MNE L CAMPBELL PO/X114064

My Father was MNE L CAMPBELL PO/X114064[/u] (this is all the info I have on him.)
Hi all, my name is Ken Campbell I served 9 years in the Royal Engineers (Sorry) and I'm a Falklands War Vet.
I'm looking for infomation on my Fathers service record, any help would be Fantastic.
Thank you

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Hi Ken,

Welcome to the CVA Website & forums.

First of all The Commando Veterans Association was formed to ensure that the unique spirit, tradition and camaraderie of the Commandos does not fade but is kept alive, for present and future generations.

The CVA is not a regimental association, but an association, run by a few volunteers, for those elite few who wear the Green Beret, their families and friends...
This said, I have to point out that, although we are a highly respected and knowledgable organization, we do not hold official lists or documents (other than those that we have found through research or that have been kindly sent in to us).

So, the bad news is that we will have no 'official' record of your father, although there is a possibility that he may appear on a photo in the Gallery.

The second bit of bad news is that up to 1942, there were no RM Commandos!
The Royal Marines can trace their origins back to 1664 but not in a Commando Role - they had Infantry, Artillery, Engineers etc. but they were all Royal Marines.
In 1942, Churchill decided that the RMs were not being used to their full potential and from then it was decided to train & convert nine RM Infantry battalions to become RM Commandos to serve alongside the Army Commandos (who had been formed in 1940).
With the introduction of berets into HM Armed Forces, those RM who didn't train & become RM Cdos wore the Navy Blue beret (with scarlet tombstone behind their Globe & Laurel cap badge) whilst the Army Cdos & RM Cdos were issued Green Berets.

After the War, it was decreed that the Army Commandos would be disbanded and the Royal Marines would take on the Commando Role - it wasn't until 1964 that the whole RM Corps were eventually converted to RM Cdos and from that date, with the exception of basic recruits & officer cadets, all RMs wore the Green Beret.

So with the information you have provided, we are unable to state whether you father was a Commando or not...

However, the good news is that we may be able to help you in your quest - but first a few questions...

Did your father survive the War?

Are you his next of kin ?
If not, are you in contact with his NoK?

Are you aware that you can apply to the MoD for his service records (for a fee of £30) - should you want to follow this route, I can forward you the appropriate forms.

Sorry for the history lessons ;-)

Nick

Ken,
Your father is mentioned on this forum,he is shown as a Corporal with 46 Commando.

At the top of the forum page is a white oblong [Customer Search],punch in L Campbell, I believe the second entry down states 46 commando nominal roll,you will find him there.

Not a lot of info ,but it all helps,best of luck

Graham

Excellent - thanks Graham, I'm sure Ken will be pleased with this information which will start him on the right road in his quest to find info on his father...

Perhaps I should take this opportunity to welcome Graham to the Commando Veterans' Association Research Group...

Nick

Hi Ken

Your father was wounded whilst serving with 46RM Commando on the 12th April 1945 during theRiver Aller crossing. I took the names in that Nominal Roll from a small blue book issued to many of the 46RM Cdo veterans called The Story of 46 Commando by Captain P.K. Johnson, RM, first published in 1946

He is named in the casualties list for that period. Rank Corporal.