Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Mon 06 Dec 2021 08:28:00 EST
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 17:24:57 EST
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 16:16:55 EDT
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 06:38:06 EDT
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 04:44:14 EDT
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 04:31:53 EDT
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 05:14:31 EDT
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 08:08:45 EDT
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 07:54:36 EDT
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 06:12:13 EDT