Commando Veterans Archive - Commando Photo Gallery

Home Forum Login Register

Random Image

WO. Norman Austin, RAF & Barry Exley, 289 Cdo RA

Date: 16/01/2012 Views: 3863 Owner: Nick Collins

Latest Comments

first previous

Page 15 of 93

next last

	In 1960 45 Commando RM moved to Aden relieving the Royal Warwickshire Regiment who were returning to the U.K. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 19:36:18 BST
	The buildings along the edge of the Parade Ground were Accommodation Blocks for JNCOs and Marines and the Barracks the former home of the Royal Marines Artillery which amalgamated with the Royal Marines Light Infantry on St Georges’ Day 1923 when the present style of Cap Badge was introduced. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 19:30:17 BST
	3 Commando Brigade consisting of Brigade HQ, 40, 42 & 45 Commando Royal Marines would train regularly in Libya at that time it being ruled by King Idris who was very pro-British. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 19:14:02 BST
	The photo shows the Commanding Officer together with the RSM , Quarter Master Sergeants, Colour Sergeants and Sergeants of the Unit The man in the Centre rank , ninth from the left is RN Petty Officer and Royal Navy Medical Assistant (then called a a Sick Bay Attendant or SBA) who would have completed the Commando Course and been awarded the Green Beret. The SNCO on right of the rank with a white webbing shoulder strap is the Unit Provost (Police) Sergeant. The rank of Quarter Master Sergeant is now Warrant Officer 2nd Class. A RSM is now a WO1 and Senior. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 19:08:24 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
	This Is definitely a German Casement or Bunker and you can see the wide field of fire it would have had when Operational, close to 140 degrees (or 3000 mils) it can be seen this is a large Artillery piece capable of being used enormous damage to the Troops landing. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 13:22:57 BST
	These Troopers are stood in a German Artillery Casement or Bunker probably at or near the Invasion Beach. Much of the guns used had been stripped from Czech Border Defences in the Sudetenland which were rendered useless when German Troops occupied that area., others from the French Maginot Line which was well equipped but proved useless as the German Blitzkreig attack completely outflanked it. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 12:47:01 BST
	Here the same Officer is helping the ‘next man’ through the Water Tunnel, something he had to do unaided, although the tunnel is short if a man panics it can be very dangerous. I only ever saw one Royal Marines Recruit refuse to go through. He was eventually discharged.’Services nolonger required.’ (SNLR) Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 09:11:17 BST
	This Officer seemingly has no-one pulling him through the Water Tunnel Obstacle, he should be in a Syndicate of three, one pushing, one swimming and one pulling, this is a safety measure. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 09:04:38 BST
	There is no demonstrable technique for crossing the Endurance Course Bogs , it is simply a case of, “There it is, get through it .” The Instructor must stand clear and shout encouragement not get this involved, all he is doing is getting filthy. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 08:58:12 BST
	Madame Gondres’ family owned the Cafe Gondre in the back ground which was the first building on Mainland Europe to be liberated when Glider Borne Troops led by Major John Howard DSO (Ox & Bucks LI) landed Two capture the bridges over the Orne River and Caen Canal as the first Allied Troops to land in the Invasion. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Tue 22 Sep 2020 08:37:19 BST
	Major John Howard DSO (Ox & Bucks LI) led Operation “Deadstick” the Glider-borne Coup de Main Assault on two bridges over the River Orne and Caen Canal in the early hours of D-Day 6 June 1944. This proved successful and the bridges were held until his party was relieved by Lord Lovat and Commandos who had Speed Marched up from Sword Beach. The Horsa gliders landed exactly as planned totally surprising the Germans guarding these vital bridges. Major Howard was a former Police Officer in the Oxford City Police efore the War. The bridge is now known as Pegasus Bridge after the Formation Sign of all British Airborne Forces the Mythical Winged Horse. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 23:06:43 BST
	Trooper Kealy wears the Cap Badge of The Kings Royal Rifle Corps, and with his WW2 Medals, the Police Long Service Medal for 22 years Service. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 22:38:58 BST
	The tradition of wearing the Medals of a former Serviceman or Servicewoman is accorded to their families and are worn on the right breast as seen in the photo Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:59:16 BST
	Members of 43 Commando RM parade before the Commando Memorial. The red sashes worn by the SNCOs are traditional dating back to the time when these were used to support stretchers carrying injured men off the Battle Field with the colour representing their blood. These are only worn by SNCOs of Infantry Regiments. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:55:38 BST
	There will be a number of WO1s in 43 Commando RM but the RSM seen here is the Senior. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:46:09 BST
	A Royal Marines Officer and WO1(RSM) laying Wreaths. The RSM can be Identified by his distinctive RSMs Cane which will be been presented to him on taking up his a Appointment. A treasured momento which will be kept safely. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:43:23 BST
	Members of 43 Commando RM you will note they wear their Poppy behind their Cap Badges a Corps tradition. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:35:12 BST
	A WO 2 and SNCO from 43 Commando RM wearing Lovat uniform. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:31:58 BST
	A neighbour of mine served in the Troodos as a Royal Engineer in the troubles when Greek-Cypriot terrorists in EOKA under Colonel Grivas were fighting for ENOSIS (Freedom from British Rule) he used to carry out any repair work needed on defensive positions on the Mountain. One was manned by the Royal Welch Fusiliers and painted on a rock near to their position someone had painted, “Freedom for Wales” Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:29:53 BST
	This Dress uniform and leather belt is only worn by members of the Royal Marines Band Service, but if someone from General Duties was getting married he could borrow this for that purpose., Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 11:21:24 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