John (Jack) Mayle, No1 Special Service Detachment British Military Mission 204 to China

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 24/01/2010 15:25:16

Dear All,

I am looking for any information on my grandfather John (known as Jack) Mayle who served with 8 Commando and No1 Special Service Detachment or anyone who served with him or is shown in the photos below (kindly sent to me by Jock McNeil)

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/WW2/Burma/Mission+204/

Any information would be much appreciated,

Chris Mayle

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 25/01/2010 00:44:47

Hi Chris

I moved your excellent photos into their own sub album within the Burma and South East Asia Campaign album which is now on Page 1 of the World War 2 photos. As such the links above will not work so I have replaced them with this new link to the album:
http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/WW2/Burma/Mission+204/

Mission 204 has been the subject of past forum discussions and is mentioned on these forum messages:

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/1309.page

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/280.page

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/662.page

Very interesting photos you have there Chris with a lot of the slouch hats sporting what appears to be the ME Commandos hat badge.

With regard British Military Mission 204, there seems to be a little discussion about it's formation.
As far as I understood, when Layforce was disbanded in 1941, the Commandos had some choice on their future. As all Army Commandos were volunteers from their original regiments they could return to them if they were in the region. Alternatively, they could apply to be transferred to another active Commando, or, apply for (or be headhunted by) another specialist force which could use their talents. A number of No8, for instance, moved with David Stirling who'd had his proposal for a new desert raiding force approved and so founded the SAS. A number of No8 went to make up the numbers with No3 Cdo.

I had read that it was the remnants of No7 Cdo that were assigned to an operation, secret for many years, named ?Mission 204?.
Obviously, from your knowledge, it seems that Mission 204 was made up of commandos from a few other Commando Units too - which included some Australian Commandos too (Tulip Force).

Fascinating stuff - keep us posted with any updates.
Nick

I have also now uploaded to the same album the 2 letters and the picture found on one of the above forum messages kindly posted by Kevin O'Marah. In the interest of privacy the private addresses and telephone numbers on the letters are not displayed

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 23/01/2010 22:18:12

Chris,

I can't recommend this book as I haven't read it but thought it may be of interest to you

Escape to Fight on: With 204 Military Mission in China
by John Whitehead (Author), George B. Bennett (Author)

Nick

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 18/02/2010 21:40:07

This is general info that I have found of four No8 Cdos but because of the Cdo Unit, date and area of Operation (Burma) these guys must have been involved with 142 Cdo Coy and/or British Military Mission 204 - especially as one a has been annotated as 'trg-wing' (training wing).

Pte J. Miller, kia 14 June 42, BURMA No8
Pte T. Morgan, kia 30 June 42, BURMA trg.wing [No8]
C/Sgt Major A. Richardson, kia 09July 42, BURMA No8
Tpr L.R. Scanes, kia 19 June 42, BURMA No8

Nick

Hi Chris,

I have been trying to trace the children of Major English, who headed 204 Mission, to see if his memoirs were committed to print, without great success it must be said.

I have a copy of the 142 Commando Company war diary - my interest is in Lt A V Earle, who was a South Lancs officer, a trainer at 142, and then a Chindit.

If I have any more success I will let you know.

Regards

Pete

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 23/09/2014 22:22:02

On a recent visit to Arran, the isle of Arran Heritage Centre had a photocopy of the image with the names shown on the reverse. I have included both alongside Chris's image in the gallery.

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/WW2/Burma/Mission+204/

The rear of the photocopy with the names on has the Regiment or unit of each member and also a little about the formation of 204

Chris can you contact me direct by email or pm regarding this

Regards

Pete Rogers

Just to remind others there is bit more information on Mission 204 on this forum message:

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/1743.page

I'd like to thank you guys for this thread and the photos. I became very interested in Mission 204, as my Grandfather, Douglas Harold Ackland, was a Commando on this mission. I have recently read Lost Legion - Mission 204 and the Reluctant Dragon, by Bill Noonan, and indeed recall Bill visiting my grandfather to record his stories on a few occassions when I was a small boy.

I am very glad that these men are not forgotten.

Hi Blake

Welcome to the CVA and thanks for the comments. I would be interested to know a bit more about your grandfather's service with the Commandos and his time in Mission 204. If you have any photos or documents that you would like to share and have placed in our galleries please contact me on my email address below and I will assist you in doing so

Regards

Pete R.