Where were the No 3 Commandos stationed when in the UK?

Hi all,

I am writing a book (fiction) and would like it to be as accurate as possible. Is there anyone who can help answer some questions for me?

I am particularly interested to know where the no 3 commandos were stationed in the few weeks before D-Day. Does anyone know what kind of training they undertook?

Thank you very much for your help,

Lorna

Lorna

They arrived in Worthing 10 March and trained in everything imaginable solidly until D-Day around at Southdown and Cissbury Ring. Your best bet is to view the full training programmes which can be found in the war diary reference WO/218 65 in the National Archives.

I'll try and post some example programmes over the weekend
Paul

Hi Lorna

You say your book is fiction. Can you perhaps tells us a little more about it and how we can expect the Commandos to be portrayed in your book

Pete

Hi both,

Thank you so much for replying. The first four chapters of my book can be found on the following website:

http://www.authonomy.com/books/42307/toward-the-closing-door/

Albert's chapter is number 3 (unintentionally!) - any insight / comments that you may have would be invaluable. I think you may need to register with authonomy to comment on there (very straight forward to do), but I will keep an eye on this website too, if you'd rather comment here.

There are more chapters pertaining to Albert & I will write about his experiences on Sword Beach & beyond, so if you decide you would like to read more then I would be very grateful. It's still in it's early stages, lots more editing and writing to be done, so don't think that you will hurt my feelings if you have anything that you would like me to change!

Thanks again.

Lorna

Dear Lorna,

It may be that only a single chapter of your novel is concerned with the time of one of the character's Commando service, but you will need to do some more hard research. There are plenty of original sources, and of course 3 Commando (not the 3 Commando) maintained a war diary, as did the other Commandos. A sort cut may be to get hold of a copy of a book written by Brigadier John Durnford-Slater who commanded 3 Commando in the early days. I suspect that this chapter will not otherwise have much credibility. For my own part, I am far from sure, for instance, that Sandhurst in those days was where NCOs were sent to train for a commission in the Commandos. It is also extremely unlikely that a second lieutenant would be awarded a DSO. Most people who contribute to this website had close relatives who were Commando soldiers. I, for instance, for that reason was also privileged to know three former members of 3 Commando extremely well.

Sorry to sound negative, but it is all about research even for a novel. Ask Sebastien Faulks.

Yours,

John

Thanks so much. All feedback gratefully received. So far Wikipedia has been my main source of information! I have requested info from the national archive & will do what I can to ensure that I do the memories, of the fine men who served, proud.

Lorna

Hello Lorna,
Take a look at the Commando places of remembrance and memorials section and scroll down to '3 Commando memorial in Worthing'. This may be of interest to you.

That's really helpful too, thank you very much!

Lorna