WW2 Commando - James Dunning

James ‘Jimmy’ Dunning joined the 12th Royal Lancers in July 1939, then the Royal Armoured Corps as clerk. He volunteered for Special Services and joined the Commandos mid-1940. After intensive training at Weymouth and Scotland, he took part in the Lotofen Raid in March 1941 with No.4 Commando. In August 1942 as a Sergeant Major, he took part in the Dieppe Raid. Commissioned late 1942, he became an instructor in Commando Training Centre at Achnacarry until early 1945. He fractured his spine in a trial night parachute descent in the later stages of war.
In this interview, James describes the 3 types of people who joined the Commandos in 1940: the adventure-seekers like himself, the veterans of Dunkirk who felt they wanted revenge, and others who joined for patriotic reasons. He says that the special qualities a person needs to join the Commandos are the same today as it was during the war: good, honest-to-God, solid, steadfast chaps who with special training will become part of a team. He emphasises the team aspect of the Commandos. James continues with descriptions of troops and sections, basic skills and field craft, training including ‘speed marches’ and night operations, unarmed combat (based on jujitsu), training centres, Lord Lovat, and accounts of Commando raids.
The Army Commandos were disbanded in 1946. James transferred to the Hampshire Regiment and saw active service in Palestine and Korea and took part in anti-terrorist operations in Cyprus. He retired with the rank of Major.
The Archive also hold James’ audio interview and Commando training photographs.