This is CSM Jim Kelly. He was my CSM at Merseyside (Morpeth dock) RMFVR, changed during my service (1963 - 1968) to RMR. He was the nicest man you could meet and yet a very tough Commando. I was 18 years old, he was "old" (40!) I remember thinking how could this old guy possibly keep up with us on our 6 milers - he, of course, ran us into the ground (also drank us under the table). He was part of the D Day invasion and, amongst other awards, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his actions. He and Sgt. Jerry Kelly (not related), would do a great version of "the brothers Malone". He taught me much and I still think of him very often. What a great guy! According to this site, he passed just a few years ago. RIP CSM.
Posted by Terry Fitzsimmons on Sat 12 Jun 2021 11:13:33 EDT
The tall man behind the hatless Squaddie is a member of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and wears the beret seen with Scarlet patch. His Cap Badge is a Naval ‘fouled anchor’ with the Dutch Royal Crown. The Anchor lies at an angle and the Corps is known as ‘Korps Mariniers’ . They liaise closely with the Royal Marines in many areas.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 26 Sep 2020 13:02:21 EDT
Royal Marines Commando Kelly proudly wears his Green Beret with cloth dagger badge which means he is a WW2 Veteran, he appears to have a ‘Split’ Cap Badge and if so is a former Commissioned Officer or Warrant Officer, in the case of the latter he would either be a Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) or Quarter Master Sergeant (QMS) in the Royal Marines during WW2 as Warrant rank was not introduced in the Corps until well after the War ended.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 26 Sep 2020 12:51:39 EDT
WO2 Wright RE is a Qualified Army Diver evidenced by the small badge
under his Crown and Wreath sleeve badge.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Wed 23 Sep 2020 17:39:02 EDT
This shows a Royal Marines Colonel and RSM (WO1) with the Corps
Wreath.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Wed 23 Sep 2020 17:33:36 EDT
CSM Jim Kelly, RM.
This is CSM Jim Kelly. He was my CSM at Merseyside (Morpeth dock) RMFVR, changed during my service (1963 - 1968) to RMR. He was the nicest man you could meet and yet a very tough Commando. I was 18 years old, he was "old" (40!) I remember thinking how could this old guy possibly keep up with us on our 6 milers - he, of course, ran us into the ground (also drank us under the table). He was part of the D Day invasion and, amongst other awards, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his actions. He and Sgt. Jerry Kelly (not related), would do a great version of "the brothers Malone". He taught me much and I still think of him very often. What a great guy! According to this site, he passed just a few years ago. RIP CSM.
Posted by Terry Fitzsimmons on Sat 12 Jun 2021 11:13:33 EDT