I believe that this Troopers’ medals include a Police Long Service Medal so he may have been one of the Wartime Police entries who returned to that Job on demobilisation, it is the right hand medal as the photo is looked at.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 13:06:37 BST
I served with a number of Wartime Commandos in Cardiff City Police and was told that when they arrived at the Commando Depot they had no previous military affiliation so had to select one prior to being issued with kit, given a Regimental Number and receive any pay. Some chose this Cavalry Regiment because of the Cap Badge. Correction to previous.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:59:26 BST
These Troopers appears to be sat on the roof of a railway carriage given the curved roofline and it is interesting that they are wearing studded boots (Boots AP or Army Pattern) and not Commando Boots with It side made cleated rubber soles so perhaps this is quite early on.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:49:53 BST
This shows a .303 inch Bren Light Machine Gun loaded with a magazine which could hold 28 rounds and there are spare mags stacked close to hand in the picture.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:45:42 BST
The Trooper in the centre rank has received a head injury which is covered by an issue First Field Dressing issued to all ranks. This was well sealed so a sterile dressing was immediately available. These came in different sizes and a Trooper could carry as many as he wanted (referred to as a FFD)
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:43:22 BST
These LSTs were built to run straight up onto the beach where, if possible, Tanks, Troops and other equipment could be landed ‘dry-shod’ through large doors in the bow. Each was also fitted with a huge Kedging Anchor on the Stern which had a swivel ‘fluke’ plate attached to powerful windlass also stern mounted. On the run-in to the beach that anchor would dig into the seabed. This meant that the LST and other similar ships could quite literally haul itself back out into deep water where that anchor was recovered. That Kedging Anchor features on the famous Combined Operation ‘ flash’ brought into use which also shows the equally famous Thompson Sub Machine Gun and an Eagle for the Air Forces involved.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:39:17 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
If a soldier sees a camera........
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:12:24 BST
The toppees worn in the photo were standard issue back in the day once a soldier arrived at a certain latitude where it was originally feared that the hot sun might scramble the brains of Britons exposed. The white Royal Marines Parade helmets (known as the Wolsey Helmet) is based on this headwear.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:10:57 BST
The ‘beds’ in this photo are made up of old-style petrol jerrycans balancing on planks. These thin tin cans were superseded by British copies of the German petrol cans, hence ‘Jerricans’! Simple when you know how.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 12:07:38 BST
In Commando Training this was usually carried out on Jenny Cliff on the East side of Plymouth Sound with Instructors from the Mountain Leaders based in Stonehouse Barracks or CTCRM.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 10:13:33 BST
This Acquaint starts with a walk through demonstrating the methods used followed by a full crack at it plus the run back to CTCRM.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 21:10:24 BST
This is an Endurance Course Acquaint as evidenced by the fact that this is a demonstration by Royal Marines Instructors on the method used to negotiate the Water Tunnel with the personnel involved all RM and the Commando hopefuls watching technique used. A syndicate of three work together, one swimming, one pushing and the other pulling the swimmer through.The bearded guy is probably Royal Navy who has had permission to cease shaving, not as is popularly supposed, allowed to grow a beard!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 21:08:12 BST
The Brigadier chooses to wear his Original Welch Regiment Cap Badge and not that of a Field Officer.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 20:49:18 BST
Trooper Redmond soldiered on after WW2 as evidenced by his General Service Medal (2 Campaign Bars) and Korean War Medals (UN),
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 20:46:12 BST
Both the Brothers are Royal Navy Stokers, on the left is an Able Seaman on the right a Petty Officer (rank equivalent is Sergeant), both wear one Long Service stripe showing 4 years under the Colours. The Stokers arm Insignia is a Ships’ propeller and the term dates back to coal fired ships.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 20:38:25 BST
Sergeant Robinson is wearing the distinctive SAS Parachute Brevet (Winged Parachute) above his North Africa Star, later the badge would be worn on the right shoulder below any Regimental Title.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 20:32:13 BST
This is a vey early Parachute photograph as the Commando is wearing the protective helmet designed to prevent head injury when exiting a Whitley converted Bomber, the only spare aircraft available. A circular hole was cut in the floor, the parachutist sat on the side ready to jump going thru the Red light/a Green light procedure. Many hit their heads on the other side of the hole which was not a good way to start the descent. The padded helmet was intended to prevent that kind of injury. A steel helmet designed for Para Troops’ use was soon issued and the introduction of the US made Douglas DC-3 ‘Dakota’ with side exit ended that problem.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 20:28:10 BST
The Cap Badge is that of the Kings’ Shropshire Light Infantry carrying the traditional Hunting Horn worn by all LI Regiments. These were originally raised to fight in American were the red tunics of the Infantry proved ideal targets for the Colonial Riflemen who were all excellent marksmen and hunted wild -life as food. The LI came with new’ dark green uniforms, trained as marksmen and to move at high speed.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 15:07:50 BST
In ancient mythology it was said the a Salamander could survive Fire so was possibly the reason this symbol was chosen.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 15:02:29 BST
This Commando served in one of the Rifle Regiments as his cap badge carries Regimental Battle Honours. Rifle Regiments did not have the Colours carried by Infantry Regiments but on the Officers Cross Belt and every soldiers Cap Badge Badge. He also went on to serve in the Korean War as evidenced by the two right hand medals in the picture.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 14:56:33 BST
Sergeant White was Mentioned in Despatches (MiD) as he wears a bronze Oak Leaf on one of his Medals. This means he has been personally named in a Despatch or Report sent back after a Battle or other action. It denotes he has acted gallantly and with merit.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 14:51:54 BST
When 45 RM Commando went to Achnacary in 1943 for the final 10 days of their Green Beret Training they lived in Bell Tents in the grounds and slept on straw. It was basic but adequate. The period mentioned included the Acquaints and the Commando Tests. All preparatory training had been Prior to arrival. Source: Ply/X 105503 Marine Cliff Welsh RM. who was a Unit Founder Member, MMG Gunner and member of “F” Troop in pub conversations well after the War, he landed on Sword Beach D-Day and went on thru all their Battles into Germany.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 14:42:10 BST
They are ready to ump from a Dakota and it will be noted that no reserve Parachutes are being used, these were not introduced until late 1940s at earliest. They would jump using the static line which opening the ‘chute on exiting the aircraft if it did not work.............ROH!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 12 Sep 2020 14:31:23 BST
He is armed with the 9mm Sterling Sun-Machine Gun a gas and blow-back operated weapon.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 11 Sep 2020 22:38:18 BST
