The photo shows the Commando issue ‘A’ Frame Rucksacks with good detail. These were an immense improvement on the previous ‘37 Pattern Large Pack. The WO1 on the right wears the Cap Badge of the Reconnaissance Regiment and is armed with a pistol or revolver which is attached by the lanyard which can be clearly seen.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 06:39:51 EDT
I have been trying to work out what is being issued and can only come up with cigarettes given the neat packaging and exact quantities. Apologies if wrong guys!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 15:57:32 EDT
This is one of a number of photos showing Commandos building a temporary bridge over a ruined culvert using what materials are to hand. The photos are not in sequence,
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 15:52:43 EDT
This a field kitchen set up to feed a full Troop with most food coming tinned in 10 man Ration Packs padded out with anything found, poached or pinched locally. The large metal boxes were known as Hay Boxes and were used to keep food (reasonably) hot, still in use well into the 1960s and very heavy.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 15:35:22 EDT
The wreckage is that of a Short “Stirling” aircraft converted into Glider Tugs to tow Horsa Gliders across as part of the Airborne Forces. These took very heavy losses.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 15:24:39 EDT
Notice the cowling over front headlight to prevent unnecessary lights showing.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 11 Sep 2020 14:05:59 EDT
The central man is a Despatch Rider (motor cycle rider) judging by his Helmet, breeches and high boots. Known as DonR they would wear a badge with the letters DR centred on wings and were used extensively to carry any urgent messages when radio communications were either not secure or not working properly.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 11 Sep 2020 14:04:29 EDT
This shows Jim’s’ Regimental Number, Religion (Methodist) with name and Initials. The reverse will show Blood Group. This circular ID Disc would be taken from a man who had been killed and sent to his Regimental Pay and Records Office for his Service Record to be closed. In the Royal Marines that would be entered as: “Discharged-Dead”, all hand written back then. A second Disc (different shape and colour) would be buried with the man for later identification and proper burial
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 12:12:57 EDT
Given the quality of photographs taken by Corporal Emerson, the vast range and the access he had plus seemingly unlimited amounts of film I would suggest he was Unit Photographer who could go anywhere without let or hindrance and everyone would know his role.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 10:41:07 EDT
The photo shows a Field Latrine at ‘Action Stations’ with the man nearest camera wearing a Royal Marines ‘split’ Cap Badge, given the sophistication of this set-up I am guessing Officers Only. Field Latrines were commonly known as ‘Thunderboxes’! The belt around his shoulders is a Naval Issue money belt which, when new, would have been Navy Blue.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 10:30:16 EDT