The buildings along the edge of the Parade Ground were Accommodation Blocks for JNCOs and Marines and the Barracks the former home of the Royal Marines Artillery which amalgamated with the Royal Marines Light Infantry on St Georges’ Day 1923 when the present style of Cap Badge was introduced.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 14:30:17 EDT
Major John Howard DSO (Ox & Bucks LI) led Operation “Deadstick” the Glider-borne Coup de Main Assault on two bridges over the River Orne and Caen Canal in the early hours of D-Day 6 June 1944. This proved successful and the bridges were held until his party was relieved by Lord Lovat and Commandos who had Speed Marched up from Sword Beach. The Horsa gliders landed exactly as planned totally surprising the Germans guarding these vital bridges. Major Howard was a former Police Officer in the Oxford City Police efore the War. The bridge is now known as Pegasus Bridge after the Formation Sign of all British Airborne Forces the Mythical Winged Horse.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 18:06:43 EDT
Trooper Kealy wears the Cap Badge of The Kings Royal Rifle Corps, and with his WW2 Medals, the Police Long Service Medal for 22 years Service.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 17:38:58 EDT
The right hand man in the photo wears his Police Long Service Medal for 22 years Police time, alongside his Wartime Medals.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 15:24:23 EDT
The Troopers are pictured stood in front of the iconic Falklands ‘Yomper’which stood outside the Royal Marines Museum. I believe the locals have requested it remain when the new Museum opens.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 15:21:14 EDT
The right hand man holds the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 15:16:54 EDT
It is interesting the Dutch Commando Recruits are issued with the old style Cap Comforters initially used by Anchnacary Trainees and also worn on Operations by the British Units.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 15:05:22 EDT
I believe the Commando Battle Honours Flag is placed in St Paul’s Cathdral.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 14:34:35 EDT
The impressive building in rear was the RMB Eastney Officers’ Mess when the Barracks was Operational.It was a Classical old-style home to the Officers. It became the RM Corps Museum but it is relocating to a new home in the Royal Naval Dockyard where it will be in close proximity to HMS ‘Victory’ The Royal Navy Museum and others places of interest.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 14:13:05 EDT
This Ceremony took place on the former Parade Ground at the Royal Marines Barracks Eastney, now long closed and converted into luxury flats.The Tower visible away to the left was where the Union Flag was raised at 0600 hours whilst a Bugler sounded Revielle. At 2200 hours it was lowered to the sound of the Last Post. A Marine from the Guard Room would have the job of running up many stairs to carry out that duty, going back down to a welcome mug of hot chocolate always available being supplied under old RN rules, I believe we called it ‘Kai’. The Union Flag only becomes a Jack on board a RN Ship or Shore Establishment (known as Stone Frigates). 2200 hours also meant “Lights Out”
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 14:06:34 EDT