James Crooks / Crookes, Royal Marines 1937-47, 41 RM Commando 1943-46

Hi

I would like to hear from anyone with information on James Crooks, my great uncle. By any chance if anyone has memories or anecdotes or photographs, I'd love to hear about them. I have his service record, just hoping there may be a chance to add anything to the bare details.

He served in Sicily and Normandy. Not sure if he would have maintained contact with other veterans after the war.

Thanks
Ian

I have a note of a PO/X 2359 CSM J. Crooks in 41 RM Commando who resided in Warrington. He was a member of the original Commando Association which stood down in 2005. Can you confirm that the service number and rank are as in the Service Record.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 19/10/2017 09:14:27

Hi,
Here is the citation for PO/X 2359 James Crooks' award of the Military Medal.

Nick

Hi Pete, Nick

Thanks for the replies, it is the same James Crooks. He died in 1966. Was he active in the old Commando Association, do you think there's any possibility that somewhere there's a photo of him? I realise it's a long shot that anyone would remember him after all this time, but fingers crossed.

regards
Ian

James Crooks' award of the Military Medal is gazetted

Nick

Thank you Nick

Does anyone know if there are records of the old Commando Association and if they can be accessed?
Maybe worth trying the Royal Marines Association, or the Commando Museum?

regards
Ian

The Commando Association records would only have contained the detail given in my reply above plus any branch that the person was a member of, their address, and telephone number at the time. Exactly the same as membership of any club. The information I gave was provided to me by the Commando Association after it had stood down. It applies only to the Royal Marines who joined. I believe it will be similar for the RMA but you could always ask them.