The Photo shows the Royal Marines ‘mix’ of sleeve titles, which include their Commando Number, 40-48, the words Royal Marines on a Cash’s Tape, the arched Commando ‘flash’ and the circular Combined Operations ‘flash’.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Sat 19 Sep 2020 15:37:23 EDT
Marine Green is not wearing best blues but No: 3 Dress which would be working dress, all rank and specialist badges would be scarlet. All badges and buttons would be brass and require daily cleaning.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 18 Sep 2020 18:09:27 EDT
As the front number plate is white this is probably a captured a German Military Motor Cycle.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Fri 11 Sep 2020 13:53:29 EDT
Lt/Colonel Ries RM was badly injured during the landings and Major NicoL
Gray RM took Command on the Unit thereafter. His actual rank was as a
Temporary Major, Acting Lt/Colonel. He was awarded the DSO for
personal Bravery in the resultant actions. Promoted to Lt/Colonel, and
winning a Bar to his DSO following Rhine Crossing and capture of the
Wesel. Post War he was appointed Inspector-General Palestine Police during the British Mandate. Later appointed as Companion to the Order of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 06:37:37 EDT
I would venture to suggest that this photo was taken before D-Day as no man, not even the NCOs is wearing any medal ribbon(s). The webbing belts are an old Pattern replaced by ‘37 Pattern before that day. They are
wearing Battle Dress and not Denims as the man on the left (as you look at the photo) is wearing one Long Service Stripe denoting 4 years under the
Colours, this would not be worn on denims (fatigues).
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 10 Sep 2020 05:08:13 EDT
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