Messages posted by: mike beckett

Alan
Anything on Layforce is of particular interest to me as there is little 'consolidated' published information, though there are plenty on snip-its in various books as you suggest. The Official War Diaries also appear less complete for many of the Layforce units, and nominal rolls particularly thin. No doubt you have access to 'Special Forces in the Desert War 1940-1943' published by the National Archives - a very informative read! Are you planning a particular outcome - a book may be?
Thanks for the Evelyn Waugh Diary reference - I note it as paragraph 16 of the memorandum.

Geoff
That is very interesting - indeed we sometimes tend to overlook the early campaigns of the ME Cdos. Given the 'sequence' (and outcomes) for operations conducted by 'Home raised' commando units of: Collar (Boulogne Berek) 24/25 June 1940, Ambassador (Guernsey) 14/15 July 1940, Menace (Dakar) Aug/Sept 1940 and then, six months later, Claymore (Lofoten Islands) 4 March 1941 - I am sure you are correct in looking to ME Cdos for the earliest casualties. The veteran you mentioned must be a strong contender - unless someone knows something different (and ignoring training casualties on this occasion).

Regards
Mike

Alan
That is a very interesting insight! ... Do you have any dates at all? or can you recall the source? It is interesting to try and piece all this together.
Mike

David
Good luck with the search
Regards
Mike

Geoff
Very many thanks for the two plaques I won on eBay - it is very commendable to raise funds in this way!
Regards
Mike

You might find The Royal Marine Museum at Eastney may have some information in their archives. From past experience - it used to be possible to visit by appointment. I am not sure what service is provided now or whether War Diaries are available - probably not - but I would suggest writing, or contact by telephone in advance to see what is available. The general link is as follows:

http://www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk/frontpage

I hope this helps
Regards
Mike

Of the five Independent Companies that actually deployed to Norway as Scissors Force under Colin Gubbins (later of SOE Fame) Only Number 5 were ever used in the harassing roll for which they were intended - albeit very briefly. A platoon of 5 Independent Company commanded by Captain Prendergast (Indian Army) ambushed a patrol of 60 German Cyclists, killing or wounding most of them. Soon, like the rest of Scissor Force they were engaged in duties for which they were neither trained or equipped - fighting rearguard actions. There are a couple of books that cover these events - one being 'Gubbins and SOE' - by Peter Wilkinson and Joan Bright Astley, Chapter 8 (19 pages) being relevant. Regards and good luck - Mike

With television programmes such as 'Restoration Home' there is a public interest in this sort of thing - it would give the TV historians something to really get their teeth stuck in to, no doubt CVA and others would assist with information too. A great opportunity!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restoration_Home_(TV_series)

There are problems with this link (hence the edits) Click above, then click the italic "search for Restoration Home TV Series" in inverted commas, then click the dark blue heading Restoration Home TV Series

Contrary to remoteness of the location chosen for STC Lochailort in WW2 the news now does need to be spread.

Geoff
Thanks for posting this - the scenery is as spectacular as ever. It is a shame more of the history could not be communicated as it is such a special place - That said, the initiative is fantastic, time for any video clip would probably be too short and job creation is to be applauded. Any plans to assist those requiring respite/convalescence must also be encouraged. Lets hope it succeeds.
Mike

John
A nice variant of this unit title - it is interesting to see how many of these are beginning to turn up in uncut condition. I have seen one set of four and a couple of pairs. They all look very good. Funnily enough this is not a pattern I recall seeing either in 'worn' condition, or being worn in a photograph. Not an easy title to add to a collection.
Regards Mike

NIC
I am pleased postings are of interest - insignia is a 'minefield' as you know

Vic
The image of SS Bde Signals insignia (held by Imperial War Museum (IWM)) you post is exactly what you would expect in term of design - as in deed are your exquisite pair. I have only seen this design in White thread on black as yours, and the IWM image. Major (later Colonel) John Leahy as Commanding Officer (CO) of Special Service Brigade Signals told me about the White thread on black examples, which raises doubts about a bullion braid example for officers - As CO he would have had them himself. I corresponded with him about insignia amongst other things - he was a true gentleman and very helpful.

The HQ SS Bde is another nice badge - the IWM example you provide a link to is certainly correct, and is a useful template for those wishing to avoid reproductions.

Regards and thanks again

Mike

Vic
Many thanks for the update and book information
Regards
Mike

Vic
Many thanks for the update. It is very interesting and confirms what John Leahy told me several years ago - with one little difference - the embroidery of the dagger, lighting bolt and SS were in white cotton not silver bullion braid. Basically, they are as you picture them in your earlier postings. There is talk of a coloured variant in different coloured cottons (light blue knife and lightning with pink/red 'S' 'S') - if this exists it was not known to John who I questioned about it. That is not to say it doesn't exist - an image of one would be good (actual insignia) if any one on this site knows of one. As we know, this insignia is heavily reproduced. The book sounds very comprehensive - is it the one by C. Lord - if so is the publication date 2007 please, with 313 pages - there are various ones I think -sounds like I need a copy!
Regards
Mike

Hello Ian
Royal Marine records would probably benefit from special interpretation. Have you sought any assistance from either the Royal Marines Association or Royal Marines Historical Society? I would certainly try the latter and explain your predicament - offering to copy your father's papers to them if it helps and ask if they would mind assisting further

I know that volunteers used to man the telephone on a Thursday morning (you could try 023 9236 1617) though I am not sure of current arrangements

The current postal address (according to the website below) is:

Royal Marines Historical Society

Royal Marines Museum

Southsea

Hampshire

PO4 9PX

See the website:

http://www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk/royal-marines-historical-society

I hope this helps.
Mike

Note - you may be able to contact the Royal Marines Historical Society through the Royal Marines Museum as they are located on the same site. Royal Marines Museum contact details are on this site:

http://www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk/

I would be interested to hear how you get on if you try the above contacts

Hello Vic / Paul
By the time I talked to John Leahy about the Commando Signals set up his health was failing a little. He was always a great help however. My own interest was with the signals interface with mixed Army / Royal Marine Commando Brigades. Not wanting to 'set hares running' with duff information - it appears possible that RM may have had more of a lead role in two of the Brigade HQ's and Army Commandos in the other two. I am not sure how this manifested itself though, and War Diaries are the best source to explore further. It may however help explain some inconsistency in record keeping re War Diaries. Vic, I can quite see how HOC (in its casualty clearing house roll) could lead to specialists signallers being posted between Special Service/Commando Brigades. It is useful to see probable evidence in your (Vic's) father's records. The more you look at Commando Signals the more complex it gets ... hence my interest. You will notice a lot of 'may be' 'appears' 'possible' 'not sure' and other weasel words in my note above. There is still much to find out.
Regards
Mike

Vic

Very many thanks for this interesting insight. I have held a particular interest in Commando Signals and enjoyed many hours talking to John Leahy and Charlie Hustwick at Achnacarry and other reunions. Your father may have known two Beckett's who were Commando Signallers - (Peter was a Signals Officer but with 4 Cdo in NW Europe etc) though I do not think either were directly related to my brother Richard and I. Regards Mike

PS - I think reference to Embarking For France on 5 August 1944 could define service with either 1 Special Service/Commando Brigade or 4 Special Service Brigade - the two Commando Brigades in NW Europe. 2 Special Service/Commando Brigade served in the Mediterranean as you say, while 3 Special Service Brigade served in the Far East. Any thoughts on this would again be appreciated