 
### Royal Marines Historical Time Line

### Volume Two Third Edition

© Copyright 2012 by Terry Aspinall

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying) recording, or otherwise without prior permission in writing from the author.

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Published by Terry Aspinall

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### Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to all Royal Marines both past and present.

We are all members of one big family and treat each other with great respect.

We are always ready to help each other, no matter what.

We have all helped shape the Corps into what it is today.

Having all contributed to our glorious 354 year history.

Terry Aspinall 2018.

...............................................

"As I enter my twilight years I remember my modest service with the Royal Marines with great affection. As they say; Once a Marine always a Marine. (RMV 202910 - 20/06/1956-Mne.)

In our compulsive, consumer - oriented society, which is fast losing its direction, the Green Beret of the Royal Marines Commandos stands alone as being a rare pearl of great price. It is a true symbol of excellence, dedication and professionalism; an accolade for those who push themselves beyond the limits of human endurance. In an age when standards are crumbling, the Green Beret is as British as the Union Jack, for it represents true grit and dogged individual determination. The Green Beret is not for sale -though some may have been won by more sweat and assiduity than others. Thousands have sought to attain it, but along the way many have wilted and failed. It is a classless symbol of fortitude and achievement."

Charles Lovelace RM 2018.

### Acknowledgement

I would like to thank all who have sent material for me to add to this Time Line.

Amber. John

Anderson. (Andy) Edward

Archer. Dan

Aspinall. Terry

Bentinck. Mark

Brooks Ian

Burstow. Roger

Cairns. Pete

Challis. Tom

Cude. Tony

Donald Alistair

Eaves. Jack

Edward. John

Forster. George

Gilbert. John

Gitsham. Sid

Goodwin. Graham

kaisercross.com

Leaney Roy

Little M.G

Moffat. Jon

Pennell Ritchie

Pinchen. Mike

Porter. James

Rawlinson. John

Reece. Micheal

Seed. Roger

Spiers. Bridget

Smith. Micheal

Stevenson. Matt

Swales. Roy

Taylor. Mike

Tompitt.

Westwood Ann

Whitworth. Cleve
Introduction

Upon explaining to a fellow Royal Marine that my latest project was to try and put together an article about the Royal Marines history. His first response was to tell me that it's been done many many times before. His reply caught me off guard and made me even more determined to carry on with my project. I went on to explain that I believe I have something a little different. I then went on to explain that I was trying to record every single day of our 354 year history. As the Royal Marines have served in all parts of the world, something was happening every single day. While some Royal Marines were serving in Europe, others were serving in the Far East. I wanted to bring it all together on an enlarged 'Historical Time Line'. Although I do realise that this is a mammoth task and will probably take several years to complete. If in fact it can be completed. Here is the first Edition. I hope to publish up dated editions whenever possible, or at least on a yearly basis.

My first attempt was to build a website to start gathering as much information as possible. I will try and keep it running as long as possible. Although my long term idea was to try and hand it over to a Royal Marine organisation, which I still hope is possible?

www.royal-marines.net

www.terryaspinall.com

It's a possibility that some of the early dates might be wrong owing to the changes made during the 1600's and early1700's.

The Old Style (O.S.) way of dating events and documents known as the Julian Year was changed in most Catholic countries in 1582. It was replaced with a New Style (NS) known as the Gregorian Year that was adjusted to start on the 1st January. This change was also implemented in Protestant and Orthodox countries some time later. In England, Wales, Ireland and the British colonies, the change of the start of the year and the changeover from the Julian calendar occurred in 1752 under the Calendar (New Style) Act of 1750. In Scotland, the legal start of the year had already been moved to 1st January (in 1600), although Scotland continued to use the Julian calendar until 1752. Many cultures and countries now using the Gregorian calendar have different old styles of dating, depending on the type of calendar they used before the change.

During the first couple of hundred years the use of the English Language was different from today. As most of our early history is gained from books and letters of the time, I have used quotes, please allow for that.

sic; The Latin word meaning "thus," "so," "as such," or "in such a manner." It is used when writing quoted material to indicate that an incorrect or unusual spelling, phrase, punctuation, or meaning in the quote has been reproduced verbatim from the original and is not a transcription error (that is, it appeared thus in the original). It is normally placed within the quoted material, in square brackets and often italicised [sic]. Alternatively, it can appear after the quote in parentheses (round brackets) (sic). Where the quoted material is a known error, and the correct word or phrase is known, it may be included, preceded by recte, Latin for "rightly"; this is common in palaeography.

Where possible I will use the (sic) at the end of a quote to show it's an original quote. Although it might not happen overnight as I have already added over 250,000 words, and it will take time going through the complete article.

### Reference Material

### Bibliography of the Royal Marines.

A list of Reference books used in the making of this Time Line.

Having been a historic researcher for several years, I would just like to explain how hard it is to find the truth. About ten years ago I was honoured to be a member of a small group of five aviation historians from around the world. Our challenge was to try and prove that John Dickenson an Australian was the person who invented the modern day Hang Glider. The biggest problem we had was that every single book that had been wrote on the subject had all got it wrong. As with all researchers we rely on books to help us. However, whenever the early books were published with wrongful information. Other researchers use that wrongful information, and so all the readers of later books believe what they read. Although I can report that our little group were very lucky and were able to contact the actual people who helped the sport of Hang Gliding grow worldwide. We were also very lucky that most of them were still alive. The book on the subject is called 'Correcting History'.

Likewise, with the Royal Marines very early history, from the 1600's to the middle 1900's. All we have are several books on the subject, and we have to believe them as we have no other source of information? I have a lot more information and data on the Royal Marines that is sadly not dated. However, I do hope to add it to the Time Line at some time.

.....................................................

Front cover photo from 'rpdefence.over.blog.com'

A History of the Island of St. Helena by T. H. Brooke Esq Published in 1824.

An Historic Review of the Royal Marine Corps: from its original institution down to the present era, by Alexander Gillespie. Printed and Sold by M. Swinney Birmingham 15th November 1803.

A Heroic Record of the British Navy by Archibald Hurd and H. H. Bashford. A Short History of the Naval War during 1914-1918. Garden City New York Doubleday, Page and Company 1919.

A List of the Officers of the Army and of the Corps of Royal Marines. From the War office January 1826.

British Battles Volume I. by James Grant. Published by Cassell Petter & Galpin. London 1891.

Britain's Sea Soldiers: (Volume 1) A history of the Royal Marines and their predecessors and of their services in action, ashore and afloat, and upon sundry other occasions of moment, by Cyril Field RMLI, Foreword by Admiral of the fleet, Earl Beaty G.C.B. The Lyceum Press, Handover Street Liverpool 1924.

Britain's Sea Soldiers: (Volume 2) A history of the Royal Marines and their predecessors and of their services in action, ashore and afloat, and upon sundry other occasions of moment, by Cyril Field RMLI, Foreword by Admiral of the fleet, Earl Beaty G.C.B. The Lyceum Press, Handover Street Liverpool 1924.

Britain's Sea Soldiers: A record of the Royal Marines during the War 1914-1919, compiled by General Sir H.E. Blumberg K.C.B. Royal Marines. Devonport, Swiss & Co. Naval and Military Printers and Publishers. 111 and 112Fore Street. [1927).

Brother Surgeons by Garet Rogers, Transworld Publications 1957.

By Sea and Land, Some Naval Doings. By E. Hilton Young, MP, Lieutenant Commander R.N.V.R. T. C. & E.C. Jack Ltd. 25 &36 Paternoster Row, London, E.C. and Edinburgh.

Captain R.G.S. Lang's Report, Plymouth Argyll box and Peter Dunstan's documentation of both Royal Marine Detachments can be viewed by appointment at the Royal Marines Museum Archive, Southsea.

CLARET Operations and Confrontation, 1964-1966 by Raffi Gregorian.

Cleve Whitworth (RMAQ President) personal Royal Marine library.

Commando 1942 - 45, Britains Secret Commando by Osprey Publishing.

Cyprus Crisis - 1955-56. The Story of 'B' Troop 45 Commando Royal Marines by Charles Hart. The Royal Marine Historical Society. Printed by Holbrook printers Norway Road Portsmouth Hants, PO3 5HX.

Dictionary of Battles by Thomas Benfield Harbottle. Published by Swan Sonnenschein & Co Ltd, London 1904.

Echoes of Old Wars. The personal and unofficial letters and accounts bygone Battles, both by land and on sea: by those that were there. 1513 – 1854. A Marine Anthology. Compiled and annotated by Colonel C. Field, R.M.L.I. Herbert Jenkins Ltd 2 York Street St. James's London S.W.1

'Globe & Laurel' Royal Marines magazine.

Grey Funnel Line' Face Book Page.

History of the Royal Marines 1837-1914. by H.E. Blumberg, with Minor Editing by Alaster Donald.

Historical Record of the Marine Corps. An account of their formation and service from 1664 to 1748. Cannon Richard 1779 – 1865.

Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces; Volume 1 (1755 to 1805). By Paul Harris Nicolas Lieutenant Royal Marine. Published by Thomas and William Boone 29 New Bond Street London 1845.

Historical Record of the Royal Marine Forces by Nicolas Paul Harris Lieutenant Royal Marines Volume 1. London: Thomas and William Boone. 29 New Bond Street.

Historical Record of the Royal Marine Forces by Nicolas Paul Harris Lieutenant Royal Marines Volume 2. London: Thomas and William Boone. 29 New Bond Street.

Historical Record of the Thirty First or the Huntingdonshire Regiment of Foot. by Richard Cannon Esq,

In Many Parts Memoirs of a Marine. By Lieutenant Colonel W. P. Drury, C.B.E. Royal Marines. Joint author of 'The Flag Lieutenant', Author of the Peradventures of Private Pagett. By Fisher Unwin Ltd London: Adelphi Terrace, First Published in 1926.

Inside the Commandos by James D. Ladd.

Jack Wardle, formerly HMS Repulse, has produced a nominal roll of the HMS Repulse RM Detachment.

John Nicol, 'Memoirs of John Nicol Mariner' (1822).

The Last Coleraine Militia www.ecohcoy.tripod.com

Malaya and Borneo, Counter Insurgency Operations:1 by E.D. Smith.

Memoirs. The Late Major General Andrew Burn, The Royal Marines, a collection from his journals. Second Edition. London Printed and sold by Messer's W. Winchester and Son, 61 the Strand 1861.

Memorial Bunker Hill. By Oliver Wexdell Holmes (Grandmother's Story of Bunker-Hill Battle.) Copyright, 1775 by James R. Osgood & Co. 'No Picnick' (The Falklands War) By Julian Thompson. Published in the UK in 1985 by Leo Cooper in Association with Secker and Warburg Ltd. ISBN: 0-436-5202-4.

Moon Over Malaya: A Tale of the Argyll's and Marines by Jonathan Moffat and Audrey Holmes McCormick (revised edition published by Tempus Publications of Stroud October 2001).

Nelson's Marines at Malta' by Brian N. Tarpey RMHS 1995.

Nothing Impossible. General Editor Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Southby-Tailyour OBE RM Publication: October 2010, ISBN: 978 1 906507 237.

On Four Fronts with the Royal Navy: By Geoffrey Sparrow MC and J N MacBean Ross MC. (Surgeons RN). Published by Hodder and Stoughton, London, New York and Toronto 1918

Per mare Per Terram, Reminiscences. Thirty two years military, Naval, and constabulary service. By Major W. H. Poyntz. Late Royal Marine Light Infantry. Chief Constable of Nottingham and County of Essex. The Economic Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd. 30 Bouverie Street. 1802.

Researchers on the 2nd Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders will find a wealth of material in the Regimental Museum and Archive, Stirling Castle. Particularly interesting is the Battalion Record Book of QMS Aitken.

Royal Marine Commando, the History of Britains elite fighting force by James D. Ladd

Royal Marine Commando 1950 - 83. From Korea to the Falklands by Will FowlerI. Published by Osprey 2009 SBN: 978-184603-372-8.

Royal Marines Historical Society. Royal Marines Museum.

Royal Marines History & Traditional Facts. Alpha Company Royal Marines Cadets website.

Royal Navy Exhibition 1891. The Offical Catalogue and Guide. W.P. Griffith & Sons, Limited. Official Printers Prujean Square Old bailey E.C.

Rupert Brooke, 'The Soldier', The Complete Poems of Rupert Brooke, London, 1933, p.148

S.B.S. The Invisible Raiders by James D. Ladd.

Telegraph Newspaper UK. Thursday 5th July 2016.

The British Commandos in the Second World War. In Defeat Defiance! By Alex Williams B.A.

The British Raid on Essex 1814. By Jerry Roberts, Executive Director, Connecticut River Museum.

The Filibusters, The Story of the Special Boat Service. By John Lodwick.

The Green Beret. The Story of the Commandos 1940 – 1945 by Hilary St. Gerorge Saunders

The Historical Records of the Royal Marines. Compiled and edited by Major L. Edye RMLI Barrister at law. Middle Temple. Volume 1 1664 – 1701. London: Harrison and Sons 50 Pall Mall Book sellers to her Majesty and the Prince of Wales. 1892.

The Knife Man by Wendy Moore, Published by Braodway Books 2006

The Lobsters Are Entirely Unfit...... The Life of the Royal Marines Detachment of Somerset, Cape York Australia. By Cleve Whitworth 1996.

Cape York Australia. By Cleve Whitworth 1996.

The Leicester Chronicle Saturday 18th January 1812.

The Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser.

The Maidstone Gazette and the Kentish Courier.

The Papers of Major C.D. Aylwin RM can be viewed at the Imperial War Museum Reading room by appointment. This includes a nominal roll of the Prince of Wales RM Detachment and a detailed captivity diary.

'The Royal Marines 1919-2000' by J.D. Ladd.

The Last Coleraine Militia 1970 - 2007. www.ecohcoy.tripod.com

The London Gazette first report published of the Raid on the Medway16th June1667.

The London Gazette re Captain Halliday No. 27262. p. 3. 1st January 1901.

The London Gazette re Major Francis Hardy published September 1915

The London Gazette re L/C Parker published on 22nd June 1917.

The London Gazette re Major Lumsden No30122 published September 1915.

The London Gazette re Captain Bamford published 23 July 1918.

The Marine Corps: An historical record of the Marine Corps, an account of their formation and service's from 1664 to 1748. Compiled by Richard Cannon, Esq. (1779-1865).

The New Zealand Wars: A history of the Maori campaigns and the pioneering period by Cowan, James (1922). Volume I 1845–1864.

The Royal Marines 1919-2000 by J.D. Ladd.

The Royal Marines 1956 - 84 (Ospre Men-At-Arms series) by William Fowler

The Royal Marine Artillery 1804 – 1923 Volume 1 1804 – 1859. By Edwart Fraser and Charles L. G. Carr-Laughton. London the Royal United Service Institution Whitehall, S. W. 1930.

The Royal Marine Artillery 1804 – 1923 Volume 2 1859 – 1923. By Edwart Fraser and Charles L. G. Carr-Laughton. London the Royal United Service Institution Whitehall, S. W. 1930.

The Royal Marines Chronology 1664 - 2010.

The Royal Naval Catalogue for 1891.

The Royal Marines Band Service by John Ambler.

The Royal Marines by Sea by Land by John S. Murray. South African Military History Society.

The Royal Navy: A history from the earliest times to the present. Markham Clements R. (Clements Robert).

The SBS, The Full Story by Philip Warner.

The Skepton Mallett Home Words. January 1876 'Reminiscence of the Crimea Campaign' from S.G. Blacker.

The Thin Red Line: 2nd Argyll's in Malaya by Brigadier I. M. Stewart (Thomas Nelson 1947).

Who Dies Fighting by Angus Rose (Jonathan Cape, London 1944).

Websites

www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au/history/conflicts/gallipoli-and-anzacs/events/bravery-awards-gallipoli/lance-corporal-walter-parker

www.archive.org/stream/cihm_48353/cihm_48353_djvu.txt

www.axfordsabode.org.uk/spirit.htm

www.axfordsabode.org.uk/spirit.htm

www.britishbattles.com

www.commandoveterans.org

www.devonheritage.org

www.ecohcoy.tripod.com

www.eliteukforces.info/special-boat-service/history/

www.en.wikipedia.org

www.exeterflotilla.org/history

www.flyingmarines.com

www.gmic.co.uk/topic/37275-the-royal-marines

www.history.com/news/what-was-operation-mincemeat

www.hmsrichmond.org/avast/customs.htm

www.maltaramc.com/regmltgar/roymarine.html

www.maritimemuseum.com

www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk

www.minotaur.org/chronolgy.htm

www.myweb.tiscali.co.uk

www.naval-history.net/WW1Battle1605Jutland2htm

www.pepysdiary.com

www.rm-badges.com

www.royalmarinesassociation.org.uk

www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

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

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/ctcrm

www.royalnavy.mod.uk

www.southwoldmuseum.org/war_battleofsolebay.htm

www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-1070,00.html

www.telegraph.co.uk/news

www.victoriacross.co.uk/zebrugge

www.web.archive.org

www.webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk

www.47commando.org.uk
TABLE OF CONTENT

Copyright

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Introduction

Reference

Chapter 9 – 1850 to 1874.

Chapter 10 – 1875 to 1899.

Chapter 11 – 1900 to 1924.

Chapter 12 – 1925 to-1949

Chapter 13 – 1950 to 1974.

Chapter 14 – 1975 to 1999.

Chapter 15 – 2000 to 2024.

Chapter 16 – Lord Kitcheners Recruites.

Other books by this Author

www.terryaspinall.com

### Chapter 9

1850 - 1874

1850. The Rum Ration was reduced to half gill.

1850. The numbers were 12,000.

1850. During the period from 1850 -1914 and the start of the First World War, the Royal Navy did not fight any ship to ship actions.

1850. Saturday 5th October. John Small Royal Marine was laid to rest in the churchyard of St Anne's, Ryde, in the township of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The last known surviving male convict of the First Fleet, and retired Constable for the District of Kissing Point, by the name of John Small.Born in Birmingham in early December 1761 to John and Rebecca Small, he was baptised at St Martin's Church (where St Martin's in the Bull Ring now stands) on the 11th December 1761. The Small family had lived in the Edgbaston quarter of Birmingham in Holloway Head for several years. This still exists and is a continuation of Small brook Street on the road to Worcester.

John was the sixth of their nine children, of whom eight survived to adulthood. Nothing is known of his early life other than that he had, by the age of 20, acquired a trade, that of 'Bitt' maker. On 16th April 1781 Small enlisted at Birmingham into the Plymouth Division of the Royal Marines. His enlistment was for life or until discharged. On arrival in Plymouth he was appointed to the 33rd Company where he received his uniform and accoutrements. His pay was 6d per day before stoppages for clothing, and the 12 pence in the pound to be disposed of as His Majesty thinks fit, one day's pay in the year for the Chelsea Hospital, and such other necessary deductions as shall be directed. His uniform and equipment would have consisted of:

A good full-bodied coat, well-lined (7s 2d).

A waistcoat (5s 3d).

One pair ofkersey breeches (4s 9d).

Four good white shins (5s 6dper pair).

Four pairs of good stockings (2 white and 2 worsted) (2s 3d per pair).

One checkered shirt (3s lode).

One pair trousers (3s Sd).

Three pairs good shoes (5s per pair).

One pair each long and short gaiters.

One set each of knee and shoe buckles.

Two pairs good Prussian drab drawers.

A brush, one wire picker & turnkey.

Two black Manchester stocks.

A good strong hat, well laced and a knapsack.

A Short Land pattern .75 Cal flintlock musket with steel rammer.

A Bayonet and Scabbard.

Small would have had several weeks of training in the use of his arms, drill routines, guards and sentry duties, and instruction in dress regulations before he was considered to be ready to embark a ship. 'Tony Cude, Brisbane RMAQ member and at one-time President.'

1851. Thursday 6th November. British, with Naval Brigade, defeated at Water Kloeff.

1851. Friday 26th - 27th December. The taking of Lagos by boats of HMS Bloodhound and HMS Tartar, Lieutenant J.W.C. Williams RM and E, McArthur RMA were present with 27 RMA and 47 Royal Marines, taking part. Lieutenant Williams was wounded.

1851. The numbers were 10,500. Lodging Money (In this year was held the Great Exhibition in London.) On 14th April a great boon was granted to married NCOs and men. They were put on the same footing as the Army for lodging money, viz 2 pence a day; the proportion allowed was 3 men for every 100. Later the allowance was increased to 6 pence a day. The difficulties caused by stagnation of promotion, however, were still extant. In November 1852 it was reported that four Lieutenant Colonels and four Captains were unfit for further active service (Order-in-Council Wednesday 10th November 1852) and again in August 1853, Inspection Reports say that four Lieutenant Colonels are unfit for active service owing to advanced age and ill health (Order-in-Council Monday 8th August 1853); they were all specially retired on full pay.

1851. Another old privilege of RMA Captains went: they had apparently drawn £20 a year Non-Effective Allowance - it is not stated for what it was granted. It was abolished on Wednesday 24th September 1851, and 1/1 added to their personal pay in lieu.

1852. Thursday 26th February. The Birkenhead, conveying troops to South Africa, was lost, 9 officers and 349 men being drowned, the troops remaining fallen in and keeping their ranks as the ship went down, after the women and children had been saved, providing yet another deathless story for the Annals of the Services.

1852. Monday 5th April. Storming of Martaban.

1852. Sunday 11th April. Dallah Stockades.

1852. Wednesday 14th April. Rangoon stormed.

1852. Monday 19th May. Bassein stormed.

1852. Friday 4th June. Pegu captured.

1852. Friday 9th July. Prome captured.

1852. Thursday 30th September. Operations at Metha.

1852. Saturday 9th October. Attack on Prome.

1852. November. Operations in Irrawaddy.

1852. Sunday 21st November - 10th December. Pegu re-captured.

In these and the other operations of the second Burmese war Bittern, Cleopatra, Contest, Fox, Hastings, Hermes, Rattler, Salamander, Spartan, Sphinx, Styx, Serpent and Winchester, took part or were represented.

1852. Monday 20th December. Caffres defeated. (Naval Brigade ashore.)

1852. The (Second) Burmese War, in which a small portion of the Corps wan engaged, commenced this year.16 Rear-Admiral Austen was in command of the Naval Forces and Major General H Godwin of the troops who came from India. On Monday 5th April 1852, after a brief bombardment, the town of Martaban was captured.

On Monday 8th April the squadron was joined by the Royal Indian Marine squadron of six ships, bringing 4 transports with troops from Bombay and Madras, and 7 transports from Bengal.

Rangoon - The Burmese had persisted in their insults to British officers and refused to pay the indemnity of 10 lakhs of rupees, so an expedition was ordered to attack Rangoon. The following forces were available: HMS Rattler, Fox, Hermes, Salamander, Serpent 818 men, 80 guns.

Indian Navy - 8 ships. 952 men, 31 guns (mostly Bengal Marine 7 ships.500 men, 33 guns 8") The troops were the 18th Royal Irish (650), 51st (900), 80th (460), Artillery (517), 3 Regiments Native Infantry (2800), Sappers and Miners (170) with two 8" howitzers, six 24 pdrs, eight 9 pdrs field guns. On Saturday 10th April the Fleet anchored below Hastings Sand. On Sunday 11th April. each ship having two transports in tow crossed the Sand and anchored below the stockades protecting Rangoon: as soon as clear of the Sand the transports were cast off. At 9.30 am the Burmese opened fire, which was returned by the Indian ships Ferooz, Sesostrie, and Mozaffur as soon as they were anchored. A stockade mounting nine 18 pdr guns was blown up early in the proceedings. Fire was kept up on Dallah on the left of the British as well as on the Rangoon defences on the right. At first the Burmese replied with accuracy, but soon after the Fox and Serpent came up at 11 am and the firing on the British right nearly ceased. The ships kept up their fire on both sides till the large stockade of Shoe Dagon blew up. The fire cleared the coast for nearly a mile and made a clear landing place for the troops, who were to land the following morning. At 4 am on the 12th the 51st with the 9th and 35th NI were landed. 15 Afterwards 16 Authorities: History of Indian Navy; Fortescue's British Army; Officers' Services. 26 The Sesostris, Zenobia, and Mozaffur went up the river and anchored abreast of the Upper Stockades and burnt them without opposition. Proceeding on till abreast of the Great Pagoda the ships continued fire until ordered to cease by the Admiral. HMS Serpent and Phlegethon went on to Kemmerdine, where they found the stockade too strong for them, and were reinforced by the Fero. On 13th April Kemmerdine was found to be evacuated and was burnt.

The squadron anchored abreast of the Great Pagoda and shelled it during the night of 12/13th. At 2 am they ceased firing to allow the troops to advance, and Rangoon was captured during the afternoon, together with 98 guns and 70 gingalls. The troops also captured the White House Stockade and the Great Dagon Pagoda with a loss of 17 killed and 132 wounded. The troops had three days' hard fighting, the walls being 20 feet high, with spikes. On 7th May, 450 troops under Colonel Apthorp including the RM of the squadron under Lieutenants J Elliot and Nightingale RM, in the Medusa, Tennasserim, and Pluto, under Commander Tarleton RN left in pursuit of the Governor of Rangoon. After going about 45 miles up the river, the force landed and marched to Mawbee; the Governor had fled, so after burning the village they returned, having suffered a great deal of sickness. Bassein - On 17th May, General Godwin and Commodore Lambert proceeded with 800 men in the Mozaffur, Sesostris, Pluto, and Tennasserim to capture Bassein, which was strongly held.

The force comprised 400 of the 51st, 300 Madras NI, 67 Madras RA under Major Errington of the 51st, and included 44 RM under Lieutenants Elliot and Nightingale, and 16 Seamen with a field piece under Lieutenant Rice RN. Bassein was 60 miles above the Island of Negrais at the entrance to the Bassein River, which they reached on the afternoon of the 19th; on the 20th they sighted the fortifications of Bassein on the left bank; there was an extensive fort and stockade with a strong work round the Pagoda, having a brick parapet facing the river. The ships anchored unmolested and the troops were easily and quickly landed, when fire was immediately opened on them from the stockades. One party under General Godwin stormed and carried the Pagoda, and the ships fired whilst the boats' crews of the Sesostris and Mozaffur stormed the stockades opposite the town; 54 guns and 32 gingalle were captured. Two days were allowed for the occupation of Bassein, the Sesostris was then left in charge and the remainder of the squadron returned to Rangoon on the Sunday 23rd May. Pegu - On 3rd June an expedition started for Pagu, 75 miles from Rangoon, Major Cotton of the 63rd Regiment in command. With them went HMS Phlegethon with 5 boats from the Fox in which were the Royal Marines under Lieutenant Elliot, and the boats from the Mozaffur all under Commander Tarleton RN, of the Irrawaddy Flotilla. On the 4th Pegu was captured with small loss, the fortifications were destroyed, and they returned to Rangoon. Proes \- In July an expedition was sent against Prome. Officers and men of the Medusa were sent to Yeanjue on the Wednesday 7th July, followed by the Prosperine, Mahannuddy, Phlegethon, and three boats from the Fox. The enemy were encountered on the bank opposite Komroughie and a sharp action took place, lasting about an hour. Lieutenant Elliot RM and three other officers were severely wounded. As it was inadvisable to land, they anchored. at sunset off Meaony. On Thursday 8th the flotilla weighed and proceeded up river till they sighted an extensive fortification on the end of a ridge of hills above the town of Akouktoung. The Chief Bundoola with 1000 men was reported to be here, so the flotilla proceeded on and the Medusa reached Prome on the 9th at daylight. She landed her troops and being joined at 7 am by the Prosperine with the Fox's boats, 13 guns were captured and brought off. The ships then withdrew and later, large reinforcements of troops having been received, they occupied Prome in September and the war was concluded. The Province of Pegu was annexed on Monday 20th December, 1852. The India Medal with clasp for Pegu was awarded for this-campaign. Lieutenants Elliot and Nightingale were mentioned in despatches (LG Tuesday 10th August 1852). (H. E. Blumberg.Devonport January 1934.) (Sic)

1852. The numbers were 10,500.

1853. Friday 21st January - 3rd February. Operations in the River Bassein.

1853. Thursday 27th January. Engagement at Beling.

1853. Friday 4th February. British defeated near Donoobew.

1853. Friday 1st April. The numbers were 10,500. 1853. Friday 1st April. Employment of Marines. Continuous Service was introduced into the Navy for the first time, and in the following year it had its repercussions on the Royal Marines. The first was the Order-in-Council Friday 11th August 1854, when stoppages for rations afloat were abolished for NCOs and Men.

The wording of the Order-in-Council is so frank and gives such a picture of the duties of the Royal Marines afloat; that it deserves ,to be quoted in extenso: ''NCOs and Men, Royal Marines, are still liable for deductions from pay originally intended to meet most of sea provisions when afloat; this position has become more anomalous, compared with soldiers of the line, and their own officers, and in consequence of the increased pay to continuous service seamen of the Navy, no corresponding advantage having been granted to the Royal Marines.

''The grounds upon which additional pay to seamen entering for continuous service was granted, had reference to the value which unquestionably attaches to the services of skilful and trained seamen, and to the great demand for such men in the Mercantile Marine; but the bearing of this increase, as affecting the relative conditions of the Marines when embarked, was not taken into account, and it cannot be denied that the reasons which have led unavoidably to the increase of the wages of seamen in the Royal Navy, when entered for long periods, apply in many respects with equal force to the services of Royal Marines when afloat.

Of late years and more especially since Order-in-Council Sunday 1st July 1849 great care and pains have been bestowed in training Royal Marines ashore, not only in the exercise of the ships' gun batteries, but also to some of the duties of seamen, and the proficiency, which these men have acquired before embarkation, renders them so fully equal to those duties that in the recent equipment of the Fleet17 they have been found capable of rendering very efficient and valuable services. "Another consideration which should not be overlooked in weighing the claims of the Royal Marines, is the fact that at all times and under all circumstances, but more especially during the repair and equipment of ships in port, they are liable to the performance of many harassing and laborious duties, which have been known to deter seamen, when not entered for continuous service, from volunteering during the period of equipment.

The Royal Marines are exposed to much wear and tear of clothing without any additional remuneration, and that as regard. the general discipline of HM Fleet too much importance cannot be attached to the contentment and efficiency of the Marine Corps and therefore Their Lordships consider that the NCOs and Men should be placed on a more equitable footing as regards ration deductions." Therefore, all differences between pay of Royal Marines ashore and afloat, and deductions for rations afloat, ceased from lst October 1854; but it was 50 years exactly before the deductions for rations on shore ceased. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.) (sic)

1853. Wednesday 18th May. Diplomatic relations were broken off with Russia by Turkey, and Russia proposed to occupy the Danubian Principalities. The British Fleet of 7 battleships and 8 frigates was ordered to Besika Bay and arrived on 13th June, being joined later by 9 battleships and 4 frigates of the French Fleet. Here many weary months were spent. At the end of October, the Allied Fleets moved up to Therapia in the Bosphorus. Conferences took place without much result, and on 30th November the Russians attacked and destroyed a Turkish Squadron at Sinope, which was escorting troops to Asia Minor. The Allied Fleets entered the Black Sea on Tuesday 3rd January 1854 and going to Sinope escorted the Turkish troops to the Eastern end of the Black Sea and then returned to Constantinople. (sic)

As nothing came of the conferences, war was declared by the Allies on Monday 27th March 1854. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.) (sic)

1853. October - February 1956. The start of the Crimea War. The three-year conflict gets its name as it was mainly fought on the Crimean Peninsula, an area in the south of modern day Ukraine that sits within the Black Sea. The war saw Britain, France, Sardinia and the Ottoman Empire become allies against, Russia and eventually its defeat. The war is remembered for the poor leadership, communication and organisation of the allied forces, which resulted in a bloody and prolonged conflict. However, it's mainly remembered because of the Charge of the Light Brigade. The use of the new 'torpedoes' (mines) by the Russians in the Baltic made the campaign there particularly suited to Royal Marine raids and reconnaissance parties. Royal Marines served on all the Royal Navy's ships, and landed at Sevastopol.

However, the Royal Navy suffered a shortage of manpower in the Marines during these long wars and regular Infantry units from the Army occasionally had to be used as shipboard replacements.

1854. The strength was 15,500.

1854. Monday 30th January. Order-in-Council. Staff 72 12 Artillery Companies 2112 110 Divisional Companies 13310 Two Orders-in-Council published 9th March and 13th September made another effort to deal with the stagnation of promotion. (i) Lieutenant Colonels to be promoted to Colonels after 3 years. (ii) An establishment of 10 General Officers was fixed. (iii) Any Lieutenant, Captain, or Lieutenant Colonel may be rewarded for brilliant service in the Field or afloat; such promotion to be by brevet and to be converted into rank on the strength at the earliest period that consideration for the claims of other officer's senior will admit of. (iv) The retired full pay establishment fixed at £35,000 - i.e. an increase of £6,000. 17 i.e. for the Baltic and Crimean Wars. 28 (v) Two Officers were to hold the appointment of to the King and to be promoted to full Colonel. (vi) Rates of pay for Captains and Subalterns were laid down that remained in force for 50 years. The Staff consisted of 1 DAG, 1 AAG, 4 Colonels Commandant, 4 Colonels 2nd Commandant, 18 Lieutenant Colonels, 1 Instructor of Laboratory, 4 Paymasters, 4 Barrack masters, 4 Quartermasters, 9 Sergeants-Major (1 for Artillery), 4 QMS, 6 Barrack-master's Sergeants (1 for Artillery), 4 Surgeons and 4 Assistant Surgeons.

Arms - The Corps was at this time18, armed with the Mini Rifle, which had replaced the percussion muskets; it was superseded in 1857 by the Enfield Rifle. This rifle remained in use for about 10 years, when the Corps was ordered to be armed with its first breechloading rifle - viz, the Enfield converted on the Snider principle. The date of the order was the Saturday 19th January 1867. Thesimple carried a very heavy bullet (.577) and was fairly simple in action. it was superseded on Thursday 22nd April 1875 by the Martini-Henry (.45), the rifle with the falling block for insertion of the cartridge, and a needle acting on a detonating cap in the base of the cartridge. It retained the old long triangular bayonet with locking ring. The cartridges were very bad, as they were made of rolled strips of brass and there were constant jams till the solid drawn brass case was introduced. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1854. April. Retribution and Niger blockaded Odessa.

1854. April. Furious with a flag of truce was fired upon at Odessa.

1854. Monday 3rd - 5th April. Attack on Shanghai by Encounter and Grecian.

1854. Thursday 6th April. The Furious was sent to Odessa to bring off the British Consul and subjects, and though carrying a flag of truce, was fired on. Meanwhile British and French troops were arriving.

1854. Saturday 22nd April. Odessa bombarded by Samson, Niger, Terrible and consort.

1854. Friday 12th May. Tiger ran aground and was destroyed near Odessa.

1854. Friday 19th May. Agamemnon attacked Redoubt Kaleh.

1854. Saturday 20th May. Bombardment of Eckness by Arrogant and Hecla.

1854. Monday 22nd May. Attack on Forts at Hango Head by Dragon and others.

1854. Friday 26th May. Fury in disguise made a reconnaissance at Sevastopol.

1854. May. Amphion captured Russian merchant vessels.

1854. May. Gulf of Riga blockaded by Amphion and Conflict.

1854. May. Thirty-four vessels destroyed in the Gulf of Bothnia.

1854. Thursday 1st June. The Danube blockaded. Face

1854. Friday 2nd June. Troops harrassed by Niger at Adjalick Lake.

1854. Monday 5th June. Gunner Thomas. Wilkinson RMA (1831-1887) was awarded his Victoria Cross for outstanding bravery during the Battle of Sebastopol.

1854. Wednesday 7th June. Unsuccessful attack on Gamla Carleby, Gulf of Finland.

1854. Wednesday 7th June. Ineffectual attack on Bomasund by Hecla, Odin and Valorous.

1854. Monday 26th June. Recapture of Cuthbert Young by the Prometheus.

1854. Tuesday 27th - 29th June. Attack on Sulina batteries by Firebrand and Vesuvius.

1854. Saturday 8th July. Sulina batteries destroyed.

1854. Thursday 13th July. The action on Viborg. Lieutenant Dowell RMA won a Victoria Cross medal, and was presented the medal while serving in the Baltic.

1854. Tuesday 18th July. Destruction of batteries at Solovetskoi Island.

1854. Monday 24th July. Bomarsund blockaded.

1854. Sunday 13th - 16th August. Bomarsund bombarded and taken by squadron.

1854. Tuesday 8th - Wednesday 16th August. The attack on Bomarsund.

1854. Thursday 31st August 4th September. Unsuccessful attack on Petropaulooski by President and consort.

1854. August. Miranda defeated Russian garrison at Kola.

1854. Wednesday 13th September. Eupatoria surrendered to the allies.

1854. Monday 18th September. Royal Marines disembarked at Eupatoria.

1854. September - December. Defence of Eupatoria. (Naval force ashore.)

1854. Sunday 1st - 3rd October. Seamen and Marines landed at Balaclava.

1854. Wednesday 4th October. Attack on Fort Nicolaief by Sidon and Inflexible.

1854. Tuesday 17th October - 7th September 1855. Bombardment of Sevastopol, especially on 17th - 24th October 1854. The 9th - 28th April. The 6th - 10th June. The 16th - 17th June. The 16th - 19th July. The 6th - 9th August. The 5th - 7th September 1855.

1854. Wednesday 25th October. The battle of Balaklava.

1854. October. Operations on the West Coast or Africa.

1854. November. Operations in Macao River by O'Callaghan.

1854. Thursday 2nd November. Destruction of junks in Tym-Moon Bay.

1854. Friday 3rd November. Destruction of junks at Tyloo.

1854. Sunday 5th November. Corporal John Prettyjohns RM (1823 -1887) was the first Royal Marine to be awarded the Victoria Cross Medal (VC), during the battle of Inkerman in the Crimea War. A small party of Marines under the leadership of Sergeant Richards and Corporal Prettjohns were ordered to clear some cave's that were being held by the enemy. However, before they could complete their task they were seized by a Russian patrol, at a time when the Marines had almost run out of ammunition. Corporal Prettyjohns took control of the situation and seized the leader of the Russian patrol by capturing him with a West Country wrestling throw. He then ordered his men to throw stones at the Russians, which they did with great success. Later when the Victoria Cross was instituted by Queen Victoria, the Marines chose Prettyjohns to be the recipient.

1854. Friday 5th November. The Crimean War, Inkerman was an active day, 312 rank and file marched off from the heights of Balaklava, for the Light Division, under the command of Captain Hopkins, R.M.L.I., the detachment was divided into four companies, taking turn in the trenches. On the morning of the 5th, the relief, which had just returned, were preparing their rude breakfast; the firing from Sebastopol was gradually increased, and then commenced in our rear. Nothing could be distinguished but fog and smoke from where we were. The bugle sounded the "Fall-in" at the double, and officers were flying about giving orders, saying vast columns of the enemy were moving up to our rear. The roll of musketry was terrific; we were advanced cautiously until bullets began to fall amongst us, the sergeant-major was the first man killed; order given to lay down; it was well we did so; a rush of bullets passed over us; then we gave them three rounds, kneeling, into their close columns. At the same time some seamen opened fire from some heavy guns into their left flank, and this drove them back into the fog and smoke. Our Commanding Officer received several orders from mounted officers at this critical time; first it was "advance," then it was "hold your ground and prevent a junction or communication with the town." The Inkermann Caves were occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters, who were picking off our officers and gunners; between us and these men was an open space exposed to the broadside fire of a frigate in the harbour under shelter of the wall, but she had been heeled over so as to clear the muzzles of her guns, when fired, from striking the wall; thus, her fire raked the open part. The Caves were to be cleared, and the Marines ordered to do it; as soon as we showed ourselves in the open, a broadside from the frigate thinned our ranks; Captain March fell wounded. Captain Hopkins ordered his men to lie down under a bit of rising ground, and ordered two privates, Pat Sullivan and another man, to take the Captain back, and there he stood amidst a shower of shot and shell, seeing him removed. A division under Sergeant Richards and Corporal Prettyjohns, was then thrown out to clear the caves, what became of the Commanding Officer and the other I never knew, so many statements have been made. We, under Richards and Prettyjohns, soon cleared the caves, but found our ammunition nearly all expended, and a new batch of the foe were creeping up the hillside in single file at the back. Prettyjohns, a muscular Westcountryman, said, "Well, lads, we are just in for a warming, and it will be every man for himself in a few minutes. Look alive, my hearties, and collect all the stones handy, and pile them on the ridge in front of you. When I grip the front man you let go the biggest stones upon those fellows behind." As soon as the first man stood on the level, Prettyjohns gripped him and gave him a Westcountry buttock, threw him over upon the men following, and a shower of stones from the others knocked the leaders over. Away they went, tumbling over the other, down the incline; we gave them a parting volley and retired out of sight to load; they made off and left us, although there was sufficient to have eaten us up. Later in the day we were recalled, and to keep clear of the frigate's fire had to keep to our left, passing over the field of slaughter. On being mustered, if my memory is not at fault, twenty-one men had been killed and disabled, and we felt proud of our own Commanding Officer, who stood fine, like a hero, helping Captain March. Corporal Prettyjohns received the V.C., Colour-Sergt. Jordan the Medal and £20 for Distinguished Conduct in the Field, Captain Hopkins a C.B., others were recommended.

Prettyjohns was selected to have the one VC for the Marines on that occasion. The Colonel said, "Well, boys, there's only one, but you all deserve one each." The men called out, "Take it yourself, Colonel, for you saved all our lives when you ordered us to lie down." "No, no, lads, it's for one of you; which shall it be? Prettyjohns or Jordan?" So they said it should be Prettyjohns. "Then I shall recommend Jordan for the Medal and £20 per annum, for he is in his 21st year of service," said the Colonel.

The following morning we went into the trenches, as usual, on short rations and water; about 11:30 my section received a visit from one of the 'hen and chickens,' which squatted down close to us, so we lay down flat on the ground, when up she popped, throwing up an immense quantity of earth, and scattering her fire brood about the place. I was jumped and buried in earth; my memory became a blank until I found myself about half-way to Balaklava, in a waggon which was going to fetch ammunition. (Memories of an Old Soldier. Globe and Laurel, 1904)

1854. Thursday 12th November. Destruction effort at Dshmetic by Tribune and consort.

1854. Friday 13th November. Battery carried and junks destroyed in Coulan Bay.

1854. The Marines uniforms of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1854. Mounted Royal Marines fought in the Crimean war.

1854 \- 1993. Only Twenty Seven Conspicuous Gallantry Medals (originally a naval decoration) were awarded to Royal Marines from its inception in 1854 until it was abolished in 1993. Sergeant Preston's exploits were unusual in that he was awarded a second gallantry medal, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, for the Defence of the Legations.

Sergeant James Edward Preston CGM, DCM, RMLI (by Anthony J Perrett)

1854. Could this have been the origin of the 'Special Boats Sections'? In the summer of 1854, during the Crimea War, the Frigate HMS Arrogant, commanded by Captain. Hastings YELVERTON with Lieut John BTPEESNA, was the senior ship of the British Fleet in the Baltic campaign and was standing off Wardo Island at the mouth of the Gulf of Bothnia. After one of his formal calls on the Commander-in Chief, Captain YSIVERTON remarked to Lieut. BITRESKA that he had just received a mild repDhland from the Admiral, which he was to pass on to his officers. The admiral has received information that the Russians - were constantly landing important despathces for the Tsar right under the nose of ENS Arrogant. On hearing this BrrEt was fired with an urge to stem the tide of Russian despatches and he began to formulate a plan to intercept them. He persuaded stoker William JOENSTONE, who spoke Swedish, to help him, and obtained his Captain's permission to carry out the mission. BTTBEA and JOUSTONE rowed. ashore on Wednesday 9th August, landing in a quiet little bay. They made their way to an isolated £anhous. where JSS!1?ONE spoke with the t.ner who agreed to help them. The farmer had a deep grudge against the Russians who had requisitioned his horses, thereby preventing him from gathering in his crops. He gave the two sailors shelter and told them that the Russian despatches must be of great importance because nine miles of road had been specially repaired to make their journeys easier.

The two British sailors leant that the Russian messengers were guared by an escort until they reacheda small co -ose clsoe to the shore. The escort would then leave and the messengers would hide until the dead of night,when they would head for their final destination by small boat.

Meanwhile the Russians had heard that the British aiIcn had landed a nd they began searching S countryside, inclthng farms and outbuildings • BxmEL and JOHNZTONB were bidden in a barn and slept through the hunt. Three days after they landed they heard that the despatches would be sent that night. During the evening they took up their positions near the copse Soon after midnight the Russians cane stealthily down the road - the messengers hid, and the escort departed. As soon as the escort was out of sight BYPEESA and JOENSTONE leapt out of their hiding places and so startled the messengers that two of them dropped their bags and fled. The others were soon overcome. JOESTONE tying them up whileBrmR& kept them covered with his pistol. The Russians were convinced they had been attacked by a large

group of men - little did they know it was just two sailon The messengers, with all their despa tches, were marched down the beach, loaded into the boatand forced at gunpoint to row the British ship. Not long after the boatbad slipped out to sea, the Russian escort reappeared and seeing nothing amxa assumed that all was well. They returned to base and report the safe passage of the messengers. The Russians were taken prisoner aboard the Arrogant and their despatches were given to The Commander-in-Chief. Ile wt surprised and delighted, and both men were recommens for the Victoria Cross when this newly highly-prized dèóoration was instituted. Their names appeared in the very first list in the London Gazette.

Acknowledgements to 'This England'. (Sic)

1854. The strength was 15,500.

1854.-1856. The Russian War - In 1855 the differences between the Latin and Greek Churches concerning the Holy Places in Palestine had led Turkey to appoint a Commission of enquiry. Russia, always a champion of the Greek Church, thought this to be a favourable opportunity to interfere with a view to breaking up the Turkish Empire. She demanded guarantees for the Greek Church and also that the Greek Orthodox subjects of the Sultan should be placed under her protection. This would have affected the independence of Turkey, and could not be entertained by the Porte, in which attitude she had the support of England and France. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1855. The separate title of Royal Marine Light Artillery was conferred upon the RMA. As RMA uniforms were the blue of the Royal Regiment of Artillery they were nicknamed the 'Blue Marines'. While the Infantry element who wore the scarlet uniforms of the British Infantry, became known as the 'Red Marines', often given the derogatory nickname by sailors as Lobsters.

1855. January. 'The Royal Marines Light Infantry'. 'Her Majesty Has Been Pleased To Command That The Corps Of Royal Marines Shall In Future Be Designated:-

CORPS Of ROYAL MARINES, LIGHT INFANTRY.

The reason for the bestowal of this distinctive title was not as a reward for the conspicuous services of the Corps in the Crimean War as many believe, but purely a utilitarian one, the Admiralty considering that the Light Infantry training was the best adapted to the nature of the service which the Corps is generally required to perform when employed on shore.

In those days it must be remembered that Light Infantry regiments . were the only ones - with the exception of the Rifles - which specialized in skirmishing and extended order, and the Admiralty was probably right in thinking that this would be more useful to detachments fighting on shore in all kinds of out-of-the-way places than battalion or brigade drill.

Nowadays the title "Light Infantry" is merely an honourable distinction, which in the British service is symbolized by the wearing of the badge of the Bugle, except in the case of the Highland Light Infantry, which like the French Chasseurs, the German Jaegers and other continental regiments of similar nature wear the French Horn.

The word "Chasseur" and "Jaeger" - both meaning "hunter" - are, by the way, both more appropriate to the badge and to the original ideas under which such corps were instituted than is our term "Light Infantry."

The Horn, whether Bugle Horn or French Horn, is distinctly the badge of the huntsman, not so much in the modern meaning of the word as in that inferred in the Bible, where Nimrod is described as being "a mighty hunter." Moreover, the chase - the hunting and killing of animals - which until recent years was termed "sport" was from time immemorial been always considered the best school for war.

Apart from this, the Bugle or Bugle-Horn, has an age long eminence on account of the peculiar honour in which it was held in the early centuries of the Christian era. The carved ivory horn or "olifaunt" was a distinctive sign of nobility. It carries us back to the "Song of Roland," sung by the Norman knight Taillifer at the Battle of. Hasting, which celebrates the death of the paladin, betrayed into the hands of countless hordes of Saracens in the Pass of Roncevalles (August 15th). Roland refused to sound his "olifaunt" for succour till all is over, and then only to call Charles, the French King, to see him and his comrade Turpin, lying dead but unconquered.

"And straight away" says the old legend, as he raised the horn to his mouth. Firmly has he grasped it and sounded it with vigour. Lofty are the hills and very loud the echo, and the sound is heard a full fifteen leagues away. And the Emperor Charles has heard it and all his host of vassals; and the King Spake, `Our men are giving battle'; but Ganelon (see Note 3) said, `Had another man said this it would have seemed a fearful falsehood.' With pain and great endeavour has Roland sounded his horn, and the bright blood is streaming from his mouth, and both his temples has he broken in the endeavour. But exceedingly great and loud is the noise, and Charles has heard it as he passed across the border; and Naimes the Duke has heard it and now the Frenchmen listen."

The horn was a much-prized item of the equipment of the old nobles and knights, but not everyone of these warriors could procure or afford to buy one made of the tusk of an elephant, elaborately carved and often mounted with gold and precious stones, they and their followers equipped themselves with the horns of oxen.

This brings us at once to our Bugle, for "bugle" was an old English word signifying a wild bull, probably from across the Channel, since the French word for the "lowing of cattle" is still "beugler."

Sir John Mandeville, in his Travels, speaks of "the homes of great oxen or of bugles. "

Such horns were not only used as bugle-horns, but as drinking cups - some ingenious knights making them do double duty by fitting stoppers to their mouthpieces - and later as powder-horns. But few are aware, perhaps, that one of the most ancient modes of transferring inheritances was that of conveying them by the presentation of a horn. Several of these are still preserved and accepted as evidence of rightful possession of property. One such is the horn of the Danish Prince Ulphus, by which he transferred his landed property to the Church of York, that by which King Canute bestowed a manor on the Pusey family, and the Borstal horn, a title to property bestowed by Edward the Confessor on the family of Aubrey.

Not only lands, but sometimes fishing rights, were conferred with the gift of a horn, as, for instance, the horn by which the town of Hungerford holds the fishing rights to the River Kennet. This horn is ornamented with a Crescent and Star. a badge assumed by Richard I`'' after his return from the Holy Land.

In German heraldry towering horns are often seen on the helmet. These were allowed to be worn after a knight had proved his prowess in the Tournament. They still appear in many coats-of arms of the German nobility. These were also "bugle" horns and so here again we find the "Bugle" as a special distinction of honour.

So much for the Bugle itself, a badge, it must be acknowledged, of great honour, interest and antiquity, and which appears in the armorial bearings of a great many English and Scottish families.

The origin of Light Infantry regiments must be traced, like many another matter connected with the British Army, to the Continent, and, considering the geographical position of the British Isles, this is only to be expected.

The first Light Infantry formation appears ` to have been the "Chasseurs de Fischer'' a French Corps raised in 1742 by a German adventurer of that name. Like the later Indian Corps of Guides raised by the British Army, it comprised both infantry and cavalry. It did not wear a Bugle badge, but a device of Three fishes, chosen by its leader, a man without crest or armorial bearings, as symbolical of his name.

In 1757, we find references in the press to a corps of German "Chasseurs" fighting with the British against the French.

"These Chasseurs or Hunters," said Lloyd's Evening Post of that date, "are said to be composed of gentlemen's gamekeepers, who are trained to shooting from ten years old, and are such dexterous marksmen that they will shoot a single ball to a butt no bigger than the crown of a man's hat at 200 yards distance; they are all clothed in green, have each a rifled gun, two pistols in holsters, two in their girdles, besides a short dagger and a broad sword, and are supposed equal to the same number of any troops in the world. By all accounts they are very formidable to the French. (Author Unknown)

1855. January. Once again the Royal Marines underwent another name change becoming known as the 'Royal Marines Light Infantry'. Under this title they served in the Crimean war carrying out several amphibious raids on the Russian forces. However, the Royal Navy suffered a shortage of manpower in the Marines during these long wars and regular Infantry units from the Army occasionally had to be used as shipboard replacements. The Royal Marines continued in their on board function after the war, taking a prominent part in the Navy's antipiracy and anti-slavery actions. At that time their strength was 16.500.

1855. Tuesday 30th January. Light Infantry - The title of the Corps was changed to Royal Marines, Light Infantry. An Admiralty letter of that date says: "That the Corps of Royal Marines may be designated a Light Corps and equipped and designated as such agreeably to Your Majesty's Regulation for Light Infantry Regiments of the Line; this training being considered best adapted to the nature of the service which the Corps is generally required to perform when employed ashore."

During the Crimean War it also instituted the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal19. This was meant as the Naval counterpart of the Army Distinguished Conduct Medal instituted by Royal Warrant

From Monday 4th December 1854. The Admiralty were authorised to confer rewards of the medal with gratuity to any Petty Officer, Seaman, or Royal Marine who "shall, while serving in action, distinguish themselves in action with the enemy"; the same to be granted in the proportion of 8 Petty Officers or Sergeants and Corporals and 10 Seamen or Privates for every 1000 men, and the gratuities to be granted were also laid down. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1855. Thursday 1st February. Black Sea ports blockaded.

1855. Saturday 17th February. Support of Turkish troops in defence of Eupatoria.

1855. Thursday 22nd - 24th February. Troops defeated at Anapa by Leopard and boats.

1855. February. Straits of Kertch blockaded.

1855. Thursday 8th March. Viper destroyed fort and stores at Djimiteia.

1855. Tuesday 13th March. Attack on Soujak Kaleh by Leopard and consorts.

1855. April. Coast of Courland blockaded.

1855. Thursday 24th May. Straits of Kertch forced. Snake specially distinguished.

1855. Friday 25th May. Squadron forced Straits of Yenikale.

1855. Saturday 26th May. Destruction of vessels and grain at Berdiansk.

1855. Saturday 26th May. Capture of vessels off Hango Head by Cossack and Esk.

1855. Sunday 27th May. Magicienne destroyed two galliots in Biskopa Bay.

1855. Monday 28th May. Attack on Arabat by the British squadron.

1855. Tuesday 29th May. Destruction of vessels and stores at Genitchi.

1855. Sunday 3rd June. Destruction of stores at Taganrog.

1855. Tuesday 5th June. Capture of Marianpol by boats of squadron.

1855. Tuesday 5th June. Boat's crew of Cossack massacred by Russians at Hango Head.

1855. Tuesday 5th June. 24 year old Bombardier Thomas Wilkinson RMA (1831-1887) was especially recommended for gallant conduct with the advanced batteries during the Battle of Sebastopol in the Crimea war. He was later awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding bravery after he carried out sandbag repairs to the defences of an advanced gun position whilst under intense enemy gunfire. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Marines Museum, Southsea, England.

1855. Wednesday 6th June. Surrender of Gheisk, Sea of Azoff.

1855. Wednesday 6th - 7th June. Dispersion of troops at Kansiala Bay by Magicienne.

1855. Saturday 9th June. Defeat of Cossacks by Ardent at Kiten

1855. Thursday 14th June. Basilisk destroyed ten grain-boats.

1855. Friday 15th June. Coast of Finland blockaded.

1855. Sunday 17th June. Engagement with batteries in Narva Bay.

1855. Monday 18th June. Bombardment of Narva by Blenheim, Snap and Pincher.

1855. Wednesday 20th June. Attempt by Snapper to capture boats at Nargen.

1855. Wednesday 20th June. Destruction of Fort of Roshensalm by Arrogant and consorts.

1855. Wednesday 20th June. Destruction of five sloops at Pernau by British boats.

1855. Friday 22nd June. Batteries at Sandham, Storholm, and Ertholm engaged.

1855. Friday 22nd June. Repulse of Cossacks at Kamishwa by Vesuvius.

1855. Saturday 23rd - 24th June. Capture of 47 vessels at Nystadt by boats of Harrier.

1855. Sunday 24th June. Petrouski forts silenced by Vesuvius.

1855. Wednesday 27th June. Destruction of stores at Genitchi.

1855. Wednesday 27th June. Destruction of batteries at Christenestad.

1855. Saturday 30th June. Ruby and consort destroyed 29 vessels at Werolax Bay.

1855. July. Jasper on shore at Krivaia, and abandoned.

1855. July. Ardent destroyed stores near Genitchi.

1855. Monday 2nd July. Boats of Driver and Harrier at Raumo.

1855. Tuesday 3rd July. Bridge at Genitchi destroyed by Beagle and Vesuvious.

1855. Tuesday 3rd July. Stores near Genitchi destroyed.

1855. Thursday 5th July. Defeat of Cossacks and destruction of Fort Svartholm.

1855. Monday 9th - 13th July. Destruction of salt boats at Bogs Karin Beacon.

1855. Thursday 12th July. Gulf of Bothnia blockaded.

1855. Friday 13th July. Salt boats in Siele Sound destroyed by Basilisk.

1855. Friday 13th July Attack on Viborg by Ruby and boats of other ships.

1855. Friday 13th July. 24 year old Lieutenant G.D. Dowell RMA (1831 - 1910) was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) while serving in the Fort of Viborg n the Gulf of Finland, after he rescued the crew of a rocket boat under. While serving in the Crimean War at the Fort of Viborg in the Gulf of Finland, an explosion occurred in one of the cutters of HMS Arrogant, Lieutenant Dowell, who was on board HMS Ruby, took three volunteers and went, under intense grape and musketry fire to the assistance of the cutter. He took up three of the crew, and having rescued the rest and also the Captain of the Mast (George Ingouville), he then towed the stricken boat out of enemy gun range.

1855. Sunday 15th - 19th July. Destruction of stores, by Vesuvius and gunboats.

1855. Tuesday 17th July. Basilisk and Ruby engaged batteries at Riga.

1855. Saturday 21st July. Attack on batteries at Fredericksham.

1855. Sunday 22nd July. Granaries at Berdiansk destroyed by Vesuvius and consorts.

1855. Monday 23rd July. Arensburg taken by boats of Archer and Desperate.

1855. Tuesday 24th July. Shipping and Town of Raumo destroyed.

1855. Thursday 26th July. Kotka Island taken by Arrogant and consorts.

1855. Sunday 30th July. Troops dispersed at Windan by Archer and Conflict.

1855. Wednesday 1st - 8th August. Magazines and shipping at Brandon destroyed.

1855. Sunday 5th August. Capture of guns at Taganrog by parties from Vesuvius and consorts.

1855. Monday 6th - 7th August. Barracks and stores destroyed at Petrushena.

1855. Monday 6th August. Repulse of cavalry near Domeness.

1855. Tuesday 7th August. Telegraph stations at Tolbourkin destroyed.

1855. Thursday 9th August. The bombardment of Sveaborg.

1855. Friday 9th - 11th August. Bombardment of Sveaborg by the fleet.

1855. Friday 10th August. Hawke and Desperate engaged at mouth of Dwina.

1855. Monday 13th August. Order-in-Council. 29 landed at Gallipoli. On 20th April HMS Terrible, Tiger, Furious and Retribution with three French Ships went to Odessa and on the 22nd commenced a bombardment. HMS Arethusa stood in to the Mole, the fort of which was blown up, and the batteries ceased firing. The British ships then stood in and set the enemy shipping on fire and destroyed the batteries and brought off the people.

On 29th they made a reconnaissance of Sevastopol but did nothing. An incursion to the East end of the Black Sea was then made and on 19th May, after a bombardment of Redout Kalch, Turkish troops were placed in occupation of it. At the end of May it was decided to blockade the mouths of the Danube, and to transport the Armies to Varna, which was done, but no further action was taken till the autumn, when an invasion of the Crimea was determined on. Meanwhile action was being taken in other quarters, first in the Baltic20 and also in the Pacific, where an abortive but instructive attack was made on Petropaulovski on 30th August. This place was very strongly fortified, but the Allied Commanders with inadequate forces proceeded to attack it. The British ships President (50), Forte (40), Pique (40), Virago and Amphitrite, with three or four French ships, attacked on 30th August. (For some reason the British Admiral shot himself during the engagement.)

It was renewed on the 31st against three batteries of 3, 5 and 11 guns. A party from Virago landed and spiked the guns of the three-gun battery, but the Russians also landed men from their ships and they had to retire. The other batteries were also silenced but were repaired during the night. Three American deserters came off and acting on their information a Council of War decided to attempt to seize the town and take the batteries in reverse.

On 4th September, 700 Seamen and Marines were landed under Captains Burridge and La Grandiere, after two batteries of 5 and 7 guns had been silenced by President, Forte, and Virago. There was a wooded hill in rear of the landing place and the Russians were driven back to it and one battery was destroyed. The Hill was then carried with difficulty, the top being covered with brushwood and brambles whilst skirmishers opened fire on the attackers; in a bayonet charge Captain C A Parker RM was killed, and the British had to retreat to the boats. This was effected, but not without loss and confusion, the British losing 107 killed and wounded, and the French 101. Besides Captain Parker, Lieutenants McCallum and A H Clements, RM were wounded, and the attempt had to be abandoned.

The landing place had been badly chosen, as the wooded hill commanded it and when they occupied the hill they could not be covered by the fire of the ships. The Campaign in the Crimea.21 Eupatoria - When it was finally decided to invade the Crimea and attack the great fortress and arsenal of Sebastopol, the British, French, and Turkish Forces put to sea on 7th September 1854 and were disembarked at Old Fort, near Eupatoria, on the 14th. The disembarkation was completed on 18th, when the Army began its march to the Southward; on the 19th was fought the Battle of the Alma, resulting in a victory for the Allies. The Corps took no part in these operations, except landing parties to cover the seamen working parties employed in removing the wounded after the battle. But in order to protect the flank of the Allied Armies HMS Vesuvius and Retribution had been sent on 15th September with a detachment of 12 Officers and 418 Royal Marines from the larger ships, the whole under Captain Brock RN, to hold Eupatoria and to act in conjunction with the French afloat and ashore, to secure the town from enemy attacks, and to defend the Bay when transports were anchored there.

They established a police and fortified three strong points: (i) the Lazarette at the South-West extremity of the Bay; (ii) a large house in centre of the Bay; and (iii) a strong stone magazine at the Eastern extremity. These were loop holed and strengthened with sandbags and breastworks. On 19th September a strong body of Cossacks attempted an attack but were repulsed without loss. On 23rd September, 300 French Marines reinforced the British, and later the Turks landed 200 Marines.

On 26th September, HMS Leander landed 100 men. The place was now strong enough to resist attack, but it was never used as a Base owing to the change in the plans22. It was left in peace until 12th October. On that day a force of Cossacks, apparently about 800 strong, was observed advancing on the town. Captain Brook mounted 30 Royal Marines with a 12 pdr howitzer and some Tartar horsemen sallied out to meet the enemy. When about 600 yards distant the Cossacks opened out and disclosed four Horse Artillery guns which opened fire. Captain Brook retired and took up a defensive position; after a few shots the Cossacks retired. HMS Firebrand arrived the following day with a reinforcement of 400 men of the Egyptian Army, with 24 and 12 pdr guns from the Fleet. These added to the defensive power of the place, which was not attacked again until November.

Balaclava - After the Battle of the Alma, the Armies marched towards Sebastopol; moving round the East side, they invested the fortress on the South and East Sides, the British on the right and the French on the left. It was therefore necessary to move the main bases of both Armies; the French moved theirs to Kameisch Bay, which was very convenient for them; the British had to be content with the small harbour of Balaclava, which was to their left rear and not covered by their siege lines and was also open to attack from the North-East. The British position was on a plateau with heights looking to their rear over the plain of the River Tchernaya; these were known later as the Marine Heights. In order to protect his rear and flank Lord Raglan, the British Commander, requested Admiral Dundas to land his Royal Marines.

On 28th September accordingly, a Battalion of 25 Officers and 988 NCOs and Men were landed from the squadron under Lieutenant Colonel T Hurdle RM, and two days later a further draft of 10 Officers and 212 Men were landed, making a total of 35 Officers and 1200 Men. They were formed into two Battalions. The Brigade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Hurdle with Captain Aslett as Brigade Major. The 1st Battalion was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel F A Campbell, Adjutant Lieutenant H G Elliot; and the 2nd Battalion at first by Major McLeux and later by Lieutenant Colonel T Holloway. (* Check the name in the Navy List) They were stationed on the heights 1200 feet above the sea and proceeded to construct a continuous entrenchment about two miles long, extending to Kadikoi - a small village where Colonel C Campbell, commanding at Balaclava, had his Headquarters. At intervals along these entrenchments Batteries were made, armed with an assortment of guns from 6 pdr field pieces to 32 pdr ships' guns. To work the guns a certain number of Marines were allotted from the two Battalions23. General Fraser records that the tents were old and dilapidated and that they suffered great hardships from wet and cold and bad food. The outer line of defence was a chain of smaller redoubts upon a low range of heights, which stretch across the plain at a distance about one and a half miles from the gorge leading into Balaclava; these were manned by the Turks. The 93rd Highlanders with a field battery were in Kadikoi. The RM Batteries were manned, No 1 by Captain Alexander and 78 RM, No. 2 by Lieutenant Joliffe or Pym and 56 RMLI, No. 3 by Captain S Fraser and a company of Royal Marines from the 1st Battalion, No. 4 by Captain Blyth and a party of RMLI Lieutenant Bradley Roberts RMA acted as Gunnery Officer to the Batteries helping them cut fuses, etc. The landing of the RM allowed all available troops to be employed in the actual siege works. The Navy also landed a Brigade with 50 guns, which were employed in the trenches and siege batteries; to this Brigade were attached Lieutenants Douglas and Steele and a party of RMA. Both officers were wounded and specially mentioned in dispatches.

By 17th October the Fleet had landed 1786 Officers and Seamen and 1530 Royal Marines, besides 400 Marines at Eupatoria.24 The Royal Marines had their first brush with the enemy on 6th October when the Russians drove in a Marine picket, but the 12 pdrs opened fire and the Russians retired.

On 17th October there was a heavy bombardment by the land batteries assisted by the squadron. Owing to the position of the Allied investing lines, the isthmus of Perekop was open to the Russians, who were thus able to pour troops and supplies into the Crimea, and they had also a large field army operating outside the invested fortress. On 18th October the Russians, about 10,000 strong, appeared in the plain below the Marine Heights and with them large bodies of cavalry. They were met by our cavalry and retired across the river. The 2nd RM was moved to the lower part of the Heights to keep up communication with the Cavalry and Artillery; the 93rd Regiment were on the right, with one wing between the 1st and 2nd Battalions RM. It proved however only to be a reconnaissance in force.

On 20th October the Russians advanced again and the whole of the forces at Balaclava were under arms; two companies RM under Captain Timpson were sent to left of the RM lines, about the centre of the position, but it 23 Life of Sir E. Lyons. 24 Life of Sir E. Lyons. 25 Life of Sir W. Mends. 31 proved to be a false alarm.

On 25th October, however, the Russians really advanced in force on the redoubts held by the Turks before described. The Turks were driven out of them, but the guns of Nos I and 2 Batteries RM covered them, rendering useful service - "a fire was opened with good effect upon the Russians as they followed up the Turks who were running across the open after having been driven out of the advanced redoubts." The Russians came on and then took place the magnificent charges of the Heavy and Light Cavalry which are of immortal memory. Before the charge of the Heavy Cavalry, the RM Batteries opened fire on the Cossacks at about 200 yards range but had to cease fire after the first round as the Heavy Cavalry had closed with the enemy.26 No. 2 Battery however opened on the Russian cavalry reserve and caused them to withdraw. No. 1 Battery fired into the Cossack right as they were reforming to charge again and dispersed them and shelled them as they retired across the plain. No. 4 Battery was also heavily engaged27. Colonel Campbell in his reports says, "During this period our batteries on the hills manned by the RMA and RM made most excellent practice on the enemy cavalry which came up the hilly ground in front." General Fraser gives a graphic account of the firing of No. 3 Battery on the Russian Cavalry after the charge of the Light Brigade28* but it is probable that he refers to the Heavy Cavalry charge. Lord Raglan became doubtful of holding the base at Balaclava, but Admiral Sir E. Lyons was against any change, and it continued to be used as the Main Base until the end.

Inkerman - On 2nd November two Companies under Captains Hopkins and March29 were sent to join the Light Division before Sebastopol to replace a wing of the Rifle Brigade sent to Balaclava. These companies took part in the battle of Inkerman on 5th November, when the Russians combined a sortie by the garrison with an attack by the Army outside the fortress. Fought amidst fog and smoke, the British were more or less surprised, and this has become known as 'The Soldiers' Battle', in which the two companies of the Corps bore a distinguished part. The attack fell on the right of the British, the enemy coming up from the valley of the Tchernaya. The Companies were at first told to hold their ground and prevent a junction or communication between the troops and the town.

The Inkerman Caves had however been occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters, who were picking off the officers and gunners. A Russian frigate was covering the open space in front of the caves. The RM were then ordered to clear the caves, but as soon as they appeared the frigate opened fire; Captain March was severely wounded in the jaw and several men were killed and wounded. Sergeant Richards and Corporal Prettyjohns then proceeded to clear and hold the caves, which they did quickly, but they were promptly counter-attacked; ammunition was nearly all expended and Prettyjohns led them in collecting stones which they threw down on the advancing enemy. Prettyjohns gripped the leader in a wrestling grip and threw him. Later in the day they were recalled and had to avoid the fire of the frigate30. Corporal Prettyjohns was awarded the Victoria Cross and Colour Sergeant Jordan the Distinguished Conduct Medal and annuity. Captain Hopkins received the CB These two Companies remained in the trenches for several months, after which they re-joined the Brigade at Balaclava. The Brigade remained throughout the winter on the Heights and in the defences of Balaclava, suffering with the rest of the Army in the disastrous gale of November 14th, when the Fleet was much damaged, and several transports were wrecked. with the winter clothing for the troops and large quantities of ammunition. They shared with the Army the great hardships of that winter. On 10th December the garrison at Eupatoria was withdrawn and replaced by a Division of the Turkish Army, which was attacked again on Wednesday 17th February 1855, but assisted by the ships drove off the Russians. Light Infantry - In January 1855, as already stated, the Corps of Royal Marines was granted the title of Royal Marines, Light Infantry.

On 1st February, Sir H Keppel RN, records in his diary that making his way up to Army Headquarters in the snow, he passed the Royal Marines, who occupied the lower ground, and above them were the Guards, and on the higher ground the 93rd Highlanders.

In March the Russians made a sortie which was repulsed.

Life of Sir E. Lyons. Captain Portlock Dadson says four and Sergeant Turner 312 NCOs and Men. 30 Globe and Laurel, 1904. 32 On 9th April there was an ineffective bombardment by the Fleet and land batteries.

Attack on Redan - In May 1856 a Division of the French Army, having taken up a position on the Tehernaya River, the Royal Marine Brigade was advanced in support of the French to cover their extreme right31. This enabled a detachment of the RMA from the Balaclava Lines to be transferred to the Siege Train, to reinforce the Royal Artillery. This detachment, under Brevet Major Alexander, joined the right attack on June 17th, in time to take part in the bombardment preceding the unsuccessful attack on the Redan on 18th June; they continued with this attack until 11th July when they were transferred to the left attack, rendering valuable aid in both positions. But in the meantime, the detachment with the Naval Brigade had added yet another leaf to the laurels of the Corps. For on 5th June, Bombardier Thomas Wilkinson of the RMA had gained the Victoria Cross; a terrific fire from the Russian guns had knocked to pieces the advanced works of the British. Wilkinson, jumping on to the parapet, replaced the sandbags as they were brought to him, rebuilding the parapet under intense fire and so saving many lives.

On 6th June the Mamelon was taken by the French. Sea of Azoff - The Russians had their depots for supplies to the garrison from Middle and South Russia round the Sea of Azoff, to which the entrance was through the Straits of Kertch on the East of the Crimea. The Navy were anxious to destroy these if possible, but it was first necessary to gain possession of the forts defending the Straits. On 1st and 2nd May, an expedition of 8500 French troops with 2500 British and 4 Batteries of Artillery started with a large squadron of ships, but on 3rd May the French squadron was recalled by the French C-in-C and the enterprise had to be abandoned.

On 20th May there was another Council of the Commanders, and it was decided to proceed, the French providing 7000 Infantry and 3 Batteries of Artillery; the British 3000 Infantry, which included one RM Battalion and one Battery, the whole under General George Brown. Kertch - The troops embarked on 22nd May; there were six Battleships and a large number of small vessels and mortar boats. They steered for Kaffa Bay and the landing was effected at the Bay of Kanish Burnu, 5 miles from Kertch, covered by the steam frigates.

There was no opposition on 24th May, the enemy retiring and blowing up their Batteries. The troops marched to Kertch and occupied it the same day, the Russians again exploding the magazines and retiring.

Yenikale - The light draught vessels under Captain Lyons then pushed on to Yenikale to engage the Forts at the entrance to the Sea of Azoff till the Army could come up.

On 25th there was a loud explosion and the Russians evacuated Yenikale, where nearly 100 guns were captured, with large quantities of ammunition and grain, which were destroyed. Yenikale was put into a state of defence, with a Turkish garrison.

In "The Life of Admiral Mends", who was Flag Captain, he notes that the French and Turkish troops were very lawless, plundering and massacring, and notes "to the honour of the Royal Marines and 93rd Regiment, the only British troops landed, they preserved perfect discipline and the 93rd extinguished a fire that had broken out." With the flag of Sir E Lyons in the Miranda, the squadron of light vessels entered the Sea of Azoff; among them were several mortar boats with RMA crews, the senior RMA Officer being Captain McNamara. The Admiral then made over the command to his son, Captain Lynne, and returned. The squadron went first to Berdiansk on 26th May, where they destroyed a number of Russian vessels with grain and stores.

On 28th they bombarded Arabat Fort, which blew up, but the garrison was too strong for the small Naval force to land. They then went on to Genitchi, which they fired and destroyed Passing on then to Taganrog, the principal place at the head of the Sea, on 3rd June the small flotilla anchored 1400 yards from the Mole. As their terms were refused. fire was opened on the Government stores and buildings which were set alight. The garrison of 3000 men were kept in check by the boats' crews. By 3 pm large stores of grain, etc, with the vessels building on the stocks, were set on fire.

On 5th June at Marianpoul, a small force was landed from the squadron33 and the stores were destroyed.

On 6th June, the stores at Gheisk were burnt and thus having swept the Sea of Azoff, they returned to Balaclava. Another raid was made in July under Captain Sherard Osborne with successful results. The siege continued; the Fleet and mortar boats participating in the bombardments. The RMA in the mortar Boats were under Captain Digby RMA, and the following officers were borne on the books of HMS Royal Albert for mortar boats; Lieutenants E H Starr, H Hewett, W Festing. When the weather was too rough for the boats 31 Life of Sir E Lyons 32 Life of Sir E Lyons 33 There is a picture of this landing, which shows the Marines in the boats. 33 they had to lie in Streletska Bay. They had been fitted on a plan devised by Captain Julius Roberts, RMA, which answered admirably34. The RM Brigade still consisted of two Battalions, the 1st commanded by Lieutenant Colonel F A Campbell, and the 2nd by Lieutenant Colonel T Holloway.

On 28th June Lord Raglan, the C-in-C, died, much regretted. At the funeral the RMLI furnished a Juard of Honour at the pier in the Bay of Kazatch, and also lined the road from the pier inland.35 Malakoff and Redan - In preparation for another attack on the Malakoff and Redan, a bombardment was opened on 5th September, and continued on 6th and 7th; the Russians were expecting an assault and had brought up large numbers of troops and so lost heavily. Bad weather prevented the Fleet taking part, but the mortar Boats lying in Streletska Bay were able to bombard the Quarantine Fort.

On 8th the French carried the Malakoff, but the British failed against the Redan. With the loss of the Malakoff the fortifications on the South side became untenable, so the Russians blew them up and retired across the harbour to the North side; during the night there were many explosions and the fortifications on the South side were seen to be in flames. The six remaining Russian battleships were sunk at their moorings, and the Southern portion of the Bridge hauled over.

The Russian Black Sea Fleet of 18 battleships and numerous frigates was no more. As the siege operations were finished, the Naval Brigade was withdrawn and re-embarked on 16th September. Sir H Keppel of the St. Jean d'Acre records in his diary: "5th October. Busy re-embarking the Royal Marines, the finest body of men in the Crimea." It is interesting to record that the Royal Marines were the first British troops to re-enter Sebastopol, when in December 1918 the 3rd Royal Marine Battalion after the Great War took over the town from the German occupying troops. The Admiralty letter to Admiral Sir E Lyons contained the following remarks about the RM and Naval Brigade: "They command me on the present occasion to desire you to convey their approval of the conduct of the Officers and Men of the Battalion of Royal Marines who have been serving on shore, and more especially the officers and men of the Naval Brigade. That Brigade has shown the most cheerful endurance of the fatigues and hardships of the trenches, as well as the greatest skill and gallantry in working the guns and bearing their part in the danger of the advanced works in the assault on the enemy lines." But the war was not over. Shots were still exchanged with the Russians on the North side of the harbour; though cloaks were being destroyed and plane were made for its further prosecution.

Kinburn - The British were anxious to attack Odessa, but the French would not agree; finally, the Emperor Napoleon III by a telegram of 20th September 1855, ordered his generals to attack Kinburn. Where the Rivers Bug and Dnieper flow into the Black Sea there is a wide estuary, and Nicolaieff, a large arsenal and Naval Station, is on the River Bug. There is a long spit of land on the South shore extending for some miles towards the opposite coast; the Dnieper flows into the eastern extremity of the Gulf. Not far inland from this point is the town of Kherson; through which troops passed to the Crimea via Perekop. Kinburn Spit was fortified; a large stone fort was situated some distance from its extremity. Two other earthwork batteries, offering a very small target, had recently been built with 10 guns each. Fort Kinburn was a solid structure, casemated and with earthworks above the masonry, mounting 55 guns, howitzers and mortars, mostly in barbette. There was a wet ditch on the North front and the garrison consisted of 1500 men.

On the opposite side of the channel was Ochakoff Point, on which was Fort Nicolaieff, with 22 guns and also several earthworks. The plan was to land on the Spit below Fort Kinburn to cut off the retreat of the garrison, and then to bombard the defences with floating batteries and mortars, as the battleships could not approach nearer than 1200 yards. The occupation of Kinburn would stop communication by sea between Nicolaieff, Kherson and Odessa, and would threaten the rear of the Russian Army and perhaps cause it to evacuate the Crimea.

By 6th October all was ready: the battleships Royal Albert, Hannibal, Algiers, Princess Royal, St. Jean a'Acre, Sidon, and Leopard, with two transports carrying 4000 British Infantry, including Colonel Hurdle's Battalions of Royal Marines (950 strong) and a Battery of Artillery, the whole under Brigadier Hon H B Spencer, a similar 34 Life of Sir E Lyon 35 Life of Sir W R Mends. 34 force of French under General Bazaine36, with a French squadron and a large number of steam frigates, sloops, and mortar vessels. The mortar vessels were under Captain Wilcox RN and Captain Digby, RMA; lst RM under Colonel C Campbell was reinforced by detachments of Agamemnon, Royal Albert, St. Jean d'Acre, and Hannibal from 15th to 30th October, and carried a colour lent by Captain King RN37.

The 2nd RM (Lieutenant Colonel Holloway) was reinforced by detachments of Algiers and Princess Royal for some time. The RMA detachment was under Brevet Major Alexander and Lieutenant Joliffe. They rendezvoused on 8th October and reached the anchorage on 14th. At night the Fancy, Boxer, Cracker and Climber (steam gun vessels) with 4 French gunboats forced the entrance into the estuary, under heavy fire. The following morning the British and French transports landed their troops about 3 miles to the southward of the principal Fort, thus cutting off the retreat of the defenders. In the evening the ships ranged on the forts. The swell prevented operations on 15th, but on 17th with a Northerly breeze the mortar and other vessels took up their position off Fort Kinburn. By noon the buildings of the Fort were in flames and the Eastern face had suffered considerably.

At noon 4 British and 4 French battleships approached Fort Kinburn in line abreast. Admiral Houston-Steuart and a small squadron pushed through between the Points to fire from the inside and cover the troops; 4 ships took on the centre battery and 3 the fort at the point of the Spit. The enemy's fire was soon silenced, and a flag of truce was sent ashore with a summons to surrender, which was accepted; the garrison of 1400 marched out with the honours of war. The British loss was only 2 wounded, but the Russians suffered heavily, and 81 guns were captured.

On the 16th the enemy blew up the Forts on Ochakoff Point and retired. Kinburn fort was put into a state of defence, which was finished by the end of October, and garrisoned with 1000 French troops and a small Allied Flotilla.

The expedition returned to Sebastopol on November 2nd. The troops were kept on hoard till 11th with a view to an expedition against Kaffa and Arabat, but the idea was abandoned. Part of the Squadron was sent to Malta to refit, and Admiral Sir Houston-Stewart was sent with 4 battleships to cruise in the Mediterranean and round the Ionian Islands. Admiral Mende records that the Royal Marines were sent to England on 2nd November, but these must have been supernumeraries as the detachments probably re-joined their own ships on 30th October. The war dragged on, but there were no great operations. Peace was proclaimed at beginning of May 1856, and in July the evacuation of the Crimea was completed, having begun on 3rd June with the embarkation of the Coldstream Guards. It was completed on 12th July.

Rewards - The following rewards were given for the Crimea: Colonel T. Hurdle - Brevet Colonel - 29.06.55. CB - 05.07.55. Brevet - Lieutenant Colonels: Captain W F Hooking RMLI 13. 06. 55. Captain G L Alexander RMA 02. 11. 55. Brevet Majors: Captain W F Hopkins, RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain S Fraser RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain W E March RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain G P Payner RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain H Marriott RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain W S Aslett RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain G B Rodney RMLI 02.11.55. Captain G S Rigby RMA 02.11.55 36 Of Metz fame. 37 See Appx. Divisional. Colours. 35 The following were awarded the Legion of Honour: Col T Hurdle Lt Col T Holloway Capt. G B Rodney Sgt C. Horner RMA Capt. G L Alexander Sgt G Yule RMA Capt W F Hopkins Sgt E Richards RMLI Capt W H Harch Sgt J Jordan RMLI. Capt G S Digby Bdr T Wilkinson RMA Capt D Blyth Cpl W Chappel RMLI Lt A A Douglas Gnr J Bull RMA Lt H.J.Tull Gnr F Kerr RMA Lt F G Pym Pte J Burton RMLI Lt A C Steel Pte J Coborn RMLI This list is probably not quite complete. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.) (Sic)

1855. Tuesday 14th August. Troops repulsed and vessels destroyed near Domeness.

1855. Wednesday 15th August. Jackdaw and Ruby and boats of Pylades took four vessels.

1855. Thursday 16th August. Imperieuse and consorts at Tolboukin.

1855. Thursday 23rd August. Camp and trenches shelled at Genitchi.

1855. Thursday 23rd - 24th August. Stores destroyed at Kiril and Gorelia.

1855. Monday 27th August. Enemy repulsed near Genitchi.

1855. Monday 27th August. Enemy dispersed and stores destroyed at Kiril.

1855. Thursday 30th - 31st August. Bridge and stores in Bay of Arabat destroyed.

1855. Friday 31st August. Stores near Marianpol destroyed by Wrangler and consorts.

1855. Friday 31st August. Reconnaissance of Taganrog by Grinder while under fire.

1855. Sunday 2nd September. Engagement with batteries at Gamla Carleby.

1855. Thursday 6th September. Boat of Bulldog took two schooners.

1855. Saturday 8th September. Sevastopol taken.

1855. Wednesday 12th September. Transports destroyed in Bay of Virta Nemi.

1855. Wednesday 12th September. Pernau surrendered to Hawke and consorts.

1855. Thursday 13th September. Forage and consorts at Perebond destroyed by Cracker's boats.

1855. Tuesday 18th September. Destruction of vessels at Hummeliski by boats of Nile.

1855. Wednesday 19th September. Naval Brigade re-embarked at Sevastopol.

1855. Thursday 20th September. Battery at Dwinaminde engaged by Gorgon.

1855. Monday 24th September. Road and bridge at Temriouk destroyed by squadron.

1855. Monday 24th September - 3rd October. Capture of Tamari and Fanagoria.

1855. Wednesday 26th September - 5th October. Blenheim and consorts at Hango and Eckness.

1855. Thursday 27th September. Archer and consorts at Forts Comet and Dwinaminde.

1855. Sunday 30th September. Cossacks dispersed near Libau by Conflict.

1855. Wednesday 3rd October. Archer and Desperate destroyed vessels in River Rua.

1855. Wednesday 10th October. Corn in River Salgir destroyed by party from Weser.

1855. Sunday 14th October. Entrance into Dnieper Bay forced.

1855. Monday 15th October. Recruit destroyed boats at Crooked Spit.

1855. Wednesday 17th October. The bombardment of Kinburn.

1855. Thursday 18th October. Boats destroyed by Recruit at White House Spit.

1855. Saturday 20th October. Ardent dispersed cavalry at Crooked Spit.

1855. Wednesday 24th October. Vesuvius dispersed enemy at Bielosarai Spit.

1855. Wednesday 24th October. Recruit destroyed fishing and boats at Marianpol.

1855. Monday 29th October. The storming of Canton.

1855. Saturday 3rd - 6th November. Defeat of Russian troops at Vodina and consorts.

1855. Sunday 4th November. Corn destroyed under fire at Gheisk.

1855. The numbers were 15,500.

1855. Tuesday 30th January. The Light Infantry - The title of the Corps was changed to Royal Marines, Light Infantry. An Admiralty letter of that date says: "That the Corps of Royal Marines may be designated a Light Corps and equipped and designated as such agreeably to Your Majesty's Regulation for Light Infantry Regiments of the Line; this training being considered best adapted to the nature of the service which the Corps is generally required to perform when employed ashore."

During the Crimean War it also instituted the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal19. This was meant as the Naval counterpart of the Army Distinguished Conduct Medal instituted by Royal Warrant

From Monday 4th December 1854. The Admiralty were authorised to confer rewards of the medal with gratuity to any Petty Officer, Seaman, or Royal Marine who "shall, while serving in action, distinguish themselves in action with the enemy"; the same to be granted in the proportion of 8 Petty Officers or Sergeants and Corporals and 10 Seamen or Privates for every 1000 men, and the gratuities to be granted were also laid down.

1855. Thursday 8th February. By Order-in-Council NCOs and Royal Marines serving on shore from the Fleet in the Crimea, were made eligible for the Army Distinguished Conduct Medal and corresponding annuity and pecuniary awards.

1855 \- 1923. The Corps became two departments, the Royal Marine Artillery and the Royal Marine Light Infantry.

1856. Tuesday 29th January. The Victoria Cross medal was introduced on by Queen Victoria to reward acts of valour during the Crimean War. The traditional explanation of the source of the gunmetal from which the medals are struck is that it derives from Russian cannon captured at the siege of Sevastopol. Recent research has thrown doubt on this story, suggesting a variety of origins. Due to its rarity, the VC is highly prized and the medal can reach over £400,000 at auction. There are a number of public and private collections devoted to it most notably that of Lord Ashcroft, which contains over one tenth of the total VC's awarded. It was made retrospective from Tuesday 1st August 1854.

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour 'in the face of the enemy' to members of the armed forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire Territories. It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and civilians under military command, and is presented to the recipient by the British monarch during an investiture held at Buckingham Palace. It is the joint highest award for bravery in the United Kingdom with the George Cross, which is the equivalent honour for valour not in the face of the enemy. However, the VC is higher in order of precedence and would be worn first by an individual who had been awarded both decorations (which has not so far occurred).

1856. February. The end of the Crimea War.

1856. Wednesday 23rd April. A Review of the Fleets that had been employed in the Black Sea and the Baltic was held at Spithead. 240 ships being reviewed by Her Majesty. The Baltic Campaign 1854-185538 - Concurrently with the Crimea, operations were undertaken in the Baltic, with no very great results. It was almost entirely a Naval War on the British side; both the Admiralty and the C-in-C were so fully impressed with the folly of pitting ships against forts without an adequate landing force, lessons that have been so bitterly repeated, that they were almost unduly cautious. A Fleet was assembled at Spithead under Admiral Sir Charles Napier consisting of 13 screw battleships, 8 screw frigates, 8 paddle frigates and sloops, 6 sailing battleships and a large number of mortar boats, etc. The Press Gang could not be used, so bounties were offered and all sorts of riff-raff, not seamen, were entered; in fact, if it had not been for the Royal Marines and the Coastguard, the Fleet could not have got to sea. Continuous service for seamen had only just been instituted, and the Admiralty acknowledged the value of the Corps in this emergency by the Order-in-Council Friday 11th August 1854, when free rations afloat were granted.

1854. After inspection by HM The Queen, the armament sailed for the Baltic, and cruised off the coast of the Gulf of Finland doing nothing; the Admiral was too old and past his work and would take no risks, in which he was backed up by the Admiralty. Lieutenant Colonel Fortescue Graham RM had been embarked in the Flagship to take command of any landing party.

Bomarsund - The Russians had occupied the Aland Islands as an advanced post against Sweden and had erected there a big fort at Bomarsund. It was armed with 92 guns in two tiers. Its rear was protected by two smaller forts on hills in rear, Nottich and Tzee, and by a fort at Presto on a separate island. These were of granite and each had 24 guns in two tiers. Admiral Napier at last feeling that something must be done, reconnoitred the Channels on Friday 30th June and the Channels were surveyed by HMS Driver. Captain Sullivan RN found navigable passages, though they were difficult. On 2nd July the Fleet returned to Helsingfors. On 30th July the French troops arrived but would do nothing till the arrival of their artillery. The British troops were represented by the Battalion of Royal Marines from the Fleet, and some Royal Engineers under Brigadier-General Jone RE, who was in command of the whole force. It was then decided to attack Bomarsund.

The Royal Marines were under Colonel Fortescue-Graham ADC, with Major Nolloth and Captain W M Heriot; 38 Authorities: Life of Sir C Napier, Britain's Sea Soldiers, (Field); Diary of Lt Durnford-RMA.; Life of Admiral Moresby; MSS Records 39. Brigade Major, Captain W Elliot; Adjutant, Lieutenant O F Fraser; Orderly Officer, Lieutenant J M Lennox. The officers of the RMA Company were Lieutenants Mawbey, Poore, Hewett, J R Brookes and E C L Durnford (Acting Engineer). There were 8 RM Infantry Companies (Captains Hamley, Olavell, Naylor, Sayer, H Delacombe, McKillop, Fosbrook, John Elliot), Lieutenants H Evans, Jeffreys, Portlock-Dadson, J Sanders, T Bent, A Tait, W Sanders, Bland Hunt, Murray, with 18 Sergeants, 20 Corporals, 1 Bombardier, 7 Drummers, 70 Gunners, 541 Privates. On 5th August the bombardment began, assisted by three French steamers.

On Monday 7th August HMS Driver embarked 700 Marines and 120 RE under Brigadier General Jones, with some naval guns under Captain Sullivan RN, and went round to the Northern landing place near Hulta in rear of the Forts where, covered by the Edinburgh under Admiral Chads, they were landed on the 8th and were followed by 2000 French Marines. The Russians were summoned to surrender but refused. French troops in large numbers were also landed at Tranvick Bay, to the South of the Fortress. The RM advanced guard pushed on to about 1000 yards to the North of Fort Tzee, where it was encamped, and batteries were opened. The French Battery of four 16 pdrs and four mortars was ready and opened fire on morning of 13th; the British battery of ship 32 pdrs took longer to build as the guns had to be dragged up by the Sailors and Marines.

The Marines built themselves wigwams, but it took several days to build the battery of three guns; they were further delayed owing to the few real seamen available having to go on board again to help to get off the Penelope, which had gone ashore under the big Russian Battery. During the building of the batteries, the fire of the enemy was kept down by the rifle fire directed on the embrasures by the Royal Marines and French chasseurs. A line of skirmishers of Royal Marines connected with the French attack. The French attack on Tzee on the 13th commenced at 4 am and at 5 pm the Russians hoisted a flag of truce, but nothing resulted from the negotiations and the firing was continued. At 10 pm the other Russian forts opened fire and the French, finding no reply from Fort Tzee, crept up, found it deserted and at once occupied it. The fort caught fire the next morning and about 11 am it blew up. The British were occupied on the 14th in reforming their battery so as to fire on Fort Nottich. On the 15th the British ships commenced firing on the remaining forts and the British battery opened on Fort Nottich at 8.10. After a considerable time, some impression was made by the 32 pdrs on the granite, but it was not until the seamen had been relieved by the RMA, who had up till then been acting as infantry, that Lieutenant Mawby directed all the guns to fire simultaneously at one spot, when the granite fell in masses and a breach was made, and the defenders hung out a white flag. A hundred RM under Major Ord RE, then took possession of the Fort.

The Russians had suffered heavy losses. Presto Island Fort was next attacked; 800 men and 4 guns were landed at the back of the island, and Captain Ramsay opened fire at 1500 yards. This fort had suffered from the fire of the ships directed at the main fort and surrendered on 18th to Lieutenant Colonel de Vascoigne of the French Army and Captain S N Lowder, Royal Marines. The Main Fort, having suffered badly from the fire of the Fleet and seeing the preparations for the renewal of the bombardment from the rear, surrendered unconditionally and the garrison marched out on the 17th; the Royal Marines and a French regiment of Marines forming a line to the quay, to which the prisoners were played by the Drums and Fifes of the Royal Marines. As the French were in command they looted Presto Fort, which was blown up on the 30th, and Fort Nottich on the 31st. The Main Fort was blown up on 2nd September, and they were occupied till the 14th blowing up the works. The Russians had themselves burnt the villages on the 9th to prevent their offering cover to the besiegers. Admiral Moresby records that "none of the shot and shell from the Fleet had penetrated either the sides or the roof of the Fort.

The guns on shore had done the job in two days." The Allied casualties were very slight. The RMLI had one killed and one wounded but owing to the lack of sanitary precautions the French suffered heavily from cholera; out of 600 landed at Presto, 100 died, and out of 10,000 troops 800 were lost in three weeks. The British left for Revel on 22nd September and the French went home. Helsingfors and Sveaborg were reconnoitred and a few small raids were made, but nothing was done, and the 1854 campaign ended, the British ships having to withdraw on account of the ice. For the 1855 campaign Admiral Napier was replaced by Admiral Dundas, but the cautious policy was still 37 continued. Many of the battleships and Royal Marines who had served in the Baltic in 1854, had been sent to the Mediterranean, where they served on shore with the RM Battalions.

A French Corps d'Armee and floating batteries were to have taken part in the Baltic campaign but had also been diverted to the Black Sea. The Allied Fleet consisted of 21 battleships, 30 frigates and sloops, and 50 gunboats and mortar vessels, in which large numbers of the RMA were embarked. It also included some 'blockships' which were cut down old battleships armed with 60 guns. The Russian coasts were harried and Cronstadt was reconnoitred; a sketch of the Cronstadt Forts was made by Captain R A K Clavell, RMLI, who afterwards painted it on the wall of the Commandant's Office in the old Forton Barracks.

Viborg - On 13th July Viborg was attacked by the Ruby and boats from other ships under command of Captain Yelverton RN of the Arrogant, and another leaf was added to the Corps Laurels by Captain George. Dare Dowell, RMA, who earned the V.C. Anchoring close to the South of Stralsund, the boats of the Ruby, Magicienne, and Arrogant with a strong body of Marines under Captain Lowder, RMLI (Arrogant) was sent in; when Viborg was sighted the flotilla was stopped by a boom and other obstacles. A masked battery opened on them at 350 yards range with musketry and grape shot; they also came under the fire of the Russian gunboats and had to withdraw to Stralsund, covered by the Ruby, which had failed to break the boom. An explosion took place on board one of the Arrogant's cutters, which was swamped and drifted close to the Battery; Lieutenant Haggard RN of Arrogant with Lieutenant G D Dowell RMA of the Magicienne in the Ruby's gig with a volunteer crew, Lieutenant Dowell rowing stroke oar, succeeded in towing out the cutter under a heavy fire and saved the crew. For this Lieutenant Dowell was awarded the VC, as already stated.

On 21st July Captain Yelverton appeared before the batteries recently erected at Frederickshaun on the Finland coast between Viborg and Helsingfors and opened fire; the enemy abandoned their batteries and the British withdrew without landing. It was however considered necessary that the fortified island of Kotla should be examined. On 26th the Arrogant, with a small squadron including mortar boats and gunboats, anchored off Fort Rotchenholm; the Magicienne was detailed to destroy the bridge connecting with the mainland, and voceels were anchored to command the military road to Helsingfors and the channel. All the Royal Marines were landed under Captain Lowder RM, with Lieutenants Dowell, Mudge, and Holmes, who took possession of the forts without opposition as the garrison had evacuated them. The stores etc were burnt and on 27th the squadron sailed, the Cossack being left in charge of the island. Sveaborg - But nothing serious was attempted, as Admiral Moresby says "As a last useless act Sveaborg was bombarded by the Fleet at 3500 yards range" on Thursday 9th August 1855.

A certain amount of damage was done, but "it had no practical effect on the War". A considerable number of the mortar boats with the RMA were employed, and the mortars had fired so much that they became unserviceable and the boats were sent home. The Fleet returned in September. The Mortar Boats had however earned the thanks of the Admiral, who said: "My especial thanks are due to the officers and men of the Royal Marine Artillery for the manner in which their important duties have been performed. The cool and steady courage with which they continued to conduct the duties of their station deserves the highest praise; and I have much pleasure in calling Their Lordships' attention to the services of Captain Wemyss as well as to those of Captains Lawrence and Schomberg of that distinguished Corps." Lieutenant Colonel Fortescue-Graham received the CB in Gazette of Thursday 5th July 1855. Brevet majorities were awarded in Gazette of Friday 2nd November 1855 to: Captain S N Lowder RMLI Captain J M Wemyss RMA Captain J F Lawrence RMA Captain G A Schomberg RMA By the Treaty of Paris signed on Sunday 30th March 1856, the War was terminated. (Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1856. Wednesday 8th October. The Second China War, or the Arrow War was a war pitting the British Empire and the Second French Empire against the Qing Dynasty of China, It was fought over similar issues as the First Opium War. With the British's strategic objectives of legalising the opium trade, expanding coolie trade, opening all of China to British merchants, and exempting foreign imports from internal transit duties. The Arrow War refers to the name of a vessel which became the starting point of the conflict. Although the importance of the opium factor in the war is in debate among historians. The Marines took part in many landings. These were all successful except one, the landing at the Mouth of the Peiho in 1859. Admiral Sir James Hope ordered a landing across extensive mud flats even though his Brigadier, Colonel Thomas Lemon RMLI, had advised against it. The campaine went on to 1860.

1856. Saturday 12th July. The Crimea War dragged on, although there were no great operations. Peace was finally proclaimed at beginning of May 1856, and in July the evacuation of the Crimea was completed, having begun on 3rd June with the embarkation of the Coldstream Guards. It was completed on Saturday 12th July.

Rewards - The following rewards were given for the Crimea:

Colonel T. Hurdle - Brevet Colonel - 29.06.55. CB - 05.07.55. Brevet - Lieutenant Colonels: Captain W F Hooking RMLI 13. 06. 55. Captain G L Alexander RMA 02. 11. 55. Brevet Majors: Captain W F Hopkins, RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain S Fraser RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain W E March RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain G P Payner RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain H Marriott RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain W S Aslett RMLI 12.12. 54. Captain G B Rodney RMLI 02.11.55. Captain G S Rigby RMA 02.11.55 36 Of Metz fame.

Appx. Divisional. Colours. 35 The following were awarded the Legion of Honour: Col T Hurdle. Lt Col T Holloway. Capt. G B Rodney. Sgt C. Horner RMA. Capt. G L Alexander. Sgt G Yule RMA. Capt W F Hopkins. Sgt E Richards RMLI. Capt W H Harch. Sgt J Jordan RMLI. Capt G S Digby Bdr. T Wilkinson RMA. Capt D Blyth. Cpl W Chappel RMLI. Lt A A Douglas. Gnr J Bull RMA. Lt H.J. Tull Gnr. F Kerr RMA. Lt F G Pym. Pte J Burton RMLI Lt A C Steel. Pte J Coborn RMLI. This list is probably not quite complete. (Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1856. Thursday 23rd - 26th October. Capture of Canton Forts by British squadron.

1856. Friday 24th October. The destruction of barrier forts in Canton.

1856. Monday 27th October. Canton breached and entered.

1856. Wednesday 29th October. The storming of Canton.

1856. Sunday 12th - 13th November. The capture of the Bogue Forts.

1856. Thursday 6th November. French Folly fort bombarded and junks destroyed.

1856. Tuesday 11th - 13 November. Bogue and Anunghoy forts captured.

1856. Friday 5th December. Sampson destroyed five piratical boats.

1856. Friday 5th December - 1st April 1857. The Persian Campaign, The causes of this war were an amalgam and included: the Persian siege of Herat in Afghanistan; the appointment of Sir Charles Murray, Head of the British Mission in Teheran; of Hashim Khan, a Persian Government employee, as Secretary to the Mission; the Persian arrest of the latter's wife; the final withdrawal of his Mission by the affronted Murray in December 1855; and the riots that followed.

An expedition was mounted from Bombay, which took nearly a year to receive approval and get underway; meanwhile Herat had fallen, War was declared, and the expedition finally sailed from Bombay on the 1st November 1856. The force included the fleet of the Bombay Marine, a mixed division of the Bombay Army and units of the Queen's Army. The first main objective was Bushire on the Persian Gulf and, having established a base on the Island of Karrack, the fleet arrived off the town on 5th December and embarked the British Resident, who was surprisingly still in residence, before landing the military force some 10 miles further south.

On the 9th, the coastal port of Reshire was carried after being shelled by the fleet. On the 1 0th it was the turn of Bushire to be bombarded for four and a half hours, after which the place surrendered. The Army was still encamped at Bushire on 27th January 1857 when General Outram arrived with a second division to set out in pursuit of the main Persian Army, at the foot of the mountains some 50 miles inland. There followed some exhausting marching and counter-marching culminating in the Battle of Koosh-ab on the 8th February, a battle in which virtually the only British troops actually engaged were two regiments of British and Indian cavalry. The Persians retreated into the mountains and the expedition struggled back to Bushire.

Meanwhile Outram's 2i/c, General Stalker, and the Naval Commodore Ethersley, had each committed suicide within three days of one another; an unpromising start for the next operation, designed to bring the Shah to terms. It had been decided to attack the town of Mohammerah (modern Khorramshahr) at the head of the Gulf upriver from the mouth of the River Euphrates. The expedition was in position by 25th March and at dawn on the 26th battle was joined, when mortars on a pre-positioned raft opened fire on the town, wounding the Persian brigadier and eleven others whilst at prayer. As at Bushire, the bombardment by the fleet, which lasted for over three hours, made the task of the army, once landed, relatively uncostly. The marines and sailors occupied the town, while Outram's Army confronted the main Persian army, drawn up as if for battle, but when the advance began the enemy melted away.

The war was all but over, which was as well, since the troops were sorely needed in India, I where the Bengal Army was still in rebellion. In fact, peace with Persia had been signed on the 4th March in Paris, but no one on the ground yet knew. In July Charles Murray returned with his Mission to Teheran, where he received formal apologies; Herat was evacuated by Persia, while Hashim Khan had made his own peace and was already back with his wife and working for the Persian Government. Casualties from enemy action had been comparatively few, but sickness and cholera had taken their toll.

There were no RN ships present, so that the only marines to earn the bar to the IGS medal were the detachment provided in the Honourable East India Company's ships by the Marine Battalion of the Bombay Native Infantry.

Historically the Bombay Marine provided the Indian Navy and relied, until 1777, on the soldiers of the Bombay native regiments for its marines. In that year a Marine Battalion was formed to relieve the rest of the Bombay Army of its marine commitment. In 1818 it became the 11th Native Infantry and in 1824, when the Army was enlarged by numbering separately the second battalions, it again became simply the Marine Battalion, taking precedence between the 20th and 2 1st Native Infantry Regiments. Recruits were drawn largely from Surat and its neighbourhood.

The Battalion officers seldom went afloat, and the small detachments sent to each ship were usually commanded by a Havildar (Sergeant). In some overseas campaigns, as in Burma and China, the detachments were replaced by an 'Artillery Guard', provided by the European members of the Bombay Artillery. The Bombay Marine was occupied extensively in Arabian waters and on the Indus; the battle honours of the Marine Battalion included the Persian Gulf 1819, Bern Boo All (Muscat) 1821, Burma 1825, Aden 1839, Hyderabad 1843, Mooltan & the Punjab 1848/9.

Havildar Sheik Ameer boarded the iron paddle frigate Semiramis on the 29th December 1856 and took command of the detachment. To augment the fifer, drummer and eight sepoys already on board, he took with him a lance naik (lance corporal) and a further eleven sepoys (privates). After the relatively bloodless capture of Bushire, the ship had been sent back to Bombay, where she had arrived on Christmas Eve, and when she sailed again for the Gulf on the 17th January '57, she carried Sir James Outram and his staff. On the 27th the ship reached Bushire and landed the General and his staff for the march inland, which was to lead on the 8th February to the battle of Koosh-ab. While preparations were being made for the subsequent attack on Mohammerah, Commodore Ethersley shot himself and Captain Young of Semiramis transferred to Ferooz as Commodore. Commander Selby taking over Semiramis, which ship he was later to handle 'in a most dashing manner'.

By the 24th March the fleet was gathered in Shatt-al-Arab and moved upriver to within three and a half miles of the town, where the river was only 300 yards across. The 25th was spent trans-shipping troops for the assault, and the ships' bulwarks were lined with hay trusses against small arms fire. Early on the 26th the mortars fired from their raft, the ships closed the forts at about 6.30 am and the cannonade began. At 10 am the magazine in the north fort blew up and, after three more explosions, the enemy fire slackened. Meanwhile Semiramis was engaging the forts at point blank range, the small arms of the marines adding to the fire of the guns, as she entered the Hafar channel to destroy an unsilenced Persian gun. She had an officer killed and lost a number of men killed or wounded, of which two were marines of Havildar Heik Ameer's detachment. The crowded transports were now pushing upstream through the narrow channel and close to the shore, engaged with small arms fire by some of the more resolute Persian infantry. The troops were landed directly onto the river bank to the north of the town, while ships' landing parties, including that from Semiramis, stormed the forts. The defence of Mohammerah collapsed.

For the next few days marines and seamen were engaged in repairs on board and garrison duties ashore, while the Army completed its task, aided by gunboats. Later Havildar Sheik Ameer returned to Bombay with his ship and came ashore with the rest of his marine detachment on the 3rd May 1857. His Indian General Service medal, with clasp 'Persia' and a ribbon of red and blue vertical bars, was despatched to his battalion on 30th December 1859.

Select References: 'John Company's Last War' by Barbara English, published by Collins, 1971. 'History of the Indian Navy (1813 to 1863)' by C R Low, published 1877. 'The Indian Army' by Boris Mollo, first published by Blandford Press 1981; republished by New Orchard Press, 1986. Papers in the India Office Records.

1856. Saturday 6th December. French Folly fort captured.

1856 \- 1919. The Marines Drill Order and Service Kit. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1856. December - April. 1857. Persian War in which a few Naval officers were employed.

1857. January. Unsuccessful attack by Chinese on Macao Fort.

1857. January. Squadron repulsed junks in Macao Channel.

1857. January the numbers were 15,500.

1857. Wednesday 6th May. Good Conduct Badges - By Order-in-Council the grant of Good Conduct Badges, which had been given to Seamen and Marines on Monday 15th January 1849, was extended to Sergeants. The Army had granted them on Saturday 8th July 1848. Promotion - Again the subject of retirement and promotion was dealt with by Order-in-Council Saturday 13th November 1858. This did not much alter the 1854 order but laid down that General Officers; Commandants and Staff were not to hold their appointments for more than five years, and that Commandants were to be retired at 60 years of age.

The growth of the RM Artillery had led to the creation of an additional 2nd Commandant to superintend the Artillery duties (Order-in-Council Monday 2nd February 1857) and also an additional QMS.(Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1857. Sunday 10th May – Sunday 20th June 1858. The Indian Mutiny. Before dealing with the China War it is necessary to note the terrible doings in India. The Mutiny of the Sepoys broke out in May 1857, and though it was far removed from the usual duties of the Royal Marines, yet a small portion of the Corps was able to render some assistance in that terrible struggle. Calcutta \- The detachment under Colonel Lemon RMLI of two Captains (S Little and T V Cooke), six Subalterns (Cobb, Inglis, A D Smith, Sparshott and two others), 22 Sergeants, 5 Drummers, 273 Corporals and Privates, with Colour-Sergeant Prettyjohns, VC as Sergeant-Major, which left England on Thursday 12th March for special service in China, were diverted to Calcutta, where they landed on 1st September, but were retained as garrison at Calcutta in Fort William and did not proceed up country.

On Friday 16th October they were reinforced by Captain Foote and 66 Royal Marines from HMS Sans Pareil, who however re-embarked on Friday 30th October and Colonel Lemon's detachment left Calcutta for China on 4th $September in the troopship Assistance. Their presence had released troops urgently required for service up country.

HMS Shannon and Pearl had also been sent from England to reinforce the China Squadron, but on arrival at Hong Kong, after disembarking their supernumerary RMA (1 officer and 25 other ranks) they were sent back to render assistance; they arrived in the Hooghly on Thursday 6th August and landed their Brigades, whose names have passed into history.

HMS Shannon's Brigade under Captain Sir William Peel included Captain T C Gray and Lieutenant William Stirling RMLI with 17 RMA and about 45 RMLI and was about 450 strong all told, with heavy guns and rocket tubes.

Further - They left Calcutta for Allahabad in the river steamer Chunar on Tuesday 18th August, with a flat in tow carrying six 88 pdrs, two 24 pdr howitzers and two field pieces. They arrived at Allahabad on Wednesday 2nd September and were joined on the 20th by a second detachment from HMS Shannon under Lieutenant Vaughan, making them all told 570.

The troops were concentrating at Cawnpore and were being pushed up in detachments. A detachment of the Naval Brigade, 104 Officers and Men, escorting the siege train, left Allahabad on Sunday 25th October, the second detachment under Captain Peel followed on Wednesday 28th with a wing of 53rd Regiment, a detachment of RE and various regiments under Colonel Powell CB. This detachment reached Fathpur - about half way – at midnight on the 31st, where information was received that about 4000 mutineers were occupying a strong position at Kajwa, 24 miles North-West of Fathpur. Colonel Powell decided to attack, and at 5 am on lst November set out with a detachment of about 530 men, including 103 Officers and Men of the Naval Brigade under Captain Peel, with two 9 pdr guns. At 3 pm on Monday 2nd November the enemy were sighted in position. Colonel Powell attacked at once, the 53rd in front, the Naval Brigade forcing back the enemy's left so that he was forced to face to left. Powell was killed, and the command devolved on Peel.

Peel gave them no time to rally and posting a strong force to secure his new position, he carried his troops round the upper end of the embankment and cut them in two, drove them from this position and captured their camp and two guns. Pursuit was impossible as there was no cavalry, and the infantry had 40.
Thursday 12th November \- on the Alumbagh, which was held by a force of 950 men left by General Sir Henry Havelock in the first relief. After a short opposition it was relieved, and the force halted next day. On Saturday 14th they moved to Dilkusha Park and the enemy after some resistance was driven out over the crest to the Martiniere and retired across the canal to the city. The GOC was making arrangements to secure the ground won, when the enemy delivered a counterattack, which was soon defeated; but as the troops were settling down into bivouac, the mutineers at 5 pm made a fresh attack, which the British - who were now lining the Canal – repulsed. The Naval Brigade during the fight was posted on some high ground to the left of the bridge between the Martiniere plain and the Hazratgani main street and brought a heavy fire to bear on the enemy who were massed in this angle of the Canal and crushed them out.

On the 15th arrangement were made for the main advance to the Residency. The baggage was stored in Dilkusha Palace under cover of a strong rearguard. On 16th the advance was continued, the first point of attack being the Sikanderabagh. It is not possible here to describe all the operations, but only to indicate the part taken by the Naval Brigade and the Royal Marines. The Sikanderabagh and the Barracks were carried with great gallantry, but the troops now found themselves held up by the Shah Najif, which was a largs mosque situated in a garden, enclosed by a high loopholed wall, nearly square and very strong; also, between it and the plain was a fringe of jungle and enclosures. The afternoon was going on, and the GOC considered it essential to secure this point.

General Adrian Hope with his Brigade was at hand, "Captain Peel brought up his 24 pdrs, mortars and rocket frames and placed them in battery against the Shah Najif in an oblique line, with their left resting on the village. The musketry fire of the enemy was very severe and interfered seriously with the fire of the guns; Major Barnston's Provisional Battalion tried to clear the fringe of jungle and enclosures but was unsuccessful, and after three hours' battering the Shah Najif was still unsubdued. The narrow lane leading up from the rear was crowded and confusion reigned; some of the houses were alight; reinforcements and ammunition had the greatest difficulty in getting forward. At 4 pm the enemy brought up a heavy gun to bear from the opposite bank of the river, and the first shot blew up one of the Naval ammunition waggons, and their musketry caused Captain Peel to withdraw his men from one gun. The position was critical, retreat was impossible, and it was necessary for the infantry to do with the bayonet what the artillery had failed to do."

43 The GOC addressed the 93rd in this sense; Middleton's Battery RA passed Peel's guns on the right, got as close as possible, and opened with grape shot; Peel redoubled his fire44; the 93rd formed in open column on the plain and rushed on, Sir Colin leading them himself; but there was no breach or scaling ladders, so they halted and commenced a musketry fire. Two of the Naval guns were brought up to within a few yards of the wall and shot as fast as they could but could make no impression. The rocket frames were brought up and threw in a fire which, just skimming the top of the wall, plunged into the interior of the building and searched it out. Under cover of this the guns were drawn off.

Meanwhile Sergeant Paton of the 93rd had discovered a hole in the wall and General Adrian Hope with some of the 93rd got through about 50 yards on the right and officers and men were pushed through; the sappers enlarged the hole and supports rushed in and, gaining the gate, threw it open. The enemy appear to have been panic-stricken by the rockets, as they gave up the struggle just as victory seemed certain for them. The troops bivouacked on the ground won. On the next day the attack was made on the Mess House, which was carried under cover of the fire of the Naval guns from early morning till 3 pm.

The Mess House was actually carried by Captain Wolseley, who also continued his pursuit and carried the Moti Mahal as well. Though the intervening space was exposed to fire from the Kaisar Bagh, Generals Sir Colin Campbell and Sir James Outram met, and the relief was effected. The main point was how to withdraw the garrison with the women, children, sick and wounded, etc. It is impossible here to describe all the movements necessary, but on the 20th the Artillery and Naval guns commenced a heavy fire on the Kaisar Bagh, which they maintained all that day, also on the 21st and 22nd, and by evening of the latter day the breaches in the wall invited assault, but this was not intended, as the bombardment was to cover the withdrawal. The women and children safely reached the Dilkusha Park and during night of 22nd/23rd all the troops were withdrawn to the same place. On the evening of the 24th the convoy had reached the Alumbagh, and Outram - who had been forming the rearguard - re-joined on the 25th. 43. Malleson 44 From reminiscences of an old Marine in the Globe and Laurel, 1904. We know the RM were there.

41 Cawnpore - On the 27th a garrison having been left in the Alumbagh, Sir Colin arrived at the Banni Bridge to find that the garrison at Cawnpore were engaged in a desperate fight with the mutineers and the Gwalior Contingent. At Cawnpore there were 9 guns worked by a detachment of the Naval Brigade. On 26th November General Windham fought a very serious action, in which two 24 pdrs and two 24 pdr howitzers of the Naval Brigade were engaged; two of the pieces were for a time in the hands of the enemy but were recovered by the 34th Madras Native Infantry. Windham was only saved from disaster by the arrival of Sir Colin on the evening of the 28th.

During the night of the 27th/28th, the convoys and troops were arriving from Lucknow. The Naval Brigade with the heavy guns, after a 30-mile march, only reached the ground an hour before sunrise. The mutineers had brought down their heavy guns to try and break the bridge of boats. The Naval Brigade was only allowed one hour for rest and food and were then sent to a point above the bridge where they could fire on the enemy's guns. The guns from Cawnpore entrenchment were also turned on the same point. For some time, the artillery duel seemed equal, but gradually the British guns asserted their superiority and the Cavalry and Horse Artillery with Adrian Hope's Brigade were sent across, and by evening of the 30th the convoy was safely across on the Cawnpore side, though the rebels were still holding the town.

On 3rd December the convoy of women-and children with the wounded was dispatched to Allahabad. Allowing time for the convoy to get away, Sir Colin Canpbell determined to fight on 0th December The Naval Brigade took part in this battle, which is outside the scope of this History. It resulted in a great victory and dispersed tow enemy's troops and the dangerous 3walior Contingent. Captain Gray, RM , appeared to have been wounded in this battle. On 31st December the mutineers sent down a party to destroy the suspension bridge over the Kali Nuddi at Fathgarh (Futtegurh), but a party of Adrian Hope's Brigade with two 21 pdrs and one 8-inch howitzer of the Naval Brigade under Lieutenant Vaughan was sent on and saved the bridge and repaired it. They were soon after counterattacked by the rebels, but the main body was coming up, and a very severe defeat was inflicted on the rebels.

The next operation in which the Shannon's Brigade was engaged was the capture of Lucknow. The two 24 pdrs and two 6-inch howitzers of the Naval Brigade accompanied the force; the operations are outside the scope of this history, but it must be mentioned that in reconnoitring for a position for his guns in order to breach the Martiniere on 9th March 1858, Sir William Peel was severely wounded. Lucknow was in British hands by 19th March and on 1st April the Naval Brigade started for Cawnpore and Calcutta; on 2nd March Captain Peel had been created KCB and ADC to the Queen, but on 27th April at Cawnpore he succumbed to an attack of smallpox and died there.

In the London Gazette of 5th January 1853, Captain Gray and Lieut Stirling RM are mentioned in despatches, and Capt Gray is also mentioned in the London Gazette of 16th January 1858 as wounded and in the Gazette of 25 May 1858 he is mentioned as "deemed deserving of honourable mention" for service at Lucknow. A telegram from HMS Pylades dated Calcutta 7th September 1858 says; NCOs of Shannon's Brigade served during the whole of that Brigade's campaign in Provinces; Commander J W Vaughan RN and Lieutenant Stirling RM bear the highest testimony to their zeal and gallantry in the execution of their duties." 45 Chatham Division Sergeant Leo Hinder and Artillery Company Sergeant George. Young of HMS Shannon were mentioned in dispatches. Gorakhpur - We must now turn to the proceedings of the Pearl's Brigade. This Brigade of 125 men under Captain Sotheby, which included Lieutenant F G Pym RMLI with 5 RMA and about 25 RMLI, were attached to a column under Colonel Rowcroft, which had been organised to clear the rebels out of the districts of Benares and the East of Oudh.

The Column also consisted of 50 Bengal Police and 359 Nepalese troops with four 12 pdr howitzers. It was to move to Tirhut along the Gandah towards Gorakhpur. Leaving their camp at Mirwa, they attacked a force of 1,200 sepoys and 4,000 armed irregulars at Sohunpore on 26th December 1857. The enemy were occupying a strong position at a village, covered in front by a tank with high trees and on the right by a tope of trees. Colonel Rowcroft halted at a distance of half a mile and rode forward to reconnoitre; he decided to turn the enemy's left, which was done with great success. Captain Sotheby managed the Artillery.

"The Minie Rifles of the Royal Marines directed by Lieutenant Pym produced a striking effect." 46 The attack commenced at 11 am and by 1.30 pm the enemy was beaten back, pursued, and driven across the Gandah. "Rowcroft followed up his victory the 45 RMO Papers. 46 Malleson. 42 next day by crossing the river and destroying the houses of the leading rebels." 47 The Nepal Army in the meantime had turned the rebels out of Gorakhpur on 6th January 1858. On 17th February, Captain Sotheby, with a force of 130 Seamen and Marines and with 50 Nepalese and 35 Sikhs, when escorting the boats up the River Gagra assisted by the river steamer Jamna, attacked and captured the Fort of Ghandepur.

Phoolpore - On 19th February the Nepal Army reached Barari and that evening Rowcroft'a force arrived within four miles and landed on the right bank. On the morning of the 20th he was joined by a Nepal Brigade and six guns; the boats were brought up, so that the Nepalese could cross at Phoolpore, but as that place was in enemy hands, Rowcroft marched on, capturing it and dispersing the rebels; he also captured three guns. Lieutenant Pym and Sergeant F Butler were mentioned in dispatches for this action. General Rowcroft with the Pearl's Brigade, Yeomanry, and two Nepalese regiments garrisoned Gorakhpur, whilst the Nepalese continued the operations.

Amorah - Soon after Colonel Rowcroft, with Captain Sotheby, advanced on Amorah, 68 miles to the West of Gorakhpur, and on 4th March took up a position close to the enemy's entrenched camp at Belwa, which was occupied by a large force of rebels. On 5th March the rebels to the number of 14,000 advanced to attack the British camp which was distant about 7 miles. They were resolutely met. The Naval Brigade distinguished itself, and the enemy were driven off, followed by Yeomanry, and retired to their entrenched camp at Belwa. This was known as the Battle of Amorah, and besides Lieutenant Pym, Sergeant Argent (Portsmouth), and Sergeant F. Butler (Woolwich) were mentioned in dispatches. (London Gazette, 2 May and 4 August 1858).

Rowcroft was not strong enough to attack Belwa, but on 17th at the village of Thanrowlee, and on 25th at Puchewas, he again met and defeated them in the plain between the positions. On 28th April Rowcroft captured the Fort at Nugger; Acting Bombardier W Bates (Portsmouth) was mentioned in dispatches. The Brigade remained in the neighbourhood of Amorat; there was an engagement at Ranee's Cote on 9th June and another at Hurreah on 18th June. The Pearl's Brigade was engaged again in September 1858 in the relief of Bhansi; after which they were withdrawn.

But meanwhile large numbers of the Corps were being actively engaged in yet another theatre of war, namely China, where we meet again many of the places made familiar by the war of 1840-3. China War. In 1858 there was a renewal of the trouble with China; non-observance of the treaty arrangements, interference with merchants, and general difficulties with the Chinese head officials culminated in the seizure of the crew of the British vessel Arrow, for which no redress could be obtained. The C-in-C on the China Station therefore determined to take action against Commissioner Yeh at Canton and the following details are taken from Sir M. Seymour's despatch of 14 November 1856.50 The Admiral moved HMS Calcutta (80 guns), his Flagship, above the Bogue Forts.

Canton - On 23rd October 1856, the force employed consisted of HMS Coromandel, Samneon, Barracouta, small steamers and gunboats with the RM detachments and the boats' crews of the Calcutta., Winchester, and Bittern, and the boats' crews of the Sybille and Encounter (the RM detachments of these ships were protecting the English factory at Canton). The Sampson and part of the force were sent up the Macao Passage to capture Blenheim Fort; the Admiral with the Coromandel and Barracouta went up to the Barrier Forts, below the City, where they anchored, and sent on the boats to capture the Forts; who, having effected their object and having destroyed the guns and ammunition and burnt the buildings, proceeded on to Canton at 2 pm. The Barracouta having joined the Sampson, they occupied Blenheim and Macao Forts armed with 86 guns; 250 Marines were placed in Macao Fort, which they 47 Malleson 48 A full account of the Relief of Bhansi is given by Sergeant Sutler in Britain's Sea Soldiers, Volume II. 49 Authorities: Life of General Hope Grant; Per Mare Per Terram. (:Major Poyntz); Life of Sir H Keppe1;War in China. (Times Correspondent); RMO Records. 50 London Gazette, 8 January 1857. 43 held till the expedition of the following year. The reply of the Chinese was unsatisfactory, so on the 24th the Admiral landed a portion of the Royal Marines to aid the Sybille's and Encounter's Marines in protecting the factory on the West side of the town. Bird's Nest Fort on Honan Island and the Shameen Forts on the West of Canton were occupied without opposition and the guns destroyed.

As still no satisfaction could be obtained from the Chinese the remainder of the Royal Marines and a body of Seamen with field guns were landed near the factory; posts and field guns were established at all available points, and boats kept watch against fire rafts. The work was in charge of Captain W K Hall CB , the Flag Captain. The Royal Marines were under Captain P Penrose (Winchester) "who showed great ability and promptitude". On 25th the Dutch Folly Fort in the river opposite the centre of the town was occupied by the seamen of the Calcutta. At 12.30 pm the Chinese made an attack on the factory; after being warned by the Consul, they were driven back by the Royal Marines under Captain Penrose.

On 27th October, demands for satisfaction were renewed; also for proper treatment of British officials and reception as at other Treaty Ports. As there was no reply, fire was opened by the Encounter with her 10-inch gun, which shelled the Yamun; Gough's Fort on the heights behind the town was shelled by the Barracouta. Eighteen Royal Artillerymen under Captain Rotton joined up and were sent to man the Dutch Folly Fort. On the 28th and 29th fire was kept up by the Dutch Folly Fort with some 32 pdrs from the ships and a breach was made in the City Wall. The landing party landed at 2 pm, the Seamen under Captain Stewart, and the Royal Marines under Captains Penrose and Hoyle. They seized the parapet and diverging left and right, within ten minutes they were in possession of the defences between the two gates. "Captain Penrose on gaining the wall hastened to the gate on the right on which he planted a small flag to show the position to Captain Hall, who then landed the boats' crews of Calcutta and Barracoota and having pushed his way through the streets to the City Gate effected an entrance; the gate was blown to pieces and part of the arch destroyed. There was only scattered desultory fire from the Chinese. Three Privates RM were killed, 11 Seamen and Marines were wounded.51 The Admiral landed and went over to the quarters of the Chinese Comnssioner, and the troops were withdrawn, re-embarking quietly and in good order. At 5 pm a fire broke out in the suburb; the breach was filled up again by the Chinese during the night but was blown down again on 30th and also on 1st November after further repairs.

The Chinese still continued refractory, sending inferior officers to treat and refusing to accede to the British demands. Therefore at 11 am on 3rd November slow fire was opened from the Encounter, Sampson and Dutch Folly Fort, which was continued on the 4th and 5th. On the 5th, the Chinese projected an attack on the factory and ships: as there were 26 war junks anchored off French Folly Fort, Commodore Elliot in the Barracouta, with the Coromandel and a detachment of Royal Marines and ships' boats was sent to disperse them and capture the Fort. At daylight on 6th he proceeded, towing the boats, and engaged the junks, who replied fiercely with 150 guns. After 35 minutes the Barracouta and the boats drove the Chinese out of the junks and turned on the Fort. The guns and ammunition were destroyed; only two junks escaped, one of which was the Admiral's ship. The other were burnt. On 11th November the Bogue Forte were destroyed. The Sampson and Niger were sent to protect the factory; the remainder of the Squadron went down river and attacked the two forts on the Wangtong Islands, which were taken possession of by the boats and the Royal Marines after considerable resistance, 201 guns being captured.

On 13th the Forts on Anunghoy, on the opposite side, were similarly taken without any casualties, and the command of the river was in British hands.

In the London Gazette of 6th January 1857, Captains Penrose and Boyle, with Lieutenants R P Henry, H Smale (wounded), C F Burton, W W Allnutt and Private Lye were mentioned in dispatches. Captains Penrose and Boyle were again mentioned in the London Gazette of 30 January 1857.

On 14th December 1856, the Chinese burnt the British factories at Canton, but the Admiral put the Church and Clubhouse in a state of defence with two Companies of the 59th Regiment, and the RM detachment of the Calcutta (Captain Boyle); the RM detachment of the Sybille garrisoned Dutch Folly Fort, and that of the Nankin 51 Times Correspondent: War in China. 44 Macao Fort. Reprisals continued, parts of the city being burnt, but hostilities ceased for a time.

Escape Creek - On 25th, 26th, and 27th of May 1857, an attack was made on 41 junks lying in Escape Creek, by Commodore Elliot with the Hong Kong and some gunboats; the junks were armed with 24 or 32 pounder guns in the bows and four to six 9 pdrs. There was a brisk action, after which the Chinese crews fled; five junks were brought off, the remainder being destroyed. The Royal Marines were. landed to clear the village and had 9 men wounded. Fatshan Creek - On lst June a large expedition under the Admiral himself destroyed 75 war junks in Fatshan Creek. The Coromandel, flying the flag of Sir M Seymour, towed up the boats with 300 Marines and arrived at Macao Fort on 30th May. Here she joined the gunboats which had been on watch. In Fatshan Creek two miles from the entrance, is Hyacinth Island; there is a steep hill on the left bank opposite the island, crowned by a fort with 19 guns.

Higher up two small creeks go off right and left. Along the creeks and across the Channel above the island were moored 72 junks, their bow guns commanding the two channels. There was also a six-gun battery on the shore opposite to the Fort. The Coromandel went first, towing the Marines under Captain Boyle RM in boats; she was to cover their landing. The gun-boats and boats were to follow her, but to wait till she was well up. At 3 am lst June they started; the Chinese opened fire at dawn from the junks and the Forts. Going up the left hand channel the Coromandel ran aground, on a line of sunken junks, under heavy fire. The boats were cast off and rowed under the land; Captain Keppel coming up in the Hong Kong stood-in between the Coromandel and the bank; the Haughty, towing the boats of the Fury, Inflexible and Cruiser, with other gunboats, came up. Sergeant Christian, RMA was killed here. The Opossum went up the right hand channel. Several gun-boats went ashore, but the boat. continued up the creek. As the tide was rising the Coromandel and gunboats floated off again and the scene was like a regatta52. The Chinese fire now slackened.

The Royal Marines and the boats' crews had by this time landed and advanced up the precipitous side of the hill on which the fort was situated, where the Chinese had not expected them; the latter threw down 32 pdr shot as they could not depress the guns sufficiently. Led by Commodore Elliot and Captain Boyle, who ran a race up to the embrasures, the fort was captured; Boyle missed a mandarin, but Elliot shot him. The Admiral also climbed the hill. The Chinese resisted bravely and continued firing their guns until the attacking party were within 50 yards. The British turned the forts' guns on the junks, who replied. The Seamen then returned to their boats, followed Captain Keppel in the Haugty and made their way above the island. The Royal Marines descended on the far side of the hill, and wading into the water up to their waists, joined in the attack on the junks.

The gunboats and boats placed themselves alongside the junks, whose crews made off across the paddy fields; the junks were then blown up or set on fire. Commodore Keppel in his galley with some boats' crews, charged among the junks and forced his way about 6 miles up the creek, almost to the town of Fatshan, where the Chinese turned out and stopped him; he then returned with his captures. The British loss was 13 killed and 40 wounded, of which the RM had 3 killed and 6 wounded. In the London Gazette of lst August 1857 the following were mentioned in despatches; Captains R Boyle and T Magin; Lieutenants G L Blake, R P Henry, C W Burton, E Swale, A I Ozzard, A H F Barnes and A H Pascoe; 2nd Lieutenants W Allnutt, E T Cooper and C L Owen. In the meantime, the Government had decided on making the Chinese observe the treaties; reinforcements were being sent from England; Lord Elgin was sent out as a Plenipotentiary to arrange matters. HMS Shannon, Pearl and Sans Pareil were sent from England.

Royal Marine Battalions \- Lieutenant Colonel Lemon with Captains Little and Cooke, and Lieutenants Inglis, J Cobb, A L Smith and E A Sparshott and 300 NCOs and Men, were sent from Plymouth for special service on 12th March. But the Indian Mutiny had broken out and they were diverted to Calcutta (q.v.) as were the troops under orders for China and did not reach the squadron off Honan Island till 10th December, where they formed the nucleus of the Provisional Battalion Royal Marines, which was completed by the detachments of the Fleet. It is interesting to note that Colour-Sergeant Prettyjohns VC was Sergeant-Major of the detachment. HMS Shannon, Pearl and Sans Pareil were also sent to India, where we have already seen their doings. A Brigade of Marines was also ordered to be sent from England.

The Admiralty Letter to the C-in-C in China, dated 8th August 1857, said: "In consequence of the troops originally destined for China having been unavoidably diverted for service in India, Their Lordships have determined to strengthen the forces employed 52 Cooke 45 under your orders by the addition of 1,400 RMLI and 100 RMA as stated in detail in margin. They will leave England in less than 10 days from this date.53 They are to be borne on the books of the Flagship as Royal Marines serving in the Fleet, but as far as practicable the Battalions are to be kept distinct for special service. "Captain J. C. Travers, now serving in China, shall act as Brigade Major, and is to be borne specially for that service."

Colonel Holloway was appointed to command, and the detail was: Lt Col Capt. Subs Sgts Cpls. Drs Ptes & Gnrs Artillery Coy - 1 4 5 8 2 80 1st Bn Chatham & Woolwich 1 8 18 34 32 8 600 2nd Bn Portsmouth & Plymouth 1 8 18 34 32 8 600 The Officers were: Lieutenant Colonel Holloway. Brigade Major - Major J O Travers ADC - Lieutenant C J Ellis Artillery: Brevet Major G A Schomberg. Lieutenants C Williams, Footing, Crease, and Crawford. lst Battalion: Lieutenant Colonel A S S Walsh Captains P M Croker, Gritten, Morrison, Masters, E L Pym, S J Tribe, E P Usher, R Parke. Lieutenants H L Evans, J F Hawkey, C F Coppin, E Willis, R J H Douglas, W Portlock-Dadson, C F Short, G O Evans. 2nd Lieutenants H Wolrige, H J Barker, J S Straghan, L Rokeby, A Fonblanque, M Heriot, S T Collins, E P Thomson. Adjutant - Lieutenant J C Travers. Quartermaster - Lieutenant Carrington. Sergeant-Major - J B Woon. 2nd Battalion: Lieutenant Colonel E Hooker. Captains Kinsman, Ward, Jackson, Driver, Fox, Budd, Spratt, J B Prynne. Lieutenants J de C Meade, W Connor, W H Wroot, W G Hale, E Bazalgette, C J W Napier, J D Broughton, F Parry. 2nd Lieutenants W H Smith, J A Godfrey, W Armstrong, J W O'Grady, J W Scott, W H Poyntz, C E Servante, C E W Oliver. Adjutant - Lieutenant J H Maskerry. Quartermaster - Lieutenant Gill. There were three medical officers with each Battalion, the senior being Dr Little. The Artillery, Staff, and Woolwich Companies embarked in the transport Adelaide at Deptford on 15th August 1857 and arrived at Hong Kong on 30th November 1857.

