Posted by Colin Cheesman on Fri 20 Nov 2020 06:41:12 EST
Photo update
See our Archive page for more about Maj Gen. A.P. Willasey-Wilsey CB, MBE, MC, MiD.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Wed 07 Oct 2020 16:22:56 EDT
Every Royal Marine had his own dhobi bucket!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 02 Oct 2020 11:24:49 EDT
RAS - Replenishment at sea.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 02 Oct 2020 11:16:12 EDT
This is the 105mm Artillery Piece used by Commando Gunners and was designed by the Italians as a Mountain Gun as it is claimed it can be moved by man and mule once disassembled. It has three roles, A Howitzer B Artillery C Anti-Tank. When withdrawn it was replaced by the 105mm Light Gun which weighed twice as much and which Pussers’ Helicopters could not lift in one piece!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 02 Oct 2020 06:02:22 EDT
The kit being filled with water in the photo are widely used in hot climates and were known, in Aden, as “Choggles” the material used is canvas which is not waterproof so it leaks leaving the outside continuously wet. The wind acts to cool this and that means you have ready access to a cool drink but the “Choggle” needs topping up regularly.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 02 Oct 2020 05:54:15 EDT
Unform
These are pre Lovat uniform days, so the Royal Marines in the photo are still wearing Battledress (BD) and what appears to be the '44 pattern webbing belt, blackened. It's hard to be certain, but the RM Recruits appear to still have the Cash's name tape bearing the words "Royal Marines". This rule was maintained until a controversial Royal Marines Routine Order (RMRO) declared that from 1960 all trained ranks would wear the "Royal Marines Commando" flash and wear the green beret. This meant that RMs that had never completed commando training, or even attempted it, fell into this category, including members of the Royal Marines Band attached to 3 Commando Brigade RM in the Far East. The RM recruits also appear to be still wearing the blue beret with a red patch, having not yet earned the right to wear the green "lid" - but, again, I cannot be certain of this.
Cpl. Jack French is still a PW2 at this stage.
Posted by Victor Balsdon on Fri 02 Oct 2020 05:18:51 EDT
The Suez Landings was a wholly Political disaster leading to Anthony Eden the British Prime Minister resigning under the pretext of ill health. British Military were well on the way to achieving all their Military Objectives before US pressure was brought to bear.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 01 Oct 2020 14:33:23 EDT
You will note the A/WO1 Langdale MBE(Mil) RM has a large First Field Dressing (FFD) strapped to his webbing on the right shoulder. Given his Service he is probably a RM Mountain Leader as Brigade Reconnaissance
Force is drawn from that group of Specialists (now Special Forces).
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 01 Oct 2020 06:44:37 EDT
The Royal Marine in this famous photo has been immortalised by the erection of the ‘Yomper’ Staute on the grounds of the former Royal Marines Barracks Eastney. As the Royal Marines Museum is moving into HM Dockyard at Portsmouth there is some discussion as to the future location of this landmark.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 01 Oct 2020 06:24:55 EDT
