The tanks, known as Duplex Tanks, were also fitted with a propeller on the ‘stern’ and could make headway once afloat.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 12:29:25 EDT
These Commandos moving off the Landing Beach are wearing a single word shoulder title reading ‘Commando” and below that the circular Combined Operations ‘flash’. A Royal Marine Commando would wear a three part set of shoulder titles including his Commando Number, ie: 40 - 48, then a silk flash bearing the words: “Royal Marines” then a standard Commando ‘flash” as mentioned, and below again the Combined Operations circular ‘flash’. There is no doubt these are from an Army Unit. The silk ‘flash’ mentioned was made by the Cash Company more famous for making name tabs for school kids and still in use in the Corps until the 1960s, when Battle Dress was replaced by the Lovat Uniform which is now issued.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 12:26:14 EDT
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
Cap Badge is South Wales Borderers.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 05:54:22 EDT
The Fusilier central in the 3rd rank/file is wearing SAS “Wings” above left breast pocket.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 05:52:13 EDT
Should read: ‘ prior to being......
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 05:45:24 EDT
The canoe in the picture was specifically developed for SBS use being
collapsible and capable of being assembled on a Submarine Deck toBeing being used on a clandestine mission. May still be is just in a modified form
by todays’ SBS. Still is use in the 1970s.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 05:44:06 EDT
This is an interesting photo, the men are definitely Commandos and are carrying the standard “A” Frame Rucksacks not issued to Line Infantry. The Tanks in view are US made Shermans which have ‘swum” ashore being fitted with collapsible equipment and came a a huge surprise to the German defenders. Many were lost when they sunk particularly on the US Beaches where they had been released into the sea too early and too far out. Many of those still lie where they sank that day, not many of the crews survived. Imagine that predicament!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 05:16:37 EDT
This is probably a US made half-track vehicle adapted for use by FOB personnel.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 15:09:59 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