Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sun 11 Jan 2015 09:38:37 EST
The Strymon Ferry, new Drama - November 1944
This picture was taken on the banks of the Strymon River near Drama in November 1944 when 9 Commando detached two Troops to help quell some unrest in the Drama area. To get there they need to cross the Strymon River whose bridge had been blown up by the retreating Germans. The Commandos had to improvise a ferry to get its vehicle and stores across. In this picture are, l-r, Lt Francis, the British interpreter and guide, who looks as if he has a 9 Commando black hackle behind his cap badge; an ELAS soldier (it was the tension between ELAS and the Greek royalists that had precipitated 9 Commando's presence at Drama), Lt Harry Kither, and Lt Angus Ferguson.
Posted by Gregor Ferguson on Sat 10 Jan 2015 19:18:36 EST
More information
This was indeed the Liberation Day parade in Drama, 12 November 1944. This photo shows and 2 Troops of 9 Commando in Review Order. The officer in front isCaptain WW (Bill) Carrie, OC 2 Troop and 2i/c of the force; the other officers standing to attention are, l-r, Lt GD Bisset, RE of 1 Troop (also force adjutant); Lt DWD Peel, RA of 1 Troop, and Lt MD Kennedy of 2 Troop.
Posted by Gregor Ferguson on Sat 10 Jan 2015 19:06:28 EST
Interesting detail
If you look closely you'll see that both my father and the sergeant sitting to his right have parachute wings on their right fore-arms. Normally, the wings worn by parachute-trained personnel in non-airborne units consisted of the 'lightbulb' - a simple parachute on a circular patch. In airborne units the full wings were worn on the right shoulder, two fingers'-widths down from the seam.
Posted by Gregor Ferguson on Sat 10 Jan 2015 19:01:41 EST
Photo updated
additional details added
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 06 Jan 2015 10:56:57 EST
I also have a copy of this photo. On the back is Moffat 1941.
Posted by michael fuller on Sat 03 Jan 2015 05:48:15 EST
The man behind Nelson Smallbone and the man with the pipe is Denis Fuller.
Posted by michael fuller on Wed 31 Dec 2014 02:20:10 EST
My father is E.G. Stokoe. Affectionately known as Ted. On the back row second from the left. The author of Lower the Ramps and Once a Marine. He lost his leg to a German mine on 12th March 1945. He always had tremendous spirit and unless they were told, people could not believe he had a disability.
Posted by Colin Stokoe on Tue 23 Dec 2014 18:15:55 EST
Photo updated
Sgt Harry Hewitt identified. see below.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 20 Dec 2014 18:08:18 EST