The Trooper in the centre rank has received a head injury which is covered by an issue First Field Dressing issued to all ranks. This was well sealed so a sterile dressing was immediately available. These came in different sizes and a Trooper could carry as many as he wanted (referred to as a FFD)
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 07:43:22 EDT
When a bullet is fired whatever it hits First is called ‘the first catch’ and is not necessarily a human target. What most people call a bullet is actually a ‘round’ made up as follows in Military terms: (A) The actual bullet which is copper coated and lead filled; (B) A brass cylinder ejected after firing; (C) The Cordite explosive which looks similar to broken graphite lead from a propelling pencil; (D) The Fulminate of Mercury cap at the base of the cylinder which is struck by the firing pin when trigger is squeezed (not pulled), this then detonates thru small ports, the cordite explodes and the bullet is fired.
We would demonstrate this to Commando Recruits by opening the round, pouring the cordite onto a safe place and igniting it with a match. The cylinder was then fed into the chamber of the rifle, the trigger squeezed so they would hear the cap ‘go off’
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 29 Aug 2020 10:25:54 EDT
These men look remarkably chipper given their situation. I note they are wearing the ‘new’ Commando Boots with inside rubber soles. After Hitler issued the infamous Commando Order these were used to identify Commandos and so could prove a Death Sentence!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 12:24:17 EDT
The Lance/Corporal with his right shoulder facing the camera has a slung Thompson Sub-Machine Gun over that shoulder. There is Bren Gunner checking his weapon just in front of the Officer wearing peaked cap (in background) The Commando on the right has his gas cape folded over left arm these proved to be water-proof so a life-saver when living ‘rough’ (which was most of the time ) I heard that from Marine Clifford Welsh RM who served with 45 Cdo RM, landed Sword Beach and ‘yomped’ right through to Germany so he would know!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 11:38:27 EDT
I don’t think Lord Lovat is carrying an issue Rifle, it has an exposed barrel and the Butt is much thinner than any standard Lee Enfield Rifle. He may
have brought his Deer Hunter!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 09:57:50 EDT
The US style rifle sling was issued to Royal Marines Snipers during my time with their Sniper Rifle having an additional fastening in front of the magazine.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 09:52:05 EDT
This a cracking photo in which the .303” Bren Gun can be clearly see with the conical flash eliminator and folded down bipod. This was a superb Rifle Section Light Machine Gun (LMG ), beautiful design from a Czech Munitions Factory, if it had a fault it was too accurate with a tight ‘beaten’ zone, ie. there is a narrow catchment area. A broad ‘beaten’ zone increases the possibility of hits when a long burst is fired. It could fire single rounds or automatc. A good Gunner could get this off in short burst of 2/3 rounds, rearming after each. The US Ranger is armed with a US M1 .30-06 Garand semi-automatic rifle the standard US Infantry weapon still being used in Vietnam! The Ranger is carrying 2/3 Bandoliers of rounds in clips of 10 so has at least 200 rounds, he may have done this because the British standard rimmed round would be of no use. The Official caption says that he is getting a light for his cigarette from a compatriot. The man holding the match is a British Commando. He is wearing British denims...
This a cracking photo in which the .303” Bren Gun can be clearly see with the conical flash eliminator and folded down bipod. This was a superb Rifle Section Light Machine Gun (LMG ), beautiful design from a Czech Munitions Factory, if it had a fault it was too accurate with a tight ‘beaten’ zone, ie. there is a narrow catchment area. A broad ‘beaten’ zone increases the possibility of hits when a long burst is fired. It could fire single rounds or automatc. A good Gunner could get this off in short burst of 2/3 rounds, rearming after each. The US Ranger is armed with a US M1 .30-06 Garand semi-automatic rifle the standard US Infantry weapon still being used in Vietnam! The Ranger is carrying 2/3 Bandoliers of rounds in clips of 10 so has at least 200 rounds, he may have done this because the British standard rimmed round would be of no use. The Official caption says that he is getting a light for his cigarette from a compatriot. The man holding the match is a British Commando. He is wearing British denims (called fatigues), boots, and he has his ‘37 Pattern small pack slung from the waist so may have had that filled with No: 36 HE grenades. He is carrying British rifle as the Butt is visible with a webbing rifle sling held in place with 2 clips. He is also wearing a life-belt around his chest with the mouth-piece in view. In contrast US Forces were issued as standard brown leather rifle slings with all brass fittings which is seen on the Garand. I have read that some of these rifles were issued to Commandos in the Rifle Group of Rifle Section who would be called on to give covering fire when the Gun Group we’re moving during “Fire and Movement” keeping one foot on the ground was the term used. That style of life-belt was still in use in the Royal Marines in 1960 during my Commando Training and the “Rocky Landings and life Assault” phase in Plymouth Sound.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 09:48:17 EDT
Their Commando ‘flashes’ are clear and they are mostly carrying the famous ‘Toggle’ rope which were standard Commando issue.
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 21 Aug 2020 15:26:36 EDT
This is a very telling and interesting Commando photograph. These are returning from an extremely brutal Battle. They are upright, alert and also cheerful. The rear rank working left to right. The first is a .303 Bren Gunner, he is holding the gun with the conical flash eliminator visible in his right hand. He has magazines in each pouch with rounds visible. Next to him is probably his No: 2 as he has a spare Bren barrel strapped into his small pack and is holding his Personal Weapon the .303 SMLE. The third man is also holding a Bren Gun. The fourth man a RN crew member. The fifth a Commando Sergeant who has a bandolier of 100 rounds on his waist. He also holds a SMLE Rifle and the scabbard for his 18 inch bayonet is visible. In the well-deck are four men working from left the first holds the famous Thompson Sub-Machine Gun. The grinning Lance Cpl is probably a Gun Group Commander. The front man, looking up also has a spare Bren barrel strapped onto his small pack so is another Gun No: 2. Although they ...
This is a very telling and interesting Commando photograph. These are returning from an extremely brutal Battle. They are upright, alert and also cheerful. The rear rank working left to right. The first is a .303 Bren Gunner, he is holding the gun with the conical flash eliminator visible in his right hand. He has magazines in each pouch with rounds visible. Next to him is probably his No: 2 as he has a spare Bren barrel strapped into his small pack and is holding his Personal Weapon the .303 SMLE. The third man is also holding a Bren Gun. The fourth man a RN crew member. The fifth a Commando Sergeant who has a bandolier of 100 rounds on his waist. He also holds a SMLE Rifle and the scabbard for his 18 inch bayonet is visible. In the well-deck are four men working from left the first holds the famous Thompson Sub-Machine Gun. The grinning Lance Cpl is probably a Gun Group Commander. The front man, looking up also has a spare Bren barrel strapped onto his small pack so is another Gun No: 2. Although they have been given ‘comfort’ blankets these have not been used and the men are still ready for anything!!
He also g
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 21 Aug 2020 13:13:37 EDT
Photo Taken in ENVERMEU. All prisoners from DIEPPE raid were there.
This photo about N°3 Cdo men was taken front the First War mémorial in ENVERMEU.
Ext. Right with Beret ( R.A.C ) is Ronald GITTENS
3 Cdo 2 Troop
Posted by stephane on Fri 08 Sep 2017 05:01:27 EDT