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06/03/2019 13:18:16
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bluey
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Joined: 06/03/2019 12:09:34
Messages: 9
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I have a photo of my father with a number of other commandos drinking tea with what I think are members of the Arab Legion in the North African desert in 1941/42. Most of the commandos are wearing Tam o Shanters. Was this the normal dress code or does it signify anything else?
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06/03/2019 17:52:06
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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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Hi Bluey,
To best answer your questions it would be handy to know your father's name and which Commando Unit he was in and, of course, to see the photo!
However, with the information you have given us, I have to presume that he was in either No. 7 Cdo, No.8 Cdo or No.11 Cdo which, in early 1941, combined to form 'Layforce'...
No.7 Cdo formed 'A' Battalion Layforce (Lt. Col. J.B. Colvin)
No.8 Cdo formed 'B' Battalion Layforce (Lt Col. D.R. Daly)
No.11 Cdo formed 'C' Battalion Layforce (Lt. Col. R.R.N. Pedder)
The Green Beret had not been introduced by this date so the General Service Cap - which is very similar to a Tam O' Shanter - would have been the preferred head-dress, however, No.11 ( Scottish) Cdo would have stuck with the T O'S with the Black Hackle.
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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06/03/2019 19:44:48
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Belly
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Joined: 27/12/2010 20:58:21
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Location: Cheshire
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Apologies Nick, slight correction. The GS cap wasn't introduced until Sep 43, they will almost certainly be wearing the TOS at that point.
Cheers
Paul
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 06/03/2019 19:49:27
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Army Commando: Setting Europe ablaze since 1940
Collector of Army Commando Insignia & Memorabilia - desperately looking for printed shoulder titles |
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06/03/2019 21:22:48
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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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Okay, cheers Paul - at least I was half right!
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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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07/03/2019 12:15:21
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bluey
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Joined: 06/03/2019 12:09:34
Messages: 9
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My father's name was "Joe" Goldsmith and he was with No 8 Commando (B Battalion) until September 1941 when he joined the Middle East Commandos (No 6 Troop I believe) before ending up with 1st SAS. So far as the photo is concerned, I will find it and attach a copy.
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