This shows a US built M4 Sherman Tank one of almost 50000 built and used in all Theatres of the War. They used petrol, the common fuel adopted, but caught fire relatively easily so the Germans called them “Tommy Cookers”.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:04:39 EDT
This is probably on active service the left hand man has a bandolier only used for ‘live’ rounds, he has his mess tin out, and seems to have ‘proffed’ a couple of spuds so a cook-up is in the offing.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 04:57:26 EDT
What is rarely mentioned is the fact that when the Invasion began and the areas on and around the Landing Beaches were bombed and shelled very heavily but the French residents were still in place and could not be given any warning. They suffered huge casualties, their livestock was killed and buildings massively damaged, there was no alternative. The amazing fact is that when Allied troops moved thru these same areas they were welcomed in a manner which can only be described as rapturous! Anything to get rid of the hated Boche!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 04:46:23 EDT
Note the No: 36 HE (High Explosive) Grenade clipped to his belt by the fly off handle. It holds one pound of HE and has an immediate killing zone of 25 yards with the base plate up to 100 yards. If it comes off he has 4 seconds to get to safety!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Wed 16 Sep 2020 15:29:19 EDT
Interestingly in this impressive set is the UN Korean War Medal.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Wed 16 Sep 2020 11:51:10 EDT
Good photo all heavily armed but the give-away is the GPO (Red) Telephone Kiosk to the rear! Also stamp machine to the right of group.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sun 13 Sep 2020 17:51:35 EDT
I believe the badge on the chest of the Commando in the centre of this photo are Polish Parachute “Wings”
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 11 Sep 2020 16:13:35 EDT
This photo shows the small (back) pack of the ‘37 Pattern Webbing with Gas Cape neatly folded, below that is the ‘new’ style Respirator pack and below that the handle of the entrenching tool. All these Polish Commandos are also carrying the famous Toggle Ropes .
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 11 Sep 2020 16:10:51 EDT
They are Training as there is no Magazine on the Gun.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 17:11:07 EDT
Cleaning the famous Commando issue SV Boot (Service Vulcanised) The cleated sole made by the Itside Company and screwed to the upper.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 17:08:01 EDT
Looks remarkably like the Woodbury Common Endurance Course used now, getting wet a Commando Tradition!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 16:49:41 EDT
The Flag shows the Cross of Lorraine Symbol of the Free French Military.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 16:47:09 EDT
This Norwegian Commando is holding his Personal Weapon the .303 inch Lee Enfield which was standard issue. What is unusual is that it is fully ‘cocked. Look below the raised rear leaf sight you can see that the cocking device is fully extended, if there is a round in the chamber the weapon is safe provided the safety catch is ‘on’ . Judging his appearance he may be on a Rifle Range and not in contact with the enemy.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 13:04:43 EDT
Proudly displaying the Cross of Lorraine Free French flag.
Posted by David Prichard on Sat 29 Aug 2020 13:40:38 EDT
