Royal Marines

Hello all,
Can anyone tell me, were there any (Royal Marines) who would have landed at Normandy on D.Day and went on further from that point, that were not actually RM Commando's. If so can you tell me more.
Regards Ron

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 04/12/2007 23:31:10

Some examples:

During the Second World War Royal Marines fought for the first time in tanks. The Armoured Support Regiment manned the guns of Centaur Tanks during the D Day landings of 6 June 1944. During the inter war years and World War Two the Royal Marines developed much equipment for the purpose of amphibious warfare. The Royal Marines developed Centaur tanks to support the landing parties during the D Day. They initially designed them as stationary and to remain in the landing craft after the initial landings had taken place. Observers noted, however, that they would be more useful if they would move up the beachhead after landing to support the advance. Centaurs carried Howitzer guns, which Royal Marines already had experience in operating dating back to World War One. Again the Royal Marines showed the value of their training with the markings on the side of the turret adopting the principles of naval gunnery. Due to this experience in naval gunnery possessed by the Royal Marines, Centaurs were the only tanks to be able to fire in a co-ordinated barrage on the same target.

RMs also manned Landing Craft Assault (LCA) boats on D-Day, usually a 3 or 4 man team.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 10/12/2007 16:57:39

Five RM Commandos Landed on D-Day

45 RM Commando - 1st Commando Brigade - Sword Beach

1st Commando Brigade then reinforced 6th Airborne Division on low hills east of the Orne. They faught a fierce battle againt the Germans, they hand intended to cross by rubber boat but bridges were intact.

41 RM - Landed on the right of Sword. Their intention was to join up with 48 RM landing on the left of Juno. They landed in lightly armoured boats which were mostly shot to bits. The forward observation officers were all killed and this prevented them from having artillery support. This stalled their attack on the Lion-Sur-Mer.

48 was caught in very deep water with Rommels Asparagus, many men drowned and the Colonel was wounded whilst leading his men inland. They attacked at the rear of some houses and at the strong point of Langrune.

47 RM Commando landed at the western flank to find themselves under heavy fire from 75mm guns. They took the most casulaties as their land craft moved in parallel with the coast. They landed on Gold Beach in a rather scattered manner some 1400 metres apart as opposed to the propsed 300m. Many men had to swim ashore carry heavy equipment. their objective was the Port-En-Bessin between the British and Omaha landings.

Theres a hell of a'lot more Ron.........for a brief all round history try Royal Marine Commando by James D Ladd. You should be able to pick it up for no more than 3 pounds, lovely large book with lots of photos.

Hello RON

Please, can you tell me exactly what you looking for ?
I'm in touch with all Royal Marines veterans association involved in NORMANDY.
So, let me know.

stéphane

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 10/12/2007 22:25:35

Hi,
I think Ron was asking for 'non-Commando' Royal Marines that landed on D-Day. Do you know of any? Ron, why don't you contact the RMA, link on this website.

Cheers

Geoff

OK, so like men on Landing Craft, no ?
I know some who were ROYAL MARINES but not commando.
If it's that

sincerely

stéphane

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 11/12/2007 09:41:38

Sorry I assumed the forum is for Commandos.

I think on the most part what you will find is the other marines (Fleet Marines) were onboard the ships of the invasion fleet. It was the commandos who landed along with a few specialised units. A marine onboard a ship could qualify for the France and Germany Star with out even setting foot on a beach. Those that havent already been mentioned are:

- RMP's who landed on the beaches first to direct the landings.
- Royal Marine AA Brigade

Hello all.
When I originally asked the question ref: Royal Marines on D.Day who weren't Commando's it was because of my Uncle who was a Royal Marine and as far as I knew he landed on the Beaches in Normandy on D Day, and took part in the rest of the conflict, which beach I didn't know,and we couldn't ask him because he had a problem with what went on. I have been able to ask him today if I could go and talk to him about it and he has said yes. Provisionally he has told me, he was not a Commando although he had gone thro some of the training, he mentioned the 30 mile walks?. He wore a Blue beret and he has told me he went ashore at Arromanches I hope to find out more information when I meet with him soon, there will also be some photo's, so hopefully we can clear up the enigma of Royal Marine infantry on D Day who were or were not Commandos, should there be any information in relation to this subject please put it on the Forum.
Regards Ron