R.N.B.S.S. 10 - Harry Alcraft

Dear All,

My father, Harry Alcraft, was a member of the above unit and served from, I believe, 1943 - 1945. he was originally in the RNVR pre-war, as a telegraphist, before volunteering for the Commandos and undergoing (enduring lol) training at Dorlin House on the west coast of Scotland.
He took part in Operation Ferdy, the landing at Vido Valentia Marina in southern Italy, and was wounded in action on 8 September 1943, and received a mention for distinguished services in despatches. He told me what happened to him that day, which I've largely corroborated from Italian sources.
He returned to active service, and ended the war, from memory in Trieste. I have a photo of him in rome in (late) 1944.
Like many of that generation he didn't talk about the war until the 1980s, and as ever I didn't ask him enough about his experiences before he died.

The activities of this branch of the Commandos seems very unrecognised, or touched upon, in mainstream accounts of the war. I'd love to learn more about the R.N.B.S.S., and of course specifically about unit no 10. Through remembering, paying tribute...

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 07/04/2021 12:16:09

Hi Derek

There were several units within Combined Operations that didn't really get the public recognition they deserved. The RN Beach Signals Section was not designated with a Commando title, neither were the Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Units, Combined Operations Bombardment Units, etc etc. They, like the designated Commando Units, were part of Combined Operations, and often took part in operations together. They did receive specialist training at Combined Training Centres. Over 50 Combined Operations shore bases and establishments were set up, mainly in the west of Scotland and the south of England. This lack of recognition was compounded by the fact that the media tended to use the word Commando for every type of raid no matter who had taken part. At the end of the war like the Army Commandos many of these units were disbanded and much of the official documentation at the training centres has not come to light.

The former RN Commando Association recognised this close relationship and welcomed members from such units. These days much more is available and I am pleased to say that recognition is now being given. The Combined Operations website and the addition of memorials at the National Memorial Arboretum dedicated to specific Units are evidence of this. Their website is here https://www.combinedops.com

Additionally a great detail of information has and is being put online about these units and I am glad to say include official sources for reference purposes. One such example is this excellent website with details of the RN Beach Commandos and includes information and links about the RNBSS. You have to be prepared to explore it over time as there is a lot of information in there on highlighted links. That website is here http://www.relaysystem.co.uk/id3.html

Please feel free to post a picture of your father with as much detail as you know about his service in any response. I recommend you do the same on both the above websites.

Hi Pete,

Many thanks for your full and helpful reply. You've clarified for me the role of the RNBSS within Combined Operations, and the way that was an umbrella for a range of different units. I'll certainly follow up on the helpful links you've provided, and build up my Dad's service record as I go along. I've also requested his official records from the Navy. I recall he did say 'Combined Operations' rather than 'Commandos', although he did refer to his training as Commando training, based at Peebles, and Dorlin House in Scotland.

Hi Pete,

Another couple of photos.

The first one is from Sicily in 1943, my Dad is the one in the middle row, third from left, with something wrapped around his head. They've obviously acquired an Italian flag, and a few of them are wearing what I believe to be Italian pith helmets.

The second is a general view of the landing, with what may be flak bursts in the air. I believe the landing force was attacked by one or more FW190s, and far from the landing being unopposed they landed in the face of retreating German forces.

Regards,

Derek