Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

No. 3 Commando, 168th Regimental Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 26th, 1942

Awarded for:

Operation Torch

This NCO was cut off and captured by the enemy when returning from a raid on Berka Aerodrome in May 1942. Although completely unarmed he subsequently managed to surprise and strangle his guard and to return by himself to the rendez-vous. He has distinguished himself by great coolness and courage in other raids. It is requested that details of these operations should not be published owing to their secrecy.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 3 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

January 13th, 1944

Rank:

Acting Warrant Officer 1st Class

Unit:

South Staffordshire Regiment

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1952

RSM Lilley was appointed RSM of this unit in September 1950 and for some considerable time before his appointment was carrying out the duties of acting RSM under difficult circumstances in connection with his taking over the appointment. He weathered this period in an extremely resourceful manner.
RSM Lilley has served with SAS troops since they were first formed in 1941. He has a very distinguished war record and was awarded the Military Medal for outstanding bravery in the field, by this outstanding example he has contributed to a very great extent to the reputation earned by SAS troops during the war.
His name is legendary throughout the Regiment and since taking over RSM of 21st SAS Regiment, his qualities of tact, understanding and unswervable loyalty combined with firmness, have been invaluable in a unit combining the SAS role with the previous traditions of the Artists Rifles and containing ranks representative not only of all corps of the Army but of other services and other countries and including a high proportion of ex officers.
He has carried out the difficult job of RSM to a TA unit magnificently and continues to be an example to all ranks. I strongly recommend that he be awarded the BEM for his outstanding services to the Regiment.