Lt Col Gourlay was 42 Commando RM 2i/c for some of the time when I was in the unit. He was a gentleman through and through and returned to 42 as CO in 1963. He became Commandant General Royal Marines and was described by Lord Mountbatten as "the best Commandant General that the Royal Marines had ever had". His decorations and awards were: KCB, CVO, OBE, MC.
Posted by Victor Balsdon on Tue 22 Sep 2020 23:10:40 BST
The weapon in the picture is the famous and very effective Vickers .303” Medium Machine Gun, belt-fed and water cooled it was extremely sturdy and reliable capable of laying down heavy protective fire in any action, the Heavy Weapons gunners loved it.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 20:11:43 BST
Captain Gray RM wears a colourful line in sweaters and is also holding the
famous Thompson Sub-Machine Gun easily identified by the top cocking
handle.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 20:04:35 BST
This is a Support Troop evidenced by the 3 inch Mortars and .303 inch Vickers Medium Machine Guns (MMGs) set up in front. The tripod mounted equipment stood front centre looks like a range finder judging by the lenses at each end of the tubular fitting.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 18:40:34 BST
The Troopers appear to have “Taken Post” on entering harbour.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:12:45 BST
This is a British Railway Station, the lads are home safe!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:09:39 BST
The Bren Gunner nearest camera has his mug to hand in case there is a “wet” going!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:06:00 BST
The Troopers are in Close-Quarter fighting and ready to engage any enemy to their front, they are well dug-into the rubble which offers cover from any source or angle.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:00:51 BST
This appears to be a British train and the Troopers are showing captured souvenirs to people “off camera”, The smaller flag seems to be straight out of its wrapping.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 10:56:29 BST
There is a captured German machine-gun in front of the Nazi flag. The Troopers are not wearing webbing fighting order, so are temporarily on “Stand Down” and relaxing.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 10:53:01 BST
The right hand man appears to be acting as a “spotter” for the shooter and will be indicating potential targets.The shooter does not have his leaf-sight up so is using his lower Battle sight. They are both extremely alert and in danger.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 10:49:45 BST
These Commandos are probably leaving the final UK camp heading for the Embarkation point as they all their kit well strapped down and the leading Trooper has water-proofed the bolt area of his rifle with tape to prevent sand clogging it. Some are wearing Assault Vests or have bandolier of 100 rounds about their person. This is possibly on the 4/5 June 1944.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 10:45:23 BST
The Trooper climbing carries a slung Bren Gun.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 20 Sep 2020 18:47:42 BST
The Photo shows the Royal Marines ‘mix’ of sleeve titles, which include their Commando Number, 40-48, the words Royal Marines on a Cash’s Tape, the arched Commando ‘flash’ and the circular Combined Operations ‘flash’.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 20:37:23 BST
I believe this is a Kreigsmarine (Naval) Ensign which like all traditional items was Nazified by the addition of the Swastika.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 19:52:44 BST
They also had a propeller driven off the main engine so they could make way once in the water still a dangerous way to go to war with many sinking including a complete US Tank Unit off Omaha Beach, the Tanks are still there!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 19:48:29 BST
This Trooper served in a Light Infantry Regiment his Cap Badge displays the Traditional Hunting Horn emblem.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 19:39:19 BST
The Troopers are grouped around a 20mm Oerlikon Cannon used by crew for defence.The two half moon fittings to the right would fit around the Gunners’ shoulders when firing.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 19:31:23 BST
The Troopers in the photo may be the Unit ‘Posties’ a vital morale boosting role as it was the only means by which Troops in the Field could get their letters from home and send replies. No Mobile ‘phones then!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 19:25:15 BST
The Trooper coming down the ramp is taking quite a purler, he is laden with all necessary Commando equipment plus an issue bicycle but will-arrive on shore well soaked and cursing!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 19:21:39 BST
Captain Sturges is cleaning his F & S Commando Fighting Knife, perhaps they are going in action quite soon.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 14:43:21 BST
Here you can see how ID discs are worn. The round one is cut off if the man dies and sent to the Regimental Pay and Records Office used to close his Personal Record, in the Royal Marines that is entered as “Discharged Dead”. The other discs is buried with the man for later identification and any re-burial.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 14:40:58 BST
The Officer on the right is wearing RAF Pilots Wings which may help in making an ID.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 10:34:38 BST
Photo taken in the U.K. (Water/Fire hydrant sign on wall) possibly during pre-D-Day Training in bombed British City known as a Fighting in Built Up Areas (FIBUA) common practice in preparation for the coming Invasion.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 10:19:31 BST
Marine Green is not wearing best blues but No: 3 Dress which would be working dress, all rank and specialist badges would be scarlet. All badges and buttons would be brass and require daily cleaning.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 18 Sep 2020 23:09:27 BST
