The photo tri-stud hob-nails are clearly visible on Colonel Newman’s boots and I have read the style dates back to the Romans!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Wed 23 Sep 2020 05:20:52 EDT
The photo shows a fully constructed “Toggle Rope Bridge” using the items issued to each man in a Commando or Airborne Unit. The Paras were still issued with these into the 1970s. When I was at CTCRM there was a Para Colour Sergeant Dave Merry, The Parachute Regiment (3 Para), on a two year secondment and his was attached to his ‘58 Pattern Fighting Order as a norm, but the rope had been dyed dark green.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 13:46:14 EDT
The LMG is placed ready to fire from the right shoulder, the foresight being off-set to the left on the barrel as the rear sight was on the left hand side of the weapon. Earlier models had a drum sight later replaced with a leaf-sight
where the aiming point was also off-set to line up with the foresight. That was followed when the weapon was re chambered to fire the standard 7.62mm NATO round. I treasured that LMG which I carried in Aden.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 13:39:18 EDT
The interesting point in photo is the .303” Bren Light Machine Gun (LMG) carried by the leading man. Unusually this is fitted with a handle BELOW the butt, this LMG was intended to be used in an anti-aircraft role mounted on a Tripod or similar fitting on the Bren Carrier Tracked Vehicle.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 13:33:30 EDT
This shows Bren,’live’ firing as the formation is not tactical and it looks like an improvised Range.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 16:45:01 EDT
In the early days at Achnacary it was very much ‘hands on’ with Assault Courses being built with materials to hand. Training with actual logs was part of everyday fitness training, one which the Commando Logistics Regt Practise now!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 16:42:26 EDT
The close-up,shows how the ropes were used.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 16:36:21 EDT
This photo shows how the Commando Toggle Rope every man carried could be utilised to make a bridge of sorts which could be quickly broken down after the men had made a ‘dry shod’ crossing. When I did my Commando Course at Lympstone there was one as part of the Tarzan Course in Sylvan Glade.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 16:35:05 EDT
Photo Updated
Higher res. version added
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 04 Jun 2019 12:16:58 EDT
I recently bought a box of items in auction including medals, a medal box, transmission slip and a photo all pertaining to Gerald Taylor of No2 Commando. The photo is of 5 soldiers one of which being Gerald Taylor - I would be happy to load it on the forum but don't know how to add it.
Posted by Simon ward on Sat 02 Sep 2017 14:24:02 EDT
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
Photo updated
Denis Fuller details added from comments below
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 20 Dec 2014 07:38:55 EST
Photo updated
Denis Fuller details added from comments below
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 20 Dec 2014 07:38:19 EST
Denis Fuller, 2 Cdo.
Posted by michael fuller on Sun 14 Dec 2014 03:00:49 EST
