On close examination of this photo it appeared that the soldiers were wearing hackles in their berets. Whilst No5 Cdo did wear a Golden Hackle, on their Tam O'Shanters, in their early days, the hackle was dispensed with when the green beret was issued. Closer examination also revealed a white patch on all of the four soldiers whose top button of their battledress blouse was in view.
After consultation with two friends - who have far greater knowledge on the uniforms etc., than I have - it was also noticed that there were two different BD blouses in the photo and the NCOs' chevrons were not those of a commando but were actually those of the Light Infantry.
Both my friends concluded that the 'hackle' was, in fact, a white 'Minden Rose' and that the photo was taken post WWII after the Commandos had disbanded and Cpl Allan Jameson (as he was at the time the photo was taken) had returned to his parent regiment - The KOYLI (King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry).
The only question ...
On close examination of this photo it appeared that the soldiers were wearing hackles in their berets. Whilst No5 Cdo did wear a Golden Hackle, on their Tam O'Shanters, in their early days, the hackle was dispensed with when the green beret was issued. Closer examination also revealed a white patch on all of the four soldiers whose top button of their battledress blouse was in view.
After consultation with two friends - who have far greater knowledge on the uniforms etc., than I have - it was also noticed that there were two different BD blouses in the photo and the NCOs' chevrons were not those of a commando but were actually those of the Light Infantry.
Both my friends concluded that the 'hackle' was, in fact, a white 'Minden Rose' and that the photo was taken post WWII after the Commandos had disbanded and Cpl Allan Jameson (as he was at the time the photo was taken) had returned to his parent regiment - The KOYLI (King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry).
The only question that remains is why they are wearing two white roses - one on their blouse and one on their beret.
Thanks to Mike & Richard Beckett & Leigh Kitchen for their expert advise and information. N.Collins
Posted by Nick Collins on Fri 19 Dec 2014 18:04:51 EST
Father
Seated far right, tattoo left forarm, I am sure is my Father Gerald Page. Thanks for the picture
Posted by Neil Page on Mon 17 Nov 2014 13:08:47 EST
Third row from the bottom, and ninth from the left is my father, Harry Alexander Curtis - so good to see him! Thank you.
Posted by Ann Roberts on Sat 08 Nov 2014 06:16:16 EST
Father
Ronald Davies top row 3rd from right
Posted by David Davies on Sun 25 May 2014 02:36:37 EDT
Seated 6 in from the left wearing SgtMaj rank slide is I think my Grandad Earnest Lacey - Thank you for the photo!
Posted by Alex Lacey on Thu 28 Nov 2013 18:21:09 EST
Photo of 4 Troop, 5 Commando.
I too have this photo and can confirm that my father Lance Corporal Ronald Ernest Hicks, Royal Engineers is in the 3rd row from the front, 2nd left. He annotated the photo "Falmouth January 1942".
Posted by Michael Stuart Hicks on Thu 08 Aug 2013 12:41:22 EDT
Photo updated with comment transferred from details
Photo updated 1/08/10 by Pete R. The following information comes from Andy Dalziel (jnr) " My father, Andy Dalziel, you already have as well as my godfather, Paddy (Tommy) Ludlow. Third row down and six from the left, with the little moustache, is Des Crowden, Des was a Londoner who after the war worked for Paddy Ludlow in the TV and radio rental he set up, DER. My father died in 1974, Des in the early 1990s as I recall. The photo was taken in the gardens beside the Greenbank hotel where they mustered every morning. "
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Fri 26 Jul 2013 18:02:13 EDT