These men look remarkably chipper given their situation. I note they are wearing the ‘new’ Commando Boots with inside rubber soles. After Hitler issued the infamous Commando Order these were used to identify Commandos and so could prove a Death Sentence!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 17:24:17 BST
The Lance/Corporal with his right shoulder facing the camera has a slung Thompson Sub-Machine Gun over that shoulder. There is Bren Gunner checking his weapon just in front of the Officer wearing peaked cap (in background) The Commando on the right has his gas cape folded over left arm these proved to be water-proof so a life-saver when living ‘rough’ (which was most of the time ) I heard that from Marine Clifford Welsh RM who served with 45 Cdo RM, landed Sword Beach and ‘yomped’ right through to Germany so he would know!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 16:38:27 BST
I don’t think Lord Lovat is carrying an issue Rifle, it has an exposed barrel and the Butt is much thinner than any standard Lee Enfield Rifle. He may
have brought his Deer Hunter!
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 14:57:50 BST
The US style rifle sling was issued to Royal Marines Snipers during my time with their Sniper Rifle having an additional fastening in front of the magazine.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 14:52:05 BST
This a cracking photo in which the .303” Bren Gun can be clearly see with the conical flash eliminator and folded down bipod. This was a superb Rifle Section Light Machine Gun (LMG ), beautiful design from a Czech Munitions Factory, if it had a fault it was too accurate with a tight ‘beaten’ zone, ie. there is a narrow catchment area. A broad ‘beaten’ zone increases the possibility of hits when a long burst is fired. It could fire single rounds or automatc. A good Gunner could get this off in short burst of 2/3 rounds, rearming after each. The US Ranger is armed with a US M1 .30-06 Garand semi-automatic rifle the standard US Infantry weapon still being used in Vietnam! The Ranger is carrying 2/3 Bandoliers of rounds in clips of 10 so has at least 200 rounds, he may have done this because the British standard rimmed round would be of no use. The Official caption says that he is getting a light for his cigarette from a compatriot. The man holding the match is a British Commando. He is wearing British denims...
This a cracking photo in which the .303” Bren Gun can be clearly see with the conical flash eliminator and folded down bipod. This was a superb Rifle Section Light Machine Gun (LMG ), beautiful design from a Czech Munitions Factory, if it had a fault it was too accurate with a tight ‘beaten’ zone, ie. there is a narrow catchment area. A broad ‘beaten’ zone increases the possibility of hits when a long burst is fired. It could fire single rounds or automatc. A good Gunner could get this off in short burst of 2/3 rounds, rearming after each. The US Ranger is armed with a US M1 .30-06 Garand semi-automatic rifle the standard US Infantry weapon still being used in Vietnam! The Ranger is carrying 2/3 Bandoliers of rounds in clips of 10 so has at least 200 rounds, he may have done this because the British standard rimmed round would be of no use. The Official caption says that he is getting a light for his cigarette from a compatriot. The man holding the match is a British Commando. He is wearing British denims (called fatigues), boots, and he has his ‘37 Pattern small pack slung from the waist so may have had that filled with No: 36 HE grenades. He is carrying British rifle as the Butt is visible with a webbing rifle sling held in place with 2 clips. He is also wearing a life-belt around his chest with the mouth-piece in view. In contrast US Forces were issued as standard brown leather rifle slings with all brass fittings which is seen on the Garand. I have read that some of these rifles were issued to Commandos in the Rifle Group of Rifle Section who would be called on to give covering fire when the Gun Group we’re moving during “Fire and Movement” keeping one foot on the ground was the term used. That style of life-belt was still in use in the Royal Marines in 1960 during my Commando Training and the “Rocky Landings and life Assault” phase in Plymouth Sound.
Posted by David Prichard on Tue 25 Aug 2020 14:48:17 BST
Photo updated
You are right David. It should have read Commandos meet Airborne.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 22 Aug 2020 17:05:02 BST
These Snipers would carry the .303” Lee Enfield Model No : 4(T) Rifle The standard British Sniper Rifle which was still in use in the Royal Marines until the mid-1960s when it was rechambered to fire the 7.62mm rimless round. When the Rifles came off the production line they would be test fired fixed to a stand. The best were converted by adding a cheek rest, an additional sling-swivel ahead of the magazine, fitted with a X4 magnification telescope and the Battle Sight ground off. The “T” in Brackets indicated Telescope.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 22 Aug 2020 13:56:28 BST
Smashed “Horsa” Glider in background
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 22 Aug 2020 13:44:27 BST
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
