Messages posted by: Pete

Please be aware if this was a local Commando Association branch meeting the men are likely to be from different commando units

Items belonging to Reginald Frank Gapper No.3 Commando.
https://www.commandoveterans.org/Reginald_Gapper_3_Commando

Kelvin asks

My late father-in-law law, Reginald Gapper, was in No3 Commando. In clearing out old papers we found a photo of a reunion of old members. We think it was taken at the Royal Marines HQ in Bristol, where annual reunions were held. He is 3rd from left on back row. Can anyone assist in uploading as I would like to identify the others.

Hi Mark

Very sorry to hear of your family bereavement. The Forum isn't used as much these days so I put a monthly WW2 history page on the website home page. 83 years since the raid so thanks for remembering all who took part especially the Fallen and those who suffered life changing injuries. I have been adding some information from the Prisoner of War questionnaires to the Personnel A-Z pages or some time now.

Private William Amsted Hughes: https://www.commandoveterans.org/WilliamHughes2Commando

The Commandos who took part: https://www.commandoveterans.org/operation_chariot

ATB Pete

Vikki has provided her grandfather's certificate of service and some photos which can be viewed in the Gallery. Here is more about his service:

https://www.commandoveterans.org/Robert_Snee_Lindow_RM

Hi Teresa, I entered details about your grandfather into the archive sometime ago. Today I have updated it with what I believe to be your grandfather's dates of birth and death found in the registers shown on the sources. Do you have a photo of your grandfather ideally in uniform or civvies.

https://www.commandoveterans.org/PhilipHainsworth_RM

You can apply for a copy of his death certificate here: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/births-ceremonies-and-deaths/order-a-birth-death-marriage-or-civil-partnership-certificate/

Regards

Pete

Hi Jon

I don't have a photo but found a newspaper article referencing a marriage in 1947 to Miss Valerie Iris Harris. Is this your great uncle and his wife? Was your great uncle's final rank Colour Sergeant. I can post the cutting from the paper if it is. In any case if can you email me via the link below a photo of the record referencing dates and commando service I will update the archive.

He may well be one of those not named in our gallery here:
https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/Royal+Marine+Commando+Units/RM+Eng+Cdo/

Pete

Commando Speed March

https://commandospeedmarch.com/upcoming-dates/

names to above

RM Squad photo. Names on reverse.

and more

More photos from the Reginald Waters RM collection courtesy of his granddaughter Hannah. Some with names.

Hi and thank you for making contact. Are you able to post the image here ? There is a maximum file size for users so if you prefer send as a high a resolution copy as possible to me via email (see email link just below this message) and I will upload it for you. Ideally scan the image especially as it is a group photo that way it will be the clearest resolution when posted. Photos taken of such photos are never as clear when zooming in as they are when scanned. Can you also just confirm which unit as you have named two different ones ?

At the moment I have not found anything on your grandfather although our records are not complete and we do not have access to service records. Is he in the image you refer to? You may wish to apply to the National Archives for a copy of his record. How to do so is here. Please read the notes on there fully before beginning your application.

Pete

Ps. what is your first name.

Hi Pete

If that service number is correct your great uncle was a Commando in the Royal Marines. PLY is Plymouth. The number indicates that he enlisted as 'Hostilities Only', ie. the duration of the war. In WW2 not all Royal Marines were Commandos but your great uncle's green beret indicates at some time he trained as one and joined a commando unit. You should apply to the National Archives for a copy of his Service Record which hopefully will show a timeline of service and ships/units. It is an online application and I have included the link below. There are very long waiting times at present due to the fact that millions of military records are being digitised however the initial application is free with only a small charge when they find them to have them sent to you. I strongly advise you to include a copy of his death certificate with your application to avoid content being redacted due to their terms of disclosure. I have checked what I have and unfortunately cannot find his name but I am aware the nominal rolls and archive pages in the Commando Veterans Archive are not complete. In the meantime if you have any photos of Arthur wearing his green beret even if post war why don't you post them here.

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/mod-closed-foi-request-step1

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