Sword taken from Kiel by Sgt Jim Atkin 46 Commando

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 13/09/2016 13:14:45

Good morning,

I have recently required a Kriegsmarine (most likely slightly older Reichsmarine) sword with provenance.

The provenance is as follows:

"The sword with scabbard & knot were taken by my Father Colour Sgt Jim 'Tommy' Atkin of 46 Commando Royal Marines Coastal Raiding Force. He landed with Canadians on Juno Beach on 'D' day and went on to occupy Keele Dockyards where he acquired the sword. My Father remained with 45 Commando Royal Marines after the War"

'Keele Dockyards' does not exist - the only place named Keele I am aware of is here in England.

Presumably it was actually taken from Kiel dockyards (Naval Base). Both are likely to be pronounced the same. However I cannot find any information relating to the occupation of Kiel and the 46 Commando.

I did manage to find a few images of Sgt Atkin through your website.

I am very keen to confirm this provenance, so that I can make up a frame to accompany the sword to ensure the history is preserved.

Any help or hints will be greatly appreciated. I hope you find the pictures and story of interest.

Thanks in advance for any help

Steve

Few more images

Very nice acquisition. 46 RM Commando as part of 1 Commando Brigade were in Neustadt, on Kiel bay, on the 5th May 1945. 46RM Commando remained in Germany until the 8th June 1945 on occupation duties, first on the Isle of Fehmarn, south east of Kiel, and then at Bad Schwarteau on the outskirts of Lubeck.

Hello Pete,

That's brilliant-thank you for the information. I will be making a note of that to keep with the sword. I have a few more pictures to post shortly....

Regards

Steve

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.