These Troopers are “enjoying” a hot meal and tea probably from the Field Kitchen seen in a previous photo. There are a lot of them which must be more than one Troop and they look quite relaxed in what must be a quiet time in the continuing actions.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 06:43:28 EDT
The photo shows the Commando issue ‘A’ Frame Rucksacks with good detail. These were an immense improvement on the previous ‘37 Pattern Large Pack. The WO1 on the right wears the Cap Badge of the Reconnaissance Regiment and is armed with a pistol or revolver which is attached by the lanyard which can be clearly seen.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 06:39:51 EDT
I have been trying to work out what is being issued and can only come up with cigarettes given the neat packaging and exact quantities. Apologies if wrong guys!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 15:57:32 EDT
This a field kitchen set up to feed a full Troop with most food coming tinned in 10 man Ration Packs padded out with anything found, poached or pinched locally. The large metal boxes were known as Hay Boxes and were used to keep food (reasonably) hot, still in use well into the 1960s and very heavy.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 15:35:22 EDT
Given the quality of photographs taken by Corporal Emerson, the vast range and the access he had plus seemingly unlimited amounts of film I would suggest he was Unit Photographer who could go anywhere without let or hindrance and everyone would know his role.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 10:41:07 EDT
The photo shows a Field Latrine at ‘Action Stations’ with the man nearest camera wearing a Royal Marines ‘split’ Cap Badge, given the sophistication of this set-up I am guessing Officers Only. Field Latrines were commonly known as ‘Thunderboxes’! The belt around his shoulders is a Naval Issue money belt which, when new, would have been Navy Blue.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 10:30:16 EDT
A 3” Mortar in action and just been fired!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 10:20:51 EDT
Given that a wheeled Maxim Machine Gun appears in one of a Corporal Emerson’s’ photos could these men be captured Croats serving under German Command? They are certainly unarmed unlike the British present.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 10:17:09 EDT
These are two Royal Marines Officers evidenced by ‘split’ Cap Badge on right hand man both appearing to be Captains.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 10:08:47 EDT
The front man is holding Thompson Sub-Machine Gun pointing almost directly at the photographer! The rearmost man is a Royal Marine.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 10:02:47 EDT