15th Comando Course 1942

Hello, I'm afraid I don't have much information to offer, rather a question. I have come into a small collection of my grandfathers photos Archibald Scott B: 1910 Newbattle Scotland. I know he was in the British Occupied Zone of Hanover 1946. I'm wondering if the penned note on top of photo "Sandgate - 15th Comando Course 42" is correct for this image? I'm afraid I haven't been able to seek any military records as yet, just starting. Thanking you for any feedback.

Hi,

Sandgate was at Shorncliffe in Kent. The guys in the front row have APTC on their jackets, indicating they are instructing staff at the Army Physical Training Centre.
It's only a guess but it could be that the guys in white vests are being trained as PTIs (Physical Training Instructors) before being attached to:

(a) The CBTC (Commando Basic Training Centre) Achnacarry,
(b) The HOC (Holding Operational Commando) Wrexham.
(c) the various Commando Units. Commando Units had PTIs attached to the Unit but, as a rule, they did not go into operational theatres with the Commando; however, there is certainly one record of a PTI managing to smuggle himself onto a raid...

Nick

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 23/05/2020 13:51:37

A few bits and pieces I found about the area with sources:

Beachborough Battle School a couple of miles from Sandgate. There were some Commando Instructors there. Source: The Real 'Dad's Army': The War Diaries of Colonel Rodney Foster.
Hythe was the location of the Army Small Arms School Source: It Had to be Tough by Maj. James Dunning (No.4 Cdo TSM and later instructor).
In his book It had to be Tough he talks of the regime of PT Training when in No.4 who were based for a period at Weymouth, describing their PT kit as white vest, blue shorts, brown plimsoles .
Shorncliffe Army Camp was between Cheriton and Sandgate. Source: National Archives WO/78/489.
(There was a series of barracks there).

Can you advise me of the date your Grandfather died ?

Thank you Pete and Nick for your responses. I will start looking in Kent!! Archibald Scott died in 1991 in Sydney Australia. I have attached a photo of him in a uniform but I'm afraid I have still no idea what/where to look for in terms of British occupied Hanover 1946-48?