The Chatham and two Portsmouth Companies embarked in the P&O Imperatrix which sailed from Portsmouth on 12th August and arrived at Hong Kong on 5th November. Two Portsmouth Companies and the Plymouth Companies left Plymouth in the P&O Imperader on 13th August, and after a record passage arrived in 80 days at Hong Kong on 28th October. They were at once sent on to Canton and landed their Marines at the Wang-tong Islands below the City. The French contingent was also arriving, as well as the British gunboats.

On 18th November HMS Calcutta (flagship) left Hong Kong for Canton and anchored off Tiger Island where the Adelaide arrived on lst December. On 4th December the Assistance arrived with Colonel Lemon's Battalion from Calcutta. 53 As a matter of fact they left within three days. 46 The Admiral, Sir M Seymour, issued an order against looting, and took the opportunity of thanking the officers and men of the Fleet for their services during the past year. The force now available for the operations against Canton consisted of: Army: RA and RE, 59th Regiment, Madras Native Infantry 800 Royal Marines 2200 Naval Brigade 1500 French Troops and Sailors 900 5700 Major General Van Straubenzee was in command, with Majors Clifford and Crealock as his Staff Officers. Honan Island - On 15th December 2nd RMLI and 150 French Sailors were landed on the back of Honan Island, an island facing Canton; it is about 11 miles wide and 4 to 5 miles long. They were followed by the lst RMLI and occupied the big warehouses on the shore. Colonel Holloway was in command. In his Report Colonel Holloway mentions the excellent work of Lieutenant Crease RMA, who, with only the artificers of the Brigade, constructed a fine magazine for the safe storage of their large amount of ammunition. Lord Elgin's demands were that Canton should be opened as the other Treaty Forts to commerce; compensation for the damage to British merchants to be paid (the factories had been burnt), and the occupation of Honan to 47 Sybille, Sanspareil, Esk, Highflier, to a strength of about 800 Officers and Men. Lieutenant C W Burton (Calcutta) was appointed Adjutant. The Artillery were under the orders of Colonel Dunlop RA Captain Morrison, lst RMLI, was appointed Provost Marshal. GENERAL ORDER Before Canton 26th December The Naval and Military Commanders-in-Chief of the Allied Forces before Canton have agreed to the following operations against the City. First bombardment to commence at daylight on Monday 23th December. The ships and vessels named in the note under Letter A (viz. Actaeon, Phlegethon, and Gunboats) on signal being given will open fire on South-West angle of the City walls, with a view to breach them and impede the communication of the Chinese troops along the parapets to the Eastward. Ships and vessels in note under Letter B (viz. Mitraille, Fusee, Cruiser, Hornet, Niger, Blanche) and the Dutch Folly Fort with a similar object will breach the City walls opposite the Viceroy's residence; the mortar in Dutch Folly Fort shelling the City and Gough Heights. Ships and vessels in note under Letter C (viz. Nimrod, Surprise, Dragon, Marcia and gunboats), between Dutch Folly Fort and French Folly will open fire on South-East angle of the New and Old City walls and walls forming East side of City. To commence simultaneously when White Ensign is hoisted at fore of Actaeon, and yellow flag from Phlegethon, Hornet and Avalanche will repeat these signals. Bombardment to be in very slow time and continued day and night, not to exceed per each gun 60 rounds during the first 24 hours; C ships to fire 100. Immediately bombardment opens, landing of Allied Troops will take place at the creek in Kupur, where British and French flags will be planted, in following order, commencing at daylight: 1. Sappers and Miners, 59th Regiment, RA Stores and Ammunition, etc. 2. French Naval Brigade, Stores, etc. 3. Naval Brigade under orders of Hon. C. Elliot. 4. Naval Brigade from Canton. 5. Colonel Holloway's Brigade of Royal Marines. etc., etc. . Following will be dispositions after landing: British Naval Brigade on left. Centre Brigade: Lieutenant Colonel Lemon's Provisional Bn RM. 59th Regiment. RA Sappers. French Naval Brigade on left. Colonel Holloway's Brigade with RMA in reserve. After getting into position, Allied Force will remain in Line of Contiguous Columns of Brigade until further orders for advance, which will be made to a position for the night preparatory to active service in-the morning. M Seymour, Rear-Admiral. Regnault de Guouilly, Rear-Admiral. C V Van Straubenzee, Major General. 48 In the Dutch. Folly Forts platforms had been built for two 13-inch mortars and two 10-inch SS mortars and two 24 pdr rocket tubes. These were under Major Schomberg RMA and played on Magazine Hill, the City Heights and Gough's Fort. The slow bombardment began at daylight and continued all day; the gunboats embarked the troops and went down to Kupur, and the General made a close reconnaissance of Lin Fort whilst the troops were disembarking. The covering force of the 59th was posted to protect the RE and Volunteer Sappers and working parties, whilst constructing piers etc. to land the, guns, and making a road across the marshy paddy fields to the hard ground about 400 yards inland. The tide prevented the disembarkation till 9 am on 28th, but all were landed before nightfall. At 10 am the French force, having landed, moved forward to some rising ground where fire was opened on them, and part of the 59th advanced to the right of the French. The French drove the Chinese from the undulating ground, covered with Chinese graves in front, but it was difficult to cross the paddy fields in front. The French howitzers opened on Fort Lin, and the 59th moved to the Joss House within 300 yards, covered by the fire of the British howitzers. The troops pushed on and kept up a heavy fire on the embrasures until the 9 pdr field guns got into action. The Fort was partially surrounded, the storming parties carried the Fort and the Chinese fled up the hill to Gough's Fort, which our heavy guns could not reach. The British and French flags were hoisted on Fort Lin, where the troops bivouacked for the night. Fires broke out in various parts of the town during the night. On the next morning troops were formed up for the assault, the French Naval Brigade commanding the direct road to the East Gate, the 59th in rear and under cover of Fort Lin; the Provisional Battalion RMLI to the right on a range of hills fronting NNW; and on its right the Naval Brigade as if to advance towards Fort Gough, North of the City on the heights and the feint succeeded. The 3rd Division of the Naval Brigade was placed in rear and to the right of the Joss House, occupied by the Allied Commanders during the night. One Battalion of Colonel Holloway's Brigade was on the left, the other at the landing place protecting stores and keeping open the communications. The Artillery were in position in front of Fort Lin. The guns opened fire on the East Wall to clear off the Chinese; the assault had been timed for 9 am but the French started at 8.40, followed by the 59th, but fortunately Major Schomberg RMA, in the Dutch Folly Fort was able to stop the guns and the French, 59th Regiment, and the RE escaladed the wall about a mile to the North of the East Gate, and turning northward started clearing the walls. At daylight on the 29th the large Joss House had been occupied by parties of the Naval Brigade, supported by the RM Battalion under "that deserving old Officer" Lieutenant Colonel Lemon. The artillery bombardment was to continue till 9 am to give time to bring up the ladders, but this was effected with more despatch owing to the great exertions of all concerned, particularly of the "RA and RMA, whose energy and zeal were worthy of high commendation", by whom two guns were brought close up the ditch. Captain Bate RN was killed reconnoitring for a place to put the scaling ladders; Captains Blake and Cooke, RMLI brought up their two Companies of Royal Marines with scaling ladders and kept up a heavy fire on the embrasures, Blake's company losing one man killed and six wounded. When they had quelled the fire, the scaling ladders were placed, and the Naval Brigade and Lemon's Battalion escaladed the walls at a broken embrasure, 200 yards South of the North-East Gate; turning North, they swept along the Wall to Magazine Hill on the North side of the town. At this time a Chinese Army, now perceiving "we did not intend to attack Fort Gough, descended the hill, and necessitated my sending some companies of Colonel Lemon's RMLI Battalion to protect our right, and afterward to direct Colonel Walsh's Battalion to extend to their right to prevent advance of the enemy which was judiciously executed by all officers concerned, though I regret to say Colonel Holloway and some men were wounded."54 Colonel Holloway's Brigade had been posted to the North-West of Fort Lin to meet such an eventuality. The Tartars came on in skirmishing order but were driven off by the RN and it was difficult to prevent the Marines from charging the enemy; but they drove the Chinese out of a little village and a small wood, and were pressing forward to complete their defeat, when the General recalled the Brigade; there was much discontent among the RM at this order; the men had thrown off their knapsacks in the fight and when recalled Colonel Holloway and a few had to bring them in. 54 GOC's Dispatch. 49 By 9 am the greater part of the force was on the Walls, the enemy making slight resistance except at the Gateways. The Naval Brigade and Royal Marines proceeding past the five-storied Pagoda and the Magazine, the enemy rallied at the North Gate; part of the Naval Brigade charged down the hill and the enemy were driven back. At this point he showed a bold front. Brigadier Graham with the 59th and the 38th NI took the East Gate and proceeded round the walls nearly to the South Gate of the City. About 2 pm Gough's Fort - above the town - was assaulted and taken. The British remained on the Walls for the next 3 or 4 days; no tents were available and there was heavy rain for 70 hours, during which Colonel Lemon's Battalion was in the open and consequently there was a good deal of sickness. In the London Gazette of 5th March 1858, the following were mentioned: Colonel Holloway ADC, Lieutenant Colonels Walsh, Hocker, and Lemon, Captain and Brevet Major Boyle, J A Morrison, Parke, Jackson, and Foote, Major J O Travers, Brigade Major, "whom from personal observation I recommend as a valued officer", and Captain Ellis. Brevet Major Schomberg, i/c Mortar Battery in Dutch Folly Fort, and that "indefatigable young officer" Lieutenant Festing, RMA were also mentioned. Gough's and Bluejacket's Forts were blown up, but without effect on the Chinese. After a pause to see if the Chinese would surrender, and as no move was made, on 5th January 1858 operations, were resumed and advancing from Magazine Hill, 250 of the French Naval Brigade entered the Yamen and secured the Tartar General where they were joined by the 2nd RMLI and two howitzers; two Companies of the lst RMLI with two howitzers, under Colonel Holloway, forced their way into the Yamen of the Governor of Kwang Tung and made Pek-wai prisoner. The Provisional Battalion with two guns first marched to the Temple, where the Imperial Commissioner Yeh was supposed to be hiding, but failed to find him, and later joined by 200 of lst RMLI - the whole under Captain Parke - they secured the Treasury and a large quantity of silver. Captain Cooper-Key and 100 of the Naval Brigade secured Yeh later in the day. Escorted by Colonel Hocker and two files of Marines, he was brought before the General and the Admiral; as he was still recalcitrant, he was eventually sent to India. In order to control the City, the Governor Pek-wai was reinstated with a council consisting of Colonel Holloway, Captain Martineau (French), and Mr. Parkes the Consul, who governed the City for the next year. Later a Constabulary was raised, to which the RM contributed 3 officers and about 30 men under Captain E L Pym, RM. The casualties had been; RMA, Colonel Holloway, 1 Sergeant and 2 Gunners wounded; Colonel Lemon's Battalion, 10 wounded; 1st RMLI, Lieutenant Portlock-Dadson severely, and 1 Sergeant and 3 Privates wounded. 1858 - The Royal Marines remained in garrison with two Sepoy Regiments. The 2nd RMLI were quartered in the monastery of Celestial Bliss, and one day a priest, waiting till the senior officers were out on a reconnaissance, presented an order from the General to recover his property, and carried off vast quantities of treasure that had been hidden in the idols, the guards being unable to prevent him. As fighting was still going on in India, the Army Staff Officers wished to re-join their regiments, so Major J O Travers became AQMG of the force vice Colonel the Hon. A Clifford, Captain T V Cooke became DAQMG vice Major Crealock and Captain Carrington DAAG. Captain Ellis became Brigade Major of the RM Brigade, Lieutenant J C Travers ADC to Colonel Holloway and Lieutenant J F Hawkey Adjutant of 1st RMLI. White Cloud Mountain - The garrison duty at Canton was varied by one or two expeditions. On 2nd June 1858 General Van Straubenzee made a reconnaissance of the White Cloud Mountain, where Chinese Forces were reported. He discovered an encampment and sent back for reinforcements; by 7 pm 1,400 men had started. Colonel Holloway with about 600 Marines and 100 of the 59th with 4 guns joined the General; the remainder consisting of the Naval Brigade, RA and Sepoys, embarked in gunboats, and went down the river to land next morning. The advance began at daybreak and it was found that only the two RMA rocket tubes could accompany them. At 11 am the enemy camp was sighted, and the Advanced Guard pushed on, 3 officers and 8 men being wounded. Owing to the great heat the troops had to halt until the evening, the Marines carrying a village in which they were able to shelter. At 5 pm the force again advanced and crossed the mountain, 1200 feet high, but found the enemy camp deserted. They returned to Canton on 4th, having burnt three villages. Lieutenant Rokeby and 26 men were wounded, but 50 a lot of men were lost from sunstroke. In the London Gacette of 28th July 1858, the following were mentioned55: Brevet Major R Boyle, Lieutenants G McCallum, W E Clements, E H Norton RMA, H B Savage RMA, 2nd Lieutenants W W Allnutt and H T Cooper. Nantow - In August another expedition was sent to the walled town of Nantow. They proceeded by water in gunboats and landed at 11 am on the 10th, to the South-East of the City, the covering party being provided by the Naval Brigade. This entailed an advance through a populous suburb. The advance was made in two parallel columns; 40 officers and 489 Naval Brigade formed the outer column; 3 officers and 64 men RA, 3 officers and 22 men RE, 5 officers and 104 men the 104th Regiment, 2 officers and 100 men 12th Madras NI, 5 officers and 140 men RMLI forming the inner column. The RMLI under Captain Foote were in reserve. They moved along the canal in great heat under constant fire from the right flank. After reconnaissance, at 1 pm the ladders were placed, and the Naval Brigade stormed the walls, covered by the 59th and 12th NI, whilst the RM covered the right flank. During the escalade of the walls the force under Colonel Graham was attacked by several hundred Braves who were most gallantly repulsed by Brevet Major Foote and the Royal Marines56 though not without loss. The wall was gained, and the enemy fled; the gate was blown in and then after burning the city they returned to Canton the following morning. Unfortunately, three officers were killed by the accidental discharge of the seamen's rifles. The Royal Marines lost 8 wounded, one mortally. On 23rd August Lieutenant Colonel Walsh was invalided, and on 1st October Colonel Lemon assumed command of the 1st RMLI. Provisional Battalion - On 22nd September 1858, a Brigade Order was issued that, as the Provisional Battalion had been so reduced by the re-embarkation of the detachments of which it was composed, the remainder were to be drafted into the 1st and 2nd Battalions, to take effect from lst October. Its strength was then only about 350. The Companies of the 1st and 2nd Battalions were made up to 75 men each, all above this and the NCOs w 51 But failing to make any impression on the Chinese Imperial authorities from Canton, the Allies decided to make an attack in the North, nearer Peking, with a view to getting them to observe the Treaties. In May 1858 the Squadron had attacked and occupied the Taku Forts with a naval landing party, but they had only been held temporarily, and the Chinese were now on their guard. Taku Forts.-.In June 1859, Vice Admiral Sir James Hope (who had succeeded Sir K Seymour) determined to attack the forts with a view to forcing the Chinese to admit the two Residents in accordance with the Tientsin Treaties. Colonel Lemon, with 400 of lst RMLI and a small party of RMA under Lieutenant Williams and Lieutenant Tuson were sent from Hong Kong; about 400 Royal Marines were provided by the Fleet and a half company of RE with 19 gunboats reinforced Sir James Hope, who with other vessels was lying off in the Gulf of Pechili. The Royal Marine were formed into a small Brigade under Colonel Lemon, with Captain Parke in command of 1st RMLI Captain Masters of a 2nd. Battalion formed from the ships' detachments; Captain Croker was Brigade Major, Lieutenant Rokeby ADC, and Lieutenant Evan Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion. The small party of RMA. were under Lieutenant Williams. These operations are worthy of careful study as an example of how not to do it: Colonel Lemon objected strongly to the plans. On 17th June a single vessel with the Admiral on board went to the anchorage off Taku; the rabble prevented any landing, and it was found that the Pei-Ho River was obstructed. On 20th the Residents arrived and told the Admiral to make his own arrangements to open the river. Against the advice of his military advisers in charge of the troops, the Admiral insisted on making a frontal attack on the Forts; on 25th under cover of the gun-boats the Seamen and Marines were landed on the mud flats, through which they had to struggle to attack; 4 gunboats were sunk, including the Admiral's and he himself severely wounded - he was rescued by the US ship. Out of the landing party of 1,100, 434 were killed or wounded and the Royal Marines lost Lieutenants Inglish and Wolrige, with 21 NCOs and Men killed or died of wounds, 15 officers and 142 NCOs and men wounded. The Reports of Colonel Lemon and Captains Parke and master's give an excellent picture of what occurred. Colonel Lemon's report says that the boats with the Royal Marines assembled round the Nimrod on the evening of 25th June and were joined by the RE and the Royal Naval Battalion under Captain Chadwell, RN. They attacked the fort on the right bank of the Pei-Ho River and landed on the mud in front; the 1st RMLI was the first to arrive and advanced in skirmishing order to cover the parties carrying the bridges and ladders; the RE acted as coverers on the left. The ground was tenacious, and the men sank knee deep in the mud, and could only advance slowly. Colonel Lemon says it was impartible and injudicious to adopt a regular formation as they were under heavy fire, and that he led the main body forward until cover could be obtained for forming; that on arriving at a wet ditch the covering party waited for the bridges, but as there were none available they crossed by wading; advancing until they arrived at another deeper and more difficult ditch which they also crossed, and advanced until they got cover from the advanced trench, where they waited for the ladders, and here Colonel Lemon was severely wounded in the head and handed over the command to Captain Parke. Captain Parke's report says that the 1st RMLI embarked in the boats at 5.45 pm and were taken in tow by an American steamer, Taiwan; as there was great difficulty in towing, all the boats except one had to cast off and were taken in tow by the Forrester. On arriving at the Stakes, the boats went alongside the Cormorant (1 Lieutenant and 46 NCOs and Men had been left in the American ship). Here Captain Willis RM ordered them all to follow him and pull ashore. The boats shoved off, the men pulling with all their might to be the first on shore. The Battalion landed without any order and there was great confusion. All efforts to advance in anything like military formation were futile; the men jumped out anyhow, some up to their waists in water. Parke says he tried to extend them, but they rushed on in masses, all arms intermingled, towards the fort under a tremendous fire of guns and gingalls, which told with great effect. The men and officers pushed on gallantly; the ground was tenacious, clayey mud, into which the men fell down and rendered their arms useless; they arrived at the first ditch; they had no ladders, or bridges, but the seamen brought up some ladders; only one was serviceable and they crossed by wading. Those who managed to keep their ammunition dry, kept up a heavy fire to cover the crossing of the rest. After a rest they advanced again and encountered another large ditch; there were then only about 100 men but many officers of the lst RMLI and they succeeded in crossing, but as the ammunition was quite wet their fire slackened. Colonel Lemon being wounded, Captain Parke took command of the Brigade. Night was falling and only one efficient ladder was up; as the British fire lessened the Chinese assembled in large numbers and kept up a heavy 52 enfilade fire. Under these conditions Parke - after consulting with Commanders Commerell and Heath RN, and Major Fisher RE - decided to withdraw; the men were ordered to move off noiselessly in parties of twos and threes; the retreat commenced at 2 am, the enemy firing light balls etc unceasingly. Most strenuous efforts were made to bring off the wounded; all behaved well and although invidious to mention any one, Captain Parke calls attention to acts of gallantry by Lieutenant Wolrige, who was shot dead whilst cheering on his men; by Lieutenant Rokeby who volunteered to advance with only one ladder; by Lieutenants Evans and Straghan in assisting to carry off the wounded under a very severe fire and by Sergeant Major Woon and QMS Halling, whose gallantry was most conspicuous. From Captain Master's report of 2nd RM we learn that he himself and his party were transferred to the Forrester and proceeded inshore to well within range of the forts who were firing; Captain Willis ordered them to land and the Admiral ordered them to take the fort by assault and to lose no time, as the sun was setting. The first boat contained Lieutenant Williams and a party of RMA; Masters himself was in the next. The boats could not get near the land and they jumped into the water up to their middles under a galling fire of guns and musketry and were ordered to make the best of their way and to form up when they reached firmer ground; on arriving at the Stakes they formed up, some of the 1st and some of the 2nd. They were kneeling in the mud, which was over their ankles. Masters tried to get them to advance, but they were exhausted and could not use their muskets, which were unfit from salt water. Here he himself was wounded and taken off, and the Battalion was brought off by other officers. The Chaplain, the Rev W Huleatt, was severely wounded with the 1st RM After this reverse the 1st RM returned to Canton on 6th August in HMS Magician and the Northern operations were abandoned till the properly organised expedition of the next year. At this date the lst RMLI numbered 696 and the 2nd RMLI 625. Colonel Lemon was invalided to England on 26th July 1859 and in the London Gazette of 16th September 1859 the following were mentioned in dispatches; Colonel Lemon, Brevet Major Parke, Captains W G Masters, P K C Croker, Lieutenants Rokeby, J F Hawkey, H L Evans, J Straghan, Sergeant Major Woon, and QMS Halling. The following Brevets were given for the operations in 1857-59: To be Colonel - Lieutenant Colonel T. Lemon. To be Majors - Captain J C Travers Captain J C Morrison Captain W F Foote Captain G E O Jackson Captain P C Penrose Captain C J Ellis Captain R Boyle Captain R Parke Captain T V Cooke On 26th December 1859, the following Brigade order was issued by Colonel Holloway ADC at Canton. RM Brigade - broken up - "The Board has directed that the Brigade shall be broken up and formed into one Battalion of 8 Companies, each consisting of 1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 5 Sergeants, 6 Corporals, 1 Drummer, 76 Privates, with the following staff, 2 Lieutenant Colonels, 1 Adjutant, 1 Acting QM, 1 Acting SM, and one Acting QMS." Lieutenant Colonel Hocker CB was appointed to command, but he was invalided on 27th January 1869, and Lieutenant Colonel J O Travers vacated his appointment of AQMG and assumed command. Lieutenant Carrington was appointed Adjutant, Lieutenant Meade QM, Lieutenant Cobb Assistant Adjutant, Sergeant Denslow to be Sergeant Major (died at Tientsin), Sergeant Brown to be QMS. The Medical Officers were Drs Little, Shin and Cope. Mr. Spark, Paymaster. The Company Officers were 1 and 2 Chatham: Captains Evans and Gritton. 3 and 4 Woolwich: Captains Prynne and Usher. 5 and 6 Portsmouth; Captains Symonds and Jackson. 7 and 8 Plymouth; Captains Budd and Spratt. NCOs and Men employed in the Military Train and Constabulary were formed into a Supernumerary Company; the Battalions were at once formed into four companies each of medically fit men; the men of the Bengal Artillery were attached to the RMA Company and 34 Privates were selected to complete the RMA Company proceeding to Macao Fort, and 51 Privates were sent to complete the Fleet; remaining Officers and NCOs to be borne supernumerary as well as the volunteers from the Indian Army. Colonel Holloway and the surplus officers and men returned home on 11th January 1860. A draft from England under Captain Slaughter arrived. 53 General Van Straubenze published the farewell order on 31st December 1850: "My sense of the efficiency, good order and high state of discipline of the Brigade, also much credit upon the Officers of the Battalions; the forbearance of the NCOs and Men of the RM Brigade since the capture of this city and their general very good character during the two years they have been quartered in it are most creditable to them, as soldiers, and to the splendid Corps of which they form part, and merit my highest approbation." As serious prosecution of the war was now inevitable and as the Indian Mutiny had been crushed, troops were now available and were sent from India and from England. Colonel Gaacoigne and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel March with a draft were sent from England to replace Colonels Hocker and Lemon. General Sir Hope Grant of Indian fame was sent to command. The French Commanding Officer was General de Montaubam, afterwards known as Count de Palikao. About 14,000 British and 7,000 French troops concentrated at Hong Kong and proceeded North in March 1860. Shanghai - The 87th Regiment relieved the Marines at Canton and the RM Battalion was the first to move North; the left wing arrived at Shanghai on 6th April under Lieutenant Colonel March, where the Taeping rebels were threatening trouble. Owing to want of accommodation they remained at first in the Assistance; they were accompanied by Lieutenant Williams' Company of RMA. The right wing under Colonel Travers went to Chusan. Lieutenant Colonel Gascoigne joined the left wing on 15th May and took up a defensive line from the Stone Bridge, by the grandstand of the racecourse, to Ning Po Joss House on the North-East extremity round the walls to the City gate. On 16th June General Sir Robert Napier approved of these arrangements. The French - about 200 strong - were on the South side. On 15th June there was considerable anxiety about an advance by the rebels, but it did not materialise then. A state of the Battalion dated 13th June 1860 gives an interesting account of their distribution: Location Officers NCOs & Men On board Transport Octavio at Shanghai 11 214 In Barracks, Shanghai 6 110 Ning-po Joss House 3 79 Souchon Bridge 3 80 Hospital - 6 At Chusan 12 228 On board HMS Encounter 2 58 (on passage) Hong Kong on Staff 2 8 Chinese Coolie Corps 4 33 Hospital Ships - 5 Canton Constabulary 3 132 Supernumerary 14 218 Captain E L P Pym RMA Shanghai 2 87 Macao Fort, Canton 1 9 Coolie Corps - 2 Barrack Sorgeant. at Canton - 1 54 On 21st July, leaving Lieutenant Colonel March as senior officer at Shanghai, with 300 RMA and RMLI and about 600 French, Lieutenant Colonel Gascoigne embarked with Nos 5 and 6 Companies (207 all told) but they did not arrive at the rendezvous till the 29th, too late to be present at the taking of the Taku Forts. Colonel Travers with Nos 1 to 4 Companies were not long at Chusan; leaving there on 11th June they joined the force in the North, where the ultimatum to the Chinese had been sent on 8th March. The British Force was organised into: A Cavalry Brigade – King's Dragoon Guards, Fane's and Probyn's horse, and Stirling's Battery RHA. 1st Division - General Sir John Michel - Two Brigades. 2nd Division - Maj. General Sir Robert Napier - Two Brigades. Taku Forts - The lst Battalion RMLI was attached to the 4th Brigade, consisting of 67th, 99th and 19th Punjab Native Infantry. About the middle of May the force embarked for the Gulf of Pe-Chi-Li and the British landed at Talienwan and the French at Chefoo, where they formed depots. On 20th July the troops re-embarked, and on 26th anchored off Pei-Tang-Ho. On 30th Sutton's Brigade (2nd), the Rocket Battery, and a 9 pdr with a party of French were towed ashore, landing through the mud, and next day ,found Pei-Tang evacuated.

On 31st a storm prevented disembarkation, but it was continued next day. That night was spent in repairing roads, which occupied the next ten days; the British were kept making roads and building wharfs and so kept out of mischief, but the French went plundering. On 3rd August a reconnaissance was made of the causeway leading to the Taku Forts; and on 9th August it was discovered that the country was traversable by all arms. The RM Battalion under Travers, with Lieutenant G. Mairis as its Adjutant, had now joined the Army. On 12th August the French and the First Division advanced frontally along the causeway, the 2nd Division and the Cavalry Brigade followed the reconnaissance of the 9th instant; with the British were two batteries of the new 12 pdr Armstrong guns. The First Division pushed along the causeway and captured the village of Sinho. About two and a half miles South-East of Sinhoe the Chinese were holding an entrenched position about Tong-Ku to which the causeway led with a wet ditch on either side. On 13th August, General Grant caused the canals to be bridged, refusing to be hurried by the French. He ascertained that the Chinese forces had retired to the South (right bank) of the Pei-Ho end that there were no troops on his side of the river except in Tong-Ku and the Taku Forts to the South-East of him. The First Division advancing on the right and the French on the left, crossed the space between the causeway and the Pei-Ho. The 60th Rifles advanced under cover of the field guns, which silenced the Chines artillery; the 60th entered the works at Tong-Ku and found the Chinese in full retreat; the French further to the left met with some resistance. The Allies then arrived without difficulty within two miles of the Taku Forts. There was a halt of six days whilst ten day's supplies were collected at Sinho, and the heavy guns and ammunition brought up; a bridge of boats was thrown over the Pei-Ho at Tong-Ku and a close reconnaissance made of the forts. On each bank there was a detached fort to westward of the larger and principal fort; on the North bank this detached fort was only two miles from Tong-Ku and could be approached by a detour clear of fire and without cross fire from the Southern bank. If taken it would be possible to enfilade the large fort to the South-Eastward and it also overlooked the detached fort on the Southern bank. General Grant decided to attack this point. General Montauban refused but had to give way. By August 20th all was ready, the road built, and the canals bridged. Batteries were established against the North face of the detached fort; the Admiral had not brought up his gunboats, so the Chinese turned the guns in the cavaliers of the river forts to bear on the attackers. The obstacles to be surmounted were a deep dry ditch, then an open space with abatis, then a wet ditch and a strip of ground 20 feet wide with pointed bamboo stakes, and then another wet ditch and another staked strip; there was also a thick wall of unburnt brick with loopholes. At daybreak on 21st August the batteries opened vigorously, and the Chinese replied; at 6 am the magazine in the 55 forts blew up, and at 6.30 am a shell from a gunboat blew up another magazine. At 7 am every gun in the detached fort was disabled and two batteries of field guns and the storming parties of the 44th and 67th Regiments advanced to the gate; the French on the right approached the Western angle. The wing of the RM Battalion had been detailed to carry pontoons for crossing the ditches but owing to casualties unfortunately blocked the causeway and the stormers had to swim; it was sometime before sufficient troops were assembled; Major Anson - of the Staff - got to the post and hacked down the ropes of the drawbridge and some men got across, whilst Captain Prynne RMLI was the second man over the wall and shot the Head Mandarin with his revolver; Lieutenant Pritchard RE was the first. The garrison resisted bravely, but after three and a half hours the fort was taken. Captains Barker, Carrington, and Straghan RMLI were among the wounded, and were mentioned in dispatches. The heavy guns were brought forward to the attack on the main fort, when the Chinese on the South bank hoisted the white flag. They were told that unless the main fort was surrendered within two hours the Allies would reopen fire, and towards the end of that time the troops advanced; the enemy offering no resistance, they walked in and took possession. The Political Officer forced the Chinese commander to sign a capitulation giving up all the country and strong places on the river as far as Tientsin, including that city. After a day removing obstacles in the river, the Admiral and Mr. Parkes steamed up the river to Tientsin. On the 25th the troops followed, and by 5th September all had followed except the 44th Regiment, which had been sent to Shanghai on account of the Taeping Rebels. A party of Marines and a battery of artillery were left to garrison Tong-Ku. On 7th September the Convention was to have been signed, when it was suddenly realised that the Chinese authorities had not, and could not produce, any authority to treat; on which negotiations were broken off. Peking - Meanwhile Lieutenant Colonel Gascoigne and the two Companies from Shanghai had joined the other half battalion, and Colonel Gascoigne assumed command. On 8th September the First Division and the Cavalry Brigade, with the French, began their march on Tung-Chow, sixty miles up the river and twenty miles below Peking. The RM Battalion was now with the 2nd Brigade. The 2nd Division was left at Tientsin; they marched in small detachments, the siege train and part of the supplies going by water. Major Poyntz says that the regiments will remember how the Royal Marines managed to keep up a supply of bitter draught beer throughout the march, which was much appreciated. Captain C L Barnard with his party of RMA were brought to notice for the manner in which the heavy guns were brought up from Tientsin to Tung-Chow; the labour of pulling the boats over the flats was very great and it was "due to their exertions that the guns were brought up so rapidly and safely."57 On the 13th the troops reached Ho-Si-Wu, where the medical officers of the RM Battalion established a general hospital. On the 17th the Cavalry Brigade and 1st Division left Ho-Si-Wu. Mr. Parkes and other officers and officials had preceded on the 16th to Tung-Chow to make arrangements; but the force had hardly advanced two miles before hostile forces were observed, and whilst waiting for the return of the advance party, suddenly a commotion was observed and Colonel Walker, AQMG, and other officers were seen galloping towards the column, some of them wounded. As there were no signs of Mr. Parkes' party, General Hope Grant advanced in attack formation. Fire was opened by the Chinese, who were holding an entrenchment several miles in length with a battery of 16 guns. After a sharp engagement of two hours (the RM Battalion was in reserve), the enemy gave way and were severely cut up by the cavalry. Captain Usher RM, the Provost Marshal, was nearly cut down by a Tartar, having been unhorsed. Following up the enemy, the 99th and 15th Punjabis entered Ching-Kia-Wang, which was given over to plunder as a reprisal for the capture of Mr. Parkes' party. On 20th September there was a reconnaissance and the enemy were found to be in front of the Yang-Liang Canal, the waterway between the Pei-Ho and Peking, over which were two bridges, one of marble, at Pa-Li-Chao. The other - of wood - was about a mile to the West. The French were directed on Pa-Li–Chao, and the British Infantry on to the wooden bridge, with the cavalry to the left: the cavalry charged and, followed by three batteries of Armstrong guns and two Battalions, inflicted great loss. The pursuit was stopped six miles from Peking. The 2nd Division was hurried forward and by 2nd October the full force had arrived. On 6th October the advance was resumed through a tangle of ruined fortifications, and Tung-Chow was occupied. The Royal Marines and a party of French taking possession of the City, Colonel 57 Letter from General Hope Grant. 56 Travers disarmed and dispersed a lot of Chinese soldiers who were hovering about the suburbs.58 The letters of application show that they served in these actions, by which the Tartar covering army was driven off, and the road to Peking opened, together with occupation of Tung-Chow protecting the convoys of stores and supplies upon which the army before Peking depended. On 7th October the French reached the Summer Palace and started plundering. The prisoners from Mr. Parkes' party were restored on the 8th, but only 10 remained out of 39, the remainder having been tortured or murdered. General Grant threw up breaching batteries to blow down the city, and at noon on the 13th they were ready to open fire, when the Chinese surrendered and agreed to terms. On the 18th and 19th as a punishment for the treatment of our prisoners, the 1st Division burnt the Summer Palace. On the 24th a Convention and ratification of the Treaty of 1858 were at last signed by the Chinese Imperial Authorities. On 8th November the troops began the march back to the transports; on the 12th Desborough's Battery, Probyn's Horse, the RM Battalion and 99th Regiment, the whole under the command of Colonel Gascoigne, marched for Tientsin, where they arrived on the 14th and embarked in HM Troopship Adventure. As the transport was not big enough, 31 officers and 629 men went in Adventure, whilst 4 officers and 240 men went in HMS Sampson, Fury, Inflexible, and Minerva; the RMA went in the Highflier. Memorial - The RMA Battery and the RMLI Brigade erected a memorial to their comrades at Hong Kong. This shows that from 1857-60 the loss in all ranks was: killed or died, 3 officers, 2 staff-sergeants, 13 corporals, 214 gunners and privates; wounded, 27 officers, 16 sergeants, 20 corporals, 4 buglers, 155 gunners and privates. In a Board Letter it was said that, "My Lords observe with pleasure that the Marines, as usual, had conducted themselves with the spirit and gallantry which have always been evinced by that Corps."59 Colonel Holloway, Lieutenant Colonels Lemon, Travers, Hooker and Gascoigne were awarded the CB , and there were many mentions in dispatches and brevet promotions.

London Gazette - 6th November 1860. :Mentioned-in-Dispatches: Lieutenant Colonel J O Travers, Captains C W Carrington, G Mairis, W J Barker, J Straghan., J C Symonds, J C Morrison, J B Prynne; Lieutenant T H Brenan, Sergeants G Tearle, T Knapp, Privates F Kelly, Brady, R Bowerman, for the capture of the North-West fort at Taku, and Sergeant H Trent for 'deserving all praise for exertions to get the pontoons up although wounded.'

In the London Gazette of 15th February 1861, the following brevet promotions were awarded: Brevet Colonel Lieutenant Colonel J. H. Gascoigne. Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Captain & Brevet Major J C S Morrison. To be Brevet Majors Captains J C Symonds and J B Prynne. Taeping Rebellion - The RM detachment left at Shanghai was engaged on operations against the Taeping Rebellion from 1860 to 1863. In 1860 a fierce attack on Shanghai was driven off, and in the London Gazette of 14 November 1860, Lieutenant Colonel March, Captain Budd, Lieutenants O'Grady and O L Williams (RMA) were brought to notice; also, Lieutenant F R Phillips who volunteered to carry a flag of truce to the rebel camp, "a service of great danger". In April 1862 troops were sent from Tientsin under General Staveley to keep a radius of 30 miles round the city clear of the rebels. The Shanghai merchants also raised a force under European officers under an American officer named Ward. He was succeeded by an RM officer, Captain Holland, who was however defeated at Taitsan, 22 February 1863. He was replaced by Colonel Charles Gordon RE (Chinese Gordon) who with this force - named the 'Ever-Victorious Army' - eventually stamped out the Rebellion after two years. The RM detachments were engaged in the capture of the Walled Cities of Kah-Ding and Singpoo, and in numerous engagements in neighbourhood of Shanghai. The fact that they were present at these two actions of the 18th and 20th September was the grounds on which they were awarded the clasp for Peking. (W0 Letter, 20th February 1863.) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.) (sic)

1857. Monday 25th May. The battle of Escape Creek.

1857. Wednesday 27th May. Boats of squadron in Sawshee Channel.

1857. Monday 1st June. The battle of Fatshan Creek.

1857. Monday 18th June. Surrender of Chuenpee Fort.

1857. August. Marines from Sans Pareil landed at Fort William.

1857. Thursday 13th August. Marines and seamen from Shannon sent up Ganges.

1857. Saturday 12th September. Brigade from Pearl sent up the Ganges.

1857. Monday 16th - 17th November. Relief of Lucknow. Brigade from Shannon.

1857. Tuesday 17th November. The relief of Lucknow.

1857. Monday 28th December. The bombardment of Canton and captureof fort Lin.

1857. Tuesday 29th December. The assault and capture of Canton.

1857 \- 1860. This period, which saw large numbers of the Corps employed on active service ashore, was also one of reorganisation; one of the most important events being the formation of the separate Royal Marine Artillery Division in 1859. It is also notables for the presentation of new Colours in 1858, and a great enlargement of all the Barracks. (Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1857 \- 1861. Operations against slave dhows in Persian Gulf.

1858. The numbers 'were reduced to 15,000 in 104 Divisional and 14 Artillery Companies; the officers of the reduced companies were however retained as supernumeraries.

Barracks - The RMA moved out of the Gunwharf Barracks into Fort Cumberland at Portsmouth. In 1867 and 1858 very considerable additions were made to the Barracks at Stonehouse, three passages being added to the main block and a new infirmary. The North Wing was not finished till 1864 and the fine Western Front with vane and clock not till 1867 and the Married Quarters in 1869.

At Chatham the Barracks were enlarged to their present boundaries in 1862; the C, D, E and F Blocks were added in 1864. A and B Blocks and the Paymaster's Offices and Quartermasters' Stores were added in 1866, and in 1867 the single Officers' Quarters and the Field Officers' Houses.

1858. Colours - New Colours were presented to all Divisions 40. These departed from the 1827 design in many particulars and were evolved by the Heralds College according to recent Army regulations. No ceremony was observed in their presentations, which were mostly made at the DAG's Inspections.(Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1858. Following the outbreak of war in the Crimea in 1854 and the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the British Regular garrison personnel in Canada had been stripped almost bare. The Canadian Militia Act of 1855 made the Dominion Government responsible for the defence of Canada through its Volunteer Rifle, Infantry. Cavalry and Artillery companies and promised that a standing or regular army would be raised some time in the future. The volunteer movement started off at a most successful pace and would continue to do so for many years to come. One area of defence had been overlooked, that of defending the Great Lakes and inland waterways that separated Eastern Canada and the northern United States. With civil war raging to the south of Canada between the United States and the Confederate States, tensions mounted along the border. In the fall of 1861 the US Coast Guard made a grave error in stopping the Royal Mail steam packet Trent on the high seas and removing two Confederate consular officials at gun point. This action almost brought Great Britain into the conflict on the Confederate side. The defence of the Great Lakes now assumed importance and its establishment was necessary in the extreme with the nearest Royal Navy assistance as far, east as Nova Scotia in Halifax.

The Militia Department again turned to its citizen soldiers, sought and received Volunteer Marine and Naval companies to carry out the defence of the Great Lakes and inland waterways. The majority of companies formed for what was termed Marine Militia were originally styled Marine Companies; however most had assumed the title Naval Company by April 1863. These companies were uniformed similar to the Royal Navy, trained in seamanship and naval gunnery where possible, and also trained as infantry. They were issued with short model Snider-Enfield and cutlasses. Between the years 1862 and 1879, eleven Naval Companies and one Naval Brigade were formed. As relations between Great Britain, Canada and the United States returned to normal prior to the close of hostilities between Union and Confederate armies in 1865, the need for the Marine Militia lessened. However, the Fenian forays into Canada from the north eastern United States in 1866 proved their value.

The Naval Companies called out for service during the Fenian raids in Upper Canada (Ontario) were the Port Stanley, Garden Island, Toronto. Dunnville and Hamilton Naval Companies. Their vessels included the Rescue, W T Robb, Magnet and Michigan. A total of fifteen vessels were used, part in patrolling the lakes and others in transporting men, supplies and other items of war stores and equipment. Both the Rescue and the Michigan were armed with two Armstrong guns (both 9 and 12 pounders) and manned by sailors and marines from HMS Aurora, hove to in Quebec. Pending the arrival of seasoned seamen from the Royal Navy, the provincial government chartered tugs and steam vessels, which, manned by Marine Militia, were relieved by Royal Navy sailors who provided the fighting crews while the Canadians provided the navigating crews. On the arrival home of the Marine Militia. General Napier specially thanked members of the Marine Militia for their services and for the creditable manner in which they had done their duty. The Adjutant General of the Canadian Militia dispatched the following letter to Captain McMaster of the Toronto Naval Company:

'1 am directed by General Napier CB, Commanding Her Majesty's Forces and Volunteers, Canada West, to express to you his thanks for the efficient services rendered by the Naval Brigade under your command.(Sic)

1858. January - February. Operations on West Coast of Africa.

1858. Tuesday 5th January. Canton entered and Commissioner Yeh taken.

1858. Wednesday 17th February. The assault of fort at Handipore.

1858. Friday 26th February. The battle of Phoolpore.

1858. Tuesday2nd March. Fort Betwa. Lieutenant Pym and detachment of HMS Pearl.

1858. Thursday 20th May. Taku Forts destroyed by Sir M. Seymour.

1858. Friday 21st May. The capture of the Petho Forts.

1858. Wednesday 2nd June - Thursday 3rd June. The battle at White Cloud Mountain near Canton.

1858. Tuesday 15th June. Massacre at Jeddah.

1858. Friday 18th June. Action at Hurryah in India.

1858. Sunday 25th - 26th July. Bombardment of Jeddah by Commodore Pullen.

1858. Wednesday 4th August. Staunch attacked pirate junks at Taon Pung.

1858. Wednesday 11th August. The taking of Nan-Tow.

1858. Monday 23rd August. Cresswell destroyed or took junks at Sing Ting.

1858. Thursday 26th August - 3rd September. Operations by Magicienne, Inflexible, Plover and Algerine against pirates near Coulan.

1858. Tuesday 14th September. The relief of Bhansl.

1858. November. Nankin bombarded and batteries destroyed.

1858. November. Chinese rebels defeated at Nyan King.

1859. Saturday 25th June. The attack on the Peiho forts.

1859. Saturday 8th January. The capture of Shek-Tseng.

1859. Tuesday 12th April. An Order-in-Council 39 footing, by forming them into a separate Division to be called the Artillery Division of the Royal Marines with the same staff and advantages as the other Divisional Headquarters". The officers however still remained on the general list of the Corps, and the men were drawn from the general recruits and were called 'volunteers for the RMA. (Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1859. Saturday 25th - 26th June. Attempt to force passage of Peiho. Cormorant, Plover and Lee lost.

1859. Saturday 22nd October. By Order-in-Council, a Commandant, Barrack master, Paymaster, Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon, and another Adjutant, Lieutenant and Quartermaster, and one Quartermaster were allowed; the strength of the Artillery Companies being 2,992 as against an Infantry Divisional strength of 3,472 each.

The wording of the Order-in-Council says: ''The Artillery companies have hitherto been attached to the Portsmouth Division; but the present establishment of Artillery Companies being nearly equal to the strength of a Divisional Headquarters, much inconvenience is felt at Portsmouth, in consequence of all arrangements for the accounts of the said Companies having to pass through the Commandant of that Division; and this inconvenience is now greatly increased, as the Artillery Companies are stationed at a considerable distance from the Headquarters of the Division, and on the opposite side of Portsmouth Harbour. It will therefore be desirable, for the benefit of the Corps generally, to place the Artillery Companies on a more efficient 40 to 41. (Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1859. Saturday 22nd October. The formation of a separate Royal Marine Artillery Division.

1859 – 1872. The Island of San Juan. In 1855 as it seemed impossible for Canada and the United States to settle definitely to which this island belonged, a provisional agreement was made under which it was jointly occupied by a small garrison from each nation. In 1859 however, General Harney the C.O. in Washington Territory largely reinforced the Americans contingent and made an unqualified declaration that the Island belonged to the United States. This brought a British squadron on the scene which, after some negotiation between the British and the United States Government, was withdrawn on the understanding that the joint occupation by small bodies of troops should be continued for the present. General Harning was removed from his commanded in 1860, and for the next twelve years the British government was represented by a detachment of Royal Marines, its first commanding officer being Captain George Bazalgette. The British and the American detachments continued on terms of good fellowship until their two governments decided to have the question of ownership of the Island arbitrated upon by the German Emperor, who on Monday 21st October 1872 decided in favour of the United States. The Royal Marines detachment then commanded by Captain W.A. Delacombe, evacuated the Island on the 22nd of the following month. The old block house erected by the Royal Marines to protect their camp on the shore was still standing in 1905 and was still a source of much interest to tourists. The sites of both the British and the American camps are now marked by marble and granite columns with suitable inscriptions.

1859. The numbers were 16,995, in 112 Divisional and 16 Artillery Companies. - (Order-in-Council Saturday 30 April). A considerable increase in officers was effected41 by placing all the Adjutants, Quartermasters, Gunnery and Musketry Instructors on the Staff, instead of being borne on the strength of the Companies as hitherto.

RMA Division - The great event of the- year was the creation of the separate Artillery Division, but the formation of the RMA as a separate Corps did not take place for another three years. (Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1859 \- 1919. The Marines uniform of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1860. Wednesday 28th March. Brigade from Niger took a Pah at Omata.

1860. Wednesday 27th June. The Fight at Pukitakaneri in New Zealand.

1860. Friday 6th July. The gun vessel HMS Leven was anchored close to HMS Acteon in Hula Shan Bay, about 60 miles north of Port Arthur. Lieutenant Arthur, after whom the Port Arthur was named, was in command of the Leveri. As he was sitting at breakfast with the second master a pistol shot was fired at him through the skylight by his servant, a marine, who was in trouble owing to some irregularity in connection with the Commanding Officer's wine. The following extracts are taken from a contemporary Journal kept by an officer:

'July 9th, 8.30am - Lieutenant Commander dangerously wounded, and second master wounded, by pistol shots fired by a Marine. Sent to Acteon for assistance.

10.45am - weighed and proceeded under steam. 7pm rounded Liau-ti-Shan.

July 10th, 2.15am - anchored in Ta-Liau-Wan (Dalny).

July 12th, 8am - sent ship's company to attend a court martial;

2.30pm court martial concluded - prisoner condemned to death.

July 13th, I pm - beats of all ships assembled round to witness execution;

1.3Opm - prisoner executed by hanging by the neck from the fore yardarm starboard side;

2pm - lowered the body; enclosed same in two hammocks.

July 14th, 4.30 am - weighed and proceeded out of Ta-Liau-Wan;

6.40am - committed the remains of the late Private John Dalliger to the deep, Cape Rock bearing S.E. 1 miles. Expended hammocks 2, round shot 10.'

From the book 'Michael Bray' by 'Taffrail'. (Sic)

1860. Friday 13th July. The last man to be hanged from the yardarm in the Royal Navy was Marine John Dallinger, aboard HMS Leven in the River Yangtze, China. Dallinger had been found guilty of two attempted murders.

1860. Tuesday 21st August. The storming of the Peiho forts.

1860. Thursday 23rd August. Surrender of Tienstsin to Coromandel and consorts.

1860. August. Battery at Tangkoo stormed and junks destoyed.

1860. Tuesday 18th September. The fight at Chang-Kia-Wan.

1860. Friday 21st September. The fight at Tung Chow by the Britsh squadron.

1860. Saturday 13th October. The taking of Pekin.

1860. A battery of mounted Royal Marines fought in Mexico during the Civil War.

1860. Captain Edward Lawes Pym RMLI. Testimonials of Service. Since Marines (whatever their name, i.e.'! Marines", "Naval Infantry", "Infanteria de Marina", "Corps do Fuzilerios", etc) have been raised, they have combined unique qualities and skills which have made them invaluable for general and specialized duties. Initially combining the expertise of land soldiers and sailors of the sea, in the 20th Century, they have added various skills associated directly or indirectly with the air. Thus governments or their military representatives in various operational areas or stations have used Marines in a variety of ways to accomplish diversion missions. To them has devolved many tasks not necessarily associated with their primary expertise linked to their being "soldiers of the sea". Not only have they been given such assignments, but Marines have been expected to accomplish them; these expectations come from the governments they serve, their commanders, and of course the general public.

Through the centuries, expected and unexpected missions have come in all parts of the world, in various locations, amongst various peoples, and within many cultures. As time passes, most of these have been forgotten. But the expectations, demands, and concepts remain. This

was true when such missions have been assigned in America, Africa, China, Korea, the Middle East, or Europe in the 17th to 20th Centuries, or in the last decade in such diverse places as Beirut, Lebanon or Northern Ireland.

The below citations refer to duty Royal Marines performed in Canton, China, between 1858-1860. Although the reference is to their commander, the then Captain Edward Lawes Pym, the personalized praise of course is a tribute to the service of all Marines who served under

him. Although the dates, places, and events described refer to a China of the mid-19th Century, in concept the tasks, dangers, and accomplishments are equally applicable to the recent past, contemporary present, or possible future.

Below are reproduced two testimonials to Captain Pym. These were found in his record of service, placed there at his request in 1875. There they have remained until today. They can be found in the Public Record Office, in the Records of Service, Royal Marine Officers, ADM 196/59, p. 121. After the two letters are details of the career of General Pym in the Royal Marines, extracted from his record of service. These present, al-be-it in abbreviated from, some sense of the type of career he had in the Corps of the 19th Century as it slowly made the transition into the "modern era" of military professionalism, warfare linked to major technological advances, and the mass conflict in which the total resources of both state and society were committed to victory or defeat.

The praise is not just diplomatic language from inexperienced officials. The British author of Testimonial 1, (Sir) Harry S Parkes, had extensive experience in Asia, especially China, His detailed biography can be found in the Dictionary of National Biography, Volume XLIII, pp. 296-304 (published in 1895). The addressee of Testimonial No 1, and the writer of Testimonial No 2, Major General Sir Charles T Van Straubenzee, KCB, likewise was experienced in colonial service and wars, to include extensive duty in India and China; his detailed biography can be found in the Dictionary of National Biography, Volume LVIII, pp. 146-147 (published in 1899). (Sic) (By Lt Cal Donald F Bittner TJSMCR (RMHS). 1861. The Royal Marines moved into the existing barracks at Deal in Kent. Sometimes referred to as the Walmer Barracks. They consisted of adjacent Cavalry and Infantry barracks, and separate hospitals for the Army and Navy, later to be known as the South Barracks. The hospitals were also turned into Barracks and were known as North and East Barracks.

1861 \- 1865. The Maori Wars in New Zealand.

1861. Wednesday 2nd January. The Band of the Royal Marine Artillery, Bandmaster Thomas Smyth, was formed at Fort Cumberland Portsmouth.

1861. Thursday 21st February. Saba in Gambia.

1861. Monday 25th February. Porto Novo in Lagos. Royal Marines and seamen from HMS Brune, HMS Bloodhound and HMS Alecto.

1861. Thursday 25th April. Battle of Saba. Brune, Bloodhound, and Alecto engaged.

1861. Friday 26th April. Enemy defeated at Porto Novo. Brune, Bloodhound, and Alecto engaged.

1861. Saturday 4th May. Depot Royal Marines. There appears to have been a detachment of Royal Marines at Deal; but on Tuesday 7th May of that year the CO, Lieutenant Colonel W R Maxwell is addressed as Commanding Depot RM Deal, so that it is evident that the decision to form a depot for training recruits had been made, and steps were promptly taken to carry it out. On Wednesday 8th May detachments from Chatham and Woolwich Divisions were sent for duty, shortly after followed by 100 Recruits from each Division to commence training. They were accommodated in the East Barracks and by August of that year the Depot was in full swing. All recruits for the Corps were sent there, those of the requisite standard being allowed to volunteer for the RMA, until the removal of the RMA Company in 1897 to Eastney. At first the Depot was commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel, but later by a Colonel Second Commandant. As it expanded they took over the South and Cavalry Barracks, and later the North Barracks was built.

1861. Tuesday 10th December. Attack on Massougha. Brune, Bloodhound, and Alecto engaged.

1861. Thursday 19th December. Attack on Madonika. Brune, Bloodhound, and Alecto engaged.

1861 \- 1862. A Royal Marine Battalion served in Mexico. England, France and Spain sent combined expeditions to demand guarantee for the safety of their subjects living in Mexico, and to urge their claims to the repayment of money borrowed by the Mexican Government, which had recently suspended payment. The British Contingent consisted of 4 officers and 63 RMA gunners and 28 Officers, N.C.O.s and Privates of the RMLI Lieutenant Colonel S.N. Lower RMLI was in Command. On Wednesday 8th January 1982 the combined expedition consisting of 600 Spanish and 2,600 French troops besides the British Marines landed and occupied Vera Cruz. The French had already 5,600 men in Mexico, and their claims on the Mexican Government became so extortionate that the British and Spanish Governments withdrew their troops on receiving a promise of repayment of the sums their countries had advanced, and the Royal Marine Battalion returned home disappointed in its expectation of seeing active service.

1862. Friday 11th April. An act to enable Her Majesty to issue Commissions to officer of Her Majesty's Land Forces and Royal Marines, and to Adjutants and Quartermasters of Her Militia and Volunteer Forces, without affixing Her Royal Sign Manual thereto.

1862. Thursday 1st May. Ningpo stormed and carried by Naval brigade ashore.

1862. Monday 12th May. Tsingpoo stormed.

1862. Saturday 17th May. Najaor captured.

1862. Friday 24th October. Kahding stormed and captured.

1862. The RMA & RMLI became a separate Corps.

1862 \- 1870. The last small force of Marines served at Cape York in Northern Queensland Australian.

1862. The Marines name was once again slightly altered to that of the Royal Marine Light Infantry.

1862. We have all heard the haunting song, 'The Last Post.' It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song?

If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings. Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as 'The Last Post' used at military funerals was born.

The words are:

Day is done.

Gone the sun.

From the lakes.

From the hills.

From the sky.

All is well.

Safely rest.

God is nigh.

Fading light.

Dims the sight.

And a star.

Gems the sky.

Gleaming bright.

From afar.

Drawing nigh.

Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.

For our days.

Neath the sun.

Neath the stars.

Neath the sky.

As we go.

This we know.

God is nigh.

I too have felt the chills while listening to 'The Last Post'. But I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either, so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before. Remember those lost and harmed while serving their country. Also remember those who have served and returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

Author Wayne Fitzgerald. Editor of Cosantóir Magazine. (Irish Defence Forces Magazine)

1863 \- 1865. Operations in Japan involved a Royal Marine Battalion and Fleet Marines who occupied the batteries at Simonoski and were involved in other landings.

1863. Saturday 1st August. Reconnaissance of Paparoa. (Brigade from Harrier).

1863. Saturday 15th August. The bombardment of Kagoshima in Japan.

1863. Monday 16th - 25th November. Miranda and Esk in Thames, New Zealand.

1863. Friday 20th November. The capture of Rangariri Pah in New Zealand.

1864. Eastney Barracks was first occupied.

1864. Monday 22nd February. The Maories were defeated at Ta Awamuta and Rangiawhia.

1864. Thursday 28th April. Maketu shelled by Falcon and evacuated.

1864. Friday 29th April. The attack on the Gate Pah near Tauranga.

1864. Friday 29th April. Assault on Te Papa, Brigade repulsed.

Lieutenant Robert J. Pascoe. C.O.

Sergeant Morris Guiver. Acting Store keeper.

Corporal Daniel Dent. Supervising.

Charles Jarvis. Charles Jarvis.

Edgar Baxter. Shepherd.

Samuel Wilkinson. Carpenter.

Alias Barnes. Labourer.

Thomas Colwell. Drayman.

William O'Regan. Labourer.

George Tucker. Labourer.

John Saich. Labourer.

John Smith. Carpenter.

Edward Wallis. Carpenter.

William Carmichael. Supervisor Lance Corporal.

Chas Copley. Gardener.

Thomas Rice. Blacksmith.

James Bosworth. Carpenter.

Richard Whele. Carpenter.

William Timms. Labourer.

1864. August - July. A Royal Marine detachment commanded by Lieutenant Robert J. Pascoe RMLI (a Chatham Officer) and twenty men from Portsmouth, having been seconded and arrived at the Somerset settlement on Cape York in Northern Queensland Australia. (a distance of 7600 miles). They were to spend the next three years in isolation. The Officer and four men eventually returned to Sheerness in the UK on Wednesday 18th December 1867. While seven Marines chose to stay in Australia and did not leave until Monday 27th January 1868 when they were picked up by HMS Virgo.

The Somerset Settlement Royal Marine detachment.

1864. Sunday 21st August. On the official Foundation of the settlement of Somerset on Cape York in Northern Queensland Australia, a guard of honour was formed by the Royal Marines, in full uniform with Commander the Honourable J. Carnegie representing the Imperial Government. Mr John Jardine, the Police magistrate represented the Queensland government. The 17 year old Royal Marine bugler C. Clayton, sounded the appropriate bugle calls, and the settlement was founded. Somerset was unique at the time being the only port on the Queensland coast created for reasons other than as an export location of primary produce.

The early days of Somerset were far from peaceful. It is recorded that five Marines were speared at different times. One of these was Marine John Saich who, whilst on sentry duty, was speared and killed. Saich was the youngest of the Marines at only 22. He was to be the only Marine who was to lose his life at Somerset. The first few months proved to be the most vulnerable for the Marines. Having travelled from England to a new and very different environment a time of adjustment was required. It has been said that the Marines, having been trained to fight from the deck of a warship, they were no match for the Aborigines in their native bush. With no further deaths or wounding's of Marines after the first few months, it would be difficult to sustain this argument. Acclimatisation was necessary and the Marines were no exception. Subjected to a minimum of supervision and parade ground routine, the undress uniform would have been the 'rig of the day' for much of the time.

James Bosworth. RMLI. Age 27 Cost of discharge £20 Died NSW 1916 Wife Elizabeth Belligen.

Charles Jarvis. RMLI. Age 38 Cost of discharge £15.

Johnathon Lawton RMLI. Age 26 Cost of discharge £20 Died NSW 1874 Wife Mary Darcy.

Thomas Rice. RMLI. Age 39 Cost of discharge £20 Wife Tereasa.

John Smith. RMLI. Age 25 Cost of discharge £20.

Richard Whele. RMLI. Age 25 Cost of discharge £20.

William Young. RMLI. Age 25 Cost of discharge £20.

Royal Marines who remained at th Somerset settlement for passage to Sydney and eventually discharge.

1864. The Rifle used by the Royal Marines at this time was the .577 Enfield percussion musket.

1864. Monday 5th - Tuesday 6th September. Action with the Japanese at Simonoseki. Lieutenant Cononel Suther and 2 battalions of Royal Marines.

1864. Wednesday 7th September. HMS Salamanda left the Somerset settlement (Cape York in Northern Queensland Australia) to return south, leaving the settlers and Royal Marines on their own with no support. The first serious problem arose with the Aboriginals the day after HMS Salamander departed. Corporal Daniel Dent and Marine John Smith were attacked by a group of Aboriginals. Dent was found by John Jardine, after his son had raised the alarm, running back to the settlement with a spear protruding from his shoulder. On arrival back at the camp it was discovered that Smith was quite seriously wounded, with two spear wounds, one spear had entered the right breast, passed through the ribs and had punctured a lung. Doctor Richard Cannon treated both men, and decided that Smith should be returned south to Sydney military hospital at the first opportunity. Jardine had seen the perpetrators of the attack and had recognised six of them. The next day Jardine with a party of Marines set out in the 30 foot whale boat to look for the Aboriginals who had attacked the two Marines. A canoe was seen and the occupants identified as the six they were seeking. They were shot and killed by the Marines and the canoe confiscated. Upon their return, Jardine gave the canoe to the Gudang tribe who were surprised as they had no missing canoes.

Not only had the Marine Detachment at Somerset been isolated, but the Salamander's crew had also felt insolated from the Royal Navy. Desertions and Absence Without Leave had been very high on the Salamander. During her three years stay these offences had been committed 104 times.

HMS Salamander Royal Marines detachment:

C/Sergeant John Bartley RMLI.

Corporal James Caines RMLI.

Bugler Charles Clayton RMLI.

John Evans RMLI.

John Brennan RMLI. AWOL 13th June 1864.

Joseph Easling RMLI.

Thomas Morris RMLI. AWOL 4th November 1864.

Edward Wigfall RMLI. Died 24th April 1865 Brisbane hospital.

Thomas Jarrett RMLI. Invalided to England 14th December 1865.

Henry Brown RMLI.

George Winter RMLI. Died Typhus 6th November 1867.

William Seaman RMLI. AWOL 13th October 1864.

Daniel Armstrong RMLI.

John Davis RMLI. AWOL 18th October 1864.

Peter McCarthy RMLI.

Robert Leitch RMLI. AWOL 7th March 1865.

John West RMLI. AWOL 7th March 1865.

Mathew Waterfield RMLI. Pensioned 29th June 1866.

Daniel Hambleton RMLI. On return to England in Hasler Hospital.

William Biggs RMLI.

William Young RMLI. Transferred to Somerset detachment.

1864. Friday 21st October. The official founding of the new colony at Somerset in North Queensland Australia, policed by a detachment of Royal Marines.

1865. Sunday 5th February. Edward Nicolls RM died at his residence in Blackheath, London. His widow, Lady Eleanor Nicolls, survived her husband by 15 years. Having suffered an injury in an accident at home on 14th November 1880, she died ten days later at the age of 88.

Promotions, awards, and titles:

Nicolls's promotions are noted in the Hart's Annual Army List editions of 1840 through 1865. The commissions of 18th and 19th century officers of British Marines were issued by appointment and promotions in the Corps respected seniority. Appointments and promotions were not open to purchase.

Second Lieutenant (H.M. Marine Forces) Tuesday 24th March 1795.

First Lieutenant (H.M. Marine Forces) Wednesday 27th January 1796.

Note: His Majesty's Royal Marine Forces were redesignated as the Royal Marines (RM) by George III in 1802. In 1855 the Royal Marines became the Royal Marines Light Infantry (RMLI). In 1862 their title was again modified to become the Royal Marine Light Infantry. Sir Edward Nicolls retired from the Royal Marines in 1835 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

For his dashing courage in the action of Saturday 5th November 1803, 1st Lt Nicolls was awarded by the committee of Lloyds with a sword valued at £30. On the same occasion a naval officer who had taken no part in the action was promoted in rank by application to the Admiralty.

Captain (Royal Marines) Thursday 25th July 1805.

Specially mentioned in the 'Gazette' in 1807, 1808, and 1809. Major by Brevet (British Army List) Wednesday 8th August 1810.

Lieutenant Colonel (Local Rank by authority of Vice Admiral Cochrane as Commander of a "battalion" of the Corps of Colonial Marines, from July 1814 in the Bahamas until after his departure from Spanish West Florida in May 1815.

Awarded a pension of £250 annually on Thursday 28th December 1815 for a total of 24 serious battle wounds suffered; and awarded a 2nd sword by Britain's Patriotic Fund. Lieutenant Colonel by Brevet (British Army List) Thursday 12th August 1819.

Although a titular (Brevet) Lieutenant Colonel on the British Army List, for purposes of seniority, and receiving an additional pension for serious wounds from 1815 on, General Edward Nicolls was paid as a Royal Marines Captain from 1805 until 1823. While Commandant of the garrison on Ascension, and later at Fernando Po, he received the pay of a British Army Lieutenant Colonel. Major (Royal Marines) confirmed Thursday 8th May 1828;

Major (Royal Marines) on reserve half pay status from Wednesday 8th April 1829 until Friday 15th May 1835 when placed in the retired full-pay status of a Royal Marines Lieutenant Colonel.

Friday 15th May 1835 Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel (Royal Marines) on full retired pay Tuesday 3rd November 1840 War Office (Brevet) of Colonel (British Army List), to date from Tuesday 10th January 1837.

Awarded a good-service pension of £150-a-year on Thursday 30th June 1842. Major General (British Army List) Monday 9th November 1846.

Lieutenant General (British Army List) Tuesday 20th June 1854.

Wednesday 20th June 1855 Brevetted General (British Army List) to date from Tuesday 28th November 1854 in conformity with Her Majesty's Order in Council of the Wednesday 13th September 1854.

Knight Commander of the Bath. KCB Thursday 5th July 1855.

Edward Nicolls RM

1865. Friday 12th May. Boats of Wasp captured a slave dhow.

1866. Thursday 8th November. 'Prostitute, Pawn Shop and Parliament'. The Fate of a Group of Royal Marines Medals by Captain K 3 Douglas-Morris DL, RN (Member of RMHS)

Man made rules and regulations are never perfect, and changes to them might sometimes stem from peculiar happenings; this is one such story.

On 8th November 1866 at a Magistrate's Court in Plymouth a woman was brought before the local Justices of the Peace. She was Eliza Bourne, a prostitute who resided at the Post Office Inn, St Andrew Street. Her crime was somewhat different to that normally associated with her professional Work, for she was accused of:

"Pawning three silver medals and clasps, the property of Robert Luscombe, a Private,

Royal Marines, of 23 Company, contrary to Section 89 of the Marine Mutiny Act."

On the face of it, such a seemingly trivial and petty offence would not arouse a ripple of interest in the Court or elsewhere; but this misdemeanour was more of a rock than a pebble in the legal pond. Little did the two miscreants realise that their naughty venture would lead to a proposal to alter the Law of the land, and thus bring their names to this degree of prominence well over a century later. This curious case which escalated to an Act of Parliament came about in this manner.

In 1851, Robert Henry Luscombe lost his job as a Tinplate Worker when he was 20 years old, and unlike so many others seeking employment he found his height and physical bearing an attribute when applying for enlistment that same year in the Royal Marines. His subsequent service life was to include, ashore and afloat, combative action in the two successive wars in the Crimea and China, for which he was awarded three medals and a number of clasps commemorating various phases of those military operations. He was, however, constantly getting into trouble with authority, and knew his way round various gaols in differing parts of the country and ships; eleven times he was so incarcerated during his tenuous service in the Royal Corps.

In February 1866 he returned to the RM Barracks at Plymouth after spending the previous three years with the RM Battalion at Yokohama, Japan, where he took part in the destruction of Japanese batteries guarding the Straits on Simonoseki. By September of that year he was 'broke', having spent two more spells in confined circumstances totalling two months. It was at this time he devised a seemingly foolproof scheme to raise a little cash to sustain his desires.

His asset was his group of medals, but he was aware that he should not pawn his awards, which remained Government property as long as he still served actively in the Corps. He also seemed to know that pawnbrokers would not accept medals belonging to a marine, if he chose to break the former rule mentioned, since such dealers had no immediate wish to compound a felony, thereby subjecting themselves to possible imprisonment. To overcome such a direct approach with a high probability of failure, he devised a scheme which had every prospect of becoming a marketing success.

His plan was based on the correct hearsay knowledge that sailors could pawn their medals with absolute 'civil' immunity, to themselves and dealers. He was also fully cognisant of the fact that his three medals were officially issued un-named, and therefore it was impossible for anyone to tell if the group had been awarded to a sailor or a marine. With all this in mind, he then enlisted the aid of his friend Eliza Bourne who was induced to pawn his medals as those belonging to a sailor.

The obedient Eliza did as she was told, and one fine day she walked down to her local pawn shop in Frankfort Street, Plymouth, owned and run by Mr Moses Lyons. She pledged the medals and took the proceeds back to her inamorata, Marine Luscombe - her Bob. Shortly afterwards his scheme was uncovered; the official records miss out the denouement of this erring 'Leather Neck' - could it have been another kit muster or a ceremonial parade? Whatever the event, the Marines authorities soon destroyed his thin cover story for the loss, and Luscombe came clean with the full saga of his sale. Whereupon the marine provost section enlisted the assistance of the local Constabulary.

The Police went to visit the Pawn Shop, where on this first occasion they were met by an employee of Mr Lyons. This young man, in answer to their demands, immediately fetched the group of three medals in apparent innocence, showed them to his uniformed visitors, who seemed quite àatisfied and departed. The pledged articles were replaced in the shop, at least until Mr Lyons returned to hear the account of the recent visit by the 'law' to his premises.

A few days later the Police revisited Mr Lyon's establishment, and this time he was available in person to. answer their queries. With an air of complete innocence he denied ever having had the three medals, and went on in strong terms that he had absolutely no knowledge whatsoever of the medals to which the Police were referring. A search warrant was then sought and issued to the . infuriated officers of the law, and on this their third trip to the Pawn Shop, sought out the medals but to no avail. The 'cat and mouse' game between Pawbroker and Police was well underway, with Mr Lyons being the winner of this 'round'.

On the fourth and final visit by the Police they were conspicuously accompanied by Marine Luscombe and a Provost Sergeant RM. Luscombe had not forgotten his briefing, and the silence after entry to the premises was broken by his demand to see his medals and re-possess them. The wily pawnbroker acquiesced immediately to the first request, seeing it as the legal right of the owner. After a brief visit to his back parlour he re-appeared with the medallic trio consisting of a Crimea Medal with the clasps for Balaclava and Sebastopol, a Second China War Medal adorned by bars for action at Fatshan 1857, Canton 1857 and Taku Forts 1860, and finally the concomitant award given for the Crimean War by the Turkish Government. The errant marine identified the medals as the group, awarded to him, but to his insistent demands for re-possession the crafty pawnbroker gave equally forthright refusals, based on the belief that no-one could prove that the un-named medals belonged to anyone in particular, and that he had accepted them as being the property of a sailor which was certainly no crime. He won his point, and the Police and Military lost yet another skirmish when they retreated empty handed from territory distinguished by those three large balls hanging outside.

The scene was now set for legal action, with the Counsel for the Police posed with a difficult decision as to the tactics to be adopted in framing the 'charge'. His initial reaction was strongly to advise prosecution against Mr Moses Lyons for detaining the medals contrary to Section 89 of the Marine Mutiny Act, and no doubt as a revenge against a man who had seen fit to use his dubious rights in apparently obstructing Officers of the Law in the execution of their duty. The records show that this initial idea was discarded. A little time later, after more sober and less emotional reflection, Counsel thought that the Magistrates would not convict Moses, since he might honestly and properly state that he had received the articles in pledge as sailor's medals. Furthermore, if Moses was charged then Eliza Bourne could only aid his case if she as brought as a prosecution witness, and could not herself have been subsequently prosecuted if so employed.

Based on this logic, the 'charge' was brought against Luscombe's conspirator, the poor prostitute of the Post Office Inn, Eliza Bourne - and proved. Not only was Eliza found guilty, the medals were also proved to belong to Marine Luscombe, and the prosecution stressed this latter point to the Court. Application was made to the Magistrates for Mr Moses Lyon to be ordered to pass over the medals, and after considerable discussion by the Bench, which itself had found that Moses had more than a dubious case for retaining the group on two previous occasions, the request was eventually agreed. The three medals were then passed to the safe hands of Provost Sergeant Thorne RM in that courtroom.

Luscombe continued to serve in the Royal Marines for another eight years, mostly at sea in HM Ships Revenge, Invincible and Audacious He was invalided from the service whilst serving in the latter ship suffering from chronic ulcers and hepatitis on 10th April 1874. He died in Plymouth Hospital a little over six months later on 22nd November 1874. As to Whether Luscombe ever got his medals back, or if he did, whether he lost or pawned them again, well that part of history must remain a mystery. What we do know for certain is that at the time of his disability discharge from the Marines, an officer wrote on his papers: 'No record obtainable by Discharge Board of whether he is in possession or not of Medals' A somewhat sad but apt epitaph to this serviceman.

The effects of this naughty pawning episode did not lie dormant when the Courtroom closed that fateful day in November 1866. The 'case' had highlighted a legal nonsense as between Army and Royal Marines on the one hand, and the Royal Navy on the other. Shortly after conclusion of these events in the Court, the matter escalated to more exalted plains. This instance of 'case law', which had exposed the differing treatment of certain property of Sailors from that accorded to Marines, was written up at length by the the Colonel Commandant at Plymouth and sent to his Head Office, the Royal Marine Office in Spring Gardens, London. Colonel George Beatty had voiced his view that the Navy should adopt the robust rules prevailing in the Army and his Corps. We are left to guess whether or not he knew about the original reason for the Navy apparently scorning similar regulations, for which there were very justifiable reasons which will be exposed later in this text.

Upon receiving this letter, it is reasonable to assume that the Staff of the Deputy Adjutant General, Royal Marines, must have refreshed their memories of this subject and rare crime. Turning to Section 89 of the Marine Mutiny Act they would have seen the relevant passages were as follows:

Penalty of purchasing Soldier's necessaries, Stores, etc.

Any person who shall knowingly detain, buy, exchange or receive from any soldier, deserter or any other person, . or shall be employed by any soldier to sell Arms, Ammunition, Medals for Good Conduct or for distinguishment or other service, clothes, furniture, sheets or forage for any horses, etc.

Conviction of such an offence attracting a fine not exceeding £20, together with treble to value of the articles possessed, with the additional prospect of being committed to the common Gaol or House of Correction, there to be imprisoned with or without hard labour for a term not exceeding six calendar months as the convicting Justice should think fit.

The Royal Marine Office then put together all the facts and submitted them in a proposal to the Admiralty, where the subject was quickly recognised as inequitable treatment, due historically to the totally different method of employing sailors.

Up to 1853 sailors had been engaged to serve in the Navy on the hire and fire' principle, the personnel on the Lower Deck were in effect casual labour contracted to serve for a commission of three years' duration, at the end of which they were 'paid off' to shore as civilians. The laws of the Navy could only apply during the time the sailor was entered on the ship's books, and therefore any medal he received passed into his hands as his own possession when he was 'paid off', to do as he wished with as a civilian. Albeit he might well 'sign on' for another commission in a different ship within a few weeks and once again be subject to Naval rules, which certainly did not state that he must besport any medals he may have previously been awarded.

In 1853 sailors were given the option of serving continuously in the Navy for varying periods of time, as had been the case in the Army and Marines for nearly two centuries; but even now this more secure method of employment did not appeal to all sailors. A large number preferred to be 'hired and fired', since this gave them the opportunity to join the ship of their choice when they next went to sea - known 'flogging captains' could be avoided! Not until 1st January 1873 was the Royal Navy manned completely by a permanent professional force committed to terms of engagement from 7 to 20 years or more, with the introduction of 'Official Numbers' for all men already serving on ship's books and subsequently given to every new recruit.

But in 1866 the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty were well aware that they possessed two very different breeds of men, some short term casual labour, and others signed on for lengthy periods, which made the task of framing equitable rules difficult, let alone trying to bring this motley 'body of men' into line with the Army and Marines. The aid of the Solicitor to the Admiralty was sought, and in no time that office produced detailed proposals to produce the equality asked for.

This package of new rules was placed before a Sea Lord, Rear Admiral G A Seymour CB, MP, who neither agreed nor disagreed with the schedule of changes, but he did pen a minute stating that'. the proposal should be noted for consideration when the Naval Defence Act was brought forward for amendment in 1867" Unlike the Army and Marine Mutiny Acts which were usually debated and amended by Parliament at annual intervals, the more widely drawn Naval Defence Act (NDA) did not often come before members of the House of Commons for discussion and alteration. In fact the NDA was not brought before Parliament for debate and amendment until 28th July 1884, seventeen years later than the Admiral expected!

Nevertheless unseen by outsiders, Admiralty clerks worked hard on the Admiralty Solicitor's advice, and on End August 1869 saw the result of their work in an Act of Parliament (22 & 33 Victoria, Ch 57) under the heading 'Protection of Seaman's Clothing and Property', to be cited as "The Seaman's Clothing Act". The effect of this Act did not extend beyond the Dockyard Towns, and only affected seamen who had 'signed on' as continuous service men since 1853 for the protection of their property meaning, 'any clothes, slops, medals and necessaries for sailors on board ships which belong to any seamen.'

The Act showed that it was an offence for both the seller and the buyer to 'detain, buy, exchange, take on pawn' any 'seaman's property' with a penalty upon conviction, of a £20 fine or three months term of imprisonment. It is surely no coincidence that this Act followed so closely, the deeds of Marine Luscombe, Miss Eliza Bourne and Mr Moses Lyons three years earlier.

In 1879, when 'Queen's Rules and Admiralty Instructions' were first introduced, having been issued subsequent to the 'Queen's Instructions for Her Majesty's Service at Sea', the opportunity was taken to write in some mention of constraint upon men who were in possession of medals. The new punishment rule was concisely hidden away in Chapter 22, Article 680 which covered:

'Index of Offences and Maximum Summary Punishment' Section h (Headed) Hammocks, clothes and bedding:

Selling or making away with Medals or Clasps. No 5. (Penalty) (Punishment No 5 = Up to imprisonment for three months)

Editor's Note: It is with much regret that I heard of the death of Captain Kenneth Douglas-Morris since receiving this article. He has been a long and staunch member of the RMHS as well as a generous benefactor. At a recent Council meeting it was decided to set up 'The Douglas-Morris Bequest' with the £2,500 he bequeathed to the Society and use the interest for an an award for services to the Society."

1865. November. The Admiralty advised that the whole Detachment of Marines under Lieutenant Pascoe, stationed at Somerset, Cape York, to be borne for the future on the books of the HMS Curacoa which will bring them under the jurisdiction of the Commodore of the Station.'

1866. Registered Numbers. The prefix 'Depot', followed by a number of up to three digits (Depot/1-Depot/688), indicates a rank entered on the establishment of the Depot, Royal Marines Deal, between 1866 and 1931. Ranks would have originally had a Divisional number, i.e. with Prefix CH, PO or PLY, but on being accepted for the staff of the Depot, they were allocated a new register number; 'D' or 'Depot' followed by three digits. The last number so allocated was in fact Depot 1688, after which in 1925, in common with all other RN and RM numbers an 'X' was added. In 1931 this practice was discontinued and the final number of these was Depot/X 45. Records were then transferred to Chatham, Portsmouth or Plymouth Divisions as appropriate and the next available register numbers were allocated.

1866. Attack on Katif Forts, Persian Gulf.

1867. Tuesday 4th June 1867. HMS Salamander sailed from Sydney for England, via Brisbane, Somerset and Batavia.

Due to the high cost of maintaining the Royal Marines at Somerset, they were returned to Britain on board HMS Salamander and were replaced by Queensland Police Officers accompanied by three Native Police Troopers.

1867. Thursday 8th August. The following Royal Marines finally left the Somerset settlement in North Queensland Australia.

Lieutenant Robert J. Pascoe RMLI age 25.

Sargent Daniel Dent RMLI age 34.

Private Thomas Colwell RMLI age 31.

Private William O'ReganAge 35 (time expired).

Private Joseph Blake age 40 (time expired).

The National Archives records that many of the Royal Marine detachment took their discharge around 1867 - 1868. They may have found life better in Australia and made their homes there, or perhaps tried their luck in the goldfields or perhaps had just seen enough of military life. Five had bought themselves out, Four were Invalided and Two had died out of a group of Seventeen Privates.

1867. Wednesday 18th December. Lieutenant Robert J. Pascoe RMLI and four Marines who had been seconded to a settlement in Somerset on Cape York Northern Queensland Australia returned to Sheerness in England. However, seven Marines of the original detachment had chosen to stay in Australia.

1867. December - May. The British Expedition to Abyssinia was a punitive rescue expedition and carried out by the armed forces of the British Empire against the Ethiopian Empire. Emperor Tewodros II imprisoned several missionaries and two representatives of the British government in an attempt to blackmail the British government into giving him military assistance to protect his country. In response the British sent a large military expedition that struggled badly with the terrain and long distance it had to travel. However, the formidable obstacles were overcome by the Commander of the expedition, General Robert Napier, who was victorious in every contact against the Emperors troops, and eventually captured the Ethiopian capital and rescued all the hostages.

1867. With the arrival of the Royal Marine Light Infantry in 1867, the security and police functions of the Water Police were taken over at the various Royal Navy Establishments. The Royal Marines continued in this role until relieved by the Naval Dockyard Police when Garden Island, Darling Island, Spectacle Island and Cockatoo Island were handed over to the Royal Australian Navy on the 1st July 1913.

1867. The Royal Marines and the Eastney Barracks, was designed by William Scamp (assistant director, Admiralty Works Department), was built as headquarters for the Royal Marine Artillery, who moved in from Fort Cumberland in 1867.

After the amalgamation of the Royal Marine Light Infantry and Royal Marine Artillery in 1923, Forton Barracks was closed, and Eastney Barracks served as headquarters for the Portsmouth Division of the Corps. The series of seven linked blocks facing the sea forms the second longest barracks frontage in the country (after the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich). The ensemble has been called "the best and most complete barracks of the post-Crimean War period". Eastney Barracks remained the Corps Headquarters until 1995, when it was sold and converted to private housing. The Royal Marines Museum, established there in 1958, was accommodated in the former officers' mess at Eastney Barracks from 1972 to 2017.

1868. Monday 27th January. The seven Marines who chose to stay in 1867, at the Somerset settlement on Cape York in Northern Queensland Australia, were picked up by HMS Virgo and returned to Sherness in England.

1868. Friday 3rd January. Royal Marine Battalion in Ireland. Lieutenant Colonel John H. Steward in command.

1868. Friday 10th April. Enemy defeated at Arogie, Naval brigade ashore.

1868. Monday 13th April. The capture of Magdala. Detachments from HMS Dryad and HMS Satelite.

1868. November. Occupation of Yangchow.

1868. The punishments up to 1868 were flogging, drumming out and discharge with ignominy. flogging took place in rear of the barracks early in the day, but none since 1866.

Drummers used to do the flogging, for which they received three farthings a day. This was discontinued when flogging was abolished. Each drummer gave twelve strokes; if more were to be inflicted, the next drummer came in. The flogging was under control of the drum major, who gave the time each stroke should be given - generally every thirty seconds - in order that the drummer could disentangle his 'nine tails'. A doctor had charge of the man physically, and could stop the punishment at his discretion, as many did. Drummers used to practice flogging in their barrack room; the three farthings a day they got was called 'flogging money.' Drumming Out was a sad affair, in which the whole Division took part. After the victim had been stripped of his facings, ornaments, buttons, etc, by the drum-major in the centre of the parade, he was marched round the large square, formed by the men on parade, under the charge of the Provost Sergeant. The drums and fifes followed playing the 'Rogue's March', to the front gate when he would be handed over to the drum-major, who would take him into a small room to the side of the gate and there tattoo a B.C. on his left breast. The prisoner was then kicked out of the gate by the smallest drummer boy into the arms of a civil policeman, who took him away to gaol to do any imprisonment in addition awarded to him.

Discharge with Ignominy was similar to drumming out, but without the drumming. The man was simply stripped of ornaments, buttons, etc, tattooed, marched to the gate and kicked out. All these punishments were discontinued in 1868.

Pay was given out on parade, if fine, and under the colonnade if wet, three times a •week. There were no fires in the barrack-rooms, but hot pipes, and no meals were taken in the barrack-rooms, which were simply bedrooms.

The barracks being of nearly white brick, was played on by the boat's crew every Saturday. There were two fine colonnades, upper and lower. All meals were taken down in the basement, where the only fires were.

Passes, called the '11 o'clock passes' were the only ones given; no night passes, unless special. Belts, when going out after sunset, were not allowed to be worn, as they used to come into use in street fights, which did occur at times, if an unpopular regiment happened to be stationed at Woolwich, or a quarrelsome draft paid off from sea. It was quite a common sight to see Marines 'pay off' after being away on a four or five years commission, march into barracks looking half sailor and half marine, because in those days their clothing was not sent out to them as it is now, when a marine looks as smart coming home as he does going away.

The barracks were always full of men, as no large ships ever fitted out there. The last big ship commissioned at Woolwich Dockyard was the Bristol frigate, 42 guns, and the old line-of-battle ship Meemee three-decker, for China in 1868. She took a large draft, and the last Woolwich detachment to return to barracks from a large ship was that from the old Victoria, 104 guns, and now a coal hulk in Portsmouth. The detachment at Deptford was relieved every three months and was quite numerous. The annual sports were held on Woolwich Common.

The last wife of a Marine who embarked with her husband paid off early in 1865. Her name was Perry, whose son eventually became a drummer boy and her husband a nurse in the naval hospital. Her duties on board being more that of a laundress for officers' washing. 'Closing Memories of Woolwich Division'. by Sergeant Major T W Holdstock (Written in 1869).

1869. The earliest patent was granted for a process of rendering salt water fresh by distillation.

1869. Wednesday 17th March. The Woolwich Division is disbanded.

1870. Tuesday 29th November. Pensioner Reserve. The Seamen Pensioner Reserve was established, but the Royal Marine Pensioner Reserve not until Tuesday 25th June 1872, when special rates of pay whilst at drill were laid down.

1870. A Royal Marine Battalion in Japan.

1871. Actions with Malay pirates.

1872. Destruction of Carang.

1873. Friday 13th June. The defence of Elmina on the Gold Coast. Lieutenant Colonel Festing RMA, and 110 RMA and RMLL.

1873. August. Boat expedition up river Prah.

1873. Tuesday 14th October. Enemy routed at Essaman.

1873. Tuesday 14th October. Akimfoo and Ampenee destroyed.

1873. Monday 27th October - 3rd November. Ashantees defeated at Dunquah.

1873. Monday 27th - 28th October. March to Assayboo, Naval brigade ashore.

1873. Tuesday 28th October. Bootry shelled and fired by Argus and Decoy.

1873. Actions with Chusan pirates.

1873. Wednesday 5th November. The battle of Abrakampra repulsed.

1873 \- 1874. The Third Anglo Ashanti War, sometimes referred to as the First Ashanti Expedition. Kofi Karikari the King of Ashanti attempted to preserve his empire's last trade outlet to the sea at the old coastal fort of Elmina, which had come into British possession sometime between 1869 and 1872. In early 1873, the Ashanti army, a force of somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 warriors, crossed the Prah River. After attacking the Fante, a tribe under British protection, they headed for the coast. The Royal Navy was called in and sent some Marines and sailors to man the old slave forts. Elmina was held against a furious Ashanti assault. A river reconnaissance up the Prah was ambushed at Chamah and forced to retreat. A number of landings and naval bombardments were able to slow the Ashanti but not stop them. London realised that an army would have to be sent out to deal with the situation. In 1874, a small mixed contingent of Royal Marines Artillery with two mountain guns and two hundred war rockets, plus 110 Marines of the RMLI were sent to restore order in West Africa and in doing so defeated two thousand Ashanti warriors.

1873 \- 1874. 'Ashantee' Huggett. John, Gunner RMA. John Huggett was born about the year 1845 in the parish of East Grinstead, near the town of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. He was enlisted at Woolwich on the 30th July 1863 by Sergeant Major John Woon, RMLI. He stated his Trade was as a Labourer and that he was 18 years old. The option –"For what did you enlist" lists the reply of "For one pound and a free Kit"On the 31st July – He took his Oath of Attestation at Woolwich signing his own name and agreeing to serve for a period of 12 years. 1st August - His Medical Certificate Approval was signed and the Certificate of the Divisional Commander was also signed by J? Mitchell, the Colonel Commandant of the Woolwich Division. 1st April 1865 he transferred to the Royal Marine Artillery as a gunner. On 12th May 1873, he re-engaged (signing the Schedule (B) form) to serve an extra 9 years and complete his pensionable requirement, noting that he was a gunner in the 16th Company. Throughout his service in the RMA, his name appears at least 19 times in the Company Defaulters Book. He seems to have ended his service with 3 good conduct badges. His service is recorded on the national Archives under ADM 157/ 583. The final entry on his papers states D.D. (Discharged Dead) 9th June 1880. His Service Progression was:-Private 116 Company – His papers say 31st July 1864 (in error for 1863) to 1st April 1865 – 245 days (This should read 1 Year 245 days). RMA Gunner 16th Company – 2nd April 1865 to 9th May 1880 – Discharged Dead at Eastney. His service Afloat, consisted of time spent on the following ships:- HMS Zebra – 21st February 1867 to 9th May 1870.

HMS Donegal – 10th May 1870 to 30th September 1870. HMS Simoom – 16th July 1873 to 26th April 1874. His only medal is that for the Ashantee. I do not know if service with the R.M. Artillery was more stricter, or if he had an outside interest (drink or women?) but the Company's defaulter book records:- 21st April 1865 – Absent one night – Admonished 15th July 1865 – Absent 1 hour 45 mins from Tattoo – 3 days GSD 3rd August 1865 – Absent 25 mins from Tattoo – 2 days CB 2nd October 1865 – Absent 2 hours – 5 days GSD 17th October 1865 – Absent 20 mins from Tattoo – 3 days CB 31st October 1865 – Absent 1 night – 6 days GSD 10th November 1865 – Marching --? In the ranks – 3 days CB? 24th December 1865 – Absent 1 night – 7 days GSD 7th April 1866 – Dirty on parade – 3 days GSD 22nd July 1866 – 10 mins late on church Parade – 1 day GSD 5th September 1867 – Returning late off leave drunk – 5 days No. 11 A.P. 25th September 1868 – Breaking leave 24 hours - Admonished 26th December 1868 – Breaking leave 10 hours – Forfeit 1 days pay and 6 days leave stopped. 9th June 1869 – Breaking leave 23 hours - Forfeit 1 days pay and 23 days leave stopped, lose 1 G.C.B. 31st October 1869 – Drunk on shore at Shanghai – 7 days No. 10 section. 27th December 1869 – Breaking leave 15 hours – Forfeit 1 days pay and 10 days No. 11 section. 11th February 1870 – Breaking leave 12 hours – Forfeit 1 days pay, 2 days leave stopped and 10 days No. 11 section, deprived of 1 G.C. badge. 27th July 1870 – Absent 57 Hours? – 6 days cells, forfeit 3 days pay and 5 days leave. 14th August 1877 – Irregular Conduct in Highlands Road Eastney at 11.35 PM – Admonished. HMS Zebra – 21st February 1867 to 9th May 1870. 21st February – Joined HMS Zebra, a 17 gun (the newspapers of the time all seem to list the Zebra as a 7-gun ship) wooden screw Sloop/Corvette of 1860. The ship had been commissioned at Woolwich by Commander Edwin J Pollard on the 9th. 16th February – The Press reported, "The Zebra 17 gun steam sloop commissioned on the 9th by Commander Edwin John Pollard, has been allotted her complement of 170 warrant, petty officers and seamen, together with one colour-sergeant, one drummer and ten privates RMLI and one bombardier and three gunners RMA. The majority of the officers joined at Woolwich. 25th February – The ship having completed her crew of 170 and her detachment of Woolwich marines is expected to sail within the next few days. 5th March – The ship was ordered to proceed down the river for a trial trip and then to adjust her compasses at Greenhithe before leaving for China. 14th March – Having received the whole of her ammunition and stores the Zebra left Woolwich for Portsmouth and China. 16th March – Arrived at Spithead. 24th March - Sailed from Spithead. 25th March – Arrived at Devonport and was taken into the harbour on the 27th to have some defects made good, after encountering some bad weather on her way down the Channel. 31st March – Moved into Plymouth Sound and later in the night, sailed for China. 12th April - The ship was reported to be at Madeira by the Royal Mail Steamer 'Athenian'. August – Reported to be at Singapore 8th August – The screw steamer Armenian, left Singapore for Hong Kong. As she was proceeding through the straits, smoke was observed coming from below. Unable to see the problem due to the smoke, the hatches were battened down and the decks flooded. Finding that this did not help, the ship went about and come into collision with the Dutch Barque Johanna?. When she managed to regain the harbour where she receive assistance from the Zebra, Rifleman and the Petho?.December – The ship was based at Singapore 1868 January – At Singapore 21st January – Midshipman Haig rescued a man who had fallen into the water whilst returning onboard; awarded the Royal Humane Society's Bronze Medal 11th April – The British press reported that Commander Henry A. Trollope was to replace Commander Pollard in command of the Zebra. The Yangzhou riot of August 22–23, 1868 was a brief crisis in Anglo-Chinese relations during the late Qing Dynasty. The crisis was fomented by the gentry of Yangzhou who opposed the presence of foreign Christian missionaries in the city, who claimed that they were legally residing under the provisions of the Convention of Peking. Threats against the missionaries were circulated by large character posters placed around the city. Rumors followed that the foreigners were stealing babies and killing them to make medicine. The riot that resulted was a angry crowd of Chinese, estimated at eight to ten thousand who assaulted the premises of the British China Inland Mission in Yangzhou by looting, burning and attacking the missionaries led by Hudson Taylor. No one was killed, however several of the missionaries were injured as they were forced to flee for their lives.

The result of this outrage was one of the Douglas-Morris's no Medal Actions. Sir R. Alcock to Lord Stanley, Peking, October 12, 1868. – "I must now place the matter in the hands of the naval Commander-in-Chief, Sir Henry Keppel, and call upon him to repair the mischief by sending such a force to the mouth of the Grand Canal as shall enable him, if necessary, to apply effective pressure, both on the local authorities and populace at Yang-chow and on the Viceroy at Nanking", Admiral Keppel's response was to send Captain Algernon Heneage, to accompany Her Majesty's Consul to Nanking with the "Rodney" (Flag-ship), "Rinaldo," and "Slaney." With the Instructions, "You will make yourself acquainted with the force you are likely to encounter, and should it appear that a larger landing-party is required than can be afforded by Her Majesty's ships under your orders, reinforced by, the " Zebra " and " Icarus," you will apply to Captain Stanhope for such proportion of the Marines and small-arm men serving in the division under his orders as can be spared, informing him that it is my direction he immediately dispatches such force to banking in Her Majesty's ship "Adventurer;" 12th November - Captain Heneage of the Flag-ship HMS Rodney's report to Admiral Keppel included, "HMS Zebra arrived at Shanghai on the 7th and I directed Commander Trollope to join me at Nanking with his ship Admiral Keppel in his "A sailor's Life" Vol. 3 relates: "The Rinaldo, Commander Robinson, proceeded to Chinkiang and Nankin on September 3, conveying Mr. Consul Medhurst from Shanghai, whose representations resulted in a proclamation acknowledging the right of foreigners to reside in the country, and enjoining the people to respect them. A promise was also made of reparation to those who were injured. At this stage, Commander Bush of the Rinaldo, having an attack of illness, started off to Shanghai, leaving Mr. Medhurst in a house-boat to settle the affair. No sooner was the protection or prestige of the man-of-war removed than the Chinese authorities became insolent, refusing to grant the Consul the interview he had a right to demand, and withdrew all their previous concessions. I had left the Rodney at Shanghai, with instructions to Captain Heneage to carry out the views of the Consul, Mr. (afterwards Sir Walter) Medhurst, and render him every support. Directions were also given to prepare such a force as would overawe the troublesome Tontais in Formosa. Captain Heneage proceeded in Rodney, Rinaldo, and Slaney in company, to Nankin, where he was reinforced by Lord Charles Scott in the Icarus and the Zebra, Commander Trollope. Mr. Medhurst was on board the Rodney. It became apparent that the Viceroy, Tseng Kuofau, rested his faith on diplomatic fencing. The first step of our diplomacy was to seize the Chinese screw gunboat Tien Chi as a material guarantee for fulfilment of the claims of our Consul. One of these was that proclamations engraved on stone should be 1868, erected in the principal places, acknowledging the full right of Europeans to reside and exercise their calling. Compensation was demanded for the injuries inflicted on the persons and property of the missionaries; these and some minor demands were at once conceded, and the gun-boat was released. Subsequently the Consul, accompanied by a strong landing party from the ships, under the immediate command of Captain Heneage, proceeded to Yeng Cheow, where they remained until the Viceroy's concessions were enforced". November and December – Based at Shanghai 1869 10th April – The Zebra left Shanghai to tow down the Salamis which was reported to be on shore having lost her rudder. The Admiral and Lady Keppel were on the Salamis. 17th May – THE Ocean and Zebra were at Hiogo with the Rodney (Admiral Keppel) on her way up the Kii channel to join them. They were assembled off Ozaka (Osaka) to give a show of strength to the presentation of letters of credence to the Mikado from the British envoy Sir Harry Parkes, which took place on the 22nd, the British party being accompanied by 200 marines (100 each from HMS Rodney (flagship) and HMS Ocean). June – The ship was at Shanghai, a letter from one of her officers read, "It is a great pity there are not more commanding officers in the service like our Captain (Commander Trollope), who is beloved by all on board, officers and men and does all in his power to promote their happiness and comfort as far as the rules of the service will permit. Everyone on board is only too happy to do everything in their power to make the ship smart. He is a strict disciplinarian; nevertheless, we get on like a cutter going down the stream." 4th June – A dramatic entertainment was given on board the ship. June – Reported to be at Yokohama 2nd July – The ship was reported to be at Shanghai with the Opossum and Firm. The Zebra left towards the end of July. July – At Shanghai , then moved to Woosung The Zebra went down to Woosung where it was thought that the men would be exercised at target practice under canvas. August – The Zebra went to the aid of wrecked merchant ship Hamilla Mitchell, 100 miles to the north of Shanghai ("The British ship 'Hamilla Mitchell', belonging to Glasgow, outward bound from London to Shanghai, has been wrecked on the Leuconna Rock, within 130 miles of her destination, with a cargo valued at £150,000 and specie to the amount of £50,000. The 'Hamilla Mitchell' was a first-class iron ship, of nearly 1000 tons, owned by Thomas Mitchell, of Glasgow, and was commanded by Captain Branscombe. Lloyd's register describes her as having been built in Dundee in 1864, under special survey. She sailed from Gravesend on April 5th. The date of her loss is not mentioned, only the spot where it occurred, known as Leuconna Hammocks, a cluster of rocks in lat. 30.25 N., long. 122.33 E., in the fairway to the entrance to the river Yang-Tse-Kiang, and about 130 miles from Shanghai. The crew appeared to have saved themselves by the ship's boats and reached the port in safety)." Commander Trollope in the Zebra was sent to recover the treasure, which he refused to do unless the entire recovery work was placed in his hands and not the civil authorities, for which he offered to make himself responsible. However before anything could be agreed, the treasure was lost. On the 10th August a naval court was held at Shanghai to look into the case and after the matter had been investigated, Captain Trollope and the officers of the Zebra were exonerated from all blame. October? - The Zebra was at Woosung on the arrival of the Galatea with the Duke of Edinburgh on board. 25th November – (England) The Donegal which has been commissioned by Captain William Hewett VC for "temporary service", to take the new crew for the Ocean to China; the old crew to bring her home. Ocean would serve as flagship for Vice Admiral Sir Henry Kellett. She also embarked new men for the Rinaldo, Sylvia, Zebra "...the ship will have 1,200 souls on board when she sails". She will then return to England with the old ships crews. 1st December – The ship was at Yokohama. 1870 January – The ship was at Yokohama February – The ship was at Hiogo February – A party of officers went on an excursion to see the Moon Temple, taking their guns with them. On the way back Lieut. Hardinge of the Zebra fell while walking a precipitous path and dropped his gun which was loaded with buckshot, the gun discharged and some 12 to 15 of the shot entered his body. On the way back to Kobe they were met by Dr. Leaby and other officers who had come to help him. After treatment the following day he had started to recover. February – A stoker from the Havock (in March of 1870 the Havock was sold in Yokohama) and a Marine of the Zebra were roughly handled by some Sampau (Sampai or Sampan?) men while those vessels were on the coast of Japan. The stoker it was said is maimed for life and the marine was barbarously treated. March – The Zebra was at Nagasaki 4th April – The Zebra arrived at Nagasaki from Hiogo. 7th April – The ship sailed for Hong Kong, to pay-off and re-commission.

9th May ?– The Zebra paid off at Hong Kong. HMS Donegal – 10th May 1870 to 30th September 1870. 10th May – Joined HMS Donegal, a 101-gun screw-driven first-rate ship of the line of 1858, which had brought out new crews to several ships on the China station 24th May – The Donegal left Hong Kong for England. 2nd August – At the Cape of Good Hope. 15th August – At St Helena.22nd September – Arrived back at Portsmouth late in the day. She brought home from various ships on the China Station, 142 officers, 151 marines, 950 seamen and 21 invalids. 25th September – The ship commenced stripping in the morning, the ship was also inspected by Admiral Sir James Hope who mustered the men. Afterwards the ex-crew of the Ocean landed on the jetty and went through their manual and platoon exercises and sword exercise, under the command of Gunnery-Lieutenant Gye. 30th September – The Donegal paid off. HMS Simoom – 16th July 1873 to 26th April 1874. 16th July – Joined HMS Simoom an Ex-iron screw frigate launched in 1849 and converted to a troopship in 1852. 16th July – The Troopship Simoom (Captain Peile), after taking on board from the Royal Clarence Victualling-yard at Gosport, six months provisions for 1000 men and embarking detachments of Royal Marine Artillery and Light Infantry, all for Cape Coast Castle, went out of Portsmouth for Spithead, where she anchored to receive the troop and other ammunition. 17th July – The ship left Spithead for Africa. The detachment of Marine Artillery on board is under the command of Captain Crease and Lieut. Moore. The Simoom will call in at Plymouth Sound on her way down the Channel, to complete the numbers of Marine Light Infantry under orders to embark in her for conveyance to Cape Coast Castle. 23rd July – The ship passed Madeira.29th July – Sailed from St. Vincent, where she had put into for coal. The Marines she is taking to Cape Coast Castle are to reinforce Colonel Festing there.

3th August – The ship arrived at Freetown, Sierra Leone and leaving on the 5th, after taking on board a considerable number of live bullocks and as much fresh vegetables as could be procured for the troops on the Gold Coast. The ship arrived off Cape Coast Castle but as all was quiet the Marines remained on board the Simoom and would not be landed until they were required for active service. The Simoom is to be used as a hospital ship 9th August – The Simoom arrived at Cape Coast. 2nd October – Sir Garnet Wolseley arrived with his staff. At this time the senior naval officer on station was Captain Edmund Robert Fremantle of HMS Barracuda (Commodore Coommerell having been badly wounded on an attempt to ascend the river). 13th October – The Daily News Reported that, Sir Garnet Wolseley with a small force of 163 marines from the Simoom and 65 West Indian privates embarked in the Barracouta and Decoy for Elmina where they landed the next day reinforced with 46 officers and men from the Barracouta. Here they were joined by a party of 126 Houssas and a start was made for the village of Essaman. The force also included 29 members of the RMA. In his "Britain's Sea Soldiers" Colonel Field states these were under the command of Captain Crease, so it is possible that Huggett may well have been one of these men. After a brief fight, the British troops defeated the enemy and part of the detachment marched a 21 mile trek the villages of Ankwanda, Brenu Ankinim and Ampeni which were also destroyed and the force returned to Elmine in the evening of the same day. Captain Fremantle's despatch to the Admiralty dated 12th November –"On the 8th (October) I returned to Cape Coast with the General and his staff, a portion of the naval brigade returning in the evening. At the General's request, I left all the available men of the Simoom's detachment on shore, besides 40 seaman and 20 marines from the squadron, which were distributed as follows:-50 Marines at Abrakrampa, under Captain Allautt RMLI; 25 seamen and 25 marines at Assayboo under Lieutenant Evans of HMS Encounter; The remainder, amounting to 100 in equal proportions of seamen and marines at Dunquah, under Commander Stephens; Our men are apparently no longer urgently required ashore and it is probable that Commodore Hewett will withdraw all the blue-jackets and Marines belonging to the squadron leaving the effectives of the Simoom's detachment as a moral support for the natives". On the 18th of October in his full report he also stated, "The success of the days operations was much assisted by the admirable conduct of Captain John F. Crease RMA, and Captain Allnutt RMLI, in command of the men of the Simoom's detachment". The return of the Simoom's Marine casualties – Thomas Welsh private, gunshot wound to upper right arm (severe); Thomas Brodrick, private, gunshot wound to left testicle (Severe as slug lodged); Number of officers and men landed from Simoom; 127? 5th December – News from the Gold Coast included, "The sanitary reports from Cape Coast castle are still very unsatisfactory. Most of the marines and blue-jackets put ashore from the Simoom had been down with Coast fever. 27th December – A correspondent reported that; "Out of the 300? Marines who went out in the Simoom, who bore all the heat and burden and all the exposure of the first collision with the enemy in the bush, it is said that only two officers and four men remain uninvalided". A second press report noted that Captain Crease RMA had been invalided to Ascension.

1874 It would seem that the marines taken out by the Simoom were most likely used as guards for various locations, or to strengthen the defences at Cape Coast Castle. I have been unable to be sure of how they rejoined the ship for their return to England. Were they picked up by the Simoom or were they taken to her at St Vincent or Ascension? 9th April – The Simoom left St Vincent for Portsmouth. 25th April - The Simoom arrived back at Spithead and come into Portsmouth harbour the next day, to discharge her supernumerary passengers Marines) and invalids. The marine detachment sent out in the Simoom for service on the Gold Coast numbered 200 and the difference between this later number and that of the men who now arrived home in the ship is represented by the men invalided. The Marines on being landed proceeded to their divisions at Eastney Barracks, Plymouth and Chatham. 9th May 1880 – Discharged Dead at Eastney The press reported "Fatal Poisoning Case at Eastney" – "A shocking case of accidental poisoning took place at Eastney Barracks, on Saturday (8th May) night, which resulted in the death of a gunner in the Royal Marine Artillery, named John Huggett and the serious injury of three other persons. It appears that the deceased and his wife, in company with a comrade and his wife named Bonner, had been out drinking Saturday evening and were eventually requested to leave the "Eastney Cellars" by the landlord, it being closing time. On the road home they procured a quart of whiskey and on reaching the barracks they proceeded to the dispensary, where Bonner is employed as an assistant and commenced drinking the whiskey. Upon drinking a portion of the spirit, Huggett? (Bonner) and the two women became very sick and commenced vomiting but the deceased, who was the last to drink from the glass, at once became insensible and although medical aid was at once obtained he never regained his senses but expired soon after 11 o'clock on the Sunday morning".

An inquest found that Bonner on Saturday, had prepared a solution of hydro-chlorate of morphia and after decanting it, someone came in for medicine and he placed the glass in which he mixed the solution, on one side and it was this glass that was used as a drinking glass for the Whiskey and Huggett being the last to drink, imbibed the greater portion of the sediment of the Morphia.

It was stated that at the time of his death, John Huggett was thirty-four years old and that he left a wife and four children.

1874. Thursday 29th January. The capture of Borubassie by Lieutenant Orosie RMLI, and 70 Royal Marines.

1874. Saturday 31st January. The battle of Amoaful.

1874. Sunday 1st February. Lieutenant Orosie RMLI and 70 Royal Marines were present at the fight of Bequah. In moving that the thanks for the House of Lords should be given to various officers employed in the Ashantee campaign, the Duke of Richmond said, "of Colonel Festing I would speak with the highest praise. His dispatches describing the operation which he himself conducted speak with natural modesty of his own achievements, but no one can read those despatches without realising the fact that the greatest possible thanks and praise are due to him and those who served under him (cheers). The Marines maintained their ancient prestige (cheers) and from the moment they landed showed that it was not without reason they bore the motto 'Per Mare Per Terram' (cheers).

1874. Wednesday 4th February. Ordashu carried and Coomassie taken.

1874. The Marines uniform of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

Chapter 10

### 1875 – 1899

1875. August - September. Expedition against Congo pirates.

1875. Tuesday 2nd - 15th November. Enemy defeated at passir Sala, Perak.

1875. November - December. Brigade from Thistle in Sunghie and Lakut rivers.

1875. Sunday 13th December. Brigade from Modeste, in Laroot river.

1875. Monday 17th - 17th December. Capture of Kinta, brigade from Modeste and Ringdove.

1875. Operations at and capture of Mombasa.

1875.-.1987. Historical Profile of Private John Stephen Bushell RMA Register No 4960

John Bushnell was born at Portsea on the 29th April 1875, of his early life we know - nothing not even who or what his father was, what we do know is that at the time of his enlistment aged 18 years he was 5'9 3/4" tall, with brown hair and eyes and of fresh complexion, that he lived with his mother Emma at 15 Florence Terrace, Southsea and was employed as a Porter.

He was enlisted in the Corps at Eastney Barracks by the Acting Adjutant Lt J.R. Collingham on the 14th September 1893, and was allocated to H Coy to await training. On the 19th he passed his 3rd Class School 'Certificate, and for the next few weeks was employed as a coalman.

On the 21st October he was detailed to the RMA and transferred to Q Coy for basic infantry training which-he completed on the 22nd February 1894. On the 23rd he passed his 2nd Class School Certificate and on the 27th was passed to L Coy for Gunnery School. He was rated Gunner 2nd Class on the 20th April, and having completed Sea Service training was passed as Gunner on the 3rd August, three weeks later on the 24th he was embarked in HMS St George, being numbered 11/81 on the ships books, and sailed for the Cape to join the West Africa Station.

In late January 1895, King Koko raided the River Niger Trading Company post at Akassa, mutilating, butchering and eating. 43 native captives.

Rear Admiral Sir Frederick Bedford, O.0 of the Cape & West Africa Station set out with four ships, HMS Barossa, St George, Thrush & Widgeon to mount a punitive expedition, landing on the 7th February the party which included John Bushnell, were ashore until the 26th. All those that took, part in the expedition were awarded the East & West Africa Medal with the clasp "Brass River' for their part in the action. On the 14th April, he was awarded his 1st GCB. Within months he was again ashore as part of punitive expeditions, first from' the 22nd to 26th July and again from the 12th to the 20th August against the rebel leader Mbaruk and his - stronghold at M'wel'e, the capture of which saw the end of Arab domination of the Kenyan coast.

The following year 1896-saw Bushnell being recorded as present at the bombardment of the Sultan of Zanzibar's Palace on the 27th August.

In 1897 once again Bushnell landed as part of a punitive expedition, this time against Chief Overiami at Benim, where the Chief had been indulging in slave trading and human sacrifice.

During his nearly 5 years of service his record shows his conduct was always VG, and Ability as Good, but on the 15th December 1897 at Simonstown, John Stephen Bushnell,' Private' RMA 4960 was marked 'RUN'.

Only 71 'Brass River clasps were issued, 69 to the landing party from the Squadron:

Barossa (19), St George (23), Thrush (22), & Widgeon (5) and to Major A.G Leonard C & T Corps and Major Leisman of the Border Regt who were present. The bar 'Brass River' is one of the rarer bars issued.

John Bushnell Record of Service under Medals & Awards is marked;

21st May 96 Ashanti Medal with Brass River Clasp. (The Ashanti Medal 1874 & the latest East & West Africa Medal are identical even to the ribbon, the E & W Africa was issue for actions between 1887 and 1900).

No clasp or bar was issued for the action at M'wele, instead the E & W Africa Medal was issued with the word M'wele impressed to the left of the claw and the date 1895 or 1895-6 ta the right, E & W Medal issued for earlier campaigns were to be returned for the word M'wele to he impressed on the rim. Bushnell's ':edal is not so marked possibly due to his desertion be for the instructions were promulgated.

The landing party was provided by 6 ships; HMS Barossa,", St George, Thrush, -Widgeon', Pedbé &Racoon. Land forces -present-were the Uganda Rifles, Bombay Rifles, 24th & 26th Bombay Infantry & the 1st Punjabis.1st Punjabis.

For his part in the capture of Benin, Bushnell should have the bar Benin 1897 to his medal but was marked 'RUN' before its issue.

9 Ships provided men for the landing party; HMS Barossa, St George, Widgeon, Peobe, Alecto, Forte, Magpie, Philomel & Teleseus. The land contingent was the 500 men of the Niger Coast Constabulary under Lt Col Bruce Hamilton & 6 British officers. All present including those that remained aboard ship awarded the medal including 3 Naval Nurses & 2 Naval Officers that were aboard the SS Malacca. (This is one of the very few. occasions where naval personnel that did not land were entitled to-the medal. The medal with bar "Brass River" of John Bushnell is now in the authors collection, but what happened to its owner is not known, for he was never heard of again. (Sic) (from A.N.C.)

1876. Tuesday 4th January. Malays defeated at Kotolama, Philomel's brigade.

1876. Tuesday 4th - 6th January. Naval brigade at Blanga.

1876. Thursday 21st January. The operations at Rathalma, Perak.

1876. Wednesday 5th July. The "Headdress Badge of the Portsmouth Division Royal Marine Light Infantry Band, bandmaster Mr J. F. C. Kreyer, to be adorned with the Price of Wales Plumes". This honour was granted by Queen Victoria for their musical support during the Royal Tour to India by HRH the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) on board HMS Serpis. This was the first recorded instance of a Royal Marines Band going to sea for an extended period of time.

1876. Operations against Niger pirates, etc.

1877. Tuesday 29th May. Shah and Amethyst engaged Huascar off Ilo.

1877. Operations against Dahomey.

1878. Thursday 7th February. Battle of Guintana, Active's brigade.

1878. Tuesday 19th November. Naval Brigade landed at Durban.

1878. Wednesday 11th December. Britain declared war against the Zulus in South Africa and launched what became known as the 'Anglo-Zulu War' after an ultimatum was rejected.

1878. Sunday 22nd December. The Zulus wiped out the British forces during the Battle of Isandlwana.

1878. Monday 23rd December. The British prevailed against a Zulu attack in the Battle of Rorkes Drift.

1879. The War in Zululand. The Royal Marines detachments of HMS Shah, HMS Boadicea and HMS Tenedos were present at the British of Gingelovo and the relief of Ekowe, with Captains Philips and Dowding RMLI. A battalion of Royal Marines was sent out from England to South Africa and landed under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Bland Hunt RMLI. However, upon arrival on the 7th July, it was too late to take part in the war and they returned home on Tuesday 24th July.

1879. Wednesday 22nd January. Zulus defeated at Ineyzane.

1879. Friday 24th January - 24th April. Brigade from Active confined in Ekowe.

1879. Friday 7th March. More British troops that included Marines, arrived in Durban from all over the Empire.

1879. Wednesday 12th March. A force of 2,000 Zulus attacked a British camp at the Ntombi River in South Africa. Of the 60 men in the camp, only 15 escaped.

1879. Saturday 29th March. In the Northern Zululand in South Africa some 2,000 British troops and natives fought against over 20,000 Zulus. The Zulu warriors were formed in regiments by age, their standard equipment the shield and the stabbing spear. The formation for the attack, described as the "horns of the beast", was said to have been devised by Shaka, the Zulu King who established Zulu hegemony in Southern Africa. The main body of the army delivered a frontal assault, called the "chest", while the "horns" spread out behind each of the enemy's flanks and delivered the secondary and often fatal attack in the enemy's rear. Cetshwayo, the Zulu King, fearing British aggression took pains to purchase firearms wherever they could be bought. By the outbreak of war the Zulus had tens of thousands of muskets and rifles, but of a poor standard, and the Zulus were ill-trained in their use.

1879. Wednesday 3rd April. Relief of Ekowe, brigade from Boadicea and consort.

1879. Friday 4th July. The Zulus were eventually defeated at Ulundi and the war came to an end.

1879. Thursday 28th August. Zulu King Cetshwayo was eventually captured.

1879. 19th November. Operations against South Sea Islanders.

1880 \- 1882. Royal Marine Battalion sent to Ireland. Lieutenant Colonel Maskery RMLI, and later Colonel H. S. Jones RMLI in command.

1880 \- 1900. The Marines uniform of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1880. The last execution by hanging was carried out on board ship. Up to then execution by hanging at the yardarm was the normal punishment for mutiny in the fleet. As a capital punishment it was by no means instantaneous as is said to be with the case with a more modern practice. The prisoner's hands and feet were tied, and with the noose about his neck a dozen or so men, usually boats' bowmen (the worst scoundrels in the ship) manned the whip and hoisted him to the block of an upper yard, to die there by slow strangulation.

1881. Friday 28th January. British repulsed at Laing's Nek, Flora's brigade.

1881. Sunday 27th February. British defeated at Majuba Hill, Naval brigade ashore.

1881. Monday 5th December. Attack on slave dhow by boats of London at Pemba.

1881. Flogging was abolished as a punishment in the British forces in response to strong public opinion of the day. Another form of punishment was flogging around the fleet. The offender was secured to an upright timber in a ship's boat, and when it pulled alongside each gangway a boatswain's mate entered the boat and inflicted a certain number of lashes. For added effect the boat was accompanied on its rounds of the fleet by other boats, each with a drummer in the bows beating a roll on his drum.

1881. The numbers were 12,400. Great changes were made in the Corps and with very far reaching results. Warrant Rank, as in the Army, was for the first time introduced into the Marines70. It was granted to Sergeant-Majors, Superintending Clerks, Bandmasters, and Schoolmasters. Commandants were now only to hold the appointment for 3 years and Staff Officers for 5; Lieutenants to be promoted to Captain after 12 years' service; special rates of pay for QMS and First Sergeants Instructors of Gunnery, Musketry, Infantry, etc. were granted (promotion to QMSI came many years later). The pay of all NCOs was revised and raised, in consequence of which deductions for rations when on shore continued and the ld a day Beer Money was abolished for them but not for men. Re-engaged pay was discontinued, also Good Conduct pay for Corporals and Bombardiers (restored in 1919) and Lodging Money for Married Men was fixed at 8d a day instead of 4d and 2d. Naval Savings Banks, which had been authorised for Marine Divisions by Order-in-Council Friday 10th March 1882, were later assimilated to the Naval Regulations. Chevrons - It was ordered that NCOs were to wear their chevrons on the right arm only.

1882. During the early part of Queen Victoria's reign, it was decided that all Regiments should have their own regulated 'March Past'. Prior to this nothing official had been laid down. The usual 'Quick March' for the Royal Marines was "The British Grenadiers", possibly on account of the Marines having been generally considered Fusiliers in all but name and the Fusiliers having a certain affinity with the Grenadiers this was the customary march past tune.

The Royal Marine Artillery used to march past to 'The Soldiers Chorus' from Faust. According to Mr. Arrol, a former Bandmaster for the Portsmouth Division who joined the Corps in 1824, the march from 'Le Prophete' was generally used for the March Past at that Division at the beginning of the reign of Queen Victoria. The reason being that this was a favourite air of the Prince Consorts.

When it was decided to have a regulation march past for the whole Corps it was proposed to adopt 'Rule Britannia'. However, the officers of the 9th Norfolk Regiment protested so strongly; pointing out that ever since Queen Anne had granted them the figure of Britannia as their Regimental Badge, they had always marched past to 'Rule Britannia'. Thus, the Corps gave up on this idea and adopted 'A Life on the Ocean Wave'. For some time after however one of the Divisions ignored this and always used 'The Dark Blue Sea' as their March Past. Of course, today there are no exceptions and the whole Corps marches to the same beat. Long live 'A Life on the Ocean Wave'.

'A Life on the Ocean Wave' is a poem turned song by Epes Sargent and was published in 1838 and later set to music by Henry Russell.

One day Sargent was walking on the Battery in New York City watching the ships enter the harbour. The scene inspired Sargent to write a poem, which Russell later put to music. The song soon became popular in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

In 1882, the Deputy Adjutant General of the Royal Marines requested that the Bandmaster of each Royal Marine Division (Portsmouth, Plymouth, Chatham) submit an arrangement for a new regimental march for the Corps, if possible based on a naval song. Kappey, the Bandmaster of the Chatham Division, submitted an arrangement of 'A Life on the Ocean Wave', with an eight-bar trio from 'The Sea' by Sigismund Neukomm, which was authorised for use as the Regimental quick march of the Corps of Royal Marines in 1882.

In the United States, it is the official march of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

In Portugal, it was adopted as the march of the Armed Forces Movement (MFA) that overthrew the dictatorship on 25th April 1974.

The tune, played by the Band of the Royal Marines, is played over the opening credits of the 1992 BBC television film 'An Ungentlemanly Act', about the first days of the invasion of the Falkland Islands in 1982.

1882. Tuesday 11th July. The bombardment of Alexandria.

1882. Friday 13th - 17th July. Ras-el-Teen occupied, Naval brigade ashore.

1882. Wednesday 2nd August. Occupation of Suez by a Naval brigade.

1882. Saturday 5th August. Engagement at Malaha Junction.

1882. Sunday 6th August. The action at Mallaha Junction. Lieutenant Colonel Tuson and the 1st battalion Royal Marines and the RMA.

1882. Saturday 12th - 13th August. Occupation of Mex Lines by a Naval brigade.

1882. Sunday 20th August. Suez Canal occupied by a Naval brigade.

1882. Sunday 20th August. Occupation of Port Said by a Naval brigade.

1882. Sunday 20th August. Occupation of Kantara by a Naval brigade.

1882. Sunday 20th August. Occupation of Chalouf by a Naval brigade.

1882. Monday 21st August. Occupation of Ismailia and Nefiche.

1882. Thursday 24th August. Action at Tel-el-Mahuta, party from Orion and consorts.

1882. Friday 25th August. The action at Tel-Elmahuta. Lieutenant Colonel H.B. Tuson and a battalion RMA and Lieutenant Colonel H. S. Jones and a battalion RMLI.

1882. Monday 28th August. The first battle of Kassassin. Lieutenant Colonel H.B. Tuson and a battalion of RMA, and Lieutenant Colonel H. S. Jones and a battalion of RMLI.

1882. Saturday 9th September. The second battle of Kassassin. Lieutenant Colonel H. B. Tuson and battalion RMA and Lieutenant Colonel H.S. Jones and battalion RMLI.

1882. Wednesday 13th September. The battle of Tel-el-Kebir. Lieutenant Colonel H. B. Tuson and a battalion of RMA and Lieutenant Colonel H.S. Jones and a battalion of RMLI were present during the battle.

1882. Monday 21st September. Mouths of the Nile blockaded.

1882 \- 1983. Major Noble RMA Captain H.H. Morgan and C.P. Boyd Hamilton RMLI, and 200 selected Royal Marines dressed in plain clothes, made up a detachment on special services in Dublin.

1882. Wednesday 13th September. Prime Minister, Gladstone, sent an expeditionary force to Egypt to restore order and install a new administration in the country. Between Thursday 13th July and Wednesday 6th September 1882, the two armies, one (24,000 strong) from Britain and the other (7,000 strong) from India, converged on Egypt under the command of Lieutenant General Sir Garnet Wolseley. Over 40 Royal Navy warships were involved in securing the Suez Canal from both the Red Sea in the south and the Mediterranean in the north.

At about 05.00am on Wednesday 13th September, the Highland Brigade approached the Egyptian positions in north western Egypt and there was a blaze of gunfire. The bagpipe players struck up and the Scots regiments charged the Egyptian defence. The British army had approached the lines at Tel-el-Kebir in a staggered formation and so attacked in waves from left to right.

The fighting was intense, but after just over an hour, the Egyptians fled. Once Tel-el-Kebir was in British hands, a number of infantry and cavalry divisions moved off to secure other positions. These included a triumphant march on Cairo on Thursday 1882 14th September. The Royal Marine Light Infantry lost two Officers and three NCO / Men. While one Officer and 52 NCO / Men were wounded.

1882.'The Egyptian Campaign'. Taken from Lieutenant W. H. Palmer's RMLI Journal.
Part 1. Preface:

The reader of the following journal must bear with the writer in all mistakes, as it is the intention of the latter merely to give a simple account of the late Egyptian campaign as he himself saw it The ensuing pages will treat mostly the doings of the Royal Marines Battalion in which Battalion the writer served in the capacity of a Lieutenant throughout the campaign.

I shall say nothing of the events that led to the late war - as in all probability my readers are better acquainted with them than I am myself, but shall content myself by informing the reader that he may imagine war already declared.

Almost immediately on the outbreak of hostilities, a Battalion numbering 500 rank and file Royal Marines Light Infantry and rank and file Royal Marine Artillery had been ordered to embark for foreign service and I had been ordered to proceed with them. Great therefore was my disappointment when the Medical Officer refused to pass me for the Battalion on account of an injury done to my knee whilst serving in Ireland.

It was needless to relate my feelings when I saw the Battalion depart in HMS Orontes early in June and my readers can imagine how I felt. My sorrow was not very long lived however, as on 21st July a 2nd Battalion, numbering 400 RMLI and 100 RMA received orders to prepare for Active Service and this time, having successfully passed the medical examination, I found myself actually under orders to proceed with the Battalion. (Up to this date the only events in the war had been the bombardment of Alexandria by the Fleet and the occupation of Alexandria by the Blue Jackets and Marines, the 46th Regiment and 60th Rifles. The rebels had taken up a strong position at Ramleh about 4 miles outside the City and the little garrison of our soldiers and sailors were anxiously awaiting reinforcements.

We were not to sail until the 27th July, so I spent the intervening days in bidding farewell to my relations and friends, and purchasing the many articles necessary for an officer's kit on Active Service. Our Battalion was composed as follows:

150 men from Portsmouth

150 men from Chatham

100 men from Plymouth

making a total of 400 Rank and File - together with 100 Rank and File from the RMA at

Eastney. The names of the officers were as follows:

Lieutenant Colonel Jones - Commanding Battalion

Lieutenant Colonel Graham - 2nd in Command (Left service in 1887)

Major Scott

Captain coffin - F Company

Lieutenant Money

Lieutenant Cotteri

Captain Eden - G company (afterwards Transport Officer RKLI)

Lieutenant Mecausland

Lieutenant Kennedy

Captain Wardell - H Company

Lieutenant Parkinson

Lieutenant Luke

Captain Mccheane - K Company

Lieutenant Colvin

Lieutenant Palmer

The Plymouth men arrived at our Barracks at Forton on the evening of the 26th as the

transport did not intend to call at any station before Gibraltar. (Sic)

Part 2. We suffered greatly from thirst this day as we remained in the burning sand from lOam to 4pm - when we again marched on. The men now began to fail out in great numbers and three officers, Major Norton, Colonel Graham and Captain McCleave were left behind. Since our departure from Ismailia we had had nothing to eat save the biscuits we brought with us, so we pressed on as quickly as possible to Mahsaunch only to find our hopes of food rudely dashed to the ground. For about two miles the ground was simply littered with pots and pans, arms and clothing; but no food except a little very salt rice and some onions. I was so hungry, that when a sergeant offered me a piece of water melon which a horse had partially eaten, I eagerly devoured it. All of us were fearfully knocked up that night and some of the men could scarcely drag themselves into Mahsaunch, so we lay down where we halted and were all soon in the arms of Morpheus.

At 4am the next morning (26 August) we were all again under arms, and as we were told that we were likely to remain at Mahsaunch some time, we endeavoured to make ourselves as comfortable as possible - accordingly after breakfast of onions and rice boiled together, we foraged about and managed to rig up a shelter with some pieces of tent, which protected us somewhat from the sun. All that day we were employed in burying the dead Egyptian horses and camels, a most revolting duty, whilst other parties were destroying some excess ammunition, etc.

Meanwhile the Artillery • and Cavalry had followed up the enemy and after a sharp but decisive fight had captured a large camp of theirs at Mahsaunch; so hasty was the flight of the Egyptians that they left behind them several tents, many hundred stands of arms, a vast quantity of ammunition and clothing and forage - the artillery made excellent practise and succeeded in smashing up a large train of 100 carriages, which together with several prisoners, afterwards fell into our hands - unfortunately the train contained only arms and clothing.

Most of the dead had been thrown into the fresh water canal, which was thick with mud and filth of every description - and this was all we had to drink. Certainly we were all provided with pocket filters, but our thirst was so insatiable that we could not wait long enough to use them. Whilst bathing in the canal that day I came into contact with a dead Egyptian and it was by no means • an embrace I enjoyed.

The Life Guards, some batteries of Artillery and ourselves and the 84th Regiment and 46th and RHG marched on to Kassassin Lock, our most advanced station. The enemy after being defeated at Mahsaunch retreated to Tel-el-Kebir, removing their camp at Kassassin as they retreated; so that our troops encamped at the Lock within seven miles of the lines of Tel-el-Kebir without resistance.

After working hard all day with but little food, I hoped to get a good night's rest, but it was willed otherwise for at 6pm my company and another one were ordered on outpost duty. Outpost duty in the enemy's country is at all times nasty work and here it was more than usually so, as with only 200 men we had to protect the whole camp from surprise and keep a look out for nearly two miles around. We remained out until 6am the next morning, the officers not having a wink of sleep. The men, however, were better off as each man got four hours sleep. We returned into the camp dead beat and very hungry to partake of a breakfast of biscuit and a little weak tea.

This (27th) being a Sunday we had a tolerably quiet time although fatigue parties were at work all day. Some Dragoons and RHG arrived from Ismailia and from them we begged some salt meat which we thoroughly enjoyed. What with the stink from the dead bodies, bad food and water and the heat, a great number of men went down; the poor horses suffered greatly from sunstroke.

At a distance of about two miles from Mahsaunch there ran almost round in a circle a high ridge - which by day was used by our vedettes as a look out, and by night was the advance line of our outpost. As far as you could see, therefore, from our camp there was nothing but desert, except on the opposite side of the Fresh Water Canal. (Sic)
Part 3.

It was now pretty well certain that a. general movement would soon take place, and many were the surmises as to what we were going to do. Some said we should pass Tel-el-Kebir without attacking it, others said that we should attack it openly, etc, so no-one really knew (except a chosen few) what was to be our next movement.

We were greatly afraid that we should be left to guard the camp when the advance should take place as we had been in every action and so we shouldn't grumble. I am glad to say that this annoying work fell not to us but the 50th Regiment.

The camp presented a very gay scene now, all day long Generals and their staffs were hurrying about, and more activity than usual was displayed, convincing everyone that soon the decisive battle would take place. Every evening when off duty, I remember, we all used to assemble and talk over affairs, only to arrive at no ultimate conclusion. It is wonderful how welcome news from home is at a time like this, the mails were always anxiously looked forward to and as the Post Officer Corps was attached to us we got our letters before any other regiment.

On Tuesday 12th September we rose as usual and went on with the ordinary routine of the camp. Rumours were afloat all day that there was to be a general advance in the evening, but it was not until late in the afternoon that we received the actual order for the advance. Really, I believe we were all glad, as we were heartly sick of the long weary days of waiting at Kassassin, but at the same time we knew that there was hard work before us.

Every sick man was sent down to Ismailia in the morning amongst them being Raitt and Colvin of ours.

As soon as it was dusk the whole of the Regiments in camp, with the exception of the guard remaining behind, struck tents and piled them by the railroad. We all then fell in and each officer and man had some biscuit served out to him and also a full bottle of water.

As soon as everything was ready we all marched from our private parades to our brigade parades. We marched off and joined the 18th and 87th Regiments which formed our Brigade and as K Company was leading I was the leading guide and had to direct. I was pointed out a star as a mark to march on and had to keep my eyes on it the whole time, which was very trying work.

On our left were the Highland Brigade, the 46th and 60th Regiments and the Royal Marine Artillery, besides artillery and cavalry on both flanks, but we saw nothing of them during the march except now and then a solitary orderly going from one brigade to another. The guards were in reserve behind us. We marched until about 1 am, I should think, and then the command to halt was given, and at once the order was carried out in whispers and the whole Brigade was halted. Several Companies were thrown out as outposts K being one of them, so while most men got an hour's sleep we in the outposts had none. When we rose again at 2am then, and only then, did we know for certain what was the task before us. I remember well all the Commanding Officers of Regiments were called up by the General and told of the plan for the attack., and then they came back and told us that "We were to advance silently, if possible without firing a shot and take the enemy at the point of the bayonet."

I caught a glimpse of Sir Garnet, his staff and several other Generals as they rode past me to the next Brigade.

Silently once more we advanced and had an Egyptian vedette been there he would have been startled - for a few minutes before there was not a sign of this moving mass. (Sic)

1882. A Battalion was sent to Ireland where the Fenians and others were again causing trouble. It was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel H S Jones and was on duty in the west and south parts of the country. In addition 200 of the Corps were employed on duties far outside the scope of their ordinary duties. Those were specially picked men who, dressed in plain clothes, were used to reinforce the police in Dublin and rendered invaluable service. HRH Admiral the Duke of Edinburgh was created Honorary Colonel of the Royal Marine Forces.

1882 \- 1952. A Family Affair: The Flory Family and their Royal Marine Service.

The medals of eight members of the Flory family are on display in the Royal Marines museum medal room, spanning the Victorian campaigns in the 1880's to the Korean War in the 1950's.The oldest group belongs to Lance Corporal Arthur Flory who served for twenty two years, including in the Egyptian campaign in 1882-1889. He was discharged in 1901 and spent 11 years in the reserve. He was recalled to duty at the age of 56 during the First World War and died in service in 1919.

Five of Arthur Flory's sons served in the Royal Marines during the First World War. Two of the sons were killed; Frederick Cornelius from wounds sustained in the Dardanelles in 1915 and Albert Edward was killed at the Battle of Jutland 1916.

The next of kin of each Commonwealth fatality of the First World War received a commemorative plaque. The plaques commemorating the three members of the Flory Family who died in the War are on display in our special exhibition, 'Why Stay Silent?' which runs until 2nd October 2011.

The Flory Family.

1883. Mounted Royal Marines served as the Mounted Police (Mountie's) in Canada on the North West Frontier.

1884. February - March. Alexandria and Ramleh garrisoned by Navy.

1884. February - March. Troops, seamen, and Marines at Suakin and Trinkitat.

1884. Wednesday 28th February. Battle of El-Teb, Naval brigade present.

1884. Tuesday 11th March. Advance to Tamanieb.

1884. February. The battle of El-Teb.

1884. Thursday 13th March. The Battle of Tamail. Lieutenant Colonel Ozzard and Royal Marine Battalion on Police duty in Skye, Lieutenant Colonel Munro RMLI in command.

1884 \- 1885. The Sudan Campaign. After a lot of public pressure the British government finally authorised a relief force to rescue General Charles Gordon, who was besieged in Khartoum Soudan. The expedition was to be commanded by Britain's only General at that time, Sir Garnet Wolseley. A plan was devised that included a long trip up the River Nile in whaler boats and to raise a Camel Corps that would take them across the desert.

