Pat Coffey RN Beach Commando, with older brother John in Alexandria.

Pat (left). Photo from the collection of Pat Coffey, who was in the RN Commandos, courtesy of his son Jim Coffey.

Jim adds "Before Sicily I believe, Pat was on R&R and knew his brother was somewhere in Egypt. He found his camp and was directed to his tent which was empty. He lay on his bunk when a Sergeant spotted him and gave him a blasting and told him to get a shave, Dad pointed to his badge and told the Sergeant to politely go away. When he met his brother they decided to celebrate and get a photo to send home to mark the occasion. When they when back to view the photo John said he needed to see it in daylight and as soon as he got to the door he bolted, Dad followed cursing and swearing and found it difficult to stay upright with his hobnails. Dad was pretty strait and never forgot the prank with distaste".