Uniform

It is not known why he is wearing what appears to be US Navy uniform in this photo

Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Wed 03 Jul 2024 14:39:09 EDT

Geoff Hollington, ex-No.2 Commando

Geoff Hollington, pictured back row, far left, was in No.2 Commando from 09/03/43 until he was SOS 23/09/43. He was posted to Special Engineering Unit (later known as 30 AU) on 13/05/44

Posted by Nick Collins on Sat 06 Jun 2020 17:40:28 EDT

Sgt Paul McGrath, DSM

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul McGrath in the early 2000s when I was trying to research my father Les 'Brad' Bradshaw's war service. Paul was living in North Berwick at the time while I was living in Kent. We spoke on the phone and he offered to me meet for a round of golf next time he came south. 'Where?' I enquired. 'My club - Wentworth,' he said. What a gent. We shared a round and spoke at length in the clubhouse. Lovely man and very complimentary about my father. They were together at Dieppe.

Posted by Bill Bradshaw on Sun 09 Jun 2019 15:11:44 EDT

My father Les 'Brad' Bradshaw

I have today already added a comment to another photograph of my father's unit. Here Marine Les 'Brad' Bradshaw is pictured (again) lying in the bottom row of the picture, this time second from right in front of his Bren gun (minus magazine, I am guessing). I'd like to know, if anyone out there can tell me, what happened to 'Brad' post-1942? I'm pretty sure he was on active dutry with 30AU in North Africa in late Autumn 1942 and he then married Vera, my mother, in December 1942. She told me Dad became a PTI later in the war but I'm not sure whether this was with the Marines? He was awarded the MM for his action at Dieppe. He had a successful post-war career with the Prudential Assurance Company and died, far too young, at 48 in 1971. Needless to say, he did not talk much about his service so if anyone can fill in some blanks, I'd much appreciated that.

Posted by Bill Bradshaw on Sun 09 Jun 2019 15:06:14 EDT

My father Les 'Brad' Bradshaw

My father, Les 'Brad' Bradshaw is pictured here with his comrades of 10 Platoon X Company. He is seen lying on the ground, far left. Brad was a Bren gunner and saw service at Dieppe (where he won the MM) and afterwards in North Africa with what was then termed, I believe, 30AU.
Dad died in 1971, still a young man at 48, after a heart attack - he did smoke too much! I am so proud of him. After the turn of the Millennium I did get to meet and chat at length to two of his comrades, Paul McGrath and John Kruthoffer - both splendid chaps. - Bill Bradshaw

Posted by Bill Bradshaw on Sun 09 Jun 2019 13:41:17 EDT

Hi, My father was Captain J.C. Lessing (Chris) seated above Jones with the mascot. Is there anyone who knew him ? He was a South African seconded to the R.M. Commandos in 1944.
I would love to hear from anyone who knew him.

Posted by Lan Reid-Conway on Sun 09 Aug 2009 09:47:45 EDT