Robert william boot

New Doc 2020-03-15 10.32.06_1.jpg

Hi
I am lead to believe that my father was a marine commando,served in Burma Malaya India and possibly France.
DOB 18/07/1921.2 photos 1st one taken in Aldborough Yorkshire,2nd was in Exmouth I also believe they did some training in Scotland.
Does anyone recognise the uniform?
Any information I would be grateful.

Thanks

Phil Boot.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 15/03/2020 19:42:07

Hi Phil

Do you have a higher resolution scanned copy of these photos? If so can you email them to me below. Also have you applied for a copy of your father's Service record yet ? That really is essential to see what is on there. Have a read of this page from our Research guide:

http://www.commandoveterans.org/ServiceRecords

Hi Pete
I Am in the process of applying to Portsmouth for my dad's records,I did apply to the army but no records were found of his career.
I will try and get some better photo's to you.
Thanks for your information.

Phil.

Great photos, more RM history out there.

The berets in the second photo are the blue sea service berets, brought into service in 1943 for the Royal Marines and worn by non commando trained ranks. I would hazard a guess the second photo is taken in Lympstone infantry training centre, now known as the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines or CTCRM.

Cannot see any commando flashes or combined operations badges in the photos, any details you can post I might be able to decipher or help out in identifying units.

Don?t give up though,it?s a great journey identifying units and journeys.

Please also look at the RM museum curators, I bet the museum would love a copy for their archives.

Good luck.

Hi Craig

Thanks for your information I will certainly do some more digging into the berets.
There is a photographers stamp on the back of the second photo address is in Exmouth.
Lympstone is not that far away so that makes sense.
I will follow up with museum.

Thanks

Phil Boot

Your welcome.

Do you have your dads service number by any chance.

Hi Craig

Sorry I do not have his service number,I am in the process of applying to Portsmouth for my dad's records so maybe they have it.
If anyone has the ability to obtain it I would be grateful
Robert william boot born in Middlesex 18,07,1921

Thanks

Phil Boot

Portsmouth will. It?s probably a divisional number, taken from one of the 3 RM divisions at either Plymouth, Portsmouth or Chatham.

You must apply for the records, it costs £30.00. There?s some very knowledgeable people on here with the guidance, look through the list on the forum index, it will assist you.

Hi Pete ,Craig

I have added some colour to the photos,seems like the resolution is better ?
Would be interested on your thoughts.
One memory from my late father was a raid he did on an airfield in France ?
Not sure of his unit yet,still looking into that.

Thanks

Phil Boot

Robert.

Definitely sea service berets, photo 2 is a recruit troop photo, there is still a hut at CTC identical to the hut in the photo, on the main drag in the camp.

Photo 1 possibly an end of exercise photo ! No flashes and blue berets, can?t even see the red on blue Royal Marines flashes, it doesn?t mean he wasn?t a commando, the service papers will have the clues.

Do you have your dads medals?

Hi Craig

No mention of any medals that my dad may have had,don't know what happened to them.
According to my mum who is 93

Where would I find out if he was awarded any ?

Thanks
Phil Boot

Phil.

The service records, should either list the medals or the medal record card which might come with the service documents.

Hi

Just a long shot but the picture of the group outside the pub has some writing on the back.

14 platoon
X coy
28 batt

Would this have anything to do with the group.
Any information I would be grateful

Thanks

Phil Boot

Hi

Just got another picture,any thoughts on the beret or badges on arm in picture on the right.

Thanks

Phil

PHIL.

Shoulder flash top of sleeve is Royal Marines in red lettering on a dark blue background.

The red and yellow flash below is a RM brigade flash I think 116/ 117 RM infantry brigades.

Not sure on lower badge. Look at the link below it may explain where your dad served or some of his service.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/search?filters%5BagentString%5D%5BRoyal%20Navy%2C%20Royal%20Marines%20%26%20116th%20Infantry%20Brigade%2C%20Royal%20Marines%5D=on

Best wishes

CRAIG.