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 12:36:04 EDT
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 12:29:25 EDT
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 12:26:14 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
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
Photo updated
You are right David. It should have read Commandos meet Airborne.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 22 Aug 2020 12:05:02 EDT
These Snipers would carry the .303” Lee Enfield Model No : 4(T) Rifle The standard British Sniper Rifle which was still in use in the Royal Marines until the mid-1960s when it was rechambered to fire the 7.62mm rimless round. When the Rifles came off the production line they would be test fired fixed to a stand. The best were converted by adding a cheek rest, an additional sling-swivel ahead of the magazine, fitted with a X4 magnification telescope and the Battle Sight ground off. The “T” in Brackets indicated Telescope.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 22 Aug 2020 08:56:28 EDT
Smashed “Horsa” Glider in background
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 22 Aug 2020 08:44:27 EDT
I think the soldiers in scrimmed helmets and smocks are probably not Commandos as they are carrying 9mm Sten Guns so may be Airborne so may be from the Coup de Main glider-borne force who seized the two Bridges over the river and canal. If I am right they are mainly from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Ox & Bucks LI). You will see, in contrast, that the Commandos wear Battledress (BD) . The Green Beret L/Corporal is expecting trouble as he has his pistol ready, could still be in close contact with Germans.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 22 Aug 2020 08:41:12 EDT
Correction of detail
Andrew Mapstone informed us that his father's name had been spelled wrong - corrected to Mapstone, 05 Jan 2014
Posted by Nick Collins on Sun 05 Jan 2014 18:21:06 EST