The expeditions arrived in Egypt, and were joined by a company of Royal Marines totalling 101 men, under the command of Major W.H. Poe, along with Captain A.C. Pearson, Lieutenants C.V. Townshend and H.N. White. This detachment was included as the 4th Company Guards Camel Regiment. All of the Corps with the exception of the Royal Sussex Regiment was mounted on camels, with the camels only being used for transport. All fighting carried out by the infantry was on foot.

The Royal Marines wore a grey / khaki tunic with brass buttons and blue shoulders straps together with silver badges, trousers without puttees, and a light brown helmet with pagri, a buff waist cartridge belt, white haversack, black boots and a black bayonet scabbard. However, Major Poe continued to wear his red Marine Officers tunic.

Finally on the Wednesday 28th January 1885 they reached Khartoum, after having run a gauntlet of attacks and ambushes, only to find the enemy's flag flying over the town. Khartoum had fallen two days earlier on Monday 26th and Gordon was dead. Of the Royal Marines six men had been killed and Captain Poe together with thirteen men had been wounded. Colour Sergeant Drew was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during the campaign. For their services with the Camel Corps the Marines also received the Egypt Medal with the clasps Abu Klea and the Nile 1884-8, and the Khedives Bronze Star dated 1884-85.

For the first part of the 20th Century, the Royal Marines' role was the traditional one of providing shipboard Infantry for security, boarding parties and small-scale landings.

1884 \- 1885. 'By Land By Sea By Camel'? The Royal Marine Detachment of the Camel Corps in Egypt. In an attempt to reach General Gordon at Khartoum a "Flying Column" was formed from elite troops mounted on camels. The Guards Regiment of the camel corps was formed from the Royal Marine Light Infantry , the Grenadier, Coldstream and Scots Guards and the Mounted Infantry Regiment from line infantry regiments. They fought at the Battle of Abu Klea.

In 1884 the Gladstone Government, after bowing to public pressure, finally authorized a relief force to rescue General Charles Gordon, who was besieged in Khartoum. This expedition was to be commanded by 'Britain's Only General' Sir Garnet Wolseley. The plan Wolseley devised was to send the bulk of his force up the Nile in whalers and to raise a Camel Corps, which would be sent across the desert. This Corps was to be raised in two divisions, the first from the Cavalry Regiments stationed at home, and the second from the Brigade of Guards and the Infantry Regiments already in Egypt.

On the Corps arrival in Egypt, they were joined by a company of Royal Marines (101 men) under the command of Major W H Poe, along with Captain AC Pearson, and Lieutenants CV Townshend and HN White. This detachment was included as the 4th Company Guards Camel Regiment. All of the Corps with the exception of the Royal Sussex Regiment were mounted on camels, with the camels only being used for transport. All fighting carried out by the infantry was on foot.

The Cavalry division of the Camel Corps consisted of two elements the Heavies and the Lights. The Heavies were further broken down into ten detachments and the Lights into nine. Each detachment consisted of two officers, two sergeants, a bugler and thirty eight men.

The Guards Camel Regiment consisted of eight companies, including the one formed by the Marines. The companies were in turn broken down into detachments of a similar strength to the cavalry. The Mounted Infantry Camel Regiment comprised a staff and four companies; each company consisted of four platoons with an officer, five NCOs and twenty five men.

The Guards, Lights and Heavies, wore red serge jumpers (or loose tunics) yellow-ochre cord trousers, dark blue puttees, leather ankle boots and a white pith helmet with goggles. Each man had a rifle, a sword bayonet, a leather bandolier with fifty rounds, a leather belt, pouch, frog, and sling, haversack and water bottle. The officers wore a similar uniform but of superior quality.

The Royal Marines wore a grey/khaki tunic with brass buttons and blue shoulders straps together with silver badges, trousers without puttees, a light brown helmet with pagri, a buff waist cartridge belt, white haversack, black boots and a black bayonet scabbard. Major Poe continued to wear his red Marines Officers tunic.

The Camel Corps left Korti on the 26th December 1884 under the command of Maior General Sir Herbert Stewart, also included in the force was a naval brigade of four Officers and fifty five men under the command of Captain Lord Charles Beresford. Wolseley's plan was for Stewart to cut across the desert to Metemmeh a distance of about two hundred miles and establish a depot there. This would cut across a loop of the Nile, shortening the whaler's journey and avoiding two cataracts. The river column under Wolseley himself was to travel up the Nile and meet up with Stewart's force at Metemmeh.

Once at Metemmeh, it was planned that the combined force would rendezvous with Gordon's four steamers, which had been operating on the Nile. These could be used to send a token force to Khartoum. It was anticipated that the arrival of British troops dressed in scarlet tunics would cause the Mahdi's forces to give up the siege.

Part of Stewart's force, comprising one squadron of the 19tn Hussars, part of the Guards Camel Regiment, some of the Mounted Infantry, a detachment of Royal Engineers together a camel train and supplies initially advanced as far as the wells at Gakdul, without suffering any harassment. As the wells were secure Stewart brought up the remainder of his force consisting of, the naval brigade and a Gardiner Gun, the Heavies, the remainder of the 19th Hussars, Guards Camel Regiment, Mounted Infantry and Engineers. Together with the Royal Sussex Regiment, the Medical Staff Corps and the Commissariat Transport along with its native drivers.

On the 14th January the whole force left Gakdul heading for the wells at Abu Klea stopping for the night in the open desert with one more stop planned before reaching the wells on the 16th. At midday on the 16th, however, scouts from the 19th Hussars reported the enemy was in the hills ahead. Stewart's first thought was to attack immediately, but by the time arrangements had been made it was too late in the day. Consequently the force had to spend another night in the desert. This time a zareba was constructed from thorn bushes and stores carried by the camels. During an uncomfortable night, with little sleep or water, the force came under sporadic fire from Arab riflemen.

On the morning of the 17th, Stewart formed his force into a square with the baggage camels in its centre. He left behind in the zareba all non essential stores and the sick under a guard provided by the Royal Sussex Regiment. Once the force had formed into the square, Stewart was able to advance to the wells.

As the advance began however the enemy kept up a steady rifle fire and Stewart's force began to suffer casualties. Suddenly a large enemy force appeared and charged the front of the square, heavy fire drove the enemy to the left side towards the corner held by the Heavies. At this point Beresford pushed the Gardiner Gun, manned by the Naval Brigade crew, out through the gap that had opened up in the square in order to obtain a better field of fire. This reckless move enlarged the hole in the square and was in vain as the gun almost immediately jammed, the enemy swarmed over the gun killing two of the crew and forcing the remainder back into the square.

Meanwhile Colonel Burnaby, the highly individualistic officer of the Royal Horse Guards had wheeled his Dragoon Guards out to the right making the hole in the square even larger. His men were soon overwhelmed by the charging Arabs and also forced back into the square after suffering heavy casualties. Burnaby himself was mortally wounded by a spear thrust in the throat.

The Arabs who had managed to enter the square now found their way blocked by the baggage camels and the middle of the square became a confused mass of fighting men using sword, spear, bayonet, rifle and fist. All of the Arabs in the square were killed and the discipline and marksmanship of the infantry and marines drove off the attack.

During the attack the British suffered nine officers and sixty five men killed and nine officers and eighty five men wounded, unfortunately many of the wounded subsequently died of their wounds. The Arabs lost at least a thousand killed and an unknown number wounded. The entire action lasted only ten minutes.

Stewart was now able to finally advance to the wells at Abu Klea, as his men were now desperate for water, the Arabs meanwhile kept up their sniping and succeeded in causing further casualties. On reaching the wells, the force stopped for the night and the following day the dead were buried and the stores were brought up from the zareba, thus reuniting the force.

On the 19th the advance to Metemmeh was resumed, the wounded however were left at the wells once again guarded by the Royal Sussex. After some twenty hours marching the force came under long range enemy fire from the enemy, four miles from the village of Metemmeh which was held by the enemy. In consequence a zareba was constructed with the intention of repulsing the anticipated attack. It was at this point that Stewart was wounded in the groin and the command of the force passed to Sir Charles Wilson of the Royal Engineer, Wilson although a skilled engineer had no infantry training and had not seen active service before. After discussing the situation with Stewart, it was decided a square comprising the Guards, Marines and Mounted Infantry under the command of Colonel Boscowen of the Coldstream Guards would advance to Metemmeh.

The square was immediately attacked, but this time the square held its shape and the well timed volley fire ensured that the Arabs were mown down and not one managed to get within eighty yards of it. The square then resumed the march and as night fell they arrived at the Nile, where having slaked their thirst, most of the men lay down and slept till morning. The next day the remainder of Stewart's Force advanced to the Nile and contact was made with Gordon's four steamers, which had also arrived off Metemmeh.

Lord Beresford was given command of them and after a discussion by Wilson and Stewart two of the steamers, together with Wilson and a hand picked detachment from the Royal Sussex under Lieutenant Todd-Thornton, were sent on to Khartoum. For no apparent reason the steamers waited for three days before finally leaving on the 23rd.

The following day the Steamer Bordein struck a rock and was stuck fast for six hours until refloated after much hard work by the crews. Finally on the 28tn January 1885 both steamers reached Khartoum, after having run the gauntlet of shore batteries, only to find the Mahdi's flag flying over the town. Khartoum had fallen two days previously on the 26tn and Gordon was dead. The delay before the steamers set off probably cost Gordon his last chance of being saved.

On the return journey the steamer Telanaweih struck a rock and sank, the crew though were able to transfer to the Bordein, however two days later the Bordein in turn had to be beached after striking another submerged rock. Wilson and his men managed to reach a small island where they entrenched themselves. Meanwhile Captain Stuart Wortley, together with two men from the Royal Sussex, volunteered to go for help and the three men succeeded in reaching Metemmeh by using a small native boat .

On their arrival Lord Beresford promptly went to Wilson's rescue in the steamer Safieh, he too came under fire from shore batteries and a shell holed the boiler forcing Beresford to anchor in mid stream. The Safieh came under sustained fire from the banks of the river, but Chief Engineer Henry Benbow managed to patch the boiler. Beresford was therefore able to carry on and rescue Wilson's party, which had been under constant attack on the island.

While Beresford was rescuing Wilson a column had returned to Gakdul for reinforcements and stores. It returned with the Royal Irish Regiment and General Sir Revers Buller who was to take over command from Wilson. His orders were to retire to Korti via Abu Klea and the retreat started on the 14th February. On the 17th at Abu Klea a further engagement was fought. By this time the men's uniforms and boots were in tatters, and the column had to walk as two thirds of the camels had died. Eventually on the 9th March the column arrived back at Korti having travelled some four hundred miles through the desert. The Camel Corps finally reached Wadi Haifa on the 1st June 1885 and was disbanded.

Of the Royal Marines six men had been killed and Captain Poe together with thirteen men wounded. Colour Sargent Drew was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during the campaign. For their services with the Camel Corps the marines received the Egypt Medal with the clasps Abu Klea and the Nile 1884-88, and the Khedives Bronze Star dated 1884-85.
Notes

C/Sgt Drew DCM. The recommendation for the DCM was passed to the Queen on the 7th November 1885 and he was presented with his award by the Queen at Windsor Castle on the 25th November. The details of the award were published in The Times of London on the 26th November, which stated that C/Sgt John Drew Royal Marine Light Infantry and Sgt G Symons 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. Had "on the occasion of the attack on the sick convoy on the 13th of February 1885, being with the advance guard, and ordered to fall back at once under fire, these two non-commissioned officers showed the greatest coolness in assisting to get camels back to the column, and it was mainly owing to their exertions that they were brought in safely".

Captain William H Poe, with reference to his wound the following is an extract from 'With The Camel Corps up the Nile' by Count Gleichen.

"A company of the Guards Camel Regiment was ordered to support the guns at the two huts aforesaid to reply to the enemy's fire, which had been concentrated on them. And just there Major Poe of the Marines was hit by a bullet, which smashed his thigh. He would persist in wearing a red coat, saying his grey one was not fit to be seen, and this naturally attracted the Arab marksman."

Poe had his leg amputated on the 19th January and was subsequently Mentioned in Despatches and awarded a CB for his part in the campaign.

Sergeant Henry Eagle wrote a song about the campaign titled "The Song of the Camel Corps"

Lt Townshend transferred to the Indian Army and took part in the defence of Chitral on 1895. During the First World War he found fame or infamy, when he surrendered the garrison of Kut to the Turks.

Sources

Abbot PE, Recipients of the Distinguished Conduct Medal 1855-1900, Hayward Press (1975)

Gleichen Count, With the Camel Corps up the Nile, Chapman and Hall (1888)

Keown-Boyd Henry, A Good Dusting, The Sudan Campaigns 1883-89 ,Leo Cooper (1986)

Webb Jack, The Abu-Klea Medal Rolls, The Author (1981)

Reproduced from 'Soldiers of the Queen, issue 104

" When years ago I 'listed, lads,

To serve our Gracious Queen.

The sergeant made me understand.

I was a ' Royal Marine.'

He said we sometimes served in ships,

And sometimes on the shore.

But did not say I should wear spurs,

Or be in the Camel Corps."

Songs of the Camel Corps (Sgt. H. EAGLE, R.M.C.C.)

Written by Cliff Fuller

1884. The Mounted Royal Marines fought in the Sudan.

1885. Tuesday 17th January. Engagement at Abu Klea Wells.

1885. Thursday 19th January. Battle of Abu Klea.

1885. Saturday 21st January. Reconnaissance of Matemnch.

1885. Sunday 22nd January. Bombardment of Shendy.

1885. Tuesday 3rd - 4th February. Lord Charles Beresford at Wad Habeshi.

1885. Tuesday 10th February. Action at Kirbekan.

1885. Friday 20th March. The battle of Hasheen.

1885. Sunday 22nd March. The battle of Tofrek and McNeills Zareeba.

1885. Thursday 2nd - 3rd April. Advance to Tamai, Naval Brigade present.

1885. Wednesday 1st July. Registered Numbers. The practice of allocating a number on the Divisional register to RM ranks came into use. The Admiralty ordered that every person belonging to the Royal Marines, except Commissioned Officers, shall be described by a Register Number in conjunction with letters indicating the Division to which he belongs, instead of his Company and Division. Until the registering System was introduced a man was known by the number of his company and his name. The new numbering system was introduced retrospectively and allocated based on the date of his enlistment.

The letters indicating the Division to which a rank belonged are 'CH' indicating Chatham Division Royal Marine Light Infantry, 'PO' Indicating Portsmouth Division Royal Marine Light Infantry, 'PLY' indicating Plymouth Division Royal Marine Light infantry, and 'RMA' indicating Royal Marine Artillery.

1885. Saturday 14th November. Boats of Turquoise captured a Burmese warship.

1885. Monday 23rd November. Naval Brigade captured Mayaugyan.

1886. Saturday 8th May - 7th June. Blockade of Greek Ports.

1886. A Battalion on Police duty in Tiree commanded by Colonel Heriot RMLI.

1887. Monday 30th May. Pinnace of the Turquoise captured slave-dhow.

1888. The magazine rifle Mark 1 was the first British rifle to incorporate a bolt action and a box magazine.

1889. The Regulations for enlistment of Buglers was laid down.

1889. Blockade of the Zanzibar coast.

1890. Friday 21st March. A Small Band under a Sergeant was formed at the Royal Marine Depot. This band was only utilised for recruit training purposes.

1892. Sunday 1st May. The Inaugural Edition of the 'Globe and Laurel' magazine. Major General CB (then Captain RMLI) Published the first magazine. Initially the magazine was published on the first day of each month and was printed by the Chatham Division Printer before being taken on by Ive and Lowe printers Chatham. The first two editions proved to be so popular that the June publication had a second print to keep up with demand. The 'Globe & Laurel' will be published on the first of each month, price1d, and can be obtained at all the canteens and messes of the Corps. it will be forwarded post free to all countries in the postal Union for an annual subscription of 1/6, which should be sent to the Editors, R.M. Barracks, Chatham. The Editors have communicated with all Commanding Officers ashore, also with all officers afloat, recruiting, serving with other Corps, and with as many retired officers as has been practicable, and hope that the Journal will be well supported. They invite articles or items of news on any subject of interest to the Corps: paragraphs of general interest will be very welcome. it is almost needless to state that no letters or articles of controversial or complaining nature will not find a place in the Journal.

1892. Divisional Band strength set at one Bandmaster, two Sergeants, two Corporals, twenty five musicians and ten Supernumeraries (six Buglers and four Gunners or Privates). Supernumaries to be trained to fit vacancies due to retirement. or other causes. The depot Band strength was to be one Sergeant for duty as Bandmaster, one Sergeant, one Corporal, seventeen Musicians and five Supernumaries (three Buglers and two Gunners or Privates).

1892. A new drill book was published this year which simplified some of the drill, and introduced physical drill with arms for the old backboard and pole drill.

1893. Thursday 22nd June. HMS Victoria - during manoeuvres off the Coast of Syria, the flagship, HMS Victoria, was rammed by HMS Camperdown and lost with nearly all hands; after doing what was possible to close watertight doors etc. the detachment under Major A C Smythe and Lieutenant H G Farquharson RMLI fell in on the quarterdeck where they remained until the ship heeled over and sank; 68 out of 98 NCOs and men were drowned, those saved clambering over the side and bottom as she heeled over. Lieutenant Farquharson was awarded the Royal Humane Society's silver medal for saving the Fleet Paymaster. As Kipling says of this incident in his poem on the Marines: "To stand and be still to the Birkenhead drill Is a damn tough bullet to chew." Swimming - After this disaster great attention was paid to swimming instruction; baths were built at the Depot and all recruits had to qualify, and on 2nd July a paid staff was allowed of a Superintendent at 2/6d a day, 1 Swimming Instructor 1st Class at 3/7d, Sergeant Instructors etc.

1893. The enlistment of twenty six boys, in excess of the regular establishment of Buglers, to be enlisted with a view to training then as Buglers.

1894. "In matters referring to the Portsmouth Division RMLI, the division to be refered to by that name and not as is frequently the case at this time as the 'Gosport Division' ".

1894. February - March. Operations on the Gambia. Early in the year an expedition organised by Captain Gamble RN of HMS Raleigh against a chieftain named Fodi Sillah who had made himself troublesome to the British settlements on the Gambia River, was ambushed and cut up. Lieutenant Hervey of RMLI, 2 Naval Officers and 10 men were killed and 40 wounded. On the 22nd February a punitive force of 50 Royal Marines, 50 men of the West India Regiment and 1 gun under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Corbert RMLI attacked and destroyed a stockade at Suktta, after which a position was taken and entrench at Subaji to protect the frontier of British Kombo. Here on the 26th Coronal Corbert was attacked by 1,522 Mandigoes, who he defeated and drove back across the border. On the 1st march having been reinforced by 50 more Royal marines and 10 West Indians he took up another entrenched passion at Isswang and on the 5th having been further reinforced by seamen and others to a total strength of 500 men, marched to relieve Major Madden R.A. who with 200 men of the West India Regiment was entrenched at Busumbula. The following day Colonel Corbert returned to Sabaji with the greater portion of his command. Having re-embarked with the Royal Marines he went round with the squadron consisting of HMS Alecto, HMS Satelite, HMS Magpie and HMS Widgeon to the town of Gunjur, and after it had been subjected to a two days bombardment, landed with his men and with 270 seamen and a portion of the 1st West Indian Regiment destroyed the place. This operation brought the fighting to a close.

Captain Maynard

This information and life time achievements were found by chance during a house sale and are an astonishing testimony to the 50-year military career of dashing moustachioed Royal Marine, Captain James Maynard. Who signed up during Queen Victoria's reign and later fought Hitler when he was 64 years old.

1894. He enlisted in the Royal Marine Artillery in 1894 aged 19, and spent many years attached to the Egyptian army fighting in the Sudan. Among the medals he won there was one from the Royal Humane Society for saving a native who had fallen into crocodile-infested waters.

He was also one of only 27 officers to be awarded the Queen's Sudan medal, and earned the Khedive medal.

In 1909 Captain Maynard, who was born in Islington, London, was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

During the First World War he served on the Western Front.

He became an officer during 1916 and won the 1914 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

In 1919, at age 44, he retired to Beccles in Suffolk, where he was thought to have a wife and at least two children.

It's evidently clear that James Maynard could not tolerate the lack of action and soon volunteered to serve with the Royal Irish Constabulary in Ireland. Serving for 18 months.

During the inter war years, he was appointed skipper of a private ocean-going yacht and in 1929 undertook and led a big game hunting party in central Africa.

At 63, he got involved in the Spanish Civil War, joining the Spanish non-intervention Organisation as a sea observation officer and helped escort ships into Spanish ports.

And when World War Two broke out in 1939, he volunteered for service, despite being 64 years of age, and was commissioned and made responsible to protect the Admiralty.

He won the Defence and War Medal, and in 1945 he resigned his commission just shy of 70 year birthday.

He died at his Suffolk home in 1968 aged 93.

1894. Tuesday 27th March. James E Preston joined the Royal Marines. According to his service records, he was born on the Thursday 20th June 1872, but his son Lt Col A J Preston USE of the 9th/12th Lancers, who for 23 years staged the Royal Tournament in London, claims that the date was the Sunday 18th December 1870 and the place was the south London suburb of Bromley. He became a clerk in the West India Docks, on the north bank of the Thames near the Blackwall tunnel, before attesting as a Marine on the Tuesday 27th March 1894 and then underwent initial training at Deal before joining the Portsmouth Division of the RMLI at Forton Barracks (Gosport) on the Sunday 11th November that same year, with the allotted official number P0 7358.

On the Monday 12th November the following year he joined the Royal Marines detachment onboard HMS Cordelia, a 2,380 ton corvette, which consisted of 2 Corporals, 1 Lance Corporal, a Bugler, and 28 Privates under the command of Lieutenant Reginald H Morgan RMLI and Sergeant John Hardy. Two years and 352 days later Preston returned to Forton on the Monday 28th November 1898, as a JNCO. During the cruise he had been promoted Lance Corporal on Monday 14th February and then Corporal on the Wednesday 20th July 1898.

He was soon back to sea again when on the following Thursday 16th February he joined HMS Orlando, an armoured cruiser of 5,600 tons, one of seven of that class, launched in 1 886 as a result of the mounting crisis created by Russian involvement with Afghanistan. Prime Minister William Gladstone was voted six million pounds by Parliament to strengthen the Royal Navy. Due to the heavy armament, Orlando could barely maintain a speed of 18 knots, which was about 4 knots below normal at that time and carried two 9.2 inch and ten 6 inch guns, plus ten 3 pounders. With a two to three inch protective steel decking she was built like a tank compared with modern ships and having just returned to the UK from being the Flagship on the Australian Station was now undergoing a refit. This took place in Portsmouth Dockyard, prior to sailing for the China Station under the command of Captain James H T Burke RN. The total 500 complement included 30 officers, and a Royal Marines detachment of 66 Consisting of Sergeants R J Carpenter and J Harkins, Corporals T G Hicks, J Johnson and J E Preston, plus 58 Privates and 2 Buglers. The OCRM was Captain L S T Halliday RMLI. On joining this ship Preston was paid as a Lance Sergeant and promoted to Acting Sergeant on Sunday 20th May the following year, 1990.

Within two months of sailing they arrived in Hong Kong, but due to unrest in the Peking area their stay there was curtailed, and they sailed on to the mouth of the Peiho River where they anchored off Taku, accompanied by another cruiser HMS Endymion and several warships of other nations; they were later joined by the battleship HMS Centurion, flying the flag of Admiral Sir Edward Seymour the Senior Naval Officer of the station. The Hong Kong that they had briefly experienced was then just a sparsely populated fishing port frequented by pirates.

With their country being plagued with unwanted foreigners such as the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, French and Americans, as well as the British, it is small wonder that the natives were beginning to murmur and revolt. A force known as 'The Fists of Righteous Harmony' or 'The Big Knife Society' (because of the huge swords they carried) became active; this was later abbreviated to 'The Boxers', though who coined this title, American or British, is obscure. Encouraged by their Dowager Empress and led by Prince Tuan whose son was the heir apparent to the Chinese throne, they targeted all 'foreign devils', especially Christians.

The British were the leading contenders for Chinese territory and in addition to Hong Kong they had taken also Wei-Hei-Wei further north, on the Shantung province peninsular, as a naval port and coaling station, which was held until 1930. The Portuguese similarly 'squatted' in Macau and the Germans in Kiau Chau.

The Orlando sailed for Amoy (Hsia-Men) about 300 miles northwards in the Formosa Strait, arriving off Wei-Hei-Wei about lOam on Monday 28th May (1900) only to be ordered to 'up anchor' again by the SNO and sail on to the mouth of the Pei Ho River where the Taku Forts guard the access to Tientsin, about 20 miles upriver. Some 70 miles further on lay the Imperial city of Peking. The ship anchored at 1 3Opm next day, and Sergeant Preston, who had been planning a drill exercise ashore, now became involved in organising an operational landing party which disembarked into a tugboat at 4pm in marching order with their hammocks and bags. Crammed below deck out of sight they passed the forts without trouble and entered the river; then about 10pm they transferred into a filthy flat bottomed 'lighter', towed by a smaller tug, which took them on to Tientsin. The estimated time of arrival there of2am was thwarted by their running aground and having to wait for high tide to release them; so it was 7.30am before they made it. Taking refuge (and a cold breakfast) in a local theatre made available to them, they were surprised to see a party of seamen from their ship arrive just as they finished eating, for they had left the ship much later! Joining them too were men from the Aurora, Barfleur and Centurior

When later that afternoon they boarded a train, 25 men were left behind, including the naval officer Lieutenant Wright RN; the remainder (including the 'Blue Jackets' with their 9 pounder ML gun) set off for Peking. Other train loads were to leave later bearing troops of American, Austrian, Italian, Russian, French and Japanese reinforcements, for all these countries had established Legations in Peking. The summer heat was at its fiercest and rail progress was slow due to the line being damaged in several places by the rebels, and although they hovered in the distance, they made no attempt to attack whilst the men made temporary line repairs, assisted by Chinese workers.

Captain L S T Halliday RMLI and his detachment from HMS Orlando eventually arrived at their destination at 7pm on the 31 May and, after a five mile march from the station through crowded streets, they reached the British Legation compound at 9pm, having left most of their baggage under guard at the station for later collection. The next day German and Austrian guards arrived, and eventually a total of 464 defensive allied troops faced the rioting mob. Mindful of the fact that the British Legation was the largest, had a 10 ft high wall, and five good water wells, it was chosen as the last line of defence if all the others fell. The RMLI contingent was made up of Captain B M Strouts and his 25 men of the 'Winter Guard' already in Peking, plus Captain Halliday's 50 men from the Orlando and Captain E Wray's 25 men from the Alger; however because 25 men had been left behind at Tientsin the British force was just 79 marines and the three officers. The Americans had 48 marines and 3 sailors under Captain John Myers USMC, also 51 German and 24 Japanese marines; 72 Russian, 45 French and 30 Austrian seamen were included in the total strength. (These figures alter slightly according to which report you study!)

Early on the morning of Sunday the 17 June the Taku Forts were taken and this news quickly reached Peking to inflame the situation there, and at 4pm on the 19th all European Ambassadors were ordered by the Chinese Government to vacate their Legations within 24 hours. The Chinese attacked Tientsin station area and Private Robinson, one of the Orlando men left behind there, was killed in the assault on the Military College from where Chinese were firing.

Admiral Seymour's expedition following on became trapped at Yang-Tsun, outnumbered by the Chinese and cut off by the destruction of a rail bridge, and his Flag Captain (later Admiral of the Fleet, Viscount Jellicoe) was badly injured. Now there were troops battling all along the line from the Taku Forts to Peking. News that Admiral Seymour's reinforcements were trapped at Tientsin coincided with the murder of a Japanese secretary on the 10 June, then followed an attack by 300 Boxers on Wednesday the 13th. As much has already been written about the actual episode at the Legation, I will confine myself to the role of our subject, Sergeant Preston. When at 10.30pm next day the Boxers rushed down the dusty lane to the north of the compound screaming "Shasha" (kill kill), one bearing a large pike leapt up onto a bridge where Captain Halliday stood, and Sergeant Preston shot the intruder at just four feet distance. Five more were killed and two wounded to be left there as a warning to other Boxers.

Next day a party of marines was sent out to rescue Christians, but for many it was too late; mutilated bodies of men, women and children lay about. At 9am on the 20th Baron von Ketteler, the German Ambassador, set off for the Tsungli Yamen (Foreign Ministry) in his official chair with only his secretary and two liveried Chinese servants. They were escorted by three Imperial Guard escorts, one of whom shot the Ambassador through the heart. No further attempt was made to leave from any Legation, and as the ultimatum had been ignored by the other Ambassadors, the Boxers were now augmented by the Imperial Guard.

The siege began about 4pm that day, and by 8am on the 22nd, all the Legation guards, except the Japanese, had congregated in the British building. Private Scadding of the RMLI was the first Briton to lose his life here, as a bullet struck him while he kept guard on the stable roof. On Sunday the 24th, Captain Halliday was shot in his left shoulder, damaging his lung, having killed 4 assailants himself. Sergeant Preston's moment of glory came on the 14 July when the Chinese had been driven off a 12 ft high barricade near the West Hanlin, and he climbed onto the barricade to capture the enemy's banner. Unable to reach it, he called for his rifle to be passed up to him, subsequently keeping some 50 Chinese at bay whilst an American gunner called Mitchell retrieved the flag after a struggle with the rebels who were grasping the other end. Preston jumped down to assist him. It was an action of bravery which although making no gains, proved a morale booster for the marines, and deflation for the Chinese. The sergeant's only injury was temporary stunning from a brick aimed at his head. It was for this action that he was awarded the CGM.

This large black silk flag with a Chinese 'Artillery' emblem eventually came to the Corps Museum, but it is interesting to note that a few years ago there was a claim that another one had come to light in the USMC Museum in Washington! We naturally assume ours to be the real one! The British flag which flew over the Legation was later presented to Queen Victoria.

Four days later came news that the relieving force was nearing Peking, but the beleaguered garrison had to wait until the 14th August before they arrived, and this included about 250 men from a battalion of Royal Marines under Major Luke RMLI, and soon it was all over. Casualties were:- Killed - Captain B M Strouts; Privates A Scadding, C W Philips and G Sawyer (died. Of wounds later); Wounded - Captains L S I Halliday & E Wray, Sergeant J E Preston, Corporals W Gregory, and D J Gowney, Lance Corporals A Sparkes and T R Allen, and 15 privates of RMLI. Tributes came from many, but I quote (abridged) that of Sir Claude McDonald the British Minister as follows:- "They were exposed day and night for two months to the most arduous, irksome and responsible duties, which they fulfilled with cheerful alacrity and with a courage and endurance which excited the admiration of everybody. This high state of excellence was undoubtably in a great measure due to the officers and NCOs".

Britain and other foreign powers continued to exercise influence in China until WW2 when these extra-territorial rights were abolished, leaving only Hong Kong as the British foothold until 1997.

sergeant Preston returned with the detachment to HMS Orlando and on the 16 January 1901, whilst at Wei-Hei-Wei, on the recommendation of Captain Wray, was presented with the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal on behalf of Queen Victoria, who was to die just eight days later. This entitled him to a £10 Annuity. Confirmation to the rank of Sergeant had come on the 21 December 1900, just after the siege. In addition, Corporal Preston was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during the siege, as were Sergeant T Murphy, Corporals D J Gowney and F Johnson, and Private T A Myers, while Captain Halliday was awarded his VC.

The ship returned to England, and after 3 years and 160 days aboard her Sergeant Preston disembarked to return to Forton Barracks. He received the China Medal and Defence of Legation clasp on the 4 July 1902, and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on the 11 November 19085 by which time he had been promoted to Colour Sergeant on 1 1 April 1907. Although no courses or special qualifications are recorded on his service certificate, one report claims that he "Holds a 1st class certificate of education and has every prospect of brilliant career before him ".

He was to serve in two more ships, the Powerful and Hermione, but for 45 and 62 days only respectively, and on the 9 June 1909, he married Cissie, who was to bear him two sons. Promotion to SM Sergeant came on 5 February 1911, then Sergeant Major on 20 September 1914 as WW1 started. During this he was to earn the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal to add to his collection. Winston Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, drew up a plan known as 'The Mate System' to raise men from the ranks to commissioned status for the first time (Order In Council 08/10/14), and Preston was thus commissioned on the 5th May 1915 as a Lieutenant RMLI (Quartermaster), and joined the RM Brigade at HMS Victory, naval barracks at Portsmouth on the 25 May 1915, returning to the Portsmouth Division (Forton) on the 1 November 1917. His next move was to HMS Egmont, a shore base ship moored alongside Fort St Angelo at Malta, commissioned in 1904 until 1933, where he served from the 1 May 1919 until the 8 June 1922 when he went back to the Portsmouth Division again at Forton. During his time at Malta he was made Captain RMLI on the 6 January 1921. He retired from the service, at his own request, on the 30 September 1922, and settled with his wife at Haslemere, in Hampshire, where he died on the 8 July 1944.

James Edward Preston had served exactly 20 years and 177 days in the Corps of which 13 years and 288 days were spent ashore. A short obituary to him appeared in 'The Globe & Laurel' of September 1944 (p 236) and his medals are in the Royal Marines Museum collection. There is a memorial monument to the men of HMS Orlando in Victoria Park at Portsmouth. The Battle for Gavrelle Windmill on Saturday 28th April 1917. 335 Royal Marines killed on the one day. by Kyle Tallett (RMHS)

The result of the action on 28th April was mixed one, the northern attack was a complete failure, the southern attack was a success in the sense that the Windmill the main objective was gained, but was a failure from the point of view that the other gains were lost through running out of men. The casualty figures are ones that : I have deduced from a few sources and relate to the 28th April only. I suggest that at the start of the action both RM battalions had a strength of about 750 all ranks maybe less as the Division had been in the line and probably lost some of its strength through normal wastage.

The following is calculated casualty figures for the action:

1RMLI

5 officers and 161 other ranks Killed.

150 Wounded and about 150 prisoners of war.

2 RMLI.

5 officers and 164 other ranks killed 72 Wounded.

4 officers and 208 other ranks prisoners of war.

The casualties didn't stop there, over the next couple of days the figures grew higher as badly wounded men died of wounds, amongst them was Lt Col F 3 W Cartwright DSO of 1 RMLI who died on 30th April.

Total honours for the Royal Marines for this action was 3 Military Crosses (Lt G A Newling, Capt. E 3 Huskissori and 2nd Lt E A Godfrey) 2 DCMS (Pte G Davies, L/Cpl T Salt) and 19 MM'S. It can be argued that Lt Newling could feel hard done by with an MC when a DSO would have seemed more appropriate.

It can be concluded then that the Northern attack was a failure for the following reasons. The barbed wire in front was untouched by the artillery preparation so the tendency to head for the gaps occurred. The gaps were to the north, so the attack swerved northwards which exposed the marines to the strongpoint on the railway and they got caught from behind and the flank by heavy machine gun fire. Having got into the Germans trenches there were more Germans than anticipated; it was as though large reserves were set aside to counter-attack. So, having taken the front line the marines were faced with a counter-attack of huge numbers and came off worse despite resisting strongly. As stated before there were no survivors of those who penetrated the front line, so the exact events are still unclear. The 2 RMLI attack was a success in that its main objective was taken. They were caught by heavy machine gun fire on the south where some 500 yards of flank was exposed. The official history from the German records states that they saw large bodies of British troops in echelon along the Gavrelle-Fresnes road and they cut many down with machine guns. These troops were obviously 2 RMLI. Other accounts, particularly one by Able Seaman Downe of Anson battalion who witnessed masses of troops surrendering to the north behind enemy lines. These were obviously 2 RMLI who had been trapped in the pincer. The enemy artillery was exceptionally heavy and ranged in so that heavy casualties were sustained. Lastly reading war diaries and other contemporary material the first thing which strikes me is the communications difficulties. In this day and age, a commander can be in touch by radio with all units and maintain some overall cohesion. At Gavrelie the war diaries contained many sentences along the lines of "nothing heard from 1 RML." etc. It was apparent that Brigade HQ was totally in the dark to most events as absolutely no information was coming back; news was obtained from the wounded which was out of date obviously by the time the wounded had made it back. Also observation by eye was used and the HAC were particularly good at this and their war diary account of the total action is most enlightening - all 30 pages of it!

The cost though was severe to the Royal Marines. The Corps by its nature, like the rest of the RND, was a close knit family and big losses were sorely felt. As was the case with the Marines, regulars rotated through the battalions to add some strength to the short service men, and about a quarter of the losses were to these regulars. The casualties from this battle were the worst the Royal Marines have suffered in its history. It saw the death of the few remaining Gallipoli and Ancre veterans (Horace Bruckshaw of the Bruckshaw diaries fame was amongst them). Most of the casualties are listed on the Arras memorial as they have no known grave, although some are buried in local cemeteries. There is a good possibility that a large portion of those on the Arras memorial are buried in the many graves that contain an unidentified soldier. In 1990 a memorial was built at Gavrelle for the men of the Royal Naval Division, it contains a large anchor donated by the Navy which is surrounded by a brick wall symbolising the village that was fought for. The memorial was built by the Marines of a later era.

The Marines had to rebuild their shattered remnants', but the spirit of the Marine corps did not die at the Windmill , the torch was handed on to the replacements and was carried until 11th November 1918 when the Marines found themselves near Mons where it had all began four years previously.

Appendix

Citations for Military Crosses awarded for Gavrelle 28-4-17_!ridon Gazette 18 July 1917

Temp 2nd Lt Ernest Allan Godfrey Royal Marines

For conspicuous gallantry and resource during operations when he worked his guns with great skill and endurance for 60 hours without rest, and under a heavy enemy barrage, against a strong point which eventually surrendered.

Capt. Edward John Huskisson RMLI

For conspicuous gallantry when reconnoitring, under a heavy shell fire, a position and organising guides prior to an assault. it was mainly owing to his coolness and courage that the battalion was successfully placed in alignment in the face of the greatest difficulties.

Temp 2nd Lt George Arthur Newling R.M.

For conspicuous gallantry in an attack, when he led his platoon with great courage and skill, and held the objective, when captured, against numerous counter-attacks.

Citations for Distinguish Conduct Medal awarded for Gayrelle 28-4-17 London Gazette 18 July 1917

Pte (L/Cpl) Thomas Salt RMLI

For conspicuous gallantry in operations when he crawled backwards and forwards for three hours through heavy H.E. barrages in order to signal the effect of the Stokes mortar fire. He was wounded.

Pte Glyndwr Davies RMLI.

For conspicuous gallantry. He advanced alone to an enemy strong point, demanded it's surrender and single handed he bought in fifty prisoners.

1895. August. Major Denny and a detachment of the West African Regiment landed on Sacrifice island on the Bass River.

1895. Friday 1st November. A Glimpse From The Past taken from the Globe & Laurel of bygone years. No 1, Vol III.

In the operations on the East Coast of Africa against the chief Muburak-bin-Rashid, in June of this year, Colour-Sergt. Batton RMLI of HMS Swallow had command of the Marines, 50 in number. The Senior Naval Officer in charge of the operation reports very favourably on him as being a thoroughly capable non-commissioned officer.

Our former comrades who have left us to join the Indian Staff Corps are constantly making themselves known to the world by their deeds in the wars, big and little, which take place so frequently on the Indian frontiers. Only recently Major Townsend's name was in the mouth of everyone; now we have news of Lieut. E. LeMesurier, late RMLI, who joined the Corps 1st sept. 1885, and left us for the I.S.C., in October 1888. We append a cutting of 15th August last, giving an account of Lieut. LeMesurier's deeds in Kelat:

"Sardar Gowher Khan, the famous rebel and scourge of Kelat, was killed on the 11th instant, together with his eldest son, Yoosaf Kahn, in a fight which took place between his men and 50 men of the new infantry lately raised by Lieut. LeMesurier, of Jacob's Horse, whose services were lent to Kelat last year, and who is now acting Political Agent in Kelat. According to authentic accounts received, the Khan of Kelat, with advice from Lieut. LeMesurier, despatched 50 of his troops under Mir Pasand Khan, a newly appointed Chief of the Jhalawan tribes, to effect Gowher Khan s apprehension. The outlaw had hidden himself with a number of his men in the hills about 70 miles beyond Kelat. The Khan's troops, reaching the spot after a week's search, surrounded Gowher Kahn, who had fortified himself in Gharmup, and who at first made a stand. On the 11th a fight ensued between the parties resulting in Gowher Khan and his son being killed. Thus an outlaw who has been devastating the country and causing anxiety to the Khan of Kelat and the Government for 25 years, had his career brought to an end."

First Lieutenant - "How do you like the horse you brought from me last week?'

Second Lieutenant - "Very much. He might hold his head a little higher though."

First Lieutenant - " Oh! he'll do that alright - as soon as he's paid for!"

1895. Sunday 15th December. A Glimpses of the past from the Globe & Laurel of bygone years. No Z, Vol III -15th December 1895.

The small force destined to effect the submission of King Prempeh and teach that sable and very foolish monarch wisdom and manners, is now well on its way to the Gold Coast. The force is small, but judging from the care with which those comprising it have been selected, with regard to physique, capabilities of marching. and proficiency in shooting, it should be thoroughly sufficient for the purpose.

The war clouds in other parts of the globe seem to have cleared off for the present; the outlook being very different to what it was a few weeks ago. H.M. the Sultan appears to be doing his utmost to keep peace and administer reforms in his dominions, instigated to this by the united action of all the great powers. In the far East absence of war rumours seem to point to a more peaceful solution of difficulties without recourse to arms. The "Great War" which we so often hear of as being imminent, is therefore not likely to commence in 189. Under these circumstances we feel safe in wishing all our readers a ``Mercy Xmas and Happy New Year," and we feel sure they in return will wish a prosperous new year to the Globe and Laurel and Corps Gazette.

Apropos of the Ashanti War now about to take place, probably one of the oldest surviving officers of the corps who was in action in those regions is Quarter-Master and Hon. Major George Maggs, late RMA, who took part in the attack upon Lagos, 26th December 1 85 1. The operations were directed against some slave dealers. and very dangerous «warfare it proved to be. In a softie. Major Maggs was one of those who. in the ['ace of a heavy tire, attacked the enemy's guns, and spiked them. In the action he received a severe wound. For this sere ice he obtained the meritorious medal and a gratuity of,L'100. Major Maggs we are pleased to hear is still living in excellent health at Southsea.

The senior naval officer, East Coast of Africa, has reported (4th November), that Ch. Private C.H.W. Chowne, HMS "Pcebe, " was killed at night by the firing on the camp of the Naval Brigade, when returning from a three days expedition to a place between Mombassa and Jakamya.

At the Stanley Cycle Show, at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, there is on exhibition a new tandem tricycle -- carrying two Maxim guns. The following description of the machine appeared in the "N & M Record. "

The machine is an ordinary tandem tricycle (Rudge-Whitworth) with steering wheel in front, and about half as wide again as the ordinary pattern. The two guns are fired one on each side of the rear rider, between the hind wheels, and with their muzzles pointing to the rear. To come into action the machine is, of course, turned around, and the "hind legs" of the guns are unstrapped, so as to fall down and fix firmly in the ground as a support. The men then dismount and seat themselves in the small saddles which are fixed to the "hind legs." The ammunition is carried in ten leather cases, five to each gun, which are carried under the hind legs. After firing, the latter are drawn up and strapped. and the men ride away. As an alternative to this procedure, the guns can be detached altogether from the tricycle and fired in the ordinary way upon a tripod stand, which when not in use, is strapped between the rear wheels. Each gun weighs 271bs, the tripod stand weighs 91bs, and the total weight. including ammunition, is 2001bs. It is claimed that a particularly good target can be made from the tricycle owing to the slight give of the pneumatic tyres.

(Editor - the mind boggles at this one!)

The D.A. General has approved of the promotion to Sergeant of the Plymouth Division. Corporal John Charles Clui'f RMI,I of HMS "Bury" for special service on the East Coast of Africa. Corporal Guff was left in charge of the settlement of Ribc, at a time when it was threatened by the rebels during the late disturbances on that coast. He directed the natives, and with their assistance threw up an earthwork 776 feet in length, and, by the time a party could be detached for the defence of that place, he had completed the fortifications. He is reported by the captain of the "Barrow, " to be a most capable N.C. officer and deserving of promotion. Corporal Cluff had passed an examination in Field Works and Building.

Among those who lost their lives in the terrible disaster to the launch of HMS "Edgar," on the 13th November, at Chemulpo, was Bugler George F. Warren, Plymouth Division, RMLI, Bugler Warren's photograph appeared in our last issue, in the group of members of the Legation Guard at Peking. (See photograph in June issue of Sea & Land)

Five thousand stand of arms have been sent from Portsmouth Gunwharf to Malta, for distribution among the Mediterranean Fleet. The magazine rifles and bayonets were so packed that each ship on station can promptly receive her own consignment, and the same rule was observed at Woolwich, whence the ammunition was sent. The Channel and the Mediterranean Squadrons have now been supplied with the magazine rifle, and the China Squadron will next be supplied.

The Pall Mall Gazette are keeping up a crusade against cordite. The P. Al. G. of 27th November contains the following - The military correspondent of an Indian paper has been asking a pertinent question or two about cordite. He is quite ready to admit that its behaviour was satisfactory during the late Chitral campaign. but he points out that the thermometer may have had a good deal to do with this. Only', the behaviour of the thermometer in the Malakand Pass is one thing, and its behaviour at .facobabad, say, is another. The regulations provide that when a thermometer and cordite get together, the first must always mind what it is about. and by no means exceed the sate limits of the century. In Malakand it didn't. At Jacobabad and elsewhere it does; and this is not only out of doors, and what is humorously called the "shade," but also in the privacy of the magazine, and even of the limber-box. And, in consequence of this, the cordite becomes discomposed, and even decomposed, and will either fizzle feebly out at the muzzle, or burst forth explosively at the breech-block. The correspondent wants to know how the Ordnance committee propose to reconcile this conduct on the part of the thermometer with the emergencies of' the service? And, further, how the committee is going to deal with the even more marked indications of being above its business which this misguided instrument affords in the magazine of a battle-ship? It is quite clear to the interrogator that either thermometers or cordite will have to go, and he would like to have an authoritative decision as to which of them it is to be. For the matter of that - So should we.

On November 21st, at the Portland Hall, Southsea, Professor Boys gave a lecture on photographs of bullets in flight . The lecture was illustrated by the magic lantern, and was interesting mainly from a photographic point of view. By a simple invention of his own, Professor Boys succeeded in obtaining photos of bullets, allowing an exposure of only one thirteen millionth part of a second. The air waves were most distinctly defined, the wave in front of the bullet much resembling the bow wave of a steamer. The photo was taken when the bullet had only left the muzzle a few feet. In the course of his lecture, Professor Boys mentioned one or two points which may not be generally known. (1) Gunpowder will not burn in vacua. (2) It burns much quicker when subject to great pressure. This accounts for some time fuzes not giving the same results when in the head of a shell in flight as they did when tested in a laboratory. Perhaps the most interesting part of' the lecture was a series of 'photographs of the Lee-Metford bullet as it passed through a 1/2inch sheet of glass. Just before the bullet touched the sheet, the air wave cut a disc of glass about -half the diameter of the bullet clean out. At the same time the glass around the hole made was crushed into powder, and driven backwards at the rate of 10,000 feet per second. The glass stuck to the bullet for a short time after it had passed through, the disc being driven on in front of the "bow wave." In this experiment the waves, caused by the vibrations of the glass, were very clearly seen. A photograph of the bullet after it had cleared the glass by nine inches, skewed the remainder of the glass intact. When the bullet had proceeded another 16 inches the sheet of glass was seen to break and fall to pieces.

Major-General J. Phillips C.B., who retired on November 20th, on the expiration of three years in command of the Portsmouth Division, entered the service as 2nd Lieutenant 24th December. 1856; was promoted Captain 19th June 1.872; Brevet-Major for War Service 29th June, 1879: Brevet-Lieut.-Col. For War Service 11th July 1882; Colonel-Comdt. 20th November] 892; Hon. Major-General on retirement. Major-General Phillips saw a considerable amount of war service, more than any other officer of his standard. As O.C. detachment of HMS "Shah," he was present at the only purely ship engagement that has taken place in the British service in modern times. viz,: in action with the Peruvian rebel turret-ship. "Huascar" off the Coast of Peru, on 29th May. 1877. While the "Shah "was on her way home to pay off, she was ordered to proceed to the "Cape." the Zulu War having broken out. Captain Phillips commanded the Marines of the Squadron landed for service with the land forces during the campaign, forming part of the Flying Column which relieved Ekhowe present at the Battle of Gingihlovo, April 2nd, 1879; Relief of Ekhowe, April 3rd; and destruction of Dabulamanzi's great Military Kraal, April 4th. afterwards accompanying General Crealock's Column. (Mentioned in despatches, brevet of Major. C.B.,(Zulu medal and clasp).

1895. "Bandmasters will, invariably, be in uniform when leading their Bands". The Bandmasts of the time usually wore civilian cloths whilst conducting the bands.

1896. Tuesday 7th January. The Globe and Laurel No 3 Vol. III. Information has been received from the Edgar, that a Lieutenant R.M.L.I., and 15 men, have been landed in Korea, to act as a Legation Guard, under almost the similar conditions to the Guard there last winter. The men composing this Guard left England last year.

Mr William Marriott, who has been promoted to Quartermaster with the honorary rank of Lieutenant, joined the Royal Marines in 1869, and by successive stages reached the rank of Staff-Sergt.

In 1880. He was Sergt-Major of the Royal Marine battalion stationed in Ireland in 1881, and 1882.

In 1884 and 1885 he served as Sergt.-Major with the Royal Marine battalion in the Soudan and took an active part in the defence of Suakim. He also accompanied General Graham's expeditionary force. He was engaged in reconnaissance work at Hasheen, March 20th, the battle of Tofrek, March 22nd (McNeill's Zareba) and the capture and burning of Tamai. (Note: An article on McNeill's Zereba is in preparation.)

He was engaged on convoy duty on March 24th, and again on the 26th, the convoy being heavily attacked on. Each occasion.

In June 1888, Mr Marriott was appointed Sergt.-Major of the Portsmouth Division of Royal Marines, which post he continued to hold up to the time of his selection for a Quartermaster ship in the Chatham Division, where he takes up his new duties on Friday. Lieut. Marriott wears the Egyptian War medal with two bars, the Kedive Star and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The United States Navy Department has decided to reduce the number of Marines carried by men-of-war in the U.S. Navy.

This is taken as an indication of its intention ultimately, to dispense with the services of the Marines Corps afloat and is meeting with strong opposition from the officers of the Corps, who maintain that Marines are as much needed on board war vessels now, as ever they were, though their functions may be somewhat altered.

In large ships the numbers carried will be limited to thirty men, a proportionate reduction being made in smaller vessels.

ec~001 'Zrectt

The children of the Divisional Schools at Plymouth had their Annual Christmas entertainment in the Divisional Theatre, on Thursday, 19th December 1895. Each of the children were given a packet of sweets and an orange, which they all seemed to fully appreciate. The band under the direction of Corporal Ockland, enlivened the evening by several selections of popular airs. Songs were very ably rendered by Privates Anderson and Smith. A stump oration by Private Foster brought forth roars of laughter. Private T. Smith in his bird imitations was excellent. Sergeant G.A. Parsons gave a capital song and dance. The banjo solo of Sergeant Moore was very nicely rendered. Bugler Ryan as a clown was very good. Bugle-Major Jas. Howe simply kept his audience in convulsions for half an hour with his ventriloquism, which by the way, would do credit to any professional stage. At the conclusion, Mr Westaway, Schoolmaster, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Major C.B.G. Dick R.M.L.I.; for his great kindness in providing such an excellent entertainment, and called for three cheers from the children, to which they heartily responded.

The following extract is from a private letter received from Buluwayo:

"I arrived up here last week, after a most awful journey by coach form Mafeking. I don't think I shall go down again till the railway arrives here, it is a journey of over 600 miles over the most awful roads and is supposed to take five days and a half, but the coach I was in took seven days and a half, as we broke down twice, both times in the night, and we had to wait till morning to patch up and go very slowly till we arrived at a mule station. The coach is drawn by ten mules, which are changed every fifteen or twenty miles, and you travel night and day, so you can imagine one doesn't get much rest, especially when the coach is full as it was. Nine inside is all they hold, and then you are packed in to one another like sardines. The heat was awful, and the dust too. The fare is £25; quite enough for the shaking you get, and then you have to pay for your food on the way. There are only ten wayside 'stores on the road, and they are very rough shanties. Well, I came up here to start a branch business, as I heard things were so good. This is truly a marvellous place when you consider that it is only two years ago to-day that the troops marched into Bulawayo. The town is not exactly on the site of Lobengula's old kraal, which is about a mile and a half away.

I suppose this is the most wonderful town that has ever sprung up in any country.

It covers an area of about six square miles, the population is about 10,000 white, and people are coming in daily from all parts. There are sixteen hotels, all of which are full, and it is very hard to get a bed anywhere. They charge you from

12 to £17 a month. The buildings are very fine, all a great deal better than Mafeking, and they are still hard at work building. The Post Office and Stock Exchange are wonderful buildings for this outlandish part - 600 miles from any rail. There is a staff of twenty men in the Post Office. There are three banks, none of the staffs of which are under ten in number, so you can gather what business is going on. There are two breweries, a steam laundry, mineral water factories galore, and skating rink; huge waterworks in course of erection. They are also putting up the electric light, and three recreation grounds, a race course, and a park are being constructed. I was thunderstruck when I arrived, as I couldn't imagine a place like this in the wild of Matabeleland. Where two or three years before only a few white men had ever been seen. Just to give you some idea of the prices of some things here, eggs are from 12s to 17s per dozen, butter 16s to I7s per lb., little new potatoes you pay 6d a piece for, and so on; but the place is chock full of money. I only hope some will stick to me. I have not started business yet as. I am waiting. For my stock to arrive, it takes at least ten weeks by wagon from Mafeking now, as the `Veldt' is very bad, and there is no water - rain is wanted very badly all over the country. In Johannesburg, I hear, there is a water famine; water is selling at 3s per two gallons. My partner is still carrying on in business in Mafeking, but after the railway passes, I think we shall sell out unless the Malmain gold-fields go ahead. Quite 75 per cent. Of the population here are gentlemen, which is very nice. I am sending you the Bulinvayo Chronicle this week. I will send you all of them next week, there are six a week published, though we haven't got a daily yet."

The Commanding Officer of a regiment was much troubled by the persistent untidiness of one of his men. Reprimand and punishment were unavailing. The man remain as dirty as ever. At last a brilliant idea struck the Colonel. "Why not march him down the whole line of the regiment and shame him into decency`.'' So, it was done. The untidy soldier was marched along the line by the Colonel, who, when he came to an end.

Having marched along the entire line. Paddy marched up to the Colonel, saluted, and said in the hearing of the whole regiment, with the utmost cangfinid, "I hir-tiest Regimint I hiver hinspected, Sor" (Sic) 1896. January - June. The Island of Crete being in a very unsettled state on account of the insurrection against the Turkish Government, an International Gendarmerie was formed and Major Bor RMA was appointed to organise and command it in January 1897. He resigned his position in March, and took command of the European troops holding the fort of Izzedin during the insurrection. During the insurrection Major C.C. Britain RMLI with Lieutenants P. Molloy and F.A. Nelson landed with 1,400 N.C.O's and men from HMS Rodney, HMS Revenge and HMS Balfleur to assist in the occupation of Canea by the European Powers and remained there for five weeks.

1896. Friday 7th February. No 4 Vol. III The Globe & Laurel. Hard indeed it is to shake the faith of' the ignorant African native in the wisdom and practices of his forefathers. Nywiliso, Chief of the Pondos, was recently greatly troubled by the long-continued drought and the appearance of locusts, and being quite convinced that these evils were due to the fact that the rain and locusts, doctors were not allowed to exercise their charms, he wrote to major Elliot, C.M.G., late R.M.L.I., to that effect, and requested permission for his "doctors" to be allowed to work their spells, to bring down rain, and to destroy the locusts. Fortunately, rain fell while the Magistrate was thinking what answer to make. Had the Major refused the Chief's request, and had the drought continues, there would possibly have been further trouble with the Pondo natives.

The Commander-in-Chief notified recently several alterations in the Queen's Regulations which affect the practice of route marching at home. Troops on home service are to be practised at least twice a week in route marching, between October 15th and March 15th. The marches are to be progressive, beginning with nine miles in October, with a gradual increase to sixteen miles in January. Marching order is to be worn, and with immature men the carrying of a full kit is also to be progressive. In doubtful cases medical opinion is to be taken. The marches are to be combined with some tactical operation, and where the march exceeds twelve miles, biscuits are to be carried in the haversack. At the close of the route marching season officers and men, in fair or foul weather, will march fifteen miles a day for six consecutive days. Halts are to be made every half an hour after a forced march, afterwards once an hour for five minutes each time, and when the march exceeds six hours, a halt is to be made for a meal. The fitting of the men's boots is to be specially attended to, and special care used in noting the condition of the men individually. This order is being carried out at our several Head-Quarters. combined with Tactical exercises, which add greatly to the interest of the marches.

Sergi.-Major Charles Wiltshire, of the Port Elizabeth Artillery, who is reported a prisoner for attempted participation in the recent rising in the Transvaal, is an old and well-known non-commissioned officer of the

Plymouth Division, R.M.L.I. For many years he was Gunnery Instructor at the Division, and relinquished his appointment to embark in the Raleigh on the Cape of Good Hope Station. A love of adventure and an offer of his present appointment induced him to obtain a free discharge by relinquishing his seventeen years' service in the Royal Marines, thus forfeiting all claim to pension.

It would appear from the following extract from the Annual Register of 17b 1, that Hannah Snell was not the only Hannah who served as a Marine:

"Leeds, October 20th (1761). A few days ago, a young woman about 20, dressed in a man's clothes, was impressed at Plymouth and sent to Corpl. Toby in this town. On her arrival she was committed to prison; but not liking confinement she discovered her sex and was discharged. She gives the following account of herself:- That her name is Hannah Whitney; that she was born in Ireland; had been a Marine on board different ships for upwards of five years, and would not have discovered her sex if she had been allowed her liberty."

From an article in the Standard on the Ashanti Campaign we extract the following:

"One element in the last Expedition is, we notice, with regret, absent. At that time the Seamen and Marines, artillery and infantry, played a very conspicuous part. It was they who, long before the coming of the Inf2r_try of the Line, drove back the Ashantis from Elmina, and, followed them, burned their villages. It was they who relieved Abracrampa, and under Colonel Festing, fought some severe engagements. Lastly, it was the Naval Brigade who, under the supervision of Major Home and his Engineers, built the bridge, and upon the whole of the upward march cheered the column by their fun and light-hearted gaiety. Why ships on the station are not represented, if only by a small contingent, is difficult to understand"

Another of the survivors of the Six Hundred who took part in the famous Balaclava charge has passed away in the person of William Henry Faulkner. whose death has occurred at Chatham. Born in Inverness. Faulkner, at the age of seventeen, joined the 4th Light Dragoons. I sent out to the Crimea. In charging the Russian guns at Balaclava he received a bullet in his neck, where it remained until the day Chis death, being deeply imbedded in the muscles. The young Dragoon attacked the Russian who fired the shot and cut him down. The horrors of war were too much for a young fellow of Faulkner's age, and he was invalided home, suffering from mental aberration. He was taken to Fort Pitt Hospital, Chatham, and was among the wounded visited by Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort.

Upon his recovery Faulkner was the recipient of an anonymous gift of a £5 note and a suit of clothes, and throughout his life he always held the conviction that his unknown benefactor was none other than her Majesty. Upon his restoration to health, Faulkner, joined the Royal Marines, and again saw active service in the Indian Mutiny.

He was present at both the Relief of Lucknow (Nov. 17th. 1857) and its recapture (March 21st, 1858). He also fought at Cawnpore in the battle of December 6th, 1857, and, after deadly work with his bayonet, was severely wounded by a heavy blow from a club wielded by a giant Sepoy.

Faulkner completed 21 years service in the Royal Marines, and retired on a small pension, afterwards getting employment as a labourer.

The naval authorities, in recognition of his gallant services to his country, admitted him to the Melville Hospital during his last illness, and a party of Royal Marines in uniform bore his body to the grave. The deceased was fifty-nine years of age.

Vanity Fair, of January l 6th, contained an interesting letter about the Lee-Metford rifle and its effects at Chitral. A Surgeon's evidence is quoted to show (1) That owing to the high initial velocity and extreme hardness of the bullet, it passes at short ranges through everything, except large bones, without giving any shock to the victim. (2) Although the wound may eventually prove fatal, it would hardly at the time impair his fighting power. It is kind not to quote the name of the Surgeon who reported these things - a bullet which passes through a man's heart or wind-pipe. without giving the victim any shock. would indeed and these arc i:t;l'liitllly not large bones. vUiics. I iii yi:ra argument in the letter is a very familiar one to military readers. A big bullet is advocated instead of a small one, because it is said to stop a man better. Education and musketry training has done so much for us all, that one wonders how so many people manage to miss the whole point of the question. A small bullet gives increased velocity, which means a flatter trajectory. With a flatter trajectory the danger zone is longer and the chance of hitting very much increased. Surely a small bullet that hits a man is more likely to stop him than a big one that misses him.

An interesting letter has been forwarded to us from Sergt. Boxwell, RMLI, late Sergeant in charge of the Marine Guard left behind at Pekin by Major Milne RMA. Sergeant Boxwell and his men appear to have found life rather dreary' after the withdrawal of the remainder of the Legation Guards; but we are glad to see that the little detachment worthily maintained the traditions of our Corps, always so remarkable whenever small bodies are detached on special service, by being quiet and orderly in their behaviour. The Guard was finally withdrawn from Pekin on August 18th. and after sundry delays, and being transferred from one ship to another, at length reached Edgarat Woosung, on October 11th, only, however, to find that they were at once to proceed to Seoul, again as a Legation Guard, under the command ufl, icuienanl Meister RMLI. The strength of the Guard is ! Sergeant (Sergt. Boxwell), l Corporal (Corpl. Kent) and l3 Privates. They have comfortable quarters, with a compound to themselves with apparently not much to do; plenty of healthy exercise being obtained by climbing the surrounding hills.

Quaint Orders (From an old Gibraltar Orders Book)

No Officer or soldier on duty to carry an umbrella.

A loose ball and a charge of powder is to be issued to each man on guard to save their cartridges. The loose ball is to be carried in the cock of their hats.

On account of the scarcity of flour, soldiers are not to have their hair powdered until further orders.

The skeleton of a soldier - supposed a deserter - was yesterday discovered at the foot of the Rock, so much broken and otherwise disfigured that there remain no marks to distinguish the Corps to which he belonged, except the letters J.Y. on his stockings.

Any Corps 'who have lost a man etc! The following incident is reported to have occurred during the early part of the Egyptian affair in 1882.-

The famous Regiment. arrived at Alexandria with its glorious colours inscribed with its victories of centuries, more or less, and having to leave them at the base, was ordered to place them in safe keeping on board

MSHellcon. Guarded by six kilted 1-lighlanders and two officers with drawn swords, the sacred banners were taken in state alongside.

With the hospitality that characterises UIcr Majesty's Navy, the officers were taken into the ward-room for refreshments, and the bosun was ordered to see to the precious charge.

Jack looked over the side. and. to the horror of the hearers. veiled.

`Ere, you marines. bring up the bloody flags!!'

From an article in the Standard on the Ashanti Campaign we extract the following:

"One element in the last Expedition is, we notice with regret, absent. At that time the Seamen and Marines, Artillery and Infantry, played a very conspicuous part. It was they who, long before the coning of the Infantry of the Line, drove back the Ashantis from Elmina, and, following them, burned their villages. It was they who relieved Abracrampa, and , under Colonel Festing fought some severe engagements. Lastly, it was the Naval Brigade who, under the supervision of Major Home and his Engineers, built the bridge, and upon the whole of the upward march cheered the column by their fun and light-hearted gaiety. Why the ships on the station are not represented, if only by a small contingent, is difficult to understand."

The recent Ashantee expedition. recalls to our minds the successful way in which the late Sir Francis Pest ng's advance was conducted in the former campaign. With a few additions to the present equipment and stores in charge of the Corps, it seems so easy to carry out a whole little war of this nature. By using a force of Marines alone. Plenty of able officers would be forthcoming to conduct such campaigns. but the question is whether the Admiralty could spare the men from their strictly naval duties. Probably! they could not.(Sic)

1896. Saturday 7th March. The Globe & Laurel of bygone years. No 5 Vol. III.

Information has been received from the S.N.O. , East Coast of Africa, that Ch.6230 Bugler W.C. Tinsdall of HMS Phoebe, who was dangerously wounded at Mioele, on 17th August last, by a shot through the chest, is now convalescent. He was for many weeks in a most critical condition, and was treated by Dr MacDonald, of the British East Africa Protectorate Government Hospital, at Mombasa, and it is owning to that gentleman's care and treatment that Bugler Tindall's recovery is due. A letter conveying the thanks of their Lordships for the careful treatment of this Bugler has been sent to Dr MacDonald.

BY Captain G.G. Aston R.M.A.

What sort of guns have they got in the Transvaal ? Judging by the evidence of one witness against the Johannesburg Committee they must be up to date enough to go in for field mortars or howitzers. This witness said he saw a gun only three feet long but gig enough to put his head in. Another said that the piece of ordnance in question might certainly have been used as a water pipe, but it was without doubt a gun. We have heard of men who did not know the difference between a gun and a pump, and they seem to be common in South Africa.

We all know the old nautical joke, by which our brothers of the sister Service try sometimes to draw us, in calling an empty bottle a dead Marine. In an old volume we find the following anecdote of the Sailor King: William the Fourth seemed in a momentary dilemma one day, when at table with several other officers, he ordered one of the waiters to "Take away that Marine there," pointing to an empty bottle. "Your Majesty!" inquired a Colonel of Marines, "do you compare an empty bottle to a member of our branch of the Service ?" "Yes," replied the monarch, as if a sudden thought had struck him; " I mean to say it has done its duty once, and is ready to do it again."

The first of a series of monthly smoking concerts was held at the Wanderer's Club, Strada St, St Paulo, Valletta, by the non-commissioned officers of the Mediterranean Fleet, on Thursday the 6th February, and it proved to be a most enjoyable evening, everyone remarking "that a more enjoyable evening could not be spent " This success was mainly due to the very energetic chairman (Sgt. Major Blackman), who very soon found out those possessing vocal and elocutionary talents, and no fewer than thirteen turns were got through in the course of the evening.

The following N.C. officers and friends provided the different items in the programme:- Sergeant Major Blackman, Sgts. Morton, Champ, Latto, Ware, Corporals Lee, Whittier, Black Edge, Dansey and Greasley, Mr Burnard R.N., Mr Burke R.N., and Mr Marchant R.N. Corporal Black presided at the piano, and accompanied the various songs in his usual able manner. A most pleasant evening was brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne."

Everyone regretting that the time had passed so quickly, but promising their support for the concerts on the future.

The Cuban revolutionists are said to have proved that a dynamite charge effectively employed will do more work in a fraction of a second than a rifled cannon can be expected to accomplish during its whole term of life. The problem as I see it however, is that you have to get your enemy to stand around your dynamite charge before he can come too much harm. Then too, there is a considerable chance of you blowing yourself up with it.

Charges against men for articles of arms or accoutrements lost or rendered unserviceable by neglect or culpable mismanagement, will be made for proportionable value of the unexpired period of wear; no charge will, however, be reduced below a quarter of the full value, and the unexpired period will be calculated in half years, any period of less than six months being charged as a full year.

There is undoubtedly demand in this country for a Corps of Marine Artillery Volunteers - men who are efficient gunners afloat but not necessarily "seamen". Such a Corps could be raised without difficulty and would cost very little. If any patriotic retires officer would undertake to "bell the cat" the advantage to the country could hardly be overestimated. There is a great future for a movement of this kind if properly taken up. Those who joined would learn a great deal about the Navy, and spread their knowledge about the country in peace time. In war they would be invaluable. Besides a few more of the population would learn what the Royal Marines are and what they do, which would be an advantage. Which of us does not recognise the three sentences: "What a magnificent Barracks;" "What a splendid body of men;" "But what do you do?" We cannot always be explaining that the country would find it hard to get on without us!

(Editor: 60 years after this article was written I was standing at a bus stop outside Waterloo Station, in blues, when an old lady asked inc what number bus went to Cricklewood. When I said I didn't know, she demanded to know what type of London Transport bus inspector I was, if I couldn't answer a simple question like that.

Another flying machine is reported from the United States. It is of steel, and driven by a steam engine, and, bulk for balk, is considerably heavier than the air which it displaces. Owing to the scale on which it is built there is no condensing arrangement to use the water more than once, and enough can only be carried for a very brief flight. For this reason the actual flights taken during the experiments in May last do not appear to have exceeded half a mile, and on the last occasion the speed was about twenty miles per hour. The results appear to justify further experiments in the same direction, but it is to be hoped that these machines will never be made on a large enough scale to carry bodies of troops armed with high explosives. With melinite shell on land and torpedoes at sea there are quite enough unpleasant inventions to be met with in war as it is.

CORPS ADVERTISEMENTS

Wanted Man and Wife Man as a working butler, wife as cook and general servant. ` Pay ? 5shillins per week: board themselves.

Apply: Staff-Captain, Dockyard, Pembroke Dock.

1896.Tuesday 7th April. Taken from The Globe & Laurel of bygone years. No 6 Vol. III 7th April. 1896. The following extracts are of interest to the Corps having been gathered from the estimates of (£896-97. The total sum voted for the year, for the whole of the Naval Forces, amounts to £21,823,000, an increase of £3,122,000 on the preceding year. The increase in numbers amounts to 4,900, of which 500 are to the Royal Marines, viz, RMA - 200; RMLI -291 and 9 Staff Officers.

By Captain N G.G. Aston R.M.A.

New Zealand politicians are taking a move in the right direction when they talk about a contribution to the Navy. If within fifty years all our colonies contribute annually towards the fleet, either in men, money or material, or better still all three, then we shall indeed be strong as an empire.

So many people seem to be in favour of the proposal in last month's Notes about establishing a Royal Marine Volunteers, that there is a great temptation to extend the proposal to our colonies -especially those with a sea-coast population. The worst of it is that it is so very easy to sit down with a pen and propose these things, but so very difficult really to put them through. Even volunteers cannot be kept up without spending a little of the tax-pavers money, and we all know what a business it is to get hold of that. (Editors underlining)

When the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers were abolished, rumour had it that they were given the chance of becoming Royal Marine Artillery Volunteers, but refused to be turned into "mere landsmen" as the newspapers put it. This was a little hard on the RMA, who spend most of their time at sea.

The French will soon be in a good position to make out penetration tables for the Lebel rifle. A drunken soldier, the other day, elected to let off his rifle in his barrack room. The bullet went through the ceiling, through the bed of a comrade in the room above, through his body and his hand ,which was on his chest, and then through the floor above. Truly, as the latest writers on tactics say, it is not an advantage nowadays to put men behind inadequate cover; better advance on the enemy as quickly as possible, and not let him get off too many rounds.

Twenty-four Maxim guns and three hundred cases of rifles seems a large supply to be got into three "small" oil-tanks. Evidence was given in a trial at Pretoria of the Johannesburg Reform Committee, that this amount of war material was produced out of the oil-tanks; so it must be presumed that it was got into them. Either imaginations or oil-tanks must be on a large scale in that country.

Somebody in Germany is reported to have invented a means of representing the cloud produced by the discharge of a field gun using smokeless powder, to be used at sham fights. It is described as a kind of air pump, emitting a cloud of dust - or more familiarly, perhaps we might call it a squirt. It would be rather useful to start a few of these dust-squirts for the enemy to shoot at, while one's guns were firing at him from somewhere else. When one reads of these things, one.does not trust even the statements in the Tactic book, that - one of the chief results of the use of smokeless powder will be the absence of smoke on the battlefield. Until recently it seemed a rather obvious truism.

The Prussian general staff is said to be enthusiastic over Count Zeppelin's steerable balloon, which can rise 1,200 yards, travel eleven miles per hour, carry two tons, stay up full a week -, and ascend and descend without throwing ballast or losing gas, but the principal novelty is a secret preparation, or sizing, making "silk entirely gas-tight. The cost of one will be $75,000.

A. and N. Journal, New York.

The fact is, that slowly and surely the seaman and marine are drifting togther. The former spends some time in barracks now, and the latter spends a larger proportion of his time afloat than he used to do. The change will be a slow one, and perhaps will not be brought about in our generation, but when it comes, the sea-soldier and the seamen will both be as perfect as is humanely possible.

(Editor's Comment: We are! Why am 't the Matelots ? )

We regret to record the death of Sergt. James Robertson, (late R.M.L.I..) The body of this N.C.O. was found completely cut in two on the railway near Woodside, by Aberdeen, on the 13`'' March, the unfortunate man having evidently been run over by one or more passing trains. Sergt. Robertson was born at Fochaber, Elgin, N.Q., and enlisted in the R.M.L.I. at Liverpool on the 26'1 December 1866. He re-engaged on the 6't' October 1876, was promoted Corporal on the 1st January 1872, and to Sergeant on the 13th July l876. He had no war services, and for the latter part of his service was at the R.M. Depot.

He was awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal on the 23rd February 1877 and was discharged to pension on the 30th December 1887. He was afterwards employed as night watchman at Kittybrewster Station. Being possessed of a good education he shortly obtained a post of Sacrist of Mareschal College, at Aberdeen, which appointment he held for seven years, gaining the esteem of all with whom he came in contact by his obliging and congenial manner.

We are indebted to Sgt. J Smith R.M.L.I. of HMS Melita, for the following account of a visit to Massowah. The Melita was at Massowah, on the 27th February last, and whilst there, Camel and Mule races took place, in which the R.M's distinguished themselves in one way or another, Pte W.J. Ricketts winning the 300 yards race. Great activity prevailed in the Italian garrison, large numbers of troops arriving in crowded transports. The general appearance of the Italians with their heavy packs, on which are slung small tenter d'abri , was very serviceable. These troops were armed with the magazine rifle, and, among them Were many youthful conscripts who had lately left their happy homes. The Italian Governor inspected the detachment of ours serving in HMS Melita, and highly complimented on the fine physique and smart appearance of the men.

HMS S Porpoise HBM Consulate, Seoul, Corea. Feb. 18th, 1896.

Dear Sir,

I hope you will find this of sufficient interest to insert in our valuable and well-read journal.

On Feb. llth, the Russians having landed over 100 men from the Admiral ivoehinoff, and despatched them to Seoul, the forenoon of the 12th brought an order for sixteen Royal Marines to proceed to Seoul at once. We ci Col.-Sgt., 2 Corpls., I Bugler. and 12 Privates) with Lieut. R.E.R. Benson, RN in charge, left the ship just after 5 p.m. with bags and bedding to march there.

A start was made from the landing place at Chemulo exactly at 6 p.m. Until clear of the town very slow progress was made, but once outside were able to march at a very decent pace. By this time it was completely dark; the ground very rough; and the first time of going over it, it soon became hard work.

A halt was made for ten minutes at the Gap, which is one of the hardest hills to climb on the road, and we continued on until we reached the Oricole Hostelry, where a stay was made till the morning - a distance of 15 miles being accomplished in four-and-quarter hours, over rough and unknown roads and with full marching order.

At 6 a.m. another start was made. Marpu was reached at 8-30 (where the river had to be crossed by means of a ferry) and Seoul at 0930, a distance of 10 miles from the halting place; the baggage arriving at 1 l a.m. With the exception of two with blistered feet, all arrived in Al condition. The barracks are close to the Consulate gate and very comfortable.

Next day, a sentry was posted at the gate and each man told off to his station, should the Consulate be attacked. At 11 p.m. The alarm was sounded, and every man was at his station in eight minutes.

1896. June. The following letter was published in the Globe & Laurel, in the June Edition of 1896. and is probably the earliest reference of an Australian serving in the Corps:

Being an Australian, Sydney, N.S. Wales being my place of birth, and residence of my parents, relatives and friends, proud of my native country and the grand decision arrived at by our Premier, which has been received by the Colonial secretary and published to the world at large, I, in my present position, cannot rest without bringing to your notice the following regarding my civil, volunteer, military and naval career during the past 36 years, with a view that you will be pleased to peruse the same and publish it, being ready at any moment to again rally round the Standard. In the year 1860, being then 17 years of age (born in 1843), 1 joined (as a member) of the volunteer Corps on its first formation in Sydney, N.S. Wales, and during the same year we were called upon to perform various duties, mounting guards, patrols, escorts Etc., during the absence of the military, who were suddenly called away to the gold fields for the purpose of suppressing the riots between the miners and the Chinese. In 1861, having had some experience at cricket, I had the distinguished honour of being selected as one of the team to represent the Colony of N.S. Wales, to play against the first All England Eleven that visited Australia under the captaincy of H.H. Stephenson (Surrey). In 1863, on the breaking out of the war in New Zealand, volunteers from the Australian Colonies were called for by the New Zealand Government, for active service with the Imperial troops, I obtained H.M. commission with the rank of ensign, and left Sydney on board a chartered ship the "Kate," in charge of the first detachment of men that left the shores of Australia for the seat of war.

In the month of April 1865, after the storming and capture of Orakan Pah, then being under the command of the late Major General Carey, H.M. 18th Royal Irish, I obtained special promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, for my conduct with the 'flying column' in the field and at this engagement (In possession of medal with commissioned rank on edge). In 1866, at the termination of hostilities and the withdrawal of the troops, I returned to Sydney, N.S. Wales. In 1867, a special Mounted Police force was about to be enrolled to scour the bush and put down bushranging in the interior of the Colony. I formed one of a party for this dangerous and hazardous duty, until their career was checked by the apprehension of the ringleaders, execution of the brothers Clarke, death and transportation for life of the remainder of the gang after their long reign of terror in the southern district of New South Wales. In the month of May 1868, I left Sydney for Melbourne, and assisted in the transport of horses, forage etc., purchased for the government of India, for conveyance to Bombay for commissariat work during the Abyssinian campaign, obtaining an appointment in the civil service. After the capture of Magdala and return of the troops to Bombay, I remained in the Bombay residency until 1872, and in the month of November of that year, I paid my first visit to England, arriving a complete stranger on the 19th December. In January 1873, being then 30 years of age, not tired of military life, I made application to join the Royal Marines, and obtained a special order of enlistment on account of my past service. During my time in that distinguished and respected corps for a period of 21 years (ashore and afloat), I did my duty, and was discharged to pension as a non-commissioned officer on the 15th January 1894, and since that time have been employed in the dockyard reserve, Chatham. In conclusion, I am ready (as an Australian should be), to again undertake (being in my 54th year of age), any military or naval duty on behalf of my queen and country, for the glory honour and welfare of the constitution. I beg to subscribe myself: Robert John Coulter, Late Corporal R.M.L.I. New Brompton, Chatham, Tuesday 21st April 1896. (Sic)

1897. Wednesday 10th February – Saturday 20th February. The Benin Expedition.

1897. Friday 7th May. Globe & Laurel: A correspondent writes from Bermuda:

In Bermuda the Marines shoot their fish from the ramparts surrounding the Commissioner's House. Sergeant Little, R.M.L.I., has shot two within the last week, the first weighing 42 lbs. and the second 60 lbs. They are called rock cod and lie usually about a foot below the surface of the water. Daybreak is the best time for sighting them. Sometimes the tide carries the dead fish away from the shore, then it is a case of swimming 300 or 400 yards to secure the prize.

1897. Captain B S Green became Bandmaster of the Royal Marine Artillery band. Having become a musician at the age of 12 in the Hussars, and risen through the ranks. When he retired from the Royal Marine Artillery in 1919 he had fifty seven years of service in military bands.

The band, under Captain Green, played at many prominent events such as the funeral of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII's Coronation and on a Royal tour to India. Whilst Green was a Director of Music the band visited and played for those serving on the Western Front on several occasions during the First World War.

The energy, musical skills and leadership of Green raised the standard of the RMA Band, gaining both public and royal recognition. The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth carried on this Royal legacy, playing on subsequent Royal Yachts, denoted by the badge 'Royal Yacht'. When the last Royal Yacht was decommissioned the Queen stated the badge 'Royal Band' should continue to be worn as a mark of the association.

1897. The Globe & Laurel:

A Marine belonging to one of her Majesty's gunboats lying in Hobson's Bay gave an amusing defence when charged at the Melbourne Police Court with disorderly conduct in a public-house. He said that he was singing the "Death of Nelson" when three foreigners, one of whom he thought, was a Frenchman, interfered with him. He fought the three and beat them. An excellent character reference was given for the accused by the Master-at- Arms of his ship, and the bench let him off with a fine of 5 Shillings.

1898. Captain Oldfield and N.C.Os of the Royal Marine Artillery, under took an Operation on the Nile.

1898. Tuesday 6th September. The Attack on British Forces at Candia.

1898. Wednesday 23rd November. Major Plumbe and 213 Royal Marines were in Belmont South Africa.

1898. Friday 25th November. During the Battle of Graspan Major Plumbe is killed. While Captain Marchant RMLI brings the Naval Brigade out of action.

1898 \- 1901. The Boxer Rebellion was a violent anti foreign and anti Christian movement which took place in China towards the end of the Qing dynasty between 1898 and 1900. It was initiated by the Militia United in Righteousness (Yihetuan), known in English as the 'Boxers', and was motivated by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposition to foreign imperialism and Christianity trying to take over their country. The Eight Great Powers that were trying to dominate the eastern part of the world at that time consisted of Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and all had a military presence to protect their share of the country.

1899. Wednesday 11th October. The start of the Second Boer War, by the United Kingdom against the South African Republic (Transvaal Republic) and the Orange Free State. The British war effort was supported by troops from all over the British Empire. The war ended in victory for Britain and the annexation of both republics. Both would eventually be incorporated into the Union of South Africa in 1910. The Royal Marines were with the Naval Brigade with a Corps strength of 19,000.

1899. Four RMLI Buglers were amongst the force that fought its way onto the Graspan heights during the South African War.
Chapter 11

### 1900 - 1924

1900. The Royal Marine Depot Band brought up to strength and given offical recognition.

1900. Sunday18th February - 27th February. The Battle of Paardeburg. Major Urmston and Marchant and 160 Royal Marines.

1900. Wednesday 7th March. The Battle of Poplar Grove. Major Urmston and detachment of Royal Marines.

1900. Saturday 5th May. The Viet River. Major S.P. Peile and 70 men.

1900. Thursday 10th May. The Zand River. Major S.P. Peile and 80 men.

1900. The China 'Boxer Rebellion' was a violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian movement which took place in China towards the end of the Qing dynasty between 1898 and 1900. It was initiated by the Militia United in Righteousness (Yihetuan), known in English as the 'Boxers', and was motivated by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposition to foreign imperialism and Christianity trying to take over their country. The Eight Great Powers that were trying to dominate the eastern part of the world at that time consisted of Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and all had a military presence to protect their share of the country.

1900. June. The Boxers convinced that they were invulnerable to foreign weapons, converged on Beijing with the slogan 'Support the Qing, exterminate the foreigners.' The Foreigners and Chinese Christians sought refuge in the Legation Quarter, in response to reports of an armed invasion to lift the siege. The initially hesitant Empress Dowager Cixi supported the Boxers and on Monday 21st June authorised war on the foreign powers. Diplomats, foreign civilians and soldiers as well as Chinese Christians in the Legation Quarter were placed under siege by the Imperial Army of China and the Boxers for 55 days. Chinese officialdom was split between those supporting the Boxers and those favouring conciliation, led by Prince Qing. The supreme commander of the Chinese forces, Ronglu, later claimed that he acted to protect the besieged foreigners. The Eight Nation Alliance, after being initially turned back, brought 20,000 armed troops to China, defeated the Imperial Army, and captured Beijing on Tuesday 14th August, lifting the siege of the Legations. Uncontrolled plunder of the capital and the surrounding countryside ensued, along with the summary execution of those suspected of being Boxers.

The Marines played a prominent and major role during the rebellion. Captain Lewis Stratford Tollemache Halliday RMLI (1870 - 1966) was wounded but carried on fighting and was later awarded the Victoria Cross. This was also the first time the British and American Marines had fought alongside each other.

1900. Tuesday 12th June. The Battle of Diamond Hill. Major Peile and 60 Royal Marines.

1900. Sunday 17th June. The Capture of the Military College in Tien-Tsin.

1900. Sunday 24th June. While serving in the Boxer Rebellion in China Captain Lewis Stratford Tollemache Halliday RMLI. (1870-1966) was awarded the Victoria Cross.

His Citation reads: On the Wednesday 24th June 1900, the enemy, consisting of Boxers and Imperial troops, made a fierce attack on the west wall of the British Legation, setting fire to the west gate of the south stable quarters, and taking cover in the buildings which adjoined the wall. The fire, which spread to part of the stables, and through which and the smoke a galling fire was kept up by the Imperial troops, was with difficulty extinguished, and as the presence of the enemy in the adjoining buildings was a grave danger to the Legation, a sortie was organised to drive them out. A hole was made in the Legation Wall, and Captain Halliday, in command of twenty Marines, led the way into the buildings and almost immediately engaged a party of the enemy. Before he could use his revolver, however, he was shot through the left shoulder, at point blank range, the bullet fracturing the shoulder and carrying away part of the lung. Notwithstanding the extremely severe nature of his wound, Captain Halliday killed three of his assailants, and telling his men to "carry on and not mind him," walked back unaided to the hospital, refusing escort and aid so as not to diminish the number of men engaged in the sortie.

Halliday was 30 years old, and a Captain in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, during the Boxer Rebellion in China when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).

On Sunday 24 June 1900 at Peking, China, an attack was made on the British Legation by the Boxers who set fire to the stables and occupied some of the other buildings. It being imperative to drive the enemy out, a hole was knocked in the Legation wall and 20 men of the RMLI went in. Captain Halliday, leading a party of six men, was involved in desperate fighting and was severely wounded but despite his injuries, he killed four of the enemy. Finally, unable to carry on any further, he ordered his men to go on without him, after which he returned to the legation alone, telling his men 'carry on and not mind him', so as not to diminish the number of men engaged in the sortie. He walked 3 miles unaided to the hospital although his shoulder was half blown out and his left lung punctured.

On the Sunday 24th June 1900, the enemy, consisting of Boxers and Imperial troops, made a fierce attack on the west wall of the British Legation, setting fire to the West Gate of the south stable quarters, and taking cover in the buildings which adjoined the wall. The fire, which spread to part of the stables, and through which and the smoke a galling fire was kept up by the Imperial troops, was with difficulty extinguished, and as the presence of the enemy in the adjoining buildings was a grave danger to the Legation, a sortie was organised to drive them out. A hole was made in the Legation Wall, and Captain Halliday, in command of twenty Marines, led the way into the buildings and almost immediately engaged a party of the enemy. Before he could use his revolver, however, he was shot through the left shoulder, at point blank range, the bullet fracturing the shoulder and carrying away part of the lung. Notwithstanding the extremely severe nature of his wound, Captain Halliday killed three of his assailants, and telling his men to "carry on and not mind him," walked back unaided to the hospital, refusing escort and aid so as not to diminish the number of men engaged in the sortie.

He was promoted to Brevet Major for his part in the legation's defence and returned to the United Kingdom to receive the VC from King Edward during an investiture at Marlborough House on Thursday 25th July 1901.

His later service: Having recovered from his wound he returned to duty at the end of 1901. He commanded the Marine detachment aboard HMS Galatea, and then commanded the Marines aboard HMS Empress of India, the flagship of the home fleet. In 1907 having completed staff college at Camberley, he was appointed staff officer to the Portsmouth Division of his corps. He then commanded a company of Gentleman Officer Cadets at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst for four years during which time he was promoted to major. Among his cadets was the future Field Marshal Earl Alexander of Tunis. In early 1915 he was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel and on 14th July of that year he was made lieutenant-colonel. In November 1915 he joined GHQ, Home Forces as General Staff Officer. 1920 he was appointed Colonel 2nd Commandant and on 1 January 1923 he became Colonel Commandant. Friday 11th December 1925 he was promoted to Major General, to Lieutenant-General on Saturday 11 June 1927 and to full General on Monday Saturday 1st October 1928. He was ADC to King George V in 1924 and 1925 and was Adjutant General of the Royal Marines from Saturday1st October 1927 to his voluntary retirement in 1930. Having been appointed as Companion of the Bath on Tuseday 3rd June 1913, he became Knight Commander of the Bath on Wenesday 1st January 1930.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Marines Museum in Southsea, England.

1900. Tuesday 1st January. The London Gazette. No. 27262. p3.

1900. Wednesday 20th June. The commencement of the Siege of Pekin Legations.

1900. Friday 22nd June. Major Johnson and 180 Royal Marines Capture of Hsi-Ku Arsenal.

1900. Saturday 23rd June. The Relief of Tien-Tsin.

1900. Sunday 24th June. Captain Halliday RMLI is awarded the Victoria Cross after the Sortie from Pekin Legations.

1900. Monday 25th June. The Relief of Admiral Seymour's column at His-Ku Arsenal.

1900. Wednesday 27th June. The Capture of the Pei-Tsang Arsenal.

1900. Tuesday 3rd of July. The USMC and Royal Marines were engaged together. The senior American Marine Officer, Captain John Twigg Myers, led a combined force of thirty US Marines, and twenty six British Royal Marines in an equally daring raid against the Chinese, the first real offensive operation since the siege had begun. Capt. Myers was badly wounded by a Chinese spear, but the attack succeeded completely. It proved a turning point in the siege, and the legations held out until relief arrived. This was not the first time British and American Marines had fought side by side. They had hardly ceased fighting against each other, in the war of 1812, when they went into action together to clear pirates out of the Caribbean. Later they were to fight side by side against the Chinese at Shanghai and against the Egyptians at Alexandria. But they had never face death together so starkly (until Korea 1950) as at Peking, and the American Marines' admiration for Captain Halliday RM, was matched only by British admiration of the Heroism of Captain Myers USMC. A bronze bas-relief in the Mall, in London commemorating the Royal Marines' Deeds at Peking, recognises this in a way unique in National Memorials: American Marines are shown with their British comrades in the place of Honour, and the figure of Captain Myers USMC, is conspicuously at their head. A memorial service is held each year to commemorate this event, with a senior Officer of the USMC in attendance.

1900. Saturday 14th July. The Capture of the Native City of TieTsin.

1900. Saturday 14th July. James Preston RMLI, was one of the 79 Royal Marines (76 men and 3 officers) involved in the Boxer Rebellion. He was involved in fighting on the barricades and captured an enemy flag which had been placed on one of them, at the same time keeping the enemy at bay. For this and other actions he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal, the only Royal Marine to receive this combination of gallantry awards. His medal group is on display in the Royal Marines museum, and his flag is held in our reserve collection; made of silk it is too sensitive to light damage to display in the galleries.

1900. Sunday 5th August. The Battle of Peit-Sang.

1900. Tuesday 14th August. The Relief of the Pekin Legations.

1900. Sunday 26th August. The Battle at Belfast in South Africa.

1900. Wednesday 5th September. Major F. White RMLI and the Defence of Ladybrand.

1909. 'Those Magnificent Royal Marines in Their Flying Machines'. (Part One)Since the inception of British military aviation in 1909 there has been an almost unbroken chain of Royal Marines Officers who have not only deigned to soldier on land and sea, but also from the air. This story of Royal Marines flying is by no means comprehensive, but I hope it does give an idea of the contribution which members of the Royal Marines have made to aviation in war and peace, and it also expands on some of the more colourful personalities and incidents.

The Early Days:

As early as 1909 the Royal Navy was becoming enthusiastic about the possibility of aerial observation for the Fleet and an air section was formed at the Admiralty. Two years later the first four naval pilots were trained at the Royal Aero Club's airfield at East church. Royal Marines Light Infantry Lieutenant E L GERRARD was one of the four. GERRARD received his pilot's certificate in April 1911 and was later appointed to the staff of the Central Flying School at Upavon on the formation of the Royal Flying Corps in May 1912. He had a distinguished flying career and transferred to the Royal Air Force on its formation in April 1918 to retire as an Air Commodore.

The next Royal Marines Officer to fly was G V WILDMAN LUSHINGTON. Having qualified as a pilot in 1911 he became Winston Churchill's flying instructor. He was considered to be a very fine pilot but was tragically killed in 1915. By the outbreak of the First World War on August 4th 1914, a further ten Royal Marines Officers had completed their flying training. Most of them were serving with the Naval Wing of the Royal Flying Corps in the Royal Naval Air Stations which had been established at Grain, Calshot, Felixstowe, Yarmouth and Cromarty in 1912 and 1913. The task of these stations was costal defence.

First World War:

During the First World War the Royal Flying Corps split into two separate entities; one naval the other military. In July 1915 the Admiralty unilaterally declared independence and formed the Royal Naval Air Service despite the fact that Churchill, then First Sea Lord, expressed strong views on the need for unity in the Air Services. At this time the Royal Naval Air Service was equipped with mainly bombers. The Royal Flying Corps was divided into Corps and Army Squadrons. The main task of the former was artillery observation while the latter were equipped with fighters and a few tactical bombers.

On the outbreak of World War I the first naval air objective were the German Zeppelin sheds. Two Royal Marines won DSOs for such raids. Lieutenant C H COLLETT, the first Royal Marine to go into action in the Kaiser's War was awarded his for the part he played in the raid on Düsseldorf on 22nd September 1914. The second was won by Captain C F KILNER for the raid on Cuxhaven on Christmas Day of the same year.

On 24th March Captain I T COURTNEY took part in a daring raid on a number of German submarines being constructed near Antwerp. From his base at Dunkirk he succeeded in flying his 80 horsepower AVW biplane the 250 miles to the objective, where, diving low to avoid enemy fire, he successfully despatched four bombs onto the target. Surviving the war he transferred to the RAF and retired with the rank of Group Captain.

Lieutenant COLLETT, mentioned earlier for his raid on the Düsseldorf Zeppelin sheds, was sent to Tenedos in March 1915 as part of No 3 Aeroplane Squadron RNAS to support the Dardanelles campaign. The main aviation duties were bombardment spotting for the Royal Navy. Unfortunately Lt COLLETT was later killed when he had an engine failure on take-off and his plane crashed and burnt out. He was known as the Marine with the photographic memory, so accurate that he could play chess blindfolded.

A most original character who is worthy of note is the late Colonel T H ORDE-LEES OBE AFC. On the outbreak of the First World War he was given leave of absence to join Sir Ernest Shackleton's expedition to the Antarctic. On his return he was seconded to the RFC where he applied his personal courage and great powers of invention in demonstrating new methods of parachute jumping. At the time it was not compulsory for pilots to carry parachutes. Despite official inertia and scepticism he was determined that pilots should have parachutes. To this end he demonstrated the virtues of an improved parachute by making spectacular jumps himself from Tower Bridge and elsewhere. After a long campaign of persuasion, the authorities were finally convinced, and ORDE-LEES was awarded the AFC in 1919. ORDE-LEES and A C MORFORD were the only Royal Marines Officers seconded to the RFC during the Kaiser's War to carry out purely military as opposed to Naval flying. MORFORD, whose reckless flying became legendary, returned to the Marines in 1918.

By the end of the Great War, about twenty Marines Officers had successfully trained as pilots. On April 1st 1918, the RNAS and the RFC amalgamated to form the Royal Air Force. The formation of the RAF was welcomed by the RNAS although it is fashionable to deny it now. The pilots who survived the war were faced with the decision to either join the RAF or give up flying and return to the Marines. About fifty percent opted to continue flying, many of whom reached eminent positions in the RAF. Majors E L GERRARD and R GORDON both retired as Air Commodores; Colonel F H SYKES became Chief of Air Staff in 1919. J H D'ALBIAC was however by far the most distinguished flying RM Officer of this era. He gained a DSO as an observer with the RNAS at Dunkirk in June 1916 and joined the RAF on its formation. He went on to command RAF Greece in 1941 during Wavell's campaign. He retired in 1947 as Air Marshall Sir John D'ALBIAC to become Commandant of London's Heathrow Airport. (Courtesy 'Flyingmarines.com' & 'Fleetairarmarchive.com')

1900. The China Medal, for Buglers and Bandsmen. Glancing through one of the cabinets in the medal room at the Royal Marines Museum I noticed a set of medals belonging to BdSgt H H Matthews.

They consisted of the three First World War medals, commonly known as 'Pip, Squeak and Wilfred' and the China 1900 medal. This meant that H H Matthews must have been a Royal Navy Bandsman in 1900 later transferring to the Royal Naval School of Music to become a Royal Marine Musician. A short distance away in the drawer was another China 1900 medal that belonged to Bugler J E Norris of the RMA. A third belonged to C T Surry who became a Bandmaster.

Subsequent research revealed that Bandsman Matthews played French horn and was a member of the band on board HMS Centurion, a Portsmouth built battleship of 10,500 tons. Bugler Norris, with Bugler Morris, was with the RMA Detachment on board HMS Barfleur, a similar ship to Centurion but built in Chatham Dockyard, while Bandsman Surry was on board HMS Goliath. So what was happening during 1900 in China that involved the Royal Marine Artillery as well as Bandsmen of the Royal Navy? and what other Bandsmen and Buglers were in China at this time and what were they doing?

A total of thirty-five British ships were involved in the action for which the men were awarded the China Medal 1900. In that year Britain, with many other world powers, had Legations in Peking and 'concessions' in Tientsin and other major cities. During the previous decade the activities of foreign powers and Christian missionaries had resulted in Chinese insurgents forming the Society of Righteous Harmonious Fists that became known as the 'Boxers'. The Boxers overran the areas around Peking and Tientsin and attacked railway tracks and stations, as well as mission stations, with the result that the Royal Navy's China Fleet was asked to assist.

The China Fleet's Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Seymour, believed that the foreign powers had forced themselves onto the Chinese nation and saw the British task as the protection of European lives, but without the need to attack Chinese people or damage property. So he sent seventy-six Royal Marines under Captains Strouts, Halliday and Wray to reinforce the Peking Legation guard. The men, who were from HMS Orlando's detachment and the Wei-Hai-Wei garrison, included Bugler Webb of Portsmouth RMLI. He also sent a mixed force of one hundred and thirty marines and seamen to Tientsin, which was approximately a third of the distance between the mouth of the River Pei-Ho, guarded by the four Taku Forts, and Peking. Later, on the 9th June, news from Peking prompted Seymour to send an International Naval Brigade to its assistance. The Naval Brigade landed at Taku at the mouth of the River Peiho and then marched to Tientsin on the 10th, the intention being to transport them by train to Peking. The Brigade was to consist of 915 British seamen and marines with smaller numbers from the German, Russian, French, American, Japanese, Italian and Austrian fleets. Whilst the brigade was being assembled the Boxers blew up the railway line with the result that the column of five special trains moved very slowly, replacing track as it went, and with the Boxers blowing up the track behind them. Several Boxer attacks were beaten off but when Chinese Imperial troops joined the Boxers, supplies for the International Naval Brigade were threatened to such an extent that the trains were abandoned, and the force withdrew along the west bank of the Peiho. The fifty wounded, and heavy weapons, followed downriver in Junks. The brigade marched and fought sixteen hours a day on half rations and after three days of this was seriously short of ammunition whilst the Junks were overflowing with wounded. Eventually the artillery was pushed overboard to lighten the load. On the 22nd June they found a Chinese arsenal at Hsiku, just outside the Tientsin northern city wall. A party of RMLI commanded by Major Johnson of HMS Centurion attacked the north corner with such vigour that the Chinese fled before them and the arsenal was captured. Buglers J L Edwards and A Priscott from Chatham and Portsmouth respectively were with the attacking force. Whilst it allowed the men the relative luxury of arms, ammunition, food and cover, this did nothing to help the plight of the wounded who now numbered two hundred and forty.

Meanwhile, the Boxers took control of the native city of Tientsin, known as the Walled city, on the 15th and put pressure on the International Settlement that was within it. With Seymour's force pinned down at Hsiku and Captain Bayley, of HMS Aurora, ashore at Tientsin with the impossible task of keeping rail links open, fighting began with regular Chinese soldiers now allied with the Boxers. Included in Bailey's force were the RN Band Corporal and three Bandsmen from HMS Aurora. Just before the heavy fighting of the 15th June began, Commander David Beatty brought a force of one hundred and fifty sailors, and two Buglers, from HMS Barfleur to reinforce Bayley at Tientsin. On the 16th the Chinese began mining the entrance to the River Peiho and seized the railway near Taku - the Chinese government were trying to block the route inland to Tientsin and Peking. Since Seymour had not been in touch for several days, following the destruction of the telegraph lines by the Boxers, a Council of Senior Naval Officers decided to risk even more confrontation with the Chinese Imperial forces by attacking the forts at Taku at the mouth of the Peiho River. These forts were equipped with modern Krupp coastal artillery, but the guns could only fire out to sea. Knowing this the 900 attacking marines and sailors were put into two destroyers and eight shallow-draught gunboats which crossed the sand-bar and sailed upriver putting the sailors and marines from seven nations (the Americans did not take part) ashore to attack the North-West Fort at 0300hrs on the 18th. With this force were RMA Buglers C L Morris and J E Norris. The allied guns opened fire at first light hitting two magazines and blowing guns off their mounts. The fort was captured by a bayonet charge at 0600 hrs, the North Fort was stormed a few minutes later and then the two forts on the South bank surrendered.

At least 10,000 Chinese troops with 60 modern artillery pieces were in and around Tientsin whilst the defenders tried to hold a five-mile perimeter around the International Settlement with only 2,400 men. From the 17th to the 19th heavy fighting took place in the city. On the 20th the attacks slackened and four horsemen, an Englishman and three Cossacks, made a dash through the Chinese lines to Taku for assistance. A force of 500 men was sent to Tientsin but was turned back four miles from the city. Captains Doig and Lloyd (RMLI) from the Endymion and Aurora led a party of marines, including Buglers Constable and Parker from Endymion and Bugler Cook from Aurora, from the arsenal towards Tientsin in an attempt to reach the Foreign Settlement but they were forced to turn back. On the 21st the Chinese government, mainly as a result of the attacks on the Taku Forts, had declared war on the Allies. A mixed force of 8,000 men eventually relieved Tientsin on the 23rd June. The Chinese forces fell back on Peking allowing a reconnaissance in force by Russian Cossacks and they discovered Seymour's force surrounded in the Hsiku Arsenal. They returned to Tientsin where, although the International Settlement had been relieved, the Chinese were consolidating. The Chinese re-occupied the Hsiku Arsenal but a large blow was dealt them when the Allied forces destroyed the Tientsin Arsenal on the 27th June. On this day Bugler Carter from HMS Terrible was shot in the leg. The Japanese occupied the Tientsin race course and this allowed the Allies, on the 9th July, to manoeuvre into a position where they could blow-up the Hsiku Arsenal. The loss of these two arsenals seriously weakened the Chinese capacity to wage war. 5,000 Allied troops attacked Tientsin on the 13th July and Chatham Bugler Polkinghorne, one of two Buglers from the Wei-Hai-Wei garrison - the other being Bugler Adcock - received a bullet wound to the arm. Following two days of hard fighting in which casualties to both sides were very high, the Chinese retreated from the city. Buglers Ryman and Glass were also involved in fighting in and around the British Concession.

The Naval Brigades were sent back to their ships, although some had to return to take part in the relief of Peking.

The Allied intention of regrouping before moving on Peking was shaken when a messenger arrived with the news that, contrary to reports of a massacre, the Legations were still being held but food and ammunition were desperately needed. 20,000 men, including 3,000 British troops (of which 300 were RMLI) left Tientsin on the 4th August. A battle took place at Pei Tsang where the Japanese and Russians did most of the fighting. The Chinese regrouped and prepared to defend Yang Tsun. This time the Americans and British led the assault on the good system of trenches and earthworks. Despite the defences and the terribly hot weather the Allies had control of the town by nightfall. Tungchow was the next obstacle but the Japanese, leading at this point, entered a city that had been deserted by the Imperial troops and desecrated by the Boxers before they had fled. The British General Gaselee halted here and prepared for the final twelve-mile thrust to Peking. He was anxious to avoid the glory seeking competitiveness that had been shown by members of the Allied force, especially the Japanese and the Russians. The plan was for co-ordinated assaults on each of the city's four gates. The Russians would attack the Tung Chih gate and the Americans the Tung Pien gate whilst the Japanese and the British assaulted the Chi Hua and the Sha Huo gates respectively. By the night of the 13th all troops were in position but, instead of making camp, the Russians decided against a co-ordinated attack, moved towards Peking and by cutting across the American's front attacked the Tung Pien gate - the American's objective. The attack was not particularly successful and then the Americans and Japanese broke camp early, all of which left General Gasalee with no alternative but to order a general assault instead of the planned co-ordinated attack. Not having a gate to attack the Americans decided to assault the city wall and, with amazing good fortune, chose a part of the wall that was unmanned!

The Royal Artillery blasted down the Sha Huo gate and the British moved into the city, entering the Legation area through the dry drainage canal, lifting the 55 day siege. Next day the Americans - without the agreement of the Allies - entered the Forbidden City in the centre of Peking and, after a very strong defence by the Chinese and as a result of the protests of the Allies, withdrew before the task was complete.

The Allies continued to fight and subdue the Boxers until General Gasalee's forces captured the last major centre of Boxer resistance, Po Ting Fu.

What had happened to the Royal Marine Legation Guard that had arrived in Peking on the 31st May, amongst whom, was Bugler Webb? From the 13th June the detachment was constantly on the alert and were on both the defensive and the offensive. Boxers frequently attacked the Legation at different points, using different means. Patrols were sent out to bring in native Christians and, on one such occasion, Captain L S T Halliday, with British and German Marines, rescued several hundred Chinese Christians from the Catholic Mission where they were being systematically massacred by the Boxers. Those surviving were rescued and about 300 Boxers were killed. Attempts were made by the Boxers to set the buildings close to the Legation on fire. On the 24th June Captain Halliday, with 30 Marines, was sent to clear a number of houses of the enemy but, almost immediately was seriously wounded. He managed to kill four out of five of his attackers, later being awarded the Victoria Cross for this action. The Chinese brought up artillery at various times and sorties were made to capture or destroy them. Dirty tricks were used by the Chinese including phoney cease-fires and promises of protection. The assaults continued throughout July and August until the siege was lifted on the 14th.

Whilst this is far from being a story of music making and ceremonial it is nevertheless a testament to the hard and dangerous life known by the Naval Bandsmen and the Buglers of the Royal Marine Light Infantry and the Royal Marine Artillery. As well as the China Medal itself three bars were issued: Taku Forts - awarded to 3 Buglers, Relief of Peking - awarded to 11 Buglers and the Defence of the Legation - awarded to only one Bugler. A further 17 Buglers received the China 1900 medal.

Buglers were with their Detachments on board HMS Arethusa (Bug Compton - Chatham Division, RMLI); HMS Aurora (Bugs Cook and Carter of Plymouth Division, RMLI); HMS Barfleur (Bug Ryman of Portsmouth Division, RMLI and Bug Glass of the RMA); HMS Bonaventure (Bug Kimmings - Plymouth); HMS Centurion (Bugs Edwards and Priscott - Chatham and Portsmouth respectively); HMS Dido (Bug Tindall - Chatham); HMS Endymion (Bugs Constable and Parker - Portsmouth and Bug Wyld - Chatham); HMS Goliath (Bugs Brown and Wadley of the RMA and Chatham respectively); HMS Hermione (Bug Coles - Plymouth); HMS Isis (Bug Donker - Chatham); HMS Orlando (Bug Ettie - Portsmouth); HMS Pique (Bug Browne - Plymouth); HMS Terrible (Bugs Carter, Armitage and Giddings - Portsmouth); HMS Undaunted (Bugs Moore and Priddis - Plymouth) and HMS Walleroo (Bug Grady - Chatham). In addition Bug Webb - Portsmouth served at the Peking Legation, Bugs Morris and Norris - both RMA were at the Taku Forts and Bugs Adcock, Polkinghorne, Hearn and Skinner - all Chatham except Hearn who was Plymouth - came from the Naval Depot at Wei-Hai-Wei to serve with the International Force. Bands were aboard the battleships Centurion, Goliath, and Barfleur; the 1st class cruisers Endymion and Terrible and the armoured cruisers Orlando, Aurora and Undaunted. In addition the 2nd class cruisers Dido, Hermione, Isis and Bonaventure and the sloop Rosario each had a Musician. (Courtesy of Tom C.-'Marcher')

1901. January. The Band of the Chatham Division RMLI embarked on the SS Ophir to accompany HRH The Duke of York during the Royal Tour of the British Empire.

1901. Friday 1st February. Royal Marines duties during the funeral of Queen Victoria. The bands of the RMA and Portsmouth Division RMLI were massed under 2nd Lieutenant G. Miller Bandmaster RMLI and played during the funeral procession from Osborne House to Trinity Pier East Cowes. A Guard of Honour with Band and King's Colour of Portsmouth Division RMLI, was mounted at Clarence Yard Gosport, for the disembarkation of the King, the Royal Family, and the remains of the late Queen on the 2nd February. The band of the Chatham Division RMLI was the band chosen to represent the Royal Marines in the funeral procession through London on the 2nd February.

1901. December. Commodore Winsloe of the SS Ophir wrote to the colonel commandant of Chatham Division RMLI expressing his appreciation of the bands excellent behaviour and playing throughout the tour.

1902. Saturday 1st March. The White Rose of York was granted to the Chatham Division Band by the King. To be worn upon the Regiment cap badge and helmet plate. Granted in commemoration of the bands attendance upon The Duke of Cornwall and York during his voyage to the Colonies during 1901 and 1902.

1902. Sunday 9th March. HM the King presented the medal of the Victorian Order to Mr Winterbottom, Bandmaster of the Plymouth Division RMLI, on board the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert.

1902. Saturday 20th December - Monday 14th February 1903. The Blockade of the Venezuelan Coast. Royal Marines in HMS Ariadne, HMS Charybdis, HMS Tribune, HMS Retribution and HMS Indefatigable.

1902. CSgt Issac Peppin (Pippin) continued to be a well known character in the Royal Marines long after he completed his 22 year's service. In 1902, aged 70, he walked the South Coast of Britain to witness the Coronation of King Edward VII, stopping on route at the Royal Marines divisions. Starting from his home town Plymouth, he visited Royal Marines at Gosport, Portsmouth, Chatham and Walmer. It isn't known whether he walked all the way back to Plymouth after he'd finished!

He had spent over 16 years at sea during his 22 years as a Marine. He earned a Baltic Medal serving aboard ship during the Crimean War. He also received a Long Service Good Conduct Medal and a Meritorious Service Medal. All three of his medals are on display in the Royal Marines Museum's impressive Medal Room, which holds over 3,000 medal groups which range from Victorian Medals to current operation gallantry medals from Afghanistan.

1902. The Band of the Royal Marine Artillery was given the honour of becoming the official Band of the Royal Yacht after they impressed King Edward VII.

The band, under Captain Green, played at many prominent events such as the funeral of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII's Coronation and on a Royal tour to India. Whilst Green was a Director of Music the band visited and played for those serving on the Western Front on several occasions during the First World War.

Captain B S Green had become Bandmaster of the Royal Marine Artillery band in 1897, having become a musician at the age of 12 in the Hussars, and risen through the ranks. When he retired from the Royal Marine Artillery in 1919 he had fifty seven years of service in military bands.

The energy, musical skills and leadership of Green raised the standard of the RMA Band, gaining both public and royal recognition. The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth carried on this Royal legacy, playing on subsequent Royal Yachts, denoted by the badge 'Royal Yacht'. When the last Royal Yacht was decommissioned the Queen stated the badge 'Royal Band' should continue to be worn as a mark of the association.

1903. Wednesday 20th May. The establishment of the Royal Naval School of Music within the Royal Marine Artillery Barracks at Eastney. The Royal Marines assumed responsibility for the provision of music to the Royal Navy by training Royal Marine Bands to serve on board the ships of the Fleet.

1903. Registered Numbers. The prefix 'RMB' followed by a number of up to four figures (RMB1 – RMB 3087) indicates a rank who entered the Royal Naval School of Music between its foundation in 1903 and before October 1925. This sequence of numbers was resumed again later in August 1955, but from RMB 3400 to prevent any duplication.

1903. Friday 10th July. The Band of HMS Leviathan became the first band to transfer from the Royal Navy to the Royal Marines. The first man to sign his papers and become RMB(1) was Arthur William Shepard.

1903. Wednesday 22nd July. The Band of HMS Impregnable which had paid off on the 25th May, marched into the Royal Marines Artillery Barracks at Eastney as Royal Naval Bandsman, later to become the first Royal Marine Band produced from the Royal Naval School of Music.

1903. Royal Marines Band personnel were trained to man the gunnery fire control that was being designed into the new Dreadnought Battleships and Battle Cruisers. Along with their secondary roles of stretcher bearers and damage control parties, the sea going RM band musicians performed this task through both the 1914-18, and 1939-45 wars. Due to the location of the Transmitting Station below the waterline, there was a high casualty rate in the band service when ships were lost or badly damaged.

·During the 1914-18 war a mixed RMA and RMLI detachment were to be found on Battleships and Battle cruisers, with one of the main gun turrets being manned exclusively by Royal Marines. A number of the secondary guns would be manned by the RMLI. Royal Marine Buglers would also be deployed to sound calls and signals and run messages. The detachments on older Battleships and Cruisers were usually exclusively RMLI. There were not usually any Royal Marines aboard ships below Cruisers except on special operations or for transporting purposes.

After the amalgamation of the RMA & RMLI in 1923, Royal Marines continued their detachment roles with the fleet adding AA gunnery to their skills and serving guns on the developing Aircraft Carriers. Royal Marines also became pilots in the Fleet Air Arm squadrons on these vessels.(RMHS)

1904. Thursday 21st April. The Storming of Illig off the Somali Coast. Major Kennedy RMLI and 51 Royal Marines in the Naval Brigade from HMS Hyacinth, HMS Fox and HMS Mohawk.

1904. With the formation of the Royal Marine Artillery, Gunners from this new unit were used on specialist ships such as Bomb Vessels and Mortar Boats.

They were volunteers and were less likely to 'jump ship' than the pressed seamen. They would be landed with them to deter them from deserting.

During battle they provided extra manpower to operate the guns, small arms and disciplined musketry defence at close quarters. They would also be used as part of prize crews (to man captured ships) and on occasions assist with boarding parties.

They participated in attacks on coastal installations and cutting out (capturing) enemy ships at anchor, as well as protecting watering and foraging parties.

They protected the ship's officers from the crew and were quartered between them.

They were deployed as sentinels guarding the powder rooms, magazines, the spirit room and other storerooms, and the entrances to the officers' quarters and ships' cells.

They assisted in the general sailing and maintenance of the ship when unskilled heavy labour was required, such as hauling ropes when the ship was manoeuvring, turning the capstan to weigh anchor, and embarking heavy stores.

They could not be ordered to go aloft, although if expedient, many did. They could not however, be punished for not showing inclination to do so.

The Marine detachment would form up on deck for all formal occasions and punishments.

In addition to their military duties, Marine officers would undertake watch duty.

As the Royal Navy developed into the steam and iron-clad era Royal Marine detachments focused more on manning the new types of naval guns, and gunnery in general. Training was undertaken at HMS Excellent at Portsmouth, whilst the Royal Marine Artillery eventually built sea service training batteries at their Headquarters at Eastney.

The Royal Marines Light Infantry were also trained in naval gunnery and often manned a ship's secondary armament.(RMHS)

1904. Tuesday 31st May. Extra pay for Bandsmen serving in the Royal Yacht. The Admiralty approved an allowance of one shilling per day to a maximum of twenty band NCO's and Musicians whilst embarked and serving in HM Yacht, to take effect from 14th January 1904. The Admiralty stressed that Musicians embarked for Royal Yacht service would not necessarily be from the RMA Band.

1904. August. Buglers equipment will no longer include swords, scabbards and frogs. All items in service ashore to be withdrawn immediately, all those in service afloat to be withdrawn upon disembarkation.

1905. April. "Cap badge and special design to be worn by WO's, N.C.O's. and men of Royal Marines bands when embarked for service in HM Yacht. To be issued upon embarkation and returned to store when disembarking."

1906. Monday 8th January. Recruiting an anomaly which had long intrigued the Royal Navy was swept away by Order-in-Council. The fee fixed on 3rd December 1883 for raising a Royal Marine recruit was £1, whilst for a Naval recruit it was only 5shillings. In future it was ordered that the fee for both services should be 10 Shillings.

1907. The Daily Rations for the Navy and Marines was 1 lb, bread: 1 lb. veg: ½ lb. salt pork: 4 oz. split peas: 4 oz. sugar: ½ oz. tea: 8 oz. potatoes: 1 oz. jam or marmalade: ½ pint fresh milk (or ¼ oz. condensed milk at sea) and ¼ pint rum.

1907. Pursuing a career in the Marines had been considered 'social suicide' through much of the 18th and 19th centuries since Royal Marine officers had a lower standing than their counterparts in the Royal Navy. An effort was made through the common entry or 'Selbourne Scheme' to reduce the professional differences between RN and RM officers. This provided for an initial period of service where both groups performed the same roles and underwent the same training. Upon promotion to Lieutenant officers could opt for permanent service with the Royal Marines. The scheme was abandoned after three years when only two of the new entrants chose this option over that of service as naval officers, for whom promotion prospects were much greater. At the outbreak of World War I, the Corps was 58 subalterns under establishment.

1907. Sam Bassett's Royal Marine career lasted 53 years. He served in both World Wars. In the First World War he served entirely at Sea. During the Russian Revolution his Russian language skills were utilised when he helped process Russian refugees in Novorossiysk in 1919, for this he was awarded the Order of St Stanislaus.

During the Second World War he worked in the Combined Operations intelligence department. His work included collating photographs and maps of areas for raids including Cockleshell Heroes, Telemark, and the Dambusters. His office also had to sift 40,000 images of France to enable planning of the Normandy (D-Day) landings in June 1944. For this he was awarded the United States Legion of Merit and French Legion of Honour. His medal group not only spans his 53 years as a Royal Marine, but it also is one of the largest groups in the Royal Marines museums collection.

1908. Saturday 11th January. Norman Finch signed on to join the Royal Marines, and received basic training at Eastney. For the next four years he served on various ships and shore stations. He went on to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War.

1908. August. Temporary musical training of band ranks at Chatham and Plymouth to cease since this training is to be returned to the Royal Naval School of Music and RMLI Forton barracks as from 30th September 1908.

1908. Monday 30th November. Temporary musical training of band ranks at RMLI Barracks to cease and this training to be concentrated, as intended, at the Royal Naval school of Music, Eastney, as of the 30th November 1908. As a result of this concentration the new series of individual numbering (RMB series) would, henceforth, always be used. All clothing and equipping of band ranks now to be supervised by 1st Quartermaster RMA.

1909. June. Extract from the Globe and Laurel. In the churchyard of Berwick-on-Helmet, on a Marine officer: "Here lies retired from busy scenes, A First Lieutenant of Marines Who lately lived in gay content, On board the good ship Diligent, Now stripped of all his warlike show, and laid in box of Elm below, Confined in Earth in narrow borders, He rises not till further orders.

1909. May. Extract from the Globe and Laurel. The Society of Arts voted their honorary silver medal to Captain Thomas Maxwell Bagnold, on half-pay of the Royal Marines, for his invention of a gun and carriage for the purpose of dislodging marksmen from the enemy's tops in close action, and repelling boarders. He died Tuesday 24th October 1848, aged 68.

"A musket lock cover has been invented by Captain John Bartleman, of the Royal Marines, which affords a complete preservation of the priming for many hours under the heaviest rain, and possesses other advantages superior to anything of the kind hitherto adopted. it has met with the approbation of Lord Wellesley and all the officers who have seen it tried, and forty thousand are now preparing to be sent out to Portugal for the use of the Light Troops of the Army."1811. (Sic)

1910. Saturday 24th December. The Fight at Dabai in the Persian Gulf. In pursuance of the duty of putting down 'gun running' a party of 4 Officers and 79 Petty and N.C.O's and men including Major Heriot and Lieutenant Brewer RMLI and 33 Royal Marines were landed from HMS Hyacinth, Flag ship on the East India Station, under Captain Dick RN the flag Captain, to search for arms in two suspected houses at some distance apart. After arms had been found by Major Heriot, fire was opened from the houses on the search partly and on the men left on the beach. Major Heriot entrenched himself on the beach and after a sharp skirmish the guns of HMS Hyacinth put an end to the attack. The Royal Marines lost Sergeant Capon killed and 4 privates wounded.

1910. The Royal Marines were with the Naval Brigade with a Corps strength of 19,000.

1911. Tuesday 2nd May. Lieutenant Eugene Louis Gerrard RMLI became the first Royal Marines Officer to qualify as a pilot.

1912. Monday 1st April. A special badge consisting of a gilt grenade on which was mounted the Royal Cypher 'GvR' and crown in silver surrounded by a gilt laurel wreath was conferred upon the Band of the Royal Marine Artillery by the King. This followed the voyage to India on board the P&O liner Madina.

1912. Tuesday 30th July. Private John Edmonds RMLI the first non-commissioned rank to qualify as a pilot.

1913. June. Norman Finch was promoted to the rank of Bombardier.

1913. Thursday 28th August. Sergeant F E Bishop RMA became the first Senior Non Commissioned Officer to qualify as a pilot.

1913. Tuesday 21st October. 'Last Survivors of the Battle of Trafalgar'. 'Tonight's Gossip Column taken from 'The Londoner'.

I think we may look in vain for a Trafalgar veteran. It was a hard age, was that age of Trafalgar; many a little boy was packed off by the Portsmouth coach with a dirk and a cocked hat and a sea chest to that fearsome nursery, the midshipman's berth. Yet the babes and sucklings of the Trafalgar year are now, if any survive, passing their hundred and eighth birthday. Yes, indeed, we can have no living link with Trafalgar.

As the 19th century grew old, those who love to gather odd little facts and dates watched curiously the little group of ancient sea-officers that dined together, so long as their old legs would carry them out to dinner, on the famous October anniversary. In the early Spring of '79 there were still 7 of those Trafalgar men, those salt picked heroes, a brace of commanders, a colonel of marines, a vice-admiral, two admirals, and an admiral of the fleet. Only one has a Sir before his name and the Star of the Bath on his coat breast. Doubtless the first admiral you would meet outside the Senior today has more honorific trinkets for his full-dress coat than all the seven Trafalgar men put together.

By 1879 the last who wore an epaulette at Trafalgar had followed the great little admiral to the last haven. The seven survivors were of the First Class Volunteers, of boys of the midshipman's berth.

When Admiral Patton died in 1883, he left but two Trafalgar officers behind him. A midshipman in the Bellerophon, he has been in the thick of it, a Spaniard to port and a Frenchman to starboard of her, three more ships of the line raking and pounding at her quarters, her captain dead on the quarterdeck, top masts down and wreckage afire. In 1885 died Sir George Rose Sartorious, formerly a midshipman of the Tonnant.

The old marine lieutenant colonel had outlived them all. It was not until three years after Trafalgar that he had changed a blue coat for a red one: on the battle day he had been a signal midshipman of the Africa, the 64 that was first to tackle the bulk and batteries of the vast Santisima Trinidad On April 15th, 1887, aged 93, died Lieutenant Colonel James Fynmore, late of the Royal Marines. That was nearly 82 years after Trafalgar. He was the last of them all.

That is but to say that he was the last of the Trafalgar midshipmen. No one can be sure when the last Trafalgar seaman, the last Trafalgar marine, slipped his cable. Kindly patriots have made a list and a record of the Balaclava cavaliers, are seeing to it that no Balaclava man shall go hungry on his glory. But it was never anybody's business to care for the Trafalgar men when they were paid off for the last time. Greenwich Hospital had no pillows for all those pigtailed heads; the Treasury had no pensions for them.

Here and there, if you look back in the files of the provincial newspapers, you will find a word of the old Trafalgar man. A seaman of the Victory died in Dundee seven and twenty years ago, unpensioned and unmedalled. There was a Trafalgar marine upon whom, at 95, fortune smiled. Half a guinea a week enriched him until 1878, when he died something short of his hundredth year. But nobody will say that these were the last of those who came ranting and roaring across the salt seas, home from Trafalgar. Old sailors are full of old tales; who believed the last veteran with a maundering story of Trafalgar Bay?

Perhaps the last of all the Trafalgar men was the Frenchman Cartigny, whom the warm sun of Hyeres kept alive until 1895. However this may be, without doubt the last Trafalgar Englishman is as deed as Nelson. It is for us to carry on the story of the greatest of all battles on the sea; we have flags flying bright in this dull sky today.

A Letter in the Times of 1915:

The 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, occurring at the height of the Great War provides a suitable occasion for- recording the names of the last survivors of the British. French and Spanish vessels engaged in the battle. Probably the last British survivor, and certainly the last officer was Lieutenant Colonel James Fynmore RM who died at Peckham on April 15th, 1887, aged 93. He was a first class volunteer on the Africa, a battleship which suffered so severely in her action with the Intrepide that she nearly foundered in the great storm that followed the battle. Colonel Fynmore entered the Marines in 130 and retired 40 years later. He received the medal for Trafalgar granted in 1848, and was the son of Ma 'or (then Captain) James Fynmore, Senior Officer of Marines in the same ship at Trafalgar.

The last French survivor was Louis Andre Manuel Cartigny, who died at Hyeres on March 21st, 1892, aged 100. He was a powder monkey on the Redoubtable and was slightly wounded. He was taken prisoner and remained a captive aboard the hulks at '! Plymouth and in the war prisons at Dartmoor and Stapledon for some years. On being exchanged, he returned to France and was attached to the Seamen of the Guard, with whom he was present at Napoleon is adieu to the Grand Army in 1814. During the last years of his life he was the landlord of a cafe at Hyeres Napoleon on his grave.

The last Spanish survivor was Gaspar Costela Vasquez, who died at San Fernando, Cadiz, in April 1892, aged 104. He was present at Trafalgar on the Santa Anna. For many years he lived in the convalescent hospital of the garrison at San Fernando. His funeral was attended by the principal officers and men of the naval and military forces and the Marines.

It will thus be seen that the last Englishmen survived the battle 81 years, the last Frenchman and the last Spaniard years. It is not improbable, therefore, that one or two Of the naval veterans of the Great War of today may survive till the 21st Century.

I am Sir, Your Obedient Servant. N. Kynaston Gaskeli. (From Stan Blacker RMHS.)

1914. Tuesday 28th July. At the outbreak of the Great War there was formed the so-called "Flying Column, Royal Marines," (soon to be redesignated as the Royal Marine Brigade), which had been conceived in 1912 as a kind of mobile expeditionary force. The composition of the Flying Column was one battalion of Royal Marine Artillery (known as the RMA) and three battalions of Royal Marine Light Infantry, or RMLI. These were the two normal internal subdivisions of the Royal Marines in those days, the RMLI being known as "Red Marines," and the RMA as "Blue Marines," from the distinguishing colours of their blouses (which exactly reversed the traditional US Army's colour code of red for Artillery and blue for Infantry).

In later entity as the Royal Marine Brigade (and stripped of its artillery component, which was detached for service with the British Army), this unit in 1914 carried out a number of minor cross-channel expeditions to cover the flanks of the British Expeditionary Forces in Belgium and Northern France. Subsequently, in early 1915 the Brigade embarked in transports and moved to the Mediterranean, where it was kept afloat while the British fleet bombarded the Dardanelles, and the Turks at Gallipoli took timely warning of events to come. After the Dardanelles fiasco, the Royal Naval Division (still embodying the Marine Brigade) was sent to France and there it fought under Army control (as the 63rd Division) for the rest of the war. With the exception of the ships' detachments, which carried out their traditional missions, there was little (except their discipline and courage) to distinguish the Royal Marines in World War I from any equivalent or similar groups of Army troops.

(Courtesy - GlobalSecurity.org)

1914. The Royal Navy became interested in landings by Naval Brigades. In these Naval Brigades, the function of the Royal Marine was to land first and act as 'Skirmishers' ahead of the sailor Infantry and Artillery. The skirmishing roll was the traditional function of Light Infantry.

1914 \- 1918. Royal Naval Brigades used during the First World War were composed of both Marines and Sailors.

1914. Sunday 2nd August. Pensioners and Reserves Mobilised.

1914. Sunday 2nd August. Formation of Royal Mariness Brigade commenced.

1914. Sunday 2nd August. The Admiralty ordered the formation of the "Flying Column" Royal Marines. To this end a battalion from Plymouth, Portsmouth, Chatham, and the RMA was provided. The Brigade was sent to Ostend, August 25th, under the command of Brigadier General Sir George Aston, RMA. After a week, the Brigade was withdrawn to Britain where the RMA battalion was replaced by RMLI from Deal.

Plans to form the RMA battalion into the artillery unit of what was to become the Royal Naval Division came to naught due to a lack of 18-pounder guns, and the RMA was absorbed into the Howitzer, and Anti-Aircraft Brigades which served with the Army in France.

In September with the likelihood of a German advance to the Belgium coast increased. Since the War Office was unable to find trained formations to operate in this area, the Admiralty with Kitchener's full support, formed two brigades of Naval Reservists (who had been surplus to requirement after the fleet had been brought up to strength), and the RM brigades into an infantry division. (by Chris Wright)

1914. Saturday 4th August. The First World War was declared, and Royal Marines served in all HM Ships in all major engagements at sea. They also served on the Western Front during the First World War. The Division's first two commanders were Royal Marine Artillery Generals. Other Royal Marines acted as landing parties in the naval campaign against the Turkish fortifications in the Dardanelles before the Gallipoli landing. They were sent ashore to assess damage to Turkish fortifications after bombardment by British and French ships and, if possible, to complete their destruction. After 13 days of continuous fighting, the Naval Brigades took on the brunt of the Turks displaying great resolve.

1914. Saturday 4th August. Upon the declaration of the First World War, it was realised there was a surplus of almost 30,000 men in the Royal Naval Reserve, who would not find possitions on board HMS ships of war. It was also realised by the Admiralty that they could be used to form two seperate Naval Brigades and a Brigade of Marines to be used for operations on land.

1914. With the commencement of the First World War the Corps took up at once the traditional role, which it has performed in every war for the past three hundred and fifty years, and for which indeed it had been originally raised in 1664, that is to say the reinforcement of the personnel of the Royal Navy.

The mobilisation passed off smoothly according to plan, the telegram to mobilise Reservists was dispatched at 2-30 a.m. on Sunday 2nd August 1914, and by 8a.m. those living near the barracks were coming in. In the course of the next two or three days, practically all those in the United Kingdom had reported for duty, and had been allotted to their various appropriations, as far as they had been foreseen in peace time. Fortunately, after this had been done, there remained a good surplus of Reservists, for no sooner was the mobilisation proper completed than demands began to pour in for personnel for various Fleet services, most of which had not been foreseen in the pre-war arrangements. Added to this carne the demands of the Royal Naval Division and the RMA Batteries, which were very insistent both then and throughout the War. Though no doubt the batteries and battalions considered that they were not receiving the reinforcements that they required. It must never be forgotten that the reinforcement of the Fleet was the first consideration to which all else had to have to give way. The demand of the Fleet became larger and more urgent every month, and the Corps can make the proud boast that in no single instance did they fail to make the Naval requirements as they arose. The effect of the demand is shown by the fact that the numbers actually afloat (exclusive of shore garrisons, battalions, batteries, etc.) at the commencement of the war were 10,047, whilst at the close the same figures were 16,494, in spite of the heavy casualties and replacements due to sickness.

In the very early days numerous war vessels, being built for foreign powers in the United Kingdom were bought by the British Government and commissioned as soon as they were completed. At the same time other British programs were considerably accelerated.

1914. During the First World War, in addition to their usual stations aboard ship, Royal Marines were part of the Royal Naval Division which landed in Belgium in 1914 to help defend Antwerp and later took part in the amphibious landing at Gallipoli in 1915. It also served on the Western Front in the trenches. The Division's first two commanders were Royal Marine Artillery Generals. Other Royal Marines acted as landing parties in the Naval campaign against the Turkish fortifications in the Dardanelles before the Gallipoli landings. They were sent ashore to assess damage to Turkish fortifications after bombardment by British and French ships and, if necessary, to complete their destruction. The Royal Marines were the last to leave Gallipoli, replacing both British and French troops in a neatly planned and executed withdrawal from the beaches. It even required some Marines to wear French uniforms as part of the deception.

1914. Registered Numbers. During Mid-September six hundred Army recruits were transferred to the RMLI; 200 men from KOYLI went to Plymouth Division, and 200 from the Sherwood Foresters went to Portsmouth Division and another 200 from the Sherwood Foresters to Chatham Division. (LCpl Parker, who won the VC at Gallipoli was one of those transferred from the Sherwood Foresters) The 200 ex-KOYLI numbers started at Ply 12(S) and ended with Ply211(S), Portsmouth Division's ex-Sherwood Foresters went from Po31 to Po230(S) and Chatham Division's from CH1 to CH 200(S).

1914. Registered Numbers. The suffix 'S' to any of the 'CH', 'PLY', or 'RMA' numbers indicates a rank who entered one of these divisions for Short Service during World War 1. The short service register numbers began quite simply at 'Ply/1 (S) (e.g. PLY 3287 (S) C C Anderson.), Po/1 (S) and Ch/1 (S) and RMA/1(S).

The prefix 'RMB' followed by a number of up to four figures (RMB1 – RMB 3087) indicates a rank who entered the Royal Naval School of Music between its foundation in 1903 and before October 1925. This sequence of numbers was resumed again later in August 1955, but from RMB 3400 to prevent any duplication.

1914. Registered Numbers. During the 1914-18 World War the prefix 'Deal', followed by numbers of up to four digits and the suffix 'S', were allocated to ranks enlisted for Short Service during World War 1. These ranks served mostly in miscellaneous units of the Royal Naval Division. Numbers were allocated as Follows:

RM Divisional Engineers RN Division D/1(S) to D1500(S).

RM Divisional Train D/1501(S0) to D/2762(S).

RM Medical Unit D/3000(S) to D/4400(S).

Ordnance Company RM Division D/4520(S) to D/4553(S).

RN Divisional Engineers D/5000(S) to D/5599(S).

(The 'S' can be shown as either a suffix or a prefix for these numbers. It is also often shown in lower case).

The prefix 'D' on its own seems to have been rarely used. To distinguish between Depot staff and men who were borne on the books.

At Deal for pay and admin (e.g. RMLC, RND Engineers, RM Medical Units), the 'system' seems to have been for staff to be recorded as Depot/123 and the latter as Deal/1234(S).

1914. Registered numbers. Prefixes 'Z' and 'H'. There are two other short service number series, H1 to H18 and Z/1 to Z/102. Both were catalogued at Hayes. Before RM service papers were transferred to the National Archives, under 'Miscellaneous Units WW1 and were referred to as 'Belgian Units' but the papers have not been seen since; however at least one CWGC headstone has been seen with a 'Z' number.

