Messages posted by: Derek Alcraft

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

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.

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...