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 09:31:23 EDT
The right hand man is holding a captured German rifle.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 11 Sep 2020 16:27:35 EDT
This photo shows an injured WO2 being carried to a Field Dressing Station on a litter made using rifles
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 11 Sep 2020 16:26:16 EDT
These men appear to be living in ‘Civvie’ digs, standard in the Commandos of the day with a Subsistence Allowance being paid.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 04:10:43 EDT
These are not the standard British Sniper Rifles issued at that time which was the .303inch Lee Enfield No: 4(T) and was still in use in the Royal Marines until mid-1960 when it was re-chambered to use the 7.62mm round. The standard round issued was not good enough so special rounds were ordered for Sniper use only. When using the Lee Enfield Snipersin the Corps would try an d get the .303inch 7Z round which was standard issue for the .303inch Vickers Medium Machine Gun (MMG) which had a “Boat end or tapered “ bullet, the new style Rifle was called the L42. In this photo these Rifles are perhaps being “trialled” to measure their worth.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 04:07:44 EDT
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 11:17:51 EDT
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 11:16:36 EDT
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 11:05:09 EDT
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 10:59:02 EDT
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 10:51:51 EDT
The Sniper Rifle in this photo was the .303” Lee Enfield No: 4(T) fitted with a X4 Sniperscope usually used at ranges up to 600 yards. At that range when fired you could see ‘swirl” as the bullet passed through the air and could follow that into the target.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 04:01:00 EDT
The piece of kit on the floor is a collapsible assault boat and the oars are clearly shown. The Commando walking centrally seems to be carrying a Field a Radio as it is certainly heavy so he may be a Signaller.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 29 Aug 2020 14:16:33 EDT
There are three Bren Gunners in this photo. The left hand man has a FFD strapped over a wound above the left eye, but seems unconcerned. The right hand Bren Gunner has a 28 round magazine in the left top pocket.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 29 Aug 2020 14:09:43 EDT
The Commando seen emerging from the hatchway is wearing a souvenir German cap with the Eagle and Swastika in clear view so he must have got to very close quarters in Dieppe! The man behind holds a Bren LMG across the shoulder whilst Gunner Ruskin holds his Thompson Sub-machine Gun. He may have been wounded as his right hand denim leg is gone and it appears that a First Field Dressing has been applied (FFD - A pre-packed sterile bandage carried by all British Infantry soldiers and which should only be used to treat him. If Morphine has been administered the letter M in blood would be placed on his forehead.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 29 Aug 2020 14:01:01 EDT
