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
If any Royal Marine is looking at this photo and wondering why there are Gunners pictured with the Squad, it is because the original plan to train Army guys to get their Green Beret and then train them as Commando Instructors went for a ball of chalk when only 8 passed out of a Cadre of 30 Officers and NCOs so they introduced trickle drafting to start getting Gunners thru. It worked very well as the Squads adopted these guys and helped if they struggled so they also bonded. Those joining Squads got a simple one week Acquaint and were then thrown in the deep end, sink or swim. The basic problem arose from the fact they had always traveled by vehicle so did not have a Bergen Mentality so the requirement to, “Yomp” had not been asked of them, there was also a problem with what the Corps calls, “Personal Administration” also resolved. The All-Arms Commando Course is the current solution, lasting 14 weeks at RM Chivenor.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 10:30:40 BST
The left Trooper holds the Military Cross and a Commissioned Officer.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 01:34:45 BST
I believe that he was presented with an Honorary Green Beret on when appointment to this post which occurred at about the time he presented Colours to 40, 42 and 45 Commando RM on the same day in a Malta in the late1950s when 3 Commando Brigade RM was stationed there.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 01:29:42 BST
Prince Phillip wears his Royal Marines Tie on this occasion. Trooper Whipps wears a Commando ‘flash ‘ and Staffordshire Regimental Cap Badge with Black feather Hackle on his Green Beret. On this occasion, his Veterans lapel badge is proudly worn.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Mon 21 Sep 2020 01:23:52 BST
Spot the German helmet bottom right probably grabbed as a souvenir.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 20 Sep 2020 19:01:11 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
Their Drill matched any Kings Squad! The last NS Squad was going thru Lympstone in 1959 where I was undergoing a Regular Training. To our chagrin they already had the SLR whilst we still had .303 Lee Enfield No: 4 Rifle in use since 1944.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 20:31:52 BST
The right hand man in the photo wears his Police Long Service Medal for 22 years Police time, alongside his Wartime Medals.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 20:24:23 BST
The Troopers are pictured stood in front of the iconic Falklands ‘Yomper’which stood outside the Royal Marines Museum. I believe the locals have requested it remain when the new Museum opens.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 20:21:14 BST
The right hand man holds the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 20:16:54 BST
These tablets should not be used in confined spaces as the fumes are not safe. In Norway Troops cook using a stove and lead-free petrol for the same sort of reason.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 20:12:19 BST
It is interesting the Dutch Commando Recruits are issued with the old style Cap Comforters initially used by Anchnacary Trainees and also worn on Operations by the British Units.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 20:05:22 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
I believe the Commando Battle Honours Flag is placed in St Paul’s Cathdral.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 19:34:35 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
The impressive building in rear was the RMB Eastney Officers’ Mess when the Barracks was Operational.It was a Classical old-style home to the Officers. It became the RM Corps Museum but it is relocating to a new home in the Royal Naval Dockyard where it will be in close proximity to HMS ‘Victory’ The Royal Navy Museum and others places of interest.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 19:13:05 BST
