3 Commando War Diaries

I am new to the forum, so hello.

Please could anyone tell me if individual Troop war diaries exist for 3 Commando?

Many thanks in advance

Guy

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 27/05/2012 00:20:14

Hi Guy,
Welcome to the CVA.
I'm afraid the short answer to your question is: No, there are no War Diaries for specific Troops within No3 Cdo.

You do not say what information you are after, but if you are trying to indentify which Troop a relative was in then I'd have to advise you that individuals moved from Troop to Troop within a Commando - especially on promotion etc.
Generally, there will be references to individual Troops and there should be a few patrol reports from various Troops in the War Diaries.
There may also be Field Returns of Officers (nominal rolls of Officers), but few very references to individual ORs (Other Ranks)

Here is a list of reference numbers for No3 Cdo War Diaries - there may be others covering specific raids and operations.

DEFE2/38
DEFE2/39
DEFE2/58

WO 361/517 No3 Cdo missing personnel, NWE
WO 361/968 No3 Cdo missing personnel, Sicily

WO 218/3 No3 Cdo
WO 218/23 No3 Cdo
WO 218/34 No3 Cdo
WO 218/51 No3 Cdo
WO 218/65 No3 Cdo
WO 218/78 No3 Cdo REME
WO 218/83 No3 Cdo

A search in the National Archives Catalogue will give you a little more specific info (dates covered) - just enter the DEFE or WO reference (in bold) in the relevant search box. (eg WO 218/23 - covers 1941 Jan.- Mar., Sept.- Dec.).

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/search.asp

hope this is useful?

Nick

Nick,

Many thanks for the helpful reply.

Guy

Hi Guy,

No problem, but that's only a list of reference numbers - are you looking for someone or something in particular?
We're here to help if we can but, if you'd rather not post your query on the forum, you can always PM or email me if you'd prefer

Nick