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
Corporal Cant was the holder of The British Empire Medal and the Police Long Service Medal shown with his Commando Medals. The Police Medal does not include the usual term ‘and Good Service ‘ , with the Police that is a given.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 23:39:21 BST
Colonel Sankey RM was a former CO at Lympstone, his son Bob joined the Corps in the Ranks where I served with him, later Commissioned and made at least Captain. I believed he emigrated to Rhodesia and that his Son is a serving RM Officer.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 23:25:26 BST
This photo taken at RM Exton (CTCRM) in Nutwell Square in front of the NAAFI , the building to the right is No: 1 Galley. The Drill Instructor is a Colour Sergeant holding his Pace Stick. He is to the right as you look at the photo.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 23:15:50 BST
Ian Gourlay
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