1914. Registered Numbers. The prefix 'RME', followed by a number, 300 to 8340 and the Suffix 'S'. indicates a rank of the Royal Marine Engineers entered for short service during World War 1. This group of men was engaged on large scale construction and repair projects under the Admiralty Director of Works, principally to keep ports and harbours operating efficiently. The 'RME' prefix followed by a number of five digits, indicates a rank of the Royal Marine Engineers entered for HO service in World War ll (RME 10001 -RME 17823).

1914. Registered Numbers. The prefix 'AUX', followed by a number of up to four digits, indicates a rank of the Auxiliary Battalion formed at the beginning of World War ll. Subsequently, these ranks were transferred to Plymouth and allocated numbers in the six-digit sequence (PLY/X 120001 – PLY/X 121382).

1914. Thursday 6th August. Engagement between HMS Bristol and the Karlsruhe in the West Indies.

1914. Thursday 6th August. Two days after the commencement of hostilities in WW1, HMS Amphion was sunk by a mine off the Thames Estuary. Amongst those killed was Ply/12300 William Arthur Carter RMLI. (Brother of Frederick George Carter RMLI Po/13096. Who was killed two days before the cessation of hostilities of WW1, on Saturday 9th November, while serving on board HMS Britannia when it was sunk off Cape Trafalgar by a German U Boat. Both men were from Easton, Corsham, Wiltshire the sons of George and Marie Carter.

1914. Friday 7th August. Royal Marine Brigade concentrated at Eastney and Gosport.

1914. Saturday 8th August. Declaration of War with Austria.

1914. Tuesday 11th August. The Goeben and Breslau chased in the Dardanelles.

1914. Wednesday 12th August. The capture of the Spreewald by HMS Berwick in the North Atlantic.

1914. Thursday 20th August. Royal Marine Battalions returned to their own Divisions.

1914. Tuesday 25th - 31st August. An expedition to Ostend by the Royal Marine Brigade.

1914. Thursday 27th August. The Royal Marine Brigade was formed and was moved to Oostende although it returned four days later.

1914. Wednesday 26th August. HMS Highflyer sank the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse off North West Africa.

1914. Friday 28th August. The Battle of Heligoland.

1914. Friday 28th August. In China a detachment of 2/DCLI embarked in HMS Triumph as Marines.

1914. Friday 28th August. Ascention Island Garrison reinforced.

1914. August. The title of Commissioned Bandmaster Royal Marines, to be changed to Director of Music. Number of Directors of Music fixed at two, apart from the Musical Director of the Royal Naval School of Music to whom this order would not apply. On promotion to Director of Music the honorary rank of Lieutenant will be applied. After ten years of commissioned service the honorary rank of Captain will be given and, after a total of fifteen years commissioned service the honorary rank of Major will be awarded. Directors of Music to be compulsorily retired at the age of 65.

1914. Wednesday 2nd September. HMS Triumph involved in the attack on the German colony of Qingdao China.

1914. Friday 4th September. Landing party from HMS Cumberland at Victoria in the German colony of Cameroon.

1914. Wednesday 9th September. Bombardment and Landing at Suellaba Point in the German Colony of Cameroon.

1914. Friday 11th September. 200 RMA and RMLI to Dunkirk for service with Motor Cars of RNAS.

1914. Monday 14th September. HMS Carmania (Armed Merchantman Cruiser) sank Cap Trafalgar (Armed Merchantman) in the South Atlantic.

1914. Saturday 19th September. RMLI Brigade embarked for Dunkirk.

1914. Sunday 20th September. HMS Pegasus sunk by the Koenigsberg in Zanzibar Harbour.

1914. Sunday 20th September. The Royal Marine Brigade arrived at Dunkirk with orders to assist in the defence of Antwerp. In the haste to organise and move the units to Belgium, 80% went to war without even basic equipment such as packs, mess tins or water bottles. No khaki uniform was issued. The two Naval Brigades were armed with ancient charger-loading rifles, just three days before embarking. At this stage, it had no artillery, Field Ambulances or other ancillary units.

1914. Tuesday 22nd September. The sinking of HMS Aboukir (78 Royal Marines were lost), HMS Cressy (73 Royal Marines were lost) and HMS Hogue (50 Royal Marimes were lost).

1914. Tuesday 22nd September. Lieutenant Charles Herbert Collett RMA carried out the first ever strategic bombing raid in aviation history attacking the Zeppelin sheds at Dusseldorf for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

1914. Sunday 27th September. The occupation of Duala in the German Colony of Cameroon.

1914. Sunday 27th September. The St Helena garrison was reinforced.

1914. Thursday 1st October. Early action by RMLI Brigade at Douai in France.

1914. Friday 2nd October. Royal Marines from HMS Cumberland in action at Japoma Bridge in German held colony of Cameroons.

1914. Saturday 3rd - 4th October. Royal Marines Light Infantry were sent to Ostend and Antwerp.

1914. Sunday 4th - 10th October. The Defence of Antwerp.

1914. Monday 5th October. Two Royal Marine Brigades were moved to Dunkirk with orders to assist in the defence of Antwerp. In the haste to organise and move the units to Belgium, 80% went to war without even basic equipment such as packs, mess tins or water bottles. No khaki uniform was issued. The two Naval Brigades were armed with ancient charger-loading rifles, just three days before embarking. At this stage, it had no artillery, Field Ambulances or other ancillary units.

1914. Tuesday 6th October. The first attack on Jabassi in the Cameroons.

1914. Monday 12th October. RMLI Brigade returned to England.

1914. Wednesday 14th October. The occupation of Jabassi in the Cameroons.

1914. Thursday 15th October. HMS Hawke sank (78 Royal Marines were lost).

1914. Thursday 15th October. Royal Marine Motor Transport Company lent to the Army at St Omer at Flanders in France.

1914. Saturday 17th October. HMS Undaunted and Destroyers in action with German Torpedo Boats in the English Channel.

1914. Sunday 18th October. Small Royal Marine detachments with maxim guns landed from Monitors.

1914. Sunday 18th - 26th October. Bombardments on the Belgian Coast.

1914. Monday 19th - 22nd October. The first battle of Ypres.

1914. Tuesday 20th - 26th October. The experdition to Edea in the Cameroons.

1914. Wednesday 21st October. Royal Marine Artillery Contingent for South African Heavy Artillery left England.

1914. Monday 26th October. German Attack on Nieuport broken by HMS Venerable.

1914. Tuesday 27th October. HMS Audacious sunk by a mine off the North West coast of Ireland.

1914. Tuesday 27th October. Formation of Divisional Engineers commenced.

1914. October. The RMA Howitzer Brigade in France, was reorganised to provide two artillery brigades for the Western Front. One of these became an anti-aircraft unit, but the second was equipped with twelve heavy 15 inch howitzers to form the RM Howitzer Brigade. The Brigade totalled around 1,000 all ranks, but never fought as a complete unit. Although originally organised with a brigade headquarters and arrangements made that each pair of howitzers should form a battery, this organisation was not retained once in France; Colonel Poole remained in command of the Brigade throughout the war after August 1915, but in May 1916 was appointed to command the 26th Heavy Artillery Group and only dealt with the RMA howitzers administratively. The huge weapons were deployed as single units. Each requiring a crew of 60 men. Along the front line. The first landed in France on Monday 15th February 1915. A training base was established at Fort Cumberland at Portsmouth.

The RMA guns were strange misfits, owing their existence to the private enterprise of the Coventry Ordnance Works and their presence in France to the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill. The Coventry Works had designed and built the modern 9.2" howitzers, which had first arrived in France for the RGA Siege Batteries in November 1914 and, after the success of this equipment, had on their own initiative decided to build something altogether bigger and more powerful. Thus was born the 15 inch Breech Loading Siege Howitzer, which had a maximum range of 10,795 yards, firing a 1,400 pound shell. In order to gain acceptance within the military establishment, a Coventry Ordnance Works Director, Admiral Bacon, exploited his connections with the Admiralty in order to effect an introduction to the Ordnance Board of the Army. Churchill, as was his wont, intervened. Spotting an opportunity for the Navy to get embroiled in the action on the Western Front - as well as sensing a good story for the press - Churchill manned the first gun with a team of Royal Marine artillerymen and sent them post haste to France. They would be followed by another eleven of the 10 ton 15 hundredweight behemoths. Churchill's enthusiasm for his Royal Marine Artillery soon waned and the twelve howitzers were turned over to the army. When approached by the Director of Artillery for further information about these unwanted 'gifts' the Ordnance Board commented acidly "These equipments were obtained by the Navy in direct negotiation with the manufacturers, and the Board was not consulted. In view of the poor range achieved, it is felt that these weapons are a waste of money and material". The guns were declared obsolete and scrapped in 1920. As will be appreciated from the photograph, the time and effort required to move, erect and fire these weapons was prodigious. Simply to move one howitzer required three specially built Foster-Daimler steam tractors.

(It is of interest that when the land was being prepared for the construction of the Visitor Centre at Thiepval on the Somme (opened 2004), an unexploded RMA 15 inch shell was among the tons of debris removed from site.

1914. Sunday 1st November. The Declaration of War with Turkey.

1914. Sunday 1st November. The Battle of Coronel.

1914. Sunday 1st November. Private Frank Ward RMLI on board HMS MINERVA fired a 6 inch shrapnel shell at the Turkish fort at Akaba. This was probably the first shot fired by the British against the Ottoman Empire in the Great War. (Private Ward was killed in a landing at Akaba on New Year's Eve 1914, his 30th birthday.)

An account of this incident was reported in 'The Times' on 4th November 1914 which stated that "On arrival at Akaba HMS MINERVA (Captain P H Warleigh) found the place in the occupation of soldiers, one of whom had the appearance of a German officer, and armed natives. The MINERVA then shelled the fort and the troops. The town was evacuated, and a landing party proceeded to destroy the fort, the barracks, the post office, and stores. There. was some loss to the enemy, but no British casualties"

I was serving in HMS MINERVA at the time. She was a two funnel cruiser, brought out of the reserve and specially commissioned for the review. She was launched in 1895 (the year I was born). At Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Review at Spithead in 1897 she was one of the newest ships; at King George V Review at Spithead in July 1914 she was one of the oldest.

Her tonnage was 5600, and she was armed with 11 6 inch guns, and 8 12 pounders, and 2 torpedo tubes.

Captain P H Warleigh, a gunnery officer, was in command. About 40% of the officers were RNR or RNVR the remainder were serving officers. We were lucky to have Lieutenant Bruce Fraser (the late Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fraser of Cape North) as our gunnery officer.

The officer commanding the Royal Marine Detachment was Captain S W Snepp RMLI, a magnificent officer. The Royal Marines were all Red Marines from Forton Division. Almost a half were reservists, who in civilian life were postmen, policemen, firemen etc. There were 3 Bisley shots in the detachment, and 2 footballers who played in the famous Lillywhite team that won the army Cup and the Amateur Cup in the same year. (Pinky Yates and Jock White, who died of black water fever in German East Africa in 1917.) Most of the detachment had 2 or 3 good conduct badges, and several had the long service and good conduct medal.

When the review was over Mr Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty, cancelled the order for the fleet to disperse, and HMS MINERVA together with the remainder of the fleet remained at Spithead. War clouds were gathering; every day the situation got more tense.

On the 4th of August whilst we were at "Quarters clean gun" the Bosun's Mate interrupted proceedings when he piped "D'ye Hear there";

(then after a short pause for all hands to stop work and listen)

"We are now at war with Germany. Hands carry on with your work".

(By Lieutenant Colonel C K Hawkins OBE Rb!)

1914. Tuseday 3rd November. A German raid on the UK coast.

1914. Tuesday 3rd November. The Bombardment of the forts in the Dardanelles.

1914. Tuesday 3rd November. The Attack on Tanga East Africa.

1914. Tuesday 3rd November. The Armoured Car Detatchments returned from France to England.

1914. Wednesday 4th November. Operations at Akaba against the Turks in the Red Sea.

1914. Saturday 7th November. The Capitulation of Qingdao in China.

1914. Saturday 7th - 8th November. A force including Royal Marines from HMS Ocean landed at Fao in the Persian Gulf.

1914. Monday 9th November. The Emden was sunk by HMAS Sydney in the Pacific.

1914. Thursday 12th - 18th November. The Buea Operation in Cameroons.

1914. Thursday 19th November. An Air raid (that included Lieutenant Collet RMA) on Airship sheds at Dusseldorf in Germany.

1914. Thursday 19th November. RMA Contingent for the Heavy Artillery arrived in South Africa.

1914. Thursday 26th November. HMS Bulwark was blown up at Sheerness with the loss of 107.

1914. Saturday 28th - 30th November. The Bombardment of Dar-Es-Salaam in East Africa.

1914. Saturday 28th - 30th November. The Formation of a Medical Unit Royal Marines commenced.

1914. Saturday 28th November. The Formation of Divisional train, Royal Marines commenced.

1914. Tuesday 1st December. A South African Heavy Artillery battery Commanded by RMA was sent to Luderitzbucht (German South Western Africa).

1914. Tuesday 8th December. The battle of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

1914. Wednesday16th December. A German raid on Hartlepool and Scarborough on the east coast of the UK.

1914. Saturday 18th December. The occupation of Nyong in the Cameroons.

1914. Monday 20th December. The Occupation of Kribi in the Cameroons.

1914. Monday 20th December - 27th December. The occupation of Campo in the Cameroons.

1914. Friday 25th December. Captain C F Kilner RMLI, as a seaplane pilot, took part in the Cuxhaven Raid attacking German Zeppelin Sheds for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

1914. Friday 25th December. The landing of General Botha's Force at Walfisch Bay (German South West Africa).

1914. Friday 25th December. A SAHA Battery was sent to Walfisch Bay (German South West Africa).

1914. Sunday 27th December. Royal Naval and Royal Marines detatchment left Malta for Serbia.

1914. Thursday 31st December. HMS Doris operations on the Syrian Coast (Mediterranean).

1914. Thursday 31st December. Royal Marines from HMS Diana carried out reconnaissance at Akaba on the Red Sea.

1914. Lieutenant J d'Albiac RMA became the first RM officer to qualify as an observer in the RNAS and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order during operations off Dunkirk. He qualified as a pilot in March 1918 and after transferring to the RAF rose steadily from senior appointment to senior appointment retiring after the WW2 as an Air Marshall.

1914. The Royal Marines Cyclist Company Formed after the Antwerp Expedition in late 1914 from RMLI volunteers, they were to take the place of 'Divisional Cavalry;' communications & despatch carrying their primary function.

At an establishment of 8 officers & 210 other ranks RMLI, they sailed aboard the HMT "Somali" for the Dardanelles at the end of February 1915 with the bulk of the RND.

Although the personnel were almost exclusively Royal Marines, many were formerly RNVR recruits who volunteered for the Cyclist Coy. & were transferred to RMLI Short Service.

During May & June 1915 the Cyclist Coy. was used to reinforce the RM Battalions in the firing line at Cape Helles, but later converted into the 'Divisional Bombers', with the personnel being trained in the use of catapults, bomb guns & trench mortars.

On the 12th of July the OC of the Cyclists, Major A.H. French DSO started a bombing school to train battalion bombers, the first school that was instituted on the Peninsula. The bombs used were known as "Tickler's Bombs" as they were made from empty tins of Tickler's Jam. There was an acute shortage of hand-grenades & the troops were forced to improvise with jam tins stuffed with explosive & barbed wire, cut up to act as shrapnel in the bomb. They were fired from a catapult, which had legs six feet high and threw a bomb up to 90 yards, but suffered from the elastic constantly breaking (All this wonderful improvisation was just another indication of an ill-prepared invasion force).

Although the Company suffered no deaths as a result of their first stint in the firing line, it was a tragedy that PO/334/S Pte. James BRADLEY was to be their first fatality. Pte. Bradley died of his wounds 14/5/15 & was buried at Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Cape Helles. The absence of casualties amongst RM Cyclists at Gallipoli indicates that they were never employed in any attacks, only in the occasional support of the RMLI Bns. in the way Major French describes above, up to their re-employment in forming the Divisional Bomb School 12/7/15.

For a single unit, the Cyclists suffered negligible casualties during their short career, despite serving at Cape Helles for the whole of the Gallipoli campaign. I found only four Cyclist's deaths in the records of the CWGC & this struck me as a little odd. Further research showed three more deaths, incorrectly recorded as either Plymouth or Portsmouth Bn. Seven deaths, two by disease & one by accident, is still a suspiciously low number. There may still be more as yet undiscovered. The CWGC were notified of these further three Cyclists & have amended their records.

In early 1916 after the Gallipoli Evacuation, the Cyclists were based at Mudros with the RND HQ. In March rumours began about the Company being disbanded. They were half-true. Within a month the Cyclists Coy. were converted into a 12 pdr. Gun Battery.

Since February 1916, a detachment of 50 Cyclists had been manning AA guns at Mudros. It would appear that the Cyclist Coy. was becoming something of a 'white elephant', with no real purpose within the RND. However, their personnel were trained specialists in the field of Trench Mortars & other bomb throwing devices & it was to this end that they eventually found their new vocation in France.

There is good evidence to suggest that the Cyclists were an 'elite' to some extent, with their own individual camaraderie. A Cyclists' Guard was used to quell a 'disturbance' in the Greek Labour Corps in February 1916, a job demanding true loyalty to authority. Also, a large number of Cyclists received recognition, in the form of gallantry awards or commissions in the RM or Army.

The fact that our Jack comes across as 'nobody's fool' is clear, with his sharp comments on the problems & injustices done to the Marines of the RND, & this supports the idea that the Cyclists were something of an 'intelligentsia'; specially selected from the RMLI ranks for service in the Cyclists & being the 'brightest of the bunch.' Their employment as the founders of the first Bombing School at Gallipoli also suggests adaptability & ingenuity, specialising with the Trench Mortar & other bomb throwing devices

In late April 1916, decisions had been made in London to reunite the RND at Mudros prior to their despatch to France. The 2nd Brigade was recalled from Stavros & the Division was whole again (except for those serving at Imbros & Tenedos). Those marooned at Mudros since January must have known from all the activity that their time had come & they were finally moving nearer to home.

On the 21/4/16 instructions were received to reconstitute the RND units which existed on the Gallipoli Peninsula & on the 23/4/16 the Vice Admiral, EMS, ordered the 12 pounder gun battery disbanded & the Cyclist Coy. to be reconstituted. On the 26/4/16 the Cyclist Coy. was reformed & the 12pdr guns handed back to the Navy. The Company sailed for Marseilles from Mudros 18/5/16.

On the 24th of June 1916, the Cyclist Company was finally disbanded at the Army Base Depot, Etaples. The Cyclists were found various employments reflecting their specialist skills. The majority were posted to the new Trench Mortar Batteries, attached to the Marine battalions; the Cyclists being already trained in the use of such weapons; whilst others were posted to DHQ, again reflecting their higher than average educational standard. The remainder eventually found their way into either 1 or 2 RM during the following months.Earl Herbert Horatio Kitchener of Khartoum 1850-1916.

Earl Herbert Horatio Kitchener of Khartoum 1850-1916.

Chapter 16 Lord Kitcheners Numbering Systemch16

1914. General Kitchener commanded fanatical loyalty & respect from the British people in 1914. He was a National Hero, made immortal during the Imperial Wars in Egypt & South Africa. His image, as seen here, was one of imposing authority; possibly the most highly respected Military man since Admiral Nelson. Kitchener's piercing eyes, which were such a powerful weapon in recruiting, are evident in all photos of the man. In August 1914, Kitchener's "Call to Arms" produced a massive surplus of recruits for the Army. The British people's response was totally overwhelming & the Army Barracks were full to bursting with proud & patriotic citizen soldiers. At Pontefract, volunteers were sleeping rough on the parade ground.

As the Admiralty had an immediate requirement for recruits for their new Royal Naval Division, Naval Officers were despatched & toured the Army Depots calling for volunteers. Commodore Henderson RNVR, made a soapbox speech to the men at Pontefract who, after a couple of hard nights outside, responded willingly.

Approx. 2500 'Kitchener's men' were transferred from the Army to the RNVR in this way. They all came from North Country Regiments (the Durham Light Infantry, Northumberland

Fusiliers, Sherwood Foresters, York & Lancs. & KOYLI), the greater proportion from the Durham/Tyneside area. The RNVR had acquired its core of hard men, almost all Miners or Labourers. The majority served in the RN Division with great distinction. Cynics would call these drafts 'Cannon fodder' for the new Brigades, but they might have been more accurately called 'the excavation experts.' (A competitively minded Company from another battalion training at Blandford, once challenged a Company of the Collingwood Bn. RNVR to a trench-digging contest. The Collingwood's ranks contained many ex-miners from Yorkshire, Durham & Scotland & the match was poorly made; they were down & out of sight before the challenger had barely scratched the surface!).

The RMLI & RNVR received around 3100 'Kitchener's men' in September 1914.

1914. The Marines uniforms of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1915. Bombardier Norman Finch was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

1915. Friday 1st January. HMS Doris operations on the Syrian Coast (Mediterranean).

1915. Friday 1st January. HMS Foridable torpedoed 86 Marines were lost.

1915. Wednesday 6th January. Operations in Campo area of the Cameroons.

1915. Thursday 7th January. Royal Navy and Royal Marines detachment arrived in Belgrade.

1915. Sunday 24th January. The Battle of the Dogger Bank in the North Sea.

1915. Tuesday 2nd - 5th February. The Turkish attack the Suez Canal.

1915. Friday 5th February. The formation of RM Submarine Miners authorised.

1915. Saturday 6th February. The Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) Brigade less Portsmouth and Deal left for the Mediterranean. Plymouth and Chatham Battalions entrain at Shillingstone near Blandford and move to Devonport. They are temporarily known as the Royal Marine Special Service Force. While Portsmouth and the Deal Battalions remained at Blandford.

1915. Saturday 6th February. About 6pm Plymouth Battalion and the headquarters of the Royal Marine Brigade sail on the HMS Braemar Castle. The Chatham Battalion sails on HMS Cawdor Castle. Both arrived at St Paul's Bay (Malta) Sunday 14th February 1915, and sailed 8am on Friday 19th February. Arrive Tenedos 3.15pm on Sunday 21st February, Lemnos 4pm on Wednesday 24th February, and returned to Tenedos the next day. Sailed at 1am on Friday 26th February for Dardanelles, arriving 8am. The Ships return to Tenedos but at 5pm were ordered to Imbros. Orders to land on Gallipoli on Sunday 28th February cancelled due to bad weather at sea.

1915. Friday 12th February. Captain C.F. Kilner DSO RMLI, embarked in HMS Ark Royal and enroute to the Dardanelles, became the first aviator to take off and land an aircraft in Malta. Flying a seaplane he took off and landed back in Grand Harbour having completed a circuit of the island.

1915. Monday 15th - 23rd. February. A small Royal Marine detachment of HMS Cadamus assisted in quelling a mutiny in Singapore.

1915. Friday 19th - 20th February. The Naval bombardment of the Straits forts and emplacements commenced in the Dardanelles.

1915. Sunday 21st February. RMLI Brigade arrived in the Dardanelles.

1915. Thursday 25th February. Actions at Nonidas and Goaknontes in German West Africa.

1915. Thursday 25th February. Royal Marine Detatchments Garrison at Kribi in the Cameroons.

1915. Thursday 25th - 26th February. The Bombardments continued in the Dardanelles.

1915. Friday 26th February. The Fleet landing parties in the Dardanelles.

1915. During February and March elements of the 3rd Royal Marines Brigade (Brigadier C.N. Trotman RMLI), landed largely unopposed on the Gallipoli peninsula to dismantle Turkish defensive positions. After the unsuccessful naval attempts to force the Narrows in March, the Turkish Army reinforced the peninsula in strength. Thereafter a major amphibious operation was required. The Plymouth Battalion RMLI took part in the initial landing on Sunday 25th April but the Brigade did not land until the night of 28th-29th April when it went ashore at Anzac Cove to relieve 1 and 3 Australian Brigades. On Friday 30th April it was joined in the line by 1 Royal Navy Brigade (Brigadier D Mercer RMLI) which contained the Deal RMLI Battalion. For the next 13 days both brigades were engaged in continuous heavy fighting, bearing the brunt of the Turkish attacks and displaying great resolution. After a counter-attack in the Monash Valley by Chatham and Portsmouth Battalions on Monday 3rd May 1915 the Turks were driven back with heavy losses. Major Quinn, a great Australian VC, said to Major Jerram of the Royal Marines Brigade: "The bravest thing I've seen so far was the charge of your two Battalions up that hill on Bloody Sunday".

During another incident Lance Corporal W R Parker (Portsmouth Battalion RMLI) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in evacuating a party of wounded men under fire. The Royal Marines Brigade's casualties during this period were 21 officers and 217 men killed, 29 officers and 764 men wounded and 122 men missing. On 12 May both brigades were deployed to Cape Helles to re-join the RN Division for the remainder of the campaign.

1915. Monday 1st March. Royal Naval Division embarked for the Dardanelles.

1915. Monday 1st March. Royal Marine Light Infantry Brigade less Portsmouth and Deal Battalions sent to Imbros in the Dardanelles.

1915. Tuesday 2nd March at 5am. The ships were ordered to Tenedos. Operations once again cancelled due to bad weather.

1915. Wednesday 3rd March. The ships are once again moved to Imbros.

1915. Wednesday 3rd March. The Bombardment resumed in the Dardanelles.

1915. Thursday 4th March 8.30am. The Plymouth Battalion landed one company each at Kum Kale and Sedd el Bahrat Gallipoli, to cover the demolition of Turkish guns by raiding parties.

The Sedd-el-Bahr company re-embarks at 2.30pm, and Kum Kale at 7.15pm. Operations were successful, at cost of 22 dead and 22 wounded.

1915. Friday 5th March. The ships return to Tenedos.

1915. Friday 5th March. The Bombardment of Smyrna in the Dardanelles.

1915. Saturday 6th March at 2.30pm. The ships were ordered to Lemnos, and arrived 8.30pm.

1915. Saturday 6th March. No1 Howitzer RMA in action for the first time on the Western Front.

1915. Saturday 6th - 7th March. The Bombardment renewed at the Dardanelles.

1915. Sunday 7th March. Action between HMS Lord Nelson and HMS Agamemnon with the Forts at the narrows at the Dardanelles.

1915. Monday 8th March. The Dresden chased to Juan Fernandez by HMS Kent in the Pacific.

1915. Wednesday 10th - 13th March. The Battle of Neuve Chapelle on the Western Front.

1915. Thursday 11th March. The Bulair Lines were Bombarded in the Dardanelles.

1915. Thursday 11th March. The Portsmouth Battalion arrived at Lemnos from England on HMS Gloucester Castle and the Deal Battalion arrived on HMS Alnwick Castle.

1915. Friday 12th March. The Royal Marine Brigade reorganised and Royal Marine Special Service Force ceases to exist. The Brigade comes under orders of Royal Naval Division. The Deal Battalion is placed under orders of 1st Royal Naval Brigade. A contingent of Chatham Battalion (4 officers and 200 men) together with 2 officers and 20 men from Australian forces boarded HMS Cawdor Castle in preparation for a landing. The Ship sailed to Tenedos at daylight Thursday 18th March but this force was not used and returned to units on Tuesday 23rd March.

1915. Saturday 13th - 14th March. HMS Amethyst was heavily shelled.

1915. Sunday 14th March. The Dresden was sunk by HMS Kent, HMS Glasgow and HMS Orama in the Pacific.

1915. Thursday 18th March at 6.30pm. The Royal Marine Brigade sailed for a demonstration off Gaba Tepe, which was carried out at 5.30am the next day. 1.30pm the ships returned to Lemnos.

1915. Wednesday 24th March, The Royal Marine Brigade (now including the Deal Battalion) sails for Alexandria in Egypt. Orders are modified on route and force sails instead to Port Said, arrives Friday 26th - 27th March.

1915. Thursday 18th March. The Grand attack on the Dardanelles by the fleet.

1915. Thursday 18th March. HMS Dreadnought sank a German submarine in the North Sea.

1915. Friday 19th March. Demonstration by the Fleet off Gaba Tepe in the Dardanelles.

1915. Tuesday 23rd March. Fly Marines. It had been ordered that No 1 Squadron R.N.A.S., Commanded by Captain Ivor T. Courtney R.M.L.I., would carry out a raid on the German submarine base at Hoboken near the port of Antwerp, Belgium, but it had to be postponed for 24 hours because of poor weather conditions.

The four pilots detailed for the raid were Flt-Comdr B.L. Huskisson RN, Flt-Lieuts B. Crossley-Meares RN, P.G. Andreae RN and Harold Rosher RN, led by the Squadron Commander, Captain Ivor T. Courtney RMLI.

With the postponement, the pilots were ordered to sleep on the base ready for an early start next day. On the morning of the 24th they rose at 0330 hrs and breakfast followed, but as Lt Rosher wrote in a letter home `it's mighty hard to get down eggs and bread and butter at that hour"

They cut cards for the order of starting but with the intention of keeping together once in the air, and all were airborne by 0545 hrs. The order of the first three to take-off is not known, only that, Lt. Rosher was the last but one, followed by the Squadron Commander. Once in the air, they headed out to sea, but lost contact due to the ground mists and heavy cloud at 2,500 feet. Flt-Lieut Rosher spotted one machine ahead of him but lost it immediately in the heavy cloud.

Flt-Lieut Crossley-Meares was forced down in Holland with engine trouble and was interned. Fit-Lt Andreae lost his way in the fog and heavy cloud and returned to base, while Fit-Comdr Huskisson, who also had lost his direction, flew on to drop his bombs on Ostend before turning back.

Rosher, his machine heavily laden with bombs (as they all were), was having difficulty climbing, but followed the pre arranged course up the coast, passed Zeebrugge, and then at the mouth of the Scheldt got clear of the clouds at 5,000 feet to find the Squadron Commander behind and some 2,000 feet above him coming up fast, (they were both flying Avro's but Courtney's was the faster machine) and he soon overtook Rosher's aircraft.

Turning inland, they headed for their target, but unfortunately, over Antwerp there was no concealing clouds.

By now Courtney was about five or six minutes ahead of Rosher and they again lost contact, until Rosher spotted the shipyards that were the target and saw his commander, at about 500 feet , flying towards the coast with shrapnel bursting all around him. Being the first to arrive, he had made a low level attack, dropping his bombs before being fired on.

As the wind was dead against him, Rosher decided to come round in a semi-circle to cross the yards with the wind, so as to attain greater speed. He was then about 5,500 feet up, and the enemy opened fire on him with shrapnel as soon as he came into their range. The gunfire began to get a bit heavy, so before he got quite round, he shut off his petrol and came down in a steep glide to 2,500 feet, where he turned on his petrol again and continued to descend at a rate of well over a hundred miles an hour, passing over the yards at about 1,000 feet, he released his bombs.

The whole way down he was under fire from two anti-aircraft guns in the yards, guns from the forts on either side, rifle fire, mitrailleuse or machine-guns and most weird of all, great bunches (15 to 20) of what looked like green rockets, but were in fact, tracers.

In a letter home, he later wrote "the excitment of the moment was terrific. l have never travelled so fast before in my life. My chief impressions were the great speed, the flaming bullets streaking by, the incessant rattle of the machine-gun and the rifle fire, and one or two shells bursting close by, knocking my machine all sideways, and pretty nearly deafening me. l found myself across the yards, and felt a mild sort of surprise. My eyesmust have been sticking out of my head like a shrimp's. l know l was gasping for breath and crouching down in the fuselage. It was, however, by no means clear, for the shrapnel was still besting around me. Ijammed the rudder first one way and then the other. l banked first on to one wing tip and then on to the other, now slipping outwards, and now up and down. l was literally hedged in by forts (and still only 1, 000 feet up), and had to run the gauntlet before getting away. l was under fire right up to the frontier, and even then the Dutch potted at me.

My return journey was trying ( his engine giving him several anxious moments when for some reason it cut out over the Scheldt and he had actually given up all hope when it fired again). Most of the time l had to fly at under 500 feet, as l ran into cloud and thick mist. /pottered gaily right over Flushing, and within a few hundred yards of a Dutch cruiser and two torpedo boats. l got home about a quarter of an hour after Courtney, having been very nearly four hours in the air, and having covered, l suppose, getting on for 250 miles."

On examining his machine he found that from all that flak he had received only two hits - a bullet through the tail and a piece of shrapnel buried in the main spar of one wing, which he dug out for a souvenir.

The Admiralty's official account of the raid read:

"THE SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON [24TH MARCH 191 S] ISSUED THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATION FROM WING-COMMANDER LONGMORE:

`I HAVE TO REPORT THAT A SUCCESSFUL AIR ATTACK WAS CARRIED OUT THIS MORNING BY FIVE MACHINES OF THE DUNKIRK SQUADRON ON THE GERMAN SUBMARINES BEING CONSTRUCTED AT HOBOKEN, NEAR ANTWERP. Two OF THE PILOTS HAD TO RETURN OWING TO THICK WEATHER, BUT SQUADRON-COMMANDER IVOR T. COURTNEY AND FLIGHT-LIGUTCNAN'I' HAROLD ROSHER REACHED THEIR OBJECTIVE AND AFTER PLANING DOWN TO 1,000 FEET DROPPED FOUR BOMBS EACH ON THE SUBMARINES. IT IS BELIEVED THAT CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE "I'O BOTH THE WORKS AND TO SUBMARINES. THE WORKS WERE OBSERVED "I'0 BE ON FIRE. IN ALL FIVE SUBMARINES WERE OBSERVED ON THE SLIP. FLIGHT-LIEUTENANT B. CROSSLEY-MEARES WAS OBLIGED BY ENGINE TROUBLE TO DESCEND IN HOLLAND. OWING TO THE MIS"I"THE TWO PILOTS EXPERIENCED CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTY IN FINDING TI IE IR WAY, AND WERE SUBJEC.I TO A HEAVY GUNFIRE WHILE [)ELiVERIN(; II I IR ATTACK.'

Later they learned from an official French communique the precise results of their raid, thus: "AT HOBOKEN, THE ANTWERP SHIPBUILDING YARD WAS SET ON FIRE AND TWO SUBMARINES WERE DESTROYED AND A THIRD DAMAGED. FORTY GERMAN WORKMEN WERE KILLED AND SIXTY-TWO WOUNDED. "

NOTES:

Captain (later Major) Ivor Courtney RMLI, survived the war, being transferred to the Royal Air Force when it was formed from the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. He retired in the rank of Group-Captain.

Flt-Lieut. Rosher RN completed several more raids on enemy targets and also made an attempt to intercept a Zeppelin on its way to bomb England. He was killed on Sunday 27th February 1916 on a test flight at Dover.

From T. C.

1915. Friday 26th March. Machine gun detachments of the Deal Battalion moved to the Suez Canal defences at Kantara.

1915. Friday 26th March. No3 Howitzer RMA embarked for France from Southampton.

1915. Monday 29th March - 7th April. The RMLI Brigade was in Egypt.

1915. April. The Royal Naval Reserve was became known as 1st (Royal Naval) Brigade.

1915. Wednesday 7th April. The Brigade re-embarked at Alexandria.

1915. Sunday 11th - 12th April. The Brigade arrived at Lemnos.

1915. Sunday 11th April. The renewal of the Bombardments in the Dardanelles.

1915. Sunday 11th - 13th April. The advance on Jaunde, Royal Marines operations at Kribi in the Cameroons.

1915. Monday 12th April. No3 Howitzer RMA embarked Marseilles (France) for the Dardanelles.

1915. Wednesday 14th April. No4 Howitzer RMA arrived in France.

1915. Friday 16th April. The Brigade was moved to Trebuki Bay, Skyros, where the Division was concentrating.

1915. Sunday 18th April. Bombardments and Reconnaissance of forts in the Dardanelles.

1915. Thursday 22nd April. A Royal Marine detachment from HMS Egmont sank an Austrian Monitor on the River Danube.

1915. Friday 23rd April. The Brigade sailed for the Gulf of Xeros.

1915. Friday 23rd April. Headquarters 'B' and part of 'C' batteries, AA Brigade RMA, reached Dunkirk in France.

1915. Saturday 24th April. The Fleet left Mudros for the Dardanelles.

1915. Sunday 25th April. The landings at Gallipoli commenced.

1915. Sunday 25th April. Division carried out feint landing at Bulair, while the British 29th Division landed at Cape Helles beach and the Australian and New Zealand forces at a beach near Gaba Tepe / Ari Burnu later to be named Anzac Cove.

1915. Sunday 25th April. Plymouth Battalion Landed at 'Y' beach.

1915. 63rd (Royal Naval) Division and 3rd RM Bde. First called the Royal Naval Division with three brigades, two of seamen and 3rd (RM) Brigade, the Division served in the Dardanelles and Gallipoli campaigns of 1915 and from 1916 served in France and Belgium. The 3rd Bde originally contained four RM battalions, but after losses at Gallipoli they were reorganised in August 1916 into two battalions. There were several Marine supply, medical and other units (including 190th MG Coy RM under the division's command. All were demobilised under army arrangements, the long - service Marines being dispersed to their RMLI Divisions in June 1919.(RMHS)

1915. Sunday 25th - 26th April. Feint Landings by the Royal Naval Division at Bulair (Gallipoli).

1915. Monday 26th April. Action at Trekkopjes in German South Western Africa.

1915. Tuesday 27th April. Ships carrying the Brigade arrived off Cape Helles at daylight.

1915. Wednesday 28th April 5pm. HMS Gloucester Castle and HMS Cawdor Castle were ordered to move and anchor off Gaba Tepe. The Chatham and Portsmouth Battalions ordered to disembark and come under orders of 1st Australian Division on arrival. On completion of disembarkation at 8pm, the Brigade was ordered to take over No 2 Section of defences held by Australian and New Zealand forces. This was the western edge of Lone Pine plateau.

1915. Wednesday 28th April. The RMLI Brigade less Plymouth and Deal Battalions. landed at Anzac Cove Gallipoli.

1915. Wednesday 28th April. 'B' Battery, AA Brigade RMA were in action for the first time on the Western Front.

1915. Thursday 29th April. The Deal and Nelson Battalions together with Brigade Headquarters land at Anzac Cove in the evening and move up through Shrapnel Gully to the forward defences.

1915. Friday 30th April. The Turkish attacks at Anzac.

1915. Friday 30th April. Lance Corporal Walter Richard Parker RMLI (1881-1936) was awarded the Victoria Cross for displaying conspicuous bravery in rescuing wounded personnel in full daylight under heavy fire, at Gaba Tepe at Gallipoli.

1915. Saturday 1st May. Lance Corporal Walter Parker VC, Portsmouth Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry. If you wander among the graves at Shrapnel Gully Cemetery, Gallipoli, you will find in front of the Stone of Remembrance the Special Memorial to Lieutenant R Empson, Portsmouth Battalion, Royal Naval Division, of Somerset, England. Empson was killed on Saturday 1st May 1915 just three weeks short of his nineteenth birthday high up on the ridge at the end of Shrapnel Gully. Few Australians today are aware of the presence on Gallipoli of the men of the Royal Naval Division who fought beside the Anzacs during the Battle of the Landing between 25th April and 3rd May 1915.

In drizzling rain during the night of 28th-29th April 1915, the exhausted men of the 3rd Brigade AIF, men who had fought their way ashore at dawn on 25th April, were relieved at the front line by the Portsmouth and Chatham Battalions of the Royal Naval Division. Hearing that marines were coming to their aid, the Anzacs believed they would be British regular soldiers from a famous regiment, men who they had been urged to imitate, models of 'steadiness, order and training'. Bean, however, described these particular marines as raw, untrained, many barely 18, youths – 'Some had but a few weeks training; most only a few months'. They had expected to go into orderly trenches but found only holes in the ground, hastily dug to protect the Anzacs from Turkish bullets:

From the dark came the distant sounds of Turkish bugle-calls. Close in front of them from the dense scrub flashed the occasional rifles of snipers; overhead the bullets cracked; machine-guns sent the mud of the parapets in showers upon them.

(Charles Bean, The Story of Anzac, Vol 1, Sydney, 1935, p.533) Among these youngsters filing into these precarious positions was an older recruit, Lance-Corporal Walter Parker, aged 33, from Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. The Anzac front line, as the marines found it, was merely a series of disconnected pot-holes. The most isolated position lay across 350 metres of open ground and was garrisoned by 60 men led by Lieutenant R Empson.

During the afternoon of 30 April, the Turks began vigorous attacks on the marine positions and a number of them were overrun. Empson's little band was now even more cut off and alone and he sent back a message for urgent relief.

Walter Parker VC, sometime after World War I, shaking hands with King George V. Parker had actually left the services when The King had presented him with his VC at Buckingham Palace on 21st July 1917. (Photograph in Stephen Snelling, VCs of the First World War: Gallipoli, Stroud, 1995, p.93)

A party of marines was detailed to go to Empson's aid and, when a medic was requested, Lance-Corporal Parker volunteered. Parker had already drawn attention to himself for his brave direction of the battalion stretcher-bearers in battle. As the relief party emerged into the open in the dark, they came under heavy fire, a man was hit, and Parker stayed with him while the others went on. As day dawned Parker realised that to reach Empson he would have to run over open ground totally exposed to Turkish fire. Despite being threatened by an Australian officer that he would shoot him if he did not turn back, Parker leapt from the trench and ran down the slope towards the cut-off position. During his epic run he was twice wounded but reached the trench to the cheers of his comrades. There he learnt that none of the other members of the relief party had got through; they were either dead or wounded or had given up in the face of such murderous fire.

Parker now set about treating the wounded notwithstanding his own injuries. During a full scale Turkish attack, which was beaten back, Lieutenant Empson was killed and command assumed by Lieutenant A. Alcock. By the next day, the 2nd May, the little garrison had been reduced to 40 unwounded men and ammunition was running low. Retreat was essential. Again Parker proved himself a brave and capable leader by managing to get all the wounded back safely up the hill in the open through the enemy bullets. During this evacuation, Parker suffered multiple wounds, some of them serious, and he crawled the final few metres to safety.

Parker's heroism and self-sacrifice had been noticed by many in the Royal Naval Division. He was recommended for the Victoria Cross, but the award was only confirmed after a serious of mishaps in June 1917, more than two years after Parker's time on Gallipoli. By then ill health had forced him to leave the service and for the rest of his life – he died in 1936 aged 55 – he was a semi-invalid due to his war wounds. Parker's daughter, Vera Constance, born in 1919, was christened in honour of his VC. She recalled the last years of her father's life:

"He was a very sick man for a lot of years... When he knew he was dying, he set out to get my mother a pension. But the authorities said he had survived too long for his death to be have been caused by his war wounds. When his doctor heard, he hit the roof. He said he had treated him and that he was a complete wreck. He said it was a miracle he had lived so long."

(Vera Parker, quoted in Stephen Snelling, VCs of the First World War: Gallipoli, 1995, p.93)

Lance-Corporal Walter Parker VC lies buried in Stapleford Cemetery. In August 2000 Stapleford's new town square was officially dedicated as the 'Walter Parker VC Memorial Square' and a plaque there tells of his deeds on Gallipoli. It makes no bones about the cause of his death – 'He died in 1936 as a result of his wounds'.

There is a photograph of Walter Parker VC in later life wearing his war medals, including the Victoria cross. In recent years Parker has been remembered in his home town of Stapleford, England, by the naming of the new town square the 'Walter Parker VC Memorial Square'.(AWM H13928)

Contemporary observers and later historians have not dealt kindly with the Royal Marine Division at Anzac. Lieutenant General William Birdwood, the Anzac Corps commander, himself an Englishman, was particularly scathing describing them as 'nearly useless'. He can perhaps be excused by the fact that he faced a situation in those early days on the peninsula when the Turks could well have driven the Anzacs into the sea and Birdwood needed the best of troops to assist him, not raw recruits. Recruits could die in battle, however, as well as anyone else.

On 3rd May, the Portsmouth Battalion, Parker's battalion, was ordered forward during the failed attempt by Australians and New Zealanders to capture the ridge line at the end of Monash Valley, the last great Anzac attack of the Battle of the Landing. Charles Bean recorded how the marines were bravely led up the steep slope of Dead Man's Ridge and how, when they reached the top, they were mown down by the Turkish machine guns 'with great slaughter':

"For many days afterwards on the ugly bare shoulder at the top of Monash Valley their dead lay like ants shrivelled by a fire, until a marine climbed out at night and pushed them down into the valley, where they were buried. The name 'Dead Man's Ridge' clung to this shoulder when its origin was almost forgotten."

(Charles Bean, The Story of Anzac, Vol 1, Sydney, 1935, p.533)

The men of the Royal Naval Division were finally withdrawn from Anzac in mid-May. They had played their part in the terrible actions that made up the Battle of the Landing in the most hotly contested central section of the line at the head of Monash Valley. The names of those of them who have no known grave can be found on the British Empire and Dominion memorial to the whole Gallipoli campaign at Cape Helles – the Helles Memorial. The remains of those who were found, like young Lieutenant Empson of the Portsmouth Battalion, lie in the cemeteries of Anzac, a reminder that it was not only the Australians and New Zealanders who fought the Turks on this part of the Gallipoli peninsula. When he came to write the official Australian history of the campaign in the early 1920s Charles Bean summed up the part played by the Royal Naval Division at Anzac in these words:

"Young and but partly trained, thrown without preparation into a terrible struggle, over-tried, gallantly but often needlessly exposing themselves, they had suffered heavily, and their dead lay thickly among the Australians and New Zealanders upon those dreadful heights."

(Charles Bean, The Story of Anzac, Vol 1, Sydney, 1935, p.116)

Remembering the men of the Royal Naval Division who fought and died at Anzac brings to mind one of their number who, although he did not ever fight on Gallipoli, was perhaps the best known of them all. On 23rd April 1915, Sub-Lieutenant Rupert Brooke, Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division, destined for Gallipoli, died from blood-poisoning aboard a French hospital ship and was buried on the Greek island of Skyros. Before the full horrors of places like Gallipoli and the Western Front became evident to a new generation of poets, Brooke had written lines which might stand as the epitaph for the English dead of the Royal Naval Division at Gallipoli. Most of them had rushed to volunteer in August 1914 when, it was said, the war would be over by Christmas:

"If I should die think only this of me, That there's some corner of a foreign field That is forever England. There shall be in that rich earth a richer dust concealed. A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam, A body of England's, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less, Gives something back the thoughts by England given; Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven."

(Rupert Brooke, 'The Soldier', The Complete Poems of Rupert Brooke, London, 1933, p.148)

(https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/history/conflicts/gallipoli-and-anzacs/events/bravery-awards-gallipoli/lance-corporal-walter-parker)

1915. Saturday 1st May. The Turkish attacks at Anzac.

1915. Sunday 2nd May. Congratulatory message from HM the King to the Forces in Gallipoli.

1915. Monday 3rd May. Anzac, attacks on Chessboard, known as Black Monday.

1915. Monday 3rd May. A counter attack on the Monash Valley by the Chatham and Portsmouth Battalions pushed the Turks back with heavy losses. A Major Quinn, an Australian VC holder, said to Major Jerram of the Royal Marine Brigade: "The bravest thing I've seen so far was the charge of your two battalions up that hill on Bloody Monday." Between the 6th and 8th May 1915 HMS Drake, HMS Plymouth, HMS Howe, HMS Hood and HMS Anson' Battalions fought the Second Battle of Krithia.

1915. Tuesday 4th May. Landings at Gaba Tepe by detachments from HMS Triumph, HMS Bacchante and HMS Dartmouth.

1915. Thursday 6th - 8th May. The second battle of Krithia.

1915. Friday 7th May. The Lusitania was sunk off Queenstown in Southern Ireland.

1915. Saturday 8th - 13th May. The Battle of Frezenberg Ridge on the Western Front.

1915. Sunday 9th May. Bombardment of the Dardanelles and Smyrna.

1915. Sunday 9th May. The Battle of Aubers Ridge on the Western Front.

1915. Monday 10th May. The Chatham Battalion took the Turkish trenches at Quin's Post, Anzac.

1915. Monday 10th May. Plymouth Battalion repulsed a Turkish counter attack at Helles.

1915. Wednesday 12th May. 80 Royal Marines were lost when HMS Goliath was sank by Turkish Torpedo boats.

1915. Wednesday 12th May. RMLI Brigade left Anzac for Helles.

1915. Thursday 13th May. 1st Royal Naval Brigade left Anzac for Helles.

1915. Friday 15th May. The Battle of Festubert on the Western Front.

1915. Sunday 17th May. The first German submarine arrived in the Dardanelles.

1915. Tuesday 19th May. The Second squadron left for the Adriatic.

1915. Saturday 23rd May. HMS Albion and Canopus affair at Gaba Tepe in the Dardanelles.

1915. Sunday 24th May. AA guns gassed at Ypres on the Western Front.

1915. Sunday 24th May. A night advance and construction of Mercer Road.

1915. Tuesday 26th May. Whilst bombarding HMS Triumph was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine, 1 Royal Marine was lost.

1915. Wednesday 27th May. Night advance by RM Brigade and construction of the Trotman Road.

1915. Wednesday 27th May. HMS Majestic, lying off Gaba Tepe in the Daranelles, was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine and 4 Royal Marines were lost.

1915. Friday 4th June. The third Battle of Krithia at Gallipoli.

1915. Sunday 6th June. Action at Kanli Dere Gallipoli.

1915. Wednesday 16th June. AA Brigade in action at Ypres on the Western Front.

1915. Sunday 20th June. The first Battle of Bellewarde on the Western Front.

1915. Monday 21st June. The third action of Kereves Dere at Gallipoli.

1915. Tuesday 22nd June. Action at Kalkfeldt in German held South Africa.

1915. Wednesday 23rd June. Action at The Rectangle in the Dardanelles.

1915. Thursday 24th - 25th June. Construction of Parson's Road at Helles, Gallipoli.

1915. Thursday 8th - 15th July. Operations in the Nyong River, Cameroon.

1915. Sunday 11th July. The Koenigsberg was destroyed by monitors in the Rufiji river in East Africa.

1915. Monday 12th - 13th July. The Turkish trenches at Achi Baba were captured (Gallipoli).

1915. Friday 16th July. 'B' Battery AA Brigade in action at Nieuport on the Western Front.

1915. July. The air operation to sink the German cruiser Kőenigsberg off the coast of East Africa was commanded by Major R Gordon RMLI for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

1915. Monday 2nd August. 'A' Battery AA Brigade formed.

1915. Monday 2nd August. 1st (Royal Naval) Brigade was re-designated as 1st Brigade.

1915. Monday 2nd August. RMLI Brigade was organised into two Battalions.

1915. Friday 6th August. The landings at Suvla Bay Gallipoli.

1915. Friday 6th - 7th August. The capture of the Krithia Vineyard Gallipoli.

1915. Friday 6th - 7th August. Operations on the Compo River in the Cameroons.

1915. Monday 9th - 14th August. The cruiser HMS Juno in operations at Dilwar in the Persian Gulf.

1915. Sunday 15th August. Royal Naval Division took over left section of the line at Gallipoli.

1915. Tuesday 24th August. One gun of 'C' Battery AA Brigade destroyed at Ypres on the Western Front.

1915. Saturday 28th August. South African Heavy Artillery left for England, from German South West Africa.

1915. Thursday 9th September. HMS Pyranus and HMS Juno in action in the defence of Bushire in the Persian Gulf.

1915. Sunday 19th September. First RMLI Brigade party to Imbros for leave (Gallipoli).

1915. Saturday 25th - 28th September. The Battle of Loos on the Western Front.

1915. Sunday 26th - 28th September. The second Battle of Bellewarde on the Western Front.

1915. Tuesday 28th September. 'D' Battery AA Brigade RMA formed for the Westen Front.

1915. Tuesday 28th September. Operations on the Compo River in Cameroon.

1915. Sunday 3rd - 8th October. The Battle of Belgrade in Serbia.

1915. Tuesday 5th October. The first troops landed at Salonica in Greece.

1915. Wednesday 6th October. The Battle of Semendria in Serbia.

1915. Wednesday 6th October. A Royal Marines detachment from HMS Sirius landed in defence of Molko Post in the Cameroons.

1915. Saturday 16th October. RMA Battery left England for Serbia.

1915. Thursday 21st October. The Bombardment of Dedeagatch in Bulgaria.

1915. Friday 22nd October. 'C' Battery AA Brigade moved to Louvencourt on the Western Front.

1915. Saturday 24th October. The Commencement of the Retreat from Serbia.

1915. Monday 26th October. 'A' Battery AA Brigade brought down a German reconnaissance aircraft ay Ypres on the Western Front.

1915. Monday 26th October. Heavy enemy shelling at Gallipoli.

1915. Monday 26th October. The Scapa Flow Garrison was increased.

1915. Wednesday 3rd - 11th November. RMA Battery put out of action during Rear Guard Actions in Serbia.

1915. Friday 5th - 6th November. Royal Marines from HMS Challenger in the capture of Metum and Mbula in the Cameroons.

1915. Wednesday 10th - 19th November. A visit by Lord Kitchener to discuss future policy.

1915. Saturday 13th November. Change of Command and Staff in Royal Marines Brigade.

1915. Sunday 21st November. Detachments reached Salonica in Greece.

1915. Saturday 27th - 28th November. Great Blizzard in Gallipoli and Salonica.

1915. Thursday 2nd December. HMS Agamemnon and HMS Endymion destroyed Kavak Bridge in the Gulf of Xeros.

1915. Wednesday 8th December. RMA AA Brigade in action at Nieuport on the Western Front.

1915. Sunday 12th December. Royal Marines Battalion took over the French sector.

1915. Monday 13th December. No's 5 and 6 Howitzers RMA arrived in France.

1915. Sunday 19th September. Evacuation of Anzac and Suvla, Gallipoli.

1915. Saturday 25th December. The Bombardment of Achi Baba, Gallipoli.

1915. Saturday 25th December. RMA AA Brigade action at Nieuport.

1915. Sunday 26th December. RMA Guns at Mersa Matruh for the Senussi campaign in Egypt.

1915. Monday 27th December. Royal Marine Detachment reached San Giovanni di Medua in Serbia.

1915. Friday 31st December. HMS Natal blown up at Cromarty with the loss of 57 Royal Marines.

1915. F.H. Sykes, an Army Officer was commissioned as a Colonel in the Royal Marines and appointed to command all Royal Naval Air Service operations in the Eastern Mediterranean including the Dardanelles. At the same time Major E L Gerrard RMLI was deployed to the Dardanelles in Command of No 2 Wing, RNAS.

1915. Imbros Island Ship watchers.' C J Smith and I joined the old cruiser HMS EDGAR, late March 1915 at Harland and Wolff's Dockyard, Belfast, and leaving there proceeded down the channel and picked up the submarine Eli and escorted her to Mudros. During our passage through the Bay of Biscay, in tempestuous seas and whilst she was charging her batteries on the surface, 3 of her ratings were washed overboard. We lowered a cutter on a grass line and after much brave endeavour we rescued them, 2 alive and I dead. Later Commander Nasmith was to earn the VC for meritorious services in the sea of Mamora and the Dardanelles, along with Commander Holbrook of the Ell who also won the VC.

Marine Smith and I were detailed to man the signal station at the top of the cliffs at "Kaffelo" on the island of Imbros directly opposite Cape Helles in the summer of 1917. It was during this period that the two German battleships GOEBEN and BRESLAU made their dash through the Dardanelles and began shelling our two monitors RAGLAN and 1428, who were lying stern to sea in Kaffelo Harbour as the wind was coming off the land. In fact it was just a slaughter as neither of our ships were able to fire a shot, and there were very few survivors. Eventually our light cruiser squadron appeared on the horizon and the two German ships made a dash back to the Dardanelles. The BRESLAU was sunk in the minefield, but the GOEBEN made it through the straights to Constantinople, and although our Handley Page bombers tried to bomb her, the large smoke screen was very effective. Marine Smith and I used to beachcomb every day for a while and haul the bodies on the beach and inform HQ. So life went on a usual at the signal station. Sometimes the solitude was broken when a submarine would appear in the harbour and contact us by signal or connect to a cable attached to a buoy in the centre of the harbour and give us a ring fir us to pass the message on to HQ, and as I said to you, almost like a Jules Verne episode! Life on the signal station was rather dreary for the most part. Once a month a trawler used to bring our supplies, and should this fail I had to barter with the natives, using cigarettes, soap or anything we could spare, and I would arrive back at the station with eggs, bread, vegetables and several other items. I had an arrangement with the shepherd who worked his sheep and goats on the surrounding hills and he never failed to deliver to my "Hidey Hole". Like me, Marine Smith came from Leeds, and so we had much in common. Onboard his official duties were "Lamp Trimmer", and I used to trim his lamps whilst he, being a brilliant water colour painter, used to paint battle scenes of our ship the EDGAR., or of the troops invading the shores at Gallipoli, Cape Helles, or Anzac Cove etc. But John had many other talents, i.e. he had a fine physique, and was adept at swinging Indian Clubs and Battle Axes, and was much in demand around the Fleet to give displays at ships concerts. He and I were both Chatham Depot and we both returned there in 1918. He got permission to paint battle scenes around the barrack room walls. He contracted lead poisoning and died in his last six months of service for his 22 years. (by Maj Gen J H A Thompson CB OBE RN)

1916. Registered Numbers. Royal Marine Submarine Miners. No special suffix or prefix exists for this unit, the majority of recruits were entered into the Chatham short service registers and each man issued the next CH (S) number that was available but the register was annotated with the letter RMSM at the top. ADM159/211 contains partial register entries for numbers 3278-3345, this register is titled Special Home Coast Défense and the numbers have no suffixes or prefixes. Each man in this register appears to have then been issued a PO (S) series number and their details are recorded fully in ADM159/208. They served with the RMSM.

Royal Marines Labour Corps (RMLC) and Suffix 'N'. Ranks enlisted in the No.1 (Home Service) Labour Company in 1916 were given Chatham registered numbers in the series CH/14100(S) to CH/14343(S). Ranks enlisted or transferred to the RM Labour Corps, which was formed in 1917 (the RMLC OLD Formation), were allocated numbers with the prefix 'Deal' and with a suffix 'S' in brackets in the series Deal/8000(S) to Deal/15955(S). Ranks enlisted in the post-war RM Corps formed in 1919 (the RMLC New Formation) were allocated numbers with a 'Deal' prefix and the suffix 'N' in the series Deal/1(N) to Deal/ 1424(N).

1916. Monday 3rd January. The Bombardment of the Asiatic Coast in the Dardanelles.

1916. Thursday 6th January. HMS King Edward VII mined and sunk off North Scotland.

1916. Friday 7th January. The Royal Marines were the last to leave Gallipoli, replacing both British and French troops in a neatly planned and executed withdrawal from the beaches.

1916. Saturday 8th - 9th January. The Evacuation of Helles Sector at Gallipoli.

1916. January. Following their withdrawal from the Gallipoli Peninsula, the 1st and 2nd RMLI Battalions were once again moved in May to France and reorganised. The strength of each was brought up to 1,000 men and they were re-equipped with a new machine-gun companies. By July, the two battalions formed with the Howe and Anson Battalions of seamen, the 188th Brigade of the 63rd RN Division.

From then on, 1st & 2nd RMLI were in action at regular intervals until October, when on the 2nd, they marched out of their rest areas behind Arras to entrain for the north. Unlike those who serve in the 90's when each Marine carry approximately 27kgs, they were weighed down with nearly 44kgs of kit, ammunition and weapons, with which to cover the 30 kilometers or more a day along the French roads, in the exhausting bitter winds of the winter months. Trains, the only means of moving large bodies of .men at that time, then took the Division to training areas behind Ypres, where it came under the command of the XVIII Corps, and where for the next two weeks they carried out intensive training programs.

The three Brigades of the RN Division were to mount an attack on the enemy line of strong points facing the canal bank 1,000 yards north of Ypres. Across their front ran the Paddebeek, a muddy stream 600 yards north of the canal, adding to the quagmire of this sector of the front, which had been made even worse by the wet autumn weather. The whole area, once farmlands, now so riddled by shell-fire, it was almost impracticable for any form of coordinated attack. Industrious Belgian farmers had originally drained the land by labouriously digging a series of ditches to carry away the water, but the 41/2 tons of high explosive shells on nearly every square yard of the land had destroyed these ditches and the land was again a swamp.

Not withstanding this, the 189th Brigade moved into the line at Passchendaele so the 188th could move through them to attack on the 26th, with the 190th following up with a second attack four days later.

The assault was to be made by the two RMLI Battalions, who moved into the forward positions on the night of the 25th, Hood Battalion was in the support line ready to stop.

1916. January. The Military Service Act (1916 – 1920), was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act specified that men from 18 to 41 years old were liable to be called up for service in the military unless they were married, widowed with children, serving in the Royal Navy, a minister of religion, or working in one of a number of reserved occupations.

1916. Friday. 28th January. Royal Marines from HMS Prince George occupied Fort Touzla in Salonica Greece.

1916. Friday 11th February. HMS Arethusa mined and sunk in the North Sea.

1916. Monday 14th February. Royal Marine Detachments from the East African Squadron formed Artillery Batteries.

1916. Tuesday 22nd February - 16th April. 1st and 2nd RMLI Battalions at Stavros Macedonia.

1916. Monday 28th February. HMS Alcantara torpedoed, Greif sunk by gunfire, 8 Royal Marines were lost.

1916. Thursday 2nd March. The Military Service Act passed in January came into being.

1916. Wednesday 8th March. No9 Battery in action at Salaita East Africa.

1916. Friday 10th March. No9 Battery in action at Latema- Reata East Africa.

1916. Thursday 16th March. RMA Detachment at Mersa Matruh and Sollum, Egypt.

1916. Saturday 25th March. Light Cruiser action against German Torpedo Boat in the North Sea.

1916. Saturday 1st April. British Forces withdrawn from the Cameroons.

1916. 16th April - 27th May. Royal Marines from HMS Doris occupied Long Island, Gulf of Smyrna in the Daranelles.

1916. Saturday 22nd April. No8 Howitzer RMA arrived on the Western Front.

1916. Tuesday 25th April. The Bombardment of Lowestoft on the UK East Coast.

1916. Thursday 27th April. HMS Russell mined and sunk with the loss of 10 Royal Marines.

1916. Thursday 27th April. Portsmouth Company arrived at Queenstown Ireland.

1916. Thursday 27th April - 15th May. Royal Marine Battalion formed and deployed in Ireland to combat the Easter Rising.

1916. Thursday 27th April. A 12 inch Railway Gun was mounted at Dunkirk in France.

1916. May. A Second Military Service Act extended liability for military service to married men, and a third Act in 1918 extended the upper age limit to 51. Men or employers who objected to an individual's call-up could apply to a local Military Service Tribunal. These bodies could grant exemption from service, usually conditional or temporary. There was right of appeal to a County Appeal Tribunal.

1916. Thursday 4th May. An air raid was made on the Zeppelin sheds at Tondern in Denmark. As it was considered that it might draw out the German High Seas Fleet, supported by the whole of the Grand Fleet. Though the raid was successful, the enemy refused to be drawn and there were no further results. However, at 10am, HMS Galatea and HMS Phaeton brought down the Zeppelin 'L7' by gun fire. On the next day away in the Aegean.

1916. Friday 5th May. HMS Agamemnon brought down a Zeppelin, which had previously bombed Salonica, the airship fell in the Vardar Marshes, where it was destroyed.

1916. Friday 19th - 20th May. Royal Naval Division arrived in Marseilles headed for the Western Front.

1916. Wednesday 31st May. 190th Machine Gun Company formed by the RMLI.

1916. Wednesday 31st May – 1st June. The Battle of Jutland, also known as the Battle of the Skagerrak. The only major encounter between the British and German fleets during World War I. Fought in the Skagerrak, an arm of the North Sea, about 60 miles (97 km) off the coast of Jutland in Denmark.

British naval intelligence had alerted admirals John Jellicoe and David Beatty that Admiral Reinhard Scheer had left port with his German High Seas Fleet. Beatty, in command of a scouting force of battle cruisers, spotted a similar German force under Admiral Franz von Hipper and pursued it toward the main German fleet. At about 4pm both sides opened fire. The British suffered heavy losses and turned back toward Jellicoe's main British fleet, with the Germans in pursuit. After 6pm the main fleets encountered each other, and the battle raged again. In the dusk the British had the advantage, and Scheer soon turned away. However, when the German fleet turned once more to head for home, it again ran directly into the British fleet, which had maneuverer in such a way that it lay between the German fleet and the German ports. At this second crisis, Scheer ordered his battle cruisers and torpedo boats to charge the British fleet and thereby cover a second retreat of his battleships. Jellicoe, arguably overestimating the danger of torpedo attacks, also turned away, and the battle thus came to an indecisive end. Both sides claimed a victory. Germany because it had destroyed or damaged many more ships, and Britain because it retained control of the North Sea.

1916. Wednesday 31st May. The Battle of Jutland. Major Francis John William Harvey RMLI (1873-1916). Whilst serving on the HMS Lion was mortally wounded and almost the only survivor after the explosion of an enemy shell in 'Q' gun house. with great presence of mind and devotion to duty ordered the magazine to be flooded, thereby saving the ship. He died shortly after and the Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously. His Citation reads: Whilst mortally wounded and almost the only survivor after the explosion of an enemy shell in 'Q' gun-house, with great presence of mind and devotion to duty ordered the magazine to be flooded, thereby saving the ship. He died shortly afterwards.

This article is taken from the London Gazette, (Supplement) No. 29751. P 9067 Friday 15th September 1916.

1916. Wednesday 31st May. The Battle of Jutland (Within the British fleets and squadrons, ships were generally listed in order - Dreadnought, Battlecruiser, Cruiser, Light Cruiser, Flotilla Leader, Destroyer, only ships that were hit and lives were lost are listed as damaged).

The British Battle Cruiser Fleet (first in action) Casualties listed in order: HMS Lion, battlecruiser HMS Queen Mary, HMS Princess Royal, HMS Tiger, battlecruisers HMS Indefatigable, HMS Barham, HMS Malaya, HMS Warspite, Dreadnoughts HMS Dublin, HMS Southampton, light cruisers HMS Chester, light cruiser HMS Defender, destroyers HMS Turbulent, HMS Nestor, HMS Nomad, HMS Onslow, HMS Petard.

Fleet Flagship, Battle Cruiser HMS Lion, damaged, five ratings each died of injuries on 3rd, 4th, 7th, 23th June and 3rd July:

BACKHOUSE, George, Gunner, RMA, RMA 7532.

BAKER, Philip T A, Private, RMLI, 16416 (Ch).

BEER, William L, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10417.

BELL, James I, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11670.

BRADFORD, Charles E, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12849.

BROWNE, William E, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8409.

BURKE, Thomas, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8487.

CASE, William, Private, RMLI, 19125 (Ch).

CASEY, Nicholas, Private, RMLI, 16326 (Po).

CHAPMAN, Arthur G, Gunner, RMA, RMA 6254.

CHAPMAN, Frederick W, Private, RMLI, 15131 (Ply).

COLES, Percy R, Private, RMLI, 11291 (Ply).

COSSEY, Samuel J, Private, RMLI, 7884 (Ply).

DORMAN, Alfred G, Private, RMLI, 14493 (Po).

EVERRETT, George, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10620.

FARLEY, William H, Private, RMLI, 14957 (Ply).

FROOME, William H, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13780.

GREEN, Reginald G, Gunner, RMA, RMA 9415.

GREEN, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 14920 (Ply).

HARVEY, Francis J W, Major, RM - awarded posthumous Victoria Cross.

HAYES, John, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14204.

HENNESSY, Murlagh F, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12255.

HOAD, Joseph H, Musician, RMB, RMB 2195.

HOUGHTON, Tom, Private, RMLI, 15683 (Ply).

HOWCHIN, Charles W, Sergeant, RMLI, 13518 (Ply).

HUTCHINS, Thomas J, Corporal, RMA, RMA 11535.

KEMP, John S, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14169.

LUCKING, Charles W, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 7398.

MARTIN, William H, Private, RMLI, 13501 (Po).

MEARS, Walter, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11505.

NORRIS, Victor E, Gunner, RMA, RMA 7432.

OWEN, Walter L, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13739.

PIKE, Joseph, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13315.

POPE, William, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 6497.

POTTER, Robert, Private, RMLI, 13118 (Ply).

RAFFERTY, John H, Private, RMLI, 14910 (Ply).

ROGERS, Frederick J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10896.

RULE, Frederick J, Corporal, RMA, RMA 5820.

SALES, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 14074 (Ply).

SCOTT, Arnold, Private, RMLI, 15989 (Ply).

SHEPPARD, Edward E, Corporal, RMLI, 13731 (Ply).

SMITH, Thomas M, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11662.

ULYATT, Wilfred R, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 13204.

WAGSTAFF, William, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8544.

WESTON, William H, Private, RMLI, 15076 (Ply).

WIGHT, Archibald T, Private, RMLI, 19121 (Ch).

WILLATTS, Vivian G C, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13741.

WYNNE, William, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13127'.

First Battle Cruiser Squadron 3 battlecruisers (HMS Queen Mary sunk, HMS Princess Royal and HMS Tiger damaged).

HMS Princess Royal, damaged, 1 rating each died of injuries on 2nd, 3rd and 5th June:

ANDREWS, Frederick C, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10303.

BODELEY, Henry J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 9217.

GAMBLIN, Ernest A, Gunner, RMA, RMA 6580.

GOMER, William R, Private, RMLI, 7085 (Ply).

HODGES, Percy A, Private, RMLI, 16046 (Po).

HMS Queen Mary, sunk:

ALLEN, William, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8650.

ARGENT, Charles W, Private, RMLI (RMR B 1258), 11232 (Po).

BAILEY, John T, Private, RMLI (RFR B 1015), 9305 (Po).

BAKER, William, Private, RMLI, 12745 (Po).

BARBER, Alphonso, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13163.

BARFOOT, Edwin A, Private, RMLI, 14966 (Po).

BARTON, Richard P, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12982.

BATCHELOR, Gilbert H, Private, RMLI, 18569 (Po).

BAYLIS, Albert D, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12065.

BILLING, James E, Private, RMLI, 11694 (Po).

BOND, Andrew, Private, RMLI, 18504 (Po).

BROWN, Arthur D, Corporal, RMLI, 13014 (Po).

BROWN, Thomas, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13044.

BUCHANAN, Percival G, Musician, RMB, RMB 1802.

BURRY, Albert C F, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13285.

BUTCHER, Charles G, Private, RMLI, 7503 (Po).

BWYE, William G, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14462.

BYATT, Alfred W, Private, RMLI, 10746 (Po).

BYSOUTH, Henry, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13116.

CARTWRIGHT, Joseph, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12994.

CATLEY, Charles, Gunner, RMA.

COLLINS, George, Private, RMLI, 9525 (Po).

COLSON, Victor H, Private, RMLI, 19503 (Ch).

COOPER, Henry, Private, RMLI, 16321 (Po).

COPE, Samuel, Private, RMLI, 16958 (Ply).

DAVIS, Frederick, Private, RMLI, 9828 (Po).

DUNCAN, William, Private, RMLI, 18927 (Ch).

DYKES, William, Musician, RMB, RMB 355.

ELLIOTT, Gideon, Private, RMLI, 9721 (Po).

ESCOTT, Albert, Private, RMLI, 14322 (Po).

ETHERINGTON, Arthur W, Private, RMLI, 17800 (Po).

EVES, Alfred F, Bugler, RMLI, 18194 (Po).

EWART, Victor A, Lieutenant.

EXFORD, George O, Private, RMLI, 12829 (Po).

FELTON, Isaac, Lance Sergeant, RMLI, 8250 (Po).

FERGUSON, John, Private, RMLI, 17859 (Ply).

FERGUSSON, Allan, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10254.

FITZWILLIAM, Joseph, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8666.

FRANKS, Walter H, Private, RMLI, 14738 (Po).

GARDNER, Robert L, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 12907.

GEARY, Archibald I, Private, RMLI, 15692 (Po).

GIBSON, Robert S, Musician, RMB, RMB 1304.

GROVES, Philip, Private, RMLI, 17844 (Po).

HAWORTH, Fielden, Private, RMLI, 12584 (Po).

HAYDEN, Edward J, Private, RMLI, 14838 (Po).

HEAD, Henry G, Lance Corporal, RMLI, 16317 (Po).

HERBERT, Charles J, Private, RMLI, 11139 (Po).

HERBERT, Henry, Act/Bombardier, RMA, RMA 7938.

HEWITT, William E, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13722.

HOWARD, William F, Colour Sergeant, RMLI, 10389 (Po).

HOWIE, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 12716 (Po).

HUMPHRYS, Arthur, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13028.

HUNT, Walter, Private, RMLI, 15164 (Po).

JACKSON, Harry, Private, RMLI, 17263 (Po).

JAGO, William E, Private, RMLI, 16310 (Po).

JONES, Albert F, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14035.

JONES, Charles F, Private, RMLI, 18935 (Ch).

JONES, George, Gunner, RMA, RMA 9385.

KELLY, Thomas, Gunner, RMA, RMA 5837.

KENEALY, John M, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11730.

LANDRAY, William H H, Private, RMLI, 18319 (Po).

LE MANQUAIS, Ernest G, Private, RMLI, 13223 (Po).

LOTHIAN, William J, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 7384.

LYNN, Robert, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8897.

MARR, Andrew H, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8298.

MARTIN, Horatio, Gunner, RMA, RMA 7992.

MASON, Thomas W, Private, RMLI, 16962 (Ply).

MCKAY, Donald, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8371.

MCLAUGHLIN, Frederick, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13706.

MERCER, Albert W, Private, RMLI, 16316 (Po).

MILLS, Harry, Private, RMLI, 1502 (Ch).

MOORE, Frederick, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13096.

MOORE, John J, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 10866.

MORAN, Albert E, Private, RMLI, 12908 (Po).

MUTTERS, William H, Private, RMLI, 16964 (Ply).

NEIL, William McK, Private, RMLI, 19585.Ch).

NOTTINGHAM, Leslie, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13806.

NUNN, Albert C, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12579.

ORME, George, Musician, RMB, RMB 1767.

OSBORNE, Frederick J, Corporal, RMA, RMA 5103.

OVERTON, Frank, Musician, RMB, RMB 891.

OWENS, John S, Musician, RMB, RMB 982.

PALLETT, Herbert, Private, RMLI, 16985 (Po).

PARKER, Arthur, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13053.

PICKFORD, George, Private, RMLI, 16315 (Po).

POOLEY, John A, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10473.

PRYKE, Joseph N, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13048.

RICHARDSON, Henry, Musician, RMB, RMB 1365.

ROONEY, Gerald C, Major, RMLI.

RUBICK, Arthur, Gunner, RMA, RMA 7378.

RULE, Frederick H, Private, RMLI, 16484 (Po).

SELWAY, Sydney J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13045.

SIMMONDS, Arthur J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8313.

SMALLMAN, Lewis G E, Lance Sergeant, RMLI, 13895 (Po).

SMITH, John, Private, RMLI, 16230 (Ply).

SMITH, Thomas H, Band Corporal, RMB, RMB 1294.

STEADMAN, James W G, Musician, RMB, RMB 1153.

STEVENS, Walter J, Private, RMLI, 15688 (Po).

STYLES, Charles R G, Bugler, RMA, RMA 11546.

SWAIN, Edward E, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10953.

TATE, Charles W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 1165.

TAYLOR, James A, Bandmaster 1c, RMB 458.

THOMPSON, Robert B, Musician, RMB, RMB 2191.

THOROGOOD, Edmund J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13095.

TIZZARD, William, Private, RMLI, 18440 (Ch).

TULETT, Henry W, Private, RMLI, 9854 (Po).

WALLINGTON, John H, Gunner, RMA, RMA 1378.

WEBB, Ernest, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 9611.

WHITLOCK, Ernest W, Private, RMLI, 18929 (Ch).

WILMOT, Walter P, Musician, RMB, RMB 1876.

WOOD, Arthur O, Band Corporal, RMB, RMB 1174.

WOOD, Frederick W, Musician, RMB, RMB 824.

WOOD, Montague, Musician, RMB, RMB 501.

WOOLLACOTT, Herbert A, Corporal, RMLI, 18928 (Ch).

Second Battle Cruiser Squadron 2 battlecruisers (HMS Indefatigable sunk).

HMS Indefatigable, sunk:

ABRAHAM, Charles, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10681.

ANTROBUS, Harry J, Bugler, RMLI, 16147 (Ply).

ATKINS, Arthur C, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 8852.

BARBER, John, Private, RMLI, 10429 (Ply).

BARHAM, Gerald J, Bandmaster 1c, RMB, RMB 119.

BEAVEN, Harold, Private, RMLI, 15882 (Po).

BEESLEY, William, Private, RMLI, 17155 (Ply).

BEESTON, Stanley A A, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10331.

BLACKWELL, Arthur J, Private, RMLI, 10296 (Po).

BROADBRIDGE, Allan, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10435.

BROCKHURST, James, Private, RMLI, 15133 (Ply).

BUCKINGHAM, Edwin, Musician, RMB, RMB 1588.

BURROWS, Stanley, Corporal, RMLI, 15123 (Ply).

CAGNEY, Thomas, Musician, RMB, RMB 667.

CARRICK, George, Private, RMLI, 14722 (Ply).

CARTER, Francis A, Corporal, RMLI, 15569 (Ply).

CHAMP, William E, Private, RMLI, 16791 (Ply).

CHAPPLE, William S, Private, RMLI, 13947 (Ply).

CLARK, Wyndham W, Private, RMLI, 14012 (Ply).

COLLETT, John H, Private, RMLI, 14601 (Ply).

COLLIS, Robert, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11441.

COWELL, William E, Private, RMLI, 16531 (Ply).

CREELMAN, James, Musician, RMB, RMB 488.

DAVIS, William J, Private, RMLI, 15468 (Ply).

DEACON, Bertie W L, Musician, RMB, RMB 1830.

DEAN, William F, Gunner, RMA, RMA 6160.

DOYLE, Francis, Private, RMLI, 16787 (Po).

DYER, George G, Private, RMLI, 14004 (Po).

FALLON, William H, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14165.

FARQUHARSON, Nathaniel M, Private, RMLI, 13572 (Ply).

FELTHAM, William J, Private, RMLI, 6796 (Ply).

FIELD, George H, Gunner, RM.

FIELDING, Harry, Private, RMLI, 17558 (Ply).

FOSKETT, Henry J, Musician, RMB, RMB 856.

FREEMAN, Charles J E, Colour Sergeant, RMLI, 12208 (Ply).

GALLAGHER, Ernest J, Musician, RMB, RMB 1772.

GRAHAM, John, Private, RMLI, 17205 (Ply).

GRIFFIN, Ernest, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13878.

HARMAN, Richard J, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 12304.

HARRIS, Malcolm M, Corporal, RMLI, 14698 (Ply).

HARRIS, Stephen, Private, RMLI, 17641 (Ply).

HENLEY, Bernard R, Musician, RMB, RMB 1834.

HILL, George J, Bugler, RMA, RMA 6306.

HILL, Tom, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8162.

HULSE, Harold, Private, RMLI, 15427 (Ply).

HUNT, Albert, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12924.

JAMES, Frederick, Musician, RMB, RMB 1250.

JINKS, Albert J W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11545.

KELLY, Joseph, Private, RMLI, 15555 (Ply).

KIRTON, Samuel P, Musician, RMB, RMB 1698.

KITCHING, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 13123 (Ply).

LEONARD, Joseph, Private, RMLI, 15543 (Ply).

LONGHORN, James H, Private, RMLI, 16826 (Po).

LOVELL, George, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11884.

MALLIN, John, Private, RMLI, 7041 (Ply).

MALLON, James, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13442.

MASSEY, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 17899 (Ply).

MATTRAVERS, Fred, Private, RMLI, 8256 .Ply).

MCCAUSLAND, William J, Private, RMLI, 17058 (Ply).

MILLS, Harry, Gunner, RMA, RMA 9027.

MITSON, George W, Private, RMLI, S 316.

MORELAND, Harry L, Private, RMLI, 16822 (Ply).

MORLEY, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 14577 (Ply).

MUDDLE, John G, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8415.

MURCH, Francis, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10673.

NUNN, Charles, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 10772.

PHILLIPS, Harry J, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 6341.

RANDALL, William H, Musician, RMB, RMB 413.

RICKMAN, Horace E, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13172.

ROURKE, James, Private, RMLI, 12748 (Ply).

ROWBOTHAM, Wilfred, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12894.

SCAMMELLS, William F, Private, RMLI, 11512 (Ply).

SCHUMMAKER, George C, Band Corporal, RMB, RMB 1011.

SEWELL, Herbert, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13084.

SIMPSON, Joseph C, Private, RMLI, 15320 (Ply).

SIZER, Edward, Act/Bombardier, RMA, RMA 11511.

SLOCOMBE, Richard F, Private, RMLI, 17896 (Ply).

SMEES, Alfred, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13109.

SMITH, Albert E, Ship's Corporal 2c, 229684 (Dev).

STAPLES, John W, Gunner, RMA, RMA.140.

STEPHENSON, Garton G, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12783.

STEWART, Samuel, Private, RMLI, 15164 (Ply).

SUTTON, Lawrence, Private, RMLI, 17713 (Ch).

SWEENEY, Patrick, Private, RMLI, 15445 (Po).

THOMAS, William J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12889.

WATTS, George, Private, RMLI, 15635 (Ply).

WEAVERS, Harold, Musician, RMB, RMB 1044.

WHITE, Albert E, Private, RMLI, 17741 (Ply).

WIFFEN, William J, Musician, RMB, RMB 924.

WIGGINS, Edward J, Musician, RMB, RMB 1818.

WILDE, Percy M C, Captain, RMA.

WILTON, Harvey, Gunner, RMA, RMA 9630.

Fifth Battle Squadron (attached) 4 Dreadnoughts (HMS Barham, HMS Malaya, HMS Warspite damaged).

HMS Malaya, damaged, 10 ratings died of injuries on 1st June, and a further 13 ratings and 2 canteen staff on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 23rd and 24th June:

FOUND, William A, Private, RMLI, 18424 (Po).

HAIGH, Harry, Private, RMLI, 18451 (Po).

LEE, Charles, Private, RMLI, 18419 (Po).

OSTRIDGE, William, Private, RMLI, 18428 (Po).

PORTER, Charles, Private, RMLI, 16901 (Po).

ROGERS, Arthur, Private, RMLI, 10521 (Po).

SOUTER, Samuel, Private, RMLI, 18440 (Po).

Second Light Cruiser Squadron, 4 light cruisers (HMS Dublin, HMS Southampton damaged):

MILLER, Richard T, Private, RMLI, 16072 (Po).

WOODLAND, William H, Private, RMLI, 12390 (Po).

Third Light Cruiser Squadron, 5 light cruisers (HMS Chester damaged):

HMS Chester, damaged, two ratings died of injuries on 1st June and one each on 2nd, 11th, 14th June and 27th July.

HMS Chester:

COOPER, William H, Ship's Corporal 1c, 225272 (Ch).

FASSNIDGE, Edward, Private, RMLI, 20012 (Ch).

GIBBS, John P, Private, RMLI, 16102 (Ch),

GRIMLEY, John M, Private, RMLI, 18024 (Ch).

PATTERSON, William J, Private, RMLI, 10319 (Po).

PRESTON, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 20048 (Ch).

SMITH, William, Private, RMLI, 14230 (Ch).

THORP, Raymond W, Bugler, RMLI, 18245 (Ch).

TUCKER, Albert H, Private, RMLI, 17433 (Ch).

Third Battle Cruiser Squadron (attached) 3 battlecruisers (HMS Invincible lost).

HMS Invincible:

ALLCHIN, George H, Private, RMLI, 10207 (Po).

ASTLE, Reginald H, Private, RMLI, 17356 (Po).

BARKER, Albert W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13479.

BEATWELL, Ernest, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14398.

BECKETT, William, Musician, RMB, RMB 680.

BONCEY, Joseph J, Private, RMLI, 11603 (Po).

BOOKER, Frank W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11432.

BROWN, William L, Private, RMLI, 18333 (Po).

BURFORD, William, Private, RMLI, 13944 (Po).

BURT, Alfred, Private, RMLI, 18338 (Po).

CALLIS, Sidney, Musician, RMB, RMB 1599.

CANNINGS, Willie G, Private, RMLI, 18247 (Po).

CARDEN, William F, Private, RMLI, 18183 (Po).

CHAMPION, Henry, Gunner, RMA, RMA 5375.

CHAMPION, William J, Private, RMLI, 15643 (Po).

CHANCE, Thomas J, Band Corporal, RMB, RMB 1031.

CHARLTON, Albert H, Private, RMLI, 7978 (Ply).

CHEESMUR, William S, Private, RMLI, 18276 (Po).

CLAPSON, Joseph, Ships Corporal 1c (Pens), 350021 (Po).

CLARK, Albert E, Musician, RMB, RMB 227.

CLARK, John, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10056.

COLLINS, Henry W, Private, RMLI, 7283 (Po).

COLQUHOUN, Robert C, Major, RM.

COOK, Reginald, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12724.

CORBON, George W M, Ship's Corporal 1c, 178738 (Po).

COX, Henry J, Private, RMLI, 18307 (Po).

CRUICKSHANKS, Robert, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 5526.

DANIELS, Ernest P, Private, RMLI, 14410 (Po).

DAVIS, Arthur V, Private, RMLI, 16715 (Po).

DENT, Harry, Private, RMLI, 18346 (Po).

DENYER, Frank C, Private, RMLI, 16714 (Po).

DEXTER, Edmond C, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12399.

DOLAN, Thomas J, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 12794.

DOLLING, Francis J, Musician, RMB, RMB 1010.

DOLTON, William F, Private, RMLI, 16710 (Po).

DUNDAS, Norman, Private, RMLI, 12917 (Po).

DUNN, Charles A, Musician, RMB, RMB 2262.

DURHAM, Arthur, Private, RMLI, 18357 (Po).

EMMETT, Maurice (real name, but served as Maurice Maher), Musician, RMB, RMB 1509.

EVERETT, George T, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13445.

EVERTON, Samuel, Private, RMLI, 274 (Ply).

FISHER, Herbert C, Private, RMLI, 16711 (Po).

FITZGERALD, Arthur D, Private, RMLI, 16684 (Po).

FLETCHER, James, Private, RMLI, 18358 (Po).

FREEMAN, Edgar, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10425.
FULKER, Charles F, Private, RMLI, 18360 (Po).

GILLMAN, Sidney G, Private, RMLI, 13019 (Po).

HARDING, William S L, Sergeant, RMLI, 9383 (Po).

HEARN, Albert V, Musician, RMB, RMB 1886.

HERRIDGE, George, Private, RMLI, 14195 (Po).

HERRING, William D, Private, RMLI, 16740 (Po).

HIBBERD, Frederick, Private, RMLI, 16713 (Po).

HIGGS, Sidney J, Corporal, RMLI, 14259 (Po).

HOBBS, Harry T, Private, RMLI, 16663 (Po).

HOWARD, Frank, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14243.

HOWARD, John M T, Musician, RMB, RMB 2045.

HUMPHREY, Charles, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14014.

HUTCHINGS, George W, Musician, RMB, RMB 1019.

HYSLOP, Norman, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12687.

JAMIESON, Robert F, Band Corporal, RMB, RMB 1184.

KEAN, John, Private, RMLI, 13732 (Po).

KEAR, William G, Private, RMLI, 14944 (Po).

KELHAM, Ernest, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13448.

KNIGHT, Albion H, Private, RMLI, 10412 (Po).

LE SEELLEUR, John T, Lieutenant, RMLI.

LEESON, Charles, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12221.

LEGG, Reginald, Private, RMLI, 15563 (Po).

LYNCH, John, Private, RMLI, 10585 (Po).

MANN, Ernest, Gunner, RMA, RMA 7006.

MILLARD, George, Private, RMLI, 15817 (Po).

MITCHELL, Walter, Private, RMLI, 15152 (Ply).

MOORE, Edward W, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 7916.

MORRIS, Herbert W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13797.

NIXON, Albert E, Gunner, RM.

NORMAN, George, Musician, RMB, RMB 408.

ORR, Ernest F J, Private, RMLI, 13892 (Ply).

OTTAWAY, William J, Private, RMLI, 15405 (Po).

PARKER, Frederick W H, Corporal, RMLI, 15023 (Po).

PEARCE, Harry H F, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10567.

PEARSON, Reuben, Private, RMLI, 9217 (Ply).

PHELAN, John D, Bugler, RMLI, 16860 (Po).

REEVES, Robin M, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13456.

RENDALL, Frank H, Private, RMLI, 17293 (Po).

RIDGE, Francis, Musician, RMB, RMB 508.

ROBBINS, Samuel H, Private, RMLI, 15758 (Po).

ROLLS, John, Musician, RMB, RMB 678.

SHANKS, Thomas F, Private, RMLI, 18328 (Po).

SHEARING, Henry W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10921.

SHERMAN, Arthur, Corporal, RMLI, 14665 (Po).

SIMMS, Albert, Private, RMLI, 18354 (Po).

SPOONER, Albert E, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12022.

STYLES, Albert H, Private, RMLI, 18329 (Po).

SUNDERLAND, Arthur, Private, RMLI, 18347 (Po).

TAYLOR, George E, Private, RMLI, 18316 (Po).

TEBBITT, William T, Bugler, RMA, RMA 13859.

TERRY, Ernest E J, Private, RMLI, S 1015 (Po).

THOMPSON, Frederick J, Private, RMLI, 17921 (Po).

TRICKS, Robert, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10665.

TURTON, Thomas F, Private, RMLI, 16707 (Po).

VINEY, John, Private, RMLI, 18294 (Po).

WAIT, William T, Private, RMLI, 14552 (Po).

WARD, Harry E, Private, RMLI, 14128 (Po).

WATSON, Alfred J, Musician, RMB, RMB 2063.

WHATLEY, William F A, Private, RMLI, 16736 (Po).

WILES, Theodore, Ship's Corporal 1c, 210928 (Po).

WILSON, George, Private, RMLI, 14939 (Po).

WILSON, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 11164 (Ply).

WOOD, Arthur, Private, RMLI, 15626 (Po).

WOOD, Frederick A, Corporal, RMA, RMA 10231.

YOUNGER, William E, Private, RMLI, 11888 (Ply).

First Cruiser Squadron four cruisers (HMS Black Prince, HMS Defence, HMS Warrior lost).

HMS Black Prince:

ARMSTRONG, Alfred J, Private, RMLI, 13778 (Po).

ASPINALL, Frederick S, Private, RMLI, 12580 (P0).

BARSBY, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 8311 (Po).

BLANDFORD, Sidney H, Private, RMLI, 15988 (Po).

BONNER, William, Private, RMLI, 15171 (Po).

BOWERMAN, Charles G, Private, RMLI, 17914 (Po).

BREWERTON, Abraham H, Private, RMLI, 16598 (Po).

BUTLIN, John H, Private, RMLI, 15447 (Ch).

CALLAGHAN, Bernard, Private, RMLI, 17172 (Po).

CHURCHER, Henry J, Private, RMLI, 16556 (Po).

CHURCHILL, Arthur E, Private, RMLI, 15713 (Po).

CONWAY, Harry, Private, RMLI, 14884 (Po).

COWARD, Thomas A, Private, RMLI, 16570 (Po).

CUOMO, Guiseppe, Bandsman, 363248 (Po).

DABBS, William, Private, RMLI, 16599 (Po).

DAVIS, Horace W, Private, RMLI, 17723 (Po).

DELVES-BROUGHTON, Alfred W, Captain, RM.

DENNING, Christian E, Private, RMLI, 17748 (Po).

DROVER, John E J, Private, RMLI, 17684 (Po).

DYER, James, Private, RMLI, 8856 (Po).

ELLIOTT, Henry G, Private, RMLI, 17171 (Po).

EYLES, Bertram A, Private, RMLI, 16333 (Po).

FISHER, James C, Private, RMLI, 16003 (Po).

FLACK, Arthur, Private, RMLI, 16585 (Po).

FORD, Richard H, Private, RMLI, 16569 (Po).

FORMOSA, Angelo, Bandsman, 354720 (Po).

FRENCH, Richard G, Private, RMLI, 16597 (Po).

GASKIN, Luke, Private, RMLI, 17697 (Po).

GIBBINS, George W, Private, RMLI, 15955 (Po).

GINGELL, Joseph F, Private, RMLI, 16630 (Po).

GOODCHILD, Arthur, Private, RMLI, 16348 (Po).

GREEN, George, Private, RMLI, 18483 (Po).

GUNNER, Christopher J, Private, RMLI, 17688 (Po).

HARRIS, Wilfred J, Private, RMLI, 17383 (Po).

HIGGINS, Frederick D Y, Private, RMLI, 16584 (Po).

HOAR, Charles H, Private, RMLI, 16031 (Po).

HOAR, Ernest W, Private, RMLI, 11167 (Po).

HOLT, Ernest A, Private, RMLI, 11268 (Po).

HOOPER, Charles H, Sergeant, RMLI, 12283 (Po).

INGLIS, Charles, Private, RMLI, 16583 (Po).

KIDSTON, Arthur S, Private, RMLI, 17784 (Po).

LANE, William K, Private, RMLI, 16557 (Po).

LEEDHAM, James G, Private, RMLI, 15331 (Ch).

LINSKILL, Frederick C, Private, RMLI, 15120 (Po).

LOCKLEY, Howard F, Corporal, RMLI, 14211 (Po).

LUGG, Reginald F, Private, RMLI, 17692 (Po).

MACDONALD, Thomas, Private, RMLI, 16562 (Po).

MARTIN, Edward, Private, RMLI, 13151 (Po).

MULROONEY, Edward H J, Bugler, RMLI, 18698 (Po).

NASH, Arthur G, Private, RMLI, 17101 (Po).

PARSONS, Roland W, Private, RMLI, 16620 (Po).

PENNY, Frederick C, Private, RMLI, 16610 (Po).

PHILLIPS, Frederick W, Private, RMLI, 16665 (Po).

PICK, Walter, Private, RMLI, 17710 (Po).

PORTOGHESE, Guiseppe, Bandsman, M 4348 (Po).

PORTOGHESI, Enrico, Bandsman, 114422 (Po).

PRICE, William H, Private, RMLI, 16600 (Po).

.PRIMMER, John H, Lance Sergeant, RMLI, 15167 (Po).

PRINCE, James, Corporal, RMLI, 15071 (Po).

READ, Henry W C, Private, RMLI, 8231 (Po).

ROBERTSON, Robert P, Private, RMLI, 16390 (Po).

ROBINSON, William G, Private, RMLI, 17852 (Po).

ROSMONDO, Mattio, Bandsman, 361392 (Po).

RUFF, John, Private, RMLI, 15267 (Po).

SANGER, Frederick, Private, RMLI, 16563 (Po).

SCOTT, Ernest, Private, RMLI, 17927(Po).

SHAW, Richard E, Private, RMLI, 15530 (Po).

SLAYMAKER, Edward T, Corporal, RMLI, 10971 (Po).

SMITH, Valentine, Private, RMLI, 16340 (Po).

SMITH, William J, Private, RMLI, 17751 (Po).

STEINTHAL, Geoffrey R, Act/Lieutenant, RM.

STIMPSON, Sydney A, Private, RMLI, 17924 (Po).

STOUT, Albert E, Colour Sergeant, RMLI, 7785 (Po).

STRANO, Domenico, Bandsman, 353263 (Po).

STRONACH, Charles, Private, RMLI, 15830 (Po).

STUART, William, Private, RMLI, 16616 (Po).

TAWNEY, Cyril V, Bugler, RMLI, 18659 (Po).

TILBURY, Lawrence A, Private, RMLI, 16560 (Po).

TUCKER, Harry, Private, RMLI, 14190 (Po).

TURNER, Henry W W, Private, RMLI, 16512 (Po).

UNGARO, Luigi, Band Corporal, 353485 (Po).

URSO, Giovannai, Bandsman, 356933 (Po).

VINEY, Bertie J, Corporal, RMLI, 15085 (Po).

WHITE, John M, Private, RMLI, 11691 (Po).

WILLS, Arthur S, Private, RMLI, 15597 (Po).

WILSON, Francis A, Private, RMLI, 17602 (Po).

HMS Defence:

ASHE, Robert, Private, RMLI, 15633 (Ply).

AYERS, Bertie W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11442.

BAGNALL, Leslie J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13055.

BALDACCHINO, Alberto, Bandsman, 157931.

BANKS, Harry, Private, RMLI, 17898 (Ply).

BEAGLEY, Frederick J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13061.

BEET, Arthur, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11765.

BENNETT, Courtney W, Private, RMLI, 16123 (Ply).

BLACKMAN, Ernest A, Gunner, RMA, RMA 5538.

BLATCHFORD, Thomas H, Private, RMLI, 15599 (Ply).

BOLDERSTON, James J, Private, RMLI, 17342 (Ply).

BOWDEN, Alfred A T, Gunner, RMA, RMA 10630.

BOYLING, Albert, Private, RMLI, 14997 (Ply).

BROOKS, Francis G, Private, RMLI, 16429 (Ply).

BROWN, Harold, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14451.

BROWN, Lawrence, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14178.

BUCKELL, George H, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 10679.

BULLEN, Albert B, Private, RMLI, 17893 (Ply).

BURDETT, John E, Private, RMLI, 16739 (Ply).

BURRIDGE, Walter G, Private, RMLI, 14775 (Ply).

CARMANDO, Nunzio, Bandsman, 362456.

CAVALLAZZI, Agostino, Bandsman, 354475.

COLES, Albert, Private, RMLI, 6420 (Ply).

COLTON, James L, Lance Sergeant, RMA, RMA 11374.

CONQUEST, Claude F, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 13062.

.CONSIGLIO, Giovanni, Bandsman, 177581.

COOKE, Frederick, Private, RMLI, 15647 (Ply).

COOPER, Herbert J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14544.

CROSSAN, Thomas L, Private, RMLI, 17318 (Ply).

CROWLEY, Jeremiah, Ship's Corporal 1c, 297253 (Dev).

DANIEL, Frank H, Bugler, RMLI, 16031 (Ply).

DAVIES, David, Gunner, RMA, RMA 11928.

DI MAURO, Virgilio, Chief Bandmaster, 158946.

EDWARDS, Robert, Private, RMLI, 15631 (Ply).

EDWARDS, Stanley F, Corporal, RMLI, 9819 (Ply).

ENGLAND, Albert F, Private, RMLI, 17359 (Ply).

FLINT, William E I, Private, RMLI, 17994 (Ply).

FONDACARO, Nicolo, Band Corporal, 163938.

FURLONG, William, Gunner, RMA, 12643.

GILLARD, William C, Private, RMLI, 17363 (Ply).

GLOVER, Joseph, Private, RMLI, 15628 (Ply).

GOSLIN, Cecil S, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13069.

GOSLING, James T, Sergeant, RMLI, 6621 (Ply).

GRANT, George D, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14651.

GRANT, Stanley W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14469.

GREENWOOD, Leonard M, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12586.

GURNEY, William A, Gunner, RMA, RMA 6795.

HAMILTON, Alexander D P, Act/Lieutenant, RM.

HOARE, William, Private, RMLI, 15624 (Po).

HUBBARD, William, Colour Sergeant, RMA, RMA 4486.

JOHNSTON, Samuel C, Private, RMLI, 17830 (Ply).

JOLLIFFE, Victor, Act/Bombardier, RMA, RMA 11539.

JORDAN, James R, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13900.

KELLY, Patrick, Private, RMLI, 73880 (Ply).

KEYS, Alfred R, Act/Bombardier, RMA, RMA 13067.

LANGMEAD, Ernest J, Private, RMLI, 15637 (Ply).

LIGRESTISCHIROS, Emanuele, Bandsman, 363072.

LITTON, Tom, Private, RMLI, 13632 (Ply).

LONG, William A, Gunner, RMA, RMA 5271.

LOVEGROVE, Benjamin, Gunner, RMA, RMA 7480.

LYNCH, William, Private, RMLI, 13552 (Ply).

MACLEAN, Parry, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13461.

MCGUIRE, Alfred F, Gunner, RMA, RMA 8863.

MCNAMARA, William, Gunner, RMA, RMA 9609.

MONTESIN, Carmelo, Bandsman, 175642.

MONTGOMERY, John, Private, RMLI, 17190 (Ply).

MORLEY, Walter, Private, RMLI, 12335 (Ply).

MORRIS, Ernest J, Sergeant, RMA, RMA 6892.

MUSCARA, Corrado, Bandsman, 355168.

OSBORN, Samuel F, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14523.

O'SULLIVAN, William H, Ship's Corporal 1c, 217980 (Dev).

PACKER, Henry, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12664.

PITTEY, Charles J, Private, RMLI, 16469 (Ply).

POLATO, Antonio, Bandsman, 353280.

PORTELLI, Enrico, Bandsman, 353781.

PORTER, George, Private, RMLI, 10397 (Ply).

PRESTON, Alfred H S, Sergeant, RMLI, 8306 (Ply).

PRICE, James, Private, RMLI, 14572 (Ply).

PRIDE, James, Private, RMLI, 17756 (Ply).

RICHES, Lewis, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 13054.

RIDD, Albert J, Gunner, RMA, RMA 7827.

RONSISVALLE, Alfredo, Bandsman, 356550.

RUSH, Alfred W, Bugler, RMA, RMA 14253.

RYAN, William, Private, RMLI, 17775 (Ply).

SAINT, Frank P, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14470.

SALTER, Charles B, Ship's Corporal 1c, M 19147 (Dev).

ANDERS, William H D, Private, RMLI, 15062 (Po).

SANDHAM, Frederick J, Private, RMLI, 14180 (Po).

SHORROCKS, Bernard, Private, RMLI, 15632 (Ply).

SINGLETON, Tom, Private, RMLI, 14690 (Ply).

STEPHENSON, Albert V, Private, RMLI, 14109 (Ply).

STEVENSON, John W, Gunner, RMA, RMA 13059.

STOCKDEN, Thomas G, Bombardier, RMA, RMA 12867.

TAYLOR, John, Private, RMLI, 17174 (Ply).

TAYLOR, John C, Ship's Corporal 1c, M 16192 (Dev).

TAYLOR, Philip, Private, RMLI, 13635 (Ply).

TURNER, Bertie, Gunner, RMA, RMA 14531.

VENTURI, Roberto, Bandsman, 168700.

WALDEN, George W, Private, RMLI, 17781 (Ch).

WALKER, William, Gunner, RMA, RMA 12638.

WHIDDON, Albert, Corporal, RMLI, 15247 (Ply).

WILLIAMS, Sidney J, Private, RMLI, 15622 (Ply).

WOOD, Arthur W, Private, RMLI, 14132 (Ply).

HMS Warrior - damaged on 31st May, sank 1st June one rating each died of wounds on 1st, 3rd, 5th and 11th June.

HMS Warrior:

LETHEREN, Arthur G, Private, RMLI, 15588 (Ply).

TROTT, Frederick G, Ship's Corporal 1c, M 6036 (Dev).

WILLERTON, William, Bugler, RMA, RMA 7861.

Fourth Light Cruiser Squadron 5 light cruisers (HMS Calliope damaged) and 1 attached HMS Calliope, two rating died of injuries on 1st June, and one on 3rd:

BALCOMBE, Archer W, Sergeant, RMLI, 15620 (Ch).

HORSFALL, Frederick T, Private, RMLI, 10018 (Ch).

Eleventh Destroyer Flotilla 1 light cruiser (HMS Castor damaged), 1 flotilla leader, 14 destroyers (no lives lost).

HMS Castor, light cruiser, damaged:

FLORY, Albert E, Bugler, RMLI, 18169 (Po).

Thursday 1st June 1916.

Battle Fleet, Fourth Destroyer Flotilla, 2 flotilla leaders (HMS Broke damaged on 31st May, HMS Tipperary sunk on 1st June), 17 destroyers (HMS Shark, HMS sunk, HMS Acasta, HMS Porpoise, HMS Spitfire damaged on 31st May, HMS Ardent, HMS Fortune, HMS Sparrowhawk sunk on 1st June).

HMS Tipperary, Flotilla leader, sunk:

HICKS, William H C, Private, RMLI, 15272 (Po).

HOWARD, Temple, Private, RMLI, 15111 (Po).

LEVER, George, Private, RMLI, 5812 (Po).

SAFFERY, Henry T, Private, RMLI, 14720 (Po).

SMALLEY, William, Sergeant, RMLI, 7037 (Po).

STEWART, Neil, Private, RMLI, 15056 (Po).

WARREN, Arthur A E W, Private, RMLI, 16891 (Po).

WATERS, Charles, Private, RMLI, 16359 (Ch).

Died of wounds or injuries sustained in earlier actions.

Battle Cruiser Fleet:

HMS Malaya, Dreadnought battleship, Fifth Battle Squadron, damaged on 31st May:

MABBETT, Frank, Private, RMLI, 7273 (Po).

REDMOND, Michael, Private, RMLI, 687 (Po).

Battle Fleet:

HMS Calliope, light cruiser, Fourth Light Cruiser Squadron, damaged on 31st May:

COLLINS, William A, Private, RMLI, 19073 (Ch).

In all, 593 Royal Marines including bandsmen lost their lives during this sea battle alone.

1916. Monday 5th June. The Empire sustained an Irreparable loss, when HMS Hampshire, which was conveying Lord Kitchener and his staff to Russia, struck a mine off the Orkneys and was lost with all hands, except a few who were rescued from a raft. The Royal Marines in the Batteries at Hoy (Orkneys) found themselves helpless spectators and could only watch her sink, and search the shore for any survivors who might have been washed up in the rough seas. Captain C.S. Hazeon RMLI, who had narrowly escaped being blown up in HMS Natal, and 63 NCO's and men of the RMLI were drowned.

1916. Wednesday 7th June. Royal Marines from HMS Talbot involved in the occupation of Tanga East Africa.

1916. Saturday 24th June. Royal Marines Cyclist Company of the Royal Naval Division disbanded while in Flanders France.

1916. Saturday 24th June. Headquarters AA Battalion RMA returned to England.

1916. Saturday 1st July. The Battle of the Somme Commenced - RMA Howitzer Brigade on the Western Front.

1916. Sunday 2nd July. The Royal Naval Brigade was broken up, and the staff joined the 3rd (Royal Marine) Brigade.

1916. Saturday 1st - 13th July. The Battle of Albert - RMA Howitzer Brigade on the Western Front.

1916. Wednesday 13th July. 1/RMLI take over trenches for the first time.

1916. Thursday 14th - 17th July. The Battle of Bazentin Ridge - No's 1, 2, 3 and 10 RMA Howitzers on the Western Front.

1916. Friday 15th July - 3rd September. The Battle of Delville Wood - No3 RMA Howitzer on the Western Front.

1916. Thursday 20th July. Royal Navy renumbered 63rd Royal Naval Division on the Western Front.

1916. Saturday 22nd - 26th July. HMS Talbot bombarded Bwem Bluff and Royal Marines landed at Pangani in East Africa.

1916. Sunday 23rd July - 3rd September. The Battle of Pozieres Ridge - No's 1, 2 and 10 RMA Howitzers on the Western Front.

1916. Thursday 27th - 29th July. Seamen and Royal Marines from HMS Talbot captured the village of Mkwadja in East Africa.

1916. Thursday 27th July. 1st Reserve Battalion RMLI formed at Blandford.

1916. Thursday 27th July. Royal Marine School of Musketry created at Browndown (later SASRM).

1916. Tuesday 1st August. Royal Marines from HMS Talbot with the gunboat HMS Thistle occupied Sadani in East Africa.

1916. Thursday 10th August. HMS India, armed merchant cruiser, torpedoed off Norway, 9 Royal Marines were lost.

1916. Tuesday 15th August. Royal Marines from HMS Talbot, HMS Vengeance and HMS Challenger captured Bagamoyo in East Africa.

1916. Thursday 17th August. 1st and 2nd Battalion RMLI carried out reconnaissance patrols at Angres on the Western Front.

1916. Saturday 19th August. Cruisers in action against submarines and light forces in the North Sea.

1916. Monday 21st August. Bombardment of Dar-Es-Salaam by HMS Talbot, HMS Vengeance and HMS Challenger in East Africa.

1916. Saturday 26th August. No 15 Royal Marine Battery occupied Morogoro in East Africa.

1916. August. Due to the large number of RGA siege batteries being formed for service in France there was a shortage of qualified officers to command these siege batteries, therefore the War Office requested that Royal Marine Artillery officers be transferred to the Royal Garrison Artillery for service as officers commanding siege batteries. One of these was Captain Hubert Richard, RMA who after almost 18 years of service as an officer was demobilised by the RMA on 21st August 1916 and accepted a commission as Temporary Captain in the Royal Garrison Artillery on the same day. Two months later he went to France in command of 199th Siege Battery, RGA. He was later promoted Major, RGA and mentioned in despatches. Major Hubert Richard Twiss, Royal Marine Artillery/Royal Garrison Artillery.

1914 - 1915 Star (Captain, R.M.A.)

British War Medal (Major)

WW1 Victory Medal with M. I. D. Emblem (Major)

Twiss was born at Long Ditton, Surrey on 21st December 1880, the son of Arthur Edward Twiss, a clerk in the Secretary's Office, General Post Office, London and Agnes Forbes Twiss (née Willis). He was educated at Felsted School from September 1895 to July 1898 where he was a Prefect and played on the Football XI in 1897. On 1st September 1898 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Marine Artillery. He was on leave from 1st September 1898 to 29th September 1898 and then was a student at the Royal Naval College from 30th September 1898 until 15th August 1900, being promoted to Lieutenant on 1st July 1899. From 16th August 1900 to 20th January1902 he served at the Headquarters, Royal Marine Artillery.

He served in the Channel on H. M. S. "Magnificent" from 21st January 1902 until 21st January 1903 and then returned to service with the Royal Marine Artillery Division until 10th April 1903. From 11th April 1903 to 12th February 1904 he served on H. M. S. "Repulse" and then with the Royal Marine Artillery Division until being posted to H. M. S. "Revenge" in home waters from 18th May 1904 to 31st August 1905. Up until this point Twiss had received very good reports that stated: "a promising young officer of good physique"; "Very good tact with men. Recommended for advancement;" and "able and zealous, good tempered and tactful."

Twiss served with the Royal Marine Artillery Division from 1st September 1905 to 18th April 1906 and then served on H. M. S. "Caesar" from 19th May 1906 until 25th May 1907. From 26th May 1907 to 15th July 1907 he was posted to the Royal Marine Artillery Division and then served on H. M. S. "Good Hope" from 16th July 1907 to 17th August 1909. He was promoted to Captain, Royal Marine Artillery on 10th December 1909 and served with the Royal Marine Artillery Division from 18th August 1909 to 26th September 1910. During this period his reports began to hint at some problems with his financial obligations: "capable and has good judgment but is not entirely reliable for the command of a detachment afloat owing to his lack of self-control and of his sense of pecuniary obligations;" "good ability and judgment but lacks zeal and is careless with his pecuniary obligations;" "capable officer but careless in money matters." These financial problems eventually caught up with him and he was tried by General Court Martial in the Officers' Library at Eastney Barracks, Portsmouth on 18th July 1910 on two charges of "acting to the prejudice of good order and military discipline". He was found guilty of the second charge and sentenced to be severely reprimanded. On 27th September 1910 he was posted to H. M. S. "Agamemnon" where he served until retiring at his own request with a gratuity of £1200 on 1st April 1911 and being appointed to the Reserve of Officers, Royal Marines on the same day. From 1911 to 1914 he was a planter in Ceylon.

He was recalled to active service on 10th August 1914 and served in the Orkneys commanding the batteries at Hoxa and Stanger at Scapa Flow. Through his efforts "the batteries were brought to a state of efficiency, whilst they kept their personnel, consisting of mostly old men in a fit and efficient condition throughout the trying winter of 1914-1915. The men were for a long time in tents. On boggy ground without even bottom boards, for the winter was well advanced before the huts were built; this was a high test of the stamina, discipline and courage of the Royal Marine Reservist, which triumphed over all difficulties and even over his rheumatism."

From 23ed December 1914 until 7th June 1915 he served on H. M. S. "Cyclops" at Scapa Flow. He was tried by naval court martial on board H.M.S. "Royal Arthur" on 7th June 1915, charged with being drunk on board "Royal Arthur." He was found guilty and sentenced to be dismissed from "Royal Arthur" and to be severely reprimanded. From 8th June 1915 to 16th October 1915 he was posted to a 4-inch Royal Marine Artillery Battery in France. In late October 1915 a battery of 4-inch guns on field carriages was formed at Eastney, with Major Harding in command and with Captain Twiss as Battery Captain. They left headquarters for Plymouth on 15th October 1915 and embarked from there for Salonika. On arrival at Malta the battery was diverted with its guns to Alexandria, which was being used as a base for the forthcoming Salonika expedition. They arrived in Alexandria on 30th October 1915 and were added to the coastal defences there. Battery headquarters and two of the guns were established at Sil Silleh and the other two guns were sent to Mustapha under Captain Twiss.

Meanwhile the Senassi were causing trouble on the northwest frontier of Egypt, supported by Turkish submarines. When they captured Sollun in November 1915, Captain Twiss with 20 N.C.O.s and men and the two 4-inch guns from Mustapha were landed at Mersa Matruk on 26th December 1915. The sand proved so soft that the guns sank in it up to their axles and so for the time being there was nothing that could be done until a general advance was possible. On 29th November 1915 he was admitted to the 15th General Hospital at Alexandria with fever but re-joined his unit on 13th December 1915.

In January and February 1916 there were various small engagements, and at the end of February a general advance was possible, but due to the ground conditions the guns remained in position. In the early part of March Sollum was recaptured and Twiss was transferred to the Coast Defence, Sollum on 18th March 1916. He embarked at Alexandria on 8th May 1916 and returned to England via Marseilles on 20th May 1916. He served with the Royal Marine Artillery Division from 21st May 1916 to 21st August 1916. On 24th May 1916 he was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar with an oriental sore on the calf of his left leg. He was re-surveyed on 11th August 1916 and found fit for active service.

In consequence of a request from the War Office to the Royal Marine Office for officers for Siege Artillery he was demobilized from the Royal Marine Artillery on 20th August 1916 and appointed as a Temporary Captain in the Royal Garrison Artillery on the same day. He went to France on 15th November 1916 and was appointed as an Acting Major while commanding 199th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery from 21st November 1916 to 15th July 1917. At Achiecourt, near Arras, on 8th April 1917 he was "struck on the back by falling debris and while resting, was later in the same day, thrown over by another shell striking the room he was in." In his own words: "as however, I was only badly shaken and bruised and at that time not sufficiently bad in my opinion to leave the line, I carried on." In July 1917 near Boesinghe "he was blown up by a shell" and spent a fortnight in the hospital, re-joining his battery at Passchendaele. On 15th August 1917 he was appointed an Acting Major while commanding a Siege Battery.

"Subsequently he complained of lumbar pain and sciatica on the right side which rendered him incapable of performing his duties and he was admitted to hospital on 30th March 1918." On 27th April 1918 he was evacuated from Boulogne to Dover on a Hospital Ship and admitted to a hospital in London where he remained for seven months. He was mentioned in the 15th September 1917 despatches of Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, Commanding-in-Chief, the British Armies in France "for gallant service and devotion to duty" (in the London Gazette of 11th December 1917) and was appointed as a Temporary Major, Royal Garrison Artillery on 15th September 1918.

In November 1918 he was posted to the 4th Siege Artillery Reserve Brigade at Ramillies Barracks, Aldershot, but in in December 1918 he was sent back to the hospital. He left the hospital on 6th March 1919 and returned to the 4th Siege Artillery Reserve Brigade on 30th April 1919. On 20th July 1919 he was " informed that his services were of no further use and ordered to report back to the Admiralty. He relinquished his temporary commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery on 22nd July 1919 and retained the rank of Major in the army. The Admiralty denied responsibility for him, because they had demobilized him in 1916. Their Lordships in 1920 approved Twiss being allowed to volunteer for the Royal Irish Constabulary. In 1921 he engaged in a tour through Scotland delivering lectures "illustrated by a unique and beautiful series of colour and motion pictures, on the campaigns in Arabia and Palestine." On 17th April 1924 Twiss left Southampton, England on the SS Minnesota bound for Quebec, Canada to take up farming. He died at The Vicarage, Bicester, Oxfordshire on 9th June 1945, leaving £49 5s 11d to his sister, Adelaide Ouchterlony Cowland-Cooper, wife of Charles Paul Cowland-Cooper. At the time of his death he lived at 1 Windsor Drive, Audenshaw, near Manchester.

Sources:

Army Lists

London Gazette

Medal Index Card

Royal Marine Papers (ADM196/63

RGA Officer's Papers (WO339/68833)

Globe and Laurel, September 1916

Globe and Laurel, June 1921

Globe and Laurel, November 1945

Britain's Sea Soldiers: History of Royal Marine Artillery, 1930

Royal Marines in the War of 1914-1919

Alumni Felstediensis 1852-1921. Alumni Felstediensis 1890-1950. (www.gmic.co.uk/topic/37275)(Gunner1)

1916. Saturday 2nd - 5th September. Royal Marines from HMS Talbot, HMS Vengeance and HMS Challenger' occupied Dar-Es-Salaam in East Africa.

1916. Sunday 3rd - 6th September. The Battle of Guillemont - No's 3 and 10 RMA Howitzers on the Western Front.

1916. Thursday 7th September. Kilwa Kiwimc, and Kilwa Kisiwane surrendered to a Royal Marine force.

1916. Saturday 9th September. The Battle of Ginchy - No's 3 and 10 RMA Howitzers.

1916. Wednesday 13th September. A Royal Marines Force embarked in HMS Himalaya and landed at Mikindani in East Africa.

1916. Friday 15th - 22nd September. The Battle of Flers-Courcellette - No's 2 and 10 RMA Howitzers on the Western Front.

1916. Sunday 17th September. A Royal Marine force embarked in HMS Himalaya and later occupied Lindi in East Africa.

1916. Monday 18th September. HMS Challenger occupied Kiswere in East Africa.

1916. Monday 25th - 28th September. The Battle of Morval - No's 1 and 2 RMA Howitzers on the Western Front.

1916. Tuesday 26th - 28th September. The Battle of Thiepval Ridge - No's 1, 2 and 5 RMA Howitzers on the Western Front.

1916. Sunday 1st - 18th October. The Batttle of the Transloy Ridge - No 3 RMA Howitzers on the Western Front.

1916. Tuesday 10th - 11th October. The Battle of the Ancre Heights - No's 1, 2, 4, 5, 10 and 12 RMA Howitzers on the Western front.

1916. Wednesday 11th October. Royal Marines from HMS Exmouth and HMS Duncan occupied Lipso Island in Greece.

1916. Friday 13th October. General Paris, Commanding Royal Naval Division was wounded.

1916. October - November. 3rd RMLI Battalion Raised to replace army units as garrisons on Greek–administered islands in the eastern Aegean. Gen Sir H. E. Blumberg, KCB, a Brigadier at that time, commanded from June 1918 until November 1919. In the summer of 1919 4,000 Russian refugees were housed in a camp which had been improvised by the Battalion which was now small in numbers. Meanwhile 170 of the Battalion manned Bosphorous forts from January to November 1919, when all the garrisons were reduced to a total of 194 all ranks, the French taking over when 15,000 defeated White Russians arrived on Mudros, and the garrison finally left the islands on 25 June 1921.(RMHS)

1916. Wednesday 1st November. Private Frank Ward RMLI on board HMS MINERVA fired a 6 inch shrapnel shell at the Turkish fort at Akaba. This was probably the first shot fired by the British against the Ottoman Empire in the Great War. (Private Ward was killed in a landing at Akaba on New Year's Eve 1914, his 30th birthday.)

An account of this incident was reported in 'The Times' on 4th November 1914 which stated that "On arrival at Akaba HMS MINERVA (Captain P H Warleigh) found the place in the occupation of soldiers, one of whom had the appearance of a German officer, and armed natives. The MINERVA then shelled the fort and the troops. The town was evacuated, and a landing party proceeded to destroy the fort, the barracks, the post office, and stores. There. was some loss to the enemy, but no British casualties."

I was serving in HMS MINERVA at the time. She was a two funnel cruiser, brought out of the reserve and specially commissioned for the review. She was launched in 1895 (the year I was born). At Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Review at Spithead in 1897 she was one of the newest ships; at King George V Review at Spithead in July 1914 she was one of the oldest.

Her tonnage was 5600, and she was armed with 11 6 inch guns, and 8 12 pounders, and 2 torpedo tubes.

Captain P H Warleigh, a gunnery officer, was in command. About 40% of the officers were RNR or RNVR the remainder were serving officers. We were lucky to have Lieutenant Bruce Fraser (the late Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fraser of Cape North) as our gunnery officer.

The officer commanding the Royal Marine Detachment was Captain S W Snepp RMLI, a magnificent officer. The Royal Marines were all Red Marines from Forton Division. Almost a half were reservists, who in civilian life were postmen, policemen, firemen etc. There were 3 Bisley shots in the detachment, and 2 footballers who played in the famous Lillywhite team that won the army Cup and the Amateur Cup in the same year. (Pinky Yates and Jock White, who died of black water fever in German East Africa in 1917.) Most of the detachment had 2 or 3 good conduct badges, and several had the long service and good conduct medal.

When the review was over Mr Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty, cancelled the order for the fleet to disperse, and HMS MINERVA together with the remainder of the fleet remained at Spithead. War clouds were gathering; every day the situation got more tense.

On the 4th of August whilst we were at "Quarters clean gun" the Bosun's Mate interrupted proceedings when he piped "D'ye Hear there";

(then after a short pause for all hands to stop work and listen)

"We are now at war with Germany. Hands carry on with your work".

(By Lieutenant Colonel C K Hawkins OBE Rb!)

1916. Monday 13th - 15th November. The Battle of the Ancre-Beaumont Hamel - the 63rd Royal Naval Division and 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, and 12 RMA Howitzers.

1916. Friday 24th November. The 3rd Royal Marine Battalion took over the Garrison on the Aegean Islands.

1916. Friday 24th November. The Portsmouth Division RMLI Band sent to France for temporary duty on the Western Front.

1916. Friday 1st December. An RMLI Company inluded in the force landed at Athens in Greece.

1916. The pattern 1914 rifle was produced by three US firms after British manufacturers delay production.

1916. Corporal Norman Finch was promoted to the rank of and Sergeant.

1916. 1st and 2nd RMLI Battalions. Originally four battalions, after losses at Gallipoli the Chatham and Deal Battalions formed the 1st RMLI Bn, the Portsmouth and Plymouth Bns formed the 2nd RLMI Bn and 3rd Bde HQ was absorbed into the divisional units in 1916. further casualties led to the merging of the 2nd RMLI into the 1st RMLI in April 1918, giving a combined strength of about 1,100 all ranks in November 1918, the unit was disbanded with the RN Division in June 1919. (RMHS)

1917. Monday 1st - 2nd January. No 15 Royal Marine Battery in action at Mgeta in East Africa.

1917. Monday 1st January. HMS Cornwallis was sunk in the Mediterranean with the loss of 3 Royal Marines.

1917. Friday 12th January. Royal Marines from HMS Topaz in the landing to capture Salif from the Turks in the Red Sea. The remote and mountainous country of Yemen was in 1917 theoretically part of the Turkish Empire, however during preceding years the Imam of Yemen had loosened Turkish ties so that only in the capital Sanaa, and in Red Sea coastal ports such as Hodeida, and along the Aden border was Turkish military authority paramount. The Turks in Yemen were confronting British troops across the border on Aden territory with what resources they possessed, but basically Yemen was a backwater. Lawrence of Arabia's line-cutting exploits on the Hedjaz Railway ensured that reinforcements and military weapon and ammunition re-supplies did not get through. The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal was award, to James Francis McLoughlin Po. 8873 of the Royal Marine Light Infantry. For conspicuous gallantry during the capture of Salif. Just before its surrender he came across 11 unwounded and one wounded Turkish soldiers. Followed by one petty officer, Sergeant McLoughlin jumped among them, shooting one, and made seven of them surrender. Henry George Bartlett Po. 15558 of the Royal Marine Light Infantry. For conspicuous gallantry during the capture of Salif, he Single handed entered a hut occupied by two unwounded and one wounded Turks and three Arabs and took them prisoner. Henry George Bartlett of the Royal Marine Light Infantry was the third Royal Marine to be awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry medal, for Conspicuous Gallantry at the capture of Salif. When he single handed entered a hut occupied by two unwounded and one wounded Turk and three arabs and took them prisoners.

The Royal Navy maintained a blockade of Red Sea ports to prevent arms traffic, but this was not fully effective as British political considerations allowed 'friendly' nations to trade across the Red Sea without too much interference. Since 1915 the largest Yemeni island in the Red Sea, Kamaran, had been garrisoned by Indian Army troops based in Aden; this island was a quarantine station for pilgrims traveling to Mecca and there were some large and useful structures on it.

Opposite Kamaran was the small Yemeni town and port of Salif, garrisoned by around 100 Turkish troops with a few artillery pieces. Before the war the Turks had exported local rock-salt deposits from Salif, and a British company had been contracted to upgrade the port facilities. This company, Messrs Sir John Jackson Limited, had evacuated Salif quickly when hostilities were declared between Turkey and Britain, leaving some valuable heavy plant and equipment behind.

1917. Friday 2nd February. RMA Heavy Siege Train formed at Dunkirk.

1917. Friday 2nd February. Royal Marine Labour Corps formed at Deal.

1917. Tuesday 6th - 7th February. 2/RMLI occupied Grandcourt on the Western Front.

1917. Saturday 17th - 18th February. 1/RMLI and 2/RMLI in action at Miraumont on the Western Front.

1917. Friday 16th March. HMS Achilles sunk the German Raider Leopard in the North Sea.

1917. Friday 16th March. 'B' Battery AA Brigade armed with 3 inch guns at Dunkirk.

1917. Friday 16th March. 6 inch guns mounted and manned by Royal Marines at North Foreland.

1917. Friday 16th March. The Royal Naval Division Engineers transferred from the Royal Marines to the Royal Engineers on the Western Front.

1917. Saturday 7th April. While on the Western front Major Frederick William Lumsden DSO RMA (1872–1918) was awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation was published in 'The London Gazette,' No. 30122, dated Friday 8th June 1917, records the following and reads: For most conspicuous bravery, determination and devotion to duty. Six enemy field guns having been captured, it was necessary to leave them in dug-in positions, 300 yards in advance of the position held by our troops. The enemy kept the captured guns under heavy fire. Major Lumsden undertook the duty of bringing the guns into our lines. In order to effect this, he personally led four artillery teams and a party of infantry through the hostile barrage. As one of these teams sustained casualties, he left the remaining teams in a covered position, and, through very heavy rifle, machine gun and shrapnel fire, led the infantry to the guns. By force of example and inspiring energy he succeeded in sending back two teams with guns, going through the barrage with the teams of the third gun. He then returned to the guns to await further teams, and these he succeeded in attaching to two of the three remaining guns, despite rifle fire, which had become intense at short range, and removed the guns to safety. By this time the enemy, in considerable strength, had driven through the infantry covering points, and blown up the breach of the remaining gun. Major Lumsden then returned, drove off the enemy, attached the gun to a team and got it away.

1917. Monday 9th - 14th April. The Battle of Vimy Ridge on the Western Front. The 1/RMLI, No's 1, 11, and 12 RMA Howitzers were involved.

1917. Monday 9th - 14th April. The first Battle of Scarpe on the Western Front involved No's 3, 4, 6 and 10 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Saturday 21st April. HMS Swift and HMS Broke in action against German Destroyers off Dover in the English Channel.

1917. Monday 23rd - 24th April. The second Battle of the Scarpe on the Western Front involved No 11 RMA Howitzer.

1917. Saturday 28th -29th April. The Battle of Arleux on the Western Front involved 1/RMLI No's 10 and 11 Howitzers.

1917. Friday 28th April. 'The Battle for Gavrelle Windmill', in which 335 Royal Marines killed on one day.

During the First World War the Royal Marines lived up to its motto "Per Mare Per Terrain". By sea they served in the Ships of the fleet and provided small landing and boarding parties. By land the Corps saw extensive service with the Royal Naval Division in Gallipoli and France, Russia 1919, Cameroons 1914, etc., etc. What of this land service? If you asked the average military buff to name events in which the Royal Marines participated the events named would be Zeebrugge 1918, Antwerp 1914, Gallipoli 1915 or perhaps The Ancre 1916- 1 doubt that anyone would mention the name of Gavrelle Windmill. It's not surprising really, when trying to research this area I found It very difficult to find much information or any articles about this action.

Why is Gavrelle Windmill so special? Well. the Royal Marines suffered its highest casualties in one day in an action which was both a success and a failure.

On 9th April 19t7 the British Army was on the offensive again in the Arras sector. The Royal Naval Division (RND) was at this tr a in 3th Corps, Ist Army, while the two Royal Marine Battalions being part of 188th Brigade of the Royal Naval Division. Steady progress was being made and the RND had been involved in some of the smaller actions but inflicted casualties nevertheless. The RND found itself on 22nd April just outside the village of Gavrelle on a forward slope. In front of it was a determined enemy, the weather was appalling, the following day the 189th and 190th brigades of the RND were to assault and take Gavrelle, the Marines in 188 Brigade were in reserve mainly providing carrying parties. At the end of the day the RND had taken Gavrelle village almost entirely in a brilliant display of determination. With massive artillery support they had fought from house to house and rooted out a determined enemy of Prussian Guards, after, which they had resisted numerous counter attacks. Street fighting as any soldier in any era knows, is a confused, frightening affair with the man with the most determination winning; it was the RNE) who came out on top.

Gavrelle lay just behind the Oppy defensive line called the Arleux loop, and the RND had created a salient into it. On the east and just outside Gavrelle there was a slight ridge and the high point and key was a windmill. The official history states that it became clear that the Germans considered the Windmill area more vital than Gavrelle itself. This set the scene for the Battle of Gavreile Windmill.

The area needed to be secured, the whole of the enemy front line from oppy southwards needed to be taken the slight ridge outside Gavrelle in which the Windmill was the high point needed to be taken. With these objectives taken the British would be on the better ground. The 2nd Division was given the task of taking Oppy to the north, the Canadians the town of Arleux (hence this day's fighting became known as the Battle of Arleux) and 188 Brigade of the RND were tasked with capturing the ridge outside of Gavrelle and the German front line north of this to secure the flank of the 2nd Division. The task was entrusted to the two Royal Marines battalions with the 1st Honourable Artillery Company (MAC) and Anson battalion in support. These battalions were to make two separate uncoordinated attacks.

The 1st RMLI battalion (1 RMLI) was to continue the line of the 2nd Division and assault the front line south of Oppy with the task of advancing eastwards to a depth of 1000 yards and to connect with the 2nd RMLI Battalion (2 RMLL). The plan was to advance in four stages with each company feeding through and assaulting successive objectives, leapfrogging so a fresh company took on each stage. 2 RMLI was to start from the trenches within Gavrelle and to attack north eastwards and to penetrate to a depth of 750 yards with its right flank along the Gavrelle Fresries road and the northern platoon to take the windmill on the ridge; hopefully I RMLJ would pull alongside it. Starting from Gavrelle 2 RMLI was already forward in a salient and would be advancing with both flanks unprotected and highly susceptible to flank attacks. Between the two RM battalions was the let HAC who were to prove to be real meat in the sandwich. To the south of 2 RMLI the Anson Battalion was to advance behind and peel off to the side to form a defensive flank. Both the RM battalions were to attack at 0425 on 28th April, starting 1000yds apart and acting totally independently. Aggressive patrolling had brought in a couple of prisoners after the capture of Gavrelle, they were of the 84th Prussian Guards, an enemy that was also determined and well disciplined. On the 27th the battalions moved to their starting point, 2 RMLI was shelled as it was getting to the assembly area and suffered B other ranks killed, 14 wounded and' 9 missing. I RMLI reached its positions and a patrol discovered that the wire in • front wasn't cut, and the starting line had not been taped out, so they followed the start line of the Essex Regiment of the 2nd Division to the north. They suffered 2 killed and 2 wounded.

The attacks started at 0425 as planned. To the north 1 RMLI was stopped at the wire which was both uncut and protected by many machine guns particularly a strongpo.int on the railway. This strongpoint had already caused severe casualties to the Royal Fusiliers and the Bedford's during their capture of Gavreile on the 23rd. 1 RMLI were forced to occupy shell holes in front of the German front line and continue the fire fight from Action at Gavrelle Windmill there I HAC proceeded to bomb along the trenches northwards in an attempt to silence the storing point but at 0514 were in touch with it but unable to silence it. The first two waves of I RMLI managed to get through the wire and entered the enemy trenches. The Germans immediately counter-attacked from the north and overpowered the Essex Regiment. A fierce hand to hand battle also took place with the Marines who were eventually ejected. One officer and 30 men fought on but the odds were against them and they were captured Meanwhile the HAC were desperately trying to reach I RMLI and to silence the strongpoint with Stokes mortar fire, they were out of contact with both marine battalions but were aware that things were desperate northwards At 0735 the HAC were still engaging the strongpoint with Lewis guns 1 RMLI were still on the wire although there were some marines in the enemy line to the north of their front where the 2nd Division and the left flank of 1 RMLI had managed to get into the line It was reported that the 2nd Division and remnants of 1 RMLI were bombing down the trench The HAC were trying to get up the trench but the front line in between, where the majority of 1 RMLI had attacked was occupied by Germans Although it had become apparent that this action was slowly slipping away to a failure it was noted in the HAC war diary that "the marines have gone on although having had heavy casualties". At this time, to the north, the HAC had succeeded in subduing the troublesome strong point with the capture of some 50 prisoners. It was too late to save I RMLI though those in front of the wire had been forced to return to their start line, as was the 2nd Division. The prisoner count had now risen to 150 from the strong point, but the enemy had started to claim back their old front line. By 1000 the enemy had bombed down the HACs original front line for lOOyds and retaken the strong point. The northern attack had failed; it was now a case of trying to hang onto the original line.

The rest of the day was a battle for survival. In the north the 2nd Division and I RMLI attack was finished by 1000 with only the northern part of the attack being temporarily successful. I RMLI had been badly machine gunned, many who had fought their way through to the German front line were captured, some had fallen back along the trench to join the HAG. What exactly happened during the attack has been pieced together from other unit accounts, the exact progress is therefore difficult to assess as there were no survivors from the first two waves. Things could have been worse for the survivors, as several times the enemy massed to form a large counter-attack, but the Royal Artillery shelled them, halting the attack.

