Messages posted by: mike beckett

Nick
Thanks for the excellent insight as ever ... the George M Capper image appears to back up the theory of troop designations ... more research to do, but a very helpful observation thank you. If only I had asked some of the veterans like Walter Marshal and Jock Anderson years ago ... sadly gone, but never forgotten.
Regards
Mike

Hi Nick
Thanks for adding the link - a useful route to further information
Mike

As Paul (Belly) mentions - the epaulette band is very interesting ... any clues as to what colour this is etc would be appreciated.
Great to see another posting on here about No.11 Cdo.
You may like to see the booklet on this forum, under documents: 'Jiggered About Beyond Belief ' compiled by Alan Orton.
Mike

I have hit a brick wall in researching - Eric Albert Harris, 1881893, Royal Engineers. He is noted in the following link:
https://www.theonlinebookcompany.com...dications/2814
(Thanks Paul (Belly) for pointing this out)
I do not like making assumptions but think this dedication may provide a rough date of death ie 30 December 2008.
I do not have access to 'Ancestry' but believe Eric resided (possibly died) in the Southampton area.
I would much appreciate any advice or findings to assist my further research.
Eric was a keen member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) and MAY have had a colourful wartime career. I have written to IBM and await a response.
Any help or advice would be very much appreciated. Particularly if anyone has access to Ancestry or any other similar research site.
On the face of it, his death occurred too soon for me to seek his Service Records, in any case I have not found sufficient clues to chase down the necessary copy death certificate.
Any help very much appreciated - thanks for reading this
Regards
Mike

If preferred - any response can be made to my email address: [email protected]
It is always good to hear from fellow enthusiasts and I appreciate any help.

Kevin - a great record, very much as I assumed. Interesting that he went to Mission 204, I do not think many from No.1 Cdo did. It was Far East as you know, like 3 SS/Cdo Bde. Quite a few veterans of Layforce went out there with Mission 204 when Layforce was broken up. I corresponded with a couple of them - both from No.11 Cdo (C Bn Layforce) - Walter Marshal and Jock Anderson, both veterans of Litani River. Henry Brown was a legend. But we digress from the theme of Christophe's thread.
Mike

Hello Kevin
Your father was an early volunteer - as indicated by his early pre 1942 insignia of No.1 Commando - it is a great image and shows unofficial shoulder designations, along with Salamander. 1st Special Service Battalion existed roughly from Nov 1940 to March 1941, and subsequently formed Nos 1 and 2 Commandos. The insignia shows your father went to No.1 Commando. I have often admired your avitar as it shows such early insignia. You will appreciate No.1 Special Service Battalion and No.1 Commando are quite different from No.1 Special Service/Commando Brigade. Very briefly, No.1 Cdo found itself in No.3 Special Service/Commando Brigade and distinguished itself in the Far East, notably on Hill 170. I am proud to have known and interviewed such characters as Henry Brown and Brigadier Ken Trevor who were leading members of No.1 Cdo, and No.3 Special Service/Commando Brigade
Not strictly related to this thread though, but good to clarify.
Regards
Mike

Christophe
Your enquiring mind is commendable - but I think your questions have been answered

There was no recorded specific '1st Special Service Brigade' title. More likely the 'COMMANDO' title in red on black (dark blue officially) would be worn by Brigade HQ personnel. Component units had their own numbered titles in red on black after 1942.
The Combined Operations Badge of Eagle, Tommy Gun and Fouled Anchor - arguably symbolised 'United we Conquer' although not bearing the motto
It is possible a piper badge was worn.

Yes - I have the Billy Millin book and am pleased to have it in my library. It is a fine tribute; like the statue to Billy Millin.

Without wanting to cause any offence, I have spoken to dozens of veterans in the past and know recollections of insignia often require clarification. Quite possibly Bill mentioned the 'SS Brigade title' meaning the Generic 'COMMANDO' title. Yet someone has interpreted it as reference to a specific, non existent 'SS Brigade' title.

As you will know, the Special Service Brigade name changed to Command Brigade in Dec44-Jan1945, with the Commando Group badge being adopted in place of the Combined Operations badge soon after (Fighting knife facing point upwards on triangular backing, the backing being point down).

You may come across a red on pale blue title 'FIRST COMMANDO BRIGADE' said to be made for the victory parade - there is no known photograph of it ever being worn.

I hope this is helpful
Mike

I should add - the insignia image posted by NIC on 21 Sept is believed to predate the Commando Group Structure and subsequent change to red on black insignia. Henry Brown told me he believed he had seen that Brigade HQ insignia being worn, although few if any images of its wear appear to exist.
The 'Special IV Service' insignia also predates adoption of official red on black insignia.
Subsequent to his posts here Paul (Belly) has suggested that Brigade HQ Personnel would probably wear the plain red on black COMMANDO title - I too believe this would be logical, apart from where may be a temporary secondment to a specific Brigade HQ may be undertaken with wear of the the parent Commando unit (etc) insignia of the person concerned.
I hope this clarification is helpful
Mike

I have to agree with the posts by Belly.
I think reference to any specific title for 'SS Brigade' as per the Billy Millin memorial is artistic licence. Having spoken with many veterans (sadly no longer with us) and fellow enthusiasts, over 30 years of research, I believe existence of such insignia is based on speculation.
As ever, I hope my comments are helpful and cause no offence. But NO I do not believe such insignia existed.
Regards
Mike
PS - Some nice insignia illustrated, in this thread - but not related.

I visited Corran and Jean at their beautiful home on 14 July 2014 it is an experience I will never forget. The hospitality was fantastic but above all - what struck me - was how approachable both Corran and Jean were. He was a true gentleman, and reading his book 'List the Bugle' provides obvious reasons why Corran was so highly thought of by his men. It is clear their well-being was a primary concern for him. He will be sadly missed and I express sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family. We have lost a great friend and exemplar.
In sorrow, belatedly ...
Mike

Bill - Great to be part of the team - I know Paul and myself are a distance away but we will provide any assistance we can. You have my email address and must feel free to keep in touch as best you see fit.
All the best for now
Mike

Hi Bill great to hear this news
Totally agree with Paul and happy to assist in any way practicable to verify insignia and log it. Paul and I live close to each other and regularly meet up. I was pleased when he told me about this today ... do not hesitate to contact me too, if you think I can help.
An inventory is imperative to maintain security of items and safeguard them for the future. I am sure we have all heard nasty stories of items 'disappearing' from museums. I believe that was the case when the IWM display took place many years ago. Also - I agree with Paul there are reproductions there, and while they act as an indicator it can be misleading not to note they are merely 'representative'. Most people would not notice, but CVA may agree that custodianship brings responsibilities, and may facilitate improvements if we pool our knowledge and help as we can.
All the best
Mike

Well done Phil on a very worthwhile project. I look forward to reading it. Your dedication in producing this volume, and generosity in donating the vast majority of proceeds to your commendable charity, is to be applauded. Thank you for contributing to the written knowledge of Commandos - it is a fitting legacy.
Mike

Hello Commando
Welcome to the Forum
I can confirm that I have a set for 45 Commando mounted in exactly the same way - on a black backing - the three piece cash tape on backing then ready to be fixed on the sleeve as you portray. I believe other Commando units had similar practices - the more images the better to compare notes.
Regards
Mike
CVAModerator

Very sad news but excellent research - I'm sure Barney's family would be very proud to learn of this information. Many veterans were so modest that their families probably don't know of similar exploits either. It is right to place them on record in remembrance.
Mike