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
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 Fri 28 Aug 2020 19:02:54 EDT
I believe the vehicle is a captured German Kubelwagen (based on a VW Peoples’ Wagon)
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 28 Aug 2020 18:01:46 EDT
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 17:59:34 EDT
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 17:13:09 EDT
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 12:24:17 EDT
The Lance/Corporal with his right shoulder facing the camera has a slung Thompson Sub-Machine Gun over that shoulder. There is Bren Gunner checking his weapon just in front of the Officer wearing peaked cap (in background) The Commando on the right has his gas cape folded over left arm these proved to be water-proof so a life-saver when living ‘rough’ (which was most of the time ) I heard that from Marine Clifford Welsh RM who served with 45 Cdo RM, landed Sword Beach and ‘yomped’ right through to Germany so he would know!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 11:38:27 EDT
I don’t think Lord Lovat is carrying an issue Rifle, it has an exposed barrel and the Butt is much thinner than any standard Lee Enfield Rifle. He may
have brought his Deer Hunter!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 09:57:50 EDT
The US style rifle sling was issued to Royal Marines Snipers during my time with their Sniper Rifle having an additional fastening in front of the magazine.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 09:52:05 EDT
