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06/06/2015 16:55:49
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Noel Rabouhans
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Joined: 06/06/2015 16:22:04
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I am writing to advise members of the CVA that, together with my sisters, I have launched a private initiative to place a commemorative plaque to the Free French Commandos in Criccieth, where they were based from July 1942 to end May 1943. Discussions are being held with Criccieth Council regarding the location and format of the plaque, but it it hoped that it will be situated just a few yards from the house on the Esplanade "Llety" which was Kieffer's HQ.
My father was one of the first "Kieffer Commandos", and was billeted in Criccieth from July 1942 to May 1943. Criccieth also has a personal significance, in that my parents first met in Criccieth.
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06/06/2015 18:31:37
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John M
CVA Website Manager
Joined: 18/04/2007 16:22:37
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Hello Noel
A fantastic and fitting initiative. I hope all goes well with this project.
Perhaps you can keep the CVA up to date with your progress via this forum.
Very best regards
John M
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Do not speak.....unless it improves on Silence.
A good teacher opens the door.....you must enter yourself.
For Dad No 12 Commando & 4 Troop No 1 Commando
Primus Inter Pares
Commando Veterans Archive site Creator/Sponsor
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06/06/2015 22:17:50
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NIC
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Joined: 10/04/2007 22:56:27
Messages: 3322
Location: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire
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Here is Noel's father Raymond
This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 06/06/2015 22:26:47
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Nick Collins,
Commando Association Historical Archivist & Photographer.
Proud son of Cpl Mick Collins, 5 Troop, No5 Cdo
"Truly we may say of them, when shall their glory fade?"
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12/06/2015 17:12:54
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Bill Harvey
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Joined: 07/07/2007 22:24:35
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Location: Dunbeg Argyll
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I would hope that the CVA would put its full support behind this remembering my Dad's French comrades.
Best wishes.
Bill
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Bill Harvey
Son of Gunner Bill Harvey No4 Commando who was killed in action on 1 November 1944 when liberating Flushing. "Their deeds shall live from age to age. They've writ their name on History's page. Upheld their glorious heritage. The Fighting Fourth Commando."
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12/06/2015 18:22:42
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GUY
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Joined: 26/05/2012 17:50:52
Messages: 310
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Noel,
Good luck with the project, I look forward to visiting the memorial. 9 Commando were also billeted in Criccieth in 1941.
Guy
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17/06/2015 12:09:30
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ptitmataf
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Joined: 28/07/2014 19:31:28
Messages: 10
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Hello,
I send an email at webmaster of the french navy rifle men museum on facebook. I think, he can help you.
regards
julien
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17/06/2015 12:33:04
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Pete
CVA Website Archivist
Joined: 23/09/2008 00:08:02
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Hi Guy
A very good point about No 9 Commando also being billeted there in 1941. Do you know for how long?
See also this forum message http://forum.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/1909.page
Pete
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 17/06/2015 12:35:02
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Pete Rogers, son of LSgt Joe Rogers MM & nephew of TSM Ken McAllister. Both No2 Commando.
God and the Soldier, all men adore, In time of danger and not before.
When the danger is passed and all things righted, God is forgotten, and the Soldier slighted.
**** nb. I no longer monitor the pm facility **** |
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17/06/2015 13:24:26
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GUY
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Pete,
Unfortunately no. All I know is that 9 Commando were there in March 1941, their arrival may pre-date this?
I wonder if any one has access to their war diary?
Guy
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 17/06/2015 18:55:06
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17/06/2015 14:40:18
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NIC
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Joined: 10/04/2007 22:56:27
Messages: 3322
Location: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire
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No.9 Cdo's movements Sep 40 - Jun 41
18 Sep 40 - moved from Chester to Stackpole, Pembrokeshire.
4 Apr 40 - moved to Chester.
9 Nov 40 - moved to Isle of Arran [This is the last entry in the 1940 War Diary]
5 Mar 41 - moved to Criccieth [First entry in 1941 War Diary]
3 May 41 - moved to Inverary.
12 May - 2 Jun 41 at HMS Queen EMMS
6 Jun 41 - moved to Greenock then onto Castle Douglas & Kirkcudbright.
Nick
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Nick Collins,
Commando Association Historical Archivist & Photographer.
Proud son of Cpl Mick Collins, 5 Troop, No5 Cdo
"Truly we may say of them, when shall their glory fade?"
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17/06/2015 14:55:16
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GUY
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Nick,
Interesting, less than two months. Does it list any training in the area for that period?
Many thanks
Guy
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17/06/2015 15:22:12
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NIC
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Messages: 3322
Location: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire
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Guy,
Yes, but I'll start a new thread and transcribe details later today...
The date given (March 41) was immediately after the re-organisation of the Commando, hence, presumably, the gap from Nov 1940 - March 41.
From research I can say that Commando Units never settled in one particular town very long before moving on; however, quite often another Commando would take their place.
Incidently, the HQ must have been in Criccieth High Street but I don't know the specific address yet!
Nick
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 17/06/2015 15:28:33
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Nick Collins,
Commando Association Historical Archivist & Photographer.
Proud son of Cpl Mick Collins, 5 Troop, No5 Cdo
"Truly we may say of them, when shall their glory fade?"
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17/06/2015 19:24:59
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Kevin
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Joined: 02/12/2007 12:24:31
Messages: 396
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Some years ago I left contact details for information regarding the French Commando with a retired Dr? who was the son of one of the Commandos whol lived not far away from the George Hotel in Criccieth, which I believed was their HQ during their training, the George was under new management and had no idea about the war time connection, also had no response from the said Dr. so I left it at that.
Kevin
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''Coemgen Filius Primi Inter Pares" |
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25/08/2015 11:42:49
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Noel Rabouhans
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Joined: 06/06/2015 16:22:04
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Further to my original message of 6th June, I can now advise that Criccieth Town Council has agreed to the placing of a commemorative plaque in Criccieth. The plaque will be placed on the wall alongside the pavement of the Esplanade, immediately below the large house "Llety", where was located the Kieffer commando HQ during the war. The plaque will be of polished black Welsh slate, inscribed with a Cross of Lorraine, and an inscription in Welsh, French and English.
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25/08/2015 12:41:31
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NIC
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Joined: 10/04/2007 22:56:27
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Location: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire
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Excellent news Noel, well done & thanks.
Nick
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Nick Collins,
Commando Association Historical Archivist & Photographer.
Proud son of Cpl Mick Collins, 5 Troop, No5 Cdo
"Truly we may say of them, when shall their glory fade?"
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25/08/2015 17:29:18
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ptitmataf
Forum Member
Joined: 28/07/2014 19:31:28
Messages: 10
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good news
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