On the run-in to Sword Beach on D-Day Cliffs’ landing Craft was sunk by the German Gun Batteries. He swam ashore with his MMG on three life belts losing only his Green Beret in the process. Once the gun was set up and firing he was asked by an Officer about the missing Beret and was told to go down to the Beach to get a replacement from one of the many dead!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 06:09:46 EDT
SS Dagger stuck in ground forward of the Nazi Flag.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 06:05:01 EDT
This is a Field Kitchen set up to feed the hun grey Commandos en bloc, Sliced bread is piled on the table to it appears they anticipate feeding a fair number.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 06:00:32 EDT
I think this Commando might have ‘proffed’ a German Luger pistol as the grip is not British, the push-rod for cleaning the barrel is also visible. These weapons were eagerly sought as souvenirs.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 05:55:17 EDT
These Commandos have the scaling ladders and other equipment which might prove useful once in France.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 05:48:41 EDT
The vehicle is a captured Wehrmacht ‘Kubelwagen’ based on the Porsche designed “Beetle” . The front Number plate bears the letters ‘Wh” which Identifies it as Army. A SS vehicle would have the SS Lightning runes in front of the number.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 04 Sep 2020 05:46:13 EDT
I sent a copy of that same photo up to 45 History Room at Arbroath, at his request back in the day with some artifacts for display.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 19:14:52 EDT
I have previously mentioned Ply/x 105503 Marine Cliff Welsh and blow me down there he is! Left hand man (as you look at photo) in the centre rank with the round smiling face. A founder member of 45 RM Commando and Vickers Machine Gunner in ‘F’ Troop part of a Support Troop. He had no contact with the Corps since the War, soon put that right! Signed him up with the RMA, the original Commando Association and 45 Commando RM Association. I was also able to guide him through a successful War Pension Claim.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 18:58:19 EDT
These daggers have a distinctive shape and design fetching big bucks on the Collectors Market.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 18:29:09 EDT
These Marines are examining two Nazi Daggers which are probably SS and would have a black hilt and scabbard. These fetch very high prices in the collectors markets.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 18:24:49 EDT
Where ever these guys are they have their weapons close to hand with one (right hand) wearing a full bandolier of 100 rounds!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 18:19:30 EDT
I put this given where this man lies buried. I used to have a pint with Marine Cliff Welsh RM (45 RM Commando) a Vickers Machine Gunner. He told me of motoring thru the Reichwald Forest in one of three Jeeps. His was rearmost. They ran into a German Panzer which immediately opened fire hitting the two leading Jeeps and killing or injuring the Marines in them. His driver headed for cover so they were not hit. I wonder if Marine Keough was in one of those Jeeps.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 03 Sep 2020 18:15:32 EDT
One man can be seen carrying the small issue motor cycle also used by Airborne Forces, not dis-similar to a Vespa Scooter later developed.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 15:41:40 EDT
There would have been a telephone fitment on the rear of the tank which could be used for communication. The tank is the famous Sherman.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 15:39:02 EDT
