The interesting point in photo is the .303” Bren Light Machine Gun (LMG) carried by the leading man. Unusually this is fitted with a handle BELOW the butt, this LMG was intended to be used in an anti-aircraft role mounted on a Tripod or similar fitting on the Bren Carrier Tracked Vehicle.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 18:33:30 BST
Bob holds the Military Cross and fought in Korea. Janet has ‘pinched’ his Commando Association tie and wears a Royal British Legion Blazer Badge.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 14 Sep 2020 16:59:53 BST
His Parachute Badge looks similar to that worn on Best Blues as it has a black or dark blue background and the wings appear to be gold in colour. It might also indicate that he had been attached to a Special Unit who wore this to show that distinction.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:15:47 BST
This shows Bren,’live’ firing as the formation is not tactical and it looks like an improvised Range.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 21:45:01 BST
In the early days at Achnacary it was very much ‘hands on’ with Assault Courses being built with materials to hand. Training with actual logs was part of everyday fitness training, one which the Commando Logistics Regt Practise now!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 21:42:26 BST
The close-up,shows how the ropes were used.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 21:36:21 BST
This photo shows how the Commando Toggle Rope every man carried could be utilised to make a bridge of sorts which could be quickly broken down after the men had made a ‘dry shod’ crossing. When I did my Commando Course at Lympstone there was one as part of the Tarzan Course in Sylvan Glade.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 21:35:05 BST
The reference here to a ‘Tommy Cooker’ is the small, tin folding cooker using Hexamine Blocks which were still in use in the 1980 when I finally hung up my Green Beret.
Posted by David Prichard on Thu 27 Aug 2020 23:44:31 BST
This unusual photo shows a Bren Gun mounted on a tripod designed for use when being used in the anti-aircraft role!
Posted by David Prichard on Thu 27 Aug 2020 22:50:10 BST
These men are holding the famous Thompson Sub-Machine Gun so may well be their first sight of this US weapon.There was no British equivalent.
Posted by David Prichard on Thu 27 Aug 2020 21:52:02 BST
It seems the Scottish element has been dropped, Green Berets adopted and standard Army field dress worn.
Posted by David Prichard on Thu 27 Aug 2020 21:43:34 BST
Most of these Commandos are wearing the very popular issue brown leather jerkin (always a good ‘proff’) the man 6th left has the Commando Toggle Rope around waist.
Posted by David Prichard on Thu 27 Aug 2020 21:37:27 BST
The small packs worn on the chest hold the respirator (gas-mask) issued to all personnel as there was a real fear that the Germans both had, and would use, poison gases. Fortunately this never happened. The German equivalent is the metal, corrugated tubs often seen hanging off their Field Order. The men here are wearing field kilts in a plain, khaki cloth.
Posted by David Prichard on Thu 27 Aug 2020 21:25:08 BST
Thanks Neil
Thanks for your comments Neil. We have quite a few other photos of John Stewart in the No.2 Commando gallery. He was in the same troop as my father.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 05 May 2020 23:06:47 BST
John Stewart
John Stewart (24) was my dad's cousin (his dad's sister's son). Dad often talked about him and how he got killed in Italy. He used to tell me that John's dad was Canadian. I am waiting for the 1921 census to come out to find out if that was so. Great site and a really fitting tribute to those who served to preserve our freedom.
Posted by Neil Madden on Sun 03 May 2020 01:07:47 BST
Album update
Service in the Paras added.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 11 Feb 2020 16:41:39 GMT
2 Commando 1941 Photo
Further to the comment posted by my brother, Nicholas Haines, on December 30th, I agree that #10 in the photograph bears a striking resemblance to our father, TSM George Ernest Haines. The family resemblance to him is seen in both Nicholas and his son. Should you require any further information to ascertain whether this is, in fact, George Haines, please let us know exactly what you need and we will endeavour to provide it. Sarah Wale (nee Haines)
Posted by Sarah Wale on Thu 02 Jan 2020 22:53:56 GMT
2 Commando 1941 Photo
Might #10 be my father George Ernest Haines. Awarded DCM for actions in St Nazaire raid. His name is missing from list and the picture looks somewhat like him,,,and my own son.
Posted by Nicholas Haines on Mon 30 Dec 2019 20:22:49 GMT
Reply to Jean Sutcliffe
Jean if you have a better photo of your Uncle, Fusilier Robert Salonicka Woodman, get in touch via the Contact us section on the Homepage www.commandoveterans.org
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Mon 18 Nov 2019 19:47:36 GMT
My Uncle Fusilier Robert Salonicka Woodman row 2 (4) Killed at St Nazaire. My Dad and Uncle spoke of him so many times that I feel I knew him although never met him. So proud of him, and indeed all of these men.
Posted by Jean Sutcliffe on Mon 11 Nov 2019 11:56:44 GMT
Awards
1. 6896269 Sergeant Herbert Maurice ROE, The King's Royal Rifle Corps awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field - London Gazette 37138, page 3241; WO 373/98/668
2. Acting Colour Sgt Roe received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services whilst engaged in special operations in South East Asia. - London Gazette 37780, page 5467
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Mon 15 Jul 2019 00:04:37 BST
Photo updated
Thanks Scott. There are other photos in our gallery where your Grandfather is named. This photo will be repositioned soon in alphabetical order of surname amongst the other individual photos.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Fri 14 Jun 2019 22:26:26 BST
Charlie Simpson
He was in 2 Cdo. 2tp from 1941-1945. Fought in Norway, France, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece. He made Sgt. by the end of the war.
Posted by Scott Thew on Fri 14 Jun 2019 21:40:21 BST
Charlie Simpson
Pretty sure that this is a photo of my grandfather Charlie Simpson.
Posted by Scott Thew on Fri 14 Jun 2019 10:05:14 BST
Possible photo id
This man looks like Ricky Launden ?
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Thu 13 Jun 2019 09:07:26 BST