To the south 2 RMLL advanced, the going was tough, Anson battalion who were to form up behind 2 RMLI and deploy off couldn't actually move due to heavy machine gun fire. They lost touch with 2 RML! who were now effectively with their flanks exposed. To the south at 0.745 the first objectives of 2 RMLI had been taken including the Windmill. 2nd Lt Newling and his platoon had taken the windmill and had taken 100 prisoners. The battalion went on to its second objective despite having both flanks completely unprotected. The Anson battalion at this point still wasn't in a position to cover the right flank as they were still encountering serious problems with enemy machine guns stopping them from advancing and deploying. At 0840 progress was still reported to be good but the enemy was closing in hard on both flanks, the battalion was being caught in a vice and were in severe danger of being cut off. The flanks of 2 RMLI had closed right in, and A, C and D companies were cut off. The windmill was still holding and fighting. 2nd Lt G A Newling had dug in 60 yds beyond the windmill. All along the line now the Germans were counter-attacking to regain lost territory, their artillery was incredibly active. 2 RMLI had lost the remnants of three companies captured as they had been badly machine gunned before that. The windmill was still holding and had been reinforced by elements of B Company and the original German front line was being held. These positions, especially the windmill, was repeatedly counter-attacked. The number of times varies depending on the source consulted, some say as many as 11 times. 2 RMLI was subjected to serious artillery attack and were literally blasted out of the trenches and in the end, it was more than men could deal with. The remnants of 2 RMLI withdrew under the cover of dark to their original front line; there were very few left to withdraw. The windmill, which was the main objective, was still holding. The HAC had held its position and was patrolling out as far as the windmill. The Howe battalion moved forward and reinforced the front line, the windmill though was effectively isolated. The effect of the withdrawal of 2 RMLI was severe on Anson battalion as their C company was left out on a limb and had to extricate themselves which they did this by pulling back driving their prisoners in front of them! So ended the 28th April.

The result of the action on 28th April was a mixed one, the northern attack was a complete failure, the southern attack was a success in the sense that the Windmill the main objective was gained, but was a failure from the point of view that the other gains were lost through running out of men. The casualty figures are ones that: I have deduced from a few sources and relate to the 28th April only. I suggest that at the start of the action both RM battalions had a strength of about 750 all ranks maybe less as the Division had been in the line and probably lost some of its strength through normal wastage.

The following is my calculated casualty figures for the action:

1RMLI

5 Officers and 161 other ranks Killed

150 Wounded and about 150 prisoners of war.

2 RMLI

5 officers and 164 other ranks killed 72 Wounded

4 officers and 208 other ranks prisoners of war

The casualties didn't stop there, over the next couple of days the figures grew higher as badly wounded men died of wounds, amongst them was Lt Col F 3 W Cartwright DSO of 1 RMLI who died on 30th April.

Total honours for the Royal Marines for this action was 3 Military Crosses (Lt G A Newling, Capt E 3 Huskissori and 2nd Lt E A Godfrey) 2 DCMS (Pte G Davies, L/Cpl T Salt) and 19 MM'S. It can be argued that Lt Newling could feel hard done by with an MC when a DSO would have seemed more appropriate.

It can be concluded then that the Northern attack was a failure for the following reasons. The barbed wire in front was untouched by the artillery preparation so the tendency to head for the gaps occurred. The gaps were to the north, so the attack swerved northwards which exposed the marines to the strongpoint on the railway and they got caught from behind and the flank by heavy machine gun fire. Having got into the Germans trenches there were more Germans than anticipated; it was as though large reserves were set aside to counter-attack. So having taken the front line the marines were faced with a counter-attack of huge numbers and came off worse despite resisting strongly. As stated before there were no survivors of those who penetrated the front line, so the exact events are still unclear. The 2 RMLI attack was a success in that its main objective was taken. They were caught by heavy machine gun fire on the south where some 500 yards of flank was exposed. The official history from the German records states that they saw large bodies of British troops in echelon along the Gavrelle-Fresnes road and they cut many down with machine guns. These troops were obviously 2 RMLI. Other accounts, particularly one by Able Seaman Downe of Anson battalion who witnessed masses of troops surrendering to the north behind enemy lines. These were obviously 2 RMLI who had been trapped in the pincer. The enemy artillery was exceptionally heavy and ranged in so that heavy casualties were sustained. Lastly reading war diaries and other contemporary material the first thing which strikes me is the communications difficulties. In this day and age a commander can be in touch by radio with all units and maintain some overall cohesion. At Gavrelie the war diaries contained many sentences along the lines of "nothing heard from 1 RML." etc. It was apparent that Brigade HQ was totally in the dark to most events as absolutely no information was coming back; news was obtained from the wounded which was out of date obviously by the time the wounded had made it back. Also observation by eye was used and the HAC were particularly good at this and their war diary account of the total action is most enlightening - all 30 pages of it!

The cost though was severe to the Royal Marines. The Corps by its nature, like the rest of the RND, was a close knit family and big losses were sorely felt. As was the case with the Marines, regulars rotated through the battalions to add some strength to the short service men, and about a quarter of the losses were to these regulars. The casualties from this battle were the worst the Royal Marines have suffered in its history. It saw the death of the few remaining Gallipoli and Ancre veterans (Horace Bruckshaw of the Bruckshaw diaries fame was amongst them). Most of the casualties are listed on the Arras memorial as they have no known grave, although some are buried in local cemeteries. There is a good possibility that a large portion of those on the Arras memorial are buried in the many graves that contain an unidentified soldier. In 1990 a memorial was built at Gavrelle for the men of the Royal Naval Division, it contains a large anchor donated by the Navy which is surrounded by a brick wall symbolising the village that was fought for. The memorial was built by the Marines of a later era.

The Marines had to rebuild their shattered remnants, but the spirit of the Marine corps did not die at the Windmill , the torch was handed on to the replacements and was carried until 11th November 1918 when the Marines found themselves near Mons where it had all begun four years previously'

Appendix

Citations for Military Crosses awarded for Gavrelle 28-4-17 London Gazette 18th July 1917

Temp 2nd Lt Ernest Allan Godfrey R Marines

For conspicuous gallantry and resource during operations when he worked his guns with great skill and endurance for 60 hours without rest, and under a heavy enemy barrage, against a strong point which eventually surrendered.

Capt Edward John Huskisson RMLI For conspicuous gallantry when reconnoitring, under a heavy shell fire, a position and organising guides prior to an assault. it was mainly owing to his coolness and courage that the battalion was successfully placed in alignment in the face of the greatest difficulties.

Temp 2nd Lt George Arthur Newling R.M. For conspicuous gallantry in an attack, when he led his platoon with great courage and skill, and held the objective, when captured, against numerous counter-attacks.

Citations for Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded for Gayrelle 28-4-17London Gazette 18th July 1917.

Pte (L/Cpl) Thomas Salt RMLI For conspicuous gallantry in operations when he crawled backwards and forwards for three hours through heavy H.E. barrages in order to signal the effect of the Stokes mortar fire. He was wounded.

Pte Glyndwr Davies RMLJ For conspicuous gallantry. He advanced alone to an enemy strong point, demanded it's surrender and single handed he bought in fifty prisoners.

( by Kyle Tallett (RMHS)

1917. May. The 25th Anniversary Edition of the 'Globe & Laurel' by editor Lieutenant Colonel F. P. Drury RMLI. At this point in the Journal's history its production had rotated between Divisions, utilising officers with capacity to edit the magazine. The editorship changed frequently depending on the officer's deployment. Lieutenant Colonel F.P.Drury RMLI was the first editor to be named in the Journal. Lieutenant Colonel Drury, an accomplished novelist and playwright with some of his works being made into movies in the 1920's, retired to the West Country, becoming the Mayor of Saltashe from 1929 - 31.

1917. Thursday 3rd - 4th May. The third Battle of the Scarpe on the Western Front involved No's 5 and 6 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Saturday 5th - 17th May. The Battle of Bullecourt on the Western Front involved No's 5 and 6 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Saturday 12th May. Royal Marine Detachments leave England with guns for coastal defence in the West Indies.

1917. Tuesday 15th May. HMS Bristol and HMS Dartmouth in action against Austrian Cruisers in the Adriatic.

1917. Sunday 20th May - 16th June. Actions along the Hindenburg Line involved No's 3, 4, and 6 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Monday 21st May. An Ashington lad, a Royal Marine & the Russian Revolution.

William Bell was born in February 1900 at the family home in Sycamore Street, New Hirst, Ashington. He was the third child (only son) to William and Agnes who also had five daughters. By the time that William reached school age at five years, the family had moved to Severn Street, New Hirst, Ashington. He attended the local school and at age thirteen years, he left to take up employment at one of the local collieries, possibly nearby Woodhorn Colliery where his deceased father had worked.

Nothing is known of William until just after his seventeenth birthday. Like thousands of young men, he was desperate to enlist to 'do his bit for King and Country'. It is not known if he had his mother's permission but, on the 21st May 1917, he travelled into Newcastle upon Tyne where he enlisted in the Royal Marines Light Infantry. His service record shows that he was 17 years 3 months and 14 days of age and that by profession, he was a coal miner. The record goes on to describe him as being 5 feet 53/4 inches in height with brown eyes, brown hair and a fresh complexion. He had no distinguishing scars or marks on his body.

Being under the age of 18 years, he was unable to take part in active service. His record shows that he was based at the Royal Marines Light Infantry Depot, Deal, Kent for training from his enlistment until the 28th November 1917. He then transferred to the Marines depot at Portsmouth where he underwent further training until 3rd May 1918. His record shows that he was classed as 'very good' in infantry and musketry drills and his sea going gunnery skills were also classed as 'very good'.

By now, as William was eighteen years of age, he was able to go on active service. On the 4th May 1918, he joined the Marines aboard the battleship HMS Canada, part of the Royal Navy's 1st Battle Squadron. By October 1918, HMS Canada was with the British Grand Fleet which was preparing for a major sea battle with the German Navy, a battle that never took place due to mutiny aboard the German ships. William remained on board HMS Canada until she returned to Portsmouth on the 29th March 1919.

The 4th April 1919 saw William joining Marines aboard HMS Glory, a battleship that was the Flagship of the British North Russia Squadron and had been stationed at the White Sea (Russia) port of Archangel since 1916. The primary role of HMS Glory was to ensure that urgently needed supplies reached the Russian Army in their fight on the Eastern Front against the Germans. However, the Bolshevik revolution of March 1917 greatly complicated the British position in northern Russia. For a brief period the British fleet and Royal Marines cooperated with the Bolsheviks against the Finns and their German allies, helping to move reinforcements and equipment to exposed parts of Northern Russia. This ended in November 1917 when the Bolsheviks declared Russia as being neutral and ceased fighting against the German Army. The Eastern Front Army were then diverted to the Western Front which caused great alarm amongst the Allies. The Allies decided that the troops in Northern Russia would support the Russian White Army in their fight against the Bolsheviks. The hope was that the White Army would overcome the Bolsheviks and that Russia would re-join the Allies, forcing the Germans to move men back to the Eastern Front.

The Allies continued to fight alongside the White Russian Army, but by January 1919, they found themselves being pushed back to Archangel. It was soon after this that a decision was made that all Allied troops would be withdrawn, leaving the White Russians to fight the Bolsheviks alone. Allied reinforcements in the form of Royal Marines (including William) arrived to assist in the withdrawal of all Allied troops. The withdrawal continued over the next six months until finally HMS Glory left Archangel at the beginning of October arriving back at Portsmouth on the 8th October.

William remained in Portsmouth until his discharge on the 17th November 1919 when he then returned to the family home in Ashington.

It is not known what William did for work when he arrived home, but as his mother was a widow, it is highly likely that he returned to his earlier profession as a coal miner.

William married Isabella Gray in 1928 and it is known from the 1931 baptism record of their first daughter that William was the publican of the Station Hotel in Blyth. The family were still there at the time of the birth of their second daughter in 1936.

By 1938, William was the manager of the North Seaton Hotel, Ashington, a position that he kept for several years, possibly until his death in 1947.

1917. Sunday 3rd - 25 June. Souchez River on the Western Front invoved No's 1 and 11 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Thursday 7th June. The Battle of Meesines on the Western Front involved No's 2, 5, and 8 Howitzers.

1917. Tuesday 26th - 29th June. The capture of Avion on the Western Front involved No's 1 and 11 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Thursday 28th June. The capture of Oppy Wood on the Western Front involved No 12 Howitzer.

1917. Thursday 28th June. The first attack on Bullecourt on the Western Front involved No 11 RMA Howitzer.

1917. Thursday 28th June. The inspection of RMLI Battalion on the Western Front by Lord Charles Beresford.

1917. June - July. Royal Marines from HMS 'Talbot' landed for the defence of Port Amelia in East Africa.

1917. Monday 9th July. HMS Vanguard blew up and sank, 90 Royal Marines were lost.

1917. Tuesday 10th - 11th July. German Attack on Nieuport on the Western Front involved No's 2 and 5 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Tuesday 10th July. Heavy Casualties when No 12 Howitzer was shelled in Ypres on the Western Front.

1917. Sunday 15th July. Cruiser Action in the North Sea.

1917. Tuesday 31st July. Enemy shelling blew up RMA AA Brigade Ammunition Dump at Nieuport on the Western Front.

1917. Wednesday 1st - 2nd August. The Battle of Pilkem Ridge on the Western Front involved No's 4, 6, 11 and 12 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Friday 3rd August. RMA Battery successfully outgunned Germans at Tandamuti in East Africa.

1917. Wednesday 15th - 25th August. The Battle of Hill 70 on the Western Front involved No 1 RMA Howitzer.

1917. Thursday 16th - 18th August. The Battle of Langemarck on the Western Front involved No's 4, 6, 11 and 12 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Saturday 18th August. Guns which left England in May ready for action in the West Indies.

1917. Thursday 20th - 25th September. The Battle on Menin Road on the Western Front involved No's 4, 6, 11 and 12 Howitzers.

1917. Thursday 20th September. Increase of RMA Garrisson when RGA(T) ranks were withdrawn from Scapa Flow.

1917. Thursday 4th October. The Battle of Broodseinde on the Western Front involved No's 4, 6, 8, 11 and 12 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Tuesday 9th October. The Battle of Poelcapelle on the Western Front involved No's 4, 6, 8, 11 and 12 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Tuesday 9th October. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk between Russia and Germany, Austria, Hungary and Allies, on the Eastern Front.

1917. Friday 12 October. The 1st Battle of Passchendaele on the Western Front involved No's 4, 6, 11 and 12 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Friday 12th October - 26th November. The 2nd Battle of Passchendaele on the Western Front involved the 1st and 2nd No's 4, 6, 11 and 12 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Saturday 27th October. Royal Marine Officers and NCO's directing fire of Monitors during the third Battle of Gaza in Palistine.

1917. Saturday 3rd November. A large number of British Cruisers in action in the North Sea.

1917. Saturday 17th November. A large number of British Cruisers in action in the North Sea.

1917. Tuesday 20th November - 3rd December. The Battle of Cambraion on the Western Front involved No's 1 and 10 RMA Howitzers.

1917. Friday 30th November. No1 RMA Howitzer at Gouzeaucourt on the Western Front.

1917. Friday 30th November. The Royal Marines assumed overall responsibility for the Aegean Islands.

1917. Sunday 16th December. No1 (Home Service) Labour Company formed at Mining Depot, Granton Edinburgh.

1917. The abolition of a fee to a Drum Major for training of Buglers.

1917. November. The Women's Royal Naval Service was formed. Women were allowed to enlist in the Auxiliary Services with WRNS (The Women's Royal Naval Service or 'Wrens'), when serving with the Royal Marines they were known as 'Marens'. Wrens and Maren's were stationed at each of the barracks and undertook a wide range of shore-based duties, such as clerks, mess waitresses, cooks, wireless telegraphers and boat crew members. The Admiralty restricted the WRNS to 3,000 women who were only allowed to do shore service. Their number eventually doubled, as Wrens were able to undertake many different jobs for which women had been thought unsuitable.

1917. Sunday 30th December. Lt. T. Thomas Westby MC. MID. RMLI. (190th Brigade Machine Gun Company. RND France 1917, MC Passchendaele Friday 26th October 1917. Killed in Action (KIA) on Sunday 30th December 1917, at Welch Ridge. Born Wathe-on-Dearne Saturday 24th August 1895.Eldest son of Francis Wasing Westby, educated at Rothwell, Leeds and the Holgate Grammar School, Barnsley. Pre-war worked on the staff of the Union of London and Smith's Bank.

He Joined the Inns of Court OTC early 1915 age 19. Granted a Temporary Commission as 2nd Lt. RM on Wednesday 10th November 1915. Awarded the Military Cross 30th November 1917, published in the London Gazette Friday 18th January 1918 for gallantry at Passchendaele on Friday 26th October 1917 whilst in charge of four mobile machine guns, after making a reconnaissance under heavy fire, disposed them with such skill that he achieved his task with negligible casualties.Mentioned in Dispatch of Field Marshal, Commander-in-Chief, the British Armies in France, for gallant service & devotion to duty, Published in the London Gazette on Friday 7th December 1917.

1917. Naval Mission to Siberia/Kama River Flotillas. During 1917 some 600,000 tons of Allied war materials were a Vladivostock waiting to be shipped on the Trans-Siberian Railway, when an armistice was signed by Russia and Germany. A token Allied force was landed briefly in April 1918 to protect these supplies, and that summer more British, French, Japanese and American forces were landed. By the autumn an armoured train was equipped by HMS Suffolk with one of her 6in guns and 4 of her 12 pdrs. this train, with Royal Marines from Suffolk's detachment, was in action in support of Czech forces fighting the Russians at Tischima, after the train had made a journey of 105 miles from Vladivostok. When the guns were frozen up, the train withdrew to Omsk in Central Russia, where in March 1919 another 6in gun was fitted. This gun, from HMS Kent, had been brought to Omsk by a Canadian unit. The Suffolk detachment was then replaced by Capt. T. H. Jameson (later Major General, CBE, DSO) with 29 RMLI NCOs and privates. All were volunteers, accompanied by four RN specialists including a doctor.

They reached Perm on the Kama River on 28 April just as the ice was breaking, and within a week had mounted the 6in gun from the train in a Russian steamer renamed Kent, and the second '6in' in a barge named Suffolk. The steamer Kent sank three armed Soviet steamers on 23th May, in an action 300 miles south of Perm. She fired Lyddite shells from an opening range of ,100yds and closed to 4,000yds before the remaining Bolshevik ships retired. The barge Suffolk was moored to support the steamer Kent and six ships of the Omsk government which were with her. But once the Czech Legion decided to withdraw, resistance crumbled. The steamer and barge's guns were in action against artillery positions on the river bank during June, after the river levels fell. Later they withdrew to Perm. A Bolshevik agent in the steamer Kent's Russian crew added to the RM Detachment's difficulties, for 'a small force in a foreign country [can find] that any lack of security may quickly undermine morale'.

The British Government withdrew its support for the Omsk Government, and the Marines with great ingenuity and little help put the guns on railway flat trucks, requisitioned an engine and set off for Vladivostock. Despite typhus and small pox among refugees, train wrecks and marauding bands of guerrillas, they reached this base in 52 days, on 18th August 1919, having suffered only minor casualties. The Japanese held the base until October 1922; but when HMS Carlisle left the port that November, she reported that there were no disturbances when Soviet forces entered the port. 1918. Thursday 3rd January. The Bombardment of Yarmouth on the UK East Coast.

1918. Sunday 20th January. Sortie of the Goeben and Breslau, a camp of 3 RM Battalion at Imbros shelled in the Dardanelles.

1918. Monday 21st January. Royal Marine Batteries leave for the UK from East Africa.

1918. Monday 21st January. The Royal Marine Garrison for coastal defence increased on the Shetland Islands.

1918. Wednesday 14th February. Brigades of the 63rd Royal Naval Division reorganised into three Battelions on the Western Front.

1918. Thursday 21st February. 4th Royal Marines Battalion concentrated to train at Deal for a raid on Zeebrugge.

1918. Thursday 21st February. The 5th Battalion was formed for anti submarine and AA duties with the Dover Patrol.

1918. Friday 1st March. 63rd Royal Naval Division Machine Gun Battalion formed on the Western Front.

1918. Thursday 7th March. His Majesty King George V visited the Depot Royal Marines, at Deal in Kent. On this occasion he inspected Royal Marines Recruit squads, and took the salute of the 4th Battalion at a March Past. Six weeks later the 4th Battalion were to storm ashore on to the Mole in the raid on Zeebrugge, where they won great fame and two Victoria Crosses. To mark his visit, His Majesty directed that the senior Recruit squad in Royal Marines training would in future be known as the King's Squad. He also directed that his Royal Cypher, surrounded by a Laurel Wreath, would be known as the King's Badge, and would be awarded to the best all round recruit in the King's Squad, provided that he was worthy of the honour. The badge was to be carried on the left shoulder, and worn in every rank. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was graciously pleased to approve that the custom and privilege of the King's Squad remain unaltered. The King's Badge is not awarded to every squad, and is only presented if a Recruit measures up to the very exacting standards required.

1918. Corps strength at that time was 55,000.

1918. Saturday 9th March. A trench raid by 2/RMLI on the Western Front.

1918. Monday 18th March. The Bombardment of Carac Battery of the RMA heavy Siege Train at Dunkirk.

1918. Tuesday 21st March. The Battle of St Quentin, and retreat commenced.

1918. Wednesday 22nd March. 2/RMLI repulsed an attack in Havincourt Wood on the Western Front.

1918. Wednesday 22nd March. No1 RMA Howitzer in action near Metz during German offensive on the Western Front.

1918. Wednesday 22nd March. No10 RMA Howitzer in action at Havrincourt Wood before being dismounted on the Western Front.

1918. Thursday 23rd March. Sergeant Norman Finch joined the 4th Battalion.

1918. Sunday 24th - 25th March. 63rd Royal Naval Division engaged in the 1st Battle of Bapaume on the Western Front.

1918. Sunday 24th March. 63rd Royal Naval Division in action at Bertincourt on the Western Front.

1918. Monday 25th March. 188 Brigade Rear Guard Action at Thiepval-Martinpuich on the Western Front.

1918. Tuseday 26th March. No6 RMA Howitzer shelled when dismounted at Neuville Vitasse on the Western Front.

1918. Tuesday 26th March. The 63rd Royal Naval Division withdrew across the Ancre river, on the Western Front.

1918. Wednesday 27th March. A Counter attack by 188 Brigade in Aveluy Wood on the Western Front.

1918. Wednesday 27th March. Royal Marine Engineers commenced to form with an HQ at Chatham.

1918. Monday 1st April. The RNAS and RFC merged and became the Royal Air Force. Ten former RM officers transferred to the new service. The first Chief of Air Staff was (by then) Major General F H Sykes a former, albeit temporary, Colonel RM.

1918. Wednesday 3rd April. Royal Marines from HMS Suffolk landed at Vladivostock in Siberia.

1918. Friday 5th April. A Counter attack by RMLI Battalion in Aveluy Woods on the Western Front.

1918. Saturday 6th April. 4th Battalion embarked and orders were issued for the Raid on the Zeebrugge Mole but were later postponed.

1918. Wednesday 10th - 11th April. The Battle of Messines on the Western Front involved No's 4 and 5 RMA Howitzers.

1918. Wednesday 10th April. No5 RMA Howitzer at Kemmel on the Western Front were ordered to retire and demolish gun.

1918. Tuesday 23rd April. 4th RM Battalion Assaulted the mole at Zeebrugge, and in their honour no subsequent '4th battalion' has been raised.

1918. Tuesday 23rd April. 4th RM Battalion Assaulted the mole at Zeebrugge, and in their honour no subsequent '4th battalion' has been raised.(RMHS)

1918. Tuesday 23rd April. A 'Corps Remembrance Day' and the St Georges day raids on Zeebrugge and Ostend. The 4th battalion Royal Marines formed the landing force for the raid in which two Victoria Cross's were awarded to members of the Corps. The battle took place at Zeebrugge in Belgium. It was mounted by two thousand men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines under the command of Vice-Admiral Sir Roger Keyes. This port was a base for German submarines, from which they attacked and sank Allied shipping. They accounted for over a third of all the tonnage sunk in World War One. It was vital that this port was denied to them and this raid was to ensure that it was. The battle was fierce and the attacking force faced fierce opposition and suffered heavy losses. Marines and Sailors landed on the Mole and stormed the enemy defence. Whilst the fighting was in progress three 'blocking' ships (HMS Thetis, HMS Intrepid and HMS Iphiginia and also HM Submarine C3) were scuttled, rendering the trapped German submarines useless. Royal Marines played a major role in the raid, when the Royal Navy tried to block the Belgian port of Bruges. Two of three block-ships were scuttled in the narrowest part of the Bruges Canal and one of two submarines rammed the viaduct, which linked the shore and the mole, to isolate the German garrison. However, the block-ships were sunk in the wrong place and the canal was re-opened after a just few days to submarines at high tide. The British casualties were numbered 583 men while the Germans lost 24 men. The raid was publicised as a great British Victory and many medals were awarded.

Sergeant Norman Augustus Finch RMA (26th December 1890 - 15th March 1964), was the second in command of the pom-pom and Lewis gun in the exposed foretop of HMS Vindictive. During one period, the Vindictive sustained hits every few seconds. The officer in command and Finch maintained a continuous covering fire. Two heavy enemy shells hit them directly on the foretop, killing or disabling the others. While severely wounded, Sergeant Finch kept harassing the enemy, entrenched on the Mole, from his battered and exposed position. Another direct hit finally put the rest of the armament out of action.

Whereas Sergeant Finch had been selected for the award of the Victoria Cross by his fellow Royal Marines on account of his indomitable spirit initiative and daring despite Captain Bamford being wounded. Captain Edward Bamford DSO RMLI (28th May 1887- 29th September 1928) was chosen for his award of the decoration on the grounds of his magnificent example, of leadership under fire. The account of Captain Edward Bamford of the Royal Marines Light Infantry was that on the night of the 22nd and 23rd of April 1918, from HMS Vindictive, landed under great difficulty in the darkness. On the Mole with three platoons of Royal Marines In the face of intensive enemy fire and led the Company with great disregard for personal danger, setting a magnificent example to his men. When he was satisfied with the safe establishment of the first strong point, he then led his men in an assault on an enemy battery on the left.

Both Captain Bamford and Sergeant Finch VC's were published in the London Gazette on 23rd July 1918.

After the St Georges day raid on Zeebrugge, in the selection of the Men to receive the Victoria Cross Rule thirteen was not strictly adhered to in this instance. It is believed that it was the intention to award just one VC and it is clear that only one ballot took place. The evidence being the results of the vote by the members of the 4th Battalion. In fact two men were awarded the Victoria Cross from the ballot held on the 26th April at the Royal Marine Depot at Deal. The ballot contained both Officers and Men of the 4th Battalion, contravening Rule 13 of The Royal Warrant for the Victoria Cross, dated the 29th of January 1856. The men were assembled on the Parade ground, where slips of voting paper were handed to those present. (It is not known whether the hospital wounded voted or not, but it is known that they were included in the ballot.) The ballot resulted in two Victoria Cross's being awarded, to Sergeant Norman Finch with 91 votes, and Captain Edward Bamford 64 Votes.

Ballot paper from victoriacross.co.uk/zebrugge.html

1918. Monday 29th April. The Battle of Schepenberg Ridge on the Western Front involved No 12 RMA Howitzer.

1918. Monday 29th April. The Amalgamation of 1/RMLI and 2/RMLI as 1/RMLI on the Western Front.

1918. Monday 29th April. Royal Marine Recruits lent to Royal Aggison Artillery for 3 month period to man Coastal Defence Batteries.

1918. Monday 29th April. Royal Marines establishment Bases at Kyles of Lock Alsh and Inverness, etc for UK coastal defence.

1918. Friday 3rds May. No 527 Siege Battery mobilised for service with the RGA in France.

1918. Sunday 5th May. RM Field Force was formed. The force of 365 all ranks was commanded by Lt–col R. O. Paterson, RMA, for service in Murmansk to support local forces. They established control posts along the railway, guarded many wooden bridges, and trained 150 Poles to use MGs. A hundred were sent with an Allied assault force, mostly comprising French troops, landed from British warships on Modyuski Island (River Dwina, near Archangel). These Marines later served with the Naval Brigade landed in that area, until July 1919, having been in action in support of British army units. Elements of the field force in Murmansk were concentrated for ski training but were not in action until early May 1919 after the spring thaw. They sailed from Murmansk on 10th July and were disbanded on their return to the UK. (RMHS)

1918. Tuesday 7th May. No 525 Siege Battery mobilised for service with the RGA in France.

1918. Wednesday 8th - 10th May. A Royal Marine detachment of HMS Colhrane landed to defend Pechenga in North Russia.

1918. Thursday 9th May. No 526 Siege battery mobilised for service with the RGA in France.

1918. Friday 10th May. No 528 Siege Battery mobilised for service with the RGA in France.

1918. Saturday 18th - 19th May. An outpost raid by 1/RMLI at Hamel on the Western Front.

1918. Monday. 20th May. Royal Marines Force embarked from Newcastle in the UK for service in North Russia.

1918. Friday 24th - 25th May. 1/RMLI raided German trenches in the Ancre Valley on the Western Front.

1918. Friday 31st May. Royal Marines Field force lands at Murmansk in Russia.

1918. June. Owing to difficulties at RM Divisional HQ in training Buglers to replace those transferring to the ranks, twelve boys were enlisted at the Depot RM Deal for training as Buglers. Four would be transferred to each RMLI Division. On completion they will be transferred to their Divisional HQ and further Buglers trained in their place.

1918. Sadurday 8th June. Royal Marines Field Force Officers and NCO's sent to raise Finnish Legion in Northern Russia.

1918. Saturday 29th - 30th June. Royal Marines Field Force disarmed Bolsheviks in Northern Russia.

1918. Saturday 29th June. Royal Marines from HMS Suffolk disarmed Bolsheviks at Vladivostock in Siberia.

1918. Saturday 29th June. Royal Marines from HMS Talbot landed at Quilimane, Zambesi River mouth in East Africa.

1918. Saturday 29th June. Special Battery from the RMA AA Brigade arrived in Dunkirk from Chatham.

1918. Sunday 7th July. Royal Marines from HMS Attentive restored order at Soroka in Northern Russia.

1918. Wednesday 17th July. The Finnish Legion in action near the Finnish Frontier North Russia.

1918. Wednesday 17th July. Royal Marines Guard formed from the 3rd Royal Marines Battalion in Corfu.

1918. Thursday 1st August. A detachment from Royal Marines Field Force was involved in the capture of the Modjyuski Batteries in North Russia.

1918. Thursday 8th August. The Commencement of the British Offensive on the Western Front.

1918. Tursday 8th - 28th August. Royal Marines from HMS Suffolk on the Ussuri River Operations.

1918. Sunday 11th August. Royal Marines from HMS Jono and HMS Diana leave Basra in Iraq to join the 'Dunster' 'Force.

1918. Sunday 18th August. Action of Outsteen Redge on the Western Front involved No4 RMA Howitzer.

1918. Sunday 18th August. No's 5 and 6 RMA Howitzers formed No 1 Siege Battery, RMA at Audricq on the Western Front.

1918. Wednesday 21st - 23rd August. The Battle of Albert at Logeast Wood on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division and No's 3 and 10 RMS Howitzers.

1918. Sunday 25th August. Action at Grevillers and Les Barque on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division.

1918. Monday 26th August - 15th September. Part of the 'Dumpster' Force in the Siege and Evacuation of Baku on the Caspian Sea.

1918. Thursday 29th August. Armoured Train with guns manned by Royal Marines from HMS Suffolk left Vladivostock for the River Volga in Siberia.

1918. Saturday 31st August - 2nd September. The second Battle of Bapaume on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division and No 3 RMA Howitzer.

1918. Monday 2nd - 3rd September. The Battle of Drocourt-Queant Line on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division.

1918. Wednesday 4th September. The attack on Canal du Nord on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division.

1918. Thursday 5th September. Guns and Royal Marines from 'Dumpster' Force leave Ruz on the Caspian Sea.

1918. Thursday 12th September. The Battle of Havrincourt on the Western Front involved the No 3 RMA Howitzer.

1918. Saturday 14th September. Royal Marines in the monitor HMS M25 in action at Chamova, on the River Dwina in Northern Russia.

1918. Wednesday 18th September. The Battle of Epehy on the Western Front involved No 3 RMA Howirzer.

1918. Friday 27th September. The Battle of Canal du Nord on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division and No's 1, 3 and 8 RMA Howitzer.

1918. Friday 27th September. The capture of Anneux on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division.

1918. Saturday 28th September. A 9.2 inch Gun on a Railway Mounting supported the Offensive - No 1 RMA Siege Battery on the Western Front.

1918. Saturday 28th - 29th September. The Bridging of Canal de L'Escaut on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division.

1918. Saturday 28th September - 3rd October. The Battle of Ypres on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division.

1918. Sunday 29th September. The Seizing of a Crossing of the Escaul on the Western Front involved the Drake and Hawke Battalions.

1918. Sunday 29th - 30th September. The attacks on Cambrai on the Western Front involved 188 and 190 Brigades.

1918. Sunday 29th September - 2nd October. The Battle of St Quentin Canal on the Western Front involved No 1 RMA Siege Battery and No's 5, 6 and 12 RMA Howitzers.

1918. Monday 30th September. Bulgaria Surrendered on the Southern Front.

1918. September. The 5th RM Battalion was formed with 20 platoons (907 all ranks), mostly 45 year olds, to operate electrically controlled sea mines etc. in coastal defences. Disbanded January–February 1919. (RMHS)

1918. Tuesday 1st October. The attack on strong point at Cambrai on the Western Front involved D Company 1/RMLI.

1918. Monday 5th - 7th October. The Battle of Sambro by 63rd Royal Naval Division. 1918. Monday 7th October. The formation of 'A' Hun Battery from 1 RMA Siege Battery on the Western Front.

1918. Tuesday 8th - 9th October. The Battle of Cambrai and Capture of Niergnies on the Western Front involved the 63rd Royal Naval Division and No 8 RMA Howitzeron.

1918. Thursday 10th October. 'B' AA Battery at Nieuport fired its last shot on the Western Front.

1918. Wednesday 11th October. An Armoured Train arrived at Ufa South Russia.

1918. Saturday 12th October. No's 11 and 12 RMA Howitzers formed No 2 RMA Siege Battery on the Western Front.

1918. Monday 14th - 16th October. RMA Heavy Siege Train supported offensive in Belgium.

1918. Thursday 17th - 25th October. The Battle of Selle on the Western Front involved 'A' Hun RMA Battery.

1918. Thursday 31st October.The Armistice with Turkey was signed aboard HMS Agamemnon at Mudros.

1918. Thursday 31st October. Merchant ships seized and converted into warships on the Caspian Sea.

1918. Monday 4th November. An armistice was signed with Austria.

1918. Monday 5th - 11th November. The pursuit to Mons by 63rd Royal Naval Division.

1918. Saturday 9th November. HMS Britannia was torpedoed by a submarine off Cape Trafalgar (12 Royal Marines were lost).

1918. Monday 11th November. The capture of Mons on the Western Front by 63rd Royal Naval Division .

1918. Monday 11th November at 0550. H.L. Eaves of the 13th Hussars B Company had the honour of sending a wireless message that was to end the First World War. The original message was in French, and read: The Commandant in Chief orders that hostilities that are happening on all of the fronts are to cease at 11th November at 11 o'clock for all the troops and allies. They are to wait until news of where to go and at what hour. Signed Marshal Foch 0550.

1918. A total of five Royal Marines were awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War, two at Zeebrugge, one at Gallipoli, one at sea during the battle of Jutland and one on the Western Front.

1918. Tuesday 12th November. 3rd Royal Marine Battalion occupied the Turkish Forts in the Bosphorus and dismantled the guns.

1918. Tuesday 12th November. Headed by HMS Superb the Allied Fleet passed through to Constantinople.

1918. Thursday 14th November. Guard of Honour from HMS Superb at Constantinople for the GOC.

1918. Friday 15th November. An element of 1/RMLI took part in the official entry into Mons, on the Western Front.

1918. Saturday 16th November. HMS Suffolk's Armoured Train in action on the river Volga in North Russia.

1918. Thursday 21st November. Almost 5,000 Royal Marines were at the Surrender of the German High Seas Feet at Rosyth, Scappa Flow.

1918. Sunday 1st December. Detachment of HMS Temeraire landed to take over the Railway Station and Wharves at Sevastopol.

1918. Sunday 8th December. Royal Marines manning guns in armed merchant ships in action against Bolshevists (Caspian).

1918. Monday 9th December. Occupation by the 3rd Royal Marines Battalion to evacuate German troops from Sevastopol.

1918. Tuseday 17th December. Royal Marines Field Force concentrated at Kandalaksha in North Russia.

1918. Sunday 29th December. Royal Marines in armed merchant ships bombarded the Bolshevists at Star-Techernaya on the Caspian.

1918. Monday 30th December. HMS Temeraire and 3rd Royal Marines Battalion handed over to the French at Sevastopol.

1918. December. Black Sea Operations. A naval garrison of seamen and Marines was landed in December 1918 at Sevastopol in the Crimea, and was strengthened to nearly 500 all ranks by men of the 3rd RM Battalion before being relieved by French troops later that month. Allied support for the White Russian forces continued into the spring of 1919, but after April the RN ships' help was limited and by June they were observing a strict neutrality.(RMHS)

1918. December. The 9th Battalion was formed after the Armistice in 1918 and was one of the Battalions deployed at the time of the coal miners' strike in 1921. (RMHS)

1918. North Persian 2 Caspian Flotilla3. A small British Army formation in 1918 had been assisting a local Russian force to hold a Turkish advance, which the Germans had hoped might reach Afghanistan. In August they were joined by an RN force which armed a number of Russian ships and that December prevented the Bolsheviks gaining an ice free port on the Caspian Sea, a sea of 600 miles from north to south and up to 300 miles wide, with nearly 1,000 sizeable vessels on its waters in 1918. The flotilla flew the Imperial Russian ensign before 2nd March 1919, when it came under British command. The ships Venture, Fox, Emile Nobel, Alla Vardi, Salva, and Bibi Abat had RMA/RMLI detachments, each with 11 to 16 Marines, commanded by sergeants or corporals. Other ships had British gunners Kruger with RA field artillery, and Zorcaster and Asia with RN seamen gunners. RN crews operated the Flotilla's ships, which also included the Windsor Castle, the improvised seaplane carrier Orlionock, and Sergei which carried some of the Flotilla's 12 RN Coastal Motor Boats. The old ships of the Flotilla, however, were limited to a best speed of 9 knots. Livestock was carried to provide rations for 14 days, but the sheep often died from the cold in the first week at sea.

Ashore a force of Royal Marines had set up coast guns at Petrovsk (Makhachkala in 1980) on the western shores of the Caspian, several hundred miles north of Baku, and from 1918 had garrisoned this advanced base. After January 1919 the 160 Marines of this defence force were attacked several times, but held the port after street fighting.

At sea a typical action by Emile Nobel (3,799 tons) on 21st May 1919, when she was making a reconnaissance of Alexandrovsk (Fort Shevchenko in 1980). It began with her being hit by a 150in shell. This killed 11 of her crew of 845 before she opened fire with her two 4in QF guns. The flotilla then attacked the port and sank nine vessels. Allied aircraft some 40 RAF planes supported the Flotilla, later drove the remaining Bolshevik ships from this port, and by the end of May the only armed Russian ships were in their Astrakhan base on the Volga estuary. But 13 improvised warships and a small force of aircraft could not control this sea, although they captured several Russian ships in August 1919 before handing the Flotilla over to the White Russians. The last Marines left Petrovsk on 2nd September, but before handing over the Emile Nobel, the breechblocks of her guns were thrown over the side, to disarm them.(RMHS)

1918 \- 1930. Mutiny and Resistance in the Royal Navy by Dave Lamb.

A short history of the mutinies and rebellions in the British Royal Navy and Marines from the end of World War I, Russian Revolution and up until 1930.

Whilst the mutinies in the German and French Navies in the First World War have been well documented little information is available concerning the British Royal Navy. There was, however, considerable talk of mutiny at Portsmouth, in the summer of 1918. The threat was serious enough for Lionel Yexley, an admiralty agent, to write a report warning the Admiralty of impending trouble. This was only averted by immediate improvements in pay and conditions. Demands for 'lower deck' organisation were taken seriously. Agitation for trade union representation was spreading throughout the Navy. The material conditions of the sailors certainly justified a mutiny. Between 1852 and 1917 there had only been one pay increase, amounting to a penny a day, in 1912. Wartime inflation had reduced the sailors' nineteen pence a day to a mere pittance. Another twopence a day was granted in 1917, plus a miserable separation allowance of ten shillings and six pence a week, for wives. Following a series of mutinies in 1919 pay increases of over two hundred per cent were granted.

After the Russian Revolution the British Navy was sent into action against the Russians. It proved ineffective, but this ineffectiveness had less to do with the efforts of the Bolsheviks than with the unwillingness of the British seamen to fight. The extent of these mutinies can be measured by reference to the following comment made in the House of Commons by G. Lambert MP, on March 12th 1919:

'...undoubtedly there was, at the end of last year, grave unrest in the Navy... I do not wish to be violent, but I think I am correct in saying that a match would have touched off an explosion.'

Shortly after the armistice with Germany the crew of a light cruiser, at Libau on the Baltic, mutinied. Many other ships were sent home from Archangel and Murmansk after similar experiences. In spite of a propaganda campaign against Russia it was becoming increasingly difficult to obtain reliable crews. Refusals to weigh for Russia were a regular occurrence at Invergordon, Portsmouth, Rosyth, Devonport and Fort Edgar.

Many labour historians have written about the refusal of dockers to load the 'Jolly George' with an arms consignment for Poland in May 1920. But we have heard virtually nothing about far greater challenges to authority in the armed forces. For example, early in 1919 a group of dock workers discovered that the destination of a large cruiser being refitted at Rosyth was Russia. Together with some members of the Socialist Labour Party they leafleted the crew, who refused to sail. In fact the crew stayed put for three weeks, although isolated in mid-stream, until their demands were met, and they were paid off at Portsmouth.

In January 1919 there were mutinies on the mine-sweepers at Rosyth. On January 13th, 1919 there was a mutiny on the patrol boat 'Kilbride' at Milford Haven, where the red flag was hoisted. This was an uneasy year for the Admiralty. On October 12th, 150 seamen had broken out of their ships at Port Edgar on hearing that they were due to return to the Baltic. The First Destroyer Flotilla was prevented from returning to the Baltic war. Eventually half the ships sailed on August 14, their crews made up from Atlantic Fleet battleships. Although most of the mutineers were arrested, some 44 men made their way to London to present petitions at Whitehall. They were arrested at King's Cross and sent to Chatham Barracks. Between October 12th and November 21st, 1919 some 96 offenders had been arrested and punished, ten by imprisonment. It should be remembered that the government had repeatedly pledged that only volunteers would be sent to fight against the Russians. It is clear that this was not the practice employed by the Admiralty. Those who did not intend to 'volunteer' had little choice but to mutiny and face the consequence.

By November 1919 discontent had spread to the aircraft carrier 'Vindictive' (pictured, right) in Copenhagen. A marine detachment was called in to disperse a group of seamen demanding leave. Two men were arrested. Later two stokers were caught trying to stop the fan engines. They were each given five years. The following morning virtually no one turned up for duty. This provoked Captain Grace to arrest five more alleged 'ringleaders'. They were condemned to 90 days hard labour before a dishonourable discharge. Another six were arrested, but resistance continued. The next morning 14 crewmen were still refusing duty and were arrested. That evening another two arrests were made.

Meanwhile the crews of the minesweepers operating in the Baltic declared they had had enough. There were incidents aboard the flagship 'Delhi', in December, when only 25% of the crew responded to a command to return to Biorko in the Gulf of Finland.

There was a further naval mutiny in Russia, that of the gunboat 'Cicala' in the White Sea. Death sentences were imposed on the 'ringleaders'. The fact that these were later commuted to one year's imprisonment reflects the continuing strength of the sailors' movement.

Mutinies in the forces of intervention were not confined to the Navy. There was a large mutiny in a Marine battalion at Murmansk. The 6th Battalion of the Royal Marines, formed in the summer of 1919 at a time of unrest over demobilisation, were originally intended to police Schleswig Holstein. But, at short notice, the Battalion had been diverted to cover the evacuation of Murmansk. They were sent to the Lake Onega region, a further 300 miles south of Kem. In August 1919 two companies refused duty: 90 men were tried and found guilty of mutiny by a court martial. Thirteen men were sentenced to death and others to up to 5 years imprisonment.

None of the death sentences were actually carried out. The 90 mutineers were shipped to Bodmin prison, where they continued their resistance to arbitrary authority. (In this they were acting in the best traditions of the Royal Marines. In December 1918 some Marines had been involved in a mutiny inside Bodmin prison which had resulted in three death sentences, later commuted to five years penal servitude.) Continued resistance paid off. The ninety men arrested after the Murmansk incident had their sentences reduced as follows: the 13 sentenced to death were commuted to five years, but 12 were released after only one year, and the other after two years. Twenty men, originally given 5 years, were released after six months. 51 men sentenced to two years were also released within six months.

In recognition of the fact that their officers had acted contrary to Army instructions in employing young and inexperienced lads at the front, the remainder of those arrested were either released or had their sentences commuted to 6 months. Following the announcement, on December 22nd, nineteen of these acts of 'clemency' the First Lord of the Admiralty told the Commons that 'bad leadership' was a factor behind the mutiny. He even hinted at the possibility of disciplinary measures being taken against several officers.

Many other mutinies occurred in North Russia. One took place in the 13th Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, which ended with death sentences being passed on two sergeants whilst the other mutineers were cowed by White Russian machine gunners called in by the English officers.

News of these mutinies was suppressed. They highlighted the reluctance of British sailors to fight against Russia when the government was theoretically committed to a policy of peace. Contrary to what the people were being told, and at the very moment when the hysteria surrounding the Armistice was at its height, the Foreign Office and Admiralty were finalising their arrangements for intervention in Russia.

The Navy was not only required for the anti-Bolshevik crusade and to defend Britain's imperial commitments. It was also needed to quell internal disturbances. Towards the end of the 1914-1918 war seamen were trained in the noble art of 'blacklegging' in the event of strikes by railwaymen or power workers. 'The battleship Vanguard', says Walter Kendall, 'was sent to the Mersey to command Liverpool during the Police strike of August 1919'.

Resistance in the Navy continued between 1919 and the time of the large Invergordon mutiny of 1931. In 1930 there were no fewer than six major movements within the Navy against conditions of work and the arbitrary injustice of naval discipline. The 'Revenge' (pictured, right), 'Royal Oak', Vindictive', 'Repulse', 'Ramillies' and 'Lucia' were all affected.

(Edited by libcom.org from Mutinies by Dave Lamb)

1919. Monday 20th January - 17th March. Detachment from HMS Suffolk in garrison at Omsk Siberia.

1919. Thursday 13th February. Royal Marine detachments sent out in June 1917, returned to England.

1919. Friday 21st February. Royal Marines manning guns when Base opened at Petrosk on the Caspian.

1919. February - March. Royal Marines from HMS Ceres and HMS Cardiff in operations at Libau and Riga on the Baltic.

1919. Monday 10th March. Royal Marines Field Force training at Kem in Northern Russia.

1919. Tuesday 25th March. HMS Glory's Detachment to Knabja Ghuba to assist in repatriation of Finnish in Northern Russia.

1919. Monday 7th April. 'A Royal Rescue by a Royal Marine'. HMS Marlborough anchored at Yalta to begin the evacuation of the Dowager Empress Maria, the aunt of King Georg V, to save her from .the advancing Bolsheviks in the Crimea. Her safety lay in the hands of ordinary men like Marine Samuel Bradford, a farm labourer from Devon, who on the morning aboard the ship did not need the usually early morning 'shake a leg there' As orders had already been given for the Marines to collect there kit - rifles, bayonets, lewis guns, ammunition, entrenching tools and tin hats, and muster at the ships boats.

The Marlborough then lay at anchor off a gravel and sandy beach near to the summer palace at 1-larax. This was Koreiz Cave the place where the Empress, a woman on that day tormented and in real fear for her life, had selected for her departure.

The sea was flat calm when the landing party of Marines climbed into the ship's cutters to go ashore. Once on the beach the force dispersed in sections around the palace. Sam was in a Lewis machine-gun crew a half a dozen strong. Time was running short. By now the Bolsheviks forces had tightened their grip to the west, and any move that betrayed the presence of the British secretly helping the refugees to escape would bring the enemy dawn onto the beach head defended by Sam and his mates.

The refugees began trickling out of the- palace escorted by the Royal Marine& In all the Empress counted more than 50 people as her immediate family. This alone agitated Captain Johnson of the Marlborough. So with little ceremony the Empress and the refugees were quickly ferried aboard. On the voyage to Malta Lieut-Cdr Pridham was host to the royal family.

Sam Bradford had no such close contact with the Empress, the one he and others like him had saved. Without them, she most certainly would have perished.

Sam felt of course that he was only a Marine doing his job. His reward was a run ashore when the passengers left the ship at Malta on April 21st. For his part Sam Got a good conduct stripe, but there was no pension when he left the ship in 1922.

Although he had signed on for 12 years the navy chose to dishonour it's agreement. They were overmanned they said using the time-honoured phrase selected whenever they saved money to disband ships and fighting men.

Therefore Sam went home to his quiet village outside Exeter, to a job mining stone. He married Mary Martin, a local girl, and although they never had any children they were happy until she died of cancer in 1968.

Sam today is 98 years old, and has lived In his rented house for 62 years, and soldiers on to his century when perhaps a personal message he might receive from his Queen whose great-great-aunt he helped to save in April 1919. (Author unknown)

1919. Tuesday 15th April. Royal Marines from HMS Kent relieve Royal Marines from HMS Suffolk at Omsk in Siberia.

1919. Thursday 17th - 22nd April. HM Ships in operations off Sevastopol and crushed Bolshevist attack on Kertch in the Crimea.

1919. Saturday 3rd May. Royal Marines Field Force advance and captured Maselskaya in Northern Russia.

1919. Tuesday 6th May. A tug commissioned as Kent and a barge Suffolk at Perm in Siberia.

1919. Wednesday 14th May. The Suffolk barge in action against the Bolshevist on the Viatka River in Northern Russia.

1919. Saturday 17th - 18th May. Royal Marines Field Force captured Medveyja Gora in Northern Russia.

1919. Wednesday 21st May. The Bombardment of Fort Alexandrovsk on the Caspian.

1919. Saturday 24th May. The Kent and Suffolk in action at Elabouga in Siberia.

1919. Thursday 29th - 30th May. The Kent and Suffolk in action on the Bielava River in Siberia.

1919. Tuesday 3rd June. The Kent in action at Sarapoul in Siberia.

1919. Wednesday 4th - 10th June. The Kent and Suffolk in engagements on the Kama River in Siberia.

1919. Friday 6th June. Inspection of details of the 63rd Royal Naval Division by HRH The Prince of Wales in London.

1919. Saturday 14th - 15th June. Details of RMA Howitzer Brigade return to Eastney from France.

1919. Thursday 19th - 21st June. Royal Marines from the Naval Flotilla in action at Topsa and Troitsa in Northern Russia.

1919. Thursday 26th June. The first occasion that a Royal Marine Band appeared as the resident band at the Royal Naval, Military and Air Force tournament - later the Royal Tournament - when Mr P.S.G. O'Donnell and the Band of the Plymouth Division, RMLI undertook this duty. This was the first Tournament since 1914.

1919. Saturday 28th June. The tug Kent and barge Suffolk dismantled at Perm in Siberia.

1919. Saturday 28th June. Sergeant W.H. Beime Chatham RMLI, Sergeant G.H. Locker Plymouth RMLI represented the Royal Marines at the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in France.

1919. July. RMA A Globe & Laurel article. 'Inside The Arctic Circle'

Huddled inside sleeping bags and covered with six or seven folds of blanket, we had lain shivering through a night that seemed to have made up its mind never to end. Our bedroom was a railway carriage. Outside a blizzard was blowing and a goodly portion of the said blizzard was finding its way into our shelter through innumerable cracks and loose joints. At long last came the time to get up, and, as we dressed in the darkness of an arctic morning, our remarks at least were heated as we anathematized numb fingers that positively refused to insert buttons into buttonholes and perform the other tasks for which they were intended. A glance at the thermometer which hung outside the door showed temperature of 25 0 below zero - 57 degree of genuine best-quality frost. A few minutes out in the open, exposed to the force of the wind and blinded by the driving snow, sufficed to convince us that the thermometer erred on the side of moderation. Why doesn't some enterprising scientist invent a process whereby one can, when one desires, remove one's nose and cheek-bones and leave them indoors on the mantelpiece? As it was, we had to keep careful watch on each other's faces to detect the first signs of frostbite.

We didn't stay any longer out of doors than we could help during the day. Not that it was much of a day; just a couple of hours of dim light, from 11 till 1, and then darkness for 22 hours. What little we could see of the surrounding landscape revealed a waste of snow and ice snow so dry that it was like fine white powder and ice that seemed to grow thicker as we watched it.

Another sleepless night a night passed in debating whether it were better to throw off the bedclothes and expose ourselves to the onslaughts of voracious mosquitoes, or to keep ourselves covered up and lie in a bath of perspiration. At midnight the temperature stood at 800 in the shade. I say, 'in the shade" (advisedly, because the earth was then bathed in the rays of a sun which didn't have enough sense to retire at night. How we hated the Midnight Sun - a much overrated natural phenomenon that foolish people used to spend much money for the pleasure of travelling to witness! When our watches decreed that another day's work was upon us, we rose. The exertion of dressing made us perspire freely: the energy expended in eating bully beef and biscuits caused more moisture to exude from our pores: futile attempts to circumvent the frightfulness of hordes of mosquitoes -evidently in league with the Hun - forced us to move in Turkish baths of our own creation. What would we not have given for just one inch of the three-foot layer of ice so much in evidence during the winter months? How we would have welcomed the arrival of only a few stray flakes of snow which, for six months in the year would hide the earth under a mantle of white.

The above are two of the memories which I have brought back with me from the Murman Coast. The contrasts are violent, but the pictures are none the less accurate. The North Russian Expeditionary Force is campaigning inside the Arctic Circle, but it should not be presumed, on that account, that it is living in a land of perpetual ice and snow. From mid-June till the middle of September the weather is warm during the period in which the sun is shining for twenty-four hours daily (for about two months annually) the conditions are sometimes tropical. Potatoes that are planted half-way through June are eaten in the early days of August. Edible berries grow in luxuriant abundance: wild flowers carpet the wood; and mosquitoes, sand-flies and other pests are- but this is a family paper, so I will not trouble you with our description of them.

There is not such a heavy snowfall as one might perhaps expect; a depth of about three feet is the result of the Clerk of the Weather's efforts in this direction. The cold, as a rule, is not so very severe. Of course one must take into consideration the fact that our force in the far north is specially equipped for service under Arctic clime conditions. The average temperature at Murmansk during the past winter was somewhere about zero. And that, when the air is calm is quite endurable and even invigorating. When there are only from 10 to .1 5 degrees of frost, one may safely move about in ordinary winter clothing (even a heavy coat is unnecessary), provide one keeps hands well gloved and feet warmly shod, and wears a fur cap to protect the head and ears. Looseness is as important a desideratum as warmth in Arctic clothing; tight-fitting garments are the sworn allies of frost-bite.

When the wind begins to blow well, then one sighs for the life of a coal-miner or tube employee, so that one might be able to burrow into the bowels of the earth. Not otherwise may one hope to escape from the piercing blasts of rude Boreas. Cross-country travelling is immensely easier in the winter than during the summer. The lakes and marshes of July have become hard surfaces, strong enough to bear the heaviest traffic. For about six weeks the sun makes up for working over-time during the summer and withdraws altogether. The resultant gloom is rather depressing, but, probably owing to the presence of the snow, it is never dark during all the 24hours of the day.

The atmosphere during the winter months is dry. Taken as a whole, the weather conditions are preferable to those which obtain during our so-called winter at home. From the 15th "November 1918, to the end of March this year, Murmansk did not experience a single damp day.

Think of it, ye dwellers in Merrie England!

Editor: At a time when so many today have difficultly spelling the simplest of words, I am, when reading articles such as this one published in the July 1919 edition of the Globe & Laurel, always struck by the wonderful command of the English language that the ordinary Marine of that period had, It says much for the education systems that were in use in England in the 19th & early 20th centuries.(Tom C. RMAQ)

1919. Tuesday 8th July. Action at Troitsa on the River Dwina, during a mutiny by White Russians in Northern Russia.

1919. Thursday 10th July. Royal Marines Field Force embarked at Archangel for England.

1919. Summer. The 7th RM Battalion was formed in the summer of 1919 from RMs landed under Lt–Col J. W. Hudleston, RMA, from the Grand Fleet, the Battalion was to help supervise a plebiscite, but was not used and re-embarked.(RMHS)

1919. August. The award of a distinctive badge for musical efficiency. RNSM Musicians who have reached the standard required for the granting of the Musical Proficiency Allowance (KR & AI vol II, App XV, Part III, No 11) were issued with a badge, red star, to be worn on the right arm below the elbow.

1919. July. The 6th RM Battalion was formed under Lt. Col A. de W. Kitkat, RMLI, for supervision of the plebiscite in Schleswig-Holstein (northern Germany), they were diverted to relieve northern Russian garrisons. Many of the older men were employed in GHQ and as clerks on the Murmansk railway. The companies, each reduced by these commitments to some 140 or so young Marines, were sent to forward areas on Lake Onega. At Kapaselga some 15 miles south of the Medvyejya Gora base the Marines took over the outpost line, which had been pushed south. General Maynard was moving what forces he could to secure lines of communication the Shunga Peninsula where a rising against the Bolsheviks had been successful, About this time several small units 'were relegated to the lines of communication', including some Marines after they refused duty.

On 23rd August the companies were deployed, and on the night of 28th - 29th August moved against two concentrations of Finnish troops supporting the Bolsheviks. After this action and the subsequent operations, the companies were replaced by White Russians and Serbians (a battalion of these fighters served in the Allied force), and sailed from Murmansk on 8th October, being dispersed a week later. There has never been another 6 Battalion RM.(RMHS)

1919. Friday 1st August. HMS Caradoc bombarded the Bolshevists at Kinburn in the Crimea.

1919. Friday 1st August. 6th Royal Marines Battalion embarked at Tilbury for Northern Russia.

1919. Friday 1st - 8th August. HMS Caradoc engaged in operations on the Rivers Bug and Dnieper in Southern Russia.

1919. Sunday 10th August. Royal Marines from the naval Force in action on the Selmenga River in Northern Russia.

1919. Sunday 17th August. 6 Battalion in action on the Railway at Kapaselga in Northern Russia.

1919. Saturday 30th August. 'C' Coy 6 Battalion in the first skirmish at Koikori in Northern Russia.

1919. Tuesday 2nd September. Details of the Caspian Naval Force leave Petrovsk.

1919. Monday 8th - 10th September. 6 Battalion in action at Ussuna and Koikori in Northern Russia.

1919. Tuesday 16th September. Royal Marines from the Naval Force in action on the Vaga River in Northern Russia.

1919. Tuseday 30th September. The Naval Force evacuated Archangle in Northern Russia.

1919. Thursday 8th October. 6th Royal Marines embarked at Archangle for England.

1919. Tuesday 11th November. The Offical end of the First World War.

1919. November. Discontent had spread to the aircraft carrier 'Vindictive' in Copenhagen. A Marine detachment was called in to disperse a group of seamen demanding leave. Two men were arrested. Later two stokers were caught trying to stop the fan engines. They were each given five years. The following morning virtually no one turned up for duty. This provoked Captain Grace to arrest five more alleged 'ringleaders'. They were condemned to 90 days hard labour before a dishonourable discharge. Another six were arrested, but resistance continued. The next morning 14 crewmen were still refusing duty and were arrested. That evening another two arrests were made.

1919. Late in the year. There was a large mutiny in a Marine battalion at Murmansk. The 6th Battalion of the Royal Marines, formed in the summer of 1919 at a time of unrest over demobilisation, were originally intended to police Schleswig Holstein. However, at short notice the Battalion had been diverted to cover the evacuation of Murmansk. They were sent to the Lake Onega region, a further 300 miles south of Kem. In August 1919 two companies refused duty: 90 men were tried and found guilty of mutiny by a court martial. Thirteen men were sentenced to death and others to up to 5 years imprisonment.

None of the death sentences were actually carried out. The 90 mutineers were shipped to Bodmin prison, where they continued their resistance to arbitrary authority. (In this they were acting in the best traditions of the Royal Marines. In December 1918 some Marines had been involved in a mutiny inside Bodmin prison which had resulted in three death sentences, later commuted to five years penal servitude.) Continued resistance paid off. The ninety men arrested after the Murmansk incident had their sentences reduced as follows: the 13 sentenced to death were commuted to five years, but 12 were released after only one year, and the other after two years. Twenty men, originally given 5 years, were released after six months. 51 men sentenced to two years were also released within six months. (Author Unknown).

1919. Ships Detachments. Many ships were laid up immediately after World War I, or, in the case of older vessels, had been stripped of their guns, but the lists below of capital ships and cruisers existing in 1919 but disposed of by 1932 indicate the Corps' commitment to naval gunnery at the end of that war. Details are given of displacement tonnage and the date of a ship's first inclusion in government financial estimates. See any standard reference books of naval ships, for details of the armament, but Royal Marines almost invariably manned at least one main turret and a number of secondary guns.

Detachment sizes are indicated by letter 'd' and RM band sizes by 'b', where these have been estimated the item is starred (*). These figures are indicative only of the size of these units for several reasons. In the 1930s many detachments were as much as 25 per cent below their establishment strength, due to the shortage of manpower. The approved strengths for wartime service were some 35 per cent above those of peacetime. In some cases the actual strengths were even increased by 50 per cent after the outbreak of World War II as additional armaments were added. Further increases in weaponry during that War, led to further increases in detachment sizes and no doubt in band sizes, where musicians were needed for increased instrumentation in the T/S. Detachments were further increased on those ships acting as flagships.

The dates of a ship's completion and of its disposal are shown in parentheses, except for those disposed of before 1932. Not included are a number of ships on which Marines served briefly, including the gunboats in China, destroyers at Narvik, and depot ships and submarines on which individual Marines occasionally served.

Battleships and Dreadnoughts of 1919 disposed of by 1932.

Majestic–class (14,900 tons) of 1894 — d–and–b 80*, in Caesar, Hannibal, Jupiter, Magnificent, Prince George and Victorious.

Canopus–class (12,950 tons) of 1896 — d–and–b 100*, in Albion, Canopus, Glory, and Vengeance.

Formidable–class (15,000 tons) of 1898 — d–and–b 100* in Implacable. London–class (15,000 tons) of 1898 — d–and–b 100* in London and Venerable. Duncan–class (14,000 tons) of 1898 — d–and–b 100* in Albermarle, Duncan and Exmouth. Queen–class (15,000 tons) of 1901 — d–and–b 100* in Queen and Prince of Wales. Purchased from Chile Swiftsure (11,800 tons) of 1902 — d and b not traced.

King Edward–class (16,350 tons) of 1902 — d–and–b 100* in Africa, Commonwealth, Dominion, Hibernia, Hindustan and Zealand.

Lord Nelson–class (16,500 tons) of 1904 — d–and–b 100*

Dreadnought (17,900 tons) of 1906 — d and b not traced.

Temeraire–class (18,000 tons) of 1907 — d–and–b 96 in Bellerophon, Superb and Temeraire.

St Vincent–class (19,250 tons) of 1909 — d–and–b 99 in Collingwood and St Vincent.

Neptune (19,900 tons) of 1909 — d–and–b 97.

Colossus–class (20,000 tons) of 1909 — d–and–b 99 in Colossus and Hercules.

Orion–class (22,500 tons) of 1912 — d–and–b 97 in Conqueror, Monarch, Orion and Thunder 1932).

King George–class (23,000 tons) of 1911 — d–and–b 97 in Ajax, Centurion (in 1913 used as radio controlled

target ship see also post–1932) and King George V. When these were flagships the d–and–b was 107.

Iron Duke–class (25,000 tons) of 1912 — d 109 and b 24 in Benbow, Emperor of India, Iron Duke (see also post 1932) and Marlborough.

Battleships 1932–1960

Iron Duke — see above — (1912–46 but disarmed c1922)

Centurion — see above — used as a Mulberry blockship in 1944.

Queen Elizabeth–class (31,100 tons) of 1912–13 — d 115 and b 24 in Barham (1915–41, sunk), Queen Elizabeth (1915–48), Warspite (1915–47, with a d 200 and b 24 at times in World War II), Malaya (1916–48) and Valiant (1916–48).

Royal Sovereign–class (29,150 tons) of 1913–14 — d 125 and b 22 in Resolution (1916–48), Revenge (1916–48),

Royal Sovereign (1916–1943 when secondary armament was reduced, 1944 to USSR) and Ramillies (1917–48). Nelson (33,500 tons) and Rodney (33,900 tons) both of 1922 — d 185 and b 20 (1927–49 and 1927–48) respectively.

King George V–class (35,000 tons) of 1936–7 — d–and–b 350 in King George V (1950–48), Duke of York (1941–58), Prince of Wales (1941 and sunk that year), Anson (1942–58) and Howe (1942–58).

Vanguard (44,500 tons) of wartime (1940) but not built until later — d–and–b 350, for Royal tour in 1947 the band was increased to 50* (1946–60)

Battle–Cruisers

Invincible–class (17,250 tons) of 1906 — d–and–b 86 in Indomitable (1908–21) and Inflexible (19808–21).

Improved Invincible–class (18,750 tons) of 1909 — d–and–b 86 in HMAS Australia (1912–24) and New Zealand (1912–22).

Lion–class (26,350) of 1909 — d–and–b 88 in Lion (1919–24) and Princess Royal 1912–22. When these were flagships, the d–and–b was 94.

Tiger (28,500 tons) of 1911 — d–and–b 115 (1914–32).

Renown–class of world War I — d–and–b 157* in Renown (1916–48) and Repulse (1916–1941 sunk).

Hood (42,100 tons) — d 135* and b 17 (1920–41 sunk).(RMHS)

1919. The list of Medals the British government agreed to award its military personel for taking part in the First World War. (taken from 'Britains Sea Soldiers 1914 - 1919 by Sir H. E. Blumberg).

After the Armistice certain honours were awarded to Royal Marine Officers in conjunction with Naval Officer for their services afloat in the Grand Fleet.

C.B. Major and Brevet Leiutenant Colonel B.C. Gardiner. RMLI who had been Fleet W/T Officer since August 1914.

C.M.G. Major A.G. Little. RMLI. Senior Officer RM. afloat since 1916.

O.B.E.

Major H.E. Gillespie RMLI.

Major G.H. Jooye RMA.

Captain H.R. Haines RMLI.

Captain C.A. Lucas RMLI.

Captain E.J. Jukes-Hughes RMLI.

M.B.E.

RM Gunner J. Cameron.

RM Gunner F.O. Botterill.

Rm Gunner E. Kimber.

Bandsman J.G. Welsh.

The following is a list of those awarded as members of the Corps Afloat.

Seageant W. H. France RMA.

Seageant W. H. France RMA. Miscellaneous.

Gunner A. Fenton RMA. Miscellaneous.

Sergeant A. V. Proctor RMA. Mediterranean.

Lance Corporal R. D. Hale RMLI. (Portsmouth). Patrol Cruisers.

Private R. Burns RMLI (Portsmouth). Patrol Cruisers.

Colour Sergeant N. Sears (Portsmouth) Patrol Cruisers.

Lance Corporal G. Short (Plymouth). Patrol Cruisers.

Private R. Burns RMLI (Portsmouth). Patrol Cruisers.

Colour Sergeant N. Sears (Portsmouth) Patrol Cruisers.

Lance Corporal G. Short (Plymouth). Patrol Cruisers.

Sergeant A. B. Cox (Portsmouth). Miscellaneous.

Sergeant J. Dix (Portsmouth). Patrol Cruisers.

Private F. S. Paul (Plymouth). Mediterranean.

Colour Sergeant F. M. Thompson (Chatham). Mediterranean.

Private J. Wilson (Portsmouth). Patrol Cruisers.

Sergeant A. E. Bowen (Chatham). Egyptian Division.

Sergeant W. H. Padwick (Portsmouth). Egyptian Division.

Sergeant H. Hayes (Chatham). Aegean.

Sergeant F. W. Ladd (Chatham). Belgian Coast.

Private J. M. Stevenson (Plymouth). Miscellaneous.

Sergeant B.W. Hatcher (Portsmouth). Dover Patrol.

Private W. Marriott (Portsmouth). Dover Patrol.

Private T. H. Wïgley. (Plymouth). Aegean.

Private W. G. Geary. (Portsmouth). Miscellaneous.

Corporal D. Griffiths. (Portsmouth). North Russia.

Corporal W. J. Last. (RMA). North Russia.

Sergeant A. Levett. (Portsmouth). North Russia.

Private W. E. Lewington. (Portsmouth). North Russia.

Private W. E Peters. (Portsmouth. North Russia.

Sergeant E. C. White. (Portsmouth). North Russia.

Post-war demobilisation had seen the Royal Marines reduced from 55,000 during 1918 to 15,000 in 1922. Treasury was pressured for a further reduction to 6,000 or even the entire disbandment of the Corps. As a compromise an establishment of 9,500 was settled upon, but meant that two separate branches could no longer be maintained. The abandonment of the Marine's artillery role meant that the Corps would subsequently have to rely on Royal Artillery support when ashore, that the title of Royal Marines would apply to the entire Corps and that only a few specialists would now receive gunnery training. As a form of consolation the dark blue and red uniform of the Royal Marine Artillery now became the full dress of the entire Corps. Royal Marine officers and SNCO's however continue to wear the historic scarlet in mess dress to the present day. The ranks of Private, used by the RMLI, and Gunner, used by the RMA, were abolished and replaced by the rank of Marine.

1919 \- 1939. Conferences. Royal Marines served as orderlies for many conferences, including the Washington Conference of 1922, when seven corporals were commended by the First Lord of the Admiralty, as they 'proved themselves equal to every emergency in difficult circumstances'.(RMHS)

1920. Sergeant Norman Finch V.C. returned to the Corps and was promoted to Colour Sergeant after recovering from his sever injuries during the battle of Zeebrugge. He later became an Instructor of Coast Defence Gunnery and was made Colour Sergeant on 12th August 1920.

1920. Sunday 18th January. The Memorial Silver Bugles first sounded by Portsmouth Division RMLI. The officers of the Royal Marines purchased thirty two Silver memorial Bugles for Officers killed during the First world War. Issued in groups of eight to the RMLI Division at Chatham, Portsmouth, Plymouth and also the Depot.

1920. June. The 8th Battalion RM. The Battalion was brought together and, sailing to Cork in HMS Valiant and Warspite before being taken by destroyer to protect coastguard and signal stations around the coast. The three companies were split into detachments, none smaller than 27 strong, allowing for two men to be on leave in the UK, with posts often 100 miles from the companies' HQs. A typical post was at Buncrana on Lough Swilly (Donegal), some 20 miles north of Londonderry. Apart from Lewis gun and rifle practice at a box towed astern of a dinghy, no shots were fired.

Stations were to be defended to the last if attacked. The 1922 G&L p 39 refers to 'considerable casualties'. Individuals with the Battalion were relieved for home service from time to time, and the Battalion was not withdrawn until the spring of 1922, after the Anglo-Irish treaty was negotiated. The Marines by that date had been guarding some key points for five years, as the 8th Battalion had taken over these duties from the rear party of an RM Battalion that went to Ireland in 1916.(RMHS)

1920. Tuesday 24th August. bandmaster W.E.F Faithfull, veteran of antwerp and Gallipoli (where he was wounded and earned a Mention in Despatches), became the first Band Boy to reach Commissioned rank when he was promoted Lieutenant and QM.

1920. November. Confirmation of rank 'BdCSgt' and 'BdSgt' being substituted for Bandmaster 1st Class and Bandmaster 2 nd Class. Previously described in 1920.

1920. Tuesday 9th November. Colour Sergeant Norman Finch V.C. was a member of the guard of honour mustered at Westminster Abbey during the internment of the Unkown Warrior.

1920. Sunday 21st November. 'Red Sunday'. In Brompton Cemetery, West London, there is a family plot belonging to the Montgomery family. Amongst the memorials is a simple stone cross on a stepped pedestal, dedicated to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Ferguson Montgomery RMLI, who died in Dublin on the 10th December 1920 from 'wounds received at the hands of an assassin on Sunday 21st November of the same year.

Montgomery was foremost a staff officer. He served as Adjutant at the Depot, was posted to the newly established Naval War Staff, where he earned the approval of the First sea Lord for his part in the Naval and Military planning for the defence of Scapa Flow; he was also promoted Brevet Major and was appointed secretary of the Cromarty Defence Works Committee, remaining on the Naval War Staff until June 1915.

That month he left for France to become Brigade Major of 90th Infantry Brigade, a post he held for just under one year before becoming GSO 2 in 34th Infantry Division on the Somme and later in XIII Corps. At the end of October 1917 he was GSO 1 in 19th Infantry Division, a post which he held until May 1919. During his service in France and Germany he was mentioned in despatches six times, was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, was awarded the CMG and the DSO and was made a Chevalier of the French Legion D'Honeur.

On return to the UK he was appointed to the Staff in Dublin. By November 1920 Ireland was a violent place, with terrorism, kidnap and murder on the one hand and martial law and 'trigger happy' troops on the other. Intelligence on both sides was good; security was frankly bad. Sunday 21st November brought a crescendo of violence, which was variously reported in the press the following day.

The Dublin newspaper majored on the excesses of the 'Black and Tans"' who had entered the football ground at Croke Park, where a crowd of 15,000 had gathered for a Gaelic football match. Here they were allegedly fired upon from several points in the crowd and returned fire with the inevitable casualties to innocent parties. Initial reports were of some 11 killed and 60 to 100 wounded.

The 'Times' coined the name 'Red Sunday', reporting the 'Football Field Battle', a 'Murder in Nurses' Garden', as well as the kidnap of two constables, one of whom was still missing, and the discovery of the body of a catholic priest who had condemned IRA violence from his pulpit. His senior prelate, Archbishop Mannix, was more circumspect; addressing a crowd of 1,000 in a cinema, he had condemned British 'frightfulness', claiming that he was unaware of any murder gangs, but if they did exist they would soon disappear when the troops were withdrawn. Prominence in the 'Times' columns was reserved for the murder of 14 staff officers and the wounding of four others in a well organised and co-ordinated series of visits by armed republicans to eight addresses, including private homes, lodging houses and the Gresham Hotel. The Dublin paper made no mention of these events. The victims were sought by name and appear to have been staff officers engaged in intelligence work or in the preparation of Courts Martial on IRA activists recently arrested.

Lieutenant Colonel Montgomery was lodged in a large boarding house on Upper Pembroke Road. Shortly before breakfast that Sunday, the house porter opened the door in response to a knock and was promptly held at gun point, along with the landlady, Mrs Grey, while eight of the armed raiders rushed upstairs through the house. Ten or eleven shots later they ran down and out into the street. On the third floor they left two officers dead, on the second floor two badly wounded and on the first floor the landlady found Montgomery at the door of his room, also badly wounded. On the floor of the hail lay another badly wounded subaltern.

Montgomery died a few weeks later. A sordid end to a distinguished career. His body was shipped back from Dublin, where a cortege of 1,000 artillery, cavalry and infantry escorted the coffin to the ship through crowded streets. At Euston it was met by the GOC London District, who led the cortege to Brompton Cemetery, where the service was performed by the deceased's uncle, Bishop Montgomery, father of the Field Marshal. The pall bearers were Royal Marines officers, but the coffin was carried by eight men of the Grenadier Guards, who themselves had lost a field officer in Dublin on 'Red Sunday'.

'The Black and Tans' were an armed force recruited in Ireland to fight Sinn Fein wearing a mixture of military and constabulary uniforms. (Lieutenant Colonel B L Edwards - RMHS)

1920. December. Warrant Rank was assigned to those who had been appointed as a Bandmaster or Commissioned Bandmaster provided the appropriate qualifications had been attained.

1920. Friday 24th December. The Award of the Prince of Wales Plumes to Plymouth Division Band following the Royal Tour to Canada on HMS Renown. This band was selected for its Musicianship and for its dedication to duty whilst on active service during the great war.

1920. Captain and Brevet Major A.R. Chater, the Adjutant at the Depot, Deal, presented a pair of silver and ebony drumsticks to be used by the most efficient Drummer at the depot each year. Awarded to Bugler Crane (1920), Bugler Tyler (1921) and Bugler Astle (1922). The tradition then lapsed but the drumsticks were retained and are now part of the Royal Marines Museum Collection.

1920. 'A Life On The Ocean Waves', written by Henry Russell and arranged by Jacob Kappey (Chatham Division Band RM) was officially recognised as the 'Regimental Quick March' of the Royal Marines by Lords Commissioners of the admiralty. (Thirty eight years after the same recognition by the War Office).

1921. Thursday 31st March - Friday 1st July. The 13th RM (Reserve) Battalion was formed from reservists at the time of the coal strikes, which culminated in the national coal strike, the Battalion provided detachments to protect installations and RN personnel manning pumps at the mines. However, they were disbanded within a year.(RMHS)

1921. Friday 15th April. 'Royal Marines in the Coal Strike', by Lt. Col George R. Hawkins OBE. RM. In the early days of 1921 the headlines in the newspapers were extremely gloomy. The submarine K5 was lost with all hands, the German Delegates refused to sign the Paris Agreement, in Ireland Sinn-Fein outrages occurred almost daily; to add to the gloom the miners declared a National Strike, and appealed to the transport and railway workers for support. This was stunning news because the miners took the unprecedented action of calling out the safety men who man the pumps, with the possibility of mines therefore becoming flooded and destroyed.

Although the mines were privately owned (they were not nationalised until 1947) the Government could not allow the destruction of this valuable part of our national wealth. A state of emergency was declared in the United Kingdom, and armed forces were ordered to protect the coal mines.

An emergency force of R.M.A. from Eastney, and R.M.L.I. from Gosport (Forton) was formed in great haste. In fact, at such short notice that the drafting officer at Forton had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to get the numbers required. He could only do this by including the tug-of--war team training for Olympia, the divisional soccer team, and the 'gravel bellies' earmarked for Bisley. All the Young Officers courses were stopped, probably to their delight, and the 2nd Lieutenants were made platoon commanders.

Nobody knew our destination although there was a rumour that it was the Fife coalfields. This interested us because the Scottish miners were the most militant and toughest in the industry, and there was a Scottish saying "Ye need a lang (long) flanked spoon to sup with a Fifer".

The rumour was true, and we went by special train to Glasgow, where we were quartered in the Highland Light Infantry Barracks to await final instructions. The time was well spent on lectures about 'Aid to Civil Power'. The 'Royals' and the 'Jocks' got on extremely well; their regimental tug-of-war team was training for a Scottish Tournament, and an invitation to the Royal Marines to give them a pull was willingly accepted. It was no disgrace to the 'Jocks' to be beaten; they put up a very good show against the team that had won the event at Olympia in the previous year. We hoped that our visit helped them to win their Scottish contests!

The stay in Glasgow was short and enjoyable: as we marched away a piper played "Will ye no come back again" and we were very touched, but in marked contrast we received a chilly reception in Fife. In every village we were greeted with jeers and boos, and at Dysart we were stopped by a road block manned by an angry mob who hurled stones and abuse. Colonel Patterson, the CO, had a quiet manner but larger than life personality. Having selected the striker with the biggest mouth and most abusive tongue he said to a hefty 'Blue Marine', "Bring that man to me for a friendly chat". His words worked wonders, the miner walked back meekly and told the mob to shut up and clear the road, which they did, so we could continue on our way.

Fife is studded with coal mines and the company to which I belonged occupied Balgonie Colliery, but the routine that I describe there was similar to all the others. An angry mob threatened to prevent our entrance to the pit, yet wisely refrained from using violence, so we pressed on and took possession. The OC at Balgonie was Captain F W (Freddie) Dewhurst supported by 2nd Lieuts A G (Cock) Warren, Bertie Knowles and myself. ('Cock' Warren was the subject of a recently published book, 'Marines don't hold horses'). Sentries were posted immediately, and barriers erected (fortunately logs, planks, pit-props and ropes were plentiful) and having made the colliery secure thoughts turned to cooking meals, but apart from a small gas ring, no facilities existed for cooking. This however presented no problem as all marines had practiced cooking in the field but, much more fortuitous, quite a large number had served at sea before 'general messing' was introduced, and had in turn to prepare a meat course and a pudding for their mess mates. It took very little time to construct an efficient field oven and dig narrow trenches for cooking in mess-tins.

By nightfall we had settled in and an excellent hot meal was enjoyed by all, including the pit manager and the volunteer undergraduates from Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities. The messing was very good and there were few complaints about the cooking; Balgonie simply swarmed with rabbits so we had rabbit pie, stewed rabbit, stuffed rabbit and other dishes that Mrs Beeton had never heard of! Private Johnson, the officers' cook was excellent, and when Captain Dewhurst had a birthday the jugged hare, cooked secretly to perfection, was a pleasant surprise for Freddie!

Considering all the circumstances there was much less unpleasantness than might have been expected; not even a squeak of protest came as patrols escorted volunteers in and out of the pit although pickets were placed outside the local store (the Co-op) where they had persuaded the manager not to serve the military. Consequently when marines went to buy bread he refused to serve them, explaining that the miners were his best customers and he could therefore not afford to have his store 'blacked'. This was reported to 'Cock' Warren who called on him and asked for a signed statement "that he would not serve Royal Marines" to be forwarded to 'a higher authority'. This stunned the manager who was unsure of his ground, and immediately he withdrew his objection, but requested that the marines would be 'armed' to impress the watching miners outside his store. This was an isolated incident.

The tension of the first few days died down and we were able to have a more settled routine in which the time from 'reville' to 'lights out' was fully occupied, as apart from guard duties, patrolling and cooking, there was PT, swimming, bayonet fighting with blobstick (home-made), vaulting on a box-horse (also home-made) and exercising ponies. In the evening there was usually a sing-song round the camp fire to the music of the mouth-organ or a fife, or games were played.

The pit ponies had become such good friends that they deserve a mention; they had been below ground for months and it was a pleasing sight to see them gambolling in the fresh air the marines knew the names of all of them except one, which they christened 'Hannah Snell'! When we first saw the brass on the harness it was as black as the leather to which it was attached, but on our departure, after plenty of Brasso and 'elbow-grease', it shone like the ships bell in the fleet flagship!

An army doctor, a Captain RAMC(TA) was attached to HQ but fortunately we never needed his attention, though his car was useful, especially for picnics! There was no Chaplain with the force and in the early days Sunday had to be just an ordinary day, but later when the pressures eased Royal Marines in uniform could be seen in the congregations at many churches, especially at Leven where the OC was Captain Sammy Bucknall a lay-reader who took 'Holy Orders' after he retired. The Minister at Leven welcomed RNs to his church and to the Manse afterwards, in fact Mr and Mrs Patterson and their daughter Jean were very kind to us and organised picnics and sightseeing trips, the favourite attraction being the house where Alexander Selkirk (Robinson Crusoe) was born.

On 25 April, in an effort to get peace, the Government made an offer of ten million pounds, but this was rejected by the miners; nevertheless the RMLI tug-of-war team was recalled to Forton in time to complete training for the Army and Navy Tournament at Olympia (they made a habit of winning the light-weight event whilst the RNA won the heaviest) and a coal strike could not be allowed to spoil the sequence! Social Security, as we know it today, did not exist in 1921 so the miners were forced to rely on their strike funds which were getting dangerously low, although soup kitchens which were organised in every village prevented starvation. Concerts, whist drives, football matches, and fancy dress parades were organised to help the funds, but insufficient money was raised to save the miners and an agreement was finally reached at the end of June. The miners returned to the pits, the volunteers to the Universities, the pit ponies to the underground, and the Royal Marines to their Divisions.

Living for three months in a coal mine had been quite an experience and as we left Balgonie the miners, their wives and children, waved until we were out of sight. We wondered what would happen at Dysart, where we had received such a hostile reception, but as we marched through the village this time instead of jeers there were cheers. When the order "March at ease, carry on smoking" was given, out came the pipes and baccy plus the proverbial mouth-organ to be played whilst we all sang lustily.

It is hoped that the Dysart miners forgot our arrival and only remembered our departure as we marched away singing a song of the Great War, "Good bye-ee, don't cry-ee , wipe the tear Baby dear from your eye-ee , though it's hard to part I know, I'll be tickled to death to go. Good bye-ee, don't sigh-ee, there's a silver. lining in the sky-ee. (from the RMHS)

1921. Friday 18th February. The first six Band Boy Section leaders appointed at RNSM. Selected by the Superintendent based upon 12 months service, 2nd Class Certificate of Education, 'VG' in Infantry Drill, Physical Training and fire Control and having passed the swimming test. Cleanliness, appearance and behaviour, musical ability and sportsmanship were also taken into account. Object was to encourage Band Boy of exceptional ability and those likely to be candidates for future promotion.

1921. Saturday 5th March. On this day the set of five Memorial Silver Drums and a silver finished bass drum Dedicated as the Official Royal Naval School of Music War Memorial and presented at a parade held at the RNSM Eastney. Over one hundred and forty men of the RNSM plus fifty five Buglers and also two Musicians from Royal Marine Divisional Bands lost their lives during World War 1.

1921. Wednesday 16th March. 11th Battalion and RM detachments in Turkey. Turkish Nationalists opposed to the Sultan refused to accept certain treaties negotiated with him by the allies, including the Greeks, who the British government initially supported. Marines and sailors from the Mediterranean Fleet numbering 3,60014 were landed in Constantinople (modern Istambul) on 16th March 19201 and met no resistance. In June ships and planes bombarded the Nationalists occupying the Ismid Peninsula and these Turks withdrew. Early in July strong parties of Marines and seamen were again landed from the Fleet; these were later withdrawn but the Fleet's presence maintained in Constantinople. A Nationalist army in 1921 drove the Greeks back to their enclave in Smyrna and the French and Italians made peace with the Turks.

The 11th Battalion was initially formed during the emergency declared for the 1921 coal strike.(RMHS)

1921. Tuesday 2nd August. Three O'Donnell Brothers promoted Lieutenant as Directors of Music on the same day.

1921. Friday 11th November. The Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, unveiled the previous year, including the Royal Marines Buglers (Chatham Division) sounding Reveille immediately after the two minutes silence and the singing of 'O God, Our Help in Ages Past'. This was repeated in 1922 but in 1923 there was a reduced Service.

1921. Titles 'Band Colour Sergeant' and 'Band Sergeant' was withdrawn and the old titles of 'Bandmanster 1st class' and 'Bandmaster 2nd Class' reinstated.

1921. The 10th Battalion Formed by the time of the coal miners' strike in 1921, elements were deployed apparently to defend strategic installations.(RMHS)

1921. 14th Battalion was another internal security battalion formed in 1921, but so far no futher details have been traced.(RMHS)

1922. The Greeks invested Constantinople, weakening their Smyrna army to do so. A few Marines were landed at Smyrna 'as a calming influence'16 from the battleship King George V, but the city caught fire a few days later and on 13th September was burnt to the ground. Greeks and Armenians numbering 250,000 were then evacuated by sea, and Nationalist Turkish forces of 35,000 moved towards the Dardanelles. Five British army battalions and some planes blocked the Turks' possible advance across the straits, the troops digging in on the Asian shore around Chanak. The 11th RM Battalion - mobilised in a few days - sailed on 28th September, their transport ship reportedly reaching Constantinople in five days. The Battalion's four companies, some 70018 in all under Lt. Col J. A. M. A. Clark, CMG, RMLI, included an RMA company sent out as infantry. These gunners were remustered for duty with the RMA Heavy Batteries,19 for on 21st October Maj W. H. Tripp, DSO, MC, joined the Battalion to command 12 naval guns the Marines had installed by building piers on the northern shores of the Dardanelles, 20 to cover a 30 mile arc across the water. At this time they came under command of GOC Chanak (on Amalgamation they became RM Heavy Batteries).

The infantry companies did guard duties in Constantinople and in the defence of the neutral zone around the city. Their only casualty was a death from malaria21 before sailing in August 1923 for the UK, where they were disbanded in September.(RMHS)

1922. Post-war demobilisation had seen the Royal Marines reduced from 55,000 (1918) to 15,000 in 1922.

1922. The Royal Marines 8th Battalion served in Ireland.

1923. Saturday 28th April. Gosport War Memorial Hospital opened, commemorating the 68 officers and 1,703 other ranks of the Portsmouth Division RMLI from Forton Barracks who died during World War 1. This number includes seventeen Buglers.

1923. There was Treasury pressure for a further reduction of Royal Marines down to 6,000 or even the entire disbandment of the Corps. As a compromise an establishment of 9,500 was settled upon but this meant that two separate branches could no longer be maintained. The abandonment of the Marine's artillery role meant that the Corps would subsequently have to rely on Royal Artillery support when ashore, that the title of Royal Marines would apply to the entire Corps and that only a few specialists would now receive naval gunnery training. As a form of consolation the dark blue and red uniform of the Royal Marine Artillery now became the full dress of the entire Corps. Royal Marine officers and Senior NCO's however continue to wear the historic scarlet in mess dress to the present day. The ranks of Private, used by the RMLI, and Gunner, used by the RMA, were abolished and replaced by the rank of Marine.

1923. Friday 22nd June. During most of their history Royal Marines had been organised as fusiliers. On this day the separate Artillery and Light Infantry forces were formally amalgamated into the Corps of Royal Marines. The 11th Battalion were serving in Turkey. While the 12th Battalion were in Shanghai.

The Royal Marine Genealogical Tree 1664 - 1923.

1923. Friday 22nd June. The Royal Marine Artillery and Royal Marine Light Infantry were amalgamated. The Portsmouth Division RMLI, located at Forton Barracks, Gosport, closed, and all ranks moved to the previous home of the RMA at Eastney Barracks, Southsea which became Portsmouth Division Royal Marines. The prefixes 'CH', 'PLY', and 'PO' were retained and the Corps title reverted to 'Royal Marines', as in 1802. The register number allocated to a rank entered at one of the Divisions after the amalgamation simply 'followed on' the last number allocated before 22nd June 1923, e.g. CH 12346 George Smith (RMLI). Who say joined on 1st June 1923 was followed by CH 12347 William Brown (RM) who say joined on the 1st July 1923. All numbers of up to five digits which follow the prefixes 'CH', 'PLY' or 'PO' indicates ranks entered in the Royal Marine Light Infantry (and subsequently Royal Marines) Divisions before October 1925, including in the cases of Chatham and Plymouth Divisions, former RMA men transferred on amalgamation.

All numbers of up to five digits which follow the prefix 'RMA' indicates who had entered in the Royal Marine Artillery before the amalgamation. On amalgamation RMA ranks were transferred to one of the new RM (formally RMLI) divisions. RMA ranks transferred to Chatham and Plymouth Divisions were given new CH and PLY five-digit numbers, but for those transferring to Chatham and Plymouth Divisions the number '2' was added to their old number, so RMA/17000 Thomas Greenslade (RMA) became PO/217000 Thomas Greenslade (RM). Thus the Portsmouth Division ranks with a six-digit register number beginning with 2 can be instantly identified as an ex-RMA.

The suffix 'S' to any of the 'CH', 'PLY', or 'RMA' numbers indicates a rank who entered one of these divisions for Short Service during World War 1. In 1914 the short service register numbers began quite simply at 'Ply/1 (S) (eg PLY 3287 (S) C C Anderson.), Po/1 (S) and Ch/1 (S) and RMA/1(S).

The prefix 'RMB' followed by a number of up to four figures (RMB1 – RMB 3087) indicates a rank who entered the Royal Naval School of Music between its foundation in 1903 and before October 1925. This sequence of numbers was resumed again in August 1955, but from RMB 3400 to prevent any duplication.

The prefix 'Depot', followed by a number of up to three digits (Depot/1-Depot/688), indicates a rank entered on the establishment of the Depot, Royal Marines Deal, between 1866 and 1931. Ranks would have originally had a Divisional number, ie with Prefix CH, PO or PLY, but on being accepted for the staff of the Depot, they were allocated a new register number; 'D' or 'Depot' followed by three digits. The last number so allocated was in fact Depot 1688, after which in 1925, in common with all other RN and RM numbers an 'X' was added. In 1931 this practice was discontinued and the final number of these was Depot/X 45. Records were then transferred to Chatham, Portsmouth or Plymouth Divisions as appropriate and the next available register numbers were allocated.

During the 1914-18 World War the prefix 'Deal', followed by numbers of up to four digits and the suffix 'S', were allocated to ranks enlisted for Short Service during World War 1. These ranks served mostly in miscellaneous units of the Royal Naval Division. Numbers were allocated as Follows:

RM Divisional Engineers RN Division D/1(S) to D1500(S).

RM Divisional Train D/1501(S0) to D/2762(S).

RM Medical Unit D/3000(S) to D/4400(S).

Ordnance Company RM Division D/4520(S) to D/4553(S).

RN Divisional Engineers D/5000(S) to D/5599(S).

(The 'S' can be shown as either a suffix or a prefix for these numbers. It is also often shown in lower case.)

The prefix 'D' on its own seems to have been rarely used. To distinguish between Depot staff and men who were borne on the books

At Deal for pay and admin (e.g. RMLC, RND Engineers, RM Medical Units), the 'system' seems to have been for staff to be recorded as Depot/123 and the latter as Deal/1234(S).

1923. Friday 3rd August. As part of the amalgamation of the Royal Marine Artillery and the Royal Marine Light Infantry the Portsmouth Division of the RMLI, based at Forton Barracks was integrated with the Royal Marine Artillery at Eastney Barracks. This resulted in the special badge of the Prince of Wales Plumes, awarded Wednesday 5th July 1876 to the Band of the Portsmouth Division RMLI, being transferred, along with many members of the branch, to the Royal Marine Depot Deal Band. While the Colours were transferred to Eastney. The photo is of the Royal Marine Genealogical Tree 1664 - 1923.

1923. Autumn. 'X' Organisation, later MNBDO Nucleus (Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation.) Formed in the autumn of 1923 at Fort Cumberland, Eastney in Hampshire, the Organisation experimented with methods of landing guns etc. over scaffolding piers 'mainly by extemporisation, brute force and guts'. After a major exercise in 1935 on the Isle of Arran (Scotland), the Nucleus arrived in Alexandria on 23rd September, worked on defences in Egypt and Palestine, returning to the UK in July 1936. The authorised strength was then increased but men were drafted from the unit in 1938 to bring fleet detachments up to war–strength. This was later stopped, and the Nucleus organised into eight AA batteries to defend Portsmouth. In August 1939 a battery of eight 3.7–in guns was formed and sent to Alexandria, with some men from the Nucleus and 100 from the Fleet, who were replaced by reservists.

That summer the unit strength was 264 all ranks,4 175 of these manning the AA guns in Alexandria. Men from the Nucleus were also drafted to the Fortress Unit (FU I) that summer. Fourteen of the unit's 20 AA and coastal guns were sent to the army. Skeleton units were left at Fort Cumberland in September 1939, for an air defence brigade HQ, a signals company, fire control for 6-in gun batteries and a Landing, Transport and Workshop (LTW) Company. The unit had a few tractors, six searchlights, training facilities5 for coastal defence artillery, including indirect fire control gear. It also had quantities of scaffolding and other materials for landing guns over beaches. The experience gained in the 16 years to 1939 gave this Organisation probably the most advanced techniques for the beach landing of heavy equipment of any service in the world. It was situated alongside the ISTDC at Fort Cumberland, so that there was certainly unofficial liaison between these units.

Those remaining at Fort Cumberland joined MNBDO I on its formation. The war establishment of officers and 568 other ranks had been agreed by 17th May 1939, but the unit was not brought up to strength until 1940 as MNBDO I.

1924. Tuseday 11th November. The Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph again featured sixteen Buglers from the Chatham Division. Despite the 1923 amalgamation they were still wearing red tunics. RAF trumpeters, involved for the first time, played the last post. This is the year that the ceremony took the form that is used today.

1924. The Fleet Air Arm of the RAF was created and volunteers were called for from the Royal Marines and 19 officers volunteered.

1924. 'Those Magnificent Royal Marines in Their Flying Machines'. Between the Wars. After the formation of the RAF there were initially no opportunities for RM Officers to fly. However after the Trenchard-Keyes agreement of 1924, Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel were permitted to be seconded to the 'Fleet Air Arm', the new name given to the Air Force contingents serving with Royal Navy units. Over twenty RM officers took advantage of the opportunity to become pilots between the wars. A number chose to transfer to the RAF after their secondment so that they could continue to fly.

It was not until 1937 that the Royal Navy finally gained full administrative control of the Fleet Air Arm.

In this period some RM and RN pilots held RAF commissions in addition. Among this number figured officers such as J L MOULTON (who became a Major-General), P NORTH, N SKENE, and G MARTIN. Later on, after a gap, other officers were trained such as F BIRD, R T PARTRIDGE, O PATCH and R C HAY.

During this period one of the most notable achievements was attributed to a Royal Marines Pilot, Owen CATCHART-JONES.

Owen Cathcart -Jones was a man of many talents and great courage. Here, in 1928, serving as a Fleet Air Arm pilot and a Royal Marine, and flying a Fairey Flycatcher, he makes the first ever deck landing of an aircraft aboard HMS Courageous. He did so without the aid of arrester wires. Cathcart-Jones holds the high distinction of making the first successful landing of a fighter aircraft on an aircraft carrier at night, on 25th November 1929.

His airplane, also a Fairey Flycatcher took off from Hal Far RAF base on Malta and landed on Courageous which was moored in Grand Harbour. The Fairey Flycatcher holds the honour of being the first designed-for-the purpose single-seat carrier-borne fighter to be designed and enter production. Cathcart-Jones was literally everywhere during the period leading up to the Second World War, even ferrying aircraft to the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War.

Most of Cathcart-Jones' flying time with the Royal Navy was spent in China and in the Mediterranean Sea. His short bio on the FlyingMarines.com website speaks about his penchant for trouble: "He established a reputation as a forceful and daring pilot. One of his escapades became the talk of the Fleet - on 22nd Aug. 1929 he was on exercises with the Fleet and loaded plane with a large packet of "service brown" toilet paper intending to drop it HMS Revenge which should have been last in the line. Unfortunately the C-in-C had inverted the line and he dropped the "bunph" very accurately on the Flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth. His Flycatcher aircraft was clearly numbered "7" and the Captain of HMS Courageous was called to the Flagship on return to harbour to explain. Cathcart - Jones duly appeared before the Admiral with his reasons in writing and had to be on his best behaviour for some time."

Cathcart-Jones then left the Navy and the Royal Marines to pursue civilian aviation goals. On the 31st March 1931, fellow RH aviator and wealthy playboy Glen Kidston and Owen Cathcart-Jones departed Netheravon on an attempt to break the Cape town record. Routing was Naples, Malta, Cairo, Kosti, Malakal, Kisumu, Salisbury, Bulawayo and Pretoria. A wireless operator, T.A. Vallette on loan from the Marconi Company, joined the flight as far as Cairo. At Cairo his place was taken by an engineer, G.W. Hills. On April the 5th they made a forced landing at Lichtenburg, Pretoria due engine trouble. The propeller was damaged when the Vega ran through wire fences. The aircraft was repaired and departed for Cape town, arriving the next day in the record time of 6 days 9 hours at an average speed of 134 mph.

By the mid-1930s, he had accumulated many awards and records including the 1934 McRobertson Centenary Gold Medal, 1934 Royal Aero Club Silver Medal and held eight long-distance world records. Along with Ken Waller, he came fourth in the McRobertson Centenary Air Race from Mildenhall to Melbourne in 1934.

Cathcart-Jones was a household name in the 1920s and 30s and his face was on everything from newspapers to cigarette cards (No.15 of the Famous Airmen and Airwomen Series). This photo shows him and the somewhat less photogenic and pugnacious Ken Waller during the MacRobertson Centennial Air Race. After arriving in Melbourne, they had a quick turn round and flew photos and film footage of the Australian stages and finish of the MacRobertson Air Race back to Britain, setting a new 'there and back again' record of 13 days 6 hours and 43 minutes. Cathcart-Jones would die in California in February 1986 at the age of 85 after a long retirement as a polo pony breeder.(Courtesy – 'Flyingmarines.com' & 'Fleetairarmarchive.com')

### Chapter 12

1925 – 1949

1925. Colour Sergeant Norman Finch V.C. was promoted Quartermaster Sergeant.

1925. Thursday 3rd September. The first direct recording from a radio broadcast by a military band took place when the RM Band of HMS Calcutta was recorded, playing as an orchestra in Canada.

1925. Design of divisional Drum major's Dress Belts standardised by the Adjutant General Royal Marines, as a result of the RMA / RMLI amalgamation.

1925. Registered Numbers. The Letter 'X' was added to the prefixes to indicate men enlisted or re-entered under the revised rates of pay, i.e. entries on and after 5th October 1925. (A new sequence of numbers beginning at 1 was started in each register for ranks who re-entered after a break in service of less than five years before 2nd November 1925).

1920's. The Royal Marines retained the Brodrick cap into the late 20s. They were replaced by the peaked cap, the initial issue being Broderick's with peak added! For a cap which was supposedly despised, it was retained by the Jollies far longer than the army. The Army adopted the cap in November 1900. It was initially issued to the newly formed Irish Guards (Guards pattern with coloured band - green for IG). The rest of the army had their patterns sealed in July 1902.

1920's. Ordnance Depot was formed in the 1920s as a small depot for MNBDO type stores, although it was expanded in the spring of 1940, and moved to Egypt in 1941, and in 1943 moved to Ceylon before returning to the UK in 1944. most of the specialist stores were then retained at Fort Cumberland. (RMHS)

1926. Standard pattern for design of Drum Majors staffs to be used by the Royal Naval School of Music and by the Bands of Commanders in Chief at Portsmouth, Plymouth, Atlantic Fleet, Mediterranean Fleet and China fleet.

1927. Monday 4th July. Kenneth J. Alford 'Ihe man behind the Music' Joined the Royal Marines.

Kenneth Alford (pseudonym of Major Fredrick Joseph Ricketts RM) was born in London on Mon 21st February 1881. By the time he was fourteen he had lost both his parents and, lying about his age, he decided to seek a career in Army music, joining the Royal Irish Regiment in 1895. He served in the army until 1927, after which he applied for a second time to become a bandmaster with the Royal Marines. This time it was approved. He became a lieutenant in the Royal Marines Band Service on Monday 4th July 1927. He was posted to the Band of the Marines' Depot at Deal in Kent. In 1930 Ricketts was posted to the Band of the Plymouth Division. Where he was commissioned in the Corps as a Director of Music. After almost fifty years military service he retired in 1944 due to poor health and died the following year on the 15th May.

The pseudonym "Kenneth J. Alford" was derived from the name of his eldest son, `Kenneth,' his own middle name `Joseph,' and his mother's maiden name `Alford.'

His unique musical style is easily distinguished. If you whistle a tortured rendition of the first few bars of Colonel Bogey, some people will identify it instantly, but as to who wrote it, very few will know. Although some may know it as the Bridge on the River Kwai March, and may believe it to be by J.P. Souza.

Philip John Souza (1854-1932) has for along time been considered the King of Marches, and although he was one of the most prolific, many lovers of military music will maintain that Kenneth Alford was his master. Souza's marches are brisk, tuneful, optimistic works which set the feet a-tapping, but some say that it is hard to listen to more than two or three of his marches at a time without feeling that they have had enough.

No matter what Alford march one selects, there will be a point where the music speaks. to either your heart or your mind rather than your feet. Old Panama, On the Quarter Deck and Eagle Squadron, all begin in a bright and lively fashion and very easily fill our expectations on the parade ground, but we soon find ourselves reflecting on the more serious theme running beneath the surface.

A master of instrumentation, Alford knew exactly how to exploit the brilliant edge of the piccolo, or the sweet-voiced sounds of the Euphonium and Tenor Sax players are especially blessed by delivering many of Alford 's ingenious counter-melodies. While listening to an Alford march the unfamiliar listener should concentrate on the lower instruments in, for example Colonel Bogey or Ho/rood.

He was wonderfully adept at weaving into his marches a short phrase from some other work, but never merely for the sake of it. In H.M. Jollies, he alludes to both Hearts of Oak (the march of the Royal Navy) and A Life on the Ocean Waves, our own Regimental March. In Eagle Squadron, reference is made to Rule Britannia and The Star Spangled Banner. In The Vanished Army, you can hear under-tones of /t's a Long Way to Tipperary and there is seamless reference to Home Sweet Home in Standard of St. George.

His Marches include:

THE VEDETTE. (1912).

COLONEL BOGEY (1914).

THE GREAT LITTLE ARMY (1916).

ON THE QUARTER DECK. (1917). THE MIDDY (1917).

VOICE OF THE GUNS (1917). THE VANISHED ARMY (1919). THE MAD MAJOR (1921).

CAVALRY IN THE CLOUDS (1923) THE THIN RED LINE (1925).

DUNEDIN (1928)

OLD PANAMA (1929). H.M. JOLLIES (1929). STANDARD OF ST. GEORGE (1930).

BY LAND AND SEA (1941). ARMY OF THE NILE (1941). EAGLE SQUADRON (1942).

HOLYROOD. (1912).

1927. Friday 11th March. Additional music approved for use and inclusion in KR & Al: RN March Past Hearts Of Oak, Royal Marine March Past: A Life On The Ocean Waves; RN / RM Advance in Review Order: Nancy Lee; General Salute for British Flag Officers not entitled to Rule Britannia - lolanthe; General Salute for Governors etc - Garb of Old Gaul.

1927. Tuesday 15th November. Upper Yangtse Guard. Formed with an officer and 10 other ranks from HMS Vindictive's detachment, the Guard sailed up river to help protect merchant ships passing through the rapids of the Upper Yangtze (modern Change Jiang).13 Other small detachments served in this Guard until 1928 or later.(RMHS)

1927. The 12th Battalion was another battalion which had its origins in a formation for the coal strike emergency. Disturbances in China led to the formation of the Shanghai Defence Force and other measures that by mid-March 1927 involved, 700 troops1 (10,000 of them British) to defend four times this number of foreigners in the city. The Admiralty offered a Marine battalion, available in a matter of days against the army's need of some weeks, and on 14th January 1927 telegraphed orders were sent to all RM Divisions to mobilise the 12th RM Battalion of 1,000 all ranks commanded by Lt. Col G. Carpenter, OBE, DSC.3 They were ready by 21st January but their old transport, SS Minnesota, had been laid up needing a good deal of preparation, and they could not embark until 26th January. The only wheeled transport taken was some horse drawn field cookers. (The Companies were originally numbered 1 to 4 but were apparently redesignated A to D by the summer of 1927.)

After a 28 day passage, the Battalion came under the army GHQ's direct command to provide guards, and from 21st March was in the Pootung district, covering almost a 5 mile front along the Whangpo River opposite the city. An area of factories, wharves and warehouses, where most communication was by boat. On 20th August 'C' Company5 arrived at the British Cold Store in Nanking on a gruelling hot day, where they found the Southern Army's soldiers had briefly occupied the western compound, the most suitable for defence. After taking over from Dauntless, 21 volunteers stoked the boilers generating the power for the cold stores, as when the temperature was 32 C the cold rooms were needed to keep rations fresh. Nanking lies on the southern bank of a river bend, and was re-occupied by the Southern Army in 1927 without opposition on 3 September and for the next ten weeks the Marines were confined to the compound, before being relieved on 20th - 21st November by an army company.

The Battalion embarked on 6th December in SS Mantua after Chiang Kai-shek arrived and the tension had eased in Shanghai.(RMHS)

1927. A recruit, Charles Wood from Somerset, has given the first Quartermaster cause for much brain fag and insomnia. He takes 13s in boots. Every effort was made to fit his, and all existing stocks of boots and shoes were tried. The Master Shoemaker eventually fitted him by using the amount a leather required for two pairs to make one. The next problem is, what about Gym Shoes? At present he is wearing boots for P.R.T., 7'., but the staff are experimenting with soled and heeled 'Pussers Socks' Author unknown. (sic)

1927. Royal Marines Forton Barracks Gosport were closed.

1928. Friday 30th September. Captain Edward Bamford VC died of pneumonia while aboard the HMS Cumberland en route to Hong Kong, where he held the appointment of Instructor of Small Arms and Musketry Officer at Hong Kong. He was buried in the Bubbling Well Road Cemetery in Shanghai. A 1930s photograph in the RM Museum shows a picture of his grave and headstone. All remaining cemeteries containing 'foreigners' were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Bubbling Well Road Cemetery is now Jing'an Park.

Memorials to Edward Bamford are in the Depot Church in Deal and there is a Bamford House in the RM Barrack at Eastney. On 3rd April 2004, the Royal Marines presented a plaque in his memory to the Officials of Zeebrugge. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Marines Museum in Southsea, England.

1929. Tuesday 26th November. Lieutenant Owen Cathcart Jones, Royal Marines, carried out the first night deck landing in a single seater fighter on board HMS Courageous.

1929. Thursday 26th December. Quartermaster Sergeant Norman Finch V.C. retired from the Royal Marines, to work as a postman, and then as a bank messenger.

1929. Standard pattern for design of Divisional Band Drum Major's staffs introduced.

1929. Drill for Buglers formalised for adoption at Royal Marine Establishments - included the 'Flourish'.

1930. Wednesday 1st October. The Royal Naval School of Music moved from Eastney Barracks to the Depot, Deal. The School had outgrown the space and the facilities that Eastney had provided, The Depot Band, under Lieutenant Ricketts, had been disbanded a few months earlier.

1930. Wednesday 31st December. 514 Kings Squad Passed for Duty.

1931. Norman Finch V.C. was granted a special distinction by being appointed as a member of the Kings's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard. This entailed wearing a distinctive Tudor-style uniform as escort to the sovereign on several occasions throughout the year.

1931 \- 1968. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Vivian Dunn KCVO. OBE. FRSA (Thursday 24th December 1908 - Monday 3rd April 1995) was the Director of Music of the Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marines from 1931 to 1953 and Principal Director of Music of the Royal Marines from 1953 to 1968. He was the first British Armed Forces musician to be knighted.Sir Vivian Dunn was born in Jabalpur, India. His father, William James Dunn, was bandmaster of the Second Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps and later director of music of the Royal Horse Guards. Dunn studied piano with his mother, Beatrice Maud, and undertook choral studies in Winchester. He attended the Hochschule für Musik Köln in 1923 and, two years later, the Royal Academy of Music. He studied conducting with Henry Wood and composition with Walton O'Donnell. As a violinist, he performed in the Queen's Hall Promenade Orchestra (under Wood), and in 1930 was a founding member of the BBC Symphony Orchestra (under several conductors).

Career: Francis Vivian Dunn was released from his contract with the BBC and on 3 September 1931 commissioned as a lieutenant in the Royal Marines to be director of music for the Portsmouth Division of the Corps. His duties included directing the Royal Marines Band on the Royal Yacht. He participated in the royal tour of South Africa onboard HMS Vanguard in 1947 and a Royal Marines band tour of the United States and Canada in 1949.

His promotion to lieutenant-colonel and principal director of music of the Royal Marines followed in 1953. Dunn and the Royal Marines Band accompanied Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on the SS Gothic for the post-coronation Commonwealth Tour. Upon its completion, the Queen appointed Dunn CVO, and in 1960 OBE.

In 1955, Dunn was asked by Euan Lloyd of Warwick Films to compose the theme music for The Cockleshell Heroes (which was otherwise scored by John Addison). He appears as himself, conducting the Royal Marines, in the end titles of the 1966 film Thunderbirds Are Go.

Upon retiring from the military in December 1968, Dunn became a guest conductor with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He also recorded with the Light Music Society Orchestra. In 1969, he received an EMI Golden Disc for sales of more than one million Royal Marines Band records. In the same year, he was also elected an honorary member of the American Bandmasters Association. In 1987, he received the Sudler Medal of the Order of Merit from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He became the Founder President of the International Military Music Society in 1976, a position which he held until his death. In 1988, after serving as the Senior Warden, Dunn became the first military musician to be installed as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

Compositions: Dunn composed and arranged over 60 pieces of music. Several are marches, many with connections to the Royal Marines. These include The Globe and Laurel (1935, revised 1945), The Captain General (1949), Cockleshell Heroes (1955) and Mountbatten March (1972). He arranged many others, including The Preobrajensky March (attributed to Donajowsky; later to become the official slow march of the Royal Marines) and A Life on the Ocean Wave (the official quick march).

Personal life: Dunn married Margery Halliday in 1938. They had one son (Patrick) and two daughters (Leonie and Rosemary). He died of lung cancer in Haywards Heath, Sussex on Monday 3rd April 1995, aged 86. He is buried at Cemetery Chapel, Great Walstead, East Sussex. Marjery, Lady Dunn, died on Sunday 26th June 1988.

1934. Saturday 27th January. 195 Kings Squad passed for duty at Deal.

1934. Tuesday 20th March. The first performance of bandmaster A C Green's musical setting of sunset took place in the Alarneda Gardens, Gibraltar. This had been specially arranged in responce to Admiral Fishers request for a "specacular show for the visit of the First lord and the Board of Admiralty".

1934. Wednesday 23rd May. The first performance in Malta of Bandmaster A.C. Green's musical setting of the Sunset call.

1934. HMS Royal Sovereign. The trombonist dropped his slide in about 14 feet of very cold water when returning to the ship after playing ashore, and had to choose between pneumonia and paying for a new slide. Anyway the Band rallied round and proceeded in force to the spot marked .x, where the body could be seen reposing, with the fish playing touch-me-best' in and out of its glittering tubes. With a gasp and a splash a body cleaved the water and forged its way to the murky depths, the hero being not the trombonist, but Musician S B Bennett, who richly deserved his night off afterwards. "Greater love hath no man."

From the Detachment notes by Bandmaster S C Low. (It is sad to note that Musician Bennett was killed when H.M.S. Trinidad was bombed in the Barents Sea on 29th March 1942. Twenty other musicians and buglers were lost in the ship during the next six weeks and she was finally sunk on 15th May) Globe & Laurel 1935.

1935. July. The RM Battalion for Public Duties (London Bn) was formed to carrying out these duties, from 17th August to 19th September, in conjunction with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, this Battalion6 was honoured as at that time few units other than the Brigade of Guards carried out ceremonial guards in London. The Battalion 281 strong, had a band and drums of 111 musicians. As the King was not in residence at Buckingham Palace, the King's guard was changed at St James's Palace. Guards were also mounted at the Hyde Park Magazine, the Central London Recruiting Depot and the Bank of England. The Battalion, exercising the RMs' right to march through London with bayonets fixed and colours flying, and marched through the City on 19th September. During the month some officers were called back to the MNBDO Nucleus in case gun–mounting parties might be required in the Abyssinian crisis, and Guards' officers in RM uniforms helped out.(RMHS)

1935. Friday 24th August. Royal Marines carried out London Duties for the first time - the Jubilee year of the King's Reign - during the period 17th August - 19th September. The Massed Bands consisted of thirty five from Chatham Division, nineteen from Portsmouth Division and eleven from Plymouth Division. In addition there were eleven Drummers ( two tenor and nine side drums) plus thirty three buglers. Chatham Division Drum Major (Sgt. W.Day) and Bugle Major (Sgt. E.B. Astle) were in command of Drummers and Buglers respectively whilst the Massed bands were under the direction of the Senior Director of Music, Royal marines, captain P.S.G. O'Donnell of Chatham Division. Buglers and Drummers wore Bugle Cords, Royal, for the first time. As well as the Royal Palaces the Corps provided the Bank of England Picquet and the Hyde Park magazine guard.

1935. The Royal Marines mounted guard over the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace for the first time in their history and, at that time, were one of the very few Regiments, other than those in the Household Division, to be granted this privilege. They marched in the great procession at our present Queens Elizabeth the seconds Coronation and played a prominent part in Lord Mountbattens funeral.

1935. Royal Marines served in Alexandria as part of the Base Defences in the Mediterranean. Corps Strength at that time was 9,800.

1936. Dress Cords, Royal, to be worn by Bugler Majors and Buglers (Corporals and below) in review order and when on leave.

1937. Saturday 30th October. 268 Kings Squad passed for duty.

1938. January. 273a Kings Squad passed for duty for the Plymouth Division.

1939-45. The Second World War in which Royal Marines served on all HM Ships in all major engagements at sea around the world.

1939. Saturday 11th February. 313 Kings Squad passed for Duty. H.J. Dadford was awarded the Kings Badge.

1939. Saturday 5th August. War Service 1942-1944 Arctic Convoys:

HMS Belfast was commissioned into the Royal Navy, but its war service came to a premature end on Tuesday 21st November, when it detonated a German magnetic mine. On Christmas Day 1942, repaired and modernised, it arrived under the command of Captain Frederick Parham to join the 10th Cruiser Squadron at Scapa Flow, in the Orkney Islands. There followed a punishing 18 months operating in support of the Arctic Convoys, delivering essential supplies to the Soviet Union.

By 1942 the Arctic Convoy route to Russia via Iceland had become one of the great naval battlegrounds of the Second World War, and HMS Belfast's first year was a demanding one. Its role included convoy screening (defending the ships in convoy) and endless duty on the Northern Patrol off Iceland, watching for attempts by enemy warships to break out into the Atlantic. In the Arctic the weather was arguably a greater threat than the Germans, and the special Arctic clothing issued was barely adequate. Just moving around the icy decks in rough seas and darkness could be lethal for the unwary, despite the safety ropes which were provided. Veterans remember mess decks inches deep in dirty sea water and going months without mail or leave, other than brief runs ashore to the tiny island of Flotta, the site of Scapa Flow's Fleet Cinema.

While afloat, sailors made their own entertainment. Cards, and 'uckers', the Royal Navy's version of Ludo, were popular, as were model-making, boxing competitions and, perhaps unexpectedly, embroidery. 'Crown and Anchor', the illegal gambling game in which vast sums were won and lost, was popular everywhere, despite the risk of severe punishment if the participants were caught. The men also read whatever they could get their hands on.

Convoying essential war supplies to the Soviet Union did not guarantee the sailors a warm welcome. Murmansk, the principle destination for HMS Belfast, was small, poor and close to the front line, with the local inhabitants living under the iron grip of Stalinism.

Mostly, Arctic service consisted of endless time at sea in foul weather and constant daylight at the height of summer, or unbroken darkness in mid-winter, with little to break up the monotony. The grim highlight for many was the Battle of North Cape on Sunday 26th December 1943.

After North Cape, life was relatively quiet for Belfast and its crew. Apart from providing distant cover for Operation 'Tungsten', an aircraft carrier strike against the German battleship Tirpitz, the cruiser spent the winter at Scapa Flow or Rosyth. On Monday 17th April 1944 it was sent to the Clyde for a refit before taking part in Operation 'Overlord', the D-Day landings.

Its remaining years have seen HMS Belfast moored in London on the Thames opposite the Tower of London and operated by the Imperial War Museum permanently.

1939. Sunday 27th August. Special Gun mounting Party, RM. Orders were received to mount several coast guns, a party of four officers and 50 other ranks (including four seamen) drawn from Fortress Unit I and with NCO volunteers18 taking the place of Marines, as few men were available began dismantling one battery (three guns) at Fort Cumberland and collecting scaffolding etc. Three more guns, packed for shipment, were collected from Coventry (West Midlands), and the installation work began within three days of the orders being received.

At Blyth (Northumberland) the first pair of 6in guns were installed after considerable excavations in sand dunes. These guns were fired on 4th September. The next pair of '6in' were installed without difficulty at Sunderland (County Durham), along with two coast–defence searchlights and three generators, by 7th September. At Yarmouth (Norfolk) concrete holdfasts had to be built and the guns were installed, despite difficulties, by 17th September. The experience of this Party pointed the need for gun and mounting components to be un–boxed and checked by Fort Cumberland staff, for at Yarmouth considerable work had to be done by armourers on guns collected through naval stores. The Director of Armament Supplies took up this point, but the difficulties in assembling and specially packing equipment for MNBDO operations continued throughout 1940. The guns were manned by army crews before the Party returned to Fort Cumberland that September 1939. (RMHS)

1939. Saturday 2nd September. 337 Kings Squad passed for duty at Deal.

1939. Sunday 3rd September. The British government declare war on Germany. However, Britain was not prepared for war and although she sent an expeditionary force to France to try and stop the Germans racing across Europe capturing most countries, it failed. The British Force was pushed back to towards the English Channel and the beaches at Dunkirk.

After the defeat and evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from the beach at Dunkirk. Winston Churchill realised that Britain was not in a position to launch any form of major military attack against the Germans. However, a series of short quick spectacular hit and run attacks would do a great deal for the morale of the British people. Winston ordered the creation of a 'butcher and bolt' small group raiding unit. At the out break of war the Corps strength was 12,000.

1939. Monday 11th September. Guy Griffiths, a Royal Marines Aviator, was captured by the Germans eleven days after the outbreak of the Second World War, and spent the rest of the war as a Prisoner of War (POW).

He was dive bombing a U-Boat when the bomb he was dropping detonated early and the explosion hit his plane, causing him to crash. Whilst a POW he was in a camp made famous by the film, 'The Great Escape'. He helped people in the escape attempts by forging documents and concealing tunnels. He also used to send coded letters to the Royal Marines Magazine the 'Globe and Laurel' about people in the camp to British Secret Services.

He amused his fellow Prisoners by producing cartoons. He also confused the Germans by painting fake British planes.

1939. Thursday 14th September. Lieutenant Guy Griffiths RM became the first RM aviator casualty of World War 2. Dive bombing a German submarine he was brought down by the blast from his own bomb and rescued by the crew of the submarine before spending the rest of the war as a prisoner.

1939. September. Fort Cumberland RM AA: under army/navy joint command in Portsmouth, September 1939, with 8 x 3.7in guns from Fort Cumberland. (RMHS)

1939. October. Registered Numbers. The prefix 'EX', followed by a number of three or four digits (EX 501 – EX 5909), indicates a special Reservist entered in the register of Exton 'Division' between October 1939 and July 1940.

1939. Saturday 4th November. 345 Kings Squad passed for duty. J.C. talbot was awarded the Kings Badge.

1939. November. 'Operation Royal Marine' was a military operation in World War II, in which naval mines were floated down rivers from France into Germany to destroy bridges and shipping. Promoted by Winston Churchill, it was planned in November 1939. However, Sir Edward Spears claimed that he had originally proposed the idea to Churchill when they visited eastern France in August 1939, but by the time the operation was put into practice Churchill believed the idea was his. Trials of the mines were carried out in the Thames in December 1939. Each mine contained 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) of TNT and, depending upon type, either floated or bounced along the riverbed. The mines were especially developed for the operation by MD1.

Despite concerns by the French Government during the Phoney War over possible German reprisals against French waterways, it was intended that the operation would take place simultaneously with Operation Wilfred, a scheme to mine the waters around Norway in order to force German convoys using them for transporting Swedish iron ore into international waters, where they could be attacked by the Royal Navy. Simultaneously attacking Germany with riverine mines was intended to deflect criticism that the Allies were not making war on Germany, only the small countries around it that they claimed to be protecting. However, a decision of the Anglo French Supreme War Council on 28th March 1940 to commence Operation Royal Marine on 4th April was vetoed shortly afterwards by the French Government, leaving Operation Wilfred to take place on its own. In the event, Operation Wilfred was aborted shortly afterwards because of the German invasion of Norway.

Nevertheless, the river mining operation was carried out at the start of the Battle of France in May. During the first week of the battle, naval personnel under Commander Roger Wellby put 1,700 mines in the Rhine, resulting in the temporary suspension of most of the river traffic between Karlsruhe and Mainz and causing damage to the barrage at Karlsruhe and several pontoon bridges. By 24th May, over 2,300 mines had been released into the Rhine, Moselle and Meuse.

It was also planned that the Royal Air Force would drop mines into the Rhine between Bingen and Coblenz, into canals, and into river estuaries feeding the Heligoland Bight.

1939. Saturday 2nd December. 355 Kings Squad passed for Duty at Eastney Barracks? G.A. Boast was awarded the Kings Badge.

1939. Saturday 2nd December RM Battalion HQ began forming around December, as part of RM Brigade, but the first recruits did not join until April 1940 at Bisley (Surrey). Commanded by Lt. Col A. N. Williams, the continuous service officers and NCOs of the Battalion HQ, its four rifle companies, and the HQ Company, had been training the largely 'HO' recruits in infantry tactics for about three weeks before 3rd May. On that day they were put at 2 hours' notice for overseas service. Bren guns, anti–tank rifles and in mortars began to arrive next day, to equip the Battalion to its war establishment. Three days later they were aboard the cruisers HMS Glasgow and Berwick, sailing as part of force Sturges to Iceland, where they landed on 10th May. During the passage the new weapons had been zeroed (their sights tested for accuracy by firing a number of rounds) despite the rough weather. The strength of the Battalion at this time was 28 officers and 280 men.

Although the Battalion had a large area to cover, 'A' Coy's OC prevented the German Consul burning important documents, as the Marines had brought some fire extinguishers ashore. The HQ Coy's Fire Power Platoon, to which most of the Brens had been issued, was sent to Kaldadarnes, where planes carrying 2,000 German troops might land'. The orders to the Platoon were: to hold their fire until troop–carrying planes landed; to fire at paratroops in the air; and should any Germans be caught not in uniform after parachuting in, they were to be shot.

After returning to UK in late May, the Battalion became part of 102 RM Bde. In mid–June 1940 it was in Pembroke (Dyfed). It was the sent to Freetown (West Africa) in the transport Kenya for the Dakar operation, and remained in Freetown for possible operations against the Cape Verde islands before returning to the UK in February 1941. During the next 30 months the Battalion took part in various training exercises, being stationed in Scotland. In August 1943 the Battalion HQ and most of the Marines were re–formed as 43 RM Commando.(RMHS)

1939. Wednesday 13th December. The Battle of the River Plate took place on. The battle in the South Atlantic was the first major naval battle of World War Two. Ships from the Royal Navy's South American Division took on the might of Germany's Graf Spee which was successfully attached.

During the Battle of the River Plate 15 Marines lost their lives mostly manning turrets, 10 on board HMS Exeter and 5 on board HMS Ajax.

1939. December. 3rd RM Battalion HQ was formed under Lt. Col E. T. Harden as part of RM Bde, and sometimes styled as 3rd (Plymouth) Bn RM. The first recruits joined the Battalion in February 1940, during May the Battalion was transferred to 102 RM Bde and in June was stationed at Manorbier (south Wales). In August it sailed to Freetown in the transport Sobieski, with 'A' Coy in Etteric. The Battalion remained in Freetown with the 2nd RM Bn (see above) after the Dakar operation. Returning to the UK in February 1941, it went to Scotland and elsewhere in the UK, taking part in many training exercises during the next 30 months. In August 1943 the Battalion and its HQ were re-formed as 44 RM Commando14 but some personnel went to other units.

1939. Thursday 28th December. Capital ships' service in World War II. The Barham was torpedoed while on Atlantic patrol on 28th December 1939, but reached Liverpool. In November 1940 she joined the Mediterranean Fleet and was in action at Cape Matapan in March 1941. She was later sunk by torpedoes while exercising off Egypt when doing 17 knots, only 300 of her crew of 1,150 were saved. (RMHS)

1939. Friday 29th December. 1st RM AA Bty/RM Anti–Aircraft Battery of MNBDO Nucleus: under army command in Alexandria, Egypt, August to 29th December 1939. This was a battery of eight 3.7in AA guns from army sources, in four two–gun Sections. It sailed for Egypt on 28th August 1939, in HMT Lancashire and apparently served in Egypt until absorbed into other units. (RMHS)

1939. The RM Brigade, later 101 RM Bde, was formed at Bisley (Surrey) with three battalions - 1st, 2nd and 3rd - under command of Brig A. St Clair Morford, MC, it was originally numbered as 1st RM Bde the number was changed to avoid confusion with army units and RM Bn, to 101 RM Bde. At the time 60 'HO' officers began training near Deal.

The Brigade 'was directly under the Chiefs of Staff Committee' for a role that included seaborne raiding in the Mediterranean should Italy enter the war as expected. Naval gun and air support was expected, but no AFVs were included, as surprise would be lost 'owing to time required to hoist them into MLCs'. Any raid would be limited, therefore, to 24 hours ashore, but plans were discussed with the ISTDC to improve the landing time required for vehicles. In January 1940 a fourth battalion, 5th RM Bn, was added, and the plan was dropped for including an army battalion when required operationally. The Brigade was split in two, as 101 and 102 RM Bdes before or during May 1940, although 102 Bde's HQ was not formally raised until 12st July, about this time. An RM Bde Reinforcement Depot was established at Sunshine Camp, Hayling Island. Although 101 Bde had expected to complete training by July, events overtook these plans.

One of the few fully armed units in the UK that summer, 101 Bde had 66 officers and 1,350 other ranks21 (an army brigade had 120 officers, 2,824 ORs and 396 vehicles). The Brigade was temporarily attached to 55.

Division for 'reinforcement or counter–attack of any island localities'23 and as a reserve for action on the mainland. The Chiefs of Staff had agreed in mid–June that both 101 and 102 Bdes should be held at 6 hours' notice for despatch to Ireland should any German invasion begin there, and for seizing the Azores and Cape Verde Islands. But the Brigades were released from their potential commitment for Ireland on 1st July. Having been concentrated near Milford Haven (Dyfed) in late June with Bde HQ and Signals Coy at Tenby, later at Saundersfoot and on 30th June at Pembroke Dock. The Brigade moved early in July to take over 30 miles of coast defences just west of Plymouth, a convenient port for mounting an operation against islands in the Atlantic. The Brigade remained under Home Forces Command but was reduced to three battalions (1st, 2nd and 5th) about July 1940, and was joined by 8th Argylls on 17th July. In August they embarked for Dakar (capital of Senegal, Senegambia). On their return to the Clyde in October 1940, they were held in readiness, training for further operations in West Africa and then for possible landings in the Azores. Although detailed for the December raid on the Lofoten Islands (North Norway), the Brigade was not sent, army commandos making the raid. In April 1941 the 8th Argyls returned to army command.

During 1941-42 a number of operations were considered but 101 Bde spent its time in amphibious and other exercises from its ships in Scotland. Brig A. N. Williams later succeeded Brig Morford. The Bde HQ moved to Ystrad Camp (South Wales) during July 1942. Here it developed amphibious techniques, such as employing engineers in the first flight of landing craft, the use of smoke from support craft, and the Beach Bn showing lights to seaward indicating gaps in beach minefields and wire. The problems of clearing stores from beach dumps were realised. In November 1942 the Brigade was back in Inverary doing amphibious exercises, and by January 1943 was in the south of England, with Bde HQ at Chilworth Manor (nr Southampton). By this date the HQ had 161 all ranks, with the Brigadier's command post in tracked carriers and the advanced brigade HQ all in vehicles. He rear HQ and B– echelon had nine vehicles, including the Light Aid Detachment's recovery truck, transport for cooks, signallers and half of the defence platoon, and five motorcycles. In May the Brigade moved to Cowes (Isle of Wight), taking the opportunity to practise landings, and in June and July was in Burley (Hampshire), where by September the HQ was reformed - on 26th August - as part of 4 Special Service Bde's HQ.(RMHS)

1939-1945. Royal Marines manned the many developing types of Landing Craft and support craft such as the gun and flak craft.

With the decline of naval gunnery after the 1939-45 war, and the development of the Royal Marines as Commandos, the presence of sea service Royal Marines contracted. The naval destroyers and frigates of the 1960s to 1980s would embark a small detachment on specific occasions, but not necessarily as part of the vessels complement. This requirement, and other sea-borne roles, is currently (2004) covered by FPGRM (Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines).

The Royal Marines continue to man and deploy the Landing Craft, Raiding craft and Hovercraft, associated with their amphibious role. These are currently (2004)

the responsibility of 539 Assault Flotilla and 1 Assault Group.(RMHS)

1939 \- 1945. 'Those Magnificent Royal Marines in Their Flying Machines' (Part Two) The Second World War.

During World War Two, twenty six Royal Marines Officers and four other ranks are known to have served as pilots with the Fleet Air Arm. Three of these officers, A E MARSH, A J WRIGHT and R C HAY qualified to wear the Battle of Britain Bar. Royal Marines pilots operated from aircraft Carriers in the Far East, Pacific, Mediterranean, and the Atlantic, flying a large range of aircraft from the Walrus to Hurricane. Those RM officers who had qualified as pilots in the 1920s and early 1930s, and had wanted to continue to fly, had transferred to the RAF – one such officer was H M A DAY.

H M A DAY was appointed as a probationary Second Lieutenant in the Royal Marines Light Infantry in 1916. In 1924 he was seconded to the Fleet Air Arm and trained at Netheravon. He subsequently transferred to the RAF and was serving in 23 (Fighter) Squadron at Kenley in 1929. He led the synchronised aerobatic team at the first Hendon Air Shows. On October 13th 1939 his Blenheim was shot down by three ME 109s over Germany. The crew were killed but he was taken prisoner and incarcerated in Spanenburg Castle. During his time as a POW he escaped eight times and helped to organise the Great Escape at Stalag Luft III were 83 men got out. He was one of the few to survive the escape as fifty of those recaptures were executed on the orders of Himmler. DAY himself was recaptured after four days and interred in Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. He was subsequently moved to the Extermination Camp at Flossenburg from which he escaped to Northern Italy two days before the armistice. Having been taken prisoner on 13th October 1939 he regained his liberty on 13th May 1945.

Just as the first Marine to go into action in the First World War was a pilot, so Lieutenant Guy GRIFFITHS RM, flying his Skua from HMS Ark Royal was the first in World War Two. While attacking a German U-Boat in the Atlantic in September 1939, he was brought down by splinters from his own bombs. He escaped from his aircraft in which he was trapped beneath the sea, but was then captured by the U-Boat which he had tried to sink. GRIFFITHS remained a prisoner for the rest of the war.

During the Norwegian campaign RM pilots did good work from the Ark Royal. Captain E D McIVER, who took part in the raid on shipping in Bergen harbour on 14th April 1940, dropped his bombs with great skill in spite of very bad weather. He failed to return. Captain N R M SKENE won the DSC at Trondheim for leading a Swordfish Squadron in two bombing attacks on Vaernes Airfield, destroying three hangars in the face of intense AA fire. Captain R T PARTRIDGE won the DSO for operations in one of which he and his observer shot down a Heinkel III, made a forced landing in the snow and, though weapon less, took charge of three of the Heinkel's crew who were all armed. Captain PARTRIDGE was later taken prisoner during a raid which Ark Royal's Skuas made on the Scharnhorst in Trondheim Harbour, the last raid of the campaign.

