Hi...My Father, Gwynne Tucker, was a member of the Forward Observation Bombardment (FOB) during the 2nd World War. He was a Telegraphist and I believe he landed twice on D Day, once on Sword Beach and, I believe, once on Gold Beach. I realise this is a long shot but I'm wondering whether anyone can identify the above chaps please? Thanks in anticipation.
Lynne
Posted by Lynne Coogan on Fri 07 Jun 2024 09:59:42 BST
Lord Lovat's book "March Past" is freely availble to read o Internet Archive.
Posted by Duncan Cramer on Thu 10 Aug 2023 10:30:04 BST
South Wales Borderers, 1 Commando & B Group 2 SBS
Posted by Ian Jenkins on Mon 07 Jun 2021 19:50:36 BST
Back row second from left Cpl Thomas Ivor Williams
Posted by Ian Jenkins on Mon 07 Jun 2021 19:46:33 BST
Back row far right Cpl Thomas Ivor Williams
Posted by Ian Jenkins on Mon 07 Jun 2021 19:27:43 BST
Photo update
Lt Frederick Norman Best, Cpl David 'Scotty' Burns, Cpl John Somers, Cpl Milton Smithson
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 04 May 2021 18:11:02 BST
Spot the German helmet bottom right probably grabbed as a souvenir.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 20 Sep 2020 19:01:11 BST
These tablets should not be used in confined spaces as the fumes are not safe. In Norway Troops cook using a stove and lead-free petrol for the same sort of reason.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 20:12:19 BST
Clear shot of the Itside rubber sole on the Commando Boots.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Wed 16 Sep 2020 16:44:35 BST
Both the leading Troopers have their ‘Commando’ shoulder title stitched high on the right sleeve so that the epaulette can be seen. There is no room for any other badge above that single ‘flash’ they can only be Army Commandos.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 15 Sep 2020 17:36:04 BST
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 17:29:25 BST
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 17:26:14 BST
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 12:43:22 BST
Cap Badge is South Wales Borderers.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 10:54:22 BST
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 10:52:13 BST
Should read: ‘ prior to being......
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 10:45:24 BST
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 10:44:06 BST
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 10:16:37 BST
This is probably a US made half-track vehicle adapted for use by FOB personnel.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 20:09:59 BST
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 15:25:54 BST
In this picture the men on the second down ramp are manhandling a small Motor Bike issued to Commandos and Airborne Forces.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 29 Aug 2020 00:02:54 BST
I believe the vehicle is a captured German Kubelwagen (based on a VW Peoples’ Wagon)
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 28 Aug 2020 23:01:46 BST
These Commandos are making a Field Brew using a ‘Tommy Cooker’ a small, tin folding issue item which comes with 8 Hexamine blocks usually handed out with a 24 Hour Ration Pack (4000 calories)
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 28 Aug 2020 22:59:34 BST
Two Commandos in this photo are holding Thompson Sub-Machine Guns fitted with the round magazines.
Posted by David Prichard on Thu 27 Aug 2020 22:13:09 BST
These men look remarkably chipper given their situation. I note they are wearing the ‘new’ Commando Boots with inside rubber soles. After Hitler issued the infamous Commando Order these were used to identify Commandos and so could prove a Death Sentence!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 17:24:17 BST
