I think the soldiers in scrimmed helmets and smocks are probably not Commandos as they are carrying 9mm Sten Guns so may be Airborne so may be from the Coup de Main glider-borne force who seized the two Bridges over the river and canal. If I am right they are mainly from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (Ox & Bucks LI). You will see, in contrast, that the Commandos wear Battledress (BD) . The Green Beret L/Corporal is expecting trouble as he has his pistol ready, could still be in close contact with Germans.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 22 Aug 2020 13:41:12 BST
Their Commando ‘flashes’ are clear and they are mostly carrying the famous ‘Toggle’ rope which were standard Commando issue.
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 21 Aug 2020 20:26:36 BST
This is a very telling and interesting Commando photograph. These are returning from an extremely brutal Battle. They are upright, alert and also cheerful. The rear rank working left to right. The first is a .303 Bren Gunner, he is holding the gun with the conical flash eliminator visible in his right hand. He has magazines in each pouch with rounds visible. Next to him is probably his No: 2 as he has a spare Bren barrel strapped into his small pack and is holding his Personal Weapon the .303 SMLE. The third man is also holding a Bren Gun. The fourth man a RN crew member. The fifth a Commando Sergeant who has a bandolier of 100 rounds on his waist. He also holds a SMLE Rifle and the scabbard for his 18 inch bayonet is visible. In the well-deck are four men working from left the first holds the famous Thompson Sub-Machine Gun. The grinning Lance Cpl is probably a Gun Group Commander. The front man, looking up also has a spare Bren barrel strapped onto his small pack so is another Gun No: 2. Although they ...
This is a very telling and interesting Commando photograph. These are returning from an extremely brutal Battle. They are upright, alert and also cheerful. The rear rank working left to right. The first is a .303 Bren Gunner, he is holding the gun with the conical flash eliminator visible in his right hand. He has magazines in each pouch with rounds visible. Next to him is probably his No: 2 as he has a spare Bren barrel strapped into his small pack and is holding his Personal Weapon the .303 SMLE. The third man is also holding a Bren Gun. The fourth man a RN crew member. The fifth a Commando Sergeant who has a bandolier of 100 rounds on his waist. He also holds a SMLE Rifle and the scabbard for his 18 inch bayonet is visible. In the well-deck are four men working from left the first holds the famous Thompson Sub-Machine Gun. The grinning Lance Cpl is probably a Gun Group Commander. The front man, looking up also has a spare Bren barrel strapped onto his small pack so is another Gun No: 2. Although they have been given ‘comfort’ blankets these have not been used and the men are still ready for anything!!
He also g
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 21 Aug 2020 18:13:37 BST
Operation Chess
Hi Graham
My father was on this raid and I'm pretty sure he is the commando in the middle at the back possibly making a V sign. I have no pictures of him, in uniform other than http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/1/panorama/Numbered+No1+Panorama_.jpg.html. He is number 19 at the back again. Could I possibly have a professional copy of your photo or a more detailed scan if that is possible. I don’t care how much it would cost and would be very happy to pay.
I have a letter from Malcolm Parr, who should be in the picture too, who was probably a corporal at the time although later made sergeant. He talks about being fired on and grenading the German post as well as the fact that two were killed. I hope to hear from you.
Best Regards
Richard Allum
Posted by Richard Allum on Fri 21 Aug 2020 15:26:54 BST
He was a a Sergeant in the FNG who acted as armed Militia or Police and
carried .303” SMLE Rifles (Short Magazine Lee Enfield)
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 21 Aug 2020 01:14:21 BST
I mentioned the Aden Protecterate Levies in my first comment. They had a large camp near us andhad been originally raised, trained and Officered by the RAF Regiment to standard British military standards. They were Adenis and as smart as paint. On occasion we were carrying out a joint patrol with them in the Dhala area near the border with The Yemen we were fired on and a 3” Mortar Team of the APL swung into action near me, it was textbook, straight out of a training manual soon putting bombs down on suspect locations. I watched In total admiration, there was no more unfriendly fire needless to say. All small guys built like Japanese wrestling snakes.