Like McIVER and PARTRIDGE, Lieutenant L A HARRIS was in action early against the Germans as pilot of a Skua in 803 Squadron. He took part in the raid on the Konigsberg on 19th April 1940. Later he was shot down and wounded before the evacuation from Norway. He was awarded the DSC. Later in the war RM flyers still had an interest in Norway. On 25th July 1944 Lieutenant O R OAKES was awarded the DSC "for bravery, leadership, skill and devotion to duty during the successful strikes at enemy shipping off the coast of Norway."

Major O PATCH RM was awarded the DSC in December 1940 "for outstanding courage and skill in a brilliant and wholly successful night attack by the Fleet Air Arm on the Italian Fleet at Taranto." Within a further month he received the DSO for "courage, skill and enterprise in an attack on Italian warships." On this last named occasion Major PATCH led a sub-flight of Swordfish in an attack on the Italian warships in Bomba Bay on the Libyan coast. He himself torpedoed a submarine and two other aircraft accounted for another submarine, a destroyer and a depot ship. All this was achieved with only three torpedoes.

Royal Marines pilots were decorated for destroying enemy bombers and shadowers during the passage of the great convoys to Malta. From June to November 1942 Major A C NEWSON commanded an Albacore Squadron which co-operated with the RAF and the Eighth Army in the Western Desert. The squadron's work consisted mainly in finding and illuminating front line targets for the RAF bombers, and for dive bombing attacks. It was also employed in mine laying, raids on enemy occupied harbours, attacks on ships at sea and spotting for the many coastal bombardments made by the Mediterranean Fleet in support of the troops ashore. Major NEWSON was awarded the DSC "for bravery and devotion to duty in air operations in the Western Desert." Later Major NEWSON's squadron moved to Malta where it shared in the task of harassing the enemy' seaborne lines of communication from Italy, Tripoli and Tunisia.

At the beginning of the final phase of operations in North Africa in November 1942, a specially trained fighter squadron of six Fulmars from HMS Victorious led by Major R C HAY RM performed most valuable work in Army cooperation and reconnaissance. The reconnoitred the roads leading to Algiers, photographed bridges and airfields and often made personal contact with the troops by landing near them. Previously in November 1941 Major HAY had been awarded the DSC for operations in Mediterranean waters. Later in the War HAYS was awarded the DSO for his actions as Air Coordinator in the Pacific and towards the end of the war gained a bar to his DSC. After the end of hostilities he transferred to the Royal Navy and retired in 1970 as a Commander.

The case of Major V B G CHEESMAN is an example of variety in flying. This officer won the MBE for an exploit in a Walrus amphibious early in the war. A British merchant ship had been torpedoed 100 miles off the West coast of Africa. Having counter-attacked the submarine with depth charges he then taxied to and fro encouraging the survivors who had escaped from the sunken ship, and aided the injured. By the time the rescue vessels had arrived the sea had risen, and the Walrus had to be towed back to harbour.

The number of Royal Marines flying in the Fleet Air Arm during World War II was small, but their diligence and gallantry was by no means limited. In this connection, special significance may be seen in the citation accompanying the award of the DSC to Captain D B SMITH on 1st July 1941. The award, it was stated was made for "outstanding zeal, patience and cheerfulness and for never failing to set an example of wholehearted devotion to duty without which the high tradition of the Royal Navy could not have been upheld."

Royal Marine Naval Air Squadron Commanders 1939 - 1945.

Names of Royal Marine Pilots:

(Wartime Ranks)..................... .Squadron Commands

Major JO Armour, RM...... .........784, 809, 892, 7th CAG, 15th CAG.

Captain WGS Aston, RM............833.

Major FDG Bird, RM...................759, 888.

Captain FW Brown, RM..............786, 824.

Major AR Burch, RM..................771, 822.

Major VBG Cheesman, RM........766, 788, 1770.

Major LA Harris, RM.................. 746, 784.

Major RC Hay, RM.....................761, 805, 809, 897, No6 Wing, No 47 Wing.

Captain WHC Manson, RM........710, 883.

Captain AE Marsh, RM...............804.

Major WHN Martin, RM............ .814, 821

Major PP Nelson-Gracie, RM 877, 1843, No. 3 Wing, No. 10 Wing, 2nd CAG, 8th CAG.

Captain AC Newson, RM............753, 810, 821.

Captain RT Partridge, RM...........800, 804.

Captain O Patch, RM...................785, 816.

Captain NRM Skene, RM.............810.

Captain DBL Smith, RM.............. 764.

Major AJ Wright, RM.................. 809, 898, 16th CAG.

(Courtesy – 'Flyingmarines.com' & 'Fleetairarmarchive.com')

1939. With the outbreak of the second World War Norman Finch V.C. returned to the Portsmouth Division Royal Marines as a Quartermaster Sergeant.

1939. The Rifle number 4 Mark 1, was adopted just after the beginning of the Second World War.

1939. The system of conscription from 1939 to 1960 was called National Service. However, between 1939 and 1948, it was often referred to as War Service in documents relating to National Insurance and Pension Provision.

1940. The Royal Marines role was to continue providing detachments for manning ships guns, undertake landing operations, special amphibious operations in conjunction with other services, and to provide units for the rapid establishment and temporary defence of Royal Navy & Fleet Air Arm bases.

1940. January. The 18th RM (Mobile) Battalion and Mobile Companies was formed as the Mobile Coy of the RM Brigade, to be under command of Brigade HQ for recon-naissance, and in June 1940 was in south Wales. The unit was expanded into several Mobile Companies to serve with each RM Battalion in the division. A Mobile Coy had a few tracked carriers and motorcycle combinations with an anti-tank rifle and/or Maxim guns to be replaced by Brens when these became available. By December 1940 the companies had been formed into the 18th RM (Mobile) Battalion, and the ratio of carriers to motorcycles was to be reduced. In March 1941 the Army Reconnaissance Training Centre agreed to help with the training of Mobile Companies, and on 2nd May 1941 the Battalion came under command of 103 RM Bde for training. The Battalion had moved from South Wales, where it had been training in radio communications, to Dalditch in April 1941.

By early 1943 it was also equipped with Scout cars. After the RM Division was disbanded, there was apparently some possibility of employing the Battalion with other formations, but it was disbanded about August 1944.(RMHS)

1940. January. The 1st RM Battalion was formed at Bisley (Surrey), commanded by Lt. Col Wildman–Lushington as part of the RM Bde, with four rifle companies and an HQ Coy (cp: 2nd Bn). In June 1940 it was based at Haverfordwest (south Wales), training for amphibious operations in the summer of 1940 and was in the UK defence forces. In August it took part in amphibious exercises based on the Clyde from the transport Etteric, in which it sailed to Freetown on 31st August. The Battalion was in the transport off Dakar on 23rd September 1940, but did not land and returned to Freetown before sailing to the UK in October. During the next 2½ years the battalion carried out many exercises, while stationed in Scotland from 27th October 1940 to 8th October 1942 standing by for raids on the Atlantic islands, and moved with the Brigade to various training areas for exercises. These included night infiltration, street fighting and a landing from LSIs when moving to Newport (Isle of Wight) on 19th-20th April 1943.

Lt. Col B. W. Leicester took command during 1942. At the end of July 1943 the Battalion was re–formed as 42 RM Commando, but some men went to minor landing craft flotillas and other duties.(RMHS)

1940. Thursday 15th February. RM Coast Brigade/1 RM Coast Brigade/1st RM Coast Artillery Regiment formed by MNBDO I on 15th February 1940 (when briefly known as RM Coast Defence Group) with recruits trained in 'B', 'C', 'G' and 'K' companies.

The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

30th March 1940:

With MNBDO I Eastney ('Kent', 'Devon', 'X' see 14th June 1942 below, 'Y' and Anti–MTB Btys, Land Defence Coy of which a platoon only formed, and Signals Section; 'Z' Bty formed at Harwich 13th May; and 'Y' Bty in Iceland).

May 1940:

'Devon' Bty was to become a howitzer battery, and no longer a part of the MNBDO War Establishment, memo from AGRM No. 2147/40S; but it was to train under MNBDO command and appears to have remained or been re–formed as part of this Regiment, see 31st March 1941 below.

6th August 1940:

Eastney with 'Hampshire' Bty formed ('Kent', 'Devon', 'Hampshire', 'X', 'Y', 'Z' and Anti–MTB Btys, Land

Defence Coy, and Signals Section).

1st January 1941:

Portsmouth with Batteries being concentrated for embarkation and Regiment redesignated 1 RM Coast Brigade ('Kent', 'Devon', 'Hampshire', 'X', 'Y', 'Z' and Anti MTB Btys, Land Defence Coy, and Signals Section).

31st March 1941:

Egypt Canal Zone and party sent to off–load ships in Palestine, 'Devon' Light AA Bty formed from cadres of 'Devon' and A–MTB Btys ('Kent', 'Devon' Light AA, 'Hampshire', 'X', 'Y', 'Z', Anti–MTB Btys, and Land Defence Coy[?], and Signals Section).

May 1941:

Crete with guns of 'Z' and 'X' Btys mounted, personnel later fighting as infantry; other personnel of this Coast Brigade with advance party in Crete see Chapter 3 ('Kent', 'Devon' Light AA, 'Hampshire', 'X', 'Y',

'Z', Anti–MTB[?] Btys and Land Defence Coy[?], and Signals Section).

1 August 1941:

Egypt after losses on Crete, the Brigade was reorganised with 'Z' Bty now independent of brigade and 'X' Bty disbanded ('Kent', 'Devon' Light AA, 'Hampshire', 'Y', A–MTB[?] Batteries and Land Defence Coy[?], and Signals Section).

6 September 1941:

Egypt and Indian Ocean islands, redesignated 1st RM Coast Artillery Rgt ('Kent', 'Devon' Light AA, 'Hampshire', 'Y', A–MTB[?] Batteries and Land Defence Coy[?], and Signals Section).

Winter 1941–2:

Indian Ocean Batteries deployed in island base defences ('Kent', 'Devon' Light AA, 'Hampshire', 'Y', A- MTB[?] Batteries and Land Defence Coy[?], and Signals Section).

5th April 1942:

Ceylon ('Kent', 'Devon' by this date re–formed with 6–in coast defence guns, 'Hampshire', 'Y', A–MTB Batteries and Land Defence Coy[?], and Signals Section).

14th June 1942:

Ceylon in coast defences ('Kent', 'Devon', 'Hampshire', 'Y', A–MTB Batteries and Land Defence Coy[?],

and Signals Section).

1 August 1943:

Ceylon all personnel to RM Coast Defence Rgt (later 3rd RM Coast Rgt) as infantry except 'Devon' Bty.

January and February 1944:

Ceylon, personnel of HQ to 3rd RM Coast Rgt and HQ disbanded; February 'Devon' Bty disbanded, although see unit history summary of this Battery. (RMHS)

1940. February. The 1st RM AA Regiment was formed in February 1940 as part of MNBDO I, with a cadre of officers and NCOs who had served in 1st RM AA Battery of 1939. COs included: Maj L. O. Jones (Instructor of Gunnery), 15th February to 14th April 1940; Lt. Col J. E. Leech–Porter, 15th April to about December 1940; Lt. Col E. H. M. Unwin, January to May 1941; Lt. Col R. Garret, June to December 1941.

The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

15th February 1940:

Fort Cumberland when with Coast Defence Group ('A', 'B' and 22nd Light Batteries, with RA Trg Rgts in Arborfield, Carlisle and Blandford).

Mid–June 1940:

Exton with Air Defence Group ('A', 'B' and 'R' [Searchlight] Btys17 provided experimental Section and HQ from 'B' Bty18 'R' Bty under command June to September and later.

February 1941:

With Air Defence Brigade of MNBDO, at sea ('A', 'B', 'R' and 22nd RM LAA Btys).

March 1941:

Egypt (as for February).

May 1941:

Crete ('A' Bty in Crete, 'B' Bty in Sidi Barrani, North Africa).

Summer 1941:

Egypt mainly on internal security duties and aerodrome defence19 ('A', 'C', 'R' and 22nd RM Light Btys).

21st December 1941:

Ceylon, HQ redesignated 1 RM AA Brigade, see unit history ('A' and 'C' Btys to 2nd RM (Heavy) AA Rgt.

'R' Bty to 11th RM (Searchlight) Rgt). (RMHS)

1940. February. The Landing and Maintenance Group/L & M Unit was Formed during February 1940, but naval ratings for boat crews and some RM specialists did not join this Group until late in 1940. At that time some units that later became part of HQ Wing were commanded by this Group. Elements of the Group had been with the 6–in gun coast defence RM Batteries that summer, before they embarked for Egypt. The name 'Group' was changed to Unit on 1st April 1941, when the subunits' names were also changed, although their roles remained the same. The Boat Unit became the Boat Company with naval cutters and some landing craft when available, they were used for landing stores and equipment. By the summer of 1941 this Company was training with LCMs at Kabrit, Egypt. There were also two Companies equipped with scaffolding, concrete mixers, four Lister (TLC type) lorries, road roller, roller conveyor and other handling equipment for stores, pier building and making short sections of roadway.

In May 1941 the L & M Unit was in Crete, from where the majority of its personnel were successfully withdrawn. Early in 1942 they were deployed in building naval bases on islands in the Indian Ocean. The Unit formed a Transport Company and a Workshop Company in addition to Nos 1 and 2 Companies and the Boat Company. About this time the Unit moved to Ceylon.

The Unit went to India in 1943 for training with XXXIII Indian Corps and during this time, in October 1943 the

Beach Park Company was formed. Its personnel prepared sites for stores dumps etc. in a beachhead. (RMHS)

1940. February. The 11th RM Searchlight Regiment/ 'S' RM Battalion. The coastal searchlight crews of MNBDO Nucleus provided some men for this Regiment's HQ, formed in February 1940 as part of MNBDO Air Defence Group (later Air Defence Bde, MNBDO I).

The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

14th February 1940:

With Air Defence Group later the Air Defence Brigade of MNBDO I Yeovil, Somerset with Batteries training from 15th February with 220 Searchlight Training Rgt RA ('S' and 'R' Btys). about May 1940: Exton, Devon in tented camp ('S' and 'R' Btys).

June 1940:

18th June at Exton, HQ and 'S' Bty formed 'S' Battalion of infantry, as no searchlights available and on 26th June 'R' Bty transferred to 1st RM AA Regiment.

Summer 1940:

'S' Battalion deployed in UK defences

20th September 1940:

Deal, Kent, the Regiment's HQ and 'S' and 'R' Bakeries again as searchlight unit.

January 1941:

Portsmouth 'R' battery reverted to 1st RM AA Rgt, HQ and 'S' Bty prepare for embarkation.

March 1941:

Egypt HQ and 'S' Bty in Canal Zone

May 1941:

Crete where HQ and 'S' Bty formed an infantry unit (see Chapter 3); many were taken prisoner.

summer 1941:

'R' Battery manned flares in Suez Canal defences as well as searchlights.

July 1941:

Batteries became independent, serving with forces on Indian Ocean islands under command of local headquarters.

February 1943:

With Various Commands in Ceylon, the Regiments HQ had been re-formed and 'S' and 'R' batteries were again under command.

Summer 1943:

Ceylon with Batteries in air defences ('S' and 'R' batteries).

March 1944:

With 1 RM AA Brigade Ceylon, Batteries concentrated for embarkation ('S' and 'R' batteries).

May and June 1944:

Scotland where 'S' and 'R' Batteries were disbanded on 15th May and Regiment's HQ in June. (RMHS)

1940. February. The RM Survey Section/Survey and Meteorological Section/1st RM Survey Company: formed in February 1940 as part of L & M Group, this Section provided maps and surveyors who located precisely the map grid reference of the gun positions of both AA and coast batteries, and advised on such matters as the guns' heights above sea level, for calculation of the guns' ranges etc. The meteorological services for AA and coast batteries came under the command of this Section from about September 1943 to March 1944 (it does not appear to have had RM in its title as it included RN meteorologists) when it was attached to 1 RM Air Defence Bde in Ceylon. Before the L & M Unit returned to the UK with this Section, the naval meteorological officers left it, and the Section became the 1st RM Survey Company with HQ AA Command Ceylon (formerly 1 RM Air Defence Brigade HQ). (RMHS)

1940. February. The 11th RM Battalion (formerly Land Defence Force) was formed as Land Defence Force of MNBDO (later MNBDO I) with cadres of all ranks at Fort Cumberland, under CO Maj G. W. M. Grover. In March moved to Plymouth, in May to Hayling Island and in June - CO Col R. Sturges deployed in defence of Deal (Subarea A6 of Home Command). In accordance with RM Circe 5078/408, 13th June 1940, became 11th RM Bn. In September 20 machine-gunners joined the Battalion after training at Browndown.

The Battalion embarked in early February 19411 and sailed for Egypt. In Egypt during the summer of 1941, the Battalion was often misused in doing fatigues for the army, until August. In about this month the Battalion was attached to C-in-C Mediterranean's command 'to be used as required'; as MNBDO I was rebuilding after Crete, the unit was an independent Battalion for all practical purposes. On 15th-16th April 1942 all ranks were led by Col Unwin raided Kupho Nisis island near Crete. Although used 'mostly as a training raid', the raiders successfully got ashore to destroy enemy installations. The Battalion's first major operation was a raid of 13th-15th September on Tobruk). Here it suffered heavy losses with Lt. Col Unwin and 17 officers, including the MO, and 200 other ranks missing after the raid. Subsequently a number were reported as prisoners of war, including QMS R. (Reg) W. Beasant, aged 47, though the majority were 20 year old. After this action the Battalion was rebuilt and by January 1942 had a strength of 27 officers, 27 senior NCOs and 371 other ranks.

The Battalion was in Ceylon and India in 1942-43 on various duties until it returned to the UK, where it was disbanded in June 1944. (Elements reportedly remained in India until October 1944)(RMHD)

1940. February. Ray (Rocky) Tebble PO /X4774. Was born on 12th August 1922 and spent most of his early life in Croydon. He joined the sea cadets as a teenager and, at the age of 17 and a half, joined the Royal Marines in February 1940, in boy's time as his service engagement of 12 years with the Colours would not start until he was 18.

With nine other recruits he arrived at the Admiralty in Whitehall, where they were given a medical, sworn in and given the King's shilling. After a miserable meal they were issued with railway warrants and instructed to proceed to Chatham. They were met by a Marine Sergeant who was wearing dress blues and the long green/khaki greatcoat which was winter dress. They were then led up to Melville Barracks and into a hay loft; were given bales of loose straw and told to fill their linen mattress/palliases covers. They were then sent to the barber where Ray at least was given a Mohican. Their first meal was tripe which he could not stomach so he went hungry.

Eventually Ray was sent to 386 squad and his two drill instructors were QMSIs Keeble and Smith, about whom the least best said. To young recruits they were menacing forms. Finally, in July, they became the King's Squad and in August were passed for duty. After 7 days leave the Squad entrained for Eastney Barracks, Southsea, Portsmouth (Pompey) for sea service training.

During the course of gunnery training Ray qualified as a Quarters Rating Third Class. One day during a shooting at the range a number of German bombers flew over and their bombs dropped on Fort Cumberland. The squad was then doubled across the range to the fort where they were handed crowbars and shovels and organised into rescue parties. They retrieved a few people, some of whom were not alive, and the squad suffered other air raids on Pompey and became accustomed to death and unpleasant sights.

After completion of sea training in April 1941 nearly all Ray's room mates were drafted to HMS Hood whilst he was posted to the RM detachment of HMS Ramillies. However, on arriving in Greenock on 19th May he was sent aboard HMS Rodney to journey to Halifax Nova Scotia as Ramillies was supposedly in dock there. His Mess corporal was Corporal Laver, who later became one of the Cockleshell heroes and was executed by a German firing squad. The ship had a complement of about 180 Marines. When the Rodney went into the action with Bismark Ray was sent to well below the water line to X turret magazine, where he and others were ordered to maintain supply of cordite charges. At 0600 the next morning the skipper announced over the tannoy that the ship would be engaging Bismark and he said, "he knew we would do our duty and wished us luck." Shortly afterwards the ship's Padre gazed upon them from the overhead hatch, and after a short address pronounced a blessing (last rites) and the hatch was firmly closed. All they knew of the subsequent action was the muffled roar of the big guns, but they were given permission to go up on deck after Bismark had already slipped under the waves. Rodney then returned to Greenock to restock ammunition and fuel and then proceeded to Boston; via Halifax Nova Scotia, where Ray disembarked.

Ramillies was not in dock so Ray was sent to HMS Repulse, for which he still had his ticket in 2015. Fortunately, Ramilies arrived an hour or so before the Repulse was due to sail, so he was sent to board it.

Whilst aboard Ramillies Ray took part in the landing at Diego-Suarez for Operation Ironclad in May 1942, for which he transferred to HMS Anthony. After the operation, whilst still in harbour, Ramillies was torpedoed by two midget Japanese submarines and was badly damaged. The ship returned to Durban and then to Plymouth where it was repaired.

Ray was then drafted to Combined Operations on 2 November 1942 where he joined the inshore fire support squadron, devised after the experiences of the Dieppe Raid, and the problems faced by attacking forces landing on an enemy defended coast without adequate fire support.

Consequently he was aboard LCG(L)2 at Salerno in September 1943, where he was awarded a Mention In Despatches. On returning to England he was transferred to LCG(L)18: the inshore fire support flotilla was named the Support Squadron Eastern Flank (SSEF) for Operation Neptune at Normandy. Returning to England in August he was again stationed at Eastney barracks where he applied to join the RM Commandos.

On 31 October he was called to the transport office and told he was leaving for Ostend to replace an RM on LCS(L)252. When he arrived the RM was still aboard, for whatever reason. They sailed for Walcheren overnight and subsequently LCS 252 was blown-up 50 yards from shore. Of the twenty five crew Ray, we understand, was the only survivor. He was pulled from the sea, still wearing his lifejacket, given copious amounts of rum, and returned to England.

He subsequently underwent commando training at Towyn in Wales, and at Achnacarry until 2 December 1944. On 5 January he sailed to India for jungle training with X troop 44 Commando; was sent to Burma and Singapore, and was bound for Malaya again when the war in the east ended.

He was then posted to Hong Kong where he spent time working with the local police, and was made up to Acting Temporary Sgt on 14 January 1946. He was then subsequently posted to Malta where he was stationed at Imtafa barracks. 44 Commando was renamed 40 Commando whilst Ray was stationed in Malta until 30 September 1947. He then returned to Eastney via Palestine in 1948, when he applied for discharge which he took at Chatham on 26 April.

His family emigrated to Australia in 1950 and Ray joined them in 1951, having spent the years since his discharge sailing the world as a crewman aboard merchant ships, including the Aquatania.

In 1959 he travelled from Queensland to Melbourne where he met Wendy, married in 1963, and had two sons. Ray and his young family returned to live in England in 1978, but made frequent return trips to Australia over the years. Wendy and Ray also began revisiting areas where Ray had seen service, including the Amalfi coast south of Naples, site of Operation Avalanche in 1943; the Normandy coast; and Walcheren.

Wendy began researching an MPhil at the Department of War Studies, King's College in 1992, in which she was seeking to establish the history of inshore fire support craft, and copies of this thesis are lodged in the RM Archives at the RM Museum, and in the library of the Imperial War Museum. In the course of her research she visited the archives of the Grenadier Guards, and to her surprise was offered a voluntary position working in its the archives at Wellington Barracks in 1993, under the direction of Major Peter Lewis, a well-known figure in the Guards family. Ray was also to start working there with Wendy in 1994, two days each week for the next six years.

Ray was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2013, and again with prostate cancer in March 2015, which was then found to have moved to his bones. He was still mobile when Jim Ellard arranged for him to take part in an ITV interview aboard HMS Bulwark on 2 June 2014, as part of the Normandy commemorations. He only resorted to a wheelchair in April 2015, and was only sent to hospital on 29 June because of a leg infection. On 7 July he developed pneumonia but was pain-free and conscious until the end. Wendy was with him until the end of afternoon visiting hours on 12 July, and their sons Nick and Adam were on their way to Ealing Hospital for the evening visiting hours. Ten minutes after Wendy left at 5.30pm Ray suddenly stopped breathing and the family was told that he had no pain and no distress of any kind. For Ray it was a wonderful way to end his life. The Royal Marines coloured his entire life and he was incredibly proud to have been a member; and he lived to the full their motto Grace under Pressure.(RMAQ)

1940. February. The RM Signals Company / RM Signals Unit was formed in February 1940, its personnel were the signallers in an MNBDO. These specialist signallers served with both higher and lower formations. Early in 1943 the signals Company was redesignated Signals Unit but continued to provide specialist supervision and training for detachments with various HQs including that of the Survey and Meteorological Section. the Unit came under command of 3 Mobile Naval Base in August 1943, but the detachment with 1 RM AA Bde HQ may have been redesignated Signals detachment AA Command Ceylon.

HQ Wing: formed on 5th March 1940, it eventually was comprised of the following Camouflage Section; Beach Park Company (attached to L & M Units,) HQ Transport Company; Survey Section, which had two sub Sections Meteorological and Gun Location both attached to 1 RM Air Defence Bde; Bomb Disposal Section; and other specialists under command from time to time, including medical units. (RMHS)

1940. Early in the year. The15th RM Bn and Machine Gun Companies plans were being made to provide support units for the RM Division19 and in May 1940 the first draft of 62 recruits left Exton for the MG Companies. These were apparently to serve with each RM Battalion and in the Land Defence Forces (11th and 12th Bns). During December there was a reorganisation proposed, the MG Companies (except those with Land Defence Forces) forming the 15th RM MG Bn with an HQ formed in March 1941 at Hayling Island; the Battalion had an HQ Coy and Nos 1, 2, and 3 MG Coys. Further drafts did not join until October 1941 and in January and March 1942. In all over 43021 recruits were drafted to the Battalion from the Depot for training in Wales.

In the summer of 1942 the Battalion moved to Dalditch for combined training with infantry battalions, the main party arriving on 3rd July. Later the Battalion was reorganised into three independent companies, to serve with the Brigade Groups formed for possible operations in North Africa. Although the formation of a Support Battalion for each Brigade was suggested early in 1942, this was not accepted by the Chiefs of Staff. But from December 1942 the Battalion CO was appointed adviser to the Divisional GOC on tactical handling of MG Coys.

Although the formation of a Support Battalion for each Brigade was again considered in 1942, this was not accepted by the Chiefs of Staff. In August/September 1943 the Battalion was disbanded, many of the men being posted to the gun crews of support landing craft.(RHHS)

1940. Early in the year. The 19th RM Battalion and RM Companies a- were sent to Scapa Flow. When this naval base was expanded in 1940, 'W' Company (MNBDO) of 211 Marines - mostly tradesmen, including National Servicemen arrived on Hoy (9th March) and were followed by 'D' Coy on 25th April. The companies had been known as the Labour Battalion, but this was changed to Auxiliary Battalion in April and in September 1942 changed again to 19th RM Battalion. By June 1940 five companies had been living in tents in Lyness (Hoy), and by October 1943 had completed much of the civil engineering work, including: drainage at Hoy and Flotta; roads; canteens; Mill Bay naval camp; the storage wharf with piers at Rinnigill; and a weather station for the RAF. In April 1940 they had also built, in only eight weeks, the seaplane slipway at Balta Sound in the Shetlands, and they helped to build and guard (from 1940 to 1942), the FAA base at Twatt. They also provided stevedores for unloading ships, with officers experienced in cargo handling, their men loading and discharging some 2,000 tons of stores and ammunition a week from 1940 to 1945.

When the civil engineering work passed to RM Engineer units in autumn of 1942, 19th RM Battalion was reduced to three companies. The others were redeployed with 'X' company becoming No. 3 Coy of Landing and Maintenance Unit of MNBDO II with effect from 1st October 1942. 'W' Company became No. 2 Coy of the Landing and Maintenance Unit of MNBDO I in November 1942. In December 'Y' Company was reformed as RM Boom Defence Scaffolding Unit.10 The companies at Scapa were then 'A' Coy of 122 all ranks for administration, 'B' Company of 235 all ranks for guards and escorts; and 'C' Coy of 128 stevedores with 12 transport drivers who also worked as stevedores.

The Battalion was formally disbanded on 15th July 1943, but certain personnel, including the stevedores presumably, were absorbed into the complement of HMS Prosperine the Scapa depot. But some contact was maintained with Fort Cumberland for administrative purposes, until the Scapa Base contracted in 1945.(RMHS)

1940. Early in the year. The 20th (Training) Battalion, formerly Known as the RM Division Reinforcement Depot, was formed at Sunshine Camp, Hayling Island, to give reinforcements their boat and other training, including landing exercises, for which companies were sent to Scotland. The first Marines had joined the Depot in April 1940, and on 16th January 1942 it was redesignated 20th RM Training Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col F. B. Pym. In June 1942, when the Sunshine Camp was taken over for LC crews' training, the Battalion moved to Dalditch under command of 104 RM (Training) Bde. The staff trained recruit companies here until late October 1942, when the Battalion was merged with 21st RM Holding Battalion to form the Infantry training Centre.(RMHS)

1940. Tuesday 2nd April. 5th RM Battalion was formed at Cowshot Camp (Brookwood) Hampshire, commanded by Lt–Col H. E. Reading. The Battalion was part of 101 RM Bde. An advanced party went to Hayling Island in preparation for boat training, but the Battalion began to move to Tenby (South Wales) on 19th June. In August it embarked in the transport Karanja for the Dakar operations and sailed to Freetown. It returned to Scotland in late October, where it carried out exercises until June 1942. In February that year Lt. Col S. G. Cutler became CO and the Battalion moved to Ystrad (South Wales) on 8th–9th June, and on 2nd September Lt. Col K. Hunt took command. Some companies returned to Scotland for amphibious training in November/December. These companies and those in South Wales were assembled at Hursley (Hampshire) from 12th December 1942, moved to Ryde (Isle of Wight) in April 1943 and to Burley (Hampshire) on 29th May. Disbanded at burley early in August 1943, the HQ and most of the personnel were re–formed as 45 RM Commando.(RMHS)

1940. Wednesday 10th April. Two Skua squadrons, one commanded by Captain 'Birdie' Partridge RM flew from Hatson in the Orkneys to attack and sink the German cruiser Kőenisgsberg in Bergen harbour. The 'Coup de grace' was delivered by Captain E.D. McIver RM who was tragically killed during another raid four days later.

1940. Sunday 14th April. A small party of Royal Marines were first ashore at Namsos Norway. Where they seized the approaches to the Norwegian town in preparation for a landing by the British Army two days later.

1940. Monday 15th April - 21st December. The 2nd RM AA Regiment was formed with 'C', 'D' and 23rd RM Light Btys which were under training with RA Regiments.1 First CO Lt. Col C. M. Sergeant, 15th April to 21st December.

The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

15 April 1940:

With Coast Defence Group, Arborfield ('C', 'D' and 23rd RM Light AA Btys).

8th August 1940:

With Air Defence Gt Britain Matlock, Derbyshire (Btys as at 15th April).

January 1941:

With Air Defence Brigade MNBDO I, Portsmouth (Btys as at 15th April 1940).

March 1941:

Egypt (Btys as at 15th April 1940).

May 1941:

Crete ('C' Bty. elements of 23rd RM Light AA Bty and advance party from 'D' Bty).

June 1941:

Moascar, Egypt (after the Crete operation this Regiment had only elements of its three Btys with cadres from 'D' joining 'C' and some men from 22nd RM LAA Bty joining the 23rd RM Light AA Bty).

21st December 1941:

Cairo, the HQ became the 1st (Heavy) AA Rgt's headquarters,3 'C' and 'D' Btys to that Regiment and 23rd RM Light AA Bty to 2nd RM (Heavy) AA Regiment.

July 1942:

Headquarters re-formed. (RMHS)

1940. April. Charles Henry Bowden former Corps Drum Major. Or as he was better known - Charlie' Bowden, not that the rank and file would have addressed him as 'Charlie', but certainly his fellow SNCOs and even Officers would use his more familiar name. He was born in Portsmouth on the 21st December 1916 in a road adjoining the Royal Marine Artillery Barracks and close enough to hear the bugle calls throughout the day. He came from a family with a very distinguished record of service in the Royal Marines. Both his grandfathers and three uncles served in the Corps and his brother Jack joined the Staff Band of the Chatham Division. Charlie's father was a Bugle Major and at the age of seven Charlie joined the RM Cadet Corps, where he made his mark, first becoming the Drum Major of the Cadet Drum and Fife Band and then the Cadet RSM. He left school at fourteen and went into civilian employment. His father, on leaving the Corps, had joined the Royal Marines Police and the family moved to Chatham.

Charlie joined the Corps in April 1940 at Arborfield as a 'Hostilities Only' Marine and was selected very quickly for promotion. Within a month he was promoted L/Cpl, three weeks later Acting Temporary Corporal and within five weeks Acting Temporary Sergeant. He was drafted into 'C' Battery of the Mobile Naval Base Defence Organization, better known as MNBDO and Charlie manned anti-aircraft guns during the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940. In April 1941 MNBDO was sent to Alexandria, but after the evacuation of British Forces from Greece the unit was moved to Crete. Within a week of arriving on the Island of Crete Charlie was in a Field Hospital suffering from Dysentery. The German airborne invasion of the Island started on the 20th May 1941 and the tented hospital, in which Charlie was a patient, was raked by machine-gun fire. The hospital was over-run by the German parachutists who rounded-up the patients and made them march, in their pyjamas and boots, into captivity. A patrol of New Zealand troops attacked the column, opened fire and a number of men were killed. In the confusion Charlie escaped and took shelter in a cave near the beach at Suda Bay. Still dressed in pyjamas, boots and cap he later managed to locate his gun-site where he was nearly shot by a sentry. He was issued with some kit and a rifle and shortly afterwards the order was given to blow-up the guns and the Marines became an infantry platoon in a Royal Marine Battalion under the command of Major Ralph Garrett and they fought a rear-guard action for four days. By then the MNBDO numbered just under two thousand men, but by the 31st May, the last full day of the German invasion of the Island, they had suffered a large number of casualties. They retreated to the coast where Major Garrett dismissed the survivors of the Battalion telling them that they had the choice of waiting for the Germans to arrive and be taken prisoner, go into the hills and join the Cretan Resistance or try and make their way off the Island. An abandoned landing craft was found and a party of 139, including 56 Marines, some Australians, New Zealanders, a Greek and 2 Palestinians boarded the vessel. There was little fuel, food or drinking water but Major Garrett cast off on the 1st June and after an epic voyage during which two men died the craft beached on the North African coast about seventeen miles west of Sidi Barani, but not knowing if they were behind the British or the German lines. Charlie, together with a young Australian soldier set off in the darkness to reconnoitre and they came across a pipeline which led them to a British anti-aircraft battery. Transport was organised, and the survivors taken into the camp.

After serving for some time in Egypt Charlie moved to Ceylon as part of a force to defend the Island should the Japanese attack. In 1944 he returned to the UK and was drafted to HMS SEA SERPENT as a Temporary Acting Colour Sergeant and shortly after promoted to Temporary Acting Company Sergeant Major. He was very much involved with the training of troops prior to D-Day and he himself crossed over to France in July 1944.

While serving at HMS SEA SERPENT he met Betty, a young Wren, and they were married in January 1946 by which time he was at the Depot Deal where he qualified as an MTI (Parade) with a Distinguished PASS mark. In 1949 he volunteered to become Drum Major of the Depot Band and a year later, when the Royal Marines School of Music moved back to Deal, Charlie was officially appointed to be Drum Major of the Depot Staff Band, later becoming the Corps Senior Drum Major. The number of very high-profile ceremonial engagements in which he led the Deal Staff Band or Corps Massed Bands are too long to relate but included twelve Royal Tournaments, five Beat Retreat ceremonies on Horse Guards Parade and six Edinburgh Tattoos in addition to Band Engagements all over the country.

In 1953, as the Senior Drum Major, he led a Massed Band at the Coronation of HM The Queen and was awarded the Coronation Medal. Four years later he was awarded the BEM. He led the band on many occasions at Wembley and Twickenham stadiums at International Games and Cup Finals. Charlie also headed the band on various overseas visits, to Canada for the British Columbia Centennial Celebrations in 1958 and the following year the band travelled to Toronto for the Canadian National Exhibition. In 1965 Lt Colonel Dunn took the Staff Band of the RMSM to the USA undertaking a three-month tour with Charlie leading the Band in the arena displays. In 1961 the band had gone to Sierra Leone for that country's Independence ceremonies during which Charlie was warned by a British Diplomat that as soon as the Union Flag was lowered the band should get out of the country as soon as possible! In 1965 the Portsmouth and RMSM bands, led by Drum Majors CH Bowden and CE Bowden and under the direction of Captain Paul Neville, massed together to participate in the funeral procession of Sir Winston Churchill.

Charlie appeared in two films - 'Thunderbirds Are Go' which closed with him dressed in full ceremonial uniform filling the screen and bellowing in his best parade ground voice, "Thunderbirds Are Go" which was followed by the RMSM Band providing the film's closing music. In the film musical 'Oliver', during filming of a Dickensian London street scene with the tune 'Who Will Buy', Charlie appears leading a drum & Fife band in period uniform throwing the staff (mace) in the air with great aplomb. The drummers were from the RMSM Band, but Charlie had a few problems teaching the civilian fife players how to march. However, under his tuition, they were perfect when the scene was eventually filmed. In 1958 Charlie's picture appeared on the front page of the Radio Times advertising a Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade. He was awarded a 'bar' to his Long Service and Good Conduct medal in 1970 and, in 1971, a public house opposite the Jubilee Gate , South Barracks, Deal, was renamed 'The DRUM MAJOR' with a pub sign displaying a painting of Charlie in full ceremonial uniform.

His last ceremonial parade was at the White City stadium in London in 1972 and two weeks later he retired from the Royal Marines having completed twenty-three years as a Drum Major. His total service in the Corps was 32 years and three months during which he had been an NCO for all but the first three months. His Service Certificate shows that he was never assessed below Very Good/Superior which is probably unique! On leaving the Corps Charlie became Beadle of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and was made a Freeman of the City of London prior to finally retiring in December 1981. Betty and Charlie moved from Deal to Porlock where Charlie soon became a keen member of the Royal British Legion. He was also a life member of the Royal Marines Historical Society. Together with his wife Betty, also a member of the Society, he would take a taxi for the long journey from Porlock to Portsmouth in order to attend Annual General Meetings of the RMHS.

Betty died in 2007 leaving Charlie to look after himself. Still involved in local affairs but with health declining he was moved into a Minehead nursing home in 2010. His health continued to deteriorate, and he died peacefully there on the 7th January 2011. Many former members of the RM Band Service travelled long distances from London, Deal, Portsmouth, Malvern and the West Country to attend his funeral at Porlock. The present Corps Drum Major, WO1 James Whitwham MBE, represented the RM Band Service and two buglers from CTCRM Lympstone played Last Post and Reveille impeccably.

Charlie was by any measure an outstanding Royal Marine. A fine family man, extremely generous and a true friend. He was also a very modest man who set a high standard for himself and for others to follow. (from Colin E Bowden).

1940. April. 'Dieppe Remembered.' John Gardiner, an HO, joined Exton Camp at Lympstone in 1940 and did his basic training there before moving to Dalditch Camp on Woodbury Common to complete his advanced handling and weapon training.

On completion of training he was posted to the RM Division at Kelso in Scotland where he volunteered for Special Services.

He with 700 other volunteers arrived at Depot RN Deal in April 1942. They came from all over the world, including the RM Division, battle ships and cruisers as far afield as Gibraltar, Malta and Alexandria. The 700 were paraded on the Depot main parade and were addressed by Lt Col Picton Phillips. Colonel Picton Phillips said they had to form a Commando of 407 strong to train for a special operation.

The next day the selection process started. Colonel Picton Phillips put them through their paces assisted by Major Houghton, the 21/C and Captain Hellings, one of the Company Commanders, and 407 were chosen. John Gardiner was one of the lucky ones.

John Gardiner was posted to Captain Helling's "A" Company and his officers were Lieutenants Mike Ephraums, Copsey and Equipont.

Royal Marine 'A' Commando then moved to the Isle of Wight in May 1942 to train. The Commando was never stationed in a barracks but always billeted in digs. He was billeted with a family who refused to take any money because they said it was their part of the war effort. The Commando trained hard on the Isle of Wight for two months in June and July by day and night. In August 1942 they were ready for action.

The Commando then moved to Portsmouth where they waited for orders to embark. No one, however, had been told where the raid was to take place. They then embarked in HMS 'Locust' in the dockyard, just past HMS 'Victory'. HMS 'Locust' was a Yangtse Gun Boat, flat-bottomed with sandbags on the gunwales for protection. Its Captain was Commander Ryder VC, who had recently returned from the raid at Saint Nazaire.

The small flotilla sailed at 1800 hours on 18th August 1942, with the Naval Commander Captain Hughes Hallett in HMS 'Barclay', a Hunt Class Destroyer. There seemed to be very few large supporting ships in the convoy which was carrying a Canadian Division, No 3 and 4 Army Commando and Royal Marine 'A' Commando.

There was, however, air cover from the RAF without which the raid would have been impossible. Gardiner remembers the Canadians going ashore in Landing craft and being heavily engaged with murderous fire on the steep pebble beach. Their tanks were either hit or bogged down on the shingle. The two Army Commandos landed on the flanks with the task of securing the German Gun Batteries. Royal Marine 'A' Commando was held in reserve.

Finally 'A' Commando was ordered ashore to support the Canadians on White and Red Beach. Gardiner scrambled down a rope ladder into a waiting Landing Craft. They moved towards the beach supported by a smoke screen from the destroyers. The smoke screen, however, was 200 yards short of the beach and their craft were fully exposed to German gunfire. The radios did not work, and he saw Colonel Picton Phillips stand up and wave with his white gloves for them to retire before he was killed. Gardiner's landing craft received a direct hit which blew off the screw so that it was out of control. He managed to scramble on board a French corvette. The force withdrew to Portsmouth aboard HMS 'Locust', where Gardiner and a few of his friends who had survived disembarked. Gardiner walked out of the dockyard gate and went into the Post Office to send a telegram to his mother. The girl behind the counter said it would cost nine pence. Gardiner explained that he had been on the Dieppe raid and had no money. The girl was adamant and refused to send the telegram.

Gardiner then made his way to the Isle of Wight where the Commando regrouped. He attended a memorial service at RM Barracks, Eastney before moving to Weymouth. At Weymouth they trained for another raid on Ostend which never took place. They then re-formed as 'A' Troop, 40 Royal Marine Commando, and sailed for Italy and Sicily. (by Major C .J Smith RM.)

1940. Friday 10th May. 'Invasion of Norway had begun'.The position of Iceland, which is larger than Ireland and commands the North Atlantic trade route, was even more important than the Faeroes. Its occupation as a preventative to German invasion took place while Force Sandall was in the Faeroes.

The occupying Force was composed of Royal Marines, not from Sea-Service detachments but from the newly-formed Royal Marines Brigade. It consisted of one infantry battalion, a battery of 4-inch mobile guns and one of four 2-pounders, in all some 30 officers and 650 other ranks, with one naval howitzer battery.

The Force was commanded by Colonel R. G. Sturges RM. They sailed in the cruisers Berwick and Glasgow, with the destroyers Fearless and Fortune, in company on the 8th May 1940. Mr C. Howard-Smith, C.M.G., Minister-designate to Iceland, who had left Denmark when the Germans marched in, accompanied the Force.

On the 10th April 1940:

When the squadron was within 30 miles of Reykjavik, The Berwick's Walrus was flown off to reconnoitre the harbour, and the Fortune made an anti-submarine sweep of the approaches. The cruisers anchored half a mile from the harbour while the fearless took ashore the first flight of troops, including the Royal Marine detachment from H.M.S. Berwick.

A violent snow-storm came on, so that the Berwick was able to steam into the inner harbour and go alongside the inner jetty in the centre of town before she had been seen from the shore. The berth was clear and there was no opposition. This was shortly after 4-a.m. it was by then quite light.

The landing party was met by a few civilians, mainly British residents who spoke the language. They acted as guides, the Marines lost no time in posting pickets on the three main roads leading from the town, occupying the post and telegraph office, the main telephone exchange and the station.

Cars were commandeered, and all objectives were secured without interference from the local inhabitants or the police.

One of the first objectives was:

The occupation of the German Consulate. Two Platoons, under Major S. G. Cutler had been detailed for this purpose. They reached the Consulate expecting resistance. The Consul-General, Herr Gerlach, was known to be an ardent member of the Nazi party. Some time before the war the Swiss Government had requested his removal from Berne.

In response to Major Cutler's knocking, he opened the door himself. He was fully dressed even at that time of the morning. On seeing the Marines he protested, but led the way into the hall. One object of occupying the Consulate was to impound the secret documents. To prevent them from being burned, Major Cutler had thoughtfully brought with him a phoneme fire-extinguisher.

Having dealt with the Consul, he was about to search the cellar, where he thought the papers might be stowed, when there was a cry: 'Fire on the first floor!'

He dashed upstairs, to find flames rising to a height of 20-feet. The Consul's wife and elder daughter were rushing about in their night gowns, throwing all of the confidential books and secret documents in a bath, which had about 5-inches of paraffin in it and was blazing.

Marines ripped the clothes off:

Of the double bed in the Consul's bedroom, flung them on the bath and brought the phoneme into action. They extinguished the fire in a few seconds, thereby saving most of the documents.

Herr Gerlach was then escorted round the house while a search was made for booby-traps by him opening the drawers, lifting up the carpets and moving the furniture.

The members of the Consulate were given time to pack two suitcases each, but were warned that if they attempted to secretly hide any books or papers they would be allowed to take nothing. They were then assembled in the hall.

Herr Gerlach asked to be allowed to fetch his overcoat from the cloakroom. He was escorted by Major Cutler and a sergeant. As he reached for the coat his left hand went for a pocket. Major Cutler seized his arm and took a loaded revolver from the overcoat. Herr Gerlach was then placed under an armed guard.

Cars were commandeered, by 8:45 the Consul, his family and his staff were embarked on H.M.S. Glasgow. The ensign of the German Consulate was hauled down and was subsequently signed by the senior N.C.O.s of the battalion. On its return to England the swastika was hung in the sergeants' mess at Eastney Barracks.

On the morning of the landing:

Colonel Sturges was able to report: "All quiet, inhabitants friendly."

Trawlers were requisitioned to disembark the stores. One of these was Faraday, of Hull. Less than 15 minutes after the Marines boarded her, She was steaming towards the Berwick for her first load. Her crew joined in the work of unloading and her skipper refused to accept the requisitioning chit which entitled him to payment. He and his men were glad to work for nothing.

All stores and equipment were ashore by 5:30. The presence of H.M.Ships no longer necessary, the squadron weighed anchor an hour later. As a precaution against a German airborne invasion, Sturges Force took over the seaplane station, the local glider club and a possible landing ground 43 miles outside Reykjavik.

The 2-pounder anti-aircraft pom-poms were mounted on the outskirts of the town. This bloodless blitzkrieg was accomplished, without a single shot being fired-even by accident.

The Icelanders accepted the situation philosophically. They like the Faeroes, are an independent people and it is not supposed that they welcomed the occupation of their islands. Nevertheless, they recognised that the Germans might have come had the British not done so, and they regarded the British as the lesser of the two evils.

As in the Faeroes, the inhabitants:

Were soon on friendly terms with the Marines, and before the last of the Force had left more than one British-Icelandic marriage had been arranged. With the occupation complete and the situation well in hand, the work of the Royal Marines was done.

On 20th May, 11-days after landing, the command was transferred to the Army. Force Sturges re-embarked in the transports they came in and returned to the UK. After the occupation the Germans broadcast a statement that there would not be a single British soldier left in Iceland in 10-days' time.

Colonel Sturges's answer was include in his Defence Orders: "There is only one scale of resistance-to the last round and the last bayonet."

The threat did not materialize.

The initial credit must go to the Corps. For its dispatch in handling a difficult situation, and it may well be proud to include 'Iceland' as another battle honour which its colours cannot contain. (Author Unknown)

1940. May. 1st and 2nd RM Anti–MTB: the '1st' with Force Sturges in Iceland, May 1940, with 4 x 2pdr Pom–Poms; served in air defence Devonport (Plymouth) in October 1940; later equipped with Bofors; redesignated 'Portsmouth' Battery in Ceylon August 1943. The '2nd' when in Falmouth with 2nd Coast Bde in 1941 had 4 x 2pdr Pom–Poms and was later equipped with Bofors. (RMHS)

1940. Monday 20th May. Sea Borne Escape from Crete in a Damaged Landing Craft. When the Germans invaded Crete, Colour Sergeant Charlie Bowden RM was in a hospital suffering from dysentery. Soon he and the other patients were being marched, in their pyjamas, into captivity. Bowden's column was attacked by a patrol of New Zealanders, however, and in the confusion, he escaped and hid in a cave near Suda Bay until he could set out to discover his own battery. He eventually located it but, still dressed in pyjamas, was shot at by a sentry.

Scrounging a uniform and a rifle, Bowden manned the guns until receiving the order to blow them up rather than let them fall into German hands. His unit then became part of an infantry platoon under the command of Major Ralph Garrett which, during the next four days, fought a bloody rear-guard action. Retreating to the island's south coast, half the men of the formation were wounded or killed.

There Garrett told survivors that they could wait to be taken prisoner, join the resistance, or try to make their way off the island. Bowden chose to stay with Garrett who, when they found an abandoned landing craft, called out: "Who's for home? All aboard the Skylark."

They set out with 139 men, including 56 Marines, some Australians, New Zealanders, a Greek and two Palestinians. There was little fuel, food or water, but Bowden had found a map of the Mediterranean in a deserted school and this became their chart. "It was all in Greek," he recalled, "but we could still recognise the shape of the countries."

Their supplies were a travelling clock, odd tins of oil and petrol, and biscuits and bully beef which had been abandoned on the beach. With only one engine working, and the deck just above water level, they set sail at 08.55 on the morning of Saturday 1st June 1940.

When they ran out of fuel they used their bootlaces to stitch together a sail of blankets and dived over the side in groups to steer the landing craft by swimming. After nine days, during which time two men died, the craft beached on the North African coast. Many of the survivors were so weak that they could not stand, but two Maoris went to search for water. Meanwhile, not knowing if they were behind British or German lines, Bowden and a young Australian officer set off into the darkness to reconnoitre.

A pipeline led them to a British anti-aircraft battery, where they summoned transport, and Bowden returned to the beach to report to Garrett. Though many were ill and without boots, they marched to a rendezvous which Bowden had fixed, where a convoy of lorries was waiting to take them to safety. Within days Garrett's Royal Marines were re-equipped and ready to fight again.

Charles Henry Bowden was born on Thursday 21st December 1916 in Portsmouth in a house outside the Royal Marine Artillery Barracks, close enough to hear bugle calls throughout the day. Both his grandfathers and three uncles and a brother had served in the Royal Marines, and Charlie's father was a bugle major.

At the age of seven Charlie joined the RM Cadet Corps, where he became drum major of the Cadet Drum and Fife Band and then Cadet RSM. On leaving school at 14, however, he went into civilian employment.

In April 1940 Bowden signed up as a 'hostilities only' marine. Within five weeks he was an acting temporary sergeant and had been drafted into the Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation (MNBDO), the forerunner of today's Royal Marines Commando. He was in charge of an anti-aircraft battery during the Battle of Britain before, in April 1941, the MNBDO was sent to Alexandria, and then to Crete.

After his escape from the island, Bowden served in Egypt and Ceylon before, in 1944 returning to Britain to help train troops for D-Day. He eventually landed in France in July 1944.

Post-war, Bowden was promoted Royal Marines Corps Senior Drum Major, taking a leading part in numerous high profile ceremonial engagements, including 12 Royal Tournaments, five Beating Retreat ceremonies on Horse Guards Parade and six Edinburgh Tattoos. In 1953 he led a massed band at the Coronation. He also led the band on many sporting occasions at Wembley and Twickenham, and on several overseas tours.

In 1961, when the band was in Sierra Leone for independence ceremonies, he recalled the advice of a British diplomat that as soon as the Union Flag had been lowered and the band had finished, the musicians should get out of the country.

Bowden appeared in two films: Thunderbirds Are Go closed with him dressed in full ceremonial uniform, filling the screen and bellowing in his best parade-ground voice 'Thunderbirds Are Go!'; in Oliver Bowden flung his mace in front of a drum and fife band through the streets of a make-believe Dickensian London. When, in 1971, a pub outside the RM barracks in Deal was renamed The Drum Major, its sign showed Bowden in full uniform.

In 1946 he married WRNS Betty Young, who died in 2001, he is survived by their two daughters.

On leaving the Royal Marines, Bowden became beadle of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. He retired to Porlock.

Colour Sergeant Charlie Bowden died age 94 in 2011, he was a Royal Marines gunner who survived being shot at by both the enemy. After the war he led many musical extravaganzas.

Colour Sergeant Charlie Bowden, who died aged 94 During 2011 was a Royal Marines gunner who survived being shot at by both the enemy and his own side before taking part in a remarkable seaborne escape from Crete in 1941.

1940. May - June. The 31st and 32nd RM Howitzer later RM Light Btys: initially equipped with 3.7–in howitzers, 'A' Section of the '31st' went to the Shetland Islands in May to July 1940. Other Sections, as part of the RM Division, had 3.7–in guns in lorries towing limbers, but this did not prove satisfactory. These units redeployed as 2nd RM Support Craft Bty (from the '31st') and in the 1st RM Support Craft Bty, after the gunners had trained on 25pdrs. (RMHS)

1940. May. 102 RM Brigade was formed when the RM Brigade was divided into brigades each of two battalions, this was at first designated 2nd Brigade in about May 1940,1 but in August the number was changed to avoid confusion with army units and RM Bn, to 102 RM Bde. It was commanded by Brig R. H. Campbell, who would later command the Division. His HQ had been formally opened on 16th July at Plymouth and moved to Liverpool on 19th August but only of the HQ appears to have sailed (with 101 Bde HQ) to Freetown, and this Brigade's 2nd and 3rd RM Bns remained in Freetown (West Africa) until February 1941, when they returned to the UK. The Bde HQ continued to train its battalions until August 1943, when its HQ personnel became the HQ staff of 3 Special Service (Cdo) Brigade.(RMHS)

1940. Mid May. RM Quick Firing (QF) Regiment was formed by MNBDO I in mid–May 1940 at the time of the German invasion of France. The Regiment was part of

16 land batteries formed by Royal Naval personnel and largely staffed by officers from HMS Effingham, which had recently been sunk. The 41st RM QF Battery sailed for Dunkirk but was not landed (25th May) and was detached with eight 12pdr Portees (guns on lorries) to 15 Division at Dunmow, Essex, during June and July. While the other two Batteries, were equipped like the '41st' were also detached: '42nd' to 5th Loyals at Crowborough, Sussex May to 12th July; and '43rd' to 18 Division HQ at Norwich, Norfolk during May and June. These batteries, each of six officers and 165 other ranks, were all disbanded within 10 weeks of their formation(RMHS).

1940. Eric Foulkes RM Remembers. "Early May 1940, on my call up, I reported to the R A Depot called Hadrians Camp, Carlisle, where we were kitted out, did the usual drilling, as well as gunnery. Before leaving we were granted the freedom of the city, and proudly marched through the city centre with fixed bayonets, a first for the Royal Marines.

Next we went to Towyn, North Wales, where we fired our first live ammunition, at targets towed by planes; I was No 6 on the Sperry Predictor. It was here that we were put on two minute notice for embarkation to Norway but this was called off. So we moved to Exton, and I clearly recall that we were billeted, eight men in bell tents; these were in fields on the side of the road to the main gates, there were not many buildings I recall, the largest being a mess hall, office and guard room. At mealtimes we gathered our eating utensils, and marched to the mess down the road which led to the parade ground. A parade Sergeant Major Chivers was in charge there.

I was on guard duty when the then Commandant General visited, I am not sure, but I think it was Sir Dallas. Brookes at that time. But what I remember most of our short stay there was being paid an extra 4 pence per day for hard lying, plus 4 pence per day in lieu of the rum ration, and with my 1 shilling a day I found it helped to cope with the supply of blanco, tooth-powder, Brasso and shoe polish which was required of us, to keep up to standard. After about 4 weeks stay at Exton we were on the move again. In the early hours of night we were ordered to parade in full marching order and issued with 50 rounds, one tin of bully-beef, one packet of hard tack biscuits; then entrained at Lympstone station, non-stop to Dover harbour. We boarded a ship for France, then suddenly orders were to disembark, fall in on the dockside as the ship was in need for the evacuation of Dunkirk.

We marched off to Folkestone and took over A A guns defending Hawkinge Aerodrome." (From Major C .J Smith RM)

1940. Thursday 30th May. Band Boys were evacuated from Depot, Deal to RM Reserve Camp Exton, at Lympstone because of the Depots proximity to the battle of France. Two weeks later the remainder of the RNSM followed and moved into a fort at Plymouth.

1940. May. 45 Commando RM formed in May 1940 as 5th RM Battalion and converted at Burley to 45 RM Commando in August 1943. Redesignated to present title in December 1945.

1940. May. 'Early Days in Exton Camp' From Eric Foulkes RM. "Early May 1940, on my call up, I reported to the R A Depot called Hadrian's Camp, Carlisle, where we were kitted out, did the usual drilling, as well as gunnery. Before leaving we were granted the freedom of the city, and proudly marched through the city centre with fixed bayonets, a first for the Royal Marines.

Next we went to Towyn, North Wales, where we fired our first live ammunition, at targets towed by planes; I was No 6 on the Sperry Predictor. It was here that we were put on two minute notice for embarkation to Norway, but this was called off. So we moved to Exton, and I clearly recall that we were billeted, eight men in bell tents; these were in fields on the side of the road to the main gates, there were not many buildings I recall, the largest being a mess hall, office and guard room. At mealtimes we gathered our eating utensils, and marched to the mess down the road which led to the parade ground. A parade Sergeant Major Chivers was in charge there.

I was on guard duty when the then Commandant General visited, I am not sure, but I think it was Sir Dallas. Brookes at that time. But what I remember most of our short stay there was being paid an extra 4 pence per day for hard lying, plus 4 pence per day in lieu of the rum ration, and with my 1 shilling a day I found it helped to cope with the supply of blanco, tooth-powder, Brasso and shoe polish which was required of us, to keep up to standard. After about 4 weeks stay at Exton we were on the move again. In the early hours of night we were ordered to parade in full marching order and issued with 50 rounds, one tin of bully-beef, one packet of hard tack biscuits; then entrained at Lympstone station, non-stop to Dover harbour. We boarded a ship for France, then suddenly orders were to disembark, fall in on the dockside as the ship was in need for the evacuation of Dunkirk.

We marched off to Folkestone and took over A A guns defending Hawkinge Aerodrome." (From Eric Foulkes RM)

1940. June. Harwich Auxiliary Patrol. Formed from trawler crews in June 1940 with trawlers and other small vessels, the Patrol was in action against E boats and German planes. The crews were instructed in small arms and gunnery by nine RM sergeant pensioners.(RMHS)

1940. Sunday 9th June, a department in the War Office was created to deal with the issues surrounding the creation of such a force. This office was to become known as 'Combined Operations' as it involved all three services. Churchill had called for 20,000 men, who he called 'Leopards' ready to spring at the throats of the Germans at short notice. Recruits were drawn from the British Army and even the British Police Force. Churchill himself ordered that they should be equipped with the best equipment.

1940. Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th June. The first Commando raid took place along the Northern French coast at Boulogne le Touquet. Known as 'Operation Collar' although officially it was not carried out by a Commando unit, but by No 11 Independent Company.

1940. July. The Special Boat Section was formed by Commando officer Roger Courtney. Courtney became a commando recruit in mid-1940, and was sent to the Combined Training Centre in Scotland. He was unsuccessful in his initial attempts to convince Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes and later Admiral Theodore Hallett, commander of the Combined Training Centre, that his idea of a kayak brigade would be effective. He decided to infiltrate HMS Glengyle, a Landing Ship, Infantry anchored in the River Clyde. Courtney paddled to the ship, climbed aboard undetected, wrote his initials on the door to the captain's cabin, and stole a deck gun cover. He presented the soaking cover to a group of high-ranking Royal Navy officers meeting at a nearby Inveraray hotel. He was promoted to captain, and given command of twelve men, the first Special Boat Service/Special Boat Section. Although it was initially named the 'Folboat Troop,' after the type of folding canoe employed in raiding operations.

1940. Saturday 20th July - 11th November. Captain O. Patch RM took part in a night torpedo attack on Tobruk harbour, sinking two Italian destroyers.

1940. July. Force X/RM Detachment 300 was initially comprised an RM Ship Unloading Company, RM Engineers and landing craft crews serving under RN command in Iceland from July 1940 to June 1942. There they handled stores and other work at the RN Repair Base at Hvitanes. (The LC Flotilla subsequently went to New Guinea in the late summer of 1944.) In February 1943 another Force X RM was formed at Deal with 480 RM Engineers, kitted for shore service but with sea kit bags. Each man had a rifle, 50 rounds of ammunition and the Force had three days rations. Its postal address was RM Detachment 300. Having had embarkation leave, the Detachment was ready for overseas service by March 1943 (dated 3rd February 1943). Elements of Force X or possibly men from Detachment 300 were still in Iceland in 1944. (RMHS)

1940. Friday 10th August. 390 Kings Squad was the first Kings Squad to pass for duty at the Lympstone Camp. After completing their basic training at RM Depot Deal and Naval Gunnery at Chatham.

1940. Thursday 22nd August. Captain O. Patch RM led a flight of three swordfish against Italian ships in Bomba Bay. The flight sank four ships with three torpedoes, an exploit which won him the Distinguished Service Order.

1940. Thursday 22nd August. 'When The Marines Manned The Guns". Over Southern England the Luftwaffe was locked in combat with the RAF to gain air supremacy prior to the mounting of Operation Sealion. In. the harbours of Calais, Boulogne, Dunkerque and Ostende the lines of barges awaited the signal to set sail, while along the coast of the Pas de Calais feverish work proceeded to ready the German long-range guns to bombard the shores of Kent in support of the invasion.

In the underground War Room beneath Whitehall the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, waited for a special telephone call informing him that one of his pet anti-invasion schemes had been put into operation. When it came it was short and to the point:

"I have to nom you, Sit that at 09.45. "Good," came the growled reply.

Most people, even those living in Kent, will associate the Corps of Royal Marines with the Royal Navy, as since their formation as The Duke of York and Albany's Regiment in 1664, they have been known as Britain's 'Sea Soldiers'. What may not be so well known is their association with heavy artillery, although they have been manning ship's guns since 1804, and even trained naval gunners until 1859.

After the evacuation of Dunkerque, and the occupation of the Channel Coast of Prance, the Germans started to construct four long-range gun batteries in the Cap Gris Nez area, and moved up some K.5 railway guns to Calais. Winston Churchill decided that the British coastal defences needed strengthening, and proposed that long'-range guns be installed near Dover to provide protection against the expected invasion fleet, also for the bombardment of the German batteries. (This was first mooted in 1918 when there were plans for two 18 in. guns to be mounted at St Margaret's Bay to bombard the French coast when it looked as if the Germans would break through our defences along the coast.)

The only barrels (or pieces as they are known) available were from four 14 in. B.L. Mk VII ex-naval gufis from World War One battleships. But only two mountings were available. The plans for the installation of the guns were formulated on June 14th 1940, the site being in the valley behind the village of St Margaret's at Cliffe, near Dover - the nearest point to the French coast. Work started on the old St Margaret's golf course on June 24th, while games were still being played on the course. As well as the actual guns, construction work started on observation posts, fire control buildings, shell stores, power houses, communications, shelters and living accommodation.

Because of the weight of. the mountings and the pieces, a railway track was laid from the old spur line from Martin Mill station to Dover Harbour at Bere Farm, running along the valley to cross the main road to the village near Townsend Farm. Three heavy lifting railway cranes, the only ones in the country, were employed for the erection of the guns, the mountings being delivered by rail after bridges en route had been strengthened. The pieces were delivered by gun barges 'Cog' and 'Magog' to Sittingbourne and thence by rail to St Margaret's. The mounting for the first gun (christened 'Winnie' in the PM's honour) was delivered on July 10th and the piece installed by August 7th. The second gun (called 'Pooh' by association with 'Winnie') was in position by the end of the year and ready for firing by February 8th 1941, Winston having made frequent visits to check on progress.

'Winnie' was housed in a steel barbette or gun shelter with a pitched roof, but 'Pooh' had no overhead protection. Some idea of the size of the task can be gauged from the statistics for the various parts of the installations: the Wountings were in two sections each weighing 75 tons; the cradles weighed 15 tons and the pieces 97 tons each; the mounting also had a 20 ton counterweight. Loading was by a derrick mounted behind the gun which lifted the shells from small railway trolleys. The whole operation being carried out while overhead Messerschmitt fighters and Junkers dive-bombers were engaged by Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons. On more than one occasion the sites were machine-gunned and dive-bombed, luckily with only a few casualties and little damage. The German guns were in action by August 12th and added to the difficulties, and the following month 'Winnie' was shelled, and civilians and servicemen killed and wounded.

An elaborate latticework of scaffold poles supported painted wire-wool impregnated netting over the guns to act as camouflage, while as an extra aid to deception, two duny guns, with the same overhead camouflage, were installed but with a telegraph pole acting as the piece. Again, this work had to be carried out in full view of the enemy and it is rumoured that on one occasion the Luftwaffe dropped a wooden bomb on one of the dummies. The camouflage work was carried out by specialists previously employed in film set construction under the direction of Sir Jaspar Maskerlayne, the well-known stage illusionist.

To add to the make believe, the railway line to 'Pooh' was extended to the dummy gun using spare sleepers and lengths of railway line.

When the guns were ready they were handed over to a detachment of Royal Marines under the command of Lt Col H D Fellows DSO, as 'A' Battery Royal Marine Siege Regiments It was Lt Col.

Fellows who had the honour of firing the first shot from England to France and to report the fact to Winston Churchill. Normally the range of the 14 in. Mk VII B.L. gun was not sufficient to reach France, but a method of 'supercharging' using extra cordite was devised to increase the range by one-third, 'Pooh' now being able to fire some 48,000 yards (27.1 miles). However there were drawbacks, the 'super-charging' caused the rifling in the linings to wear excessively, and by the middle of December 1940 'Winnie' , already well worn on the ranges before installation, had to have the piece replaced after tiring only 47 rounds, this being done between 22nd-29th of the month, Protection for the installations was provided by two naval Pom. Poms as well as Lewis machine guns and local Royal Artillery ack-ack batteries. The offer by a Royal Marine corporal to be hoisted aloft in a balloon to try and shoot down the dive-bombers with a Lewis gun was declined. A drawback to effective counter-battery work was the lack of facilities to record the fall of shot and thus adjust ranging. During the initial bombardments of the German guns an Avro Anson spotting plane was dispatched to Calais for air observation post work, but was attacked by enemy fighters and damaged so it had to carry out a forced landing behind 'Winnie'.

Two additional long-'range guns were installed at Astze Farm, on the seaward side of 'Winnie', these being 15in ack ack gun manned by the Royal Artillery and tied into the fire zone system and with radar plotting. These were ready for service by 13th August 1942 and took up counter battery work and by July 1943 the Royal Marine's guns were put into "Care and Maintenance'. By March 1944 the Flag Officer Ccuiiag Dover was querying the need for the retention of person to man the guns when there was a requirement for 90 loyal Marines for 'Overlord' (the D-Day Invasion). But an appendix added by the Director of Local Defence to the above on the 3rd August pointed out that " (By David G Collyer)

1940. August. The Royal Marines Division was formed as the British Royal Marines expanded to meet operational demands during the Second World War. The RM Division's primary role was to serve as an amphibious warfare formation. It was to be organized on the same lines as an Army division with 3 infantry brigades, an artillery brigade, an engineer battalion, a machine gun battalion, and a 'mobile' battalion equipped with motorcycles.(RMHS)

1940. August. The 103 RM Brigade formation was approved by Chiefs of Staff at the time the RM Division's formation was approved, two battalions - 7th RM Bn and 8th RM Bn - were to be raised at Exton, where the Brigade HQ opened in October 1940, but the following month recruits intended for the Battalions were re-allocated to MNBDO II. The HQ continued at Exton, with the Brigade Commander also Commandant of this Reserve Depot, and the battalions were each reduced to 200 all ranks. 7th RM Bn was moved to Hayling Island that December, as a training unit. The 103 Bde HQ was reactivated in April 19418 at Exton (CTC Barracks in 1997). It was commanded by Brig N. K. Jolley and its battalions - 7th and 8th \- were drawn from recruits at this Reserve Depot; also under command for some months were the 10th RM Bn Lt Bty, the 15th RM Bn, 18th RM Bn, RM Division Reinforcement Depot and 1st RM Bn (for administration only). In April the 7th RM Bn came back to Devon, being under canvas at Dalditch. The Brigade took over responsibility for training reinforcements on 2nd May 1941 and Brig Jolley commanded the Exton Depot until the end of December, when again many men from the battalions were drafted to make up the establishment of MNBDOs.

The 103 RM Bde was re-joined by the 10th Bn on 21st January 1942 before it moved to Dalditch on 27th-29th January, when RM brigades of three battalions were planned. But in May 1942 '103 Bde was again reduced to a low priority'. The Brigade HQ's training responsibilities passed to 104 RM (Training) Brigade on 17th June and 103 Bde's HQ was disbanded on 16th July 1942.(RMHS)

1940. August. The Royal Marines Division was formed as the British Royal Marines expanded to meet operational demands during the Second World War. The RM Division's primary role was to serve as an amphibious warfare formation. It was to be organized on the same lines as an Army division with 3 infantry brigades, an artillery brigade, an engineer battalion, a machine gun battalion, and a 'mobile' battalion equipped with motorcycles.

1940. Summer. Kent RM, Chatham RM, Devon RM, Hants RM, Sussex RM and Dorset RM: these coast batteries initially had 2 x 6–in guns and control posts or rooms; the guns were a naval type on coast defence mountings. In the summer of 1940 the Batteries were deployed as follows: 'Kent' detached from MNBDO I, sent to Lowestoft, Suffolk, with 3 x 6–in guns later handed over to Royal Artillery; 'Devon' in Iceland without guns, then to Folkestone, Kent, with 2 x 6–in but to be trained as Howitzer Battery May 1940, 'Hants' at Sheringham, Norfolk. During 1941–2 'Sussex' at Littlehampton, Sussex, and 'Dorset' at Portland, Dorset. Men of 'Hants' in Crete with 6–in guns but no mountings in May 1941. After service in Egypt at different periods, these heavy coast batteries were deployed in Indian Ocean islands bases 'Kent' and 'Devon' on Addu Atoll ('Devon' on Hitadu Island) in September 1942, but sickness reduced both Batteries from their former strength to 50 men. 'Kent' was redesignated 'Chatham' when in the 3rd Coast Rgt at Katukurunda in Ceylon in August 1943. See also Coast Regiments' unit history summaries for deployment of these 6in Batteries in Italy and Ceylon. Although some of these Batteries had been disbanded in practice before 15th May 1944, they appear to have continued as 'of record' until all were disbanded as of 15th May 1944 (RMRO 719/44).

Devon RM Light AA: formed from Devon RM Coast Battery's personnel et al, see 1 RM Coast Brigade unit history summary.

Portsmouth RM: with 3rd Coast Rgt in Ceylon August 1943, equipped with Bofors.

St Angelo RM Light AA: clerks, MOAs and other RM personnel of naval headquarters in Malta, manned Lewis guns in air defences from June 1040 to mid–January 1941, when they received two Bofors. The guns were sited near the upper barracks, with a third Bofors for a time in the wardroom garden. These crews worked in the base when not closed up, by May 1941 there were two crews for the pair of Bofors at the barracks. They could change a barrel in a little over 16 seconds. Among the crews' memories were the German G–mines with Bakelite wind baffles, low–flying aircraft and an issue of semi–armour–piercing shells. These shells were intended for use against Italian coastal forces which had raided the harbour on 25th July 1941. A 1,000lb bomb hit the Sergeants Mess that autumn, but heavy raids were not renewed until January 1942, the Battery later being showered from time to time with unexploded air defence rockets. The battery claimed over 50 planes, and crews were awarded a DSC and Bar, four DSMs and five 'Mentions'. (RMHS)

1940. September. Land Artillery Units. The Artillery Headquarters of RM Division. During the formation of the RM Division in September 1940 a six–gun battery of 3.7in howitzers was to form the division's artillery. The first of these had been formed in April 1940. Dated 18th April and others were to be provided by transfers from the howitzer batteries at that time with the MNBDO. The Army Council drafted if it was not signed officially a letter of 8th January 1941 to the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty, which included the following: 'The principle that the [RM] Division should contain anti–tank and light anti–aircraft guns, is accepted [and these] should eventually be manned by Royal Marines. There is little prospect, however, of these weapons being available for some considerable time. If the division is required for action before these units are available, the Army accept the responsibility for provision to the scale laid down'. When a ceiling was placed on army manpower, however, 'the War Office found it necessary to cancel the agreement', and the Adjutant general agreed that the RM division should raise its own supporting units.

The HQ of RM Division Artillery was opened in the autumn of 1942 at Lympstone Grange, near Exton Camp in Devon. The commander was Col S. G. B. Paine, an appointment equivalent to CRA in an army division. Arrangements were made to attach various RM artillery cadres to army units for training.7 By mid–October 1942 the establishment was:8 Division Artillery HQ with 'H' Section of No. 2 Company of Division Signals; a field regiment, a light anti–aircraft regiment and an anti–tank regiment. In December this HQ moved to Brockenhurst, Hampshire, and a number f exercises were carried out. On 27th April 1943 the Royal Artillery Col D. C. W. Sanders, OBE, AFC, TD, assumed command of the RM Division Artillery and was promoted Brigadier on 2nd July.

When the Division was disbanded, the Brigadier and many of the division's gunnery Officers were transferred to the Armoured Support Group and major support craft. The last War Diary entry for this HQ dated 4th July 1943 states that 12 rounds HE and some smoke were the maximum available per Section for practice shoots. (RMHS)

1940. September. 48 RM Commando formed at Exton as 7th RM Battalion. Converted at Deal to 48 RM Commando in March 1944. Disbanded near Horsham in January 1946.

1940. September. The Royal School of Music moved from Plymouth to a camp outside Malvern, Worcs.

1940. Monday 11th November. Captain O. Patch RM took part in the epic raid on Taranto and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

1940. Saturday 30th November. 387 Kings Squad Passed for duty at Plymouth. H.A. King was awarded the Kings Badge.

1940. Signals detachments with artillery units: in 1940 RM Batteries' communications were in army or navy signals networks in the UK, but when overseas the MNBDO Headquarters provided signals detachments. Some of these signallers formed the signals element of 5 RM AA Brigade's Operations Room in 1944. (RMHS)

1940. Lochailort Castle in Scotland was the first Commando training centre. Operations started there in 1940. The instructors included men who would later make their own mark in the history of the war, David Stirling who started the SAS, Lord Shimy Lovat who commanded No. 4 Commando at Dieppe, and Michael "Mad Mike" Calvert who commanded a Chindit battalion in Burma.

1940. John Gardiner, an HO, joined Exton Camp at Lympstone in 1940 and did his basic training there before moving to Dalditch Camp on Woodbury Common to complete his advanced handling and weapon training.

On completion of training he was posted to the RM Division at Kelso in Scotland where he volunteered for Special Services.

He with 700 other volunteers arrived at Depot RN Deal in April 1942. They came from all over the world, including the RM Division, battle ships and cruisers as far afield as Gibraltar, Malta and Alexandria. The 700 were paraded on the Depot main parade and were addressed by Lt Col Picton Phillips. Colonel Picton Phillips said they had to form a Commando of 407 strong to train for a special operation.

The next day the selection process started. Colonel Picton Phillips put them through their paces assisted by Major Houghton, the 21/C and Captain Hellings, one of the Company Commanders, and 407 were chosen. John Gardiner was one of the lucky ones.

John Gardiner was posted to Captain Helling's "A" Company and his officers were Lieutenants Mike Ephraums, Copsey and Equipont.

Royal Marine 'A' Commando then moved to the Isle of Wight in May 1942 to train. The Commando was never stationed in a barracks but always billeted in digs. He was billeted with a family who refused to take any money because they said it was their part of the war effort. The Commando trained hard on the Isle of Wight for two months in June and July by day and night. In August 1942 they were ready for action.

The Commando then moved to Portsmouth where they waited for orders to embark. No one, however, had been told where the raid was to take place. They then embarked in HMS 'Locust' in the dockyard, just past HMS 'Victory'. HMS 'Locust' was a Yangtse Gun Boat, flat-bottomed with sandbags on the gunwhales for protection. Its Captain was Commander Ryder VC, who had recently returned from the raid at Saint Nazaire.

The small flotilla sailed at 1800 hours on 18th August 1942, with the Naval Commander Captain Hughes Hallett in HMS 'Barclay', a Hunt Class Destroyer. There seemed to be very few large supporting ships in the convoy which was carrying a Canadian Division, No 3 and 4 Army Commando and Royal Marine 'A' Commando.

There was, however, air cover from the RAF without which the raid would have been impossible. Gardiner remembers the Canadians going ashore in Landing craft and being heavily engaged with murderous fire on the steep pebble beach. Their tanks were either hit or bogged down on the shingle. The two Army Commandos landed on the flanks with the task of securing the German Gun Batteries. Royal Marine 'A' Commando was held in reserve.

Finally 'A' Commando was ordered ashore to support the Canadians on White and Red Beach. Gardiner scrambled down a rope ladder into a waiting Landing Craft. They moved towards the beach supported by a smoke screen from the destroyers. The smoke screen, however, was 200 yards short of the beach and their craft were fully exposed to German gunfire. The radios did not work and he saw Colonel Picton Phillips stand up and wave with his white gloves for them to retire before he was killed. Gardiner's landing craft received a direct hit which blew off the screw so that it was out of control. He managed to scramble on board a French corvette. The force withdrew to Portsmouth aboard HMS 'Locust', where Gardiner and a few of his friends who had survived disembarked. Gardiner walked out of the dockyard gate and went into the Post Office to send a telegram to his mother. The girl behind the counter said it would cost nine pence. Gardiner explained that he had been on the Dieppe raid and had no money. The girl was adamant and refused to send the telegram.

Gardiner then made his way to the Isle of Wight where the Commando regrouped. He attended a memorial service at RM Barracks, Eastney before moving to Weymouth. At Weymouth they trained for another raid on Ostend which never took place. They then re-formed as 'A' Troop, 40 Royal Marine Commando, and sailed for Italy and Sicily.

From. John Gardiner.

1940 \- 1941. RM Division HQ. The back ground to the formation of the Division and its subsequent development. Briefly, in August 1940 Maj General R. (Bob) G. Sturgess, a Brigadier at the time, was appointed to command the Division at the same as time as the formation of 103 Bde was approved on August 8th. On 23rd September the intended order of battle was the following: three brigades which would become 101, 102 and 103 each with an HQ, signals and two battalions; a battery of 6 x 3.7in howitzers (presumably the 31st RM Light Bty); a mobile unit of motorcycles with some carriers and anti-tank weapons; a field ambulance and a Light Aid Detachment to be provided by the War Office; and army instructors for 'one engineer unit'. The War Office prepared the equipment authorisations (G1098s) for a unit with characteristics of great mobility 'but with great fire and assault powers', capable of operating in temperate or semitropical climates.

During the early winter of 1940–41 101 and 102 Bdes were abroad, but on 21st February 1941 the Divisional HQ opened at Alresford (Hampshire); until this time the General, his DAQ and one clerk had been the only staff. The Division (except for 103 RM Bde and ancillary units still being trained) concentrated in Scotland, and in April 1941 was standing by for possible occupation of Grand Canary Island . It was mobilised on 30th April before embarking in ships on the Clyde on 5th May for an exercise, the HQ moving to Inverary on 9th May.

About this time responsibility for bringing the Division up to War Establishment was taken over by the staff of 103 Bde HQ.13 During the rest of 1941 and 1942 several amphibious and other exercises were carried out, as part of Force 106 with 29 Bde and army support.

On 10th December 1941 the General and part of the HQ staff had begun planning the ship loadings and operations for landings in Madagascar, and from this date there were in effect two HQs: one administering the division and the second planning for the Madagascar landings. The Chiefs of Staff decided early in 1942 to create what was called the Expeditionary Force of a division, an independent brigade group and the RM Division, which (as noted above) was intended eventually to have three brigades. The Admiralty, however, only agreed to the RM Division being attached to the force, so the Division could maintain its own characteristics.

The division's supporting units 15 RM (MG) Bn, the Anti-Tank Bty and 18 RM (Mobile) Bn - were reorganised, and 103 Bde given a low priority for personnel during the summer of 1942, when the Divisional Artillery HQ was raised in September. There was no available supply of guns and therefore perhaps now obvious - difficulties in attaching army units to the RM Division, when considerable quantities of equipment had to be provided for the Alamein (Egypt) build up, among other calls on the War Office's resources. The Divisional Artillery, nevertheless, included three HQs for field, anti-tank and regiments. By late November proposals to employ 101 and 102 Bdes as brigade groups in North Africa had come to nothing and the Division continued to train for amphibious operations during 1943. The benefits of three years of this training would not be seen until after the summer of 1943, when its personnel were serving as commandos or in landing craft crews. The Special Service (later Commando) Group HQ opened under command of General Sturgess at the RM Division HQ on 15 August 1943 and a month later (15th September) the Division 'ceased to function', after its personnel had been transferred.(RMHS)

1940. Royal Marines landed in the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, Holland and France.

1940. The British Army created its first Commando unit. Their task was to land in Nazi-occupied Western Europe usually at night, to destroy vital targets and leave as quickly as possible.

1940. A detachment of Royal Marines, under the command of Maj Franklin F. Clark was stationed at HMS 'St Angelo'. It initially manned Lewis gun positions at the fort, the Dockyard power station and at Corradino Heights.

1940. 42 Commando RM formed as 1st RM Battalion, converted at Sway to 42 RM Commando in 1943, and redesignated to present title in December 1945.

1940. 43 Commando RM formed in 1940 as 2nd RM Battalion and converted at Hursley to 43 RM Commando in 1943. Absorbed into 40 RM Commando in September 1945. Reformed at Plymouth as 43 Commando RM in September 1961 and dispersed again at Portsmouth in September 1968.

1940. 44 Commando RM formed in 1940 as 3rd RM Battalion and converted at Ashurst to 44 RM Commando in August 1943. Redesignated 40 Commando RM in Hong Kong in March 1947.

1940 \- 44. A Royal Marine Siege Regiment was responsible for two 14-inch cross-Channel guns installed near St Margaret's at Cliffe. The Regiment also manned three 13.5-inch railway guns until these were handed over to the Army in 1943. (RMHS)

1941. Tuesday 28th January. Peter Leslie Holms joined the Corps. 'A D-Day Tribute to Peter Leslie Holmes (1914 - 1944). Leslie's Story:

This article is dedicated to Royal Marine Commando Peter Leslie Holmes Marine PLY/X 101828 one of the original members of No. 45 (four-five) Royal Marine Commando Unit, who died whilst taking part in the Allied forces D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy, France on the 6th June 1944.

Biography:

A Brief account of his Family Life:

Leslie was born in the district of Swinton and Pendlebury, Lancashire in 1914 to Peter and Elizabeth, only four months before the start of the First World War. He was their first son and second child.

His father Peter, worked in the mines on the coalface, as a joiner putting up pit props. It was a very hard job, working in darkness broken only by flickering candles and lantern light in dirty, muddy, cramped conditions in stifling heat and coal dust ridden air.

As a boy, Leslie attended Cromwell Road School, which he left in 1928 at the age of 14 to work as a tile packer at Pilkingtons, known locally as the Potteries.

Although this was a poorly paid and very physically demanding job it was infinitely preferably to being down the mines. The work required a great deal of strength as it involved packing tiles into large crates and manually loading them onto lorries.

However within twelve months Britain was thrown into the Great Depression of 1929 with mass unemployment and as the north of England was the home of most of the Britain's traditional industries such as coal mining, shipbuilding, steel and textiles it bore the brunt of the depression making the 1930s the most difficult in living memory for people in these areas. In the North West places such as Manchester and Lancashire suffered huge unemployment and extreme poverty. Fortunately Leslie kept his job in the potteries, but his father Peter, like so many others, lost his in the mines.

The eight family members lived in a typical two up, two down terraced house. The living room was only 12' by 9' and there was a similar sized kitchen with a backyard and outside toilet. For further reading try the book 'The Classic Slum: Salford Life in the First Quarter of the Century'.

Leslie's father had put up a partitioning wall in one of the bedrooms so that it divided the window in half. On one side slept the two girls, Ivy and Minnie, and on the other the three boys, Leslie, Cyril and Victor who all shared a three-quarter sized bed. The youngest child Lionel slept in his parent's bedroom.

Having been in poor health for some time Leslie's father (right) died in 1935 of acute heart failure and apoplexy (old-fashioned medical term which can be used to mean 'bleeding' or to describe any death that began with a sudden loss of consciousness). Peter was only 47 years old. This meant that at the tender age of 20, Leslie had to take on the role of head of the house being the eldest boy.

Life was very hard in the depression and Leslie took his family responsibilities very seriously, purposely shielding away from getting married knowing how the family were dependent upon him.

Burton Street. Leslie and his family lived in the end terrace. The area was known to the locals as, 'Bilston' after the Midlands pottery town, where many had come from when the Pilkington's tile factory opened.

Tragedy was to strike the family yet again two years later when Leslie's brother, Victor died, after a series of accidents.

Service and 45 Commando:

When the Second World War started Leslie was conscripted into the Royal Marines on 28th January 1941 aged 26. Both he and his friend, Bill, got their call up papers on the same day and travelled down to Plymouth together. However they were split up into different units and, unlike Leslie, Bill returned home after the war.

Leslie was sent for training to the Royal School of Signals. Besides their regular packs and rifles, communication marines also had to carry large radios on their backs. After his training, which involved mountain climbing in Scotland in full battle order, he was attached to the 18th and then the 5th Battalion.

The first commando units were formed at the request of Winston Churchill in a call for specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can inflict terror on the enemy and were generally seen as "elite" soldiers who had to meet relatively high physical and intellectual requirements. The Commandos bravery did much to raise the morale of the British public in the Second World War. The first Royal Marine Commando (40 Commando Royal Marines) came into being on St. Valentine's Day 1942. Leslie became one of the original members of the 45 Royal Marine Commandos (pronounced four five) on the 1st August 1943, the day it officially came into being at Burley.

A commando unit consisted of a Headquarters which included Signals and Medical sections, five Fighting Troops, each with three officers and 62 other ranks and a Heavy Weapons Troop which normally contained two 3in mortars and two medium machine guns. Therefore the battle strength of a Commando was approximately 400 strong, including all ranks.

The British Commandos caused so much trouble for the Germans that on the 18th October 1942 this infamous edict was issued to senior officers in the German armed forces by a furious Adolf Hitler in response to the Commandos raids which continued to attack and harass his troops and installations across the coastlines of Europe and North Africa during World War II;

"From now on, all men operating against German troops in so-called Commando raids are to be annihilated to the last man...whether they be soldiers in uniform or saboteurs, with or without arms...even if they make obvious their intention of giving themselves up as prisoners, no pardon is on any account to be given" --- Adolf Hitler

Training:

In September the unit moved from Burley to billets in Ayr and on the 26th November to the Commando Depot at Achnacarry, near Spean Bridge, Scotland, where Leslie would have completed his 12 weeks Commando Training Course. The training included physical fitness (carrying logs, hand-to-hand fighting, long-distance speed marches etc), survival, orienteering, close quarter combat, silent killing, signalling, amphibious and cliff assault, vehicle operation, weapons (including the enemies) and demolition. The soldiers affectionally referred to Achnacarry as 'Castle Commando'.

One of the most infamous obstacles that every trainee had to take part in was the "death slide". This involved men climbing a forty-foot tree before sliding down a single rope, which was suspended over a torrent river while being shot at. All training was conducted with live ammunition and sadly some recruits were killed.

Les did not escape the training totally unscathed as during one of the many gruelling hikes into the mountains wearing full battle gear, he fell and broke his ankle which laid him up for over two weeks in hospital. Achnacarry separated the men from the boys and those who did not pass the arduous training were sent back to their original units.

After successfully completing his training Leslie was entitled to wear the much-coveted Commando's green beret, the distinctive hallmark of the Commando ethos. After completing the training 45 Commando moved back to Ayr.

On the 2nd January 1944 the unit moved to the Combined Training Centre at Dorling and after two weeks they moved south to billets at Eastbourne for more training which included 'Dig or Die', patrol work, embarkation exercises, landings on Seaford Beach, river crossings in rubber boats, firing range practice at Beachy Head, etc. Although it was not all hard work as the commando units enjoyed organised swimming, athletic and football competitions, plus dances and parties. In fact it was 45 Commando that defeated 3 Commando in the Brigade football final.

On the 26th May 45 Commando left Eastbourne by train at 04.00 hours, bound for Southampton on the last lap but one to war. For almost two weeks they were sealed in the staging camp (popularly known as 'Stalag') and were constantly briefed on maps, models and aerial photographs in preparation for Operation, OVERLORD.

On the 5th June 1944 45 Commando R.M. moved by troop carrying vehicles to Warsash where they embarked in 5 Landing Craft Infantry. Then at 17.00 hours the craft slipped anchor and proceeded up the Solent to form part of the vast armada of craft that would shortly cross the English Channel.

It was to be Leslie's last ever view of England and home.

The crossing was uneventful but security, which up until then had been rigid, was broken as the men were told that at 9.10 hours, the following morning, they would be landing on Queen Red Beach some two miles west of Ouistreham in Normandy.

Normandy D Day Landings: Operation Overlord:

The Royal Marine Commandos were some of the most heavily laden troops that made up the first wave of assault.

Five RM Commando Units took part during the D-Day landings; No. 41, 45, 46, 47, and 48 and played a prominent role, manning two thirds of the landing craft. The Commando units suffered heavily in the landings and overall the D-Day battle cost the Allied armies some ten thousand men, who were either killed, wounded or listed as missing.

The weather at the time was not good with heavy rolling seas and large waves, which caused severe seasickness. In many instances the landing craft were blown up by artillery, or could not reach the shore because of the bad weather conditions so men had to jump over the side and try and swim/wade ashore.

During the landings many men drowned before they had even reached the beaches through exhaustion, being weighed down by their loads, which could weigh anything from 60 to 80 lbs, or their inability to swim. Leslie, as a communications marine, would have had to carry a radio pack as well as his regular gear.

The beaches were also mined and covered with underwater obstacles. Plus heavy artillery, and small arms fire was also very active, killing many man in the sea and on dry land. (See photos below)

The 45 Commandos, as part of 1 Special Service Brigade, took part in the Sword Beach landing, which consisted of two narrow beaches at La Breche. (Codenamed Queen White and Queen Red) The beaches stretched some 8 km from Ouistreham to Saint Aubin-sur-Mer. The 45 took part in the assault on Queen Red, landing at Ouistreham, a small port. Their assault stared around 9am.

Leslie was listed as missing, presumed killed on War Service with 'no known grave' and that his character on discharge was 'Exemplary'. It is known that many casualties had to be left on the beach and would have perished, drowned by the returning tide and up until a few months ago we always thought that had been Leslie's fate. However, since writing this account my investigations have put me in contact with three surviving 45 commando veterans who told me that Leslie actually did make it ashore and would have reached Pegasus Bridge and most likely died on the 7th June around the Merville-Franceville Plage area where the 45 commandos were involved in heavy fighting to take control of German occupied territory.

Our family is extremely gratefully to these men who have helped to shed a little light on how and where Leslie died. I am extremely grateful to Captain John Day, Frank Burton and Bill Hopley (45 Royal Marine Commando veterans) who very able to tell me more about Leslie's fate. Like Leslie, Frank and Bill were also signallers and Frank was billeted with Leslie during the last few weeks before D-Day and remembers him well.

Leslie had just turned 30 when he died.

Summary:

The scroll (left) was given to Leslie's mother after the war, as was the book (right); 'The Story of the 45 Royal Marine Commando' which was published privately in 1946 for members of the Unit and their relatives. After having been asked about the availability of the book, which I know is almost impossible to find.

As Leslie has no grave he is commemorated by name on Panel 92, column 1 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial. He is also listed on the Roll of Honour (see below) in the above-mentioned book, along with all the other 109 brave 45 commandos who lost their lives during Second World War.

Within a nine-year period his mother, Elizabeth, had lost a husband and two sons. Leslie's death affected Elizabeth greatly and she never recovered from the loss. Fortunately by 1944 the two girls, Ivy and Minnie, were both married and my father, at 23, was old enough to step in and take care of his mother and only remaining brother, Lionel.

Leslie's story is just one amongst many thousands of ordinary British men (and women) who died on foreign soil, fighting for their country, and our freedom. We owe it to them, to remember their ultimate sacrifice. (1995 Michael and Janet Wood - World Through The Lens.)

1941. Early. The Special Boat Section was renamed 'No1 Special Boat Section' and attached to Layforce, and moved to the Middle East. They worked with the 1st Submarine Flotilla based at Alexandria and carried out beach reconnaissance of Rhodes, evacuated troops left behind on Crete and several small-scale raids and other operations.

1941. January. The 12th RM Searchlight Regiment. A Cadre of personnel from 11th RM Searchlight Rgt formed this 12th RM Searchlight Regiment in January 1941 as part of MNBDO II Air Defence Brigade.The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

1st January 1941:

With Air Defence Brigade MNBDO II, South Hayling Camp, Hampshire ('N' and 'O' Batteries).

June 1941:

Truro, Cornwall, providing guide 'lights' for Allied airfields ('N' and 'O' Batteries).21

winter 1941 and 1942:

With Air Defence Gt Britain on south coast of UK ('N' and 'O' Batteries).

March 1943:

Nottingham with Batteries concentrated for embarkation ('N' and 'O' Batteries).

Early summer 1943:

With Various Army Commands in the Mediterranean when Batteries deployed in air defence in Egypt and Malta ('N' and 'O' Batteries).

July 1943:

Augusta, Sicily in air defences (as above).

January 1944:

With Air Defence Brigade MNBDO II Augusta where Batteries concentrated for embarkation (as above).

April 1944:

Burbank, Scotland, where HQ and 'N' and 'O' Batteries disbanded. (RMHS)

1941. January. The 3rd RM (Heavy) AA Regiment, was formed as a Regiment of MNBDO II Air Defence Brigade in January 1941. The first CO was Lt. Col J. E. Leech–Porter. The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

7th January 1941:

With Air Defence Brigade MNBDO II Hayling Island, Hampshire14 ('E', 'F' and 24th RM Light AA Btys).

Winter 1941:

With Air Defence Gt Britain on the UK south coast ('E', 'F' and 24th RM Light Btys).

3rd August 1942:

With Air Defence Brigade II in the United Kingdom when all heavy AA batteries reorganised into heavy AA regiments ('E' and 'F' joined by 'G' and 'H' Batteries, 24 RM Light AA Bty transferred to 4th RM LAA Regiment).

March 1943:

Batteries concentrated at Nottingham for embarkation.
June 1943:

With various army commands as Corps Army Troops Egypt batteries at various locations for defence of Suez Canal and other installations, gunners also employed on internal security ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

July 1943:

HQ in Egypt with Batteries in defence of Malta prior to landing in Sicily ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

15th July 1943:

With Air Defence Brigade MNBDO II Augusta, Sicily in defence of this port ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

January 1944:

Augusta, Sicily, Batteries concentrated for embarkation. ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

February 1944:

Scotland preparing for disbandment but retained ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

March 1944:

With 5 RM AA Brigade Scotland, reorganised to a War Establishment of an army 3.7in static regiment for Defended Ports Abroad, with Scale III equipment that limited each man to one battledress, one beret and so on until the winter ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

May 1944:

Clacton on Sea, all Bakeries at army training camps ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

June and July 1944:

With Air Defence Brigade Gt Britain at various sites in UK ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

August 1944:

With 5 RM AA Defence Brigade Cherbourg in defence of this French port ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

October 1944:

Antwerp air defences of Scheldt ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

March 1945:

Ostend in coast defences ('E', 'F', 'G' and 'H' Batteries).

May to November:

Southern England, Batteries demobilised, and HQ disbanded (about November 1945). (RMHS)

1941. January. The 4th RM AA Regiment/4th RM (Light) AA Regiment, was formed as a regiment of MNBDO II Air Defence Brigade about January 1941.

The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

January 1941:

With Air Defence Brigade of MNBDO II Hayling Island ('G', 'H' and 25th RM LAA Btys).

Winter 1941:

With Air Defence Gt Britain on the UK south coast ('G', 'H' and 25th RM LAA Btys).

3 August 1942:

With Air Defence Brigade of MNBDO II, in Nottingham, the heavy Batteries 'G' and 'H' transferred to 3rd RM (Heavy) AA Rgt, and this Regiment redesignated 4th RM (Light) Regiment, with 24th, 25th and 26th RM Light Batteries redesignated as Light AA Btys. The '26th' had been the defence unit of AD Brigade's HQ to defend it against low flying aircraft. (24th, 25th and 26th RM Light AA Btys, preparing for embarkation).

June 1943:

With Various Army Commands Egypt Batteries at various locations (24th, 25th and 26th RM Light AA Btys).

15th July 1943:

Augusta, Sicily (24th, 25th and 26th RM Light AA Btys).

January 1944:

With Air Defence Brigade MNBDO II Sicily batteries concentrated for embarkation (24th, 25th and 26th RM Light AA Btys).

March and April 1944:

Scotland 24th RM Light Bty disbanded at Motherwell on 11th April (25th and 26th RM Light AA Btys).

23rd April 1944:

With 5 RM AA Brigade in Scotland put on a War Establishment for light AA regiment of Defended Ports Abroad with Scale III equipment that limited each man to one battledress, one beret and so on until the winter (22nd, 25th and 26th RM LAA Btys).

June 1944:

With Air Defence Brigade Gt Britain Kent, all Batteries 'constantly in action' and by one report credited with 61 V1s, before units embarked for France (22nd, 25th and 26th RM LAA Btys).

August and September 1944:

With 5 RM AA Brigade Cherbourg with all batteries in defence of this port (22nd, 25th and 26th RM LAA Btys).

October and November 1944:

Antwerp with guns in flooded areas often in single gun detachments. When 'Diver' belts set up the Regiments 54 Bofors defended 26 miles of quays in the dock area (22nd, 25th and 26th RM LAA Btys).

1st January 1945:

Antwerp with Batteries in last action against major low level attack (22nd, 25th and 26th RM LAA Btys).

March 1945:

Ostend deployed in coast defences (as above)

May 1945:

Ivybridge, Devon preparing for demobilisation (as above)

30th September 1945:

Ivybridge Regiment HQ, 25th and 26th Batteries disbanded, personnel from 22nd Battery to 'D' holding battery. (RMHS)

1941. January. The 2 RM Coast Brigade/2nd RM Coast Artillery Regiment was formed by MNBDO II in January 1941, with 'Y' Bty from 1 RM Coast Brigade providing cadres for new batteries. The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

1st January 1941:

Hayling Island ('Sussex', 'T' and 2nd Anti–MTB Btys).

28th April 1941:

With Army Coast Defences for the UK, Portsmouth ('Dorset' formed this day, 'Sussex', 'T', 'U' formed this day, 'W' formed this day, and 2nd Anti–MTB Btys).

6th September 1941:

Portsmouth(?) redesignated 2nd RM Coast Artillery Regiment.

14th June 1942:

'X' Battery re–formed from men at Geneifa (north of Port Tewfik) the Base Depot in Egypt, for deployment as an independent battery, although originally intended for this Regiment apparently.

8th September 1943:

HQ personnel provided staff for Coast Defence Station for about 12 months until January 1944.

March 1943:

With MNBDO II UK, Batteries concentrated for embarkation ('Dorset', 'Sussex', 'T', 'U', 'W', and 2nd Anti MTB Btys).

Summer 1943:

Egypt with Batteries deployed in training areas ('Dorset', 'Sussex', 'T', 'U', 'W', and 2nd Anti–MTB Btys).

July 1943:

Augusta, Sicily, with Batteries in coast defences ('Dorset', 'Sussex', 'T', 'U', 'W', and 2nd Anti –MTB Btys).

Late summer 1943:

With Army Coast Defence Commands, Italy, ('Dorset', 'Sussex', 'T', 'U', 'W', and 2nd Anti –MTB Btys).

January 1944:

Batteries concentrated for embarkation (as in late–summer 1943).

February 1944:

Largs, Scotland, HQ personnel to 1st Coast Rgt HQ24 about this time and Batteries disbanded in the next few months but see Batteries unit history summary. (RMHS)

1941. Special Boat Section:The 17 Army commandos had been using Folbot canoes since early in 1941 and Special Boat Sections of canoeists were formed. These carried out a number of recces and demolition raids in Europe and the Mediterranean. They were also used to collect agents, deliver clandestine stores and for beach reconnaissance in World War II. By July 1944 the SBS had been formed into 'A', 'B' and 'C' Groups under command of the Small Operations Group. After World War II the SBS became an RM unit, and although political factors have limited their use in peacetime, they are available as the Special Boat Squadron for beach surveys and similar work when required. The Squadron had three operational Sections of selected volunteers in the 1970s and continues.

SBS teams were deployed in the Falkland Islands from 1st May 1982 in operation 'Corporate'. In 1991 they made two raids into Iraq At other times in the 1980s and 1990s they continued their secretive work but in 1997 their operational command was joined to that of the SAS.(RMHS)

1941. March. The HQ Wing was formed during March 1941. By December 1943 the units and sub–units under command included four Street major units Ordnance Depot, Group Supply Unit, Medical Services and Boat Unit and a number of specialist smaller units. while in the UK the Wing was deployed in training exercises before embarking for Egypt. The Wing's Units were deployed to various locations before going to Sicily and Italy in support of naval parties as well as MNBDO forces.

The Landing and Maintenance Unit was formed in January 1941, and with effect from 1st October 1942, 'X' company of the 19th RM Battalion became No. 3 Company of this L & M Unit. By December 1943 it had four companies Landing, Ship Unloading, Pioneer/Defence and Engineer which while in the UK trained both in port operating and in amphibious landings. On arriving in Egypt in the summer of 1943, the Companies were on occasions employed in the roles for which they had trained, but not until they landed at Augusta, Sicily, were they able to make full use of their special training, as they did later in Italy. (RMHS)

1941. Friday 18th April. The 10th RM Battalion was formed at Crookston (Glasgow) on 18th April 1941, CO Lt. Col F. M. Bramall (promoted from Major 25th April) with personnel from 2nd RM Bn, 3rd RM Bn and 5th RM Bn, and drafts from Divisional reserves on 2nd May, as the third battalion of 103 RM Bde. Within a week most of the men from the 3rd RM Bn were redrafted to that Battalion. The Battalion HQ moved to Paisley (Scotland) on 17th May, and two months later was in Dalditch Camp. Here in July/August the Battalion lived under canvas until moving to Fishguard (Wales) on 20th August 1941. By 29th January 1942 they returned to Dalditch, their strength at time being 660. From Dalditch they went on an amphibious exercise on Loch Fyne (Scotland) for four days in March 1942. Lt. Col C. N. S. Smith was appointed CO on 15th May, and Nos 1 and 2 Anti-Tank Btys and 31st Light Bty were attached for discipline while at Dalditch. The Battalion was to move to Hayling Island as beach engineers but in June moved to Tenby (Dyfed) and on 2nd December 1942 moved to Freshwater (Isle of Wight). The next move to Hursley (nr Winchester) was used on 7th April 1943 'to practise naval cooperation in a movement'. The Battalion was re-formed as 47 RM Commando in August 1943.(RMHS)

1941. April. 47 RM Commando formed at Crookston, Glasgow as 10th RM Battalion. Converted at Dorchester to 47 RM Commando in August 1943. Disbanded at Haywards Heath in January 1946.

1941. April. The 7th RM Battalion HQ was formed under CO Lt. Col T. B. W. Sandall, for service with 103 RM Bde. The first three Continuous Service squads joined at Exton about 23rd September 1940 and 'HO' squads allocated to 7th RM began training in October. Then 300 men were drafted to MNBDO, and to make more accommodation available at Exton, the remainder went to Sands Camp (Hayling Island), which was taken over by the Battalion's HQ with two recruit squads on 8th February 1941. At Hayling it became a training unit. It moved back to Devon, arriving at a tented camp at Dalditch in April. On 2nd May the CO, Col Sandall, also took command of the 8th RM and 9th RM Battalions - total strength of all three battalions was 28 officers and 797 other ranks. The Battalion was rebuilt after the drafts to MNBDO, although 103 RM Bde was given a low priority from May, when the Battalion apparently became independent.

In June 1942 Lt. Col F. W. Dewhurst was appointed CO before the Battalion moved to the Treglog area in Wales before embarking in September 1942 for South Africa; on passage (in HMT Empress of Russia) the Marines manned the ship's guns and helped with the work in other departments. On arrival in Durban the Battalion spent five weeks in a transit camp, their intended role of guarding naval stores dumps having been cancelled on political grounds. In December the Battalion sailed to Egypt in SS Aronda, landing at Suez on 1st January 1943, and went to Kabrit Camp north of Little Bitter Lake. The Battalion developed a Beach Brick in the following months, for landing men and stores over open beaches. On 27th March the Battalion came under command of GHQ Middle East and under Force 545 (later part of Eighth Army). Final training as '31 Brick' was carried out at Fayid (Egypt) from 25th May 1943 when for a time the battalion was under command of MNBDO II.

The Battalion landed in Sicily at Marzamemi. On D+6 (16 July 1943) the Battalion was warned for operations under the direct command of XXX Corps in the area of Buccheri, some 70 miles from the Battalion's beach area. On arriving at this hill town next evening (17th July), the CO and his staff undertook the various steps to restore the town's civil administration, the battalion being deployed to guard bridges. But 48 hours later it moved off to secure a bridgehead across the Dittaino River.

Maj J. T. O. Waters the second in command, took command of the Battalion in action on 30th July, before it was relieved on 7th August and moved to Augusta where it again came under the command of MNBDO II. The Royal Marine Office in London considered the Battalion to be under command of MNBDO II from late June 1943, and briefly before then, but the Battalion's CO did not hear of this until 30th July, and the Battalion had been operating as Corps Troops for some weeks. Lt. Col K. Hunt was appointed CO on 10th August. During the autumn the Battalion carried out guard and other duties, and was embarked several days for an operation that was cancelled at the end of September. The Battalion arrived at Toranto (southern Italy) on 27th November and did routine training and guard duties before sailing for the UK in February 1944. The Battalion was re-formed as 48 Commando soon after its arrival in the UK, and the Battalion was formerly disbanded on 16th March.(RMHS)

1941. April. The 8th RM Battalion HQ was formed under CO Lt. Col S. G. B. Paine, and the first recruits joined from initial training at Exton, where the Battalion was being formed as part of 103 RM Bde, in the autumn of 1941. In December men were drafted from the Battalion to the MNBDOs and the Battalion HQ moved to open the OCTU at Thurlestone (Devon). The Battalion re-forming at Dalditch, and came under command of the CO of 7th RM Bn from 2nd May 1942. When the need arose for a second RM Commando in the autumn of 1942, the Battalion HQ and most of the other ranks were transferred to 41 RM Commando, the Battalion formerly disbanding on 29th October 1942.(RMHS)

1941. May -7th July. The RM Beach Battalion / RM Beach Unit HQ/QG RM Beach Group.

The RM division formed this Battalion1 on 7th July 1941 at Warblington Camo, Havant near Portsmouth. First CO Lt–Col J. P. Phillipps whose Battalion had two roles: to land RM Division and its stores, holding the beach area as the Division moved inland; or when elements of the Division were used in a raid, to cover its subsequent withdrawal and to reload stores. In both roles the division expected to organise the flow of ammunition and stores over an open beach, having cleared paths through mine fields, created beach exits, laid roads and built light weight piers. Much of the landing concept, however, appears to have been built around the offloading of ships into MLCs, for the LST and LCT had not been brought into service the first LCT did her trials in November

1941. The HQ Company of 1941 had an AA Platoon and an Administrative Platoon, and three Beach Companies. Each Beach Company had a Beach Platoon of four Sections and a Ship Unloading Platoon with six gangs to work in holds, its equipment included or was to include: four bulldozers; four dumpers; and 200yds of Briggs Roadway. In all 1,050 personnel, with No. 4 Signals Company attached from the Division's signallers.

While in the UK the Ship Unloading Platoons did stevedores' work in Southampton docks, and 'picked men' supplemented AA gun crews on escort and anti–submarine destroyers. One sub–section aboard HMS Fernie on the night of 4th 5th May 1942, engaged German E–boats with two Brens on Motley mountings, helping the ship's guns to sink one of the boats. After various exercises, it became clear that the Beach Battalion could only land two infantry battalions, but it had few opportunities to practice with LCTs when these first came into service.

The Beach Battalion HQ had been redesignated Beach Unit HQ in September 1942, and in October became HQ RM Beach Group and the Companies formed 1 and 2 Beach Groups, but by January 1943 the special nature of RM Beach Group had become impractical. On 10th May 1943 the name of HQ RM Beach Group was again changed to QGRM Beach Group (at that date the logistical staff was known as Quartermaster General's staff); and its function changed in August 1944 to the HQ for training the two intended beach battalions 27th and 28th RM Bns, before these subsequently went overseas as infantry battalions with 116 RM Brigade. It then acted as their rear HQ in the UK, and remained in existence as QG RM Beach Group until January 1945, if not until that spring. (RMHS)

1941. Sunday 22nd June. Lieutenant (R.A.) 'Tug' Wilson and Royal Marine Hughes were delivered by Submarine and then canoed to the beach on the Western Coast of Italy. Their task was to blow up a railway track and the entrance of a tunnel. It was the first successful attack upon the Italian metropolis and birth of the 'Special Boat Service'.

1941. June. 'Per Mare Per Terram Per Astra', The Life and Times of a Flying Marine.

Alan Ivan Ryman (Po/x 104167) was born at Putney, London, on the 13th December 1922, the youngest of three surviving children to Ivan and Winifred Ryman. In 1926 the family moved from Putney to Harrow, some 10 miles north-west of London. Alan attended a Preparatory school for five years before going on to The Boys' High School at Harrow for a further five years.

At the age of fourteen, a day trip down the Thames from the Tower to Ramsgate aboard the "Royal Eagle", a side paddle-wheel steamer, sparked an interest in ships and the sea, and Alan resolved to gain employment in this field when he left school. The following year aged fifteen, he left school and commenced employment in the office of Houston Line (London) Ltd., a subsidiary of the then great Clan Line.

With the start of WW2 the following year, he, at first volunteered for the A.R.P., riding his bicycle and blowing on a whistle when the Air Raid sirens sounded the approach of enemy aircraft. On reaching the age of seventeen he enlisted in the Home Guard, both in the Hampshire Regiment while at the London office and the Middlesex Regiment when his duties with the company took him to the coast.

At 18 years, he volunteered for service in the Royal Marines, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and two uncles who had both served in the Corps. His father, Ivan, had actually been born in the married quarters of the old Royal Marines barracks, Forton Road, Gosport.

He commenced his training in June 1941 with the 97 H.0. Squad at Eastney Barracks. Towards the end of his training a notice appeared on the company orders board calling for volunteers to train as aircrew in the Fleet Air Arm. Thinking this was a good idea and a chance to get out of all the marching, Alan put in a chit. Most of the 97 H.O. Squad were, after training, drafted to HMS Manchester, to end up in the French POW camp at Laghouat, Algeria, a few months later.

Alan was sent to Lee-on-Solent for an interview and medical, and was; as a result of this, offered the chance to train as a pilot. After a few weeks on the initial ground course at St. Vincent, Gosport, Alan progressed to flying training in Tiger Moths at Birmingham before going on to Kingston, Canada to complete his training.

He returned to England in January 1942 and was drafted to Worthy Down, near Winchester, to fly Telegraphic Air Gunners (TAG'S) while they did their radio training. For this a variety of aircraft were used, Blackburn Sharks, Welland Lysanders and Percival Proctors being the main types. Although officially in the F.A.A., Alan was at this time still in RM uniform with the rank of Sergeant. In April 1942, he was advised that he was being transferred to the Royal Navy in the rank of Acting Petty Officer. He was far from enrapt with the change, but two months later he was advised that he was to be commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant (A) in the R.N.V.R., the "A being Air Branch.

Following his being commissioned he was appointed to the Navy's Ferry Pool at Donibristle, Scotland. The Ferry Pool had the job of delivering new aircraft to Navy squadrons, and returning "flyable duds" back to the maintenance depot at Donibristle. Some of the aircraft he flew were Swordfish, Albacore, Seafire, Sea Hurricane, Barracuda, Avenger's and some communication aircraft as pilot pick-up's.

In March 1944, Alan was drafted to Crail on the east coast of Scotland for the Torpedo-Bomber-Reconnaissance (TBR.) Course, flying Barracuda's. The training included deck landings and take-offs and teaming up with a crew of three, Pilot, Observer and TAG.

In August 1944 he was appointed to join HMS Indefatigable for frying duties with 820 Squadron. On the day he joined the squadron, the Barracudas were withdrawn, and the squadron re-equipped with the American built Grumman Avengers, causing a delay in sailing while working up with the new aircraft at Lee-on-Solent.

In mid-November, HMS Indefatigable left Portsmouth for the Far East. Arriving at Ceylon (Sri Lanka), the squadrons were flown off for Katukurunda, an airfield about 80 miles south of Colombo, for further working up. There was a shift at this time away from torpedo launching to aerial bombing, probably because the Japanese were running out of ships.

As the Avengers did not have bomb sights, aiming consisted of pointing your aircraft at a target in a steep descent and releasing the bombs at about 3,000 ft. However, in too steep a descent the Avenger would exceed its maximum speed and risk breaking up if power was left on, so the bombing technique became a gliding descent to a low level.

It was while on passage from Ceylon to Australia, in company with three other fleet carriers, that attacks were carried out on the oil refineries at Palembang, Sumatra. These were to be the largest attacks, in number of aircraft involved, carried out by the Fleet Air Arm in WW2. On arrival off the east coast of Australia, the squadrons were flown off to Nowra, NSW, for further training, now almost entirely perfecting the new glide bombing technique. It was at this time, while on a few days leave in Sydney that Alan attended a dance run by the Victoria League and it was there in a 'Paul Jones' that he met a young Australian girl, Aletha (Thea) Golding, whom he was to marry some eighteen months later in England.

In February 1945, Indefatigable left Sydney and headed north. The targets were to be the Sakiashima group of islands between Formosa (Taiwan) and Okinawa, the object being to prevent Japan from ferrying aircraft back from the China mainland to assist in the defence of Okinawa. For the next two months Alan and his crew flew strikes against airfields, port facilities and anti-aircraft batteries, at one time carrying out four strikes in two days. It was on one of these strikes that Alan's aircraft was hit by ack-ack fire which blew out the wing root locking pin and caused a fire which filled cockpits with smoke. Alan turned his damaged aircraft towards the coast but the fire, which was being fed by leaking hydraulic fluid, blew out and he managed to return to Indefatigable and make a safe landing.

The British Pacific Fleet, as it was now called, returned to Sydney to re-equip. In July they were back off the coast of Japan, and Alan with a new crew (his old crew of Burgess and Gibbs being considered experienced enough to fly with Squadron and Flight leaders), commenced a series of strikes near the Japanese mainland. Alan took part in the first strike of the day on August 15th which was against airfields near Yokohama, the port of Tokyo. Landing back on Indefatigably at about 0900hrs they were informed that the war was officially over, Japan having surrendered.

They returned to Sydney and later Indefatigable made a good will tour of New Zealand. In March 1946 Indefatigable sailed from Sydney to return to the U.K. and by the time they reached Portsmouth, Alan, was due for leave and final release from the Naval service.

Determined on a career in civil aviation, he looked for opportunities to get into the fledgling peace time services. His first chance came with an offer to fly joy flights for the Butlin's Holiday Camp in Yorkshire. The summer of 1946 was one of excellent weather, and business was good, flying seven days a week often up to 2200hrs at night. Late in that year, Thea arrived in England and they were married in the November. With Butlins closed for the winter, some charter work and time as an instructor for an aero club help carry them through and a second summer with Butlins in 1947, all helped build up his flying hours.

In May 1948, with their five month old son Martin, they boarded the RMS Ormonde for passage as migrants to Australia. It was aboard ship during the final leg of the journey from Melbourne to Sydney that Alan was offered a position as First Officer flying DC3 aircraft by T.A.A., which he eagerly accepted. After company training at Melbourne, he was based in Brisbane, where in 1952 a second son Jeremy was born, and their third son Derek, was born in 1954.

After eight years' service as First Officer, in which time he gained his Flight Navigators Licence, he was promoted to Captain, flying the DC3's. T.Q.A. also used his skills to navigate new aircraft out from Europe, a Viscount from England and a Fokker Friendship from Holland.

In the years that followed, Alan went on to captain Friendship, DC9 and Boeing 727 aircraft, the latter two being jets.

In 1982 at the age of 60, Alan retired, his Pilots Logbook showing he had flown just under 25,000 hours.

In 2000, they sadly lost their youngest son Derek, who died at the early age of 46 years.

In retirement Alan became involved with the Queensland Maritime Museum (the love of ships and the sea was still there) acting as a guide, usually one day each week. He still maintains his membership of the museum, and is also a member of the RNA, the Navy League, the RSL and the Nundah Historical Society as well as the RMAQ with membership No 4. (Tom Chalis RMAQ)

1941. Friday 22nd August. The Royal Naval School of Music was split in two and, on this date, the senior Wing moved to two Hotels in Scarborough whilst the Junior wing moved to Howstrake camp on the Isle of man.

1941. Late Summer. The 30th Assault Unit: An intelligence unit had existed since the late summer of 1941 as the special Engineering Commando, included in this unit were RN and RM personnel as well as army troops. In operations in North Africa one Section under an RN lieutenant landed from HMS Broke when she crashed the boom at Algiers. The Commando operated in Sicily and Italy, recovering codes and other documents from German headquarters. In February the Unit was re-formed as a naval intelligence-gathering Commando (wearing green berets and commando flashes). The former CO of 5th RM Battalion recruited many RM guards for naval specialists in this 30th Assault Unit which was under the command of the Director of Naval Intelligence. The personnel were trained as parachutists, and in such offbeat skills as safe blowing. They were also trained in security duties and street fighting. The Unit was organised in Troops, with 'A' Troop landing in Normandy on 6 June 1944, followed by 'A' and 'B' Troops on 10th June.

During the next ten months these Troops operated close to or ahead of the Allied advanced positions, and by March 1945 'A' Troop was moving towards Leipzig (in eastern Germany), 'B' Troop towards Hamburg and 'X' Troop to Keil, areas they all reached as German resistance crumbled. In April teams were finding minefield charts, ciphers, data on naval technical developments and other intelligence in German HQs. The Unit's HQ had moved close behind the Allied line of advance and was in Minden by May. In June the RM elements returned to the UK and were disbanded.(RMHS)

1941. Friday 5th September. The Royal Marines camp at Lympstone was originally built during 1939 for the training of Reservists in the build up at the beginning of the Second World War. At that time it was known as the 'Royal Marines Reserve Depot', Exton. However, a year later it received its first name change and became known as the Royal Marine Depot for the training of all Royal Marine recruits. On 5th September it officially became known as the Royal Marine Depot, Lympstone. (Although it was referred to by several different names during the Second World War). However, by the end of the war it was commonly known or referred to as Lympstone. The original RMITC training school at that time comprised of 17 weeks training incorporated into 2 phases, and was carried out at the Dalditch camp.

The course comprised of kitting up, lectures (including Corps history), PT, drill, bayonet fighting, basic small arms and Bren Gun drills, and the receiving of many injections. Followed by the assault course, advanced weapon training, range work, night firing and field-craft, involving cooking and survival. The last week of which was usually spent under canvas near the village of Ottery St Mary during the latter stages of the Dalditch era.

On Friday 1st November 1946 and the Dalditch camp was closed down. Phase 1 of the training was moved to Depot Deal for both Continuous Service and National Service recruits. Phase 2 was moved to Lympstone along with a name change to that of 'Infantry Training Centre Royal Marines' (ITCRM).

Marine Smith-Howell from Sussex was recorded as the first 'recruit' to sign in at Lympstone, although it is extremely doubtful that he was actually the first to pass through the main gate once the camp was set up.

It's estimated that once the camp was up and running and at full capacity that between 1000 and 1500 recruits were under training at any given time.

Upon completion of training at Lympstone some Marines went on to the Bickleigh Infantry School for specialisation or to the Commando Training Centre at Towyn (N Wales) which for a short time had taken over the role from Achnacarry in Scotland before it too eventually closed down.

Early in 1951 the Officer Training Wing moved to Lympstone from Bickleigh Infantry School. There were just six men in the first intake, two of whom were Corps Commission candidates and parachutists, and were joined later by further batches totalling a complement of 40.

During February 1960 the SNCOs Training Wing and Specialised Training moved to Lympstone, followed by the Commando Specialist Training in April, which included Heavy Weapons, Cliff Assault, and Assault Engineers. These bodies joined up with the resident 'X' Troop to form a new Commando Training Wing centred on the old 'C' Company Lines. Previously there had been four recruit companies, A, B, C and D, of these only A and C survived, with the former as the National Service Company, but to make way for the new units these then amalgamated into a single Recruit Training Wing in February.

During 1950's and early 1960's the accommodation for the recruits was several rows of Nissan huts. Each had two coke fired stoves down the middle of the room, and around twenty to thirty double bunk beds positioned around the room. While at the so called front door was a little room for a Corporal whose job it was to keep an eye on the recruits in his room. While at the other end was a door that lead to an outdoor covered walkway leading to the showers. 1960 saw the present day Drill Shed erected.

1961 and the last of the National Service recruits in 939 Squad, finished their Phase Two training at Lympstone.

Friday 12th July 1963 Lt Gen M.C. Cartwright-Taylor opened 'D' Block (Salerno) the first of the new four storied recruit accommodation blocks, by which time four others were also erected, and awaiting completion. 'A blot on the rural skyline' according to a report in the 'Western Morning News'.

Early 1967 the Mess-and-recreational block, including the Main Galley, Dining Halls, NAAFI and Junior NCOs Club were completed. Nearby were the NAAFI quarters and a trading centre designed to house the UIF-run amenities, Barber Shop, Pressing Shop, Laundry and Drying Room, a civilian Tailor's Shop, and the new automatic telephone exchange which came into operation during January. Also in progress were the practice rooms, stores and offices of the Plymouth Group Band, and the seventh barrack block. While sports grounds were provided in the field opposite the main gate.

Monday 24th August 1970 the camp under-went another name change to that of 'Commando Training Centre Royal Marines' (CTCRM).

Monday 28th October 1974 at 11-58am D block the last of the new four storied accommodation blocks that were started back in 1962, was finally opened. D block had the distinction of being officially opened at precisely 11-58 am on Monday 28th October 1974, exactly 310 years (to the minute) after the founding of the Corps, back in 1664.

The Junior Entries Wing (Normandy) as it was called was built to a completely different design and contained 20 barrack rooms, plus 4 'Quiet Rooms', 3 television and 2 hobbies rooms, along with Company and Troop offices.

January 1976 and the Junior Marines Block and an extension to the Officers' Mess had been completed, work progressed on the new Sergeants' Mess and sadly the last tree holding the 30 foot ropes of the Old Assault Course was felled.

Monday 3rd May 1976 a unique event occurred when the Mayor of Exeter joined the Commandant General and senior railway executives on an inaugural train service from Exeter scheduled to stop at the camp's very own station, Lympstone Commando. Not only the first new station to be built in the western region this century, but the only one in the country designed exclusively for servicemen. (www.exeterflotilla.org) 1941. September. Ocean Fortresses. Col (later Brigadier) C. T. Brown reconnoitred Addu Atoll, as a result MNBDO I provided 500 all ranks in force 'Overt'. This force was commanded by Brig C. T. Brown until he was killed in a flying accident, he was succeeded by Brig Lukis. The personnel of 'Overt' installed guns on; Addu Atoll; on other islands including those in the Seychelles; and on a tiny atoll in the Chagos Archipelago some 1,000 miles south west of Ceylon.

This small atoll of Diego Garcia would become familiar to Marines serving there in the 1990s with NP 1002. It is hot and humid with no land over six feet above sea level. During 1942 the landing points were blasted in the coral on these islands and roads were built linking the landing points to gun sites. Telephone cables were laid, and a number of bridges were built for the Addu Atoll sites. In the autumn of 1942 the L & M Units of MNBDO I and RM Engineers returned to Addu Atoll to build Gan aerodrome.11 Although this airfield was abandoned after World War II, it was rebuilt in the 1950s as an RAF staging post, and is used by the USAF in the 1990s.

Armoured Support Formations RM. The Armoured Support Craft Regiment was formed at Merley House Camp, Wimborne, Dorset, during July and August 1943 from ranks of the RM Division's artillery units, it was reorganised in September with an HQ, 1, 2 and 3 Batteries, each with three Troops, and a Holding Battery. From 18th October the Regiment was under the direct command of AGRM. The personnel wore combined operations flashes. In each Troop were four detachments for LCGs, but these became the nuclei of units in the Armoured Support Group after the Batteries moved to Le Marchant Barracks in Devizes, Wiltshire, as of 18th October 1943. The HQ was disbanded about March 1944. (RMHS)

1941. Wednesday 10th December. The Plymouth Argyll Royal Marines. "I thought they were heroes," an able seaman later commented, "because they fought non-stop and there were shell cartridges lying all over. They were kicking these over the side into the sea... they never stopped firing right up to the end."

When the end came, aboard HMS Prince of Wales, turret captain Sgt Terry Brooks, the youngest sergeant in the Corps, ordered his men to remove their boots, inflate their rubber life jackets and jump into the sea. After going below to the ship's magazine to bring out three more of his men, Sgt Brooks too plunged overboard. The escorting destroyers picked up survivors and returned them to Singapore.

A few days later the very basically re-kitted 210 Royal Marine detachment survivors from HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse, including the six officers, were formed into a Naval Battalion under Captain R.G.S. [Bob] Lang RM. They were deployed to guard the Naval Base, RN Wireless Transmission Station at Kranji and the RN Armaments Depot. Apart from Bob Lang the other officers were Captain Claude Derek Aylwin and Lieutenants Charles Verdon, Jim Davis, Tom Sherdan and Geoffrey Hulton.

1941. Wednesday 24th December. Forty of these Royal Marines, after rudimentary jungle training, were sent up-country into Malaya to join Roseforce (Major Angus Rose 2A and SH) involved in special operations behind the Japanese lines. The speed of the Japanese advance, however, led to their employment in demolition work and they returned to Singapore on Wednesday 14th January 1942.

1941. December. Roger Courtney returned to the United Kingdom where he formed No2 Special Boat Section and No1 Special Boat Section became attached to the Special Air Service (SAS) as the Folboat Section.

1941. Saturday 27th December. Operation Archery in Norway.

1941. December. The 1st RM (Heavy) AA Regiment, was formed on the reorganisation of the Air Defence Brigade of MNBDO I in December 1941; personnel of 2nd RM AA Rgt formed this HQ with 'B', 'C', and 'D' Batteries from 1st and 2nd RM AA Regiments ('B' Bty had been 'A' Bty of 1st RM AA Rgt). COs: Lt–Col C. M. Sergeant, December 1941 to August 1943; and Lt. Col R. Garrett, DSO, September 1943 to November 1945.

The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

21st December 1941:

With Air Defence Brigade MNBDO, Cairo ('B', 'C' and 'D' Btys).

1st February 1942:

Colombo, Ceylon (as at 21st December 1941).

11th March 1942:

Colombo, although the HQ was in Ceylon, 'A' Bty was re–formed initially under its command, but as the Battery was in Cairo it was transferred to 2nd RM (Heavy) AA Rgt on formation.

9th April 1942:

Tricomalee, Ceylon when Batteries deployed in defence of the island. Malaria caused many casualties, 'D' Battery at one time having 92 per cent of its strength sick or convalescing. RA gunners were

attached to make up the Batteries' strengths but all had returned to army units by June.9

October 1942:

Ceylon, the rounds per gun were reduced from 1,250 to 9303 ('D' RM Heavy AA Bty, 'Devon' RM LAA Bty and 1 RM AA Signals Squadron, 'Devon' Bty handed over sites to 7 Bty Ceylon Garrison Artillery on 5th November 1942, see WO 172/1523).

January and February 1943:

Ceylon, days when petrol not to be used, to conserve fuel.

15th April 1943:

Poona, India, ('B', 'C' and 'D' Btys training with XXXIII Corps for operations in the Arakan, Burma).

28th September 1943:

Bhiwandi, near Bombay training for amphibious operations, practice shoots included low burst HE and at anti–tank targets. Mobile Operations Room with improved techniques. Scales of equipment change to mobile 3.7–in guns and 22nd RM LAA Bty under command for defence of heavy AA guns ('B'(?), 'C',

'D' and 22nd RM LAA Btys).

January 1944:

Bhiwandi, preparing to return to UK after the Arakan operations were deferred.

February 1944:

With Air Defence Gt Britain, Clacton on Sea, Essex ('A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' at RA training camps).

August to September 1944:

With Twenty First Army Group, Cherbourg in defence of this French port ('A', 'B', 'C', and 'D' Btys)

19th October 1944:

Antwerp in AA defences of Scheldt, and fired low airburst HE in support of Canadian

Division West of Antwerp ('A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' Btys).

21st October 1944:

With US ARMY 101 (AA) BRIGADE Louvain, near Brussels, all Batteries in 'Diver' belt defences, credited with 41 'kills' of V1s ('A', 'B', 'C' and 'D' Btys).

October and November 1944.

With Canadian Division Schelt area, a Regimental Command Post was formed and FOOs worked with Canadian infantry (detached from time to time in a ground support role 'A', 'B', 'C', and 'D' Btys, in 44 days some 1,300 shoots were made at ground targets, firing air–burst HE).

January 1945:

With 5 RM AA BRIGADE Antwerp in air defence of port, and credited with four planes during low level attack on 1 January ('A', 'B', 'C', and 'D' Btys, except for one Troop of 'D' which was with US Army in 'Diver' belt and credited with 30 V1s 10).

March and April 1945:

Ostend, all Batteries in coast defence role, on 18 April sank a midget submarine11 ('A', 'B', 'C', and 'D' Btys).

May 1945:

Topsham, Devon with Batteries in By Pass Camp near Exeter, personnel being demobilised but 'D'

Battery retained as holding battery.

16th November 1945:

Topsham, HQ disbanded and personnel from 'D' Battery posted to 28th RM Battalion. (RMHS)

1941. December. 2nd RM (Heavy) AA Regiment

Formed on the reorganisation of MNBDO I Air Defence Brigade in December 1941. This HQ had only the 23rd RM LAA Battery under command until December 1942, when the heavy AA Battery 'A' came under command while still in Egypt, before the Regiment's HQ provided control staff for anti–aircraft defences in Indian Ocean bases. The Regiment returned to Scotland in February 1944 and 'A' Battery transferred in March to 1st RM (Heavy) AA Regiment. The Regiment's HQ was disbanded with the 23rd RM LAA Bty on 23rd May 1944. (RMHS)

1941. The 12th RM Battalion was formed in the UK as the Auxiliary Bn and later designated the 12th Battalion as the Land Defence Force of MNBDO II. Disbanded in the summer of 1942.(RMHS)

1941. The RM Batteries 'T', 'U', 'W', 'X', 'Y' and 'Z', were formed by 1941-42 as coast defence batteries, each had 2 x 4in guns and were in the UK; 'T' Bty of 2nd RM Coast Rgt was at Eypemouth, near Bridport; 'U' and 'W' Btys of the same Regiment were at Bembridge, Isle of Wight; 'X' Bty in 1940 with MNBDO I was at Sunk Island, Yorkshire;

'Y' Bty from May 1940 to March 1941 was in Iceland before returning to the UK; at 'Z' Bty was at Harwich, Essex, in 1940. 'X' and 'Z' Btys were in Crete in May 1941 and suffered heavy casualties. 'X' was re-formed in Egypt in June 1942 and later served in Ceylon during 1942–3. 'Z' Bty served in 1941-42 on Addu Atoll in the India Ocean.

These Batteries were initially equipped with 4-in guns on special Hazard Mountings, which made them mobile enough to be positioned once they had been landed in 1940–1; later the Batteries had other naval 4in guns in conventional coast mountings at times. All Batteries but 'Y' were disbanded as of 15th May 1944.

'Y' Bty does not appear to have been reformed after personnel served in RM Coast Defence Rgt in August 1943. (RMHS)

1941. Achnacarry Scotland. The combination soldier-sailor concept of the Royal Marines was absolutely necessary for amphibious warfare. (The Royal Marines were not available until 1942), However, men could be trained in the use of boats and landing craft whether they were Marines or not. Land training was equally important since the sea was only a means to reach the land.

Physical fitness was required both for admission and as a continuing standard to be maintained. Marches and exercises were directed toward this end. A few calisthenics before breakfast was not what commando instructors considered to be physical training. If a man were physically fit by the standards set, marching seven miles in one hour was no more difficult than an uphill march in two hours and fifteen minutes. Physical fitness trained the men for the long marches they would have to make in the field. Even more important was the realisation that a man who was alert enough to master a number of physical tasks was more alert mentally as well. Therefore, physical training included not just marches, but obstacle courses, such as cliff climbing and also swimming. Practice landings and assaults were executed with live ammunition so that the men would be able to function under fire.

Forty of the 25,000 men who trained at the Achnacarry centre were killed in training. Mock graves were set up at the entrance to impress this fact on newcomers. The men were also taught night fighting, hand-to-hand combat, and woods craft to enable them to live off the land, concepts established by Keyes.

1941. Captain G.V.B. Cheesman flying a Walrus seaplane was appointed a Member of the British Empire for rescuing the crew of a torpedoed freighter 100 miles off the coast of Africa after attacking the guilty German submarine. He gathered the survivors together and with his aircraft towed the ships boats to safety. He subsequently was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for leading his squadron on operations against the Tirpitz in Norway and later in 1945 was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for operations in the Pacific.

1941. Registered Numbers. Six Digit Numbers during WW2. The prefixes 'CH/X', 'PLY/X', 'PO/X' followed by numbers of six digits in the 100000 series, indicated ranks entered for 'Hostilities Only' (HO) Service during World War ll, (CH/X119200; PO/X127790; PLY/X117156).

1941. The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife was first issued into service.

The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife is a double-edged fighting knife resembling a dagger or poignard with a foil grip developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes in Shanghai based on concepts which the two men initiated before World War II while serving on the Shanghai Municipal Police in China.

