This picture was taken on the banks of the Strymon River near Drama in November 1944 when 9 Commando detached two Troops to help quell some unrest in the Drama area. To get there they need to cross the Strymon River whose bridge had been blown up by the retreating Germans. The Commandos had to improvise a ferry to get its vehicle and stores across. In this picture are, l-r, Lt Francis, the British interpreter and guide, who looks as if he has a 9 Commando black hackle behind his cap badge; an ELAS soldier (it was the tension between ELAS and the Greek royalists that had precipitated 9 Commando's presence at Drama), Lt Harry Kither, and Lt Angus Ferguson.
Posted by Gregor Ferguson on Sun 11 Jan 2015 00:18:36 GMT
More information
This was indeed the Liberation Day parade in Drama, 12 November 1944. This photo shows and 2 Troops of 9 Commando in Review Order. The officer in front isCaptain WW (Bill) Carrie, OC 2 Troop and 2i/c of the force; the other officers standing to attention are, l-r, Lt GD Bisset, RE of 1 Troop (also force adjutant); Lt DWD Peel, RA of 1 Troop, and Lt MD Kennedy of 2 Troop.
Posted by Gregor Ferguson on Sun 11 Jan 2015 00:06:28 GMT
Interesting detail
If you look closely you'll see that both my father and the sergeant sitting to his right have parachute wings on their right fore-arms. Normally, the wings worn by parachute-trained personnel in non-airborne units consisted of the 'lightbulb' - a simple parachute on a circular patch. In airborne units the full wings were worn on the right shoulder, two fingers'-widths down from the seam.
Posted by Gregor Ferguson on Sun 11 Jan 2015 00:01:41 GMT
I also have a copy of this photo. On the back is Moffat 1941.
Posted by michael fuller on Sat 03 Jan 2015 10:48:15 GMT
The man behind Nelson Smallbone and the man with the pipe is Denis Fuller.
Posted by michael fuller on Wed 31 Dec 2014 07:20:10 GMT
My father is E.G. Stokoe. Affectionately known as Ted. On the back row second from the left. The author of Lower the Ramps and Once a Marine. He lost his leg to a German mine on 12th March 1945. He always had tremendous spirit and unless they were told, people could not believe he had a disability.
Posted by Colin Stokoe on Tue 23 Dec 2014 23:15:55 GMT
Photo updated
Sgt Harry Hewitt identified. see below.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 20 Dec 2014 23:08:18 GMT
3rd Row 6 is Sgt Harry Hewitt
Posted by Jeff on Sat 20 Dec 2014 14:59:42 GMT
Photo updated
Denis Fuller details added from comments below
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 20 Dec 2014 12:38:55 GMT
Photo updated
Denis Fuller details added from comments below
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 20 Dec 2014 12:38:19 GMT
Photo updated
Denis Fuller details added from comments below
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 20 Dec 2014 12:37:48 GMT
On close examination of this photo it appeared that the soldiers were wearing hackles in their berets. Whilst No5 Cdo did wear a Golden Hackle, on their Tam O'Shanters, in their early days, the hackle was dispensed with when the green beret was issued. Closer examination also revealed a white patch on all of the four soldiers whose top button of their battledress blouse was in view.
After consultation with two friends - who have far greater knowledge on the uniforms etc., than I have - it was also noticed that there were two different BD blouses in the photo and the NCOs' chevrons were not those of a commando but were actually those of the Light Infantry.
Both my friends concluded that the 'hackle' was, in fact, a white 'Minden Rose' and that the photo was taken post WWII after the Commandos had disbanded and Cpl Allan Jameson (as he was at the time the photo was taken) had returned to his parent regiment - The KOYLI (King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry).
The only question ...
On close examination of this photo it appeared that the soldiers were wearing hackles in their berets. Whilst No5 Cdo did wear a Golden Hackle, on their Tam O'Shanters, in their early days, the hackle was dispensed with when the green beret was issued. Closer examination also revealed a white patch on all of the four soldiers whose top button of their battledress blouse was in view.
After consultation with two friends - who have far greater knowledge on the uniforms etc., than I have - it was also noticed that there were two different BD blouses in the photo and the NCOs' chevrons were not those of a commando but were actually those of the Light Infantry.
Both my friends concluded that the 'hackle' was, in fact, a white 'Minden Rose' and that the photo was taken post WWII after the Commandos had disbanded and Cpl Allan Jameson (as he was at the time the photo was taken) had returned to his parent regiment - The KOYLI (King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry).
The only question that remains is why they are wearing two white roses - one on their blouse and one on their beret.
Thanks to Mike & Richard Beckett & Leigh Kitchen for their expert advise and information. N.Collins
Posted by Nick Collins on Fri 19 Dec 2014 23:04:51 GMT
Denis Fuller, 2 Cdo.
Posted by michael fuller on Sun 14 Dec 2014 08:00:49 GMT
Denis Fuller 2 Cdo in front.
Posted by michael fuller on Sun 14 Dec 2014 07:57:05 GMT
Far right is Denis Fuller, 2 Cdo. Reg Fursse was my parents Best Man.
Posted by michael fuller on Sun 14 Dec 2014 07:43:09 GMT
Photo update
Thanks Stephane. You are right of course.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Thu 11 Dec 2014 19:16:28 GMT
Hello,
I don't think so this is Lt Mercer-Wilson.
He was killed in action on D.Day, and this photo could be taken in Belgium or Netherlands, seeing the name on the shop, and the denison wear by Colonel DAWSON.
Posted by stephane on Wed 10 Dec 2014 20:47:12 GMT
I think this may be Flushing as some are sporting, I think, german pins in their berets ... as in another photo in the gallery.
I recognise the man, 5th from the right (sitting) and I think my dad, George Francis Harris, may be 3rd from the left, at the back ... both from No.4
Posted by Eileen Harris on Thu 04 Dec 2014 18:28:37 GMT
Photo updated
Thanks for the info Stephane. It was in some boxed files uncredited so have credited you. Nice photo.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Wed 03 Dec 2014 21:51:54 GMT
Photo updated
Location ident with another photo which gave date and location (even with the same little girl as in this one)
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Wed 03 Dec 2014 20:26:39 GMT
It was at the last Commando Association last reunion. In Porstmouth, 18 09 2005
I think, I took this photo. Because i've similar photo, or maybe it was someonelse near me.
Posted by stephane on Tue 02 Dec 2014 08:28:55 GMT
Back row : 1st Lef : Jim CLINTON 3 Cdo 4 Troop
Front row : the last one on right : D.DIGHTON 3 Cdo 1 Troop
Posted by stephane on Tue 02 Dec 2014 08:26:35 GMT
Location identified
Jack Bakker provides modern photos of the same street for comparison which confirms location as Willemstad
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Tue 02 Dec 2014 07:35:06 GMT
Highly likely this is No 1 Commando Signals Troop
Posted by John Mewett on Mon 01 Dec 2014 18:02:29 GMT
Photo updated
2/Lt Morgan Jenkins and Lt Tom Peyton identified by David Tait, nephew of Morgan Jenkins.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sun 30 Nov 2014 19:59:39 GMT