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 21 Aug 2020 01:09:37 BST
We are wearing the SV Commando sole boots mentioned elsewhere
Posted by David Prichard on Fri 21 Aug 2020 00:44:07 BST
The crippler was we were paid 6s 8p per week Kit Upkeep Allowance (KUA) and we had to buy new boots ourselves. These only lasted two or three patrols. They were known as SV Boots (Service Viulcanised) the original Commando sole and they were expensive. They would be sent up from Little Aden by convoy, you signed a chit and the full price was docked from Pay
Posted by David Prichard on Wed 19 Aug 2020 18:02:23 BST
The guy just in view left was Scouse Griffith’s (722(CS) Kings Squad RM. The tall guy centrally was a Jock, name may have been Ferguson, good egg! The others are then”newbies” who were to relieve so we could go home to Blighty! Note bandolier of 100 rounds on tall Marine in centre (worn around waist)
Posted by David Prichard on Wed 19 Aug 2020 08:21:36 BST
Sunny Malta with chums from the a Royal Navy.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 18 Aug 2020 12:24:36 BST
This document is a paper made with linen quite old style, if the top right Hand corner is cut off it means a Dishonourable Discharge!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 18 Aug 2020 12:20:51 BST
The ‘split’ Cap Badge can be seen in this picture, he is shooting using a 303” Lee Enfield No 4 Rifle, standard issue Corps Personal Weapon.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 18 Aug 2020 11:52:59 BST
Looking at his history it is probable he was a top rate Armourer responsible for all a Commando weaponry.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 18 Aug 2020 11:48:49 BST
This Royal Marine was a Quarter Master Sergeant (Technical) or QMS(T) he is wearing a blue beret with a scarlet ‘flash’ but his Cap Badge is that of Sergeant/Colour Sergeant as it is Matt/Gilt finish so was taken before promotion to QMS. At that time all ranks in the UK would wear that form of beret except Green Berets were worn in the UK by all ranks serving in either 41 or 42 Commando RM (Bickliegh Camp) and Instructors in “X” Troop (Commando Training) at the Infantry Training Centre RM, later renamed Commando Training Centre RM. The rank of QMS later changed to Warrant Officer (Second Class) in line with the whole UK Forces. A QMS would be addressed by his title and a WO(2) as “Sir”. Technical means he would be a Specialist as one of the many skilled Tradesmen supporting the Corps. His history makes in clear he was Commando Trained. A QMS or WO2 would wear a ‘split’ Cap Badge.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 18 Aug 2020 11:45:19 BST
Photo update
Sgt John Willis-Jones identified by family. Cdo Service Certificate seen.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 18 Aug 2020 09:48:57 BST
Photo update
Sgt John Willis-Jones identified by his family. Commando Service Certificate and other evidence of Cdo service seen (Forum message). Also served in No.1 Commando.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 18 Aug 2020 09:42:16 BST
Look at the way they are leaning into this, still in step and going strong with one turning to grin at me, they know they are making good time and they have this cracked. Time allowed is 7 hours. As their Instructor it gave me a great feeling seeing them looking this good. It was never our job to fail people, there was a job waiting for them either on a Course or Brigade. No water stops and they were expected to arrive at finish with a full water bottle!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 18 Aug 2020 00:18:29 BST
The snake has eaten something swallowed whole the shape of which can be seen!
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 17 Aug 2020 12:34:49 BST
The Marine nearest camera is carrying the British Jungle Carbine which was a .303’ Lee Enfield Rifle with minor alteration.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 17 Aug 2020 12:32:51 BST
The men are draped in belted ammunition and there is a German machine-gun to the right so this ammo is also captured. The right hand weapon is the famous .303 Bren which they would always carry.
Posted by David Prichard on Sun 16 Aug 2020 23:22:26 BST
The right hand man is ready to fire his Thompson Sub-Machine Gun known as a “Tommy Gun” or Chicago Piano.
Posted by David Prichard on Sun 16 Aug 2020 23:15:29 BST
The gun referred to and mounted on the US made a Jeep is a .303 Vickers Machine a Gun (MMG) so fair chance prisoners will behave! The gun is loaded you can see a pale coloured stripe down side of gun that is a belt of ‘live’ ammunition!
Posted by David Prichard on Sun 16 Aug 2020 23:07:50 BST
The man on the right is a despatch rider dressed for riding motor cycle. These men are grouped around the ubiquitous Bren Gun Carrier.
Posted by David Prichard on Sun 16 Aug 2020 23:00:34 BST
The right hand man has a pussers Revolver in holster which might mean he is in Support Troop and carries this for personal protection. “Pussers” means issue.
Posted by David Prichard on Sun 16 Aug 2020 22:52:30 BST
This Royal Marine has a .303” Lee Enfield rifle slung over his right shoulder the standard British Infantry weapon. It appears to be “Cocked” which might be standard practice so he is ready to fire the round in the breech if he comes under attack.
Posted by David Prichard on Sun 16 Aug 2020 22:41:39 BST