The Fairbairn–Sykes was made famous during World War II when issued to the British Commandos, the Airborne Forces, the SAS and many other units, especially for the Normandy Landings in June 1944. With its acutely tapered, sharply-pointed blade, the F–S fighting knife is frequently described as a stiletto, a weapon optimized for thrusting, although the F-S knife is capable of being used to inflict slash cuts upon an opponent when its cutting edges are sharpened according to specification. The Wilkinson Sword Company made the knife with minor pommel and grip design variations.

It is strongly associated with the British Commandos and the US Marine Raiders (who based their issued knife on the Fairbairn-Sykes), among other special forces be it clandestine or raiding units. It features in the insignia of the British Royal Marines, the Belgian Commandos, the Dutch Commando Corps, founded in the UK during World War II, the Australian 1st Commando Regiment and 2nd Commando Regiment, and the United States Army Rangers, both founded with the help of the British Commandos. A solid gold Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife is part of the Commandos' memorial at Westminster Abbey.

The first batch of fifty Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knives were produced in January 1941 by Wilkinson Sword Ltd after Fairbairn and Sykes had travelled down to their factory from the Special Training Centre at Lochailort in November 1940 to discuss their ideas for a fighting knife.

The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife (having little other practical application except for use in hand-to-hand combat) is now of interest mainly to collectors, though it remains in production because of continued collector interest.

The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife was designed exclusively for surprise attack and fighting, with a slender blade that can easily penetrate a ribcage. The vase handle grants precise grip, and the blade's design is especially suited to its use as a fighting knife. Fairbairn's rationale is in his book Get Tough! (1942).

In close-quarters fighting there is no deadlier weapon than the knife. In choosing a knife there are two important factors to bear in mind: balance and keenness. The hilt should fit easily in your hand, and the blade should not be so heavy that it tends to drag the hilt from your fingers in a loose grip. It is essential that the blade have a sharp stabbing point and good cutting edges, because an artery torn through (as against a clean cut) tends to contract and stop the bleeding. If a main artery is cleanly severed, the wounded man will quickly lose consciousness and die.

The Fairbairn-Sykes was produced in several patterns. The Shanghai knife on which it was based was only about 5.5 in (14 cm) long in the blade. First pattern knives have a 6.5 in (17 cm) blade with a flat area, or ricasso, at the top of the blade which was not present on the original design and the presence of which has not been explained by the manufacturers, under the S-shaped cross guard. Second-pattern knives have a slightly longer blade (just less than 7 in (18 cm)), 2 in (5.1 cm)-wide oval cross guard, knurled pattern grip, and rounded ball, and may be stamped 'ENGLAND' (a U.S. legal requirement when importing the surplus knives into the USA after WWII, as they had to show the country of origin) on the handle side of the cross guard. Some may also be stamped with a 'Broad Arrow' /|\ British issue mark and a number (e.g., 21) on the opposite handle side of the cross guard. Third-pattern knives also have a similarly-sized seven-inch blade, but the handle was redesigned to be a ringed grip. This ringed grip is reputed to have distressed one of the original designers as it unbalanced the weapon and made harder to hold when wet, but it was used by the manufacturers as it was simple to produce and could be cast from a cheaper and more plentiful alloy instead of using up scarce quantities of brass stock which were of course required for ammunition casings and other such vital applications. Third-pattern knives may be stamped 'WILLIAM RODGERS SHEFFIELD ENGLAND', 'BROAD ARROW', or simply 'ENGLAND'. William Rodgers, as part of the Egginton Group, now also produce an all-black "sterile" version of the knife, which is devoid of any markings showing maker for NATO use.

The length of the blade was chosen to give several inches of blade to penetrate the body after passing through the 3 in (7.6 cm) of the thickest clothing that was anticipated to be worn in the war, namely that of Soviet greatcoats. Later production runs of the Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife have a blade length that is about 7.5 in (19 cm). In all cases the handle had a distinctive foil-like grip to enable several handling options. Many variations on the F–S fighting knife exist regarding size of blade and particularly of handle. The design has influenced the design of knives throughout the many decades since its introduction.

Because of the success of the Fairbairn-Sykes Knife in World War II and in the wars in Korea and Vietnam, many companies made their own versions of the F–S fighting knife, such as the 1966 Gerber Mark II. Almost two million of the British knives were made. Not all of these were of good quality; post-1945 versions were notably inferior. Early production runs were extremely limited, and demand was high, with many British troops attempting to buy their own.

1941. From late 1941 all ranks had worn a red flash behind the cap badge on khaki caps after completion of initial disciplinary training, and this was continued on the blue beret.

With the training of all Royal Marines as commandos, the blue beret with red flash was instead worn by recruits prior to completing Commando training.

(Officers of 41 RM Commando wore an officers full dress collar badge as a badge on the green beret during WWII.)

A variety of different badges have been worn by RM Bands. Navy Blue Battledress of the same pattern as khaki BD was introduced in June 1942. It was worn by officers with an open collar, white shirt, black tie & blue lanyard.

Originally "RM" shoulder titles were worn on the shoulder straps, but in November 1943 woven "ROYAL MARINES" in red on dark blue were introduced.

NCOs and Marines wore BD with closed collar & badges of rank in red on dark blue.

Navy Blue BD was worn by landing craft crews and ships detachments, and manufacture ceased in 1950 although it continued to be worn for many years for office duties, often with the blouse worn with the trousers from the "Blues" uniform. During WWII, medal ribbons were not worn on the BD blouse.

1942. Achnacarry Scotland. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Vaughn took over in 1942 and pushed commando training to a new level of excellence. Amphibious exercises were carried out at Inveraray, Scotland, at the head of Loch Fyne. Training was always logical and practical. Nothing was ever initiated in training that did not have a purpose or objective. It rested on the desire of the individual to excel. Therefore, the only disciplinary measure was R.T.U., meaning 'Returned to Unit.' This was used by commanders and instructors to weed out the physically and psychologically unfit, and it could be instituted without explanation. This left the initiative and discipline entirely up to the individual. The men were often left to find their own transportation to and from places, and they were given an allowance and left to find their own quarters in private homes. There was no sergeant to police the barracks. All of this was aimed at developing the individual initiative of the soldier. If a man could not discipline himself and stay out of trouble, he could stay in the regular army. If he could not use his head to look out for himself, he was of no use to the commandos. The man for the organisation was the man who could use his brain and not have to sit around, mindlessly waiting for an order. The commandos were above all else an elite of individuals. They received the most varied training in modern warfare, but it was a means to an end, not an end unto itself.

The commando concept itself was never static; it developed with the war. The commandos began in 1940 as enthusiastic amateurs, but by 1945 they were among the most sophisticated shock troops in the world. In 1942 the Royal Marines entered the commando organization to form the RM commandos. The Marines were actually closer to the soldier sailor concept of the commandos; but they had been held back for home defence in 1940, and the task had gone to the Army commandos. Despite some initial rivalry, the two groups worked well together in brigade formations. By the end of the war, they were both part of a homog geneous fighting unit that was well equipped and properly deployed. The commandos' tactical and strategical contributions have already been covered in some detail. Aside from the purely tactical success achieved by the raids, the raiding program allowed Britain to resume the initiative that she needed to wage war. The raids also helped to develop the technique of amphibious warfare. Because Allied strategy was largely amphibious, this was a considerable contribution. The commandos also developed many new ideas in the area of field tactics and fighting, which were passed on to the regular . 10 forces. Aside from all this, the commandos made an enormous contribution to the concept of the soldier in modern warfare. They stressed the development of the intelligent, independent, motivated soldier, not the mass production of mindless killing machines. What the commandos tried to cultivate was the intelligent, self-reliant individual. COHQ did not want a group of half-wits who had to wait for an order before they could act. The responsibility given to the commandos was gladly received by the young men of the British Army, who were tired of inertia, incompetence, and a defensive attitude. (The British Commandos in the Second World War. In Defeat Defiance! By Alex Williams B.A.) (The Green Beret The Story of the Commandos 1940 – 1945 by HILARY St. George Saunders)

1942. January. The 9th RM Battalion was formed as part of 103 RM Bde. On 2nd May came under command of CO of 7th RM while training at Dalditch, and after further training re-formed in August 1943 as 46 RM Commando.(RMHS)

1942. January. 46 RM Commando formed at Dalditch Camp as 9th RM Battalion. Converted at Dorchester to 46 RM Commando in August 1943. Disbanded at Haywards Heath in December 1945.

1942. January. HMS Triumph was lost somewhere in the Aegean Sea during. No one knows her exact position. She went down with all hands onboard including 2 Commando's, Corporals Clive Severn & Alfred Child. Both are listed as serving with 1 SBS and were probably onboard to assist with Folboat landings and leading shore parties as part of SOE (Possibly). There is precious little to add any detail about either of them other than CWGC info. Both are listed on the Brookwood Memorial.

L/Cpl Clive Severn, MiD, Northamptonshire Regiment and 11 (Scottish) Commando. Service No: 5887258. Age 22. Son of Herbert & Gertrude Severn of Daybrook, Nottinghamshire.

Bombardier Alfred Robert Child, Royal Artillery & Commando. Service No: 915218, Age 25. Son of Charlie & Annie Child, husband of P M Child of Moredun.

Although it is still at an early stage some research has been conducted to determine the area where triumph lies with the hope that a seabed search can be carried out to locate her final resting place.

1942. Thursday 29th January. 210 Royal Marines were moved to Tyersall Park Camp, Singapore, to join the 250 Argyll's, all that remained of Lt Colonel Ian Stewart's 2A&SH who had fought a gallant and effective delaying action in the north of Malaya before being decimated at Slim River on Wednesday 7th January 1942. Subsequently, the survivors of the battalion had acted as rear guard during the crossing of the Causeway to Singapore. On Tuesday 3rd February the Argyll's and Marines were amalgamated into a composite battalion known as the Plymouth Argyll's. The Argyll's old association with Plymouth, their influence on the creation of its football team and the fact that the Marines were of the Plymouth Division were good reasons for this nickname. Lt Colonel Stewart trained the Plymouth Argyll's emphasising cooperation between armoured cars and widely dispersed infantry.

1942. January. 41 Commando RM formed at Dalditch Camp, near Exmouth as 8th RM Battalion. Reorganised in October 1942 and became firstly RM "B" Commando and then redesignated 41 RM Commando. Disbanded February 1946. Reformed at Bickleigh in August 1950 as 41 Independent Commando RM. Disbanded at Bickleigh in 1952. Reformed at Plymouth as 41 Commando RM in March 1960, reduced to a Company Group in Malta in April 1977 and reformed at Deal in October 1977.

1942. Sunday 8th February. The Japanese successfully crossed the Straits of Johore and gained a foothold on Singapore's north western shore. As exhausted and demoralised Australian defenders withdrew, the Plymouth Argyll's were ordered late on the morning of Monday 9thFebruary to advance northwards up the Bukit Timah Road then westward along the Choa Chu Kang Road towards Tengah airfield. Shortly after debussing into the rubber and advancing on foot, the Royal Marines came under air attack and suffered casualties. Some sections became lost in wide night time dispersal in unfamiliar terrain. Two more days of fighting followed as the Plymouth Argyll's engaged the Japanese between Tengah and the Dairy Farm that lay east of the Upper Bukit Timah Road. Most of the Argyll's were cut off when the Japanese brought their tanks down the road, smashing through two Plymouth Argyll roadblocks. The main body of Royal Marines escaped across the Dairy Farm and down the Pipeline to the Golf Course, stretchering away a wounded Argyll officer. No sooner had they arrived back at Tyersall Park than the camp and the neighbouring Indian Military Hospital were destroyed in an air attack. In the confusion that followed and subsequent shelling and mortaring, there was a further dispersal of men including those wounded. When the surrender came on Sunday 5th February only some 40 Royal Marines remained in the trenches in the burnt out Tyersall Park.

Many Royal Marines, either deployed to Keppel Harbour or lost in the Bukit Timah fighting spent the final days before the surrender assisting with the evacuation of civilians from Singapore to Sumatra. 25 Marines were ordered aboard HMS Tapah (captured); others on HMS Grasshopper (sunk) and Mata Hari (captured). Some escaped on Chinese junks, prahus and yachts. Most of those who survived entered captivity in Sumatra at Palembang and Padang, but some 22 made it to Ceylon as did 52 Argyll's. 31 Royal Marines were killed-in-action, died of wounds at Singapore or were lost at sea assisting in the evacuation of civilians to Sumatra.

The Argyll's and Marines at Tyersall Park were on Tuesday 17th February ordered by the Japanese to march to Changi. Headed by Piper Charles Stuart they marched out of Tyersall Park. Hundreds of soldiers from other units stood to attention as they passed. In fact, Captains Aylwin, Lang and Slessor (2A & SH) had no intention that their men march to Changi. A few hundred yards along the way what was left of the battalion transport drew up and embussed them into captivity passed marching columns of POWs. At first the Plymouth Argyll's were quartered in the Changi Village shops area. Many were subsequently sent to smaller work camps at River Valley, Havelock Road and Kranji.

1942. February. The Infantry Battalions of the Royal Marine Division were re-organised as Commandos, joining up with the Army Commandos. While the Division Command structure became a Special Service Brigade.

Selection for the new Commando force was necessarily demanding. Men had to be physically very fit. However, they also had to show that they did not need the traditional chain of command to operate in the field as in the heat of battle such chains of command could break down. Initiative was considered to be a vital commodity. Some 400 men passed through the first phase of recruitment that included training with live ammunition.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dudley Clark of put forward the name 'Commando' for the new force, after the term used in the Second Boer War. Churchill himself approved of the title while senior military figures did not, they preferred the title 'Special Service' and the two were used alongside one another for a long time to come.

Training was undertaken in Scotland where a special training centre was created at Lochailort. 'Combined Operations' created an all forces amphibious centre at Inveraray in the Scottish Highlands. While in 1942, a specific commando training base was also established at Achnacarry Castle, also in Scotland. Scotland was picked for the training as it was thought that the conditions were right for testing the military personnel in survival, living off the land and map reading. All of which would be of great help when landing in a foreign country and having to fend for yourself.

1942. February The combination soldier-sailor concept of the Royal Marines was absolutely necessary for amphibious warfare. The Royal Marines were not available until 1942, but men could be trained in the use of boats and landing craft whether they were Marines or not. Land training was equally important since the sea was only a means to reach the land.

Physical fitness was required both for admission and as a continuing standard to be maintained. Marches and exercises were directed toward this end. A few calisthenics before breakfast was not what commando instructors considered to be physical training. If a man were physically fit by the standards set, marching seven miles in one hour was no more difficult than an uphill march in two hours and fifteen minutes. Physical fitness trained the men for the long marches they would have to make in the field. Even more important was the realisation that a man who was alert enough to master a number of physical tasks was more alert mentally as well. Therefore, physical training included not just marches, but obstacle courses, such as cliff climbing and also swimming. Practice landings and assaults were executed with live ammunition so that the men would be able to function under fire.

Forty of the 25,000 men who trained at the Achnacarry center were killed in training. Mock graves were set up at the entrance to impress this fact on newcomers. The men were also taught night fighting, hand-to-hand combat, and woods craft to enable them to live off the land, concepts established by Keyes.

The first training center was at Lochailort Castle in Scotland. Operations started there in 1940. The instructors included men who would later make their own mark in the history of the war, David Stirling who started the SAS, Lord Shimy Lovat who commanded No. 4 Commando at Dieppe, and Michael "Mad Mike" Calvert who commanded a Chindit batallion in Burma.

Another center was established at Achnacarry, Scotland, in 1941. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Vaughn took over in 1942 and pushed commando training to a new level of excellence. Amphibious exercises were carried out at Inveraray, Scotland, at the head of Loch Fyne. Training was always logical and practical. Nothing was ever initiated in training that did not have a purpose or objective. It rested on the desire of the individual to excel. Therefore, the only disciplinary measure was R.T.U., meaning 'Returned to Unit.' This was used by commanders and instructors to weed out the physically and psychologically unfit, and it could be instituted without explanation. This left the initiative and discipline entirely up to the individual. The men were often left to find their own transportation to and from places, and they were given an allowance and left to find their own quarters in private homes. There was no sergeant to police the barracks. All of this was aimed at developing the individual initiative of the soldier. If a man could not discipline himself and stay out of trouble, he could stay in the regular army. If he could not use his head to look out for himself, he was of no use to the commandos. The man for the organisation was the man who could use his brain and not have to sit around, mindlessly waiting for an order. The commandos were above all else an elite of individuals. They received the most varied training in modern warfare, but it was a means to an end, not an end unto itself.

The commando concept itself was never static, it developed with the war. The commandos began in 1940 as enthjsiastic amateurs, but by 1945 they were among the most sophisticated shock troops in the world. In 1942 the Royal Marines entered the commando organization to form the RM commandos. The Marines were actually closer to the soldier sailor concept of the commandos; but they had been held back for home defense in 1940, and the task had gone to the Army commandos. Despite some initial rivalry, the two groups worked well together in brigade formations. By the end of the war, they were both part of a homog geneous fighting unit that was well equipped and properly deployed. The commandos' tactical and strategical contributions have already been covered in some detail. Aside from the purely tactical success achieved by the raids, the raiding program allowed Britain to resume the initiative that she needed to wage war. The raids also helped to develop the technique of amphibious v/arfare. Because Allied strategy was largely amphibious, this was a considerable contribution. The commandos also developed many new ideas in the area of field tactics and fighting, which were passed on to the regular . 10 forces. Aside from all this, the commandos made an enormous contribution to the concept of the soldier in modern warfare. They stressed the development of the intelligent, independent, motivated soldier, not the mass production of mindless killing machines. What the commandos tried to cultivate was the intelligent, self-reliant individual. COHQ did not want a group of half-wits who had to wait for an order before they could act. The responsibility given to the commandos was gladly received by the young men of the British Army, who were tired of inertia, incompetence, and a defensive attitude.

1942. February. 40 Commando RM formed at Deal as the RM Commando (with A, B, and C Companies). Redesignated RM "A" Commando and then 40 RM Commando in October 1942, absorbed 43 RM Commando in September 1945 and disbanded 1946. Reformed in March when 44 RM Commando was redesignated.

1942. Early. The Royal Marines Salute' by Alan Ivan Ryman.(Po/x 104167)

After completing my intake training as an H.O. at Pompey I reckon my salute was as smart as any once. Later nearly all the recruits who had in 97 Squad were posted to join H.M.S. Manchester. At the last moment I was taken off the draft.

Some weeks before I had submitted my name in response to a call for volunteers for aircrew in the Fleet Air Arm. I was to go for an interview and medical at St. Vincent, Gosport. My mates went off to "Manchester", and a French POW camp in North Africa.

Seven Royal Marines, a sprinkling of naval ratings from other establishments, and about forty new chums, Naval Airmen, Second Class, commenced training as pilots. By the completion of Elementary Flying Training, the number of Royals was down to three to go to Canada for the next stage of flying. We were made Acting Corporals, the matelots became Leading Naval Airmen. On gaining wings and returning to the U.K. I was classed as A/P.O. Rating Pilot, but I was still a Marine in uniform, spirit and salute. Next posting was to HMS "Kestrel" (Worthy Down) where I was to fly trainee Telegraphist Air Gunners. Billeted in the petty officer's mess but still wearing Royal Marine uniform, the logical thing to do was to sew on sergeant's stripes. No one objected. By this time my R.M. salute could cause a force four breeze at thirty paces on the upswing. Disaster &truck when one day the C.O. of the squadron called we in to his office and said "Ryman, you're in the wrong uniform. You're in the Navy now. Get kitted out. square rig as an A/P.O." Forced to change uniform, luckily only for a few weeks in bell bottoms until commissioned, I saw no reason to change spirit or salute, indeed, at no time was I instructed how to give a naval salute.

It was not until the Pacific war ended and "Indefatigable" returned to Sydney that we were able to go ashore and return on board often enough for me to become aware that I was something of a novelty to those on the quarterdeck as I came aboard, in naval uniform giving my most pronounced RN salute. A bit of nudging with the elbow and probably a comment like "Watch this for a real salute, mate" from the boatneck.

Couple of months later I had been in the Captain's office at the Naval Air Station at Nowra and, on intending to leave, gave him my usual salute. "Just a moment, Subbie. Salute me again." What to do? If I gave a naval salute I would be admitting that I knew I was wrong before. So it was longest way up, palm facing forward, force five breeze that time. He was not impressed. Amongst a number of other remarks he advised me, for my own good, to go and find out how to give a naval salute. I wasn't concerned about my own good and didn't.

Another two or three weeks on and I was in Sydney. The Royal Navy had offices in Barrack House, just round the corner from Wynyard Station. I had been to see someone to wangle out of being sent back to the U.K. and had come down to the ground floor in the lift. As the door opened and I stepped out a group of senior officers were waiting to get in. I saluted as I passed them. One of them was the Captain from Nowra. Just as they entered the lift he exploded. That bloody subbie had done it again. But one of the others had pressed the "up" button. The great bellow made me look round in time to see the door of the lift close on a pointing, red faced Captain almost jumping up and down in rage. I left the building before they had time to reverse the lift.

1942. March. The RM AA Operations Rooms: 1 RM Air Defence Bde formed an AA Ops Room; in August a second Ops Room was formed by 2 RM Air Defence Bde. Personnel of this second Ops Room were later absorbed into the AA Ops Room of 5 RM AA Bde, when the Air Defence Brigade was disbanded in the spring of 1944.(RMHS)

1942. March. RM AA Operations Rooms: in March 1942, 1 RM Air Defence Bde formed an AA Ops Room; in August a second Ops Room was formed by 2 RM Air Defence Bde. Personnel of this second Ops Room were later absorbed into the AA Ops Room of 5 RM AA Bde, when the Air Defence Brigade was disbanded in the spring of 1944. (RMHS)

1942. Wednesday 15th April. to 21st December. The 2nd RM AA Regiment was formed with 'C', 'D' and 23rd RM Light Btys which were under training with RA Regiments.1 First CO Lt. Col C. M. Sergeant, 15th April to 21st December.

The Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets:

15 April 1940:

With Coastal Defence Group, Arborfield ('C', 'D' and 23rd RM Light AA Btys).

8th August 1940:

With Air Defence Gt Britain Matlock, Derbyshire (Btys as at 15th April).

January 1941:

With Air Defence Brigade MNBDO I, Portsmouth (Btys as at 15th April 1940).

March 1941:

Egypt (Btys as at 15th April 1940).

May 1941:

Crete ('C' Bty. elements of 23rd RM Light AA Bty and advance party from 'D' Bty).

June 1941:

Moascar, Egypt (after the Crete operation this Regiment had only elements of its three Btys with cadres

from 'D' joining 'C' and some men from 22nd RM LAA Bty joining the 23rd RM Light AA Bty).

21st December 1941:

Cairo, the HQ became the 1st (Heavy) AA Rgt's headquarters,3 'C' and 'D' Btys to that Regiment and 23rd RM Light AA Bty to 2nd RM (Heavy) AA Regiment.4

July 1942:

Headquarters re-formed. (RMHS)

1942. Early in the year. The 21st RM Holding Battalion was formed to absorb men who could not be posted to operational units after training, this battalion provided camp staff for 20th RM Bn before they were merged in October 1942.(RMHS)

1942. May. The 50th Anniversary edition of the 'Globe & Laurel', editor by Lieutenant Colonel L.D. Briscoe RM. Now printed by Holbrook & Son Ltd on Queen Street Portsmouth. The magazine was untypically light on the Corps activity due to war time restrictions, concentrating more on sport, promotion and honours to fill the pages. However, a prisoner of War section kept families informed while the advertisements helped with information on how to find difficult to get rationed items.

1942. Spring. 104 RM (Training) Brigade formed before the summer as the training brigade of the RM Division, this HQ's responsibilities included the organisation of NCOs' and other courses at Hayling Island, its 20th (Training) Battalion being responsible for recruits' infantry training. From April to mid-July 1942 the HQ was in Exmouth. The Brigade took over responsibility for training at Lympstone and the infantry training of recruits at Dalditch from 17th June 1942, the HQ moving into Lympstone Grange on 16th July. They also liaised with battalions over the provision of reinforcements, including officers for battalions when mobilised. The 22nd RM (Trg) Bn of young soldiers came under commands of this HQ in November 1942, before the HQ was absorbed by RM Training Group on its formation early in 1943.(RMHS)

1942. June. No2 Special Boat Section (SBS) took part in airfield raids on the isle of Crete in the Mediterranean.

1942. June. The movement of POWs from Changi to Thailand to build the Death Railway began. From Singapore to Ban Pong in crowded rice wagons then force marched to Kanchanaburi and Chungkai and then on to jungle camps further up the line to Burma. Many of those who survived this were sent in 1944 by sea to Japan as slave labour, many of the ships being sunk by Allied submarines on the journey with huge loss of life. When liberation finally came in September 1945 33 Plymouth Argyll Royal Marines had died in captivity.

1942. During the summer of 1942, No 1 Commando was formed and stationed in Ayrshire, Scotland. They had recently taken part in the raid in the Le Touquet area of France, near Boulogne. There were six Troops, billeted in private houses between Irvine and Kilwinning. One day the Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Will Glendenning of the Welch Regiment, as was his want, was conducting a `tour d'horizon' of the Commando's future employment with his Second-in-Command, Major Tom Trevor, also from the Welch Regiment and his Adjutant, Captain B.G.B. 'Puggie' Pugh of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. The question of a common headdress was raised.

The problem arose from the fact that no less than 79 different regiments and corps of the British Army were represented in the Commando and that each was wearing the headdress peculiar to his parent unit. Thus a motley collection of caps, tam-o-shanters, bonnets, forage caps, `fore and aft caps, berets and peaked caps appeared on the Commando parades, the forest being a veritable RSM's nightmare.

This problem, of course, ran through all other Commando units at the time, but some, Nos 2and 9 Commandos in particular, had resolved it by adopting as a common headdress the cap TOS (tam-o-shanter). For a variety of reasons, one being that No 1 Commando was predominantly Welsh in character, a headdress with a Scottish flavour was not considered appropriate or desirable. It was therefore decided that a beret was a better answer as it was difficult to wear improperly, was light and easily disposed of in a pocket if necessary.

As to colour, the two already in service, Black was worn by the Royal Tank Regiment and Red (maroon) by the Parachute Regiment so had to be avoided. Luckily a range of ideal colours was to hand in the shoulder insignia of No 1 Commando, a salamander going through fire - the salamander being Green and the flames yellow (gold) and red (crimson). The Richmond Herald at the College of Arms originally designed this insignia. It did not take a genius to decide that, of the three-colour choice, green was far and away the first and obvious choice. And so it was to be.

The type, style and colour having been settled, Puggie' Pugh was detailed to investigate how and where it could be produced. Luckily there was a factory close by at Ardrossan specialising in the ,manufacture of Scottish bonnets, etc. A visit there solicited the information that they also had a WD (War Department)contract to make black berets for the RTR. Samples of these were produced; an Officers' pattern and an Other Ranks' pattern, the only difference being the headband of the former was of silk and the latter of leather! Pugh recalls that the original sample was of a 'particularly nauseating design, the crown being the ideal green, but it was surmounted by a red bobble with red and white dicing round the band'. Two sample designs were produced for the CO's inspection, and were approved with instructions to get some actual green berets made. Within a fortnight the firm had completed the order to everyone's satisfaction.

The next phase of the `operation' was the CO's decision to seek the approval of the Commander of the Special Service Brigade, Brigadier Bob Laycock, for No 1 Commando to use the Green Beret. By return of post, preceded by a phone call presumably, Bob Laycock said that for some time he had been considering a common headdress for the whole brigade and he felt, subject to No 1 Commando's agreement, that the green beret would be ideal. Naturally agreement was forthcoming.

As a gesture, the Brigadier decreed that as stocks became available, No 1 Commando would be issued with them first. And so it was that the green beret was taken into use by No 1 Commando prior to them embarking for Operation Torch, the landing in North Africa in November 1942.

As far as the Royal marines were concerned, there are two differing accounts about who was the first to wear the green beret.

CO of 41 (RM) Commando, Lieutenant Colonel B.J.D. 'Berne' Lumsden, was visiting SS Brigade's HO and saw one of the green berets; and taking an immediate liking to it, he was allowed to take one away with him. He decided to put his full dress collar badge into it in place of a normal cap badge, a custom adopted only by the officers of 41(RM)Commando. This beret is now kept in the Royal Marines Museum, along with the fighting knife.

In his history or 40 Commando. `The Light Blue Lanyard', Major Jeff Beadle recounts:

` In the days that followed, two noteworthy events took place. The first, on 26 October 1942, concerned the initial issue of the green beret. There were men in the unit who were reluctant at first to wear the new headdress as they considered the colour to be effeminate. Their feelings soon changed, and it was not long before the practical and prestigious value of the green beret outweighed any colour prejudice. The green beret was worn with pride, in action or on parade, in preference to any other form of headdress'.

This article was first published in the Globe & Laurel of September/October 2002.

1942. Monday 6th July. The RM Boom Patrol Detachment: Formed at Southsea, Hampshire, the Detachment trained in canoes, in long distance swimming and shallow water diving. It mounted a raid on shipping in Bordeaux in December 1942. A unit went to the Mediterranean and mounted raids in 1943-44 The Detachment did development work on air launched explosive motor boats, but these were not used operationally. The personnel were later absorbed into the RM Special Boat Sections.(RMHS)

1942. Summer. The RM Light AA Regiment/1st RM Light AA Regiment was formed in the summer of 1942 when the RM Division was setting up its organic artillery units; 101 RM Brigade's artillery HQ staff provided the personnel for this Regiment's HQ. CO Lt. Col J. M. Fuller from 24th August 1942 to 31st July 1943. While under command of 101 RM Brigade, the Regiment's HQ was in the following locations, with the units commanded shown in brackets: 24th August 1942:

Near Fishguard (with 1st and 2nd LAA Btys and 1st AA/Anti–tank Bty).

November 1942:

Inveraray on amphibious training (as for 24th August).

December 1942:

Sandbanks at Poole, Dorset for training shoots (as for 24th August).

about 1st January 1943:

Sandbanks Regiment redesignated 1st RM Light AA Rgt. about 31st July:

At Sandbanks Regiment disbanded, HQ personnel to Support Craft Regiment. (RMHS)

1942. Wednesday 19th August. George Patterson RM PO/X114719-t (9th September 1923 - 16th July 2015) later referred to as Gud. Was born on the 9th September 1923 in Salford Lancashire. Gud was one of four children born to Frederick & Sarah Patterson.

Gud's father, Frederick served with 7/8 Battery, Lancashire Fusiliers. In 1916 he and members of his unit suffered heavy bombardments of shelling and mustard gas. Fredrick endured and returned home from the Great War suffering ongoing breathing problems caused by the gas in the trenches of the Somme. Fredrick died in 1940 aged 50. As most will know, the times were tough during the 1920s and 1930s and the people of Manchester were no exception. Like many kids of the neighbourhood, life on struggle street was not easy using a rolled up newspaper for a football and swimming in the Manchester Ship Canal was a summer highlight for Gud and his mates.

On leaving school at 14 Gud found employment in local engineering workshop, learning the trade of a fitter and turner. At the age of 18 Gud enlisted into the Royal Marines. He was instructed to report to Royal Marines Deal , and had the pleasure of becoming a fully paid up member of His Majesty's Royal Marines on the 19th August 1942. Gud often commented that for him the Marines life could not have been better. The fact he received three square meals a day impressed him to no end.

After his recruit training and with his already acquired trade experience as a fitter, he was posted to a trade division and spent much time initial time in Scotland. On the 6 June 1944 saw the commencement of Operation Neptune and then subsequently Operation Overlord (D DAY landings). Gud found himself in the engine room of landing craft off Gold Beach, which was the centre of the five nominated landing areas. Gud kept his involvement on the D Day landings to himself. It wasn't until sometime later he informed the family that he made several trips across the Channel, before being posted back to Scotland.

In early 1945, the Royal Marines invited Gud on a world cruise (although he was not aware of his destination at this time). However, after more training and more training he and many other Bootnecks found themselves boarding the Royal Mail ship HMS Aades, heading for a land down under. The trip from the Panama Canal to Sydney was non-stop with an average speed of 21 knots, the trip was completed in record time that still stands today. Gud relates to his arrival through the 'Heads' in wartime Sydney as arriving in heaven. On arrival and receiving shore leave, the Bootnecks made a beeline for the boozer only to find along the way a number of fruit and fresh produce vendors, the boozer was put on hold and the vendors were cleaned out of their stock of oranges, apples and bananas. Amazed by the abundance of fresh fresh food Gud thought he has arrived in the land of milk and honey. On dis-embarkation, Gud received his posting orders to report to the Fleet Air Arm and subsequently posted to Archerfield in Brisbane. The Marines were assigned the workshops and accommodation facilities vacated by the Yanks. Much to Gud's surprise the Americans left their tools and gear behind. Gud "borrowed" these tools and continued to use them all his working life.

During his time in Brisbane Gud met a lady from Maryborough. Beryl Ashworth, recently moved to Brisbane and was working at Mc Whirters Department store in Fortitude Valley, they started courting when the Marines again spoiled his day, Gud received orders in April 1946 informing that he was going home. So with the clock ticking and some pulling of strings they were married within the week. Gud was off to Blighty and Beryl was left waiting along with six hundred other Aussie Brides for the arrival HMS Victorious to secure their passage back to England. Life changed quickly for Beryl with not just on the ship but when she arrived in England. She saw a scared country recovering from war and rationing all that was available, a level of austerity that was unaccustomed to as an Aussie country girl from Maryborough.

After receiving his demob suite, matching shoes and a golden hand shake of 58 pounds 16 shillings and 6 pence , Gud quickly realised that the land down under was for him. On the 12 November 1948, Gud returned with Beryl and new arrival Ian on the converted hospital ship Somertshire. Gud often told the story that the first fleet made better time for the trip, Gud arrived in Fremantle with a telegram informing of a position with Engineering Firm Evans Deakin (ED), he started at E.Ds two days after arriving to Brisbane in January 1949 and retired from E.D.s in July 1982. Gud enjoyed the canteen food.

Gud and Beryl built their family home way out of town at Wynnum North, they had three more children which translated to eight grandchildren, and then twelve great children, and Beryl now eighty nine still lives in the 'Castle' on Sandy camp Rd, and wild horses will unlikely remove her.

Gud informed recently before his passing that the three greatest events in his life were meeting his wife of 69 years, his family and the Royal Marines. If it had not been for the Royal Marines and the cruise ticket on the ANDES to Australia back in 1945 his life would have been very different.

In closing Gud was very proud of all his family. When he left Manchester he left all he knew he ploughed head first into the unknown for a new life in Australia. This experience is shared by Gud's first-born granddaughter Megan who has done the same thing (but in reverse) and now has her own family in Botley, Hampshire and working as a school teacher, so the circle turns. RIP George Thomas Patterson 9/09/1923/16/07/2015 . (Author Unknown RMAQ)

George Patterson once told me that he had attended an interview after volunteering for a secret mission. He was told that in would involve a raid into France. After hearing what was involved he asked how he would get home? To be told that he would have to walk to Spain. To which he declined the raid. It turned out that it was the legentary Cockleshell Heroes raid on the French occupied Bordeaux docks, during December 1942. (from Terry Aspinall)

1942. August. The 3 and 4 RM AA Brigades were not formed during World War II, but read below.

Artillery Staff Headquarters MNBDO II. There is a record of this staff's existence from August 1942 to July 1943, with responsibility for artillery units attached to the Organisation. (RMHS)

1942. August. Brigade Artillery Headquarters. In August 1942 part of the Artillery HQ RM Division became a separate Brigade Artillery HQ, and by 27th August were at Dalditch, Devon, where artillery units were being formed. It seems likely that this Brigade artillery HQ, commanded by Lt. Col J. M. Fuller, took over training responsibilities from the RM Division Artillery HQ, for the Brigade artillery HQ moved to Penally Camp in Pembrokeshire, in the last days of August. During practice shoots on army ranges near Penally the movement of guns and vehicles became impossible in part of the camp, owing to heavy rains and lack of hardstanding gun parks. This HQ was disbanded by August 1943 and the personnel posted to the Armoured Support Group.

Air Defence Brigade of MNBDO I, later 1 RM Anti-Aircraft Brigade and Headquarters AA Ceylon.

The nucleus of an Air Defence Group was formed by MNBDO on 29th January 1940, with a staff which included Fire Control Instructors. But a Brigade HQ was not formed until January 1941, with 1st and 2nd RM Anti-Aircraft Regiments and 11th Searchlight Regiment under command. An Advance HQ went to Crete in May 1941. The main HQ remained in Egypt, but as the MNBDO AA units moved to Ceylon in the winter of 1941-42, a new HQ was formed by redesignating 1st RM AA Regiment's HQ as 1 RM AA Brigade HQ. Although no War Diary entries were made for the Cairo HQ after December 1941, it possibly supervised the re–formation of 'A' Battery, and its staff finally dispersed in December 1942.

The 1 RM AA Bde headquarters in Ceylon had under command a Gunnery Operations Room Troop11 (March to November 1942), as well as 1st and 2nd (Heavy) AA Rgts from December 1941 until May 1944, and for the period February 1942 to 29th August 1943, this HQ was designated HQ AA Ceylon, with army units under command, including an RA Operations Room and RA batteries. There is a record of a Brigade HQ Battery from December 1942 to September 1943, no doubt to carry out Brigade (as opposed to Command HQ) functions. The Brigade was disbanded on 7th May 1944, but its official disbandment is given in RMRO 719/44 as 16th May 1944, and after 5 RM AA Brigade had moved to Clacton, Essex, for training. Air Defence Brigade MNBDO II later 2 RM Air Defence Brigade On 5th February 1941 the RM nuclei of AA and Searchlight Rgts joined army training establishments. In March the AD Brigade HQ was established, and by August 1942 had a Gunnery Operations Room which in the next 20 months worked with the Organisation's AA Regiments. This staff, both of the Brigade HQ and its Operations Room, became the HQ of 5 RM AA Brigade in the spring of 1944. (RMHS)

1942. Wednesday 19th August. One of the first raids the Royal Marines were involved in was during the raid on Dieppe in France. That involved No3 and No4 Commando's and the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, and known as 'Operation Jubilee'. The raid did not go as planned. The casualties included 3,367 Canadians and 275 British Commandos. The Royal Navy lost one destroyer and 33 landing craft, suffering 550 dead and wounded. The RAF lost 106 aircraft to the Luftwaffe's 48, while the German army also suffered 591 casualties.

1942. Wednesday 19th August. A disastrous seaborne raid was launched by Allied forces on the German-occupied French port of Dieppe. Why was such a raid ever undertaken? Because, with Germany operating deep in the Soviet Union, the Russians were urging the Allies to relieve the pressure on them by opening a second front in north-west Europe.

At the same time the British Chief of Combined Operations, Rear Admiral Louis Mountbatten, was agitating for a practical trial beach landing, against real opposition, for his troops. In the face of this pressure, Churchill decided that Operation Rutter, a 'hit and run' raid on Dieppe, should go ahead.

Lieutenant General Bernard Montgomery's South-Eastern Command provided the troops for the operation, and planned an unimaginative frontal assault, without heavy preliminary air bombardment. Montgomery was also being pressed by the Canadian government to ensure that Canadian troops saw some action, so the Canadian 2nd Division, under Major General Roberts, was selected for the main force.

These troops were to assault the town and port of Dieppe, while, as a distraction, British parachute units would attack German batteries on the headlands on either side of the Canadians.

The first rehearsal was a disaster, but a second try, ten days later, went better, and Montgomery was satisfied. On 1st July it was agreed that the raid would take place either on 4th July, or on the first day afterwards that promised favourable weather conditions.

The first rehearsal was a disaster.

The attack was to be mounted from five ports between Southampton and Newhaven, with forces made up of around 5,000 Canadians, 1,000 British troops, and 50 US Rangers. There were 237 ships and landing craft, and 74 squadrons of aircraft, of which 66 were fighter squadrons.

The plan: was for a full frontal attack without aerial bombardment. The weather was consistently bad, however, and on 7 July the operation was postponed. Montgomery wanted it cancelled altogether, as the troops had been briefed and he was afraid that word of the operation might leak out. Unusually for him, however, he did not persist with his demand, and preparations continued. He was not involved in the matter for long, in any case, as he was summoned to Egypt to command the Eighth Army.

Meanwhile, a number of changes to the plan were made. The codename was changed to Jubilee. The planned air bombardment on Dieppe was reduced, for fear of French casualties, and because of the continuing priority of the strategic bombing offensive on Germany. Eight destroyers were allocated to bombard the shore from seaward, as it was judged that battleships could not be used, being too vulnerable when they were close to the coast.

The parachute operation on the flanks, even more dependent on the weather than the seaborne assault, was cancelled. This task was instead given to Numbers 3 and 4 Army Commandos, to the relief of the Commanding Officer of 1st Parachute Battalion, who later commented that from the outset of the raid 'security was abysmal'.

Intelligence on the enemy was patchy.

It was decided that the Royal Marine Commando, which had been in the force from the outset, was to land in fast gunboats and motor boats after the main force had gone in. They were then to destroy the Dieppe dock installations, and capture documents in a safe in the port office. The break-in was to be the special responsibility of a marine who had been a burglar in civilian life.

Intelligence on the enemy was patchy. There were German gun positions dug into the sides of the headland cliffs, but these were not spotted by Allied air reconnaissance photographers. Planners assessed the beach gradient and its suitability for tanks only by scanning holiday snapshots. As a consequence, enemy strength and terrain were grossly underestimated.

In addition, the Germans were on high alert having been warned by French double gents that the British were showing interest in Dieppe. They had also detected increased radio traffic and the concentration of landing craft in Britain's south coast ports. Without sufficient air cover, the tanks would be exposed to enemy fire.

The raid began at 04.50am on 19th August, with attacks on the flanking coastal batteries, from west to east. These included Varengeville (Number 4 Commando), Pourville (the South Saskatchewan Regiment and the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada), Puys (the Royal Regiment of Canada), and Berneval (Number 3 Commando).

By this time, however, the element of surprise that the planners had counted on was lost. Some of the landing craft escorts had already exchanged shots with a small German convoy off Puys and Berneval at 03.48.

The element of surprise that the planners had counted on was lost.

Despite this, Number 4 Commando successfully stormed the Varengeville battery. This was the one unit that captured all of its objectives that day. Only 18 men from Number 3 Commando got ashore in the right place. Nevertheless, for a time they managed to distract the Berneval battery to such good effect that the gunners fired wildly all over the place, but the commandos were eventually forced to withdraw in the face of superior enemy forces.

At Puys, the Royal Regiment of Canada was annihilated. Just 60 men out of 543 were extracted from the beach. And only a handful of the men of the South Saskatchewan Regiment reached their objectives, with others from this regiment landing in the wrong place. The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, despite being landed late, did manage to penetrate further inland than any other troops that day, but they were soon forced back as German reinforcements rushed to the scene.

Half an hour later the main frontal assault by the Essex Scottish Regiment and Royal Hamilton Light Infantry started, supported by 27 Churchill tanks of the 14th Canadian Army Tank Regiment.

The tracks of most of the tanks were stripped as they were driven on to the shingle beach, and the bogged down vehicles became sitting ducks for German anti-tank guns. Those tanks that did cross the sea wall were stopped by concrete roadblocks. The infantry were slaughtered on the beach by vicious cross-fire from machine-guns hidden in the cliffs. Supporting fire by naval destroyers was far too light to have much effect.

To make things worse, Canadian Major General Roberts could not see the objective, because of a smoke screen laid by ships in support of the landings. As a result, acting on incorrect information and unaware of the mayhem on the beaches, he now made the mistake of reinforcing failure and sent in his two reserve units.

Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, launched straight at the centre of the town, were pinned down under the cliffs, and Roberts ordered the Royal Marine Commando to land in order to support them. This was a completely new task, involving passing through the town and attacking batteries on the east headland. The last minute change of plan caused utter chaos. The commanding officer had to transfer all his men from gunboats and motor boats into landing craft used in the earlier waves, and brief them on the new mission in very short order.

Many of the RMC craft were hit and disabled on the run-in. Those men that did reach the shore were either killed or captured. The commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel 'Tigger' Phillipps, seeing that the mission was suicidal, stood up on the stern of his craft and signalled to those following him that they should turn back. He was killed a few moments later.

At 11.00, under heavy fire, the withdrawal from the beaches began. It was completed by 14.00. Casualties from the raid included 3,367 Canadians killed, wounded or taken prisoner, and 275 British commandos. The Royal Navy lost one destroyer and 33 landing craft, suffering 550 dead and wounded. The RAF lost 106 aircraft to the Luftwaffe's 48. The German army casualties were 591.

Churchill and the Chiefs of Staff - the heads of the Navy, Army and Air Force, who met daily to discuss strategy and advise Churchill - were responsible for this disastrous misjudgement. But, because no written record exists of the Chiefs of Staff approving the raid in its final form, it has sometimes been suggested that it was really Mountbatten who remounted it without authorisation. This is almost certainly nonsense.

The Chiefs of Staff disliked Mountbatten, regarding him as an upstart foisted on them by Churchill, so any unauthorised action on his part would have given them the ammunition to recommend his removal. Since Mountbatten was not removed, and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, General Sir Alan Brooke, in his frank and detailed diary, makes no mention of his having exceeded his authority, it seems unlikely that Mountbatten can be accused of mounting the raid without authority.

General Brooke was in the Middle East from 1 August 1942, returning on the 24th, after the event. This was unfortunate, for, as the most forceful and intelligent of the Chiefs of Staff, had he been in Britain in the days preceding the raid, he might have persuaded Churchill to call it off. disaster did point up the need for much heavier firepower in future raids.

Much has been said since about the fact that the Dieppe raid was a necessary precursor to the great amphibious operations that were to follow, in terms of the lessons learned and experience gained. Mountbatten pursued that line all his life. But as Chief of Combined Operations, he did bear some of the responsibility for mounting the operation, so one can only comment, 'he would say that, wouldn't he?'

The disaster did point up the need for much heavier firepower in future raids. It was recognised that this should include aerial bombardment, special arrangements to be made for land armour, and intimate fire support right up to the moment when troops crossed the waterline (the most dangerous place on the beach) and closed with their objectives.

However, it did not need a debacle like Dieppe to learn these lessons. As judged by General Sir Leslie Hollis - secretary to the Chiefs of Staff Committee and deputy head of the Military Wing of the War Cabinet with direct access to Churchill - the operation was a complete failure, and the many lives that were sacrificed in attempting it were lost with no tangible result.

Originally the raid on Dieppe, which was designed to test the German defences, was planned under the direction of Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery. It was approved more quickly than it might have been be- cause the British Government was under pressure from the Russians to demonstrate that it was preparing to open a Second Front, and it involved predominantly Canadian troops, commanded by Major-General J.H. Roberts, because the Canadian Government was pressing Churchill to let its troops see action.

After bad weather had called its cancellation on 7th July 1942, 'Monty' set out to take command of the 8th Army in the deserts of North Africa, leaving the re- commendation that the raid should be "Cancelled for

all time". However, the plan was revived under the Chief of Combined Operations, Vice-Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, and on August 19th it was launched with 4,936 Canadians, 1075 British troops, 50 United States Rangers and 237 warships and landing craft.

The ships included eight destroyers, some of which were able to give supporting fire, but there was nothing larger because the Channel was deemed un- suitable for battleships. The air cover consisted of 74 fighter squadrons from nine different nations, but there were no heavy bombers to soften the objectives before landing. And the commanders had been provided with extensive aerial photographs of the defences which revealed everything except the gun positions hidden in the cliffs.

After the raid set out, the Admiralty warned the fleet that there was a German convoy in the area, but the message did not get through and the exchange of fire through the darkness alerted the defenders, and lost the raiders the vital element of surprise. The first flank attacks faltered, and the main attack was terribly mauled by the hidden guns. When 27 supporting tanks landed late, 15 were destroyed on the beach and the remainder brought to a standstill by roadblocks,

Wrongly informed that the raid was going well, Roberts sent in his second wave, and the only part of it to be saved from the guns in the cliffs was 'A' Royal Marine Commando, which was turned back by its commanding officer, shortly before he was killed.

The Dieppe Raid was a grim fiasco which cost the lives of hundreds of Canadians

At 11 a.m. the order was given to withdraw and for the next three hours the beaches were evacuated under constant heavy fire. In all, 3,367 Canadians and 275 British soldiers were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. The Royal Navy suffered 550 casualties and lost a destroyer and 33 landing craft. And in the sky 106 Allied fighters were shot down with a loss of only 48 to the Luftwaffe. It was said afterwards that valuable lessons were learned at. Dieppe but the necessity to support a landing with adequate reconnaissance and a heavy bombardment is hardly a lesson that needs to be learned by experience.

One month after Dieppe, most of the 11th Royal Marine Battalion were killed or captured in an amphibious landing at Tobruk during 'Operation Agreement' that also included the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 1st Battalion.

1942. Thursday 10th September. The RM Field Artillery Regiment was formed at the time the RM Division established organic artillery units, by 102 RM Brigade's HQ at Dalditch from 10th September 1942. Under command 16th October were 32nd Howitzer Bty, 2nd Anti–Tank Bty, 2nd Light AA Bty nd 1st Field bty forming at St Margaret's Bay, Kent, from men of the RM Siege Rgt. Plans were made to equip the field Batteries with 25pdrs; two RA Field Btys were to be regimented with these RM Btys, but the arrangement was cancelled. The Regiment's HQ went to Tenby (South Wales) in November, but only elements of the Batteries under command went there for training with the RA. All but the Field Bty were transferred to the RM Anti - Tank Rgt before March 1943, when 1st RM Field Artillery Regiment was stationed at Christchurch, Dorset. a second field battery was formed on 1st June 1943, but on 12th August the first drafts from this Regiment were sent to the RM Siege Rgt as this built up again, and the RM Field Artillery Regiment was disbanded at Wimbourne, Hampshire, by the end of August 1943. Some men from this Regiment joined the RM Support Craft Regiment. (RMHS)

1942. Monday 14th September. How the Marines Assauled Tobruk. Perhaps the magnificient success that attended the great Combined Operations of 1942, 1943 and 1944 may have led many to underestimate the immense difficulties of amphibious assault against a coast defended by modern weapons To do so would be unjust to the men who planned and executed the three D-Days in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy; it would be more than unjust to those who bought with their lives the experience on which those victories were built Dieppe, we all know, was part of the price paid, and 40 RM Commando was there to help pay it. Less well known was the gallant failure of the 11th Battalion, Royal Marines, in their raid on Tobruk on 14 September 1942.

11 RM started life as the Land Defence Force of the Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation that distinguished itself in Crete.

Part of the tradegy of Crete is the fact that 11 RM did not reach the island in time to take part in the battle, to meet the very situation for which it had been trained, for the presence at Maleme of even one well-trained, fully equipped and fresh battalion might have had an incalculable effect on the course of history, After Crete 11 RM went into training in the Marines classic role, as an amphibious striking force at the disposal of the Naval Commander -in-Chief.

Their first task was a small-scale but entirely successful raid on the little island of Kuphonisi, south-east of Crete, where one company destroyed an Italian radar stationLater, in great secrecyat Haifa the battalion began preparing its stroke against Tobruk, by this time Rommel's vital forward supply baae against the Eighth Army at El Alamein. The object of this raid was to get control of the harbour for 12 hours, time for demolition parties to wreck completly the port installations that saved the Germans 260 miles of road transport The sea-borne raid was to take place in conjunctionwith operations ashore by the Long Range Desert Group.

On Friday 11th September the battalion, with attached parties of Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers, embarked at Haifa in the destroyers HMS SIKH and ZULU Sailing early next morning and making 25 knots, the two ships reached Alexandria after dark that night.

Intelligence officers with the latest "gen" and certain small special parties were rapidly embarked, the two destroyers slipping away again before dawn. When the sun came up the Marines on board found them selves steaming due east, escorted by the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS COVENTRY and two Hunt class destroyers

At this time the secret of the objective was broached to all ranks, and final briefing took place Later, the convoy altered course to the north-east, then north-west till they were making towards Crete. As darkness fell SIKH and ZULU broke away from their escort and steered due west at the top of their great speed. At midnight they altered course again, due south, straight for Tobruk

At that moment 60 RAF Wellingtons began a bombardment of Tobruk that lasted three hours As the destroyers closed the harbour mouth the questing searchlights, the garish colours of climbing flak and the dull flashes of bomb-bursts could be seen on the horizon, a confusion of lights and fires glowed through the thick darkness,, At two o'clock the code word "Nigger" was. received, indicating that the Long Range Desert Group had taken a coastal battery at the mouth of the harbour, the essential pre-requisite of the raid. A quarter of an hour later. came a signal from the Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill, who ever since the days of Antwerp in 1914 has had a soft spot for the Royal Marines, wishing them good luck in their latest enterprise.

Cheers went up from the crowded mess-decks of both destroyers, then the men of the first flight in both destroyers climbed into their harness. Just after three o'clock, when they were two-and-a-half miles offshore, the powerful engines that had been driving SIKH and ZULU at over 30 knots slowed down and stopped. There was a heavy swell, but all appeared quiet in the neighbourhood of the beach, though Tobruk was still a pyrotechnic uproar.

A large fire burning in the town threw the escarpment behind the beach into sharp relief but obscured the beach itself to eyes straining through the darkness from seaward. The craft for the assault were then lowered. These, however, were not the handy LCA used at Dieppe and in North Africa, all of which were needed for the vast attack now preparing at the other end of the Mediterranean,

They consisted of six wooden power-boats each towing two dumb lighters that had been specially built for the occasion. Scrambling nets were thrown out and the Marines began to embark. The craft heaved and tossed on the swell, making embarkation difficult for men loaded up with 24-hour rations, a full water-bottle, a hundred rounds and at least one Bren magazine, together with a liberal provision of grenades, slabs of gun-cotton, primers, detonators and fuses. In addition, many of the Army men now descending by the shifting nets had not the long practice of the Marines in this tricky operation. After some delay the first flight was packed in and the destroyers steamed away, to return later to a rendezvous where they would meet the craft back from the beach for the second flight.

It was then that the troubles began. The tow ropes failed to stand the strain of heaving and tossing in the swell. Several soon parted. One broken rope twined itself round the propeller of one of the power-boats while the whole bow-piece of one of the lighters was pulled out by the violence of the sea. Of the six tows only three were able to struggle with great difficulty to the beach after wrestling for over an hour with the malevolent sea,

To make matters worse the enemy soon began to show an unwelcome interest in the proceedings. A searchlight began to sweep the sea at 30-second intervals, the craft were soon spotted, and HMS SIKH, returning to the rendezvous, was also picked up. A battery of heavy coastal guns opened fire on her while a crashing fusillade of smaller weapons opened on the three sets of barges that were closing the beach. Major J N Hedley, senior officer in these craft, with orders to land and establish a bridgehead, shouted "Full speed ahead and prepare to land," As the craft closed in the enemy opened up with all he had; 88-mm, shells, mortar bombs and bullets hailed upon them, The Marines could see the white surf crashing upon the rocks, while behind them,. in the lurid light of searchlights and shell bursts, SIKH and ZULU were fighting their last desperate, unequal battle with the-shore batteries. A shell smashed into the leading power-boat and she began to sink. The dumb lighters were cast off and the Marines took to the water, whipped all around them by bullets. The more fortunate found bottom and scrambled up over the slippery wet rocks.

Then the dumb lighters crunched on to the rocks, The Marines leaped out, many slipping into deepwater that completely covered them. Gasping for breath, dragged down by the weight of water in their equipment, they clawed their way on to the slippery shelves, still lashed by the enemy's fire. As one lighter struck she took a direct hit from a mortar bomb that blew out her bows. A few of her company struggled to the shore. A mortar bomb dropped plumb into another lighter, the burst killing six men.

The remnants of the force got across the beach as fast as they could and went to ground, bullets screaming over them and the ugly fragments of mortar bombs that whir through the air like the sound of the wings of a startled pheasant. The last of the lighters crashed on to the rocks and overturned, flinging the men into six feet of water, and many were lost before they gained the beach.

The whole landing had gone astray, The scanty few who survived were on the wrong beach, their craft smashed to matchwood on the rocks, while out at sea HMS ZULU, after an effort to tow off the mortally stricken SIKH, reluctantly abandoned her sister ship and withdrew, only to be subjected to a series of devastating air attacks that sank her before she reached Alexandria. Under the circumstances no one would have blamed Major Hedley if he had thrown up the sponge, but instead he gathered those who had survived that terrible landing - fewer than a hundred men-and resolved to do the enemy all the damage he could.

Though he was under no illusion as to their plight, he was cheerful, determined and inspired every man with him with a vigorous offensive spirit. Valiantly supported by Capt Wright, Lieut C N P Powell, Lieut Dyall and Sergeant J Povall, he organised his little force, leading them forward into a wadi under heavy fire.

Sergeant Povall and three Marines on the right flank encountered about 20 enemy advancing on them. They opened fire and the enemy fled. A hundred yards farther on they met another party. In the words of Corporal G T Hunt, one of the survivors: "We had occasion to kill many Italians with bayonet and bullet." After about half a mile the force came against a prepared defence position, supported by heavy machine-gun posts.

Against these Major Hedley led the attack himself, with a well-aimed grenade putting out of action a machine-gun mounted on a lorry. During this fight, Hedley, with Sergeant Povall, attacked a section post manned by six Italians. Povall shot the first but before he could reload, Major Hedley shot the other five with his revolver.

One of the Corps' notable pistol shots, he never did better shooting than this. Lieut Dyall led an attack on a group of buildings; he shot one Italian but was killed by a bullet from another standing in the shadows. This man was disposed of by Corporal Hunt.

Hedley's aggressive spirit kindled the whole party. Though all the time they were under fire, constantly having to dive to ground when Verey lights illuminated them, they never hesitated to attack the enemy wherever they found him, usually with the bayonet. To quote Corporal Hunt again: "I heard Sergeant Povall well up in front, shouting encouragement and appearing to enjoy himself, judging by the remarks he was making. He used his bayonet with great effect on any occasions."

Major Hedley was pressing on as fast as possible, hoping to reach adequate cover before full daylight. A large party of Italians tried to surrender but the Marines ignored them in favour of a Breda gun position which was silenced. Corporal Hunt, who had been wounded in the left side over the heart- but still carried on leading his section, saved his Commanding Officer's life. An Italian rushed Hedley, who for the moment was out of ammunition. Quick as a flash Hunt fired from the hip and killed the man as he charged.

The wadi ended in a steep, bare slope, swept by fire. Engaging the principal enemy position with fire from rifle and Bren, the Marines neutralised it sufficiently to get across the skyline. For the first time since they landed they were no longer under enemy fire, but it was a sadly depleted party-only seventeen strong- that Major Hedley gathered in an old building, where they settled down to cleaning their weapons. Corporal White of the RAMC, who had gallantly stuck to the party, dressed their wounds, but as he hoped to strike overland under cover of night in hope of reaching British forces, the Major forbade them to touch water or rations. Then they pushed on over a high ridge into an "S" shaped wadi, at the head of which were some caves, in which they took shelter. Here Hedley planned to lie up until nightfall, but during the afternoon a large force of Germans surrounded the caves. The seventeen were forced to surrender.

Thus ended a failure, illuminated by as fine a courage as any victory, conducted according to the highest traditions of a famous Corps. Many of those who survived the ill-fated raid had their revenge in the fullness of time, when in the ranks of the Royal Marine Commandos, they came up from the sea once more to smite the enemy. (Sic)

After the war Maj Sendall RM joined the staff of the 'Daily Express' as correspondent.

By Major Wilfred R Sendall RM. Reprinted from 'The NAVY' February 1946 (The official organ of the Navy League)

1942. September. No2 Special Boat Section (SBS) carried out Operation Anglo, a raid on two airfields on the island of Rhodes, from which only two men returned. After destroying three aircraft, a fuel dump and numerous buildings, the surviving SBS men had to hide in the countryside for four days before they could reach the waiting submarine. After the Rhodes raid, No2 SBS was absorbed into the SAS due to the casualties they had suffered.

1942. Saturday 10th October. 41 RM Commando and 41 Commando RM Origin and titles:

Formed 10th October 1942 at Pembroke Dock (South Wales) from 8th Battalion RM; was briefly B RM Commando (12th - 28th October) before being designated 41 RM Commando, 8 which was disbanded at Llwyngwrill (north Wales) on 20th February 1946. Re-formed on 16th August 1950 at Bickleigh and Plymouth as 41 (Independent) Commando RM for service in Korea, and disbanded 22nd February 1952 at Plymouth. Re-formed on 31st March 1960 at Bickleigh as 41 Commando RM. Reduced to a Cadre from time to time. Disbanded at Deal in April 1981 when personnel were merged with other Commandos.

Principal operations in World War II:

After training in Scotland (7th April to 27th June 1943), the Commando sailed for Sicily, landing on 10th July. On 9th September landed at Salerno to capture a defile and withdrawn after suffering 50 per cent casualties. On 19th September returned to UK. On 6th June 1944 landed to capture Lion–sur–Mer strongpoint; served with 4 SS Bde in Orne line and later breakout; 1st November landed north of 'gap' at Walcheren to capture Westkappelle. January 1945 at Bergen–op–Zoom (Holland) and during next few months served as line and reserve troops for time to time in Maas River area; 30th May to 26th November in Hesse (Germany) before returning to UK.

41 (Independent) Commando Fought in the Korean war, initial strength 219 all ranks, including five RN personnel. Landed Japan 5th September 1950 to join US Army Special Raiding Force. 12th September mounted raids near Inchon, west Korean coast in November came under command of the (US) Marine Division and took part in Chosin operations withdrawing to Hungnam by 8th December; strength raised to 300 during 1951; 7th April raided east a coast railway; occupied major islands in Wonsan Bay (east coast of Korea) and raided Korean coastal defences Returned to UK early in 1952 and disbanded in February at Bickleigh.

Major deployments 1960-81

Re-formed 31st March 1960 as 41 Cdo RM. Based in UK 1960-3; 27th January to April 1964 as first Commando RM assigned to UK Strategic Reserve and deployed in Tanganyika and Kenya (February). On return to the UK stationed at Bickleigh from 7th April 1964, and in the following years took part in several major exercises in Norway and the West Indies, between the following deployments: 18th April to 13th August 1969 in Mediterrean; 28th September to 10th November on peacekeeping duties in Northern Ireland; 3rd September to 20th October 1971 based on Malta; visited USA in Bulwark May-June 1972 for exercise 'Rum Punch' with USMC; returned to Malta on 6th July until temporarily disbanded. The winter of 1974-5 was spent with UN Force in Cyprus; by April 1977 reduced to Salerno Company Group, which was Malta Garrison, leaving 30th March 1979. Meanwhile 41 Commando RM was re-formed at Deal in the autumn of 1977, where it was based until disbanded in 1981; served in Northern Ireland 27th February to 28th June 1978; winter 1978 on London duties; with UN Forces in Cyprus during winter of 1979; on peacekeeping duties in Northern Ireland early summer of 1980. Last trooping of the Commando's colour July 1981.

Miscellaneous:

Flag of old gold background and centre segment as for 40 Cdo RM. Memorable date: 9th September, the landing at Salerno (1943). Coys 'E', 'F', and 'G' in 1980.(RMHS)

1942. October. No. 1 Commando adopted a standardised Beret. As this Commando wore an arm insignia of a green salamander in red and yellow fire, the colour green was chosen for the beret. Other ranks cap badges were of yellow metal, sergeants and above gilt, Quartermaster sergeant's gilt but with the crown & lion part of the design wore separately above the Globe and Laurel part.

A bronzed badge was worn in khaki SD by OR's prior to WWII, during WWII a plastic economy cap badge was introduced, as were matching collar badges - in dark blue plastic.

Officers? cap badges with separate crown & lion were yellow metal with white metal globe, & had to be polished, prior to the introduction of anodised badges for all ranks.

1942. October. The 1 and 2 RM Beach Groups/1 and 2 RM Landing Groups were both formed in October 1942 from Companies of the Beach Battalion, these Groups did a series of amphibious exercises: at Emsworth, Hampshire; in Scotland; and at Christchurch, Dorset. In May 1943 their names were changed to 1 RM and 2 RM Landing Group respectively; but these Groups needed an army War Establishment, so that follow–up units could also be handled by these RM Groups and not just RM battalions with their special organisation. Therefore the RM Groups were disbanded at Christchurch on 31st July 1943, the personnel going to the Holding Unit of the RM Division.

1942. October. After the Dieppe raid, the Commando changed internally from a company to a troop organisation, with five troops of some 65 men. 'A' Troop was commanded by Captain Mike Ephraums MC RM (who was killed in Italy the following year). He was a keen fan of the novels by Leslie Charteris, most of which revolved around the adventures of one Simon Templar, whose pseudonym was 'The Saint'. The 'Saint's' emblem was a matchstick figure with a halo, and this is still used today by A Company. (from Mr M G Little RM Museum Archivist & Librarian) Photo from Terry Aspinall. Was always worn out of sight.

1942. November. The 22nd (Training) Battalion was formed, CO Lt. Col D. A. C. Shephard, when government prohibited men under 19 years of age joining operational units. From these young trained Marines - 218 joined on 26th November 1942 - the Battalion trained its own junior NCOs and by the summer of 1943 there were several companies. In the summer of 1944 the Battalion moved to Towyn (north Wales), merging in October with the 23rd RM (Training) Bn to become part of RMTG Wales.(RMHS)

1942. November. 1st and 2nd RM Light AA: were equipped on formation in November 1942 with Oerlikons on trucks and later with Bofors. (RMHS)

1942. Monday 7th December. The Cockleshell Heroes raided on the Nazi occupied French port of Bordeaux. They succeeded in sinking one ship and severely damaging four others and doing enough damage to greatly disrupt the use of the harbour for months to come. Such was the significance of the raid that Winston Churchill said that it helped to shorten to World War Two by six months.For a number of months during the war, merchant ships had used Bordeaux to supply the German military that was stationed in that part of France. German U-boats used the area as a base. Any supply ships that came through the English Channel could be dealt with but plenty of merchant ships were willing to sail to Bordeaux harbour via the Mediterranean and there was little the British Navy could do about it. A raid by bombers would have led to many civilian casualties – so this was excluded. The task of the Cockleshell Heroes was simple, destroy as many ships in the harbour as was possible so that the harbour itself would be blocked with wreckage, thus rendering it incapable of fully operating as a harbour. This was to be called Operation Frankton.

The Cockleshell Heroes were Royal Marine Commandos. These men got their nickname as the canoes they were to use were nicknamed 'cockles'. After months of training, they were ready to set off for their target, except that none of them knew what their target was. This was only made known to them once the submarine HMS Tuna had surfaced off of the French coast.

The twelve men that formed the Cockleshell Heroes were taken by submarine and dropped off the coast of Bordeaux. The plan was for the six teams of two men to paddle five miles to the mouth of the River Gironde, paddle seventy miles up it, plant limpet mines of the ships in the harbour and then make their way to Spain.

The raid started badly once the HMS Tuna. The two Royal Marines who were meant to have used this canoe – called 'Cachalot' – could not take part in the raid. It is said that Marines Fisher and Ellery were left in tears at their disappointment.

The leader of the raid was Major 'Blondie' Hasler. His partner was Marine Bill Sparks. Their canoe was code named 'Catfish'. As the canoes approached the mouth of the Gironde they hit a violent rip tide. The waves were five feet high and the canoe 'Conger' was lost.

The two crew of Conger – Corporal George Sheard and Marine David Moffat – were towed by the other canoes. Once near the shoreline, both men had to swim to the shore as they were slowing down the remaining canoes. Neither men made it to the shore nor they were assumed to have drowned.

The crew of the canoe 'Coalfish' – Sergeant Samuel Wallace and Marine Jock Ewart - were caught by the Germans and shot.

The crew of the 'Cuttlefish' – Lieutenant John Mackinnon and Marine James Conway had to abandon their canoe after it was damaged. They were also caught by the Germans, handed over to the Gestapo and shot.

With four canoes down, the raiders were only left with two canoes. Along with 'Catfish', 'Crayfish' was left crewed by Marine William Mills and Corporal Albert Laver.

By now, the Germans knew that something was up and they had done a great deal to increase patrols along the river. The two crew paddled at night and hid during the day.

The two canoes got to the harbour. Here they were spotted by a sentry who failed to raise the alarm – possibly he mistook what he saw for driftwood as both crews remained motionless in their canoes as they had been trained to do.

The crew of both remaining cockleshells placed limpet mines on the merchant ships they found in the harbour. They had an eight minute fuse on them, giving the Marines time to get away. Both 'Crayfish' and 'Catfish' escaped on the tide. The damage to Bordeaux harbour was severe. Now the crews had to leave their canoes, move on foot and link up with the French Resistance at the town of Ruffec. The Germans automatically assumed that the men would travel south to Spain. In fact, they travelled 100 miles north of Bordeaux – a journey that took them two months.

Laver and Mills, who were moving separately from Sparks and Hasler, were caught by the Germans and shot. With the help of the French Resistance, Hasler and Sparks reached Spain and then Gibraltar. Even here, Sparks met problems. Hasler used his rank to get transported back to Britain.

However, Sparks did not have such luck and was arrested. In fact the Chief of Combined Operations, Lord Louis Mountbatten, had assumed all the men were dead, so anyone claiming to be them would have been treated with suspicion. Sparks was put under guard by the military police. However, he slipped these guards at Euston Station in London and, after visiting his father, made his way to the Combined Operations Headquarters.(author can not be contacted).

Catfish - Major Hasler and Marine Sparks - Both escaped after the raid and survived the war.

Crayfish - Cpl. Laver and Marine Mills-Betrayed after raid, captured and executed.

Cuttlefish - Lt. MacKinnon and Marine Conway - Capsized, captured and executed.

Coalfish - Sgt. Wallace & Marine Ewart - Capsized, swam to shore, captured and executed.

Conger - Cpl. Sheard & Marine Moffatt - Capsized, towed to near shoreline, but lost at sea.

Cachalot - Marine Ellery & Marine Fisher - Canoe damaged on HMS Tuna, returned to base.

Reserve - Marine Colley \- Returned to base from Submarine.

Lord Louis Mountbatten Chief of Combined Operations In the foreword to the book 'Cockleshell Heroes' Admiral of the Fleet Earl Mountbatten of Burma wrote: "Of the many and dashing raids carried out by the men of Combined Operations Command, none was more courageous or imaginative than 'Operation Frankton'. An immense amount of trouble was taken over the training of the small handful of picked Royal Marines who took part under the indomitable leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel ((sic) (Major) Hasler. They maintained their object in spite of the frightening losses of the first night and the subsequent ever-increasing difficulties they encountered. Although the force had been reduced to four men, the objective was finally achieved. The account of this operation brings out the spirit of adventure always present in peace and war among Royal Marines. It emphasizes the tremendous importance of morale - pride in oneself and one's unit - and what a big part physical fitness plays in creating this morale. It also stresses the need for careful detailed planning of operations. I commend it to all as an account of a fine operation, carried out by a particularly brave party of men."

1942. Monday 7th December. Operation Frankton. Corporal George Sheard and Marine David Moffat as crew of the canor 'Conger' were both lost at sea.

1942. Wednesday 9th - Thursday 10th December. Sergeant Samuel Wallace and Marine Jock Ewart were captured by the Germans and executed after two days. Both were the crew of canoe 'Coalfish.'

1942. December. 463 Kings Squad passed for Duty.

1942. Late. The RM Siege Regiment. Lt. Col L. Foster was appointed CO and the Regiment's strength was reduced from some 7002 to 300 in late 1942. the gun crews in 'civvy' street a store manager, labourers, lorry drivers, a solicitor's clerk, a policeman, tradesmen and clerks among them had long periods when the guns were not in action, and these men formed an infantry unit with support weapons (a 74–mm gun, six Blacker Bombards, five MMGs and six 3in mortars) for local defence in 1942.

The two heavy guns (described in chapter 3) were BL 14in Mk VIIs.4 The supercharge of SC 500 cordite,5 was not available in this strand size after 1944, as loaded in four quarter–charges. In the final shoots as the Allies entered Boulogne and Calais, virtually all the ammunition was used, and the Germans fired their reserves of ammunition for their big guns, much of it into Dover, Kent.

The Regiment came under the command of the Vice Admiral at Dover from August 1940 to 15th September 1940, and thereafter under the army command of XII Corps (which in January 1942 became HQ SE District). In September 1941 the CO sought permission to use the guns offensively, for by that time the invasion of England seemed unlikely, and there was ample ammunition:7 350 rounds of HE for the 14in, 400 rounds for the 13.5in and spare barrels (2 for the 14in and six for the 13.5in). When Scharnhorst and Gneisenau came through the Channel, however, the siege gun crews were doing infantry training and only two 14in rounds were fired on predetermined coordinates, a spot in the channel previously decided by XII Corps HQ. The ships had been picked up on coastal radar when 38 miles south of Hastings (East Sussex) at 1050 hours, but the coast batteries were not told to fire until the ships had passed through the Channel, when the army's 9.2in guns got three hits on a rapidly receding target.

The following month the Regiment manned the experimental 13 in gun named 'Bruce', after Vice Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser. Test firings into the sea south of Hastings were closely monitored, and some useful data collected on the ballistics of high trajectory and high velocity guns.

By 1942 the German long range batteries were conserving ammunition against the day of an Allied invasion, and there was little activity until the Regiment fired its remaining rounds in September 1944, when the Germans were being driven from the French coats. The siege gun crews were then disbanded, many men going to Dalditch for the School of Mines, a unit set up to train men in clearing Pacific beaches. but in November 1944 they were sent to RMTG (Wales), destined for the infantry battalions or the 34th Amphian Support Regiment. The Siege Regiment HQ was disbanded in March 1945. (RMHS)

1942. The RM Division Holding Unit. This unit was opened during 1942 and disbanded 12th October 1943 after its personnel had been transferred.(RMHS)

1942. RM Anti-Tank Regiment. On the organisation of organic artillery for the RM Division, 102 Bde Artillery HQ took all but the Field Batteries from the RM Field Artillery Regiment to form the Anti–Tank Regiment at Dalditch, where the Regiment had under command 1st and 2nd Anti–Tank Btys and 31st and 32nd Light Btys. These units moved to Burry Port, South Wales for gunnery training on 6th November, and were mobilised there on 20th November. The Regiment moved to Bournemouth, Dorset, early in December, carrying out practice shoots on nearby ranges. In June 1943 the Regiment was concentrated at Wimborne, Dorset, and the Batteries redesignated Support Craft Batteries, before RM Anti–Tank Rgt HQ was disbanded on 31st July. (RMHS)

1942 \- 1944. 'How The Marines Assaulted Tobruk 'By Major Wilfred R. Sendall RM.

Perhaps the magnificent success that attended the great Combined Operations of 1942, 1943 and 1944 may have led many to underestimate the immense difficulties of amphibious assault against a coast defended by modern weapons. To do so would be unjust to the men who planned and executed the three D-Days in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy; t would be more than unjust to those who bought with their lives the experience on which those victories were built Dieppe, we all know, was part of the price paid, and 40 RM Commando was there to help pay it Less well known was the gallant failure of the 11th Battalion, Royal Marines, in their raid on Tobruk on 14 September 1942 11 RM started life as the Land Defence Force of the Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation that distinguished itself in Crete.

Part of the tragedy of Crete is the fact that 11 RM did not reach the island in time to take part in the battle, to meet the very situation for which it had been trained, for the presence at Maleme of even one well-trained, fully equipped and fresh battalion might have had an incalculable effect on the course of history, After Crete 11 RM went into training in the Marines classic role, as an amphibious striking force at the disposal of the Naval Commander -in-Chief.

Their first task was a small-scale but entirely successful raid on the little island of Kuphonisi, south-east of Crete, where one company destroyed an Italian radar station. Later, in great secrecy at Haifa the battalion began preparing its stroke against Tobruk, by this time Rommel's vital forward supply be against the Eighth Army at El Alamein. The object of this raid was to get control of the harbour for 12 hours, time for demolition parties to wreck completely the port installations that saved the Germans 260 miles of road transport The sea-borne raid was to take place in conjunction with operations ashore by the Long Range Desert Group.

On 11th September the battalion, with attached parties of Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers, embarked at Haifa in the destroyers HMS SIKH and ZULU Sailing early next morning and making 25 knots, the two ships reached Alexandria after dark that night Intelligence officers with the latest "gen" and certain small special parties were rapidly embarked, the two destroyers slipping away again before dawn. When the sun came up the Marines on board found themselves steaming due east, escorted by the anti-aircraft cruiser HMS COVENTRY and two Hunt class destroyers.

At this time the secret of the objective was broached to all ranks, and final briefing took place Later, the convoy altered course to the north-east, then north-west till they were making towards Crete. As darkness fell SIKH and ZULU broke away from their escort and steered due west at the top of their great speed. At midnight they altered course again, due south, straight for Tobruk.

At that moment 60 RAF Wellingtons began a bombardment of Tobruk that lasted three hours As the destroyers closed the harbour mouth the questing searchlights, the garish colours of climbing flak and the dull flashes of bomb-bursts could be seen on the horizon, a confusion of lights and fires glowed through the thick darkness, At two o'clock the code word "Nigger" was. received, indicating that the Long Range Desert Group had taken a coastal battery at the mouth of the harbour, the essential pre-requisite of the raid. A quarter of an hour later. came a signal from the Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill, who ever since the days of Antwerp in 1914 has had a soft spot for the Royal Marines, wishing them good luck in their latest enterprise.

Cheers went up from the crowded mess-decks of both destroyers, then the men of the first flight in both destroyers climbed into their harness. Just after three o'clock, when they were two-and-a-half miles offshore, the powerful engines that had been driving SIKH and ZULU at over 30 knots slowed down and stopped. There was a heavy swell, but all appeared quiet in the neighbourhood of the beach, though Tobruk was still a pyrotechnic uproar.

A large fire burning in the town threw the escarpment behind the beach into sharp relief but obscured the beach itself to eyes straining through the darkness from seaward. The craft for the assault were then lowered. These, however, were not the handy LCA used at Dieppe and in North Africa, all of which were needed for the vast attack now preparing at the other end of the Mediterranean,

They consisted of six wooden power-boats each towing two dumb lighters that had been specially built for the occasion. Scrambling nets were thrown out and the Marines began to embark. The craft heaved and tossed on the swell, making embarkation difficult for men loaded up with 24-hour rations, a full water-bottle, a hundred rounds and at least one Bren magazine, together with a liberal provision of grenades, slabs of gun-cotton, primers, detonators and fuses. In addition, many of the Army men now descending by the shifting nets had not the long practice of the Marines in this tricky operation. After some delay the first flight was packed in and the destroyers steamed away, to return later to a rendezvous where they would meet the craft back from the beach for the second flight.

It was then that the troubles began. The tow ropes failed to stand the strain of heaving and tossing in the swell. Several soon parted. One broken rope twined itself round the propeller of one of the power-boats while the whole bow-piece of one of the lighters was pulled out by the violence of the sea. Of the six tows only three were able to struggle with great difficulty to the beach after wrestling for over an hour with the malevolent sea.

To make matters worse the enemy soon began to show an unwelcome interest in the proceedings. A searchlight began to sweep the sea at 30-second intervals, the craft were soon spotted, and HMS SIKH, returning to the rendezvous, was also picked up. A battery of heavy coastal guns opened fire on her while a crashing fusillade of smaller weapons opened on the three sets of barges that were closing the beach. Major J N Hedley, senior officer in these craft, with orders to land and establish a bridgehead, shouted "Full speed ahead and prepare to land," As the craft closed in the enemy opened up with all he had; 88-mm, shells, mortar bombs and bullets hailed upon them, The Marines could see the white surf crashing upon the rocks, while behind them, in the lurid light of searchlights and shell bursts, SIKH and ZULU were fighting their last desperate, unequal battle with the-shore batteries. A shell smashed into the leading power-boat and she began to sink. The dumb lighters were cast off and the Marines took to the water, whipped all around them by bullets. The more fortunate found bottom and scrambled up over the slippery wet rocks.

Then the dumb lighters crunched on to the rocks, The Marines leaped out, many slipping into Deepwater that completely covered them. Gasping for breath, dragged down by the weight of water in their equipment, they clawed their way on to the slippery shelves, still lashed by the enemy's fire. As one lighter struck she took a direct hit from a mortar bomb that blew out her bows. A few of her company struggled to the shore. A mortar bomb dropped plumb into another lighter, the burst killing six men.

The remnants of the force got across the beach as fast as they could and went to ground, bullets screaming over them and the ugly fragments of mortar bombs that whir through the air like the sound of the wings of a startled pheasant. The last of the lighters crashed on to the rocks and overturned, flinging the men into six feet of water, and many were lost before they gained the beach.

The whole landing had gone astray, The scanty few who survived were on the wrong beach, their craft smashed to matchwood on the rocks, while out at sea HMS ZULU, after an effort to tow off the mortally stricken SIKH, reluctantly abandoned her sister ship and withdrew, only to be subjected to a series of devastating air attacks that sank her before she reached Alexandria. Under the circumstances no one would have blamed Major Hedley if he had thrown up the sponge, but instead he gathered those who had survived that terrible landing - fewer than a hundred men-and resolved to do the enemy all the damage he could.

Though he was under no illusion as to their plight, he was cheerful, determined and inspired every man with him with a vigorous offensive spirit. Valiantly supported by Capt Wright, Lieut C N P Powell, Lieut Dyall and Sergeant J Povall, he organised his little force, leading them forward into a wadi under heavy fire.

Sergeant Povall and three Marines on the right flank encountered about 20 enemy advancing on them. They opened fire and the enemy fled. A hundred yards farther on they met another party. In the words of Corporal G T Hunt, one of the survivors: "We had occasion to kill many Italians with bayonet and bullet." After about half a mile the force came against a prepared defence position, supported by heavy machine-gun posts.

Against these Major Hedley led the attack himself, with a well-aimed grenade putting out of action a machine-gun mounted on a lorry. During this fight, Hedley, with Sergeant Povall, attacked a section post manned by six Italians. Povall shot the first but before he could reload, Major Hedley shot the other five with his revolver.

One of the Corps' notable pistol shots, he never did better shooting than this. Lieut Dyall led an attack on a group of buildings; he shot one Italian but was killed by a bullet from another standing in the shadows. This man was disposed of by Corporal Hunt.

Hedley's aggressive spirit kindled the whole party. Though all the time they were under fire, constantly having to dive to ground when Verey lights illuminated them, they never hesitated to attack the enemy wherever they found him, usually with the bayonet. To quote Corporal Hunt again: "I heard Sergeant Povall well up in front, shouting encouragement and appearing to enjoy himself, judging by the remarks he was making. He used his bayonet with great effect on any occasions."

Major Hedley was pressing on as fast as possible, hoping to reach adequate cover before full daylight. A large party of Italians tried to surrender but the Marines ignored them in favour of a Breda gun position which was silenced. Corporal Hunt, who had been wounded in the left side over the heart- but still carried on leading his section, saved his Commanding Officer's life. An Italian rushed Hedley, who for the moment was out of ammunition. Quick as a flash Hunt fired from the hip and killed the man as he charged.

The wadi ended in a steep, bare slope, swept by fire. Engaging the principal enemy position with fire from rifle and Bren, the Marines neutralised it sufficiently to get across the skyline. For the first time since they landed they were no longer under enemy fire, but it was a sadly depleted party-only seventeen strong- that Major Hedley gathered in an old building, where they settled down to cleaning their weapons. Corporal White of the RAMC, who had gallantly stuck to the party, dressed their wounds, but as he hoped to strike overland under cover of night in hope of reaching British forces, the Major forbade them to touch water or rations. Then they pushed on over a high ridge into an "S" shaped wadi, at the head of which were some caves, in which they took shelter. Here Hedley planned to lie up until nightfall, but during the afternoon a large force of Germans surrounded the caves. The seventeen were forced to surrender.

Thus ended a failure, illuminated by as fine a courage as any victory, conducted according to the highest traditions of a famous Corps. Many of those who survived the ill-fated raid had their revenge in the fullness of time, when in the ranks of the Royal Marine Commandos, they came up from the sea once more to smite the enemy. After the war Major Sendall RM joined the staff of the 'Daily Express' as correspondent.

Reprinted from "The NAVY" February 1946 (The official organ of the Navy League)

1943. February. Another Force X RM was formed at Deal with 480 RM Engineers, kitted for shore service but with sea kit bags. Each man had a rifle, 50 rounds of ammunition and the Force had three days rations. Its postal address was RM Detachment 300. Having had embarkation leave, the Detachment was ready for overseas service by March 1943 (dated 3rd February 1943). Elements of Force X or possibly men from Detachment 300 were still in Iceland in 1944. (RMHS)

1943. Saturday 13th March. 410 Kings Squad passed for duty at Chatham. G.E.C. Corden-Gilbert was awarded the Kings Badge.

1943. Mid-March. 1st RM Anti–Tank, 1st RM AA/Anti–Tank and 2nd RM Anti–Tank: these Batteries initially had 2pdr Portees in four Troops or 2pdr Pom–Poms; by mid–March 1943 they had some 6pdrs.(RMHS)

1943. Saturday 20th March. Ten military class Naval Trawlers were constructed by Cook Welton & Gemmel Ltd of Beverly who launched 75 Trawlers to Royal Navy designs, based on commercial ships.

The 'HMS Royal Marine' (ASW Trawler Type) was ordered on Saturday 20th March as part of the 1943 Trawler program. Heavy demands were made on the Trawlers during the war years for A/S and M/S work in the opening stages of the war and they proceeded far afield, even to providing the A/S screen for some of the ocean convoys. Their weatherly qualities always of the highest order, often resulted in their being the only form of escort operative in bad weather and they could keep to the seas when even destroyers were compelled to seek shelter.

These ships had a displacement of 750 tons and were powered by a steam reciprocating engine producing 1,100 S.H.P giving a top speed of 11 knots. She was armed with a single 4in gun plus Four 20mm A.A guns. 'Royal Marine' survived the war and was later sold out of navy service to become the 'Sisapon' in 1946. She was later converted to a deep water trawler with diesel engines for Icelandic fishing.

She was ordered on the Saturday 20th March 1943.

Laid down on the Tuesday 30th March 1943.

Launched on the Saturday 22nd July 1944.

Commissioned on the Monday 30th October 1944.

Was de-commissioned and sold Thursday 11th April 1946.

Commands listed for HMS Royal Marine (T 395)

T/S. Lt. Leonard Norman Holmes, RNVR. September 1944 to Tuesday 29th May 1945.

Lt. Wallace Melville Baird, RNR. Tuesday 29th May 1945 to Thursday 13th December 1945.

HMS Royal Marine

1943. April. The 23rd RM Battalion was formed at Dalditch as part of 104 RM Trg Bde, the battalion moved to Towyn in the summer of 1944, and it was merged in October with 22nd RM Bn.(RMHS)

1943. April. The 1st Special Air Service (SAS) was divided into two with 250 men from the SAS and the Small-Scale Raiding Force, forming the Special Boat Squadron under command Major the Earl Jellicoe. They moved to Haifa and trained with the Greek Sacred Regiment for operations in the Aegean.

1943. April. The MB Group' with XXXIII Indian Corps The 1 RM AA Brigade HQ, 1st RM (Heavy) AA Rgt and a Landing and Maintenance Unit, were sent to India from Ceylon in April 1943, commander Brig V. D. Thomas, to train for amphibious operations in the Arakan. The 'Group' was under the command of XXXIII Indian Corps. The proposed operations were deferred and the 'Group' is disbanded about January 1944. (RMHS)

1943. April. Major William Martin's claim to fame? During World War II, British intelligence officers managed to pull off one of the most successful wartime deceptions ever achieved: Operation Mincemeat. In April 1943, a decomposing corpse was discovered floating off the coast of Huelva, in southern Spain. Personal documents identified him as Major William Martin of Britain's Royal Marines, and he had a black attaché case chained to his wrist. When Nazi intelligence learned of the downed officer's briefcase (as well as concerted efforts made by the British to retrieve the case), they did all they could to gain access. Though Spain was officially neutral in the conflict, much of its military was pro-German, and the Nazis were able to find an officer in Madrid to help them. In addition to other personal effects and official-looking documents, they found a letter from military authorities in London to a senior British officer in Tunisia, indicating that Allied armies were preparing to cross the Mediterranean from their positions in North Africa and attack German-held Greece and Sardinia.

This intelligence coup for the Nazi spy network allowed Adolf Hitler to transfer German troops from France to Greece ahead of what was believed to be a massive enemy invasion. The only problem? It was all a hoax. The "drowned" man was actually a Welsh tramp whose body was obtained in a London morgue by British intelligence officers Charles Cholmondeley and Ewen Montagu, the brains behind Operation Mincemeat. After creating an elaborate fake identity and backstory for "William Martin," Cholmondeley and Montagu got Charles Fraser-Smith (thought to be the model for Q in the James Bond novels, written by former British naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming) to design a special container to preserve the body during its time in the water. One of England's leading racecar drivers transported the container to a Royal Navy submarine, which dropped it off the Spanish coast. Once the Spanish recovered the body, British authorities began their frantic attempts to recover the case, counting on the fact that their efforts would convince the Nazis of the documents' validity. As a result of the false intelligence carried by "William Martin," the Nazis were caught unawares when 160,000 Allied troops invaded Sicily on July 10, 1943. In addition to saving thousands of Allied soldiers' lives, Operation Mincemeat helped further Italian leader Benito Mussolini's downfall and turn the tide of the war towards an Allied victory in Europe. (www.history.com/news/what-was-operation-mincemeat)

1943. April. The 21st to 26th RM Light later RM Light AA: initially equipped with 8 to 12 Pom–Poms; some subsequently had Oerlikons on lorries, but after Bofors guns became available, these Batteries were re–equipped. For example, the '22nd' when a Light AA Bty had 16 Bofors when serving with 1st (Heavy) AA Rgt in Ceylon during April 1943, at a time when army Bofors batteries were of 12 guns. The '22nd' were deployed to protect the heavy gun batteries from low–flying air attacks. Later the '22nd' had 18 Bofors and 12 Oerlikons on Hazard lorry–type mountings when in India in the autumn of 1943.

RM Light Battery: this battery went to Norway in 1940 with 3.7–in pack howitzers of an old design. The strength was eight officers and 123 other ranks. A memo from AGRM No. 2147/40S of 13th May 1940 directed that the men of this battery be deployed in re–forming 'Devon' Battery of coast guns with eight 3.7–in howitzers, and that they were to begin training with MNBDO Group but not to form part of the Group's War Establishment. But see unit history summary of 'Devon' Battery. (RMHS)

1943. June. The 848 squadron was officially formed in June 1943 as a torpedo bomber, reconnaissance, Avenger squadron at Quonset Point Naval Air Station, and subsequently embarked on HMS Trumpeter in October 1943, for the UK.

Assigned to HMS Formidable between 1944 and 1945, 848 Squadron provided air support for the invasion of Okinawa (Operation Iceberg).

The squadron reformed at RNAS Gosport (HMS Siskin) on Wednesday 29th October 1952 with American-built Westland Whirlwind HAS.21s for work in Malaya. 848 sqdn 26 whirlwind MK 7 aircraft joined HMS Bulwark in early 1960 and deployed to the Far East for two and a half years - when the ship was in Singapore the sqdn detached to the shore base HMS Sinbang RNAS Sembawang (HQ of the 3rd Commando Brigade & 42 Commando RM) In December 1962 848 returned on HMS Bulwark to Plymouth and detached to its new home HMS Seahawk RNAS Culdrose.

1943. June. 299 Kings Squad passed for duty.

1943. June /July. The 1st and 2nd RM Field: initially equipped with 8 x 18/25pdrs and three armoured mobile Observation Posts (the '2nd' only existed for eight weeks in June/July 1943 and trained on 25pdrs with RA at Harrogate, Yorkshire). (RMHS)

1943. Saturday 24th July. The 3 Mobile Naval Base Brigade was formed at the time Japanese amphibious and other raids were expected on naval bases in

Ceylon during the summer of 1943. The Commander Brig J. H. G. Wills, OBE, had under command: 1st RM Coast Rgt, from August 1943 to December 1944;21 and from formation 24th RM Bn, 3rd RM Coast Rgt, 'S' Searchlight Bty, 2nd RM AA Rgt (operationally commanded by 24 (Army) AA Bde), the HQ Defence Platoon, etc. From mid-August 1943 to January 1844 the Brigade was based at Katukurunda,22 south of Colombo, in a ground defence role. Its higher formation was GHQ Ceylon, until early in 1944 it reverted to Admiralty control, when it was briefly commanded by Brig H. T. Tollemache (who also commanded the Small Operations Group in Ceylon). The MN Brigade returned to UK, arriving on 16th March 1944 and was officially disbanded on 17th May 1944 (RMRO 719/44). The HQ had closed on 14th May, when 3 officers and a 100 men went to commando training and other remustered for LC crews etc from a total strength that April had been 927 all ranks. (RMHS)

1943. Quartermaster Sergeant Norman Finch V.C. was promoted to temporary Lieutenant in charge of stores. Serving at 104 (training) RM Brigade, RM Training Group Dalditch Devon.

1943. Late July. The 24th RM Battalion HQ of this Battalion it was forming in late July 1943 in Ceylon and drew men mainly from MNBDO I, with a nucleus from 'R' Searchlight Bty, but the Battalion was never brought to full strength before returning to the UK and was disbanded 15th May 1944.(RMHS)

1943. Sunday 1st August. 44 RM Commando / 44 Commando RM. was formed. Origin and titles:

Formed at Ashurst, Hampshire, from the 3rd RM Bn, the unfit and unsuitable members of the Battalion being drafted to other units. The Commando's title having been briefly 44 RM Commando (Light), was changed in 1946 to 44 Commando RM, and the following year, on 16th March 1947, it was redesignated 40 Commando RM, which had origins as the first RM Cdo, and which title the Corps wished to retain, in perpetuating the titles of Commandos which had each served in a principal theatre of World War II.

Principal operations and deployments:

In training at Achnacarry in September 1943; sailed for the Far East, arriving in India for training from December 1943 to February 1944; deployed in Burma from March 1944; 11th-17th March made landings at Alethangyaw in rear of Japanese lines; March-April patrolling from Maungdaw; 9th April moved to Silchar; 13th August at Trincomalee after transit via Bangalore, then to training with 3 Commando Brigade before landings at Myebon etc. In 1945 the Commando sailed for Hong Kong, landing on 11th–12th September; they remained with the Brigade on garrison duties after the civil administration was restored in March 1946, and were renamed.

Commando RM summary history.

Miscellaneous:

Early in 1946 they cut their crest in a 2ft deep outline 80ft by 54ft on the hill side at Fanling, facing the Chinese border with Hong Kong, but little of this earthwork remained in 1970. Memorable date: Kangaw 31st January (in 1945). No record of a unit flag has been traced. The companies were designated as: A Troop; B Tp; C Tp; D Tp; X tp; S Tp; and HQ Troop.(RMHS)
1943. Sunday 1st August. Forton Barracks Royal Marines Light Infantry (RMLI) was closed.

1943. Sunday 1st August. 43 RM Commando and 43 Commando RM Origin and titles:

Formed on 1st August 1943 at Hursley (nr Winchester) from 2nd RM Bn and absorbed in 40 RM Cdo as of 12th September 1945. In 1961, when the Corps was reorganising its Commando Units, 43 Commando RM was re-formed (5th September) at Plymouth and disbanded at Eastney in mid-November 1968.

Principal operations in World War II:

After training in Scotland, the Commando joined 2 SS Bde, arriving in North Africa late in 1943:

23rd 24th January 1944 landed as flank force at Anzio against little opposition; 2nd February with 9 (Army) Cdo attacked hill features after night infiltration north of Allied position on Garigliano River; 28th February landed on Vis, joining 2 SS Brigade's force on this island; 22th - 23rd March raided Hvar with partisans; in May carried out unit recces on Uljan and Pasman islands with 9 (Army) Cdo and 43 RM Cdo; 22nd May raid on Mljet with other units proved unsuccessful in steep hills; 2nd-4th June on Brac a small recce patrol returned to Brac (20th June) but found no suitable positions for artillery to shell garrison; July, recce patrol on Hvar, ambushed Germans (12th July) and visited Korcula; artillery landed after patrols on Korcula and Peljesak Peninsula; 11th September returned to Brac to block possible German threats from the mainland when partisans took control of this island; 16th-18th September landed on Solta and drove garrison into heavily a defended enclave; 27th September sailed from Vis for Italy. From 28th October to 22nd December 1944 part of 'Floyd Force' landed at Dubrovnik (at that time in Yugoslavia) as nucleus of force engaged in mountain warfare. After intense training in Italy the Commando took over a sector of the line south of Comacchio Spit for several periods in March 1945; 2nd April operation 'Roast', Lake Comacchio, where Cpl Tom Hunter was awarded a posthumous VC for actions in April; the Commando reached a point short of the Valetta canal; and relieved on 4th April. On 16th April, after moving to Argenta area, the Commando advanced on the Quaderna canal, cutting the Argenta road; 17th April successfully stormed buildings in open country north of Argenta Road and held off strong counterattacks but withdrawn at daylight on 18th April; the next night again advanced to the buildings before moving westwards, clearing the banks of the Reno; this was the commando's last action, and in June it returned to the UK being absorbed into 40 Cdo RM on 12th September 1945. Re–formation in 1961

For the six months after reforming in September, the Commando was training while it was built up to full establishment; 12 Marines from the Commando served as orderlies and guards on Prime Minister Macmillan's visit to Bermuda on 20th December 1961; 1st - 2nd March 1962 reorganised from Troops to three rifle companies, a Support Coy and an HQ Coy.

Major deployments 1962 \- 68:

October 1962 on exercise 'Donald Duck' in Norway; mid 1963 exercise on Normandy Coast; 6th - 13th September on exercise 'Bar Frost II' in Norway; 7th January 1964 placed in Strategic Reserve at 10 days' notice and organised for air lift, having trained to be air portable; 6th March embarked in Bulwark for North African exercise 'Sand Fly II' and subsequently training before being flow back to UK. In January 1965 took part in exercise 'Cold Winter' in Norway; 2nd July presented with colours by the Duke of Edinburgh; November, helicopter landing exercise 'Gadfly II'; March 1966 used in exercise 'Morning Glory' to test command and control from HMS Fearless; 24th June embarked in Bulwark for 'Dry Fly' exercise at Inverary (Scotland); 28th February 1967 elements of the Commando to Nassau (Bahamas) for exercise 'Winter Sun'; spring of 1967 reorganised into special companies for demonstrations etc in recruiting: 'O' Coy in London ceremonies and display; 'P' Coy at Royal Tournament and street lining parties for ceremonial parades; and 'R' Coy providing youth activity teams. On 28th November 1967 to Melville (later Comacchio) Camp in Portsmouth; April 1968 recruiting companies reorganised as 'O' and 'P' prior to rundown during autumn.

Miscellaneous:

Flag with a red background and yellow segment carrying red dagger (cp: 40 RM Cdo).16 Memorable date: 2nd April, the battle of Comacchio (in 1945)

Companies: 'O', 'P' and 'R' in 1968.

Landed Falkland Islands 20/21 May; advanced by helicopter to Mt Kent and patrolled from the Mt Kent

31 May to 11 June; night attack on Mt Harriet was successful 11/12 June; flown forward to NE shoulder

of Tumbledown and marched into Stanley 14 June.

1983 Exercises in Canada.

1984 tour in South Armagh, N Ireland

1985 M Coy in London ceremonies, November.

1986 exercise 'Westward Shift' with 42RM 'opposing' Dutch 1 ACG & 45 RM Grp.

Exercise with Spanish amphibious shipping

London Public Duties 17 June to 15 July

Exercises 'Sea Soldier' and 'Eternal Triangle'

1987 Recce Trp in N Ireland with Army units.

1988 Deployed in Norway during Spring, WD87.

1989 In Belfast during tour of N Ireland

M Coy training at Fort Whiteroga.

1992 Tour in N Ireland

1995 In the summer L Coy carried out joint training in Romania with the Romanian 2nd Mountain Brigade in

the Brasvo/Predeal region.(Exercise 'Eastern Climb').

M Coy as Fleet Stand By Rifle Coy assisted civilians on Montserrat after volcano eruptions, helped in the aftermath of a hurricane on Anguilla in September.

K Coy and elements of HQ in exercise 'French Phoenix' off the coast of South Wales, before going to Brunei for exercise 'Curry Trail'.

1996 In America on exercise 'Purple Star'.

1997 Norway on WD97

Miscellaneous:

Flag of red St George cross on white cross over yellow ground, with white number '42' dissected by

inverted dagger in the centre. This flag is based on a Lt–Col's colour in the Lord High Admiral's Rgt of

1664–89, adopted by 1st RM Bn as their unit flag in World War II.

The Commando raised a pipe band in 1943, which, with only a few breaks over the years, continues in

1997. Since 1968 one of these pipers has been appointed the Commandant General's piper.

Memorable dates: 31st January, the battle of Kangaw (in 1945); and 11/12 June the attack on Mount Harriet (in 1982). Coys 'K', 'L' and 'M'.(RMHS)

1943. Sunday 1st August. The 47 RM Commando was formed at Dorchester, West Dorset, mainly from 10th RM Battalion and disbanded at Haywards Heath, West Sussex, on Thursday 31st January 1946.

Origin and titles:

Principal operations 1943-46:

After training in Scotland a 32 strong detachment was provided for MTB operations from Lerwick (Shetland Islands), two raids were attempted: one successful in a landing in Norway; and the second aborted due to presence of enemy ships. 8th February 1944 to Herne Bay (Kent); landed Normandy 6th June and next day (D+1) prepared to assault Port en Bessin, captured the following day; 12th June moved to Orne line; 18th June raiding force sent into forward German positions; 19th August crossed Dives River to attack Dozule with 41 RM Cdo; moved to Beuzeville area and on 26th August after night infiltration took Toutanville; 31th August, after brief rest, crossed Seine and on 2nd September at Fécamp, closed the last enemy escape route from Le Havre; 18th September in line investing Dunkirk; during October at Wenduine carrying out amphibious exercises and joined by large draft of reinforcements. 1st November 1944 landed at Walcheren but only three of the Commando's amphibious tracked Weasels survived the landing; by D+1 (2 November) afternoon all Troop commanders were casualties but on the morning of D+3 the Commando captured W11 battery and cleared the dunes towards Flushing before returning to Weduine on 10th-11th November. 25th November in training at Bergen op Zoom; 22nd December joined mobile reserve for defensive duties along the Maas, patrolling in anticipation of German counter–attack towards Antwerp, but only enemy fighting patrols crossed the river; 13th-14th January 1945 made attack on Kapelsches Veer Island, but, having forced a way into the defences, was withdrawn in face of strong opposition. The island was later captured by 10 Canadian Infantry Brigade. After returning to Bergen op Zoom, the Commando was deployed in defence of Walcheren; 12t March to North Beveland, raiding from there to German posts on Schouwen in the Schelt estuary; 7th-8th May invested Schouwen. Moved to Germany and by January 1946 were only 100 strong at Minden; brought up to strength in August and had army Troop under command with 130 army personnel serving in the Commando for a period; 31st August moved to Erkenschwick (Ruhr) to administer displaced persons; 28th November returned to UK shortly after moving to Warburg.

Miscellaneous: Memorable date: 7th June capture of Port en Bessin (in 1944).(RMHS)

1943. Sunday 7th August. 45 RM Commando / Commando RM. was formed from 5th RM Bn at Burley in Hampshire, with five Troops ('A' to 'E'), support Troop ('F') and HQ Troop ('H'), with 500 all ranks. (After world War II the Commando was reorganised in the UK, redesignated 45 Commando RM in Hong Kong about March 1946 and continues.)

Origin and titles:

Principal operations and deployments in World War II:

Landed 6th June 1944 in Normandy with 1 SS Bde; in Orne line; 19th August night infiltration with 1 SS Bde to Angerville; returned to Bexhill (Susses) after 83 days in France. Returned to Europe and on 23rd January 1945 in action at Montforterbeek; March to April in river crossings of the Rhine, Weser, Aller and Elbe; reached Neustadt on Baltic on 2nd May; stationed in Germany until June 1945, when the Commando returned to Sussex.

Reorganisation:

Far East.

Principal deployments 1946–50:

The Commando sailed for Hong Kong in January 1946; served on internal security duties in Hong Kong 1946-47. January 1947 Troops redesignated 'A', 'B', 'E', 'X' and 'Z' to come in line with other units in 3 Cdo bde; May 1947 to December 1948 based on Malta, deploying to: Benghazi (Libya) March 1948;

Haifa (modern Israel) in spring 1948; July last 'HOs' left; August training in Tripoli; January 1949 to Canal Zone catching 40 thieves, many stealing telephone cables; June/July at Aqaba, at that time Jordan's only port. Sailed from Suez for Hong Kong in August to reinforce the Honk Kong garrison for nine months.

Malaya emergency 1950-52:

The commando arrived in Malaya from Hong Kong in June 1950 for jungle training; July at Tapah in Perak to resettle Chinese squatters and conduct antiterrorism patrols; August 1951 moved to Batu Gajah in Ipoh area, patrolling swamps; 31st March 1952 sailed for Malta.

Mediterranean 1953-59:

Carried out training while based on Malta and deployed from time to time. May 1953 in Canal Zone protecting ammunition dumps and carrying out amphibious exercises in eastern Mediterranean; returned to Malta in August 1954; training exercises in North Africa; and deployed from Malta to Cyprus in September 1955. Operations against EOKA terrorists in Cyprus, initially at Kyrenia on north coast, then in Troodos mountains; February 1956 formed ski-Troop. Returned to Malta on 16th August, for 'Suez' operation. Landed Port Said on 6th November, in first helicopter deployment in battle area; withdrawn to Malta in November. Deployed in 1956 to Tripoli for training; in Cyprus May to October 1957 on antiterrorist patrols; the Commando returned to Malta but 'X' and 'Z' Troops formed 'Heliforce' in Cyprus during June 1958; training in Benghazi before returning to Cyprus from July to December. In 1959 trained in Malta.

Aden 1960-67:

The Commando's main body sailed from Malta and arrived in Aden on 4th April 1960; advanced elements had arrived in March and were in Dhala by 25th March, where the commando over the next six years would from time to time patrol to the Yemeni border. From 1st to 19th July in Kuwait as part of the defence force. In August first deployed on internal security in Aden Colony; in October patrolling from Dhala. In September 1962 reorganised from five Troops to 'X', 'Y' and 'Z' Companies. Training continued in Aden with some exercises in Kenya (East Africa), when all companies were there for two weeks in 1963 on 'Winged Marine'. January/February 1964 in Tanganyika (central Africa) to aid local government quell a mutiny; March visited Mombasa (at that time in Kenya). First operations in the Radfan 30th April to 28th May, which was followed over the years by: second tour from 3rd July to 6th August; third - 20th January to 4th March 1965 (mounted 305 night patrols); fourth 20th April to May; fifth - 23rd June to 28th July; sixth 22nd September to 26 October; seventh 15th December to 28th January 1966; eighth 14th April to 22nd May; ninth 14th September to 10th November; tenth and last from 6th February to June 1967. Between tours in the Radfan, the Commando was frequently deployed on internal security duties in Aden Colony. The last elements of the Commando left Aden on 29th November 1967.

United Kingdom 1967-80:

Based on Stonehouse Barracks after returning from Aden, the Commando served in the Strategic Reserve. In June 1968 it was the 'enemy' in Norway for the exercise 'Polar Express'. In October 1968 it was deployed in Northern Ireland. In the spring of 1969 'X' coy was in the Bahamas, 'Y' Coy aboard Fearless in the Mediterranean and 'Z' Coy in Norway. 13th May 1969 HM the Queen Elizabeth II presented new colours to the Commando; in July 'Z' Coy deployed to the West Indies; September the Commando embarked in Bulwark for a month's deployment as part of NATO's southern flank forces in the Mediterranean. In 1970 commenced intensive snow warfare and mountain training, with 845 Naval Air Cdo Squadron and the four Sioux of an RM Cdo Flight. Spring 1971 850 all ranks moved to a new base in the old RNAS HMS Condor in Arbroath (Angus) as a Commando Group which in addition to 45 Cdo RM included: a battery of 29 Cdo Light Rgt RA; a Troop of 59th (Independent) Sqn RE; other support personnel; and an RM organisation for the base. The Commando was the first specialist Mountain and Arctic Warfare unit, although retaining general skills. There were tours in Northern Ireland: summer 1970; summer 1971 (when PO F. MacLaughlin was awarded the George Medal in June)1; winter 1971-72; autumn 1974; summer 1977; and August 1979.

1980 in September exercise 'Teamwork 80' which included 6 days ashore with the Brigade in various 'assaults' in the areas of Halsafjord and Vinjeford in Norway. Returned to the UK for mountain training in October in preparation for January 1981 exercises in Norway.

Some operations and deployments 1981-97:

1981 late–Summer in Belfast.

San Carlos with loads of some 50kg per man; successful night attack on Two Sisters mountain 11/12

June; advanced to Sapper Hill on 13/14 June joining the Welsh Guards who had been flown there.

1983 Support Trp on NBC exercise Porton Down.

1986 Tour in Belfast, N Ireland.

1987 Contingent in Royal Tournament.

1990 North Norway exercises including the landing of 550 men and 35 vehicles in Tovik/Grov area.

Tour of duty in South Armagh, N Ireland.

1991 In Northern Ireland on a roulement tour of six months]

1992 A team from the Commando took part in the Swiss Commando Raid Competition where they yomped about 30kms up a Swiss mountain within 3½ hours, a Dragon anti-tank shoot, a shoot with a Panzerfaust (equivalent to a LAW), and other firing exercises with Swiss weapons, a 3 minute swim across a fast flowing river, silence shots at two sentries before a house clearance and 'killing' it's five occupants in under 30 seconds. This team achieved the highest score not only of any foreign team in that year's competition but the highest by a foreign team since the inception of the competition.

1993 Deployed to Belize for six months.

1994 Deployed to Kuwait in operation 'Driver'.

1995 Deployed as Fermanagh roulement battalion returning at the end of November.

1996 Served as Fleet Standby Rifle Coy from January.

1996 From October the Commando was Spearhead Battalion as part of JRDF into 1997.

1997 Provided Fleet Stand–By Rifle Troop with Marines in West Indies guard ship and RN ships off west Africa.

Miscellaneous:

Flag green ground with red letters '45' dissected by red inverted dagger.2 Memorable dates: 23

January, the attack on Montforterbeek, near Linne, Holland (in 1945); and 11/12 June attack on Two Sisters (in 1982).

Coys 'X', 'Y' and 'Z' in 1997.(RMHS)

1943. Sunday 15th August. The Special Service (SS)/Commando Group. Origin and titles:

Before 15th August 1943, when Commandos were not detached to field commands, they were under command of a single SS Brigade. SS Group under command of General Sturgess (GOC SS Group) was formed to take over this single Brigade's responsibilities with four new SS Brigades. The Group's HQ was opened on 15th August 1943, at the RM Division's HQ at Milford–on–Sea (nr Lymington), with the Divisional staff and some army personnel forming the SS Group's Headquarters. In November 1944 the titles of this Group and its Brigades were changed from SS \- which was associated in the public's mind with Nazi Storm Troops \- to Commando, although some weeks passed before all the units overseas used these new titles. In August 1945 the suffix '(Light)' was added to these titles on the reorganisation of Army War Establishments. The Group was commanded by General Wildman–Lushington (May 1945) and by 1946 by General Campbell Hardy.

Examples of Orders of battle:

September 1943 - 1st SS Bde, 3 Special Service and 4 SS Brigades, Holding Operational Commando at Wrexham, 2nd Echelon (RM personnel) and 43 RM Cdo (other units which would form 2SS Bde were under army commands in the Middle East), 30th Assault Unit, Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry, Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre at St Ives, the RM Engineer Commando, Small Scale Raiding Force (COPPs, SBS, RMPBD, etc.) Field Provost and Administrative Sections.3 The Field Security Section and the Postal Unit of the Division had been transferred to the Group.

April 1946 - Commando Training Unit RM, Commando Holding Unit RM, Commando basic Training Unit RM (for recruit), Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre RM at St Ives, Commando Group 2nd Echelon, service Sections including Repair Section; and a nucleus for re–forming 41 RM or another Commando.

Locations etc:

After moving from Milford–on–Sea, the Group HQ had several bases in the London area, including

Hatch End (Middlesex) in September 1943. In the summer of 1944 it was in Petworth (Sussex); on the Group's staff merged with HQ Training Group Wales to form a new Commando Group HQ at Towyn, North Wales.

Tactical HQ:

Commanded by the Group's Deputy Commander (an army brigadier) and formed for planning with General Eisenhower's staff, this HQ landed in France on 7 June 1944, and remained in NW Europe until mid–1945.

Administration in World War II:

The group's GOC kept in touch with his COs by visits and frequently by private correspondence.

Disbandment:

When commando training moved from North Wales to Bickleigh (in RM's Plymouth Group) in 1947, the HQ was in Plymouth and closed on 8 August 1947.

Commando Training Centres since 1947:

The training of commandos continued at Bickleigh until 1954 under the staff of the Commando School and then under a cadre of 42 RM Commando except when this Commando was re-mobilised. In 1960 all commando training was concentrated at Lympstone (at one time known as Exton) in Devon. By 1969 it was part of the Training Group RM. On 24th August 1970 Lympstone was redesignated the Commando Training Centre, its name in 1997 as CTC RM Barracks.

In 1997 the Centre ran 30 week courses for commando training. It trains some 60 officers each year in the Officers' Training Wing; about 400 NCOs pass each year through various courses in the NCOs Training Wing. The Infantry Support Wing trained officers and men as instructors in specialist equipment. About 500 students attended courses for signallers and clerks in the Signals and Clerks Training Wing.

In the 1990s CTC was a Brigadier's command with some 900 instructors and other staff. (For history of the CTC Barracks see RM Bases, Depots and Training Establishments.)(RMHS)

1943. August. 'The first complete RM Unit to undergo training at the Commando Basic Training Centre was 43 Cdo, formerly the 2nd RM Battalion, in August 1943 and subsequently the other six RM Commandos all passed through Achnacarry on conversion from battalions. 'By 1946 a RM Commando Training Unit had been established at Gibraltar Camp, Towyn, and the first course to carry out their entire Commando Training there formed in about March. Previously RMs started at Towyn and then went to Achnacarry. The Army Commandos were disbanded that year and the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry, as it was then titled, closed in May 1946.

In its six years of existence, about 30,000 men from every regiment of the Army and from every service, from all over the Empire and from a dozen Allied Nations passed through the unit to learn the basic skills of a Commando. Their training stood them in good stead on battle fields throughout the world and what they did made history.'

It has been said that the Arms were as reluctant to allow Royal Marines into their midst at the beginning as there were to hand over the role entirely at the end of the war. On the other hand, 1 have also heard that there were many in the Corps who did not take kind] to this new role they were reluctantly being drawn into. Like Lt-Col (Cockleshell Hero) Haslers RM Boom Patrol Detachment (forerunners of the SBS) the Commandos were somewhat frowned on as 'Cloak and Dagger Merchants completely alien to the traditional concept of the Corps. Consequently, they occasionally met resistance amongst their own kind. (I have been told of instances where Marines returning to 'Normal units from a Commando were 'purged by NCOs from the practice of wearing the beret badge over the left eye (Green style) to the over the left ear position (Blue style)!)

Despite these little personal differences. It was considered a great honour by most men to be selected for a Commando role, and many a man dropped a rank or two in order to qualify and their greatest fear was the shame of being sent back to a normal infantry unit. it was on this latter aspect that Col Vaughan based his code of discipline .men were given more, freedom and independence than normal: for instance, when they finished training they were frequently billeted in private houses (with a subsistence allowance of just a few shillings a week) and thev usually kept well out of trouble because of this dread of being dismissed from the Commando. He was anxious too to dispel the fears of many outsiders that these new men

Would emulate the wild lawless reputation of that renowned band of marauders in South Africa who gave the Commandos their name.

The importance of Achnacarrv amongst the milestones of Corps History can be seen from the very fact that this change over from the conventional to a new exclusively Commando role (although not finally fulfilled until 1946) was perhaps the most dramatic change in its entire being.

There is little at Achnacarry now to remind you of its wartime era gone are the mock grave-stones that once struck terror into the hearts of all new arrivals as they marched up the tree-lined drive from the main gate to the House in fact the only evidence of there having been a camp here at all is an old nissen hut positioned between the main gate and a group of out-houses. Or farm buildings. Can anyone confirm if this was a guardroom, perhaps? In the field adjacent to the house (Castle) where the parade ground and main part of the camp was sited, only a few lazy contented cows wander aimlessly where 'Royal once raced around like the proverbial 'Blue posteriored fly ! You are struck by the peaceful serenity of it all now, and it is difficult to imagine the noise and bustling activity of long ago.

The area is surrounded by thickly wooded hills, and at one side of the field, on the private road leading to Loch Lochy and the main public road stand two cottages, one either side, of which one is the Sub-Post Office.

According to the authors of earlier books. The most well worn item of kit must have been the Groundsheet Cape. and I must admit that the two photographs which I have been able to glean from the imperial War Museum support this theory as they were both taken in pouring rain however, to give credit where it's due 1 must confess that on my visit I was drenched only in sunshine!

There is a pathway from the house, well trodden by many a hob-nailed boot, leading to the River Arkaig which runs to Loch Lochy a distance of just a mile or so. Many ideas and expressions widely used today originated here for instance the 'Death Slide' and 'Tarzan Course' across the river. Speed marches training irca. How many trainees. One wonders spent their time during exercise searching for the alleged treasure of' Bonnie Prince Charlie hidden somewhere around this shore!(RMHS)

1943. August. 46 RM Commando formed up at Dorchester, West Dorset mainly from men of 9th RM Bn; although its title was brief being disbanded on 31st January 1946.

Origin and titles:

Principal operations 1943–46:

Trained in Scotland with two weeks at Achnacarry (23rd October to 9th November 1943); Mobilisation completed on 24th January 1944, but intended night raiding role cancelled. Embarked 1st June with cliff climbing and demolition equipment for destruction of Benerville Bty (or Houlgate Bty as alternative target) in Normandy, but unfavourable weather and the fact that neither battery was harassing shipping, led to the operation being cancelled. Landed Berniers (Normandy) on 7th June (D+1) capturing strongpoint at Petit Enfer before occupying the town. 7th / 8th June patrols sent inland to La Deliverande, Douvres; 9th June occupied the village of Douvres and came under command of 3 Canadian Division; 11th 12th June actions in Mue Valley; 17th June re-joined 4 SS Bde in Orne line; 'S' Troop re-equipped with support weapons; 17th August patrols entered Troarn to find it deserted but heavily mined; 19th August with 47 RM Cdo attacked Dozule successfully after silent approach at night. On 25th August, having been brought forward in transport, the Commando was south of Beuzeville, the CO Lt–Col Campbell Hardy was wounded but continued in action while the road was cleared a well- camouflaged enemy defences were engaged in a fire fight, as the Commando and a Para Bn advanced. After three hours the second in–command, Maj John Lee, MC, and 10 others had been killed and 37 all ranks wounded before the commando was withdrawn. The Commando went into billets the first in 12 weeks on 26th August at St Maclou; 11th-15th September guarded prisoners near Le Havre; 18th September in Bray Dunes area (Belgium) occupying former German defences investing Dunkirk; 7th October sailed for UK to join 1 SS Brigade. The Commando received 200 reinforcements and reorganised; sailed to Ostend (Belgium) on 15th January 1945 and detached from 1 SS Brigade for deployment to Antwerp. Took over a sector of line Heel to Beegden on the Mass on 2nd February, with standing patrols out but little activity. On 12th February the Commando relieved 3 (Army) Commando at Linne, and after spending several weeks here and further west, the Commando trained for river crossings. It crossed the Rhine on 23rd March, establishing a bridgehead, helping to clear Wesel next day; in April in actions crossing the Weser, Aller and on 29th April the Elbe. Arrived Neustadt (near Lubeck) on 5th May and returned to UK on 8th June. The commando spent the summer of 1945 at Tunbridge Wells training for operations in the Far East, but the Commando's strength began to be run down from October.

Miscellaneous:

Memorable date: 11th June, the attack on Le Hamel and Rots (in 1944)(RMHS)

1943. August. 42 RM Commando and 42 Commando RM Origin and titles:

Formed in August 1943 at Sway (nr Lymington) from 1st RM Bn, the Commando was redesignated: 42

RM Commando (Light) in August 1945, and 42 Commando RM early in 1946.

Principal operations in World War II:

After ship damaged 42 RM Cdo reached India by August 1944 and carried out jungle training at Belgaum with 1 (Army) Cdo; later trained at Combined Operations Training Centre (Indian east coast) in temperatures of 45 C at times. October 1944 at Teknaf; November relieved a battalion of 74 (Indian) Bde at Maungdaw, patrolling aggressively into Japanese held areas; December Teknaf; 12th January 1945 at Myebon; 19th January to early February at Kangaw early summer, exercise 'Lilliput' with Brigade at Kharakvasa (India); arrived Hong Kong about 11th September, where the Commando remained as part of the garrison after civilian administration restored in April 1946.

Principal deployments 1946–80:

1946 to June 1947 in Hong Kong; July 1947 to early 1948 based on Malta; May 1948 at Jerusalem, then Haifa, before evacuation on 27th June. While based in Malta, the Commando carried out exercises in Tripoli and Internal Security duties in the Canal Zone; returned to Hong Kong in August 1949; 1950-52 in Malaya based on Ipoh (Perak) for antiterrorist operations and later in southern Malaya; June 1953 returned to Malta. With Brigade in Canal Zone May 1953 to September 1954, when the Commando returned via Malta to Bickleigh to staff the Commando School from 4th October. The Commando remained here with exercises in Norway in 1955 and 1956, until the Commando was reactivated on 1st August 1956. Landed in 'Suez' operation 6th November 1956, and remained after the Brigade withdrew, until 27th November, later returning to Bickleigh as training cadre and operational nucleus. (One Troop in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, for eight months in 1957). Reactivated in summer of 1958 for Lebanon crisis and embarked for exercises in Libya; returned to Bickleigh and reduced again to a training cadre until 1959; reactivated for commando carrier force; embarked Bulwark March 1960 and after exercises in the Mediterranean began 11 years of service based on Singapore; 1st July 1961 landed Kuwait as defence force; December 1962 to Brunei at the time of the Indonesian confrontation, serving there till April 1963. In Sarawak July to October 1963 and February to June 1964; at Tawau December 1964 to May 1965; in Lundu area December 1965 to May 1966; at Aden 11th October to 29 November 1967 and retained until May at various periods in commando carriers; returned to Singapore until October 1971. Returned to UK in the summer of 1971 and spent eight periods of duty in Northern Ireland including: summer 1972, spring of 1973, summer 1974, winter 1975, spring of 1976, and July to November 1978. Also deployed in Norway on exercises in January to March or later, during 1979 and 1980. Company Group to New Hebrides from 13th June 1980 for two months.

Some Operations and deployments 1981-97:

1981 exercise 'Mainspring'.

1982 The only Cdo RM to go to Norway.

1982 M Coy elements in recapture of South Georgia 24 April.

Landed Falkland Islands 20/21 May; advanced by helicopter to Mt Kent and patrolled from the Mt Kent.

31st May to 11th June; night attack on Mt Harriet was successful 11/12 June; flown forward to NE shoulder of Tumbledown and marched into Stanley 14 June.

1983 Exercises in Canada.

1984 Tour in South Armagh, N Ireland.

1985 M Coy in London ceremonies, November.

1986 Exercise 'Westward Shift' with 42RM 'opposing' Dutch 1 ACG & 45 RM Grp.

Exercise with Spanish amphibious shipping.

London Public Duties 17th June to 15th July

Exercises 'Sea Soldier' and 'Eternal Triangle'.

1987 Recce Trp in N Ireland with Army units.

1988 Deployed in Norway during Spring, WD87.

1989 In Belfast during tour of N Ireland

M Coy training at Fort Whiteroga.

1992 Tour in N Ireland

1995 In the summer L Coy carried out joint training in Romania with the Romanian 2nd Mountain Brigade in the Brasvo/Predeal region.(Exercise 'Eastern Climb').

M Coy as Fleet Stand By Rifle Coy assisted civilians on Montserrat after volcano eruptions, helped in the aftermath of a hurricane on Anguilla in September.

K Coy and elements of HQ in exercise 'French Phoenix' off the coast of South Wales, before going to Brunei for exercise 'Curry Trail'.

1996 In America on exercise 'Purple Star'.

1997 Norway on WD97.

Miscellaneous:

Flag of Red St George cross on white cross over yellow ground, with white number '42' dissected by inverted dagger in the centre. This flag is based on a Lt. Col's colour in the Lord High Admiral's Rgt of 1664-1689, adopted by 1st RM Bn as their unit flag in World War II.

The Commando raised a pipe band in 1943, which, with only a few breaks over the years, continues in 1997. Since 1968 one of these pipers has been appointed the Commandant General's piper.

Memorable dates: 31st January, the battle of Kangaw (in 1945); and 11/12 June the attack on Mount Harriet (in 1982). Coys 'K', 'L' and 'M'.(RMHS)

1943. August. The 4 SS/Commando Brigade. General history:

In August 1943 the RM Office had expected 4 Commando Bde to include 45, 46 and 47 RM Cdos, but formed in UK September 1943, CO Brig B. W. Leicester with 10 (Inter–Allied) Cdo, 41 RM Cdo, 46 RM Cdo and 47 RM Cdo with HQ staff from 101 RM Bde. Raised 48 RM Commando on approval dated.

February 1944. The Brigade HQ was in France and NW Europe from June 1944 until the winter of 1945. while at Ostend in October its HQ was the planning authority for the Walcheren landings and at this time 46 RM Cdo was replaced by 4 (Army) Cdo. During the winter of 1944-1945 this HQ had responsibilities from time to time for sectors of the Allied line in Holland, but Commandos were sometimes detached to other commands, as when 41 RM Cdo and 48 RM Cdo were under command of 116 RM Brigade, the remainder of the Brigade under its HQ formed a mobile reserve of 41 RM Cdo, 46 RM Cdo and elements of 10 Cdo, located south west of Rotterdam. On 22nd April the last of its raids was made by units under command. In late May 1945 the Brigade moved to Minden (Germany), where it was reinforced by drafts from 1 Commando Brigade in preparation for service in the Far East, but returned to the UK and was disbanded in December 1945.(RMHS)

1943. August. 41 Commando was formed.

1943. Wednesday 1st September. The 3rd Headquarters Special Service Brigade was formed from Headquarters 102 Royal Marine Brigade.

1943. Wednesday 1st September. 3 SS/Commando Brigade Origin and titles:

Formed 1st September 1943 at Dorchester with personnel of 102 RM Brigade HQ,13 CO Brig Nonweiler until 26th November 1944, Brig Campbell Hardy December 1944 to October 1945. Title changes as for SS Group but by October 1946 the Commandos were all RM units, with some army personnel serving in the Brigade.

The Brigade passed to the operational command of C-in-C India on 23rd November 1943 and

remained overseas until 1971.

Examples of Orders of Battle:

In August 1943 the RM Office had expected 3 Command Bde to include 42, 43 and 44 RM Cdos.

January 1945 - 1 (Army), 5 (Army), 42 RM and 44 RM, Brigade Signals Troop, LAD Type A (for vehicle maintenance) with 'C' Squadron 19th Lancers of Indian Army.

January 1946 - combined 1/5 (Army) Commando, 42 RM Cdo and 44 RM Cdo, with some Army subunits attached.

October 1946 - 42 RM Cdo, 44 RM Cdo and 45 RM Cdo, with some Army subunits attached. April 1961 - 40 RM Cdo and 45 RM Cdo with some army subunits attached.

During the decades since 1961 various Commandos have been detached to other commands from time to time but when not detached: all RM Commandos were under the Brigade's command.

December 1997 - 40 Cdo RM, 42 Cdo RM, 45 Cdo RM, RM Stonehouse (barracks staff and instructors HQ Plymouth Garrison MR), 29 Cdo Rgt RA, 20 Cdo Bty RA, Cdo Logistic Rgt RM, 59 Independent Cdo Sqn RE, HQ & Signals Sqn RM, Patrol Troop and 539 Assault Sqn RM.

The Brigade became a part of the Rapid Reaction Force created in June 1995 as a reserve for possible operations in Yugoslavia. And in 1997 became a part of the UK Rapid Reaction Force.

HQ locations and principal operations of World War II and in 1946 & 1947:

Canterbury (Kent) in late summer of 1943; 12th December, Egypt; 9th –21st January 1944 at sea; February 1944 Poona (India); elements of this HQ remained in India; 17th March to 19th April at Maungdaw; early

summer became Area Command Silchar (Surma Valley); 13 August arrived Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka); early October Teknaf; November Maungdaw; December Teknaf; January 1945 Myebon and Kangaw, Tactical HQ in Motor Launch, main HQ aboard HMIS Narbada; February Akyabb and later Myebon;

March sailed for Madras (India); spring in Poona and later Kharakvasa; 12 September arrived Hong Kong.17 The internal security duties which the Brigade's units carried out in the next two years included: the prevention of smuggling and illegal exports; raiding opium dens; patrols against armed robbers; and other police duties.

Tactical HQ 1944:

February/March Cox's Bazaar and aboard LCH 261 for Alethangyaw operations.

Formation of RM Brigade:

In 1945–6 most long–service RMs were naval gunnery rates, and 720 Marines (mostly 'HOs') were drafted to Hong Kong to replace army commandos in the spring of 1946. Six RM Commandos were to be formed but this was cut by the end of 1946 to three in the Far East; 40 Commando RM (formerly '44'), 42 Commando RM and later joined by 45 commando RM.

HQ locations and principal events 1946–80:

1946 to 17th May 1947 in Hong Kong; June 1947 to August 1949 in Malta (during these years elements of this HQ went to the Canal Zone (Egypt) from January to April 1948); August 1949 to 23rd May 1950 Brigade reinforcing Honk Kong garrison; June 1950 to March 1952 in Malaya, taking responsibility for military operations with police from August 1950; March 1952 to May 1953 in Malta (on 29th November 1952 the Duke of Edinburgh presented colours to 40 RM, 42 RM and 45 RM); May 1953 to August 1954 in the Canal Zone, Egypt (some elements stayed until September 1954); August 1954 to April 1961 in Malta except for operational tours (Cyprus in September 1955 to August 1956, 'Suez' operation November 1956, Tripoli exercise April 1957 and other HQ exercises); April 1961 to 1971 based on Singapore with three tours by HQ in Sarawak (July 1963 to October 1963, April to January 1964, January to March 1965); by late 1971 established at Plymouth where this HQ continued to be based; deployed as HQ in Norway January to March 1979 and again in 1980.

HQ locations and principal events 1981 -1997:

Based at Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth and mobilised for the Falkland Islands operation 'Corporate' from 2nd April 1982 when merged with HQ Commando Forces RM, landed East Falkland 20th May, fought various successful actions and returned to Plymouth after 11th July 1982. Deployed to northern Iraq for operation 'Haven' in April 1991 returning to Plymouth May/June 1991.

Miscellaneous: The Brigade commander's pennant was navy blue with inverted red dagger.(RMHS)

1943. Friday 10th September. 'Return to Salerno'. From Ray Tebble RMAQ. A sunny morning at Salerno, Italy. On board our Landing Craft Gun, I had my gun crew closed up at "Action Stations", manning "B" gun, one of out two 4.7" QF guns.

On orders from the Northern Landing Sector, we proceeded south to deal with some troublesome 88"s near the mouth of the Sole Estuary. Closing into the beach, we swung broadside on about 75metres from the shore.

A few jerries appeared, sprinting along the top of the sand dunes at the rear of the beach, then, with an almighty "crack", we were greeted with the burst of airblast shrapnel right over our heads. This, with a mixture of mortar, machine-gun, and fire from the 88's, made things more than a little interesting.

Thus, another fire-fight began ...

September 1993. Whilst we were in the U.K. last year, my wife and I journeyed to Italy with a group of WW2 Italian Campaign veterans, together with a small group of widows of men that fell during that campaign.

On arrival in Rome, we travelled down Route 6 to Cassino, from which base we spent the next couple of days visiting the battlefields, an area over looked by the commanding heights of Monte Cassino. When standing up there in the monastery, you can appreciate the grim task faced by the Allies. Although the Germans were not actually in the monastery itself, they were entrenched around the base of its walls, which gave them a perfect unobstructed field of fire covering 360°.

One site captured the imagination, Castle Hill, a tor about 150metres high just behind the town. On its crest a roman fort, built in the traditional style (a single keep with a thick outer wall), it had been defended by well

ensconced German Paratroopers, whose fire commanded the inner town.

A company of Kiwis had been given the task of removing them. They had clambered up this precipitous slope carrying scaling ladders and had taken the garrison by surprise, a remarkable feat of arms. That fort still stand there with its battle scars aging, and it terrain largely unaltered.

From Cassino we took the coach to Caserta, then on to Naples, and finally to Maiori on the beautiful Amalfi coast. Situated about 40 kms from Salerno it is reached by way of a tortuous coastal road running high above the sea, and is the place where the U.S. Rangers stormed ashore on that September day, fifty years before.

We visited Several prominent battle sites, that many with us remembered, but the primary aim of the tour was commemorate the landings of the 9th September 1943, with a re-enactment of the part played in the landings by HMS Boxer, an L.C.I., and to hold a memorial service for those that fell.

From those veterans and widows present, a representative party of 12, with 6 of the widows was to be embarked in HMS Boxer, not the original, but a modern Class 2 Frigate, that now bears the name.

To my pleasure and surprise, I was one of those selected, proud to be in the company of some Guards and county regiments veterans.

On the 8th, we were conveyed to the Salerno dockyard, and there ferried out to Boxer. I travelled out in a speedy inflatable, what else could I do as the only "Royal", the rest more sedately (and drier) by the ships launch. Once on board we were welcomed and shepherded down to the C.P.O.'s Mess.

Here we were generously entertained by a great bunch of blokes (Gee!!!! is that special "Sea Service" brew strong).

During the mean time the ship had got under way, and proceeded the Departure Point for the landings, on the exact bearings used in 1943.

From 8 miles out, the view was very much the same as when we went in all those years ago.

A memorial service was conducted on the ship's helipad, attended by various V.I.P.'s including Lord Alexander of Tunis, (the son of General Alexander), and as a former piper of the Scots Guards played "Flowers of the Forest" wreaths were dropped over the side by the war widows. It was a most moving and nostalgic occasion.

The service concluded we retired to the Chiefs Mess, where I was introduced to the detachment Sergeant Major, a tough looking Colour Sergeant.

