This a Royal Marine is wearing the a Winter Cap in dark blue material at that time the Corps would change into a white topped Cap in the Summer. That is now worn all the time.
Posted by David Prichard on Wed 12 Aug 2020 17:19:05 EDT
This Royal Marines Commando wasa Driver and wears the MT Badge. This Would later be changed to the letter ‘D’ still worn today.
Posted by David Prichard on Wed 12 Aug 2020 17:16:41 EDT
The weapon is the .303” Vickers Medium Machine Gun (MMG) this was a belt-fed, water-cooled Commando Support Weapon which could lay down heavy fire when the Unit went into action. There was a three man Gun Crew so when being man-packed, one to carry the barrel, one to carry the tripod and the other ammunition, spare parts (rarely needed) and a small jerrican which attached to the barrel thru the pipe in the picture to cool the barrel. It was capable of “plunging fire” so could engage targets in dead ground behind buildings and natural features. It was an incredibly rugged tool much loved in the Royal Marines until the late 1960s and last used in action by 45 Commando RM in Aden and in Borneo by Marine Tony Daker RM in Borneo, he was a a Squad mate in 723(CS) Kings Squad RM..
(Not in this photo) Marine Tony Daker RM MMG (Heavy Weapons - Support Company) and all round Good Egg (RIP)!
Posted by David Prichard on Wed 12 Aug 2020 17:11:32 EDT
This a Royal Marine is wearing the a Winter Cap in dark blue material at that time the Corps would change into a white topped Cap in the Summer. That is now worn all the time.
Posted by David Prichard on Wed 12 Aug 2020 17:19:05 EDT