Messages posted by: outcast

As I was unable to confirm that the C.O. handing me the medal in the picture was Lt. Col. Wilberforce, I approached the Royal Marines Association, and my request was kindly posted on their website.
Three suggestions came up with Col. Leslie Marsh MC and one also supplied the name of the PT&SO - Lt. St. John Grey. It's not surprising that I thought his face rang a bell - I served with him in "Charlie" Troop in 42 Commando RM in the early 1960s!
So........ it's been sorted.

When? Because the pass/failure rates have varied considerably over the years.
Today's young men that attempt commando qualification have kit, nutrition, medical and mental health facilities that my generation and our predecessors could not have imagined in our wildest dreams. And still they fail.

Hi
There are also two listed on Amazon at £40.
Both are described car second hand and there would also be postage on top, of course.
Vic

The camp at Exton/Lympstone was established in 1940. Prior to that Royal Marines infantry training took place at Dalditch Camp, on Woodbury Common. Commando training took place at a number of venues: Achnacarry in Scotland, in Wales (can't remember the name of the place) and at Bickleigh, near Plymouth.
It was moved to ITCRM Lympstone in February 1960.
Royal Marines training at that time was multi phased at different locations:
drill, PT, swimming (including a final test in clothing and equipment, with a rifle) and basic weapon training at the Depot RM in Deal, Kent, then two weeks on board a ship, a week at Poole for Landing Craft training and SBS acquaint, and finally on to Lympstone. Training there initially comprised of the assault course, more PT, Drill, and then speed matches, all leading up to "X" Troop - the commando course. Finally, those that were left were subjected to two weeks drill in the King's Squad before passing out.
ITCRM was designated CTCRM in 1970 and all Royal Marines training (except for some specialist courses) including that of young officers, takes place there.

Does anyone know of the origins of 42 Commando's flag?
It is different to those of the other Royal Marines commando unit flags, with the yellow background and a red cross that has a white border.
When I served with 42 in the early 60s it was always flying alongside 3 Commando Brigade HQ flag outside the admin block , (known as the "bird cage") at RNAS Sembawang.
45's flag, by contrast, was dark green with a red Fairbairn Sykes knife and the numbers 4 and 5 (also in red) on either side.
In more recent years, the flags on sale by multiple sources are of a more standardised format.
Any ideas would be welcomed.

Gentlemen
There is currently one for sale on eBay, starting bid at £35 (reduced from an original starting bid of £40) + £4 postage.
Given that these were a limited edition, I suppose that the seller has seized upon the opportunity of a tidy profit.
Were another medal to be struck, say for the 75th Anniversary, I, for one would be very interested. The price of £5 per medal for CVA members would no longer apply, I assume!
Best wishes to all
Outcast

Hello again Pete
I have been in touch with the gentleman that I mentioned and his memories of that time in Australia are much better than mine.
He said that he doesn't have any photographs, though, as he didn't have a camera at that time.
I let him have your email address so that he can contact you directly if he wishes to do so but, as previously mentioned, he's a private person and nothing may come of it.
Best wishes for 2021.
Vic

Hi Pete
I was on those exercises with 42 Cdo as mentioned. It was a long time ago and my memories are mainly of how hot it was. Several of members of 42 succumbed to heat exhaustion - the subject of much derisive commentary by the Australian press!
I used to have a few photos taken during the exercises with the SAS but they have been mislaid over the passage of time. The only ones that I still have are of the unit marching through Perth with band, unit colours, etc., having been awarded the Freedom of the City, and these are not really relevant.
My most enduring memories are of the delightful ex pat family that welcomed me to their home every time that I was free, and took me sightseeing which included a visit to Yanchep (?) National Park. I have sent a picture of their son and daughter to the local press, hoping to locate one or both of them, but to no avail.
One of my former squad members, who was also in 42 at that time, was placed on secondment to the SAS at Swanbourne Barracks for a short spell.I'll contact him to see if he's prepared to divulge some of what he remembers. Don't hold your breath - he's a canny guy.
Best wishes
Vic

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!

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!

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.

Perhaps Frank could try enlisting as a guest on OAMAAM. There may be someone on there that did the trip that he mentions.

Hi Charlie
If you are no longer in touch with any of your former squad/troop mates, then there are a few random pictures on the website: put in a search for "commando training at CTCRM" and the era - say, 1970s or whatever, and click on "Images."
Any there, however, are pretty unlikely to be of your squad/troop.
What has already been suggested above may produce some results, but their resources are limited and it depends on how far their records go back. The RN photographers usually turned/turn up at official occasions or when asked to record a significant event.
There used to be a major at the RM Historical Dept. called Mark Bentinck; brilliant bloke, but I don't think that he's still around. He may even have crossed the bar.
You may also try googling "Royal Marines Signal Training Wing" and see where that leads.
There is also a website called OAMAAM (onceamarinealwaysamarine) where former booties (and a few others, including ladies) swing the lamp and wind each other up - in the nicest possible way, of course. Someone on there may have been a squadmate of yours, or may have some photos that they are prepared to share.
I hope that you manage to find what you want.
Regards
Aye
Vic

There still remains the question on many people's lips, "Why wasn't there a Commando Medal?"

There is now, and has been for umpteen years. I'm not sure when it was first instigated, but it was certainly in existence when I completed my commando training in 1960.
The recipient in my squad was also awarded the King's Badge for the best all round recruit in the squad.
It is still awarded today, and is definitely an "official" medal, the recipient having been voted for by the rest of troop (as they are now known) and presented by OC CTCRM or a more senior visiting RM officer.
It is a medallion, and is not designed to be worn, not having a clasp or ribbon.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcTtYkanyVLfysg9PHIHOIx-WeQdM0abdNWAa0JFEh33AtKXDS1G

The Commando Medal is awarded to the man who throughout training, shows to an outstanding degree, the qualities of the Commando Spirit. These are defined as: Leadership, Unselfishness, Cheerfulness in adversity, Determination, Courage.

There are one or two chocolate box versions around, notably one by Fisher Patton and the Red Baron.
It is probable that the pongoes (sorry, the army)

have their own version, too.

Great news!

Vic