Commando Training in the 1960s

Over 40 photos of Commando Training added to the Gallery. You can view them here:

http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/laterday/RM+Commandos/Cdo+School+60s/

Thanks to Dave Pritchard ex 45, Commando School Instructor, and RM Reserve. More to follow from his time in Aden with 45 Commando.

Pete wrote:Over 40 photos of Commando Training added to the Gallery. You can view them here:

http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/laterday/RM+Commandos/Cdo+School+60s/

Thanks to Dave Pritchard ex 45, Commando School Instructor, and RM Reserve. More to follow from his time in Aden with 45 Commando.

I would have been at ITCRM Lympstone as the same time as Dave. Having returned to the UK from 42 Commando RM, I did my parachute training at Abingdon (April/May) and then qualified as a Platoon Weapons Instructor 2nd Class at Lympstone. I had undertaken Junior NCO training at Nee Soon in Singapore and was promoted from L/Cpl to Cpl shortly after qualifying as a PW2.
The first training team that I joined comprised of Sgt Pete Tasker, Cpl. Terry Waterson, Cpl. "Nutty" Edwards and Cpl. "Boots" Allistone.
The phase of training that I was involved in was known as "B" Group Training; the stage immediately prior to "X" Troop (or Commando) Training. As such, although the stages of training were completely separate, the training teams were part and parcel of the Infantry Training Center Royal Marines and our paths crossed frequently. It was, after all, a relatively small camp.
In the pictures that Dave has posted I remember some names and faces: Jack French, who was to become an RSM and a bit of a legend in the Corps, "Taff" Roberts, Malcolm Kennedy who was killed in a road traffic accident not far from the camp in 1966 and Sgt. Blyth.
It's good to see some of those photographs of "X" Troop (commando) training. It brings back a few memories, some good, some not so good.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 13/09/2023 17:44:04

Glad you found the photos. Dave has added a lot of comments to individual photos in the gallery as well. Dave also said very much the same as you about RSM Jack French and has sent me a disc of photos that Jack gave him which I have yet to review. Dave also commented about Malcolm Kennedy which I added to our archive entry for him here:

https://www.commandoveterans.org/MalcolmKennedyRM

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 13/09/2023 17:44:29

Hi Pete
I'm still baffled by the process of adding photos to the site. Others manage it, so I must be particularly dim.
You kindly let me email them to you a while ago but I can't seem to find your email address now, either.
Desperation is setting in!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 13/09/2023 17:44:40

I have sent you an email so you can send them direct to me.

All the best

I remember the time limits for the 30 miler as being 8 hours for recruits (non officers) and 7 hours for YOs (Young Officers).
I don't believe that it was ever any different: certainly not during my time in the Corps, but maybe I have remembered it incorrectly.
However, YO times for the commando tests were less than those for recruits across the board: 9 Miler, Scramble (Endurance) Course, Tarzan/Assault Course and 30 Miler.
If I am wrong, I'm sure someone will put me right!