.12.1945 - Chatham Division, end of war leave (28 days).
16.10.1946 - medically discharged due to war injuries.

George Ellis Vale
b. 14.03.1920 Swansea
d. 01.11.1997 Paisley.
In album Cpl. George Ellis Vale, 42RM Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:42:45 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Christopher_Stancombe/Christopher_Stancombe_46RM.jpeg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Christopher_Stancombe/Christopher_Stancombe_46RM.jpeg.html
[Photo courtesy of his son Colin Stancombe].

Record being updated. More to follow.
In album TSM Christopher Stancombe, 46RM Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:25:34 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Stancombe_46RM_marriage.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Stancombe_46RM_marriage.png.html
[Photo courtesy of his son Colin Stancombe].

Christopher Stancombe enlisted as a boy on 22 June 1926 aged 14. After the formation of 46RM Commando in August 1943 he became Troop Sergeant Major of 'B' Troop. Captured on 11 June 1944 during operations at Rots, France, but managed to escape for 4 hours before being recaptured on 12 June 1944. He also escaped from camp on 10 April 1945 before being returned to camp on the 19th.
RM Registry/Service Number: CH/X271
P.O.W. number: 80677
P.O.W. camps: Dulag 194, Nancy, France; Stalag XII-A (12A), Limburg Germany; Marlag and Milag Nord, Westertimke, Germany.
In album 46 Royal Marine Commando, Royal Marines]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:57:40 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Letham_001/John_Jock_Letham.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Letham_001/John_Jock_Letham.jpg.html
[Photo credit: The Family of Jock Letham including his son John and his daughter Jean].
In album Mne. John 'Jock' Letham, 46RM Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:28:50 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Letham_001/Jock_Letham_46RM.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Letham_001/Jock_Letham_46RM.jpg.html
[Credit: The Family of Jock Letham including his son John and his daughter Jean.].

CH/X110283 Marine John 'Jock' Letham served in 46RM Commando 'A' Troop in WWII. He was a professional goalkeeper who played for Hereford United F.C. Jock had five children.

Extract from Bulls News, Pedigree Hereford FC website, 26 October 2011.
The late Ron Parrott, formerly Hereford United historian, recalled "Young Jock signed for United from Dartford in 1949/50 and spent three seasons at Edgar Street. During the first season he was in contention for the keeper’s jersey with Percy Lovett. Both were exceptional custodians and reliable performers and there was little to choose between them. Jock made exactly 100 appearances for the club".

John 'Jock' Letham
b. 06.01.1924 Coatbridge, Scotland.
d. 22.10.2011 Romford, Essex.

Additional sources
Nominal Roll in The Story of 46 Commando, Royal Marines, by Captain P.K.W. Johnson, RM".
List of RM Commandos from RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
In album Mne. John 'Jock' Letham, 46RM Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:27:26 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Letham_001/Jock_Letham_46RM_and_Tommy_Best.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Letham_001/Jock_Letham_46RM_and_Tommy_Best.jpg.html
[Credits: Bulls News: Hereford Pedigree FC website and the late Ron Parrott their historian].

CH/X110283 Marine John 'Jock' Letham served in 46RM Commando 'A' Troop in WWII. He was a professional goalkeeper who played for Hereford United F.C. Jock had five children and is pictured here on a return visit to Edgar Street in 2009 where Ron Parrott, the club historian, reunited him with former teammate Tommy Best.

Extract from Bulls News, Pedigree Hereford FC website, 26 October 2011.
The late Ron Parrott, formerly Hereford United historian, recalled "Young Jock signed for United from Dartford in 1949/50 and spent three seasons at Edgar Street. During the first season he was in contention for the keeper’s jersey with Percy Lovett. Both were exceptional custodians and reliable performers and there was little to choose between them. Jock made exactly 100 appearances for the club".

John 'Jock' Letham
b. 06.01.1924 Coatbridge, Scotland.
d. 22.10.2011 Romford, Essex.

Additional sources
Nominal Roll in The Story of 46 Commando, Royal Marines, by Captain P.K.W. Johnson, RM".
List of RM Commandos from RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
The Family of Jock Letham including his son John and his daughter Jean.
In album Mne. John 'Jock' Letham, 46RM Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Sat, 14 Feb 2026 11:38:24 +0000 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Letham_001/Letham_46RM_380.png.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/46/Letham_001/Letham_46RM_380.png.html
[Photo cropped from a Troop image in Commando Veterans Archive Gallery].

CH/X110283 Marine Letham, 'A' Troop of 46RM Commando, was a professional goalkeeper who played 100 matches for Hereford United. He had five children.
Extract from Bulls News, Pedigree Hereford FC website, 26 October 2011.
The late Ron Parrott, formerly Hereford United historian, recalled "Young Jock signed for United from Dartford in 1949/50 and spent three seasons at Edgar Street. During the first season he was in contention for the keeper’s jersey with Percy Lovett. Both were exceptional custodians and reliable performers and there was little to choose between them. Jock made exactly 100 appearances for the club".

John 'Jock' Letham
b. 06.01.1924 Coatbridge, Scotland.
d. 22.10.2011 Romford, Essex.

Sources
Nominal Roll in The Story of 46 Commando, Royal Marines, by Captain P.K.W. Johnson, RM".
List of RM Commandos from RY (former CA Sec and CBF).
The Family of Jock Letham including his son John and his daughter Jean.
Bulls News Hereford Pedigree FC website and their late historian Ron Parrott.
In album Mne. John 'Jock' Letham, 46RM Commando]]> Pete Rogers (Admin) photo Sat, 14 Feb 2026 11:24:54 +0000