Hi
researching the war career of Michael Heathcote who was a member of 3 (x) troop, 10 Cdo. In his record it states he was at CBTC April 1945. Id like to know if he is on this photograph if there is such a record? many thanks in advance
ps he is recorded as a member in CVA. He died in March 1978 of cancer.
Posted by PaulBurns on Mon 23 Sep 2024 12:27:09 EDT
These men are from the U.S.29th Provisional Rangers
(intake 01.02.-04.03.1943).
They are wearing their one-piece herringbone coveralls and
leggings.
Posted by Jan Mas on Thu 30 Nov 2023 06:40:05 EST
Reply for Dave re Woodcock
Bernard Edward Woodcock, Suffolk Regiment, s/n 76597, served in No.1 Commando with Lt Col Tom Trevor hence the US Rangers connection, then 4 Special Service (Commando) Bde., finally CBTC.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Thu 23 Nov 2023 18:11:27 EST
Donald Gilchrist wrote Castle Commando which is freely available to read on Internet Archive.
Posted by Duncan Cramer on Wed 09 Aug 2023 19:19:22 EDT
Marine Oates
There was a Marine Brian Oates, 47RM Commando, killed in action at Normandy. Not known if the man identified as Oates in this photo is one and the same. [view ROH]
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sun 04 Jun 2023 10:59:53 EDT
Photo updated
Alick Cowieson was an instructor at Achnacarry before becoming a Lieutenant in No.3 Cdo. 5 troop. Alick was instrumental in the design of the 'Death Ride' at Achnacarry according to Donald Gilchrist in the book Castle Commando. Captain Joy became Adjutant at the CBTC
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sun 27 Feb 2022 07:46:33 EST
Info from Maureen Kelly "The man with the pipe is my father-in-law, William John Kelly (Bill) - the pipe was almost his ‘trademark’! As far as we know, he was not a Commando but – we understand - with the Military Police. As the war authorities expected to send him to Norway, they decided he should undergo arctic training with the Commandos. He joined them early in 1943. As you can see, at 34 years of age, he was a bit older than many of the others. He did not go with the Commandos when they left Braemar but was transferred to another unit in the Military Police. In 1944 his occupation is recorded as ‘Major: General List’.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Fri 16 Oct 2020 11:48:32 EDT
The rough nature of the materials making up this obstacle means this was in the early days of Commando Training where the Instructors were working on a ‘make and mend’ basis using such items that were immediately to hand.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 05:29:56 EDT
The two long items on stands in front of the Course as WD 4-draw ‘Scout’ Telescopes carried by all Snipers. They would always operate in twos, known as a “Sniper Pair”, so that one man could be observing generally and widely to their front whilst the other ‘stood down’ resting, making ‘wets’ etc., but could be quickly called in to action. The observer would use binoculars for the wider search and use the Telescope to pick out clear details on proposed targets, ie: Where are the Leaders as these would be the favourite target. Most of the fieldcraft, stalking etc., was drawn from Scottish Gillies skilled in stalking and killing Game. The methodology was much the same. If in position for any length of time the Snipers would build a ‘hide’ to give shelter, cover from view and protection for returning enemy fire.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 05:24:46 EDT
Lord Lovat is wearing the Cap Badge of the Lovat Scouts in the photo.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 08:31:54 EDT
The standard 18” bayonet for use with the .303” SMLE Rifle is in clear view In this photo.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 08:29:51 EDT
Rifles in the photo are the standard British Sniper Issue being the.303” Lee Enfield No: 4(T) which been picked out after production by being test fired and then selected because of the accuracy in that test, the magazine holds 10 rounds. The Sniperscope attached to these rifles had a magnification of 4 providing accuracy up to 600 yards plus depending on the skill of the individual man. The tubular items on tripods are the War Department issue “Scout” 4-draw Telescopes each marked with a Broad Arrow. Snipers always operate in twos, known as a “Sniper Pair” the reason being that one would be observed to the front using binoculars whilst the other rested. They have a number of roles of which excellent shooting is only one. A further role is that of gathering Intelligence to be passed back to the Unit Intelligence Officer under whose Command they would normally work.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 08:26:00 EDT
Photo update
Sgt John Willis-Jones identified by family. Cdo Service Certificate seen.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 18 Aug 2020 04:48:57 EDT
Photo update
Sgt John Willis-Jones identified by his family. Commando Service Certificate and other evidence of Cdo service seen (Forum message). Also served in No.1 Commando.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 18 Aug 2020 04:42:16 EDT
