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 17:27:09 BST
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 11:40:05 GMT
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 23:11:27 GMT
Donald Gilchrist wrote Castle Commando which is freely available to read on Internet Archive.
Posted by Duncan Cramer on Thu 10 Aug 2023 00:19:22 BST
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 15:59:53 BST
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 12:46:33 GMT
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 16:48:32 BST
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 10:29:56 BST
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 10:24:46 BST
Lord Lovat is wearing the Cap Badge of the Lovat Scouts in the photo.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 13:31:54 BST
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 13:29:51 BST
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 13:26:00 BST
Photo update
Sgt John Willis-Jones identified by family. Cdo Service Certificate seen.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 18 Aug 2020 09:48:57 BST
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 09:42:16 BST
This Commando Trainee is doing the Cat Crawl across the rope wearing the Cap Comforter adopted by the ‘new’ Commandos, he is wearing ‘37 Pattern Fighting Order. The rifle is the .303” SMLE (Short magazine Lee Enfield) and he has an 18” bayonet in clear view.
Posted by David Prichard on Sun 16 Aug 2020 19:01:37 BST
Berald E Woodcock
I am searching for info on Maj. Berald E. Woodcock pictured here in this photo. I briefly wrote about this British Commando in my book, Patriots from the Barrio the true story of Company E 141st Infantry. Woodcock was brought over to the United States to train US Army personnel in Ranger Training at Camp Edwards, MA in the fall of 1942.
Posted by dave gutierrez on Wed 25 Mar 2020 19:53:02 GMT
S/Sgt Herbert Arthur Jones.
My late father is in Row 5 (bottom) No.40 from the left.
S/Sgt Herbert Arthur Jones.
I have a letter dated 19.6.45. From Spean Bridge addressed to his father.
...pleasure in forwarding herewith a Silver Medal won by your son S/Sgt Jones as the best trainee of No.14 Intake 1945...
He originally joined the Somerset Light Infantry on 09.01.1934
Any information about his time in the Commandos would be welcome.
Posted by Amanda Jones on Sun 10 Nov 2019 20:54:08 GMT
Photo updated with numbers
George Mordaunt is 2nd row, 19th from the left. George later served with No.5 Commando. David Wilson FLETCHER identified by his daughter as 10th from left 2nd row from back.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 31 Aug 2019 16:31:56 BST
Photo updated
Hi Jan, you are correct. I have updated the image. Many thanks.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 04 Jun 2019 21:41:29 BST
Sorry, no Lord Gort in this picture !
This photo was taken during the stay of the First U.S. Rangers(Darby's Rangers) at the CBTC ((30.06.42-01.08.42)
From right to left can be seen : Capt. J.JOY (Adjutant),Lt.Col. C.E. VAUGHAN, and U.S. General L.TRUSCOTT.
Posted by Jan Mas on Mon 03 Jun 2019 20:06:18 BST
Image, Commando Training, Group of Warrant Officers & Sergeants at the CBTC
Top row L/R: 18, Sgt George Pearson (No 1 Cdo & CBTC)
Posted by Lynne Cairns on Wed 13 Mar 2019 13:01:35 GMT
Photo updated
Additional names added. This photo was published in The Sphere - Saturday 05 June 1943 - with the names of all in the front row included.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 14 Jul 2018 01:13:40 BST
Details updated
Thanks Guy. I have now included your link to the newspaper article which is in another album within our gallery.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Wed 10 Jan 2018 22:37:48 GMT