He told me that there were twelve Marines in his detachment, whose main function was to provide "Minder" Squads for the ship inspection parties in the Gulf. If a vessel did not show signs of heaving too when signalled, they were boarded by marine squad abseiling from the ships Sea King helicopter. He also said that as each marine of the detachment had replaced a seaman of the ships compliment,(part of the British defence economies), that they had all received special sea training.

Before we left the ship he presented me with a Corps plaque inscribed "From the Royal Marine: Detachment of HMS Boxer-Salerno-1993."

Next day, September 9th, a memorial service was held in the British War Cemetery at Montecorvino, about 5kms behind the British sector od the beachhead. Two thousand of those that fell are interred here. Whilst there, I met with of group of former "Royals" of 41 RM Cdo. There are scattered throughout the cemetery, graves of the men from the Commando.

The attending officials, which included the German Ambassador and the unit representatives, laid wreaths at the foot of the Cross, the Guard of Honour was from our own Corps, the marines of HMS Boxer. The band resplendent in their scarlet tunics and bearskins were provided by The Royal Dragoon Guards, with the temperature hovering around 35°c they must have really been feeling it, the detachment by contrast were in K.D. with white helmet.

I laid wreaths at two headstones inscribed:

A Royal Marine "Known Only To God"

This was a personal choice, in remembrance of those old friends of my own unit, who have no known grave.

The following day, we went on a tour of the area we knew as the Southern Landing Sector, where the Americans landed, at Paestum. This is a remarkable place to visit, for there stand, almost intact, the remains of several Greek temples. Surprisingly enough they were not damaged during the fighting in that area.

On the way back we stopped to visit the area that was the extreme southern right flank of the British Sector. Again a bright sunny morning at Salerno, close to the mouth of the Sole estuary. We were allowed fifteen minutes on this beach, which gave me sufficient time to do a "Recce".

There they were, the sand dunes at the top of the beach with the woods behind them, just as they were on my last visit.

With extreme care I scanned the dunes and then searched the woods, but there was no trace of Jerry, his mortars, machine-guns or even the eighty-eights.

Well after all, it was September 10th. 1993. From Ray Tebble RMAQ.

1943. Sunday 3rd October. During the early hours, 40 RM Commando (Lieutenant Colonel J C Manners) with No 3 Commando and elements of the Special Raiding Squadron landed under cover of darkness at Termoli, a seaport town on the Adriatic coast, north of the River Bifurno and behind the German lines, 40 Commando penetrated well into the town before the enemy were alerted and brisk close-quarter fighting with German parachute troops ensued. By 0800 hours, 40 Commando had captured the town and controlled the approaches. So complete was the surprise that German vehicles and motor cyclists still drove into a Commando ambush position until noon. The Germans retaliated in strength and 40 Commando with 3 Commando, the Special Raiding Squadron and some reinforcements from the 78th Division, held off repeated and heavy infantry and armoured counter-attacks by the 26th Panzer Division until eventually the 8th Army linked up with them on 6 October. The operation was an outstanding success. They had overcome all attempts, by a force vastly superior in numbers an armament, to dislodge them and in so doing, won a valuable harbour; they caused the enemy to withdraw from the natural defence line on the Bifurno and denied them the use of the important lateral road from Naples, thereby forcing them to retreat further northwards.

1943. Thursday 23rd October. 2 SS/Commando Brigade General History:

Formed from the Commandos in Italy on 23rd October 1943, CO army Brig T. B. L. Churchill with 2 (Army), 9 (Army), 40 RM and 43 RM Commandos. Units of this Brigade served in Italy, the Dalmatian Islands, Albania and Greece. The staff of its HQ provided a Brigade base at Molfetta (southern Italy) and Tactical HQs for operations with units detached to other formations. During the summer of 1944 they formed the garrison HQ on Vis with several thousand Allied troops to administer; the main HQ landed on Vis 5th March 1944 and returned to Italy on 13th August. It planned operations that autumn and sent a Tactical HQ to Albania. In the spring of 1945 the HQ moved to Ravenna and elements worked with the Brigade's Commandos, which were all detached to Army commands during operations in April and May. Sailed for UK on 19 June. 43 RM Cdo absorbed into 40 RM Cdo as The RM Cdo of 2 Cdo Bde and 2 (Army) melded with 9 (Army) Cdo as The Army Commando of 2 Cdo Bde, disbanded in September.(RMHS)

1943. Monday 25th October. The RM Engineer Commando unit had developed from units in the RM Battalions which were trained in demolitions and as assault engineers. Although first established during the first war as: HQ; Holding Troop; and two fighting Troops (RM Circ 1303/43G dated 26th November 1943). By June 1944 there were 180 all ranks, forming a small HQ with a Training Troop (the Holding Troop?) and two fighting Troops. These were reorganised for the Normandy invasion with HQ and Training Troop in the UK, one Section with 1st SS Bde, one Section with 4 SS Bde, and six Landing Craft Obstruction Clearance Units.

Sections with Commando Brigades:

The Section with 1st SS Bde of 39 all ranks commanded by a lieutenant, landed in Normandy on 6 June 1944 at H+75 minutes to demolish bridges; but these were still in enemy hands and this Section prepared the defences of Brigade HQ; later they were employed in mine–clearing and building strongpoints. They also improvised bridges and fords ('wet bridges' lying below the surfaces of rivers), before returning to the UK on 9th September 1944. The Section with 4 SS Bde. The Section which joined 4 SS Bde arrived in France at the end of June 1944 and served in mine clearing, demolition and other work of assault engineers. In November 1943 a third Section served in the Far East. This Section had joined 3 Commando Brigade in November 1943 and was increased to a Troop in the late summer of 1944. It built the 'roads' at Myebon (from 12th January 1945) and at Kangaw (from 19th January), under appalling conditions on both occasions.

Landing Craft Obstruction Clearance Units:

In the Normandy landings on 6th June 1944, Nos 7 and 8 were with Force S, Nos 9 and 10 with Force G, and 11 and 12 with Force J. They were all intended to clear paths through beach obstacles, but owing to the conditions of the tide and dangers from incoming craft the men were unable to use their shallow water diving gear, but nevertheless cleared obstacles.

After World War II: Royal Marine assault engineers served with various Commandos from time to time and continue to do so, but see also history summary of 59th Independent Cdo Sqn RE.(RMHS)

1943. Saturday 30th October. A first-hand account from Jack Eaves, RM CH\X 111853. Bowman LCA 994.

535 and 536 Flotillas joined HMS Glenearn, in the Murray Firth, (N.W. coast of Scotland) at Cromarty. When the Flotilla's left Dartmouth College, they were sent to West Cliff near Southend, from there they went to Fort William on the West coast of Scotland. We stayed there a little while. There was a castle that we practiced abseiling down the buttress, forward! Flying Fox etc. This was the western end of the Caledonia Canal, our LCA's were delivered there and we took them thru' the canal to Inverness, and were billeted in the Cameron Barracks, from there we had exercises on the Firth for a while. Our officers were, Lieutenant Richards and 2nd Lieutenant Jefferies. Then 535 and 536 Flotillas joined HMS Glenearn on the 30th October 1943, on the Murray Firth. Not as stated in London during December 1943. 536 Flotilla later transferred to the Empire Cutlass, and 543 Flotilla came on board. My service records confirm this Lieutenant Webber joined the Flotilla about December 1943, and 2nd Lieutenant Jefferies left. Therefore, Lieutenant Jefferies was not with us during the 'D' Day Landings.

The number of the Flotilla was determined largely by the number of davits available. On the Empire ships there were 18 davits. On HMS Glenearn there were 24 davits so there were two flotillas of 12. Although everything changed with 543 flotilla as it had 12 LCA'S, and 3 LCM'S which were carried on deck. on the HMS Manawa they could accommodate a flotilla of 20 lCA's. Although there were photos of the Empire ships with a LCVP on deck. To tell them apart HMS Cutlass had a huge 'CS' painted on the side, HMS Battleaxe had a huge 'BX', HMS Broadsword had a huge 'BD' on the side. The little cross channel ships only carried 6 LCA's. Therefore it varied immensly. The Ships had names and the flottila's had numbers.

1943. November. 1st SS/Commando Brigade's General history:

Formed in November 1943, CO Army Brig the Lord Lovat, DSO, MC, with 3, 4, 6 Army and 45 RM Commandos, its ordinal '1st' signifying its association with officers and men from the Brigade of Guards who served in the 1st Cdo Brigade. Landed in Normandy and after 83 days was withdrawn to the UK from France. Although intended to move to the Far East, it returned to Europe in January 1945 with 3 (Army), 6 (Army), 45 RM and 46 RM Commandos under command. The Brigade was in action in penetrating the Siegfried line, crossing the rivers Rhine, Weser, Aller and Elbe. Early in May 1945 the Brigade was on the Baltic coast and later returned to the UK to be disbanded early in 1946.(RMHS)

1943. 40 & 41 Commandos land in Sicily during Operation Husky.

1943. The HQ Wing was originally formed during March 1941. However, by December 1943 the units and sub–units under command included four Street major units Ordnance Depot, Group Supply Unit, Medical Services and Boat Unit and a number of specialist smaller units. while in the UK the Wing was deployed in training exercises before embarking for Egypt. The Wing's Units were deployed to various locations before going to Sicily and Italy in support of naval parties as well as MNBDO forces.

The Landing and Maintenance Unit was formed in January 1941, and with effect from 1st October 1942, 'X' company of the 19th RM Battalion became No. 3 Company of this L & M Unit. By December 1943 it had four companies Landing, Ship Unloading, Pioneer/Defence and Engineer which while in the UK trained both in port operating and in amphibious landings. On arriving in Egypt in the summer of 1943, the Companies were on occasions employed in the roles for which they had trained, but not until they landed at Augusta, Sicily, were they able to make full use of their special training, as they did later in Italy. (RMHS)

1943. Carrier Borne Air (later Ground) Liaison Sections. These were formed in 1943 to carry out similar duties to those which Forward Observation Officers carried out in directing naval guns, but CBALs (Seabals) directed aircraft on to ground targets or work in intelligence teams. The RMs in these units were trained at Yeovilton RNAS by 1946. There were CBALs numbered in the 60s by this date, when 20 of them returned to the UK from the British Pacific Fleet. CBAL 51 was formed on 22nd September 1944 but by 1947 CBAL 70 was an HQ at Yeovilton. The army had sponsored these Sections in 1943 and many included army officers, but by 1961 the Corps was unable to provide officers for training in this role, and the units continued as purely army Sections.(RMHS)

1943. 41 Commando land at Salerno in Italy during Operation Avalanche. The Royal Marine Battalions are formed into 40 & 43 Commandos in action in Italy, Albania and Yugoslavia.

1943. Royal Marines Provost. Coming from the RM commandeered 'Sunshine Holiday Camp' on Hayling Island. Pat Goulding commenced his Provost service at RMTG (Devon) Headquarters, The Grange, and Lympstone in August 1943, officially designated as RMTG Dalditch. When at the end of that year RMTG, RN Division, and MNBDO Provost Companies merged, HQ was set up in Exmouth at the Imperial Hotel, and another hotel as well as Lady Byron's House up on the Beacon, provided accommodation.

"The Provost Marshall during my stay at the Grange was a Major Corps RM, and the next senior member was Sergeant Jacks (a Scot), then two corporals (Brett and Bradley), and the remainder of us were L/corporals. Our motorcycles were BSA 500cc side-valve models plus one or two Royal Enfield's of similar capacity; a 15 cwt truck was used on our patrols which mainly took place at night in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton (occasionally Exeter and Sidmouth) whilst daytime duties consisted of motor-cycle patrols or security duties in the Grange entrance hail. We were quartered in Nissan huts in the grounds where there was an orchard. I don't suppose more than a hundred personnel were employed here, made up of officers, clerks, storemen, drivers, sentries (medically downgraded men) and about 30 Provost.

I left the Grange early in 1944 to join a section in Merioneth, a few miles north of Towyn in Wales, where we were quartered in a requisitioned farm house on the side of a mountain overlooking a huge Royal Artillery training camp at Tonfanau. A sub section (relieved at intervals) was set up further north at Barmouth, and the SNCO of the unit was CSM Mogford who had been a recalled time, served Royal Marine and former Metropolitan Policeman.

Strange to relate I received no formal police training, with the exception of a motor-cycle riding course provided by the M/T section of Dalditch camp, where we attended daily for about three hours; although I vaguely recall that some of my colleagues did receive some form of training elsewhere.

We were army orientated, issued with Corps of Military Police patrol mackintoshes, and a. heavy motor-cycle mackintosh plus army greatcoat, then when I served with the Portsmouth Provost section I was issued with No 2 Blue uniform. Later, when serving with the London section, those of us who had army issue greatcoats were taken by train to Chatham and exchanged these for RM greatcoats"

Derrick Gibson-Ford (P0X3946) started his service at Eastney as a boy bugler aged 15 years on 15 May 1939, going on active duty onboard HMS IRON DUKE the following February as Captain's Bugler, returning to. Eastney in November 1941 as a recruit, having turned over to the General Duties ranks, because of the number of buglers. In Squad HO 138, of which he was the only 'regular' (CS), he was awarded the Naval Gunnery Medal and completed QR3 Course on passing out. Drafted to HMS BELFAST November 1942 until October 1944, he saw action with Russian Convoys, SCHARNHORST conflict, and 'D' Day operation covering Juno Beach as Flagship of the 10th Cruiser Squadron.

"Whilst on the Russian convoys, the Royal Marines and Sailors whose action stations or duties were on the upper deck (in below zero temperatures) were issued with fur coats. These were worn skin outwards and fur inwards and were quite expensive, so 'Jack Dusty' used to watch like a hawk that none 'walked' off the ship. I remember mine had long black fur."

When the ship went into dockyard hands in Newcastle that October for repairs and alterations for the Far East he returned again to Eastney, going thence onto the Pre-Commando School, Helmsley Camp (Helmsley House site on the northern outskirts of. Havant) and whilst there, he saw a call for volunteers in Divisional Orders for the Royal Marine Beach Provost; he applied and was accepted. (Minimum height was 5' 10") Living in a hutment camp in the grounds of Helmsley House (which was offices and the Officers Mess) he recalls the assault course just over the railway bridge on the road into Havant in fields and a small wood to the right (the country road and old bridge have' since been enlarged and housing estates appeared). "It started with a water jump, a single rope bridge (one for feet and one for hands) plus various other delights that ended with the 'death slide'....climbing up a tall tree and coming down a rope using a toggle held at each end with our hands."

"Field training was done in two places, using live ammunition. At Stoughton on the Downs (north. of Emsworth) in such manoeuvres as advancing on your feet (no taking cover), one assault group through the other, with the group in front giving covering fire as the rear group came through....all done at a fast pace intended for use in raids or rapid advances.

The second place was in the chalk pit above Cosham where a mock landing craft (made out of steel sheets) at the cliff top launched you down into the pit bottom where Bren guns were set up on fixed lines using live ammunition, and you crawled under the fixed lines, fired from the Bren guns to the centre of the chalk pit bottom where stood a large wooden hut with doors at each end. In one door and out of the other with just 7 seconds before thunder-flashes went off in the hut. From then on targets kept popping up as one advanced to the far end of the pit (each had to be fired at) then came the climb up the side of the pit to the top. This was done as a fighting unit not individually, and it was meant to be realistic. After a short rest you made a fighting return (retreat) back to the landing craft.

Of course accidents happened, but in wartime accidents were expected and allowed for, but we were trained soldiers, not recruits, so accidents were few. Not for us the luxury of a 3 ton lorry transport to Stoughton, or the pits, we did it Commando .style...half mile run and half mile walk! Our rig was fighting order, with the bayonet scabbard over the left shoulder, not on the -belt."

It was in November 1944 that he transferred to the Royal Marines Beach Provost; this was a special service unit of volunteers living in houses or hotels, drawing kit and pay from the nearest source (Home Base Ledger) by producing pay-books. They were formed for active service with the commandos and other landings, but later sections were set up at Portsmouth, Chatham and London, with Plymouth being served from the Exmouth base where all training was carried out. The London section were the only ones living in army barracks (Chelsea) with other allied military police, and messed with the Guards Regiment. They, and those in naval towns were the only ones who wore blue uniforms for foot patrols.

In wet weather the revolver would be worn under the khaki army motorcycle (belted) mackintosh, and in dry cold weather the holster belt and strap was worn over the leather jerkin issued at Exmouth. Peculiar to Portsmouth was an alternate non-standard sheepskin jerkin-(a gift from the people of South Africa). This being sleeveless, the battledress blouse showed rank markings and MP Band when the jerkin was worn. The section frequently provided outriders for the C-in-C, one at each corner of the car.

Dress for foot patrols was No 2 Blues, blue Dockyard Police peaked cap with red cloth cover, HP arm band (red on blue); dockyard police leather belt, holster and strap (for .45 revolver) with our own .38 Smith and Wesson; sea service boots, and a greatcoat when cold. Coats were avoided if possible because they got in the way should some trouble have to be sorted out, and revolvers were seldom resorted to as the issue 12 inch torch proved a suitable baton! (Being smaller than the .45 revolver, the .38 Smith and Wesson gun was a loose fit in the holster)

LONDON SECTION - Dress for foot patrols was the same as Portsmouth, except that they used their white webbing belt, holster and strap.

EXMOUTH HQ - Here the khaki battledress was worn with the red cap cover over the khaki peaked cap, white webbing gear and shore service boots, and obligatory MP arm band. Top coats were the Greatcoat and Army (unbelted) khaki Military Police mackintosh. This 'khaki turn-out' was of course standard issue, and we had it at all times; the 'Blues' being additional for the capital and naval towns.

"I arrived at Exmouth in November 1944 at the Imperial Hotel and was interviewed by Major Little (Provost Marshal) and put on a course; it was a case of passing this and becoming a Lance Corporal RM Provost or fail and be posted to Dalditch for the RM Battalion which was forming for service in France.

The course at Exmouth incorporated military and civil law, traffic control, unarmed combat, foot patrols and brothel controls. (This caused great amusement, and we said that we now had a job we could do after our release!)

On completion we moved to Poole learning to load and unload tanks etc. from landing craft, find and mark vehicle parks and then get tanks and guns into them. (This did not happen previously on 'D' Day; as tanks went straight into action). We were taught to ride motor-cycles, not only on roads but rough riding under fire at high speed, in all conditions. Then back to Exmouth for the examination on completion of which (pass or fail) one was immediately posted. I went to Portsmouth until that unit (housed at 7 Brading Avenue, Southsea, near Eastney Barracks) closed down, and so moved up to the London detachment where after only about a year in the Provost I requested (for personal reasons) to return to General Duties and at the end of 1945 took a posting to HMS ST VINCENT at Gosport."

Although the UK units were now disbanding, the Royal Marine Provost however went on to form No 35 Company Provost under Major Little for service in the Far East, where they had the honour to accept the surrender of a large Japanese naval ship, and the relief of Singapore Changi Jail.

A normal Provost unit comprised of a Captain RM (Provost Marshal), 1 Sergeant, 2 Corporals, 12 L/Corporals (6 pairs), and I L/Cpl truck driver. Of course London and No 35 were much larger.

FOOTNOTE:- RM Provost Sections were attached to all main units during WW2, and were much in evidence at the Dieppe and Normandy landings, working in conjunction with their army counterparts, controlling traffic, and patrolling against looting and other disorders, right through to the occupation of Germany.

The last of these RM Police were disbanded in June 1946; but then in the Autumn of 1962 the branch was resurrected at Eastney when C/Sgt J. McDermott, from JSAW, took charge of 15 other Royal Marines for a seven weeks course at the Royal Military Police Depot at Inkerman Barracks, Woking, and the first successful candidates were posted out to Singapore as RM Police Troop of 3 Commando Brigade, and RMP units have been in existence ever since. (by Pat Goulding and Derrick Gibson-Ford)

1944. January. 43 Commando lands at Anzio. While in the UK 48 Commando was formed.

1944. January. Report from Arthur Gray, of the RMA Eastboure Branch.

45 Royal Marines Commando with 3, 4 and 6 Army Commandos formed No. 1 Special Service Brigade. I was a support section sergeant in A Troop; there were 5 troops, A, B, CO D, E with 65 marines in each, in addition F troop were responsible for the 3 inch mortars and Vickers Machine guns, and also there was a small HQ troop.

The end of January 1944 saw 45 arriving in Eastbourne after two months concentrated training in North West Scotland. Although talk of invasion was in the air and that we would be involved, nothing to date gave an inkling of the role which we would take.

Intensive training commenced with beach landings around Eastbourne, Newhaven, Seaford and Pevensey Bay. These landings were carried out from Landing Craft Infantry (small) approx. 45 feet in length with 2 small mess decks and capable of carrying 70 troops, upon beaching, two ramps were pushed over the bows. These landings were followed up by attacks on mock batteries and strong points in and around the villages of Wartling, Westham and Herstmonceux.

In late May 1944 came the move to Southampton, the entire Brigade were under canvas in a heavily protected area with wired enclosures and no contact with the outside world. There followed 10 days of intensive briefing with models, photographs and maps all bearing code names such as "Picadilly", "Freeman, Hardy & Willis". By now with our recent training and briefing I had some idea of our destination. There were final adjustments to our individual loads of 60 lbs to 70 lbs to each marine, weapons were thoroughly checked. Then after 24 hours delay the Commando embussed to the harbour of Warsash on 5th June. What a sight!

Full of various Landing Craft and other Naval vessels, antiaircraft guns around the harbour walls and surrounding country, scores of small barrage balloons controlled by RAF personnel with a cable attached to a harness around their bodies, fighter aircraft on patrol were overhead. We. boarded our Landing Craft at 1730 renewing acquaintances with the seamen. The craft moved out of the harbour.

I was called to a Troop Commander's briefing and then I knew, France it was to be. Maps were issued, gone were the code names, also issued to each marine were phrase books in French and German and a personal message from the Supreme Commander about our forthcoming campaign to liberate Europe. 45 Commando would land on "Queen Red Beach" in the Sword Section 2 miles west of Ouistreham, rendezvous on high ground 800 yards inland and then fight our way to the River Orne and Caen Canal bridges and link up with the 6th Airborne who were landing by glider and parachute earlier. Then take and hold ground around Le Plein and Amfreville, the second objective being Franceville-Plage.

Daylight by now was failing and Force S (our sailing code) sailed to thunderous cheering from packed troop transports anchored in the Solent and mouth of the river. Final briefing took place, a brew of tea and special hot rations were passed around. Despite attempts at humour and leg pulling all were very tense, the point of no return was here, all were pondering the future. My own thoughts were - would I land reasonably dry, the landings would be at fairly low water, how strong would the defences be after the terrific pounding yet to come? I slept until 0400, then the brew of tea and a final check, daylight was approaching, we sailed past all sorts of warships. Apart from the drone of aircraft little else was happening, there was a fair sea running and the small craft were rolling but appeared to be keeping station.

0700, suddenly we were amongst it Guns were firing, low flying aircraft skimmed overhead Force S sailed on no sign yet of the Normandy coast Now we could see amongst the haze and smoke the coast line. The landing craft prepared to run in. B troop's landing craft was hit but sailed on. All crouched on the upper deck and had to grin and bear it as German artillery and machine guns fired at us.

Now we were there - "down ramps" came the command, gallant seamen pushed these on to the sandy beach. I ran down, then in front of me the blast from a shell landing in the sea nearly blew a marine into 3 feet of water, I and others pulled him ashore. We quickly cleared the beach and made for the rendezvous. Now the move to the bridges, E troop followed by A troop led as we advanced under heavy mortar fire and the signal was received that the bridges were captured intact but were still under heavy fire. The CO Lt Col C Ries was hit and severely wounded. However, the linkup was achieved, Green and Red berets mingled, were the Paras glad to see us!

Then came a change of plan. 45 were to be detached as it was not clear whether the battery at Merville was in our hands. As we entered nearby Sallancelles fire from an enemy strong point pinned down a section of E troop with part of the Reconnaissance Section. Under heavy mortar fire from F troop landing on the strong point many were able to rejoin the Commando. With A troop leading, the Merville battery was reached, preparations for the assault were made. I learnt that the battery had been silenced earlier but the enemy had returned in strength to the nearby village. After sharp fighting the village was taken.

Thankfully my section was still intact. I moved into a nearby ditch on the outskirts of the village for a briefing narrowly missing a hail of mortar bombs which landed in the narrow road. I was ordered to take my bren and mortar groups around the east side of the village to cover the remainder of A and B troops now in the village and who were coming under fire from a wood to the south, accurate bren gun and mortar fire silenced the enemy.

The Commando dug in, in and around the village, tea was brewed. A group of German prisoners were in our hands and several of our own wounded were also a problem. As darkness fell machine gun fire persisted from the south. I thought what was the overall

position, had all the landings been successful? Our own position was very precarious on the extreme left of the allied beachhead and nearly two miles from our nearest commando friends, could we hold out? As I crouched in my slit trench I contemplated on the previous 24 hours. Sailing from Warsash, across the Channel, the landing and bitter fighting, to Merville. In retrospect an eventful day.

1944. February. The 5 RM Anti-Aircraft Brigade. When the anti–aircraft regiments of MNBDO I and II returned to Scotland in February 1944, they were to be disbanded, but a general of the army's Air Defence Staff asked that some units be retained and from these AA Bde HQ and Ops Room MNBDO II, 1st RM HAA Rgt (ex–MNBDO I), 3rd RM HAA Rgt (ex–MNBDO II), 4th RM LAA RGT (ex–MNBDO II) and a Signals Section (ex–MNBDO I) g 5 RM AA Brigade was formed on 22nd March 1944 at Hamilton (Lanarkshire), under the command of Brig J. E. Leech–Porter, OBE. His Brigade came under army command of GHQ AA Troops three days later. It was then mobilised to Army War Establishments. During May and early June the Brigade spent six weeks at the army's AA practice camp at Clacton on Sea, Essex. Gunnery practice and mobilisation (with all this entailed in drawing stores) were carried on at the same time, some army HAA Regiments joining the brigade in May.

During July and August the Brigade's regiments were deployed against 'flying bombs' on the south coast of England, destroying 122 of these V1s. The Brigade landed in France early in September , and took over the anti-aircraft gunnery defences of the Scheld estuary that winter, and in addition to RM formations had under command 111 HAA, 114 LAA and 133 LAA Regiments RA; 105 AA Brigade (12 army regiments); 6/2 and 415/54 Searchlight Batteries RA; and 202 Fixed Coastal Defences RA.

Makeshift accommodation was improvised with shacks and 'huts' along dykes. Communications were also difficult with more than 2,000 miles of telephone line laid by the Brigade's signallers in a duplicate system; this connected all sites guns, searchlights, smoke–generating machines, and operations rooms the duplications proving invaluable after later air raids. All major units were also in wireless (radio) contact, the strength of Brigade signals units being raised from 80 to 200 personnel.

The heavy gun batteries fired on occasions in support of ground troops during the first few weeks of October, but their principal role was to defend against air attack a 7,000yds circle covering Antwerp and the area to its west. When V1s began coming over on 27th October, two zones or 'belts of AA fire' were organised around Antwerp and Brussels with a corridor between; there were American AA units (with SCR 58420 radar linked predictors and proximity fuses) in the east and south east zones, and as the flight path of V1s brought them near to the Brussels defence zone, that could therefore contribute to Antwerp's defence. The Brigade's Operations Room at Antwerp recorded 483 V1 and 313 V2 (rocket) incidents in the month to 12th December 1944. Units of the Brigade also formed rescue squads with equipment to help civilians buried in wrecked buildings after V1 and V2 explosions.

The German air activity increased in preparation for their Ardennes offensive. The last air attack on Antwerp, on New Year's Day 1945, was initially at low level (500ft), when the Brigade shot down four planes; around this time the V1 and V2 attacks intensified. The Brigade was relieved on 5th March 1945, and moved to Ostend.

The Brigadier took over as AADC for Ostend and Calais on 11th March. The last plot in the Brigade Operations

Room was for a friendly aircraft on 6 May, and the Brigade returned to the UK some three weeks later on 28th May.22 Brig S. G. B. Paine commanded the Brigade in the autumn of 1945.

The Brigade was stationed at South Brent (Devon) in December 1945 when they were disbanded, the HQ having been disbanded at Topsham, Devon, the month before. The continuous service personnel returned to their Divisions and the 'HOs' were absorbed into the 27th and 28th RM Battalions. (RMHS)

1944. Thursday 2nd March. 48 Royal Marine Commando formed at Deal from the 7th Royal Marine Battalion. (RMHS)

1944. Thursday 2nd – Monday 13th March. The 48 RM Commando was formed at Deal from 7th Bn and disbanded at Beeding, near Horsham, on 31st January 1946.

Principal operations 1944 - 45:

Trained at Achnacarry 13th March to 3 April 1944; 6 June landed in Normandy and captured the strongpoint at Langrune sur Mer where the Commando remained on security duties after suffering 50 per cent casualties; 9th June reinforcements arrived, bringing strength to 250, before advance to Douvres for patrolling; 11th June in Orne line and next day advanced 1,000yds to Sallenelles where the Commando in a defence line for 60 days, although the number of patrols was limited so as not to interfere with other Commandos' patrols, since there were four Commandos on a 2,000yds front. On 20th August moved from Troarn, by passing Dozule to advance in daylight to reach Clermont en Auge, attacked German field batteries etc before midday, and later secured high ground overlooking Dozule;

25th August outflanked enemy positions near Beuzeville which were mortaring 46 RM Cdo, and next night infiltrated behind this town to St Maclou with 41 RM Cdo; advanced across Seine to Valmont against no opposition; 5th-13th September in Valmont for rest; policed Le Havre for next two days; 18th - 27th September held front of 10,000yds investing Dunkirk and patrolling. October trained for Walcheren operation; on 1st November landed on Walcheren, clearing south of the 'gap' and successfully assaulted W13 battery about 1600 hours; D+1 (2nd November) captured strongpoint W287 at first light (0630 hours), 'A' Troop entering Zouteland at 1100 hours before 47 RM Cdo passed through; clearing dunes while other units gave support fire from north of the 'gap'; the Commando moved north to support 41 RM Cdo on D+4 (5th November) before being withdrawn on 12th November. After rest at Haan, moved to Goes (South Beveland) training reinforcements; three Troops, 'X', 'Y', and 'Z' under command of 47 RM Cdo as only infantry in Oosterhout area at the end of December. During March 1945 the Commando mounted five raids against Schowen and Overflakkee, the Commando suffering casualties on mines. On 25th March in defensive positions on the River Maas at s'Hertogenbosch, a road and rail centre 6,000yds from German positions; enemy artillery and patrols were active; in April on a quieter front of 35,000yds, as reserve to Belgians and Dutch near Kapelsches Veer; raided in dories into the Biesbosch, among marshes and waterlogged islands; 23rd April last operation by this Commando to rescue a patrol in the Biesbosch without casualties before ceasing fire, except for defence. From 1st May to 31st August based at Minden (Germany) as defence force for the HQ of Allied Naval Commander Expeditionary Force (ANCXF); September to 21st October at Waltrop and nearby controlling displaced persons (DPs). October to November 1945 the Commando on occupational duties at Kreis Buren looking after two camps of DPs, with patrols based on five burgomasters' offices; these patrols stopped 'black market' rackets, rapes and armed robberies; Marine officers organised camp improvements before returning to UK on 29th November and disbanded January 1946.

Miscellaneous: Memorable date: 6th June, the landing in Normandy (in 1944).(RMHS)

1944. March. The 1st RM Survey Company: with HQ of AA Command Ceylon and formerly and L & M Unit. In March 1944 absorbed by 5 RM AA Bde HQ and disbanded in December 1945 or soon afterwards. (RMHS)

1944. Tuesday 14th March. The RM Armoured Support Craft Group was formed on 14th March 1944, this Group would command the two RM Armoured Support Regiments and an RM Independent Battery of Centaur tanks. It was commanded by Brig D. C. W. Sanders, OBE, AFC, who had been CRA of the RM Division. He was killed when this HQ was in Normandy in June 1944 and succeeded by the second in command Col A. J. Harvey, OBE. The small tactical headquarters was staffed by RM officers who developed: first, the techniques for firing engineless tanks on Bailey bridging in LCT(Adapted); and later, the methods of firing and control for these Centaurs with their engines replaced.

The headquarters returned to the UK in late June 1944 after several weeks in action, and on being disbanded that autumn the personnel were transferred to the 29th RM Bn, later forming the 34th Amphibian Support Regiment. (RMHS)

1944. Saturday 22nd April. 418 Kings Squad passed for duty by General Armstrong Plymouth Division.

1944. April - May. RM Detachment 385:15 was formed at Havant, Hampshire, from volunteers, many of whom had served with MNBDO I and MNBDO II. Seven officers flew to Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka) for instruction from Lt. Col H. G. Hasler and were later to train the main body (112 all ranks) after their arrival in Ceylon on 7th July 1944. Between August 1944 and February 1945 the Detachment completed training. Operations were mounted for reconnaissance, deception and to land clandestine forces in Burma, Malaya, Thailand, and the Nicobar Islands between late February and mid-August 1945, in all 16 operations, some of which comprised more than one raiding party. After World War II some personnel were absorbed into the SBS when this Detachment was disbanded.(RMHS)

1944. Spring. 1st and 2nd RM Armoured Support Regiments were formed in the spring of 1944, each with two Batteries, these Regiments were landed from LCT(Armoured), being LCT(Adapted) that had been modified. The HQs, each of some 40 all ranks, were mainly administrative, and only the tactical portion of two officers and two other ranks landed with the Batteries on 6th June 1944 in Normandy. The Regiments' personnel included RA officers and RA gunner–drivers, with RAC fitters and mechanics, but the majority were RM gunners, including those who had trained for LCG(L)s. Many of the HQ staff transferred ultimately to the 34th Amphibian Support Regiment, after the armoured Support Regiments were disbanded in the autumn of 1944. (RMHS)

1944. Spring. 1st and 2nd RM Armoured Support Regiments were formed in the spring of 1944, each with two Batteries, these Regiments were landed from LCT(Armoured), being LCT(Adapted) that had been modified. The HQs, each of some 40 all ranks, were mainly administrative, and only the tactical portion of two officers and two other ranks landed with the Batteries on 6th June 1944 in Normandy. The Regiments' personnel included RA officers and RA gunner–drivers, with RAC fitters and mechanics, but the majority were RM gunners, including those who had trained for LCG(L)s. Many of the HQ staff transferred ultimately to the 34th Amphibian Support Regiment, after the armoured Support Regiments were disbanded in the autumn of 1944. (RMHS)

1944. Monday 5th June. Operation Neptune a Miniscule Part of the Cross Channel Assault of Operation Overlord. H.M.S. Glenearn LSA (L). By Jack Eaves RM CH\111853, Bowman of LCA 994.

Part One. All of the ships and landing craft were blacked out, so in total darkness HMS Glenearn carrying two Royal Marine flotillas of landing craft, 535 & 543 flotillas, 27 craft in all, 24 LCAs and 3 LCMs.535 had 12 LCAs; 543 had 12 LCAs & 3 LCMs, leads Convoy S7 from the Spithead, `Glenearn ` followed by the Empire Ships, Emp. Cutlass, Emp. Battleaxe, & Emp. Broadsword, Princess Astrid, Maid of Orleans, and Headquarters' ship HMS Largs, the ships had a small dark blue light that was lighter in the centre on the stern for the smaller craft to follow and keep station on for the next 90 miles or so, there was host of various but equally important smaller craft that preformed a great job keeping station in the adverse weather conditions and the darkness, some were towing the LCPL `s that would later be used to land the troops from HMS Largs at Ouistreham, all were escorted by 4 of HM Destroyers, there were also messages broadcast from Rear Admiral Talbot, and General Eisenhower.

Later, on deck in the darkness, overhead we could hear the continuous drone as wave after wave of planes carrying the airborne troops, others towing Gliders to make the first strike after midnight, then I went below and slung my hammock to snatch a few hours' sleep, others were playing cards on the mess tables to while away the time.

`Glenearn `reached the lowing position at 05.33 Double British Summer Time 6.6.1944. Minus 2hrs for standard time.

"Wakey Wakey" had been at 04 25, when the troops and the ships company were awakened, and breakfast was served, about 05.15 a prayer services were held on deck, one for RC and a separate one for the C of E, the murmur of prayers could be heard across the deck, it was just beginning to get light, but overcast, with a dampness in the air that was chilly.

At 05.25 Boat Lowerers and crews were closed up, from the top of the starboard forward Luffing Davit it was light enough to see the two halves of the Norwegian Destroyer `Svenner `about 300yds astern, which had taken a torpedo amidships, with both Bow and Stern high in the air forming a large stark black "V" was folding up and sinking.

535 Flotilla had been briefed to make a landing on Sword Beach at a place called

Bas Lion?? Between Ouistreham and Lion sur Mer, on the Queen White section of the beach, with units of the 3" British Div. South Lancs. And East Yorks. Regiments, with Colonel Hutchinson I/C. (when Captain Hutchison introduced him to us he said that he was a `chin' one of the Far East branch of the (his) family).

At 0545 the Tannoy ordered `AWAY BOATS' and the first flight of eight loaded LCAs were lowered down, in the half-light it could be seen by the way that the bow reared up then plunged into the following trough that a reasonable swell was running, this motion was negated somewhat as the craft got under way and surged ahead, this left 4 LCAs on the Luffing Davits (a Luffing Davit held 3craft, lowered one at a time ) LCA No 994 was the second craft on the forward starboard Luffing Davit, as 994 hit the water, the wave lifted the bow slackening off the falls so enabling the Bowman (me) to unhook the forward hook, as the wave passed under the craft and lifted the stern Joe Cooper aft unhooked the stern hook, we then held on to the hooks as they were being hoisted out of harm's way, if left uncontrolled they would swing around and cause damage to the occupants within the craft, we had always synchronized unhooking in sequence since we started training in late Oct. 1943, to miss unhooking in sequence could cause problems in rough weather, next was to unshackle the chains of the forward hoisting eye, and lay it into a recess in the deck, a cover was then put on it and it became part of the central seat, approx.( 8"x 8") for the troops to sit on, there was a similar seat each side under cover of a steel overhead deck covered with coconut matting that we used as a walkway to go fore and aft.'

The first flight of 8 craft had been standing off while the others were being lowered, the spare 535 Flot. Crews went over to HMS Largs, on another assignment, and the two other 535 Flot. Craft were to join up with 543 Flot. to take in a Landing Craft Obstruction Clearance Unit, LCA 994 and another then joined up with the main body of eight that had been lying off, then in two lines ahead headed for the beach about 6 miles away, the troops were allowed to stand up, someone then produced a mouth organ, many of the troops sang along, on 994 morale was very good, the Officer in charge of 994 was Lt. Webber RM. The Cox'n was L\cprl Jack Danks, the stoker was always referred to and called Stokes, so I can't remember his name, Joe Cooper was a signalman, every craft that had an officer on board carried a signalman.

As the Flotilla headed in, to port running in with us was another Flotilla, but these craft were painted in "Pacific " colours, light and mid blue, they seemed quite bright and conspicuous, as it was a dull grey morning, they may have come from the "Princess Astrid " or the " Maid of Orleans" whilst our craft were white and grey Atlantic colours, Lt Webber thought that they were a Canadian Flotilla, the sea was moderate, "rough" was what we had experienced during training off the NE coast of Scotland during winter of 1943-1944, this was quite comfortable, with a short choppy following sea we were partially surfing along, comfortable for a small LCA, probably a very lumpy ride for the larger landing craft, 40yds to starboard there was an LCT (R ), about a I000yds or so from the shore the LCT (R) fired off salvo after salvo of rockets, the noise was deafening, the flames from the rockets were awesome, we could follow the flight of them to the beach, all along the front we could see more rockets as the salvos were fired off from other LCT(R)s with devastating effect on the beach defences we hoped!! Things were now getting serious, so the mouth organist stopped playing.

About 500yds from shore, there was a lone Naval Officer "standing on the top of the water, holding on to a pole" or so it seemed to us, actually he was standing on the deck of a submerged Midget Submarine holding on to the periscope and pointing out which way we had to go!! which was slightly to port, it was an incredible sight to see him standing there surrounded by the sea, just rolling with the waves, (the subs had been on station for a few of days, watching the beach to monitor for any unusual activity, which would have meant that word had got out that the landings were coming,) the troops were sat down, Lt Webber and the O\C troops looked at their watches, said that we were early, but go for it, no sense in hanging about now, the Flotilla deployed to inline abreast, veered slightly to port, in the direction that the Submarine Officer had indicated, we gave the Submarine Officer a wave and a cheer, and at full speed headed for the beach.

100 yards or so from the beach, the troops were changed from sitting to a get ready crouch position, the starboard rope holding the ramp was released, and the port rope was slackened ready, just being held in my hand, I was standing in a "niche" on the port side, so as not to impede the troops on their way out, we (the crew) had the "luxury" of standing up and looking around and evaluate what was going on, while the troops crouched in the bottom of the of the landing craft could see nothing, only hear the gunfire, one can only imagine what thoughts would be going through their heads, the next thing they would see would be a very hostile beach,... right ahead, slightly to the right, beyond the beach obstructions at the back of the beach was the tall house that had been shown to us at our briefing, so 994 was right on target.

When 994 hit the beach at full speed, the ramp slammed down, we were running in with an LCT about 25ft to starboard, above us a matelot with his oerlikon depressed was firing at the house up the beach, the gun platform was outboard, so he seemed to be just above our heads, on the starboard side another crew member was probably firing the other oeriikon as tracers seemed to be flying everywhere, some just floating about aimlessly, 994 made the classical copy book LCA "dry " landing, when the ramp slammed down the Officer I\C troops burst open the armoured doors and dashed out, closely followed by his troops, they were faced with about 60 - 80 yds of beach with obstructions.

As 994 was going astern, coming thru' the water between 994 and the LCT, was a man, his body visible only from the waist up, and surrounded by a brown canvas dodger, as he closed with the beach he seemed to rise out of the water, and under him was a Tank!! It was a swimming Tank, how he came thru' without being swamped or run down by a Landing craft I'll never know, after all there wasn't much of him showing above the waves, he stopped at the beach edge, lowered the dodger, and then he just trundled away off up the beach.

Danksie then put the starboard engine full ahead and the port one full astern to make a tight turn to port in the restricted space between the LCT and the beach obstructions which consisted of large steel girders sticking out of the water, Mortar Bombs were coming down now, even so 994 came round and up against one of these obstructions, Joe and I managed to bear off from it very gingerly before actual contact was made, the mine on top was angled seawards, then 994 was clear and heading away from the beach, a little way out there was an LCA with both engines stopped just drifting, I\C was Sgt. Dixon (Croix De Guerre), the Cox'n was L\cprl "Taffy" Hughs, the crew were Ted Neale and "Pincher" Martin, Stan Martin was the Stoker, their LCA had landed on a sand bar, so the troops had to wade ashore up to their waists, holding their rifles above their heads, very unlucky, and very vulnerable, but both engines had failed trying to get off the sand bank, 994 took this craft in tow and headed out, later Ted Neale told me that he thought that a mortar bomb had actually dislodged them from the sandbar.(RMAQ Jack Eaves)

In the Pacific Ocean she also carried a Helicopter.

1944. Monday 5th June. 'I Remember' by Roy H. Leaney (Onetime Po/x110850 Corporal RM)

D-Day -1. Being in the old docks at Southhampton, at S3 Hard, aboard LC(Flak)32 taking on water and boxes of compo rations and then with the victualling completed that we slipped and moved out into the Solent to tie up alongside an 'Oiler' for fuel and finally on to the ammunition barges, where we took on extra boxes of Oerlikon and Porn-Porn ammunition as deck cargo.

That then being in all respects ready for sea, we moved slowly down the Solent, passing Fawley Oil Refinery and steered for the Isle of Wight, there turning to portwe proceded to Portsmouth arriving in the early afternoon. Here we 'lay-to' between the forts and the Mab Tower in company with many other ships and Landing Craft of all types.

That about 173Ohrs, a lone German aircraft flew over the massed fleet of over 8,000 ships and we thought the "gaff" was blown, but the A/A gunners on Southsea Common immediately put up a barrage of fire which ringed him, the next salvo was plumb centre and down he went in flames - Talk about good shooting!

Sailing Orders were received and with all scuttles closed and the only lights, a Blue and a White, visable under the stern of each ship, the flotilla moved out in line astern, keeping station on those small Blue and White convoy lights of the preceding craft.

During the Second Dog Watch, all hands were briefed as to our ship's tasks at the beaches, first at Sword, then Juno and Gold, as the needs be.

Orders being passed down from the bridge for all hands to bathe and change into clean underwear and "Best" battledress before the watches turned in for the night.

D-DAY. Being 'Stood To' at action stations, I, in command of the Starboard Oerlikons and Pom-Poms on the upper deck. That around 0430hrs, we arrived off the French coast and took up our respective station ready to take in the first wave of troops to the area designated as "Sword Beach".

On the sea, hundreds of smoke cannisters dropped from ships drifting towards the shore belching their concealing clouds.

It was some time between 0530 and O600hrs that we slowly started to approach the shore and that as we came out of the smokescreen, it was 'full steam ahead' and I could clearly see the beach and the "White House" that was the landing marker for the first loads of troops in our sector.

The salvos of heavy gunfire, with shells screeching overhead to burst behind the beaches, fired from the battleships Warspite and Ramilles and the monitor Roberts, together with the Cruisers, assorted Destroyers and Landing Craft (Rocket), that made up our Gunfire Support Bombardment Force, and every where I looked, landing craft packed with troops heading for the shore.

As we closed the beach we opened up on the German gun emplacements, to give the first troops covering fire as they dis-embarked and moved along the beachhead.

We took in a second wave before OSOOhrs and that our skipper broadcast the BBC's 8 o/clock News over the 'Tannoy' with it's theme music "Into Battle", which raised a resounding cheer from all on board.

Even today, I can still see the smoke drifting along the sea wall, the dead and wounded awash at the waters edge and scattered over the beaches, the litter of smashed craft, trucks, tanks and scattered equipment that we could see every time we escorted the LC(A)'s and (P)'s into the beach.

Watching LCT's taking in the tanks, some having their doors blown off as they beached, their ramps setting off the mines buried in the sand as they were lowered. Seeing the tanks move forward up the beach, each exploding as if it had been 'picked off' by a Jerry gunner, only to learn that they were blowing of their water-proofing.

A. Rocket-ship firing a salvo, a lone Mustang fighter patrolling over the beachhead that rolled and banked to get clear, but was hit and crashed onto the beach.

That as darkness fell, we were ordered up channel towards the port of Le Harve, where we were to anchor, swinging with the tide to form part of the "Trout Line" protecting the eastern flank from attacks by "E" Boats.

We had to put up with the "Jerry's" 'box barrage' which he put over the top of us nearly every night, making life very uncomfortable on the deck at night.

A piece of shrapnel that hissed between the Skipper and myself to stick in the duck-boards of the bridge (I picked it up and still have it to this day).

D+2. Moving back from the "Trout Line" to the landing beaches, we had a call, "100+ aircraft passing over from the north" what a sight! Then as the sun rose we could see their bombs shinning like tinsel on a Christmas tree, gilttering all the way down until they exploded.

A bomber on his way home with his starboard engine on fire, trying to crash land on the sea, but a ship was in his way and as he banked away his starborad wing tip hit the water and he cart-wheeled in and exploded in a ball of flame.

A nearby MTB racing into the flames in the hope of picking up any survivors (We later learned that the commander of the MTB was Peter Scott).

What was to become our daily routine for the next three months, working the beaches during the day, taking in stores, mail and personnel or the worst job of all, trying to recover the bodies of those killed during the landings that bobbed to the surface and floated in and out with the tide. Mostly they were Americans and seemed so young. I never thought that we were the same age.

That as the days turned to weeks the number of dead coming to the surface decreased but those that did were so badly decomposed as to be un-recoverable, all we could do was try to retrieve their 'dog tags' and then pierce them with a boathook and allow them to return to their watery grave. Then back at night to Le Harve to form the "Trout Line".

On the 19th a terrific storm struck, playing havoc with the fleet, driving some ships and many of the craft, especially the smaller ones aground. We could not hold our position, so headed inshore streaming our kedge anchors astern and ran the craft up onto the beach, where we remained for the next couple of days until the gale eased off.

During our short stay on the beach, Sir Brian Horrocks, came aboard and asked for the marines to go with him as they had suffered casualties, our skipper politely refused,I suppose he didn't want to lose most of his crew and be left stranded on the beach.

When the weather turned fine again we hauled off and returned to the "Beaches By Day-Trout Line By Night" routine.

One evening, just at dusk, as we were swinging on the "Trout Line" I was standing on the bridge with the Officer of the Watch, when I spotted a lone aircraft coming from the direction of the land which I reported to the Duty Officer. The aircraft banked and flew eastward up the coast, then turned out to sea and finally turning back so that he had us between himself and the land.

The O.O.W. Imediately rang "Action Stations" and as the guns crews closed up, those that could bear turned to cover him.

I identified the the aircraft as a Junkers 88 and requested permission to open fire, but the skipper said "Wait until he gets a bit closer." At. 501 yards and coming in with his bomb doors open we could see the lights in his bomb-bay gleaming. "Open Fire" came the order from the bridge, and the poor devils never knew what hit them. The aircraft crashed into the sea about 50 yards off our starboard bow with only part of the fuselage and the rudder sticking out of the water. This was to be the only aircraft confirmed as shot down by '32' during her commission and was duly painted on the front of the bridge.

In early August, we heard that LCF 1, armed with two flinch HA/LA guns in open shields and with bridge waist Oerlikons had been sunk by a "weasel" on August 2"/3rd and that how sad I was to hear this. I had served in her from December 43 to March 44 and had known most of her crew.

That the 'Weasel' was a high speed 8ft-10ft speedboat packed with explosives and fitted with spring-loaded detonators around the outside of its hull.

That in late August/early September we were ordered back to England for repairs and to re-victual and that each watch was to have seven days leave.

My leave was spent harvesting on Lord Brockett's estate at Camberley, Surrey, working alongside my future wife Betty, who was serving with the Woman's Land Army. Thoses seven wonderful, sunny and peaceful days.

Yes! I Remember. (Roy H. Leaney RMAQ)

1944. Tuesday 6th June. The Landings in Normandy, or D-Day as it became known. Over 17,000 Royal Marines took part in the largest amphibious operation in history. Most of the minor landing craft were manned by Royal Marines, as also were the guns of the support craft, and all capital ships carried an RM detachment. Five RM Commandos (41, 45, 46, 47 and 48) landed during the assault phase, grouped with three Army Commandos into two Special Service Brigades. In addition the Corps provided a number of specialist units including an Armoured Support Group, beach clearance and control parties and engineers. The first 48 hours of the operation were the most critical, involving a seaborne assault against a heavily protected and strongly held coastline. Most of the RM Commando were ashore by 0900 hours on 6th June and had achieved their initial objectives by early on 7th June. The Corps thus played a leading role in the establishment of secure beach heads from which subsequent operations to defeat the German Army in the west were developed. Nine officers and 85 men were killed in action on 6th June. The number of wounded is not known. The following gallantry awards were conferred upon Royal Marines during the Normandy campaign, most of them for actions on 6th June: 5 DSOs, 3 OBEs, 13 DSCs, 10 MCs, 1 CGM, 26 DSMs and 13 MMs. (Sea & Land – June 1989)

1944. Tuesday 6th June. Operation Neptune a Miniscule Part of the Cross Channel Assault of Operation Overlord. H.M.S. Glenearn LSA (L). By Jack Eaves RM CH\111853, Bowman of LCA 994.

Part Two. The Flotilla formed up into 2 lines ahead, and was being straddled by shell fire but no craft were hit, we could see the splashes of the of the falling shells, the sun was now shining, and looking back it seemed that all the "Canadian " craft had come to grief and were broached to on the beach, broadside on, being pounded by the surf, they looked so bright in the sunshine, a sad sight indeed, all our craft were present, no craft was flying the prearranged signal that there were wounded on board, that would have given them priority on the davit outside of the Sick Bay, also `Glenearn ' would have made a lee side for them, soon Stan Martin cleared the sand from the engine filters, so they were able to proceed under their own power, none of the `Canadian' craft came off the beach to return to the Landing Ships with 535 flotilla, about an hour into the return journey we passed 543 Flotilla going in, signals were exchanged by the flotilla commanders.

Lt. Webber said that the beach bombardment was to lift at 0720, we were supposed to land at 0725, but we actually landed at 0722, was it that 3mins.that were so crucial as to make it easier for 535 flotilla which landed so soon after the beach bombardment, before the defenders were in position? This also gave our troops a good run up the beach; I feel that we were indeed very fortunate; also did we stir up a hornet's nest for those that followed us?? as 994 approached "Glenearn "the forward hoisting eye was raised into position, and secured with the chains and shackles, the Battleships and Cruisers were still firing at targets beyond the beach, the battleship ' Warspite ` fired a broadside as 535 Flot. came by, and being between her and the shore it was an unforgettable sight, later Lt Webber wrote a poem entitled 'Little Ships' the last line I remember was' On that day June the sixth forty four.' I do not have a copy.

Returning to the Landing Ships which seemed to be strung right across the horizon `Glenearn' seemed to stand out because of her unique silhouette but the Empire ships all looked identical so on the side of Empire Cutlass was painted a huge CS, Empire Battleaxe had BX, and Empire Broadsword had BD, so they could be identified from a great distance.

"Glenearn" had the hooks partially down ready for us, just low enough for us to take the Bow line off the forward hook (which was attached by a 3\8in grommet) and slip the eye over the outboard bow cleat, this held the LCA in position under the hooks, and the two engines were stopped, the hooks were then put thru' the hoisting eyes to be hoisted, as the wave lifted the craft with the left hand we pushed the heavy block with the steel cables running through it away from us, so as to stay clear of the steel cables that were hanging around loosely, but with the right hand kept the hook inside the eye, as the craft dropped into the trough of the wave the steel cables would suddenly tighten and sound like vibrating guitar strings, this would happen 2 or 3times as we were hoisted until we were high enough to be clear of the waves.

994 took No 12 davit aft so we were lifted up on to the Poop Deck, the pan was removed from the Stripped Lewis Gun ( 1916 vintage) and the round up the spout fired off, leaving it safe, it was by then late morning, we made our way down to the Mess Deck, there is no doubt that 535 Flotilla had been so very very lucky, no casualties in either men or landing craft, the Sick Bay was very busy, over 70 survivors from the Norwegian Destroyer had been picked up and were on board `Glenearn' many required surgery, other casualties were also transferred to "Glenearn' from other vessels.

We sat around on the forms and tables discussing events and winding down, when the Sergeant came down to the messdeck to say that Lt. XXXX wanted us to parade on deck for a rifle inspection in 20 minutes, this was greeted with all the old expletives and quite a few new ones never heard before, fortunately Captain Colin Hutchison DSO and bar, OBE, RN ( known on board as "Father" ), sent down permission for 535 Flotilla to sling their Hammocks for a couple of hours or so as 543 Flotilla were not due back for a while, so we turned in and forgot about the rifle inspection.

543 Flotilla had left `Glenearn' at 0650 to head for Queen Red Beach, they carried C & D Companies of the East Yorks Regiment, also one unit R.N. Beach Commandos and the Landing Craft Obstruction Clearance unit, a packet of bacon sandwiches was handed out to each one of the troops as they boarded their craft, to keep for later, they slipped them into their battle dress blouse, some craft of 538 Flotilla from the' Empire Broadsword' were to accompany them and to land other army units, as the LCAs pulled away the craft carrying Lieutenant Colonel Hutchinson, his Battalions Bugler blew the General Salute, to be answered by the ' Glenearn' Bugler, the LCAs proceeded in two columns following an LCF which was in the lead, on return 543 Flotilla appeared to have lost 7 craft, some craft were recovered in the following days as 'Glenearn' returned to the beaches.

By early afternoon it appeared that all the craft that could return that day would have, and having many wounded, injured, and Norwegian survivors on board, `Glenearn' got under way, and then came under fire from a shore battery, there were some shell splinters flying around, just some superficial damage, no casualties `Glenearn made smoke, then out of the smoke came HMS Warspite steaming between `Glenearn' and the shore firing her big guns at the shore battery which immediately stopped firing, on the return journey `Glenearn' was threading her way thru' all sorts of vessels that were all heading towards France, the large concrete portions of the Mulberry Harbour were being towed across, at that stage we did not know what they were, the huge concrete blocks dwarfed the tugs that were towing them, it was akin to an ant pulling an elongated sugar cube, also there was PLUTO Pipe Line Under The Ocean whereby fuel was pumped over 90 miles (150Kms) from England to France thus eliminating vulnerable and valuable tankers, `Glenearn` arrived off of the Isle of Wight that night but with the urgent need of both men and materials for France' Glenearn ' did not get alongside until early the next morning to land the wounded and survivors, some had died.

When we returned to the beaches 9 6 44 on Juno beach there had been a big storm in the channel, so there was a large swell running, it was extremely rough, about 200 yds off shore were about 5 or 6 ships that had been sunk parallel to the shore it was relatively calm behind these `Block Ships' but the seas were crashing right over them, and from the Mulberry Harbour (now we knew what the huge concrete blocks were ) to the beach there was a floating `roadway', along this were being driven some trucks, the sections of the' roadway' seemed to be canting in all directions with the wave action, looked a pretty hair raising job, coming out from the relative calm behind the block ships, the flotilla made its way back to `Glenearn 'that for the only time that I can recall made a lee side to hoist the craft inboard, we were quite used to the waves running fore and aft while being hoisted, but with the lee side one moment the ship appeared to be looming right over us then leaning away I found this was `different', this then became the pattern, embark troops and return to the beaches every few days and land them on the beach.

On the 16 6 44 `Glenearn' and the `City of Canterbury' put the British Army Commandos ashore on `Omaha' beach, and about two dozen US Nurses, I asked the commandos why we were putting them ashore on Omaha they told me that the yanks were bogged down and that their job was to go thru' their lines and break out for them, they wore khaki `Glengarries' and by their cap badges just about every British Regiment was represented.

The nurses were chattering and laughing as they landed that they could now tell their grandchildren that they had landed in France, - on Omaha beach-- from a landing craft, (they would've done that by now) in a day or so they would be very welcome and much appreciated when they joined their unit, they walked along the beach in small groups, mingling with the commandos towards the beach exit.

On one return trip sitting on the mess deck, there was this enormous roar, we shot up on deck, a Buzz Bomb (`V' 1) had just 'passed' 'Glenearn' the lookouts on the bridge swore that they were looking down on it ! ! on another return trip we passed `Glenearn' s' sister ship 'Glenroy' lying low in the water, she had struck a mine and was awaiting a tug to tow her back to the UK, when POWs were sent back to England they were bought alongside and bought inboard thru' the sally port, they must have had their own guards that travelled with them as we had no contact with them whatsoever.

Early in July, `Glenearn' went into a dry dock at Greenock, everybody had a spot of leave then, as part of Force X sailed for the SW Pacific to join the 7t' US SW Pacific Fleet, on the marine messdeck a geriatric 8 or 10 in. metal electric fan that rumbled and grumbled continuously was installed that oscillated between every two mess tables, we were now rigged for the tropics! The petrol for the landing craft was stored below the marine's messdeck, and the explosion that occurred in April 1945 was said to have been caused by a spark from one of these fans. 535 Flotilla had left `Glenearn' but a few days earlier.

535 Flotilla ( also 536, 537, 538 & 539) were formed about July-August 1943, (mainly from the old 22 Training Battalion that had been sent to Arthog in Nth Wales to train for the M N B D 0, building docks, piers, etc. with steel gibing) at the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, where they all underwent seamanship classes on LCMs, and at Dartmouth we were issued with one beret ( told that we were the first marines to receive them) and retained one forage cap, the Flotillas then went to West Cliff, on marching in we were greeted with wolf whistles and cat calls by the resident marines as in those days berets were considered effeminate, or for French onion sellers, with the influx of the flotillas the dining room had to have two sittings, one with berets and one with forage caps, we had both, a great opportunity for the gannets especially when it was egg and chips for supper, 535 was sent to Fort William, where the Stokers who had been on their course in Nth. Wales re-joined the flotilla, (Arnold Rose was one of the stokers with 535 flotilla) the LCAs were delivered, then a two day trip thru' the Caledonian Canal to Inverness.

535 were then billeted in the Cameron Barracks for 2-3 weeks, doing day and night exercises on the Moray Firth?? with the LCAs, 535 and 536 flotillas then joined HMS Glenearn late in October 1943 in the Moray Firth, after one or two exercises HMS Glenearn went down to Rosyth dockyard to have the hooks modified, the marines were put ashore at HMS Brontosaurus for some square bashing, 536 flotilla went across and joined the Empire Cutlass, later 543 flotilla joined HMS Glenearn, early in 1944 Arnold Rose was transferred to 544 flotilla on the 'Monawia' from which they landed troops on JUNO beach on D-Day, on the run in Arnold poked his head up thru the stokers hatch to see what was going on and saw three RAF planes making a low sweep along the beach, they ran into the rocket fire from the landing craft and one was bought down.

535 Flotilla sent in 10 LCAs on D Day all returned, 543 sent 14 LCAs, 7 returned, 9 LCPLs left 'Largs', Frank Taylor was a cox'n on one of them, just one returned, 544 flotilla (Monowia) sent in 20 LCAs just 6 returned.

535 Flotilla was awarded 5 Croix de Guerre by the French Gov.

Frank Taylor was cox'n of an LCPL from HMS Largs landing at Oustreme.

I think that one of my most outstanding memories of that `D' Day morning would be the memory of that lone Submarine Officer with the whole invasion force bearing down on him just standing there pointing out which way for us to go !

Marching song at that period at Arthog was

MNBDO MNBDO We want blues

We wanna go to sea

We got the blues, cos" we're in khaki

MNBDO

Now that we're left on shore

With the A T S and the R A F

We might as well be a second B E F

Instead of M N B D 0

Instead of M N B D 0

1944. Tuesday 6th June. Royal Marines and the Normandy Landings. by Frank Murphy PLY5647 - RM19521.

The landings of the Allied Forces in Normandy on 6th June 1944 needs little introduction here. It was the culmination of years of hard tracking and detailed planning. It employed the largest number of men ever known in this kind of operation and the troops, sailors and airmen, under the supreme command of Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower, came from many nations, including the United States, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, France, Holland and Belgium. By D+28 a million men of the allied Armies of Liberation had landed in France.

But the first 48 hours were among the most vital ones for the Allies and the Royal Marines part in establishing the bridgehead can be accurately assessed by covering those first two days ashore.

The Normandy landings on 6th June 1944 witnessed the largest gathering of Royal Marines ever to be used in one operation. Over 10,000 were employed in a wide variety of roles, some

traditional, others entirely new to the Corps.

All the LCVs (Landing Craft Vehicle) and LCMs (Landing Craft Mechanised) which were used to ferry supplies to the beaches for the forward troops were manned by marines as were many of the LCAs (Landing Craft Assault) LC (S) (Landing Craft Infantry Small) which ferried the assault groups to the shore. Marines manned their usual turrets on the warships which bombarded the coast before the invasion and provided gun crews for the LCGs (Landing Craft Gun) and LCFs (Landing Craft Flak) which gave close fire support to the troops on the beaches. They also made up five of the eight Commandos (formed into two Special Services Brigades) which landed close behind the assault battalions, and provided specialised units. These special units included. the Royal Marines Armoured Support Group, landing craft obstruction clearance units, Royal Marine assault engineers, beach parties, signallers, AA armament crews and personnel for running the naval ports, both natural and artificial.

Chronologically, it is right to describe first the hazardous role of those employed in getting the troops to the beaches, and supporting and supplying them. A typical example of the many acts of bravery committed by the marines involved in this task was that of Cpl Tandy.

Tandy was coxswain of. LCA. 786, and when the steering wheel of his craft was carried away he acted as a human rudder in order to get the LCA with its troops to the beaches. The accident occurred when the LCA was being lowered from the parent ship, and though the beach was seven miles away Tandy immediately went over the stern and guided the rudder with his foot. Though waist deep in water most of the time and. battered and bruised by the heavy swell Tandy got his craft to the shore on time and then returned it to the parent ship still steering it with his foot, and his body half-submerged in the rough seas. For this exploit Tandy was later awarded the ISM.

Among those who went in with the first waves of assault troops were three members of the US Marine Corps acting as observers in an LCG. They kept an invasion diary which vividly describes what it was like to be there.

1944. Tuesday 6th June.Ch/x111865, Jack Eaves was one of the Royal Marines who took part in the D-Day landings, on Sword beach. What he witnessed has remained with him to the present day (May 2018 age 93). During a conversation with Jack he even described the sea gulls flying through the barrage of explosion, be it in the water or in the air above the landing craft. Over the years Jack became an artist with many fine paintings to his credit. The following paining was one of the last ones he under took during 2018 at the tender age of 93. Even adding the seagulls flying above the boat. The other black and white photo is of a Landing Craft heading for the beach. Jack cannot remember who took the photo, but assures me that it was taken on an old (new in those days) what was known as a box camera. (Terry Aspinall 2018)

1944. Tuesday 6th June. The British 50th (Northumbrian) Division and No 47 Royal Marine Commando at GOLD Beach.

This post is dedicated to the memory of those who died on Tuesday 6 June 1944 in pursuit of freedom. It is through their sacrifice that we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

In this the seventh part of the story of D-Day, 6 June 1944 we concentrate on the actions of the British 50th (Northumbrian) Division and No 47 Royal Marine Commando at GOLD Beach. This is their story:

GOLD Beach was the codename of the centre of the Allied landing beaches on D-Day, 6 June 1944. It was more than 5 miles long and included the coastal towns of La Rivière and Le Hamel. At the western end of the beach was the small port of Arromanches, and slightly west of that port was the town of Longues-sur-Mer. It was the most westerly beach of the British sector and was the responsibility of the British XXX Corps commanded by Lieutenant General Gerard Bucknall which would assault one Division up, with the British 50th (Northumbrian) Division leading.

The defending German forces consisted of elements of the German 716th Static Division and at least part of the 1st Battalion of the German 352nd Infantry Division who were at Le Hamel. Many of the Germans were set up in houses along the coast, with the greatest concentrations located at Le Hamel and La Rivière. These fighting positions were vulnerable to naval gunfire and aerial bombardment and could easily be set on fire, but the Germans counted on a counterattack capability with Kampfgruppe Meyer, a mechanized unit of the 352nd Division based at the nearby town of Bayeux. This unit had practiced rapid manoeuvre to the beach to meet possible invasion attempts.

In addition to the German seafront defences, a formidable fortified artillery observation bunker had been constructed on top of the steep cliffs on the outskirts of Longues-sur-Mer that directed the fire of a German Coastal Artillery Battery located about half a mile inland from the beach. The four 155 mm guns of the Battery were heavily protected with one-metre-thick concrete and were considered to be a significant threat to the seaborne invasion troops who were to land in the area.

The assault sectors at GOLD Beach were designated (from west to east) Item, Jig (comprising sections Green and Red), and King (also consisting of two sections named Green and Red). The assault was to be carried out by the British 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, which included Battalions from the Devonshire, Hampshire, Dorsetshire, and East Yorkshire Regiments. The beach was wide enough for two brigades to be landed side-by-side, so the 231st Brigade was assigned to Le Hamel in Jig sector and the 69th Brigade to La Rivière in King sector. No 47 Royal Marine Commando, attached to the 50th Division for the landing, was assigned to Item sector.

The main objectives of the British 50th Division were to seize the town of Bayeux, cut the Caen-Bayeux highway, capture the small port of Arromanches, link up with the Americans from Omaha Beach to the west at Port-en-Bessin and link up with the Canadians from Juno Beach to the east. The 50th Division was also to take the Longues-sur-Mer Battery from the rear.

H-Hour was set for 07.25 hours, 50 minutes later than in the American sector to allow for the difference in the tide, which meant that high water was later in the British sector. On the morning of D-Day however the wind came directly from the northwest and piled up the water rapidly. The outer beach obstacles that the Germans had installed to damage and destroy invading landing craft were therefore under water before British demolition teams could get to them. When the demolition teams arrived they came under direct fire from the German seafront defences and were prevented from effectively clearing the obstacles.

Due to the heavy seas it was decided not to launch the Sherman DD Tanks from their LCTs several miles out at sea but to run them straight up to the beach. The first wave to land came in under heavy fire from the German defenders and suffered heavy casualties. The 1st Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment lost its Commanding Officer and Second-in-Command within minutes of landing. Following up behind the 1st Hampshires were the Commandos of the 4th Special Service Brigade. They too suffered badly during the run in and only one of their allotted landing craft actually reached the shore. The decision to land the tanks directly on to the beach however proved to be the saving grace as there was no German armour in the area. Once ashore the tanks provided close support to the infantry and most of the initial German resistance was quickly overcome. Many of the German strong points had been neutralised by the naval bombardment earlier in the morning and it was only the main fortified areas of resistance that held out, but by 10.00 hrs La Rivière was captured and Le Hamel was in British hands by mid-afternoon.

No 47 (RM) Commando, which was the last British Commando unit to land, also came ashore on GOLD Beach east of Le Hamel on Item sector. Their task was to immediately push inland, then turn right (west) and cross 10 miles of enemy held territory in order to seize and hold the coastal harbour of Port-en-Bessin. This small port was significant as it was to be the prime early harbour for supplies to be brought in including fuel by underwater pipe from tankers moored offshore. After landing, No 47 (RM) Commando passed south of Arromanches and pushed west to within a mile of Port-en-Bessin where they were halted just to the south of the Longues-sur-Mer Battery. Here they dug in on 'Hill 72' and Port-en-Bessin did not fall into British hands until 8 June 1944 after some very heavy fighting.

Although heavily bombed prior to the invasion the guns at the Longues-sur-Mer Battery were still capable of firing on D-Day. At 05.30 hrs they had opened fire against the British fleet which continued until the afternoon when they were put out of action in a furious duel with the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Ajax and the Free French Navy cruiser Georges Leygues. The 184 artillerymen at the battery surrendered to the British the following day.

By the evening of D-Day the British 50th Division had landed 25,000 men, penetrated 6 miles inland, hooked up with the Canadians from Juno Beach on the left, and reached the heights above Port-en-Bessin. Whilst it had not seized Bayeux, cut the Caen-Bayeux highway or linked up with the Americans from Omaha Beach, it had made an impressive start. The British sustained around 400 casualties while securing the GOLD Beachhead. (by Ian R Gumm)

1944. Monday 12th June. Small Operations Group:15. Formed to co-ordinate small scale raiding parties in South East Asia Command, the Group was based in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka) with an RM base staff by 1945. Under command were four COPPs, three SBS Groups and four Sea Reconnaissance Sections, all with army and naval personnel and RM Detachment 385. Units of the Group had carried out 174 operations by June 1945 and several after this date. The Group was disbanded in the autumn of 1945.(RMHS)

1944. June. 'An Impression of D-Day'. Author unknown.

I took a taxi from Southampton station and alighted at the beginning of the Common. It seemed an odd, commonplace way of going to war. I didn't know quite where I was heading but followed a formidable barbed wire fence till I saw on the other side two green berets adorned with shining Globes and Laurels.

"How do I get in?" I asked.

"If you take our advice, sir, you don't" was the reply. "Once you are in here, you don't get out."

Despite this friendly discouragement, I found my way in. They were quite right. Once in, it was almost impossible to get out. Almost, but not quite. There was a legal fiction called "returning stores" which enabled a favoured few to make fleeting contact with the outside world.

I remember with satisfaction a few pints snatched at the White Horse, in Romsey, under cover of this dispensation.

The sun shone. We did nothing on Southampton Common but bask in it. But the Day rolled nearer. When I look back I suppose the most extraordinary thing was the absence of tension or excitement. Everyone seemed quite astonishingly calm and unruffled.

Each night as we rolled in our blankets we heard the crash and rumble of the armour as it poured endlessly down the road to the docks, where the landing craft were packed in so tight that if a new ship came in another had to pull out to make room for it. (Why didn't Jerry bomb them?) Then the briefings came along, on real maps but with phoney place names. As far as I recall one of our objectives was "Vienna". These served to remind us that we were there for a purpose.

As the inevitable date drew close the weather broke. That did make a real difference to the atmosphere. I think all were depressed and rumours of postponement or even cancellation buzzed around. Embarkation was in fact postponed for 24 hours. When recalling our own feelings most of us would no doubt agree that few men in history ever carried alone such a weight of responsibility as the Supreme Commander, General Eisenhower, when he made the solitary decision that Overlord should go forward.

A NIGHTMARE

On D-minus-1 we took our last meal in the camp. Considering the occasion, it might have been a better meal. It might also have saved me the intense discomfort of the following night at sea. Rather unwisely I chose to supplement that meal with a quantity of self-heating soup and some odds and ends of chocolate. I paid for the folly.

The journey by m/t to Warsash introduced a touch of emotion into those hours. Everyone we passed waved and wished us good luck. They knew quite well where we were going and somehow managed to convey their feelings.

After embarkation the officers of Brigade HQ gathered in the tiny wardroom of the LCI, when the skipper, a Lieutenant RNVR, with a beard as big as himself, came down the ladder. We waited in dead silence for his news, for the decision to sail was still not firm, as far as we knew.

"We're off", he said. The silence continued. We had waited nearly four years for those words, and comment escaped us. At last, someone - if he reads this, he will no doubt remember - chanted: "We're off to see the wizard." We all laughed, and the tension relaxed.

The night was a nightmare. The craft made its way across Channel in a series of stops and starts, like a London bus in a traffic block. It seemed as if we should never get anywhere. There were few among those present who did not pay one visit to the rail to offer his tribute to Neptune. Even the RC Padre, an old destroyer man, hauled down his colours.

Dawn broke at last, a grey, dull dawn with low cloud and a threat of rain. Unseen overhead roared the bombers. The coast of Normandy appeared just above the horizon. Already the plumes of smoke were rising as we sighted the steeples of Courcelles, St. Aubin and Langrune.

Then followed yet another interminable period of waiting, during which we were passed by a long line of LCAs bearing the North Shore Regiment of Canada, who were landing a few minutes ahead of us. They cheered as they passed, but the sound was snatched away by the wind and we only saw their waving arms.

After that things began to happen fast. The nose of the LCI turned inshore and the beach began to rush towards us at an alarming speed. We lay down on the deck on our bellies.

IN BLINKERS

I shall always retain a vivid photographic image of a short strip of beach about fifty yards wide. The sands seemed bright yellow, like a Margate poster. To the right of my picture was the orange glare of a fire, from which billowed up masses of thin, black smoke. A row of red-roofed villas confronted us and, just in front of them, the sea-wall scowled with its festoons of barbed wire. There was no sign of life. To the right and left of that picture I have no recollection whatever. It was as if I were in blinkers.

When the craft grounded quite gently, the wooden ramps were shoved out and the first two men stood up to go over. Immediately one of them was shot and the other went down again. There was a pause of a split second, and then a bunch of us went for it with a rush.

The ramps were swinging wildly as I went down. I was too occupied keeping my balance to pay any attention to what was going on around. I found myself waist deep in the sea, with huge baulks of timber washing furiously around. I struggled up the sands and reached the very welcome cover of the sea-wall.

As good luck would have it, we were sheltered from the St. Aubin strongpoint (which, despite the bombardment, was very active, as 48 Commando, who landed to our left, can bear witness) by a bulge in the sea-wall. There we queued up while a recce party sought a passage through the minefield, for all the world like a crowd waiting for the turnstiles to open at a football match. The Oerlikons of the LCI opened up over our heads to blast out the odd riflemen lurking in the villas above us.

I suppose it was only a few minutes before we were on the move, but it seemed like an hour. A way through the minefield had been cleared by flail tanks and through this we passed till we struck the main coast road. A pall of sharp-smelling smoke that brought tears to the eyes was spreading over the whole area. On the far side of the road was a field of green corn, higher than the corn in England. On the wire fence hung a yellow notice with a black skull and crossbones and the words "Achtung! Minen."

It was the sight of that notice that made me realise that we were really in France, that the ground on which I stood had been occupied territory less than an hour before. And already one felt a good solid feeling that we were there to stay.

NONCHALANT FRENCH

Of the assorted recollections of that day of days, a few unrelated details have fixed themselves in my memory. One was the great number of cattle killed by our bombardment. Cows were lying with their legs stuck grotesquely into the air and with distended bellies.

Another was the extraordinary nonchalance of the French people. As I was moving cautiously in the direction of Langrune, keeping in the ditch for fear of snipers, I met a French peasant in a blue blouse, apparently on his way to work. He was an old man and strolled quite casually along the middle of the road. He shamed me into following his example - with some trepidation.

In the house where the Brigade established its first HQ ashore, the proprietor came in with a great bowl of eggs, which he placed on the table. Having carefully read the little booklet with which we had been supplied, in common with all the invasion troops, before sailing, we were convinced that all the French were starving. No one touched the eggs for about an hour, till eventually our host, with many gesticulations, made it plain that he expected us to help ourselves. We did.

By the evening of D-Day there were quite a number of French boys on bicycles on the roads, following up the troops rather like urchins in England would follow the fire brigade. By D-plus--1 these hardy or foolhardy youngsters were numerous enough to be a nuisance.

The Messerschmitt's paid us a visit that night, but the "Brock's Benefit" of coloured tracer that shot up to meet them from the beach can hardly have been a great encouragement. Next morning they came again at first light. On D-plus-2 they did not arrive, but a dawn patrol of Spitfires sailed serenely over our heads. By that time we were thoroughly at home.

BRITISH BULLETS

One other incident of the early days will always stick. I went up the steeple of the lovely church at Douvres la Delivrande to see a naval bombardment of the radar station that was still holding out just outside the town.(41 Commando captured it a week later.) The bombardment did not materialise. Rather disappointed, an Army cameraman who was with me decided to photograph a big convoy of light ack-ack just rolling up the road from the beach. He stuck his camera into an embrasure and leaned out for the purpose.

The chaps in the convoy had just landed and were trigger-conscious. They decided we were snipers (despite the fact that 47 Commando had captured the town 24 hours before) and opened up with their Brens. In a split second the belfry was full of bullets, humming around like angry hornets and knocking splinters off the stonework. We flattened on the deck till they got themselves under control again and ceased fire.

It is an interesting fact to recall that the nearest I ever came to buying it was from our own bullets. Once, in Sicily, a bullet from another Marine actually touched me. It is a sobering thought to reflect that one bullet is as good as another, British or German. (Author unknown)

1944. July. The 26th RM Battalion. The damage caused by German V1 'flying bombs' and by V2 rockets was considerable, many houses being damaged in London and its suburbs. The Admiralty was approached by the Ministry for Reconstruction, and to provide help with building repairs this 26th RM Battalion was raised at Lower Sydenham (London) in July 1944, the battalion HQ opening on 10th July, CO Lt. Col R. E. S. Jeffries.

Organised in 15 Platoons (16 by 1st August) of about 30 men each, the repair squads 'followed the bangs' and during the next few months patched up 6,720 houses, made permanent repairs to 1,414 buildings and even built a few houses from their foundations. Three men had been killed by bombs before the Battalion was to be disbanded on 14th March 1944; but after the Ministry had asked for its continuance, 250 men were replaced by those in low medical categories. The Battalion continued its building repair work, covering sites as far apart as Esher, Kew, Ilford and Orpington, until it was disbanded early in 1946.(RMHS)

1944. Thursday 24th August. The 27th RM Battalion was one of several raised from cadres of former LC crews and recruits, as Beach Battalions for service in the Far East and on a war establishment appropriate to troops in a light division. Formed at Dalditch on 24th August 1944, CO Lt. Col P. W. O'H. Phibbs, the Battalion was trained in Scotland during December. On 4th January 1945 the Battalion came under command of 116 Infantry Bde RM for service as infantry and the war establishment was changed to that for an army rifle battalion. Lt. Col N. H. Tailyour was appointed CO on January 1945.

On 12th April the Battalion was detached from the Brigade, and under US Army command, prepared for the assault on Bremerhaven (Lower Saxony), but about the 26th April the Battalion was switched to the command of 4 Canadian Armoured Division for the assault on Wilhelmshaven further west. Later 'A' Coy was detached to take the surrender of ships in Emden, 'B' Coy went to Sengwarden where it 'chaperoned' naval personnel in that former German HQ, and the Battalion Anti-Tank Platoon was billeted in Wilhelmshaven Dockyard. In taking the surrender of ships' crews, the Poles of Conrad (formerly HMS Danae) assisted the Marines.

The Battalion returned to the UK on 27th - 28th June, and provided parties that autumn to work on farms while based at Beacon Hill Camp (nr Falmouth). On 27th November it moved to Chedworth (nr Cheltenham), before becoming a training battalion at Windrush Camp (west of Burford, Oxfordshire) early in 1946 and absorbing the 33rd RM Bn. On 1st April the Battalion became the training cadre at the Infantry School RM, Bickleigh (RMRO 323).(RMHS)

1944. Thursday 24th August. The 25th RM Battalion was formed at Dalditch, CO Lt. Col T. W. B. Sandall and was disbanded on 24th August 1944.(RMHS)

1944. August. The 28th RM Battalion HQ was formed at Dalditch, CO Lt. Col J. M. Fuller. During the early winter the men who had served in the 1st Armoured Support Rgt were drafted to the Battalion. They moved to Scotland on 8th - 9th December, where the Battalion trained as the nucleus for a Beach Group. But on 4th January the Battalion came under command of 116 Infantry Bde RM, and its original war establishment was changed to that for an army battalion. After service on the Maas the Battalion continued under army command. It returned to the UK in June 1945, and was stationed in August at Okehampton (Devon) in the late summer of 1945. From here it took part in internal security duties, quelling riots in a Polish naval camp. It was later briefly stationed in Plymouth and St Germans (Cornwall), where it provided parties for farm work. In November it was in South Brent (Devon), there it absorbed men from the 30th RM Bn. In rationalisation as demobilisation continued, the Battalion moved to Windrush Camp and was disbanded on 21st January 1946, the men being transferred to 27th RM Bn.(RMHS)

1944. August. 'X FORCE' by Jack Eaves RM CH\111853, Bowman of LCA 994, 535 Flotilla HMS Glenearn.

Part One. X Force consisting of HMS GLENEARN, and the empire ships now flying the White Ensign, Emp. ARQUEBUS, Emp. BATTLEAXE, Emp. SPEARHEAD, & Emp MACE, HMS LAMONT formerly .SS CLAN LAMONT, which was taking the place of the Emp. BROADSWORD which had been sunk by a mine, 536 Flotilla was on the Emp. ARQUEBUS as the Emp. CUTLASS had been damaged by a Doodle Bug (VI) whilst alongside, Force X would be under Rear-Admiral Talbot flying his flag in HMS LOTHIAN, formerly the SS. City of Edinburgh, Force X was to proceed to the S.W. Pacific, attached to the US SW FLEET and under their jurisdiction, via New York and the Panama Canal, the force sailed from the Clyde on 3.8.1944. Frank Taylor had now joined Emp. Spearhead which accompanied 'Glenearn' for many months.

On approaching New York 14. 8 .1944 there was a heavy sea mist, a prelude to a very hot Aug. day, I was up in the lookout station, could not see anything, not the deck below, nor the fo'c'sle, looking up it seemed a bit brighter, right ahead high up in the mist I could make out a vaguely familiar shape, I reported `Barrage Balloon Dead Ahead' then `Barrage Balloon moving to Starboard' then the shape stayed above us still quite indistinct and kept station with us, as the mist cleared we could see that it was a US Coast Guard Blimp, I had no idea that these small airships were still in use, especially in any armed forces, as the visibility cleared we could plainly see the crew who were checking us out.

`Glenearn' went alongside a pier, and a run ashore was like going to another planet; shops full of every that we hadn't seen in Britain for years, no shortages, plenty of everything, at night all the streets and shops lit up, neon lights, restaurants, bars etc. open until the early hours, there was no sign of war here, while in port the US Gov. gave us an extra 50 cents a day for cost of living, this may not sound much, but then it was a terrific boost to our pay, then stores were loaded on to the ship, we couldn't believe it, ice cream, chicken, biscuits, luxuries we hadn't seen for a very long time, they weren't for us, several hundred US Army Air Force came on board, these were all aircraft mechanics and maintenance men, they were all sergeants, top sergeants, and every other sergeant, there were more stripes than a herd of zebra, to us they were all old men, must have been 22yrs to 25yrs old, also there were 6 young seamen, ( Gobs )17 & 18yrs of age , they were going to the Pacific to reinforce a See Bees unit, but they hoped to get a ship, they spent a lot of time with us, there were two cold water fountains installed on board for the troops, then we sailed for Panama, there was a hurricane south of us so we put in to Charleston, South. Carolina for a day or so, then on to Panama.

The troops seem to congregate in little circles , playing poker, all around, no one took any notice, gradually the games got less and less, but the seamen told us that the reason for this was that the stakes were getting higher and higher, you could not enter a game unless you had a $100 then later $500 then the games were hidden out of the way with the main participants paying guards to vet anyone who came too close, they would have been down on the troop deck, or below them, the `Buzz' was that the Paybob, had to borrow from them to pay the crew, as there was not much cash in circulation on the ship, the main players had their own bodyguards as this was all cash, on arrival at Finschhaven they were given an armed escort ashore to bank the money by the US.

We still had our hot meal at midday, but the US troops had theirs in the evening, so at midday they were given sandwiches, the `fillings at times were quite strange to them, the first time they got corned beef they asked us what it was, naturally we answered `corned dog' they were horrified, they knew that Britain was very short of food, but to be eating dog!! And to serve it up to them they were aghast!! we tried to tell them that that was our slang name for corned beef, but I think they remained unconvinced as every time they asked a crew member what it was they got the same answer' corned dog ',the 'errins' in' drew some unique comments too !! And the young seamen who wore jeans tried to age them, they tied them on the end of a line and put them over the side all night, then laid them out in the sun to fade them, so what's new in 2008?

Through the Caribbean it was starting to get hot so we took our hammocks and slung them in the LCAs on the davits, we did this from then on in the tropics, on deck were rigged a couple of canvas `pools' filled with sea water about 2ft 6in deep, that we could dip in to keep cool, unfortunately one of our corporals dived in and broke his neck, he lived and was put ashore in Colon, the outboard LCAs were lowered and the davits turned inboard before entering the Canal, then `Glenearn' entered the canal like a mother duck with her brood of LCAs following close behind, at Panama it rained like I've never seen before about 6in. in about 30 minutes, we stripped off and climbed up to the craft on the davits and pulled the bungs out in case they got swamped those craft following behind had to keep the bilge pumps going !! At Balboa the LCAs were hoisted then with Captain Hutchison as senior officer `Glenearn and the 4 Emp. ships sailed on, next stop was Bora Bora; `Lothian' and `Lamont' were left behind for `repair'.

On arriving at Bora Bora some of the US troops were put ashore, and we heard that there had been a mutiny on the `Lothian' half a dozen stroppy matelotes had played up because there was an acute water shortage on board and the Admiral made them parade in clean pressed whites every day, also someone had painted Rear Admiral Talbot's initials on his cabin door, in white paint, this is all that we knew about the mutiny, I did not know any more until I read the book "Mutiny in Force X" by Bill Glenton about 1995, then many things became clear, the ships company of HMS Lothian had walked off the ship at Balboa, we then pushed on to New Guinea as there was something big coming off and we were to be part of it.

Approaching Finschhaven at the end of Sept. 1944, ` Glenearn' was told to wait for a pilot, Captain Hutchison sent back "I surveyed these waters before you were born " and came in and docked unaided, the rest of the troops and the young seamen were put ashore, the something `big' was the invasion of the Philippines, there were talks held with the top US brass, US officer in charge of landing craft was known as "Dan Dan the Amphibious Man" who gave permission for us to take part as long as we only used US landing craft, LCVPs (Higgins Craft) which of course did not fit our davits.

X Force had over 100 landing craft so could carry 3500 troops or more but were not required, A US sergeant drawled that it would not look good on the news "stateside" to see British landing craft at the Liberation of the Philippines after Gen. McArthur's much trumpeted "I Shall Return'.

X Force was broken up, 'Glenearn `and 'Emp. Spearhead `were sent down to Cairns and Townsville to train the Australian Army for amphibious landings, it was on Trinity Beach that we were instructed to practice re-embarking troops from the beach for an operation on Nth Borneo, but we heard no more as Gen. McArthur needed all available ships for the Philippine campaign, the Aussies enjoyed the 'errins' in', a big change for them from their Bully Beef!! The other ships were sent to various destinations around the SW Pacific, and now as a unit of the USN we were given a number, HMS Glenearn became HMS PZ 47 or something like that.

The Australian troops came on board in their faded jungle greens and slouch hats, they had a yellowish tinge to their skins which they said was due to the anti-malaria drug Atabrin that they had to take, one of the first to come on board was a bloke who stopped and looked around, then said `I've been on this ship before, this is the ship that evacuated us off of Crete (1941)'

Captain Hutchison had the troops and Ships Company assemble on deck to explain the programme, he started off by saying `I hate Australians!! A big silence followed this announcement - then said `I was waiting for my wife outside a West End cinema in London and these Australians asked me what time the last feature started,(this was in reference to cinemas having a uniformed commissionaire outside) this bought a bit of a laugh, and every one settled down, the troops were on board for a week at a time then back to port and embark the next lot, the first lot we ran in a bloke asked me how far out we were going to drop them off as on an exercise with the USN they had to grab "shorty" (4ft in high heels)before he disappeared beneath the waves, I said you won't even get your feet wet they didn't, a run ashore was different, the pubs closed at 6pm so about 5.45 everyone bought as many drinks as possible, lined them up outside on the footpath against the wall, when the doors were closed we kept drinking outside for another 30 min or so.

December 1944 saw `Glenearn' back in New Guinea carrying troops to various places sometimes Australian troops, sometimes US troops, on the occasions when both were carried at the same time they had to be kept apart, they were not compatible, (no matter what present day politicians would like to tell us) we knew that ashore there had been many a punch up, and according to the Aussies a shoot out!! the Aust. troop deck exited into the port alleyway, and they were allowed forward to the Fore Well Deck, the US troop deck exited into the starboard alleyway and were allowed to go aft to the After Well Deck, and at specific places marines were on duty to make sure that they didn't come in contact with each other, a "sorry this part of ship out of bounds to troops" was sufficient to turn them around, at times `Glenearn' proceeded independently, sometimes' in company' with the Emp. Spearhead, Xmas 1944 was spent at Hollandia (now Jayapura) in Humboldt Bay, Xmas dinner was as near as possible normal fare, no plastic in those days, so the chickens were frozen in Hessian bags, some uncharitable soul reckoned the bags would taste better than the chicken I had no such complaint and enjoyed the day, in the Islands courtesy of the USN we were issued with two bottles of beer per month per man, only to be consumed while in port, in Nth New Guinea with temperatures over 100 degrees even a warm beer was like nectar from the gods, the few teetotal blokes had no problem swapping their bottles, what a difference from Xmas 1943.(RMAQ Jack Eaves)

1944. August - March 1945. 'Force X' by Jack Eaves RM CH\111853, Bowman of LCA 994, 535 Flotilla HMS Glenearn.

Part Two. Xmas day 1943 alongside in some far north Scottish town, dark grey granite stone quay and buildings, a very grey day, cold and blowing hard, I was Corporal of the Gangway, the place was deserted, not a soul about, just after mid-morning the Officer of the Watch and the Quartermaster just disappeared so I went up to the next deck where I had a much better view of the quay and anybody approaching the gangway and partially out of the wind, from behind me came a seaman dressed in a faded boiler suit carrying two small galvanized buckets, I stepped aside to let him pass and saw that the buckets were about a third full with a dark brown liquid, he just grinned and continued on his way, later when I was off watch on the mess deck the Sergeant put up a new roster on the notice board, the Rum Locker had been broken in to so the marines had to stand guard on it until it could be repaired, the seaman's or the stokers mess must have had merry Xmas 1943. I kept stumm.

Also in the tropics fresh water was a problem, only salt water showers, so when it seemed. the ship was heading into a rain squall we would scamper below, strip off and wait on the fore well deck for the squall to hit and with our soap lather up, the deck would be awash with soapsuds and we hoped the squall would last long enough to rinse off.

In the Pacific `Glenearn' in addition to the landing craft also carried a small helicopter for submarine surveillance, a pad had been built on the port side, just aft of the fo'c'sle, partly over the fore well deck, it could take off from there OK but could not land. It was on floats and would land on the water near the starboard bow, there was a lifting eye in the centre of the blades and it was then was lifted in board with the derrick, and made fast, also as part of the ships company there was a `Beach Party' of RN commandos, these were sometimes put ashore on a dark night by LCA, then picked up again before dawn, by sunrise `Glenearn' was well away, they never discussed their work, but it was assumed that it was clandestine beach reconnaissance.

For months we had scrubbed our web belts, and with salt water and a touch of Milton they were very white and clean, then the powers that be decreed that hence forth they would blancoed green and scaffold planks were set up on the after well deck `Blanco for the use off' the deck being hosed down after, this was not popular as the blanco seemed to get into everything on the mess deck, Cpl. Bates asked if everyone was willing to give him 2 bob so that he could buy up all the blanco in the canteen this we did, so the entire stock was bought up and dumped over the side, blanco not being available in the canteen any more we happily went back to scrubbing our belts.

In Jan. 1945 `Glenearn' with US troops bound for Leyte called in to Manus Island, a signal was sent ashore with a request for water, the answer was `no water available for 24 hrs' Captain Hutchison's answer was' enough water on board to last ships company 24 hrs, none for 800 US troops', the water `barge' was alongside in an hour or so, the `barge ' was a huge bamboo raft on which was a water tank, generator, and pump, we then proceeded to Leyte and discharged the troops and returned to Hollandia, on the return the lookout reported `Smoke coming from the sea' it was a submarines snorkel, `Action Stations' was sounded, `Glenearn' went to full speed ahead, heeled over making a tight turn to port, and raced to the position, the sub had dived, some depth charges were dropped, and debris from packing cases surfaced, the Japs still had isolated garrisons that had been leapfrogged, and were supplied by submarine, between Finschhaven and Hollandia the Japanese still occupied Wewak.

There would have been hundreds and hundreds of ships in the SW Pacific, far from any major ports, fresh vegetables were a big problem, so we had de-hydrated potatoes, beef, onions, carrot, and apple?? Was that greenish stuff cabbage?? Who knows!! It looked like green pasta strips, when word got around that fresh spuds were on board, everyone looked forward to dinner, we were like kids at a Xmas party, never was the humble spud so revered, the flour was full of weevils so the bread, pastry and duff contained plenty of them, not that all this worried us as we remained a very healthy and happy mob, so it done us no harm, extract from the `Glenearn ' magazine Jan. 1945, "the record breaking weevil from the bakery this week went to No 13 mess. Protests are being lodged at this favouritism."

The next convoy from Hollandia was a slow one to Luzon, Captain Hutchison said that this was our last "run" for USN, 'Glenearn was acting as vice- commodore, the convoy that had left a couple of days earlier had lost several ships, so lookouts were doubled and trebled, a lone LST going south passed the convoy, we heard later that it had been torpedoed in a position that the convoy had been in that morning, a couple of hours earlier, an Officer making his rounds asked me why I hadn't reported something floating by , I said that I couldn't see it, he thought I was having a go at him and put me on a charge pending the MO report, an eye test revealed that I was short sighted, so there was no more lookout duty for me.

Three or four days out there were three small freighters that could not keep up the speed so gradually they slowly dropped astern of the convoy, there was a huge steep swell running that seemed to toss the little ships in all directions as they valiantly tried to stay on course but gradually they fell behind, very vulnerable with no escorts, all we could do was wish them god speed, and hoped that they made it, these were in pretty dangerous waters.

The troops we were carrying were combat troops, ordinary everyday blokes, quite unassuming, and polite, if they approached us on deck, it was always' pardon me sir', we found the `sir' part disconcerting, I don't know if at times they had access to a drop of jungle juice or some trading with the crew for their tot, anything was possible, but on occasion a small group would quietly break out into song, after Leyte `Glenearn' was appointed convoy commodore, and headed for Lingayen Gulf in northern Luzon, `Glenearn' usually zigzagged at the rear of the convoy, on arrival at the gulf `Glenearn' surged ahead passing all the ships, the troops lined the rails giving each ship a huge cheer as we passed, probably relief at the end of a long, slow, monotonous convoy.

A few miles along the bay the Japs were bombing the Capital ships, but lucky for us were leaving the transports alone.

The troops were landed at Lingayen Gulf, there was a very heavy swell and the troops were beached with no problem, whilst being hoisted in LCA 994 (I think we may have had a different LCA by then, No 1243 I think) L\Cpl. Jack Danks got out of the cox 'n's cockpit before the davit had taken the weight, and was standing next to the chain holding the hoisting eye, it suddenly took the weight, the chain tightened, moved about 3in. and broke his thigh bone, there was quite a lot of shipping in the Gulf, very busy, another convoy formed up and with `Glenearn' as commodore headed south for Hollandia.

A day or so later `Glenearn' left the convoy and closed with the coast, sailing down the coast there was a huge pall of dirty grey smoke, mile after mile just lying above the tops of the trees like a thick fibre glass blanket, we then entered Manila Bay, and sailed around an island, was this Corregidor that Gen. McArthur had escaped from? we could plainly see the camouflaged concrete bunkers, but there was no movement, all quiet, the Japs had left, and looking down the bay we could see Manila was burning, smoke was billowing and roiling from the great fire that was consuming it, a terrible sight, then re-joining the convoy "Glenearn' sailed for Hollandia.

At Hollandia personnel were embarked for passage to Sydney, among them were 3 very grateful British seamen, rescued from a Japanese Prisoner of War camp near Cabanatuan City on Luzon, in a daring raid by US Rangers 25miles behind the lines, they bought them all out safely, quite a feat, the directive from the War Ministry in Tokyo dated August 1944 which laid out for the annihilation of all POW's, to stop them being rescued, was known, as was the fate of the US POW's at Puerto Princes a prison camp at Palawan, Philippines.

Heading around Milne Bay then south `Glenearn' ran into a Cyclone, this was with us for 2or 3 days, the whaler stowed on the fore well deck was smashed to pieces, Cpl Jones who was prone to seasickness under normal conditions, spent the whole day sitting on a bench outside the sick bay, 'Bung'ole' for supper three nights as the galley had problems, then on to Sydney.

There was a strong "buzz" that the USN had awarded us the Philippine Liberation Medal, in the book In Time of War by Alex Aiken (the story of Glenearn from go to whoa) this was later confirmed at a meeting when Lt Bell RM, (543 Flotilla) was told by Admiral Lord Frazer that HMS Glenearn and two other RN ships had been offered the Philippine Liberation Medal, but that Admiralty policy dictated that it could not be accepted, 535 Flotilla was taken off of `Glenearn' and put onboard Emp. Battleaxe for passage back to UK accompanied by the Emp. Mace, and Emp. Arquebus with Rear Admiral Talbot on board, they left Sydney at the beginning of April 1945. `Glenearn' went back to the Philippines to re-join the British Pacific Fleet; which had now arrived in the Pacific; the Emp. Spearhead spent some time in the Philippines.

I do not know what duties the other `Empire `ships were involved in, except that in Dec 1944 - Jan. 1945 a few LCAs from Emps. Arquebus, Battleaxe and Mace took part in a small but vital operation on the Jaba and Tekessi River, also monitored the mouth of the Tuju River on Bougainville, taking Aust. troops and stores up the rivers, LCVPs couldn't be used as their draft was too deep, even with LCAs it was often the case in the shallows of everyone over the side and push, during this operation 2 Australian coast watchers were also rescued by 536 flotilla, I was told that an account of this operation was in the Sept 1945 Globe & Laurel.

LCA 223 was our oldest craft, was always referred to as `Old 223'and was a veteran of the Anzio landings, as the oldest craft it had something to prove and had just one speed - flat out, unfortunately this ended abruptly in Cairns (I think) when it hit some rocks, was too badly damaged and had to be left behind.

X Force would have been sent to the SW Pacific with the best of intentions, but on arrival the impression was that we were trespassing on someone else's turf, the USN probably had everything in hand, and we were surplus to requirements, island hopping was finished.

Back on parade at West cliff the same drill sergeant that was there in 1943, he noticed about a quarter of an inch of green shirt cuff showing below the cuff of one marines battle dress and bellowed 'you will not come on my parade in a non-issue shirt'

Mne. It is an issue sergeant,

Serg. And just where would you be issued with a green shirt?

Mne. Up the river on Bougainville, Sergeant

Serg. Where is Bougainville?

Mne. Some place you've never been to -Sergeant

Serg. GET YER `AIR CUT?

We were back!

Captain Colin A G Hutchison, DSO & Bar, OBE. RN. Known on board as `Father', it was said that he was one of the youngest captains in WWI, and one of the oldest in WWI 1, in his younger days he was part of a survey team that surveyed the S W Pacific, arriving at Finschhaven late one afternoon, was told that the harbour was full and so was told to anchor outside, with the knowledge that subs were in the area he took `Glenearn' farther along the coast, thru' a narrow opening, into a lagoon that lay behind the beach out of harm's way, there was not enough room to swing, so the ship was made fast to trees on either side, and went out stern first in the morning. there is an island off of the Nth Queensland coast, and a reef off the Solomon Islands named after him, at one time the accuracy of the Admiralty Charts were queried, they said that he bristled and let it be known in no uncertain term that they were part of his work.

'Jimmy' was Commander R N Hardman-Jones, he was a very large man with an exaggerated plum in his mouth, at a ships concert when he was mimicked no one enjoyed the joke more than he did, he always went ashore with a bike, one of those big, heavy `no nonsense, sit up and beg' bikes, it would be taken ashore for him and put on the quay, then he would climb on board and sedately pedal off, and when on watch as corporal of the gangway at night, it was not unusual to see one, two, at times even three ratings matelot or marine roll up at the last minute where the Commander had given them his bike so that they wouldn't be adrift, he would walk up later and claim his bike, the petrol for the LCAs was stored under the marines mess deck, usually the tank was immersed in water except when refuelling the landing craft, on the 9.4. 1945 there was an explosion with many casualties, Commander Hardman- Jones was killed in a second explosion while down on the messdeck rescuing the injured from the first explosion, there was also a small seamen's mess under too, it happened at `stand easy'.

Actually I was quite surprised to hear of the casualties sustained in the explosion on Glenearn when 535 flotilla was on board and the landing craft were being refuelled, Serg. Dixon stood in the starboard passageway and absolutely refused to let anyone below stand easy or not, he gave me one minute to change for watch keeping duties, giving me the hurry up all the time, except for the two seamen who manned the ASDIC in their own steel cabin, when 535 left their place was taken by a landing craft maintenance group from a shore base in Sydney, they were possibly unaware of the danger.

Between October 1943 and mid 1945 Arnold Rose (1943-44), Frank Taylor (1945) and myself (1943-45) all served at different times on HMS GLENEARN.(RMAQ Jack Eaves)

1944. Friday 1st September. After HMS Lothian reached Balboa in Panama an armed mutiny (the first in the Royal Navy since the 19th century) occurred on-board due to the atrocious conditions. A Royal Marine detachment was sent on board to quell the mutiny. 17 senior men were court-martialled and reduced in rank, whilst other mutineers were given six months' extra duties and punishment drill. However, as the mutineers could not be removed from the ship in Balboa for lack of another ship or available jails, sentences were suspended and the ship proceeded to the Pacific.

HMS Lothian joined the U.S. 7th Fleet at New Guinea on Friday 29th September 1944, but the British vessel went unused by the Americans and she eventually set sail for Sydney, after seeing no combat.

HMS Lothian was a former cargo ship launched in 1938, as MV City of Edinburgh, which was requisitioned during the Second World War as a troop transport and later converted by the Royal Navy into a headquarters ship in the Pacific. Shortly after the start of the Second World War the City of Edinburgh was requisitioned by the Ministry of War Transport for war work. In September 1943 the ship was passed to the Admiralty and converted to a Landing Ship Headquarters for operations in the Pacific for which she was totally unsuited.

In July 1944 the ship was recommissioned as HMS Lothian and was sent to be part of the U.S. 7th Fleet as part of Force X. Leaving the Clyde on Thursday 3rd August 1944, the Lothian sailed for New York and then down to the Panama Canal. The ship's complement had swelled to 750 (instead of the normal 450) under the command of Rear Admiral Arthur George Talbot. Conditions aboard were extremely poor as the ship, being unsuited for tropical climates, had poor ventilation and air-conditioning and a lack of sufficient water.

In February 1945 the Lothian became flagship to Rear Admiral Douglas Blake Fisher and operated as a control ship for merchant transports arriving to supply the British Pacific Fleet. After the Japanese surrender in August 1945, she was used to evacuate civilians and prisoners of the Japanese from Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

In 1946 HMS Lothian was returned to the Ellerman Line and reverted back to the MV City of Edinburgh. She resumed her previous route and in April 1961 was sold to Hong Kong Salvage and Towage Company, renamed Castle Mount and sailed to Hong Kong for scrapping in July 1961.

1944. Tuesday 3rd October. The 29th RM Battalion. When the Armoured Support Group was disbanded after returning from France during 1944, many of its personnel were transferred to this Battalion which was formed on 3rd October 1944 at Burma Camp in Llwyngwril (North Wales). However, on 1st March 1945 practically all its personnel were drafted to form the 34th Amphibian Assault Rgt RM. Although, the Battalion HQ was not disbanded until February 1946.(RMHS)

1944. October - November. First Hand account from Jack Eaves CH\X 111853 Royal Marine serving on HMS Glenearn.

During October and November 1944 HMS Glenearn, (Landing Ship Infantry, Large) was in North Queensland training Australian troops in amphibious landings, then the training changed from landing troops to practicing embarking personnel from the beach, the (craft had to be kept floating) for an operation on North Borneo in conjunction with Australian troops, and that the USN had given us permission to take part in this operation as Nth Borneo was British Territory, (we were ostensibly classed as a unit of the USN), our comments to this was are they expecting a 'Dunkirk' in North Borneo?? Beyond that nothing made sense. In December 1944 'Glenearn' headed back to New Guinea, and were told that Gen. McArthur now needed every ship that he could muster for the Philippine campaign, which was now top priority.

Many years later I read the book 'Project Kingfisher' foreword by Sir Roden Cutler VC and then things made sense. Photo of book below.

My personal observations and I have also been told that a 'project' is an operation involving Paratroops, who in this case would have dropped on Sandakan and consolidated the area then the landing craft (us!) would come in and pick up the POW'S and the Paratroops, also there were four other Large British Infantry Landing Ships in the area, HMS Empire Mace, HMS Empire Arquebus, HMS Empire Battleaxe, and HMS Empire Spearhead.

A Tokyo signal of August 1944 for the final disposition of POW's was known, there is no doubt in my mind that a rescue had been planned, whether successful or not we will never know, these men deserved their chance.

A year before the end of WW2, the Japanese War Ministry issued written orders to all prison camp commandants instructing them to prepare for the 'final disposition' of their POWs:
It Read:

Whether they are destroyed individually or in groups, or however it is done, with mass bombing, poisonous smoke, drowning, decapitation or whatever, dispose of them as the situation dictates.

In any case it is the aim not to allow the escape of a single one, to annihilate them all, and not to leave any traces.

1944. In late October. A letter from Roy Leaney Po/x110850. (25.11.1924. - 15.11.2016) who was on board LCF 32 Landing craft (known as flakkers) to the Author.

Our ship was proceeding up the English Channel and I could see the French and Belgian coasts, as part of a Close Support Squadron Eastern flank. Later we went to anchor in the port of Ostend.

Our Captains, Commanders and RM officers all went ashore for conference that took place aboard the Command Ship that lay in the harbour. On their return, all hands were mustered in the Marines Mess and briefed as to our next task. This was to provide close gun support t4 our own 41, 47 & 48 RM Commando's of the 4th S.S. Brigade, who were to assault the island of Walcheren across the shallows of the Scheldt estuary We were told quite bluntly this was to be no 'picnic! The island was heavily defended, with some 50 German Heavy A/A and coastal batteries plus the German 70th Division.

On the afternoon of the 31st October, orders were again passed for all hands to bathe and change into clean underclothing ready for action. We sailed early that evening. We came in sight of Walcheren Island at about 0730hrs, on the morning of the 1st November, I remember the weather was cold and bleak with a slight sea mist and the sky overcast.

As we moved in, we came under very heavy fire from the German 88's and heavy mortars, the squadron was hit severely with the a few casualties. However, we had been lucky, although hit several times we had sustained no casualties. At about 1000hrs we received a radio message that the Canadians with 4 Army Commando, had landed at Flushing from the mainland side, and we were ordered to proceed at all costs.

The craft left were reformed and with 'Battle' ensigns flying and still under intense and accurate fire, turned into line ahead, and ran for the breaches blown in the dyke by the RAF, and as we steamed at full speed we could hear the bottom of the craft grating across the gravel of the sea bed, hoping against hope that we would not ground, turning again and gaining a few extra knots from the running tide, we opened up with very gun we could on the German positions on the high ground and in the dunes, they in turn plastering us with everything they had.

As we went in our young Lieutenant RM stood up in the how with his binoculars, calling the shots when they fired, and telling, us when to 'Duck'. lie was irreverently known us as "Dagwood" for he looked so much like him.

With LC(F)37 ahead of us and 26 astern we continued firing until 37 took a shell forward and one astern, then with her guns still firing she was hit amidships, smack in the magazine, she went up in a ball of flame. We also had now received several more hits and startled I looked aft to see how 26 was, she was swamped with water and clouded in spray from the shells failing around her, but still struggling through. Our No 2 Port Porn-Porn was hit by a heavy armor-piercing shell, it passed straight thought the gun platform, through the Skippers cabin under the bridge, through the Radio Root & Spud Locker, the Drying Room and into the Galley on the starboard side before bursting and blowing up the deck by my Starboard Pompom, killing the P.O. Motor Mechanic, as the smoke cleared the Skipper popped his head up and asked if we were okay, yours truly was just about to cut the last tie of a Carley Float, ready to go over the side.

We were in a mess, the fire hoses, pipes and appliances on the starboard side were gone, the after starboard Oerlikon ready-use locker was on fire, with 'Jock' Proudfoot a, Scotty from Glasgow, and the Marine in charge of the gun, up to his elbows in the burning locker, grabbing ammo and tossing it over the side, without doubt his quick action saved us from what could have been a major explosion aft. After a short lull or so it seemed at the time, I was suddenly hurled across the deck from the starboard side coaming, it's true you never hear the one that's yours, I didn't, just a flash and the smoke, I had been lucky, crouched down as it hit, I was not injured just winded by blast. Another hit Port side forward destroyed the Marines Mess, we jammed hammocks in the hole and drove in wooden wedges to stem the flow as the sea rushed in.

We had taken the brunt of the German fire, but by 1300hrs the commandos were ashore. It was to cost them dearly, the 4th S.S. Brigade had some 500 casualties.

I knew that LCG(M)10 had also gone down, although some of her lads were picked up. While our ship was sorely hurt, holed and taking water with one engine gone, we could do nothing but run her up on the beach 'again', pumping out and with all hands struggling to make her seaworthy.

In the evening we kedged off, and signaled to is destroyer to take us in tow, as we had not been able to repair the damaged engine only to receive the signal back:

"Sorry - You are in a minefield"

Good thing it was now high tide.

For 72 hours, without hot food, without sleep, and with the pumps going continuously, we struggled back to Ostend, on our one engine, there, just before we entered the harbour, Commander SELLAR came aboard, going directly onto the bridge where he asked for a Marines beret, then putting it on, he turned to our Skipper and said "Now you can take her in - job well done".

Having tied up, hot food was brought on board, and well fed, we slung our hammocks and slept, Boy did we sleep!

Next morning; awoke early to find the water was up over our ankles, and the mess deck awash, our ship was sitting firmly on the harbor bottom.

The Army Fire Service came and pumped us dry and we went back to plugging holes and trying to make the mess decks livable as best we could.

Later that morning Commander SELLAR again came aboard and we were mustered on deck. He pointed to a lovely motor-ship laying alongside us, "Go home on her \- Five days survivors leave - See your Skipper first - Dismissed "was all he said. With all the ship crew below deck, came a 'pipe from the Skipper "Help me get this ship back to England and I still see what I 'can do".

With rough repairs completed, we slowly worked our way across the channel, past the white cliffs of Dover, keeping close inshore to the beaches of Hastings, Brighton and Worthing, so close that we could almost touch the piers, ready at any time to run her up on the beach.

We finally arrived off Cowes in the Isle of Wight and going alongside an ammunition barge, we de-unmunitioned ship, then they pulled us up a slipway; Rockies everywhere! Riveters, Painters, Welders, Engineers, Carpenters, you name them - we had them.

The skipper reported to Headquarters on shore and on hi: return said, "Thank you for getting this ship back home - Both watches 21 days leave apiece".

The entire company of LC(F)32 was put in for a recommendation, as a result of which, the Skipper got a DSO, 'Jock' Proodfoot the DSM, with our ships Sgt. Major, Mark Snell, Sgt. Johnny Bryant, and the P.O. all receiving a Mention in Dispatch's.

Although we did not know it at the time, the Eastern Flank Close Support Squadron had been all but wiped out at Walcheren. Of the twenty-eight Support Craft engaged, 9 had been sunk, 11 put out of action, and the remaining 8 damaged, so sadly the Squadron was dis-banded.

To those of the Squadron who never made it back from Walcheren, I say:

REST IN PEACE, OLD FRIENDS.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning.

We that did, will always remember you.

1944. Wednesday 1st November. The Assault on Walcheren. The leading troops in the successful seaborne attack on Walcheren in November 1944, were the 4th Special Service Brigade (Brigadier B.W. Leicester DSO) consisting of Numbers 41, 47, and 48 Commandos and Number 4 Army Commando. The three RM commandos attacked Westkapelle with little support, owing to the weather, other than that provided by the naval support craft, the guns of which were manned by RM crews. The success of the landing was in no small measure due to the self sacrifice and gallantry of the naval support craft, and after some days' heavy fighting ashore, the batteries covering the mouth of the Scheldt were captured. The clearing of the entrance to the river, in which the RM thus performed a gallant and leading part, was of the greatest importance to the operations of the Allied Armies in Flanders.

1944. November. 'Westkappelle' By Major Wilfrid Sendall RM.

In future days to come the silver bugles will be blown in the old Headquarter Divisions of the-Royal Marines on yet another "memorable date in the history of the Corps." This will be the 1st November, the date of the assault on the Westkappelle Dyke in the island of Walcheren.

It is not lightly that an operation is honoured in company with occasions like Belle isle or Zeebrugge, but, when the histories come to be written, there is no doubt that Westkappelle will be rated as the highest achievement of the Royal Corps since St George's Day, 1918 Like the Zeebrugge raid, it is a classic example of the traditional role of the Corps, an amphibious operation with a naval object-in this instance, the opening of the estuary of the Scheldt and the great port of Antwerp.

Since their defeat in Normandy there is no doubt that the Germans had fought a hard and cunning defensive battle, clinging on desperately to the ports that-they knew were vital to the development of Allied strategy, But they made one major blunder. Disorganized by the dash and elan of the 11th Armoured Division, they allowed us to capture Antwerp almost undamaged. To cover up this disaster to their plans, they defended tenaciously the positions that covered the entrance to the Scheldt estuary in particular the island of Walcheren, where big batteries that could command the sea-road to Antwerp were sited.

The first blow against Walcheren was struck by the RAF Lancaster bombers with their "earthquake" bombs tore two great breaches in the Westkappelle dyke, the biggest dyke in the Netherlands. The North Sea poured in through these gaps in the historic sea wall and flooded almost the whole of the island. But many of the German batteries were sited in the dyke itself, which still stood above the floods. These had to be destroyed.

A three-point attack was planned. One thrust by the 52nd Lowland Division from the east, over the causeway seized by the Canadians; a landing by an Army commando at Flushing followed up by a brigade of the same division; the final blow, to be launched from the sea at Westkappelle, was entrusted to three Royal Marine commandos, supported by a powerful naval bombardment force in which Royal Marines played a leading part at the guns. The Marines were called upon to destroy five or six powerful German batteries in the dyke north and south of Westkappelle, landing actually in the big breach that the RAF had made.

The naval force, consisting of HMS WARSPITE, EREBUS and ROBERTS, a landing craft support squadron of twenty six craft and flotillas of landing craft tank, was commanded by Capt A F Pugsley, DSO RN. The military force under Brigadier B W Leicester, RM consisted of three Royal Marine commandos, two troops of an Allied commando, an assault regiment, Royal Engineers, manning tracked amphibians in which the commandos were landing, a squadron of tanks, two field companies, RE, and a detachment of Pioneers.

Over 50 per cent, of the personnel of the support squadron were Royal Marines, manning the guns of the craft. Of the German defences the most important were W17 a battery of four 220-mm guns to the north near Domberg, W15 a battery of 150-mm guns near Westkappelle, and two batteries of 150-mm.-"13 and W11-to the south of the gap. These big batteries were covered and supported by a series of smaller positions, the whole constituting an almost continuous fortification along the dyke. The plan allowed for a heavy air bombardment followed by a naval bombardment of these positions, after which the Marines laid in the gap, one commando supported by the Allied commando and the tanks to the north, two commandos to the south. These latter had with them artillery forward observation parties, who could call up and direct by radio the fire of field batteries on the mainland near Breskens.

On the morning of 1st November, as the lighthouse tower of Westkappelle rose above the horizon, the RAF liaison officer aboard the headquarter ship had to inform the commanders that, owing to weather conditions, air support could not be relied upon.

As postponement would mean loss of the advantage of a three-point simultaneous attack, the difficult decision was taken to proceed without air support. As it ensued, over 400 sorties were flown by Typhoons of the Tactical Air Force in very difficult conditions. This help was invaluable, but it was not, of course, on anything like the scale originally planned.

As the force closed in towards the gap the sea was calm and visibility good-good enough to make the craft fine targets for the big German guns. WARSPITE, EREBUS and ROBERTS set the ball rolling with their 15-inch guns. When the support squadron was about 10,000 yards off the Germans opened up in reply, but their fire was not accurate, and they ceased. When the mass of landing craft was closer in they opened up again, this time with considerable accuracy.

The support squadron, though outranged and out weighted, continued to close in with the greatest resolution, taking the brunt of the enemy fire. At short range they engaged the big batteries north and south of the gap and the pillboxes that supported them. They found the range and held it, despite the concentration of heavy shells upon them, but several were sunk. One craft beached barely fifty yards from a powerful German pillbox covering the gap and shot it out at point-blank range. Many of their shells bounced off the solid concrete, but the Royal Marine gunners stuck to it for twenty minutes, though the craft was hit in several places by shells of various calibres, from 6-inch to 20-mm and the guns' crews were under small-arms fire. Then, with her guns out of action, the craft withdrew, only to sink by the stern as soon as she reached deep water. The companion craft to this one, which went in to engage a similar target, was last seen on the beach in flames.

The courage of the sailors and Marines in these craft saved the day, and the assault troops were able to get ashore with comparatively light casualties. General Eisenhower paid them a high tribute.

"The manner in which the unarmoured support vessels went in," he said, "and slammed it out with heavier guns in reinforced concrete in order to get the soldiers ashore almost unscathed was one of the incidents that would be remembered in British naval history."

Of the twenty-six craft in the support squadron, nine were sunk and eight badly damaged, 372 officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines being killed or wounded.

While this gallant but unequal "duel was in progress, landing craft tank had been discharging the amphibians of the Royal Marine commandos each side of the gap. Some of the landing craft were hit and several amphibians blown up on mines which defended the edges of the dyke. Only two landing craft could go in on each beach at once so that disembarkation was a slow, nerve-racking process, the enemy gunners having pin-pointed the range to the gap. But once ashore on the sand dunes that were piled high on the solid masonry of the dyke, the Marines made rapid progress.

To the north the commando overcame a pillbox that opposed their landing and swept into the wrecked streets of the village of Westkappelle. Having secured this, they pressed on along the dyke towards the first of the big batteries. Supported by the Allied commando and those tanks which had survived the landing-several were destroyed, and others trapped by the rising tide in the flooded ruins of Westkappelle they carried the battery. By nightfall they had reached the village of Domburg to the north. Such swift progress was only possible by vigorous leadership and good team work, but many of these Marines, though only youngsters, were veterans of Sicily and Salerno, to say nothing of D Day and the tough fighting that followed in Normandy.

To the south the first objective to fall was a German radar station, already in ruins after heavy bombardment. From here the attackers moved on across a difficult terrain of soft sandhills to battery wil. There was little room to manoeuvre, as the distance between the sea and the deep flood water inland was barely three hundred yards.

Determined to maintain the impetus of their attack, the Marines went straight into an assault on this powerful battery position, protected by minefields and heavily concreted positions. The first troop came under heavy mortar fire and was beaten back with serious casualties. A fresh troop took up the assault, but again they were held up by a hail of accurately placed. mortar bombs. A pause was made to organize fire support.

The forward observation parties called up artillery fire from away on the mainland directly on to the German fortifications, and Typhoons of the Tactical Air Force swept in to release shattering salvoes of rockets. Then, under cover of smoke, the Marines attacked again. By nightfall the control post and half the battery were in. their hands. Under cover of darkness fighting patrols dislodged the enemy from their remaining positions and, at first light, the advance continued to the little village of Zouteland. After a series of small engagements the great dyke which overhangs the village was captured. The Germans in the village surrendered after firing a few shots.

At this point a third Royal Marine commando took over the leadership of the attack. They went forward towards the next big battery. Their way was barred by a road block, a deep anti-tank ditch and a system of dragons' teeth and minefields. Weather forbade air support, but again the artillery from the mainland were called into action.

With their aid two troops of Marines managed to cross the ditch, but they were held up again by the destructive fire of the German mortars, losing many men.

Meanwhile, three other troops had by-passed this defence position by pushing along the top of the sand dunes. They reached the outskirts of the battery, but were held up by stiff resistance. Owing to pockets of resistance in the rear it was impossible to reinforce these advanced elements. All the troop commanders had been wounded and casualties were serious. When darkness fell again, supplies and ammunition were man-handled forward across the Sandhill's and the Adjutant went up to reorganize the position.

Another troop cleared up the pockets of resistance behind, but the enemy launched a night counter-attack against the forward troops. This was successfully beaten off.

When daylight came a troop from the other commando came in to cover the left flank while another full-scale assault with artillery support was launched. Fighting went on stubbornly until noon and then the Germans began to crack. Once the crack appeared it spread rapidly. German officers were induced to call upon their troops in deep bunker positions to lay down their arms.

After some face-saving talk, the German Commandant himself surrendered handing over his pistol with the words: "If you think I am a coward, shoot me."

The Marine advance continued swiftly until a second gap in the dyke, torn by RAF bombs, was reached. On the other side an Army commando, which had made a gallant landing at Flushing, captured most of that town and then fought its way along the dyke to meet the Marines, was waiting. With this link-up the German grip on the Scheldt estuary was finally broken. Very soon afterwards the minesweepers of the Royal Navy were seen proceeding up the river to sweep the channel to Antwerp.

There remained some mopping up to be done north of Domburg, but the main battle-zone of the strangest of the war-was now virtually over. The cost had not been light, 379 officers and men killed, wounded or missing. This was not all the price. The whole centre of the fertile Walcheren island was submerged in floods, the great dyke alone standing above the water like the rim of a gigantic saucer.

The meaning of this destruction can only be understood by the gallant Dutch people who bear the burden.

But the prize was the greatest port in Western Europe to nourish and sustain the great offensives that General Eisenhower will soon loose upon Germany itself.

In the village of Zouteland, comparatively slightly damaged, Dutch girls in their charming costume, billowy blue skirts and white linen caps, with knots of orange ribbon in their hair-were out to greet their liberators. The battered main street blossomed with Dutch flags. From the top of the towering dyke a tiny Dutch boy, wearing the biggest possible orange sash, waved his hand to the Marines as they passed by and shouted all the English he knew, which was "Good morning, good morning."

(Reproduced from The Navy - The official organ of the Navy League - Jan 1945)

1944. Monday 18th December. A first-hand account from Jack Eaves RM CH\X 111853. Bowman LCA 994, to the Author:

The Jaba river Operation, Bougainville. Part of X Force.

The Commander of 2nd Australian Corps requested from the Flag Officer Commanding 'X' Force the loan of 4 LCA's for an operation up the Jaba River with the 29th Australian Infantry Brigade. The army's LCM's and LCVP's being too deep a draught to cross the bar at the mouth of the river.

Two LCA's from each HMS Empire Arquebus (536 Flotilla) and Empire Battleaxe, (537 Flotilla) were selected and under the command of Lieutenant H.E. Day RM, of HMS Empire Battleaxe, were prepared and proceeded at first light on the 19th December.

At 0800 hrs on the 20th, 'DAYFORCE' as it became known, moved in single line ahead, eastward across Augusta Bay for the Tekessi River. Following their guide, an Australian launch, stolid looking and unromantic in contrast to the low green shapes of the LCA's. To Port lay Bougainville, hazy in the morning mist, it's mountain range thick with dense scrub, it's flats covered in steaming jungle. The hills were Japanese territory, and the flats dominated by them represented the tiny perimeter which had been consolidated for more than a year.

By1000 hrs the force had crossed the bar at the mouth of the Tekessi River and reported to the Australian Brigadier at his HQ. We had come prepared for any emergency, Lewis Guns, Rifles, Medical Supplies, Camp Gear, Motor Mechanic, Wireman, and a Marine Shipwright.

Beyond the Tekessi River, the Australians had infiltrated along the coast as far as the Jaba River and were reported to be scouting the Tuju River. Patrols had been confined within the coastal strip and the Brigadier was anxious to know whether the Jaba river was navigable inland as far as the patrol, which was operating on the left bank, the limit would be a sign 'JAPS AHEAD'. He was also interested in the Tuju, about four miles beyond the Jaba, but was questionable if the sand bar at its mouth could be crossed by LCA's. Bougainville rivers flow fast, coming down from the hills, fed daily by thunderstorms and with a 4-knot race, pile up sand barriers at their mouth.

The Jaba is 40 yards wide in the flats and with the dense jungle on either side makes it difficult to locate from seaward. We found out when we hit the sand bar and poled and pushed into the estuary. It would have been 'happy hunting grounds' for the R.M.O.C.U, and a quick finish for the coxswain who was 'shaky' in seamanship. The river was alive with snags, branches of sunken logs sticking above the water, with other logs whizzing past every other minute. The deeper water was obviously to be found at the outer edge of the bends and the current flowed round with its complemenent of torn up tree trunks sweeping on into the dense jungle. By pole soundings and good luck, we struggled 5 miles inland, located the patrol on the bank and then turned back for the Tuju.

The mouth of the Tuju lay 4 miles down the coast, Australian patrols had reported that the mouth was clear of the enemy, and we spent an hour there before eventually finding a channel through the sand bar, we then returned and made our report.

At first light the following morning the real job began, a ferry service was established between the Tekessi, and the Jaba rivers. All day a constant stream of troops, stores and ammo, moved up the Jaba, the north bank had been cleared of the enemy, but it was known that a Japanese strong point was located in the swamps of the south bank beyond the forward elements. The Japanese appeared to be fairly well supplied with small arms and machine guns. Although they had lost most of their artillery when counter attacking the perimeter the previous March. A landing was made on the Southbank, behind the enemy position, and a small force moved inland to start a pincer move to outflank the Japanese, it would have to be by river.

The following morning two LCA's were loaded with the New Guinea movement. On the north bank the left flank was held up by dense jungle, it had taken a company two hour to move 200 yards and it was realised that the infantry had to be moved up by river. The 'JAPS AHEAD' sign (a 4ft target painted white with a red ball in the centre) was sighted about 100 yards up river from our start point. As far as we were concerned this was 'H' Hour, the Lewis guns were ready and, in the bow, sat a New Guinea boy watching the dense jungle like a hawk. It was said that the New Guinea native could smell a Jap before he could see them. The coxswain watched the river for anywhere in the dense jungle the Nips could be sitting with his 'Wood-pecker' trained on us. At times the craft jammed on the sand bar and stuck. Then every man jack went over the side and pushed like hell. Occasionally we saw a crocodile, parakeets, and butterflies with 6-inch wing spans. Someone remarked that they were big enough to be paratroops- that crack carried us a mile up the river. After landing our troops, we returned downstream with wounded and some prisoners. You cannot beat the Jaba on the run, there is more danger on the way down than on the run up, the fast current forced us to keep the engines at full astern to minimise the impact should we hit a snag, and we hit them hard and often. During this period there were no casualties among the LCA crews, but one craft had to be abandoned. On the 29th December, two craft from HMS Empire Mace were sent to augment the small flotilla, and the sunken craft replaced. The newly established drop off point was now fed by the river service, and a daily trip was necessary.

Each trip had its troubles, we knew where the enemy were said to be located and precautions were taken to cover the well deck of the craft as a counter against grenades (we hoped that they would bounce off into the drink), this subsequently found to be a worthwhile precaution because 4 days later reconnaissance patrols confirmed the Japs had been where we thought they were.

No grenades were ever thrown at us or shots fired, perhaps credit for this should go to the silent running of the craft. Attacks on us were confined to dive-bombing mosquitoes and infiltrating ants, the ants made their most violent attack one trip when the river rose to full flood in a thunder storm and swept our LCA into the bank, the crash bringing down an ant nest on to the head of the coxswain who spent the rest of the trip cursing, searching, and scratching. This was far more frightening than when a battery of Australian 25 pounders began a bombardment of the river bank only a few hundred yards from the craft.

As exploitation progressed, troops were ferried further and further up the Jaba river until the Japs were cleared out of the area. On the 6th January, our job was done, 'Dayforce' returned to their parent ships where on inspection one craft were found to have 15 fractures in her bottom.

This story, one of those small events involving the Corps and so often overlooked was compiled from the appendix to the official report of the Flag Officer Force 'X' as supplied by RMAQ members Jack Eaves and Tony Cude.

1944. Major Ricketts arrangment of 'A Life On The Ocean Waves', written by Henry Russell, became the version used by the Corps.

1944 \- 1945. Naval Port Parties (Normandy and North West Europe 1944–1945)

Four of these were formed with RM personnel as well as naval ratings in March 1944, to operate captured ports and for boat duties, etc. in the Mulberry harbour; they also manned naval bases ashore. They each had a repair element and communications parties.

The large party '1500' landed at Courseulles on 7th June 1944 with its repair element (NP 1526) and communications (NP 1518. The RM Passive Air Defence Section of '1500' was responsible for precautions against and repairs after any air raids, but also worked on salvaging craft. Marines of '1500's' Administrative Section fed men in the naval camp, while those who were telephonists and those who plotted movements on the HQ maps, worked in the HQ of '1500'. The boat crews were mainly RMs and the RM bomb disposal team cleared mines.

The second of the large parties, '1501' was based at Ouistreham with its repair element (NP 1528) and its communications (NP 1518). Later its personnel went to man the Naval HQ at Rouen, and then moved to Antwerp.

The first of the smaller parties, '1502' with a repair party '1531' and communications '1520A, B & C', was at Calais, but some elements were at Port en Bessin (1502A) and others at Ostend and Zeebrugge.

The second of the smaller parties, '1503' was at Boulogne with its repair element '1530' and communications as NP 1521.

NP 1686 with naval ratings and some Marines cleared Dieppe harbour of mines and obstructions in July 1944.

NP 1715 when later in North West Europe included 324 RM Engineers. NP 1747 dismantled a V1 flying bomb launching site in February 1945, and sent it to Chatham. NP 1749 with RM signallers was in Germany in the autumn of 1945.(RMHS)

1944 \- 1948. Part One. Royal Marines Military Police (Provost). At this late date, on researching the activities of the Royal Marines Provost, I find they must have done their duties remarkably well as very little information is available as to their involvement in the various theatres of the last war. As I was a member of this very professional unit for the last year of the war up to the final disbandment in February 1948 I would like to put on record my own observations to extend and add to the meagre information at present available.

I joined No 1 Provost Company in August 1944 when the Headquarters and Training Establishment was at Exmouth, Devon, in the Imperial Hotel and various other billets in the town. The training staff had a nucleus drawn from sources with police and such like connections. I can recall that we had a professional wrestler who instructed us in many weird and wonderful attack and defence holds, and an explosives expert who I felt sure was an ex-con as he showed us some ingenious ways of gaining entry. The training was very comprehensive, physical and mental, with the study of KR & Als prominent. Training in Beach Control Party duties, Traffic Control, Motor Cycling and Convoy duties took place at Sandbanks, near Poole, where the terrain and soil were similar to what we might expect in Belgium and Holland where the Allied armies were engaged at that time.

I joined a section at Ripon in Yorkshire where 116 Infantry Brigade was being earmarked for service in Holland. The formation of our section nearly approached the ideal which was:

Personnel:

1 Sergeant

2 Corporals

12 Lance Corporals

1 or 2 Drivers (not Military Police)

Vehicles: 1 15cwt (for stores)

2 Jeeps

10 Motor cycles (BSA M20 500cc)

Clothing and Equipment:

Battledress

Shirts, underwear, socks Leather Jerkin

Despatch rider coat

Despatch rider trousers Despatch rider boots

MC crash helmet and goggles Respirator and gas cape Boots and gaiters

Cap and red covers

MP arm band

Khaki waterproof trench coat Handcuffs

Truncheon

Whistle

Pistol holster, ammo pouch Belt and cross strap

Mess tin, etc.

Other personal kit was retained in store at Exmouth

Personal weapons: Pistol (Smith & Wesson .38 or Webley .38)

9mm Sten gun and magazines

The working up period at Ripon, spread over a couple of weeks, enabled us to collect the other equipment which we required to carry out our duties. For instance, stencils, notice boards, paints (different colours), tapes, lanterns and many other items, together with blankets, rations, spare ammunition and explosives loaded into the 15cwt and jeeps.

The Brigade moved in convoy to Tilbury for the sea crossing, then moved up through Belgium and Holland into the area near to S-Hertogen Bosch. Our Military Police section moved into a small school building at Vught where we were immediately called upon to operate marshalling and convoy duties in preparation for the Rhine crossing. Very simple duties on paper but identification of vehicles, and in particular tanks, to send in the right direction presented many problems, chief of which were missing vehicles which had to be located as the loads and personnel, if missing from the correct destination, could cause foul-ups. It is interesting to note that, in the stores which we had brought from UK, were the white arm covers which were worn on the forearm for traffic control; these needless to say, were not used for the purpose intended - we were conspicuous enough as it was on point duty at a crossroad where we stood out like a sore thumb directing an army on the move, with the enemy attempting to do the opposite!

During this period before the Rhine crossing we were detached in twos and threes over a wide area with the Commandos and other units to the west from Bergen op Zoom up to the Oosterhout-Willenstaht area, and to the south east to Canadian units with their HQ at Helmond.

