Evan Thomas, my grandfather, sat middle bottom row. He was Captain at this time
Posted by Richard on Tue 27 May 2025 21:37:19 BST
Photo of X Troop 48 RM Commando
First on the left of the 1st row is my Uncle, John Duckett
Posted by Barbara Leopold on Mon 07 Oct 2024 01:02:12 BST
Reginald King was my great uncle. If anyone could tell me how to contact Andy Evetts I would love to talk to him about Reg. Much appreciated
Posted by William Davies on Sun 25 Aug 2024 13:11:28 BST
Photo updated
Fred Tickle identified.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Mon 06 Dec 2021 13:28:00 GMT
Photo update
Whilst many from this unit went onto join the new 48RM Commando, inclusion in this photo is not in itself a guarantee of later service as a Commando. This must be established on an individual basis.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 14 Nov 2020 22:24:57 GMT
The “X” Troop Insignia on the board held centrally shows a Skull and Crossbones with the letter SS in each eye socket. That symbol was given a whole new meaning by the German SS. It was changed to a picture of a Disney’s’ Pluto wearing a Green Beret and a Fairbairn & Sykes Commando Fighting knife clenched in its jaws. The original Artist attended a Re-Union of 45 Commando RM at RM Condor and made a Presentation of this to “X” Company who have since adopted it as their emblem. I will attach a copy soonest.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 02 Oct 2020 21:16:55 BST
All the berets worn for the photo would be dark blue with a scarlet flash for the badge, at a later date all Trained Ranks who had passed Commando Training would wear the Green Beret from the date of passing the Course.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 01 Oct 2020 11:38:06 BST
The weapons laid out left to right in the photo are 1) Tripod mounted Bren, 2) PIAT Infantry anti-tank gun 3) 9mm Sten sub-machine gun 4) Lanchester 9mm sub-machine gun 5) I think a second PIAT fired using compressed spring 6) Second tripod mounted Bren. The tripods were used for firing in defensive positions on ‘Fixed Lines’ at night to cover possible enemy Assault lines of attack. All that was necessary was to pull the trigger which could be done with strong string.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 26 Sep 2020 09:44:14 BST
You can just make out the top of a ‘37 Pattern water-bottle over the top of the Majors’ sandwich, I am betting it is corned beef! He is also a trained Parachutist ‘Wings’ on his right sleeve.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 26 Sep 2020 09:31:53 BST
This is probably a Recruit Squad photograph taken at RM Exton (Lympstone) as the set up is typical. It was probably taken at the bottom end of Sylvan Glade and quite near to the Parade Ground,
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Wed 23 Sep 2020 10:14:31 BST
This photo taken at the Camp known variously as a Exton, the Infantry Training Centre RM, and now as The Commando Training Centre RM. The small wood behind is known as Sylvan Glade and originally housed the Tarzan Course. Behind the woods is the Drill Shed and Parade Ground (NEVER referred to as the Parade Square!). The Instructor in Battle Dress (BD) on the right of the photo will be the PW(1) Platoon Weapons Instructor 1st Class. The Sergeant in Blues is the DI1 Drill Instructor 1st Class, he holds his ‘’Badge of Office’, his traditional Pace Stick. The Officer without Medals is probably the Squad Officer. The Recruit on the left of the front rank as you view it wears Medal Ribbons which points to him having served ‘under the Colours’ but not the Royal Marines.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 15 Sep 2020 13:08:45 BST
Judging by their War worn appearance this may be Major Walls’ patrol. They are certainly near water given the RN ratings in background, who seem to be viewing the group admiringly.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 15 Sep 2020 12:54:36 BST
The Machine Gun on the Tank Turret is the famous Browning .5 inch Heavy
Machine Gun quite recently bought by the British and issued for Active
Service. It is one hell of a weapon. When Prince Harry was pictured firing
aMachine Gun with the Gurkhas is was this type,
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 11:12:13 BST
The very shiny bolt handle and well worn magazine of the rifles and both men nearest camera is evidence of hard usage recently. They have been engaged in heavy firing.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 11:05:16 BST
There is a Commando Trained Bugler on the left of this photo sounding a Salute Call.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 19:23:25 BST
One man can be seen carrying the small issue motor cycle also used by Airborne Forces, not dis-similar to a Vespa Scooter later developed.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 20:41:40 BST
There would have been a telephone fitment on the rear of the tank which could be used for communication. The tank is the famous Sherman.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 20:39:02 BST
He is wearing the ‘split’ Cap Badge of a QMS RM or an Officer so will have been promoted at some time.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 20:34:18 BST
The right hand Royal Marine shoulders a .303” Lee Enfield Rifle fitted with a launcher for No: 36 Grenades. A primed Grenade fitted with a 7:second Fuse would be placed into the cup-like fitting and fired using a Ballastite Cartridge (like a powerful blank round) so powerful that the normal grip on the small of the butt would not be used and the trigger ‘stroked’ using a stiff fore-finger. The rifle could be used as normal otherwise with some effect on accuracy.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 20:27:26 BST
The Royal Marine second from right is holding a 2” Mortar Bomb Carrier of holding 6 Bombs.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 20:18:40 BST
My father left two notebooks with a record of his time in 48 commando y troup. In the notes he mentions Bertie Jones. I wonder if Herbert was known as Bertie. My Fathers name was James Alexander Smith.
My fathers notes were in pencil but I have now typed them up word for word and can Email a copy to any one who is interested
Gordon McIntosh
Posted by Gordon McIntosh on Fri 27 Mar 2020 13:57:30 GMT
Photo 48RM X Troop
Top row, 2nd from right. 13 the from left. My grandfather Reg King. Does anyone have any more information as he isn't with us anymore and when he was here wouldn't tell us Grandchildren about what he went through. We found this photo a few months back, ran it through face recognition and it matched my Grandfather. I have his medals and got some information, but would love to know more.
Posted by Andy Evetts on Wed 11 Dec 2019 23:20:29 GMT
48 RM X
2nd row from top 11th from the left is Douglas Hall, my grandfather
Posted by Matt Hall on Sat 16 Nov 2019 21:11:22 GMT
Possible name
Front 2nd man from the left possibly Lance Corporal Frederick Tickle M.M., R.A.M.C. attached to 'X' Troop
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sun 07 Jul 2019 20:56:27 BST
John Robert Williamson
Kevin, please send our best wishes to your uncle. Please use our Contact form to advise us of details of your Uncle's service with the Commando, any additional photo, and his service number.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 06 Nov 2018 10:21:13 GMT
