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Church at La Deliverande 1944

Date: 11/04/2012 Views: 3688 Owner: Pete Rogers (Admin)

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	The three front Commandos each hold a .30-06 inch a Garand Rifle issued to provide extra fire power as these are semi-automatic weapons Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 17:25:41 BST
	This shows Jim’s’ Regimental Number, Religion (Methodist) with name and Initials. The reverse will show Blood Group. This circular ID Disc would be taken from a man who had been killed and sent to his Regimental Pay and Records Office for his Service Record to be closed. In the Royal Marines that would be entered as: “Discharged-Dead”, all hand written back then. A second Disc (different shape and colour) would be buried with the man for later identification and proper burial Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 17:12:57 BST
	The cups of tea are a major clue! Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 16:59:33 BST
	This an interesting a Commando photograph. As the Commando Units were being formed they had no regular home or Barracks, added to that was the fact they moved frequently to many different locations. What was decided is they would be paid a Subsistence Allowance and take lodgings near to their current training area. This proved popular, they could pick and choose, were away from Barracks Routine, could team up with chums, would be living in Town close to attractions such as Pubs, Cinemas, Dance Halls and young ladies! The rent money they paid was welcomed by their Landladies many of whom had siblings serving in the Armed Forces and they would also bring home anything they could scrounge. It worked well and explains the smiles in this photo, some long-terms friends and relation ships were forged, many married into families they had lodged with. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 16:58:19 BST
	This shows the 105mm Light Gun firing the Salute Salvo at Spean Bridge Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 16:33:43 BST
	In this case there appears to be a rope ladder attached and not a single rope Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 16:17:51 BST
	The equipment shown here is a rocket-propelled grapnel which would be fired up and over the cliff edge in the hope that it would ‘bite’ and have sufficient purchase for the trailing rope to be used to scale the cliff. The US Rangers used these in their famous Point de Hoc attack on D-Day! That is still a place of pilgrimage and homage for the survivors. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 16:16:36 BST
	This is free climbing as opposed to using ropes placed by Unit Climbers, in the Royal Marines these were originally entitled Cliff Leaders which was changed in the 1960s to Mountain Leaders. They are now classed as Special Forces and form 3 Commando Brigade Patrol Group (BPG). They come (at you) very heavily armed! Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 16:05:09 BST
	The central man is using an Army issue Prismatic Compass, an essential bit of kit which together with an accurate Map and Protractor would be used to navigate safely anywhere from a Desert, to Mountain to Jungle. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 15:59:02 BST
	The boots seen worn in this photograph were known as ‘Scramble Boots’ being standard Army leather boots fitted with cleats for climbing and three point stud used on the sole which I read originated with the Romans! When we started Commando Training we were issued with this type of boot. Also a Cap Comforter, Dennison Smock (mine dated from 1943 and was ragged), a Field ‘38:Pattern Fighting Order, an ‘A’ Frame Rucksack, short Puttees, and Cotton, feather filled Sleeping Bag with no item waterproof. Happy Days! Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 15:51:51 BST
	Given the quality of photographs taken by Corporal Emerson, the vast range and the access he had plus seemingly unlimited amounts of film I would suggest he was Unit Photographer who could go anywhere without let or hindrance and everyone would know his role. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 15:41:07 BST
	The photo shows a Field Latrine at ‘Action Stations’ with the man nearest camera wearing a Royal Marines ‘split’ Cap Badge, given the sophistication of this set-up I am guessing Officers Only. Field Latrines were commonly known as ‘Thunderboxes’! The belt around his shoulders is a Naval Issue money belt which, when new, would have been Navy Blue. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 15:30:16 BST
	A 3” Mortar in action and just been fired! Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 15:20:51 BST
	Given that a wheeled Maxim Machine Gun appears in one of a Corporal Emerson’s’ photos could these men be captured Croats serving under German Command? They are certainly unarmed unlike the British present. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 15:17:09 BST
	These are two Royal Marines Officers evidenced by ‘split’ Cap Badge on right hand man both appearing to be Captains. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 15:08:47 BST
	The front man is holding Thompson Sub-Machine Gun pointing almost directly at the photographer! The rearmost man is a Royal Marine. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 15:02:47 BST
	This a Commando seems to have ‘proffed’ a German Schmeiser Sub Machine Gun which has a folding stock. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 14:56:48 BST
	The man nearest camera wears a Royal Marines ‘split’ Cap Badge so is probably an Officer as he has no sleeve insignia. The other is an Army Warrant Officer Il and is wearing motor cycle breeches and boots, his rank precludes him from being a Despatch Rider (DR or Don Rider). Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 14:54:07 BST
	Trooper Hill has awarded himself some German medals taken as War Booty souvenirs! It is a Luftwaffe Eagle evidenced by the swooping wings. The other might be a high honour Bravery Medal, Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 14:38:12 BST
	The ‘pig-sticker’ Bayonet is clearly shown in the photo replacing the 18” Bayonet standard issue previously for the .303 inch SMLE Rifle. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 14:30:10 BST
	He has also been doing a spot of huntin’ on the side and has a brace of Pheasants over his shoulder heading for the cooking pot, hope he was ‘In Season!’ Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 14:22:12 BST
	He is also wearing short puttees and not the more usual webbing anklets these were still in use in the Royal Marines into quite late on when the US Style High Boot was first issued. Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 14:18:11 BST
	The nice thing in this photo is that they have given this guy a blanket, a wet, and some scran the same as they are having. Nice touch! Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 14:07:20 BST
	They are...not me! Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 13:57:09 BST
	Should read ‘proffed’ Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 11:29:02 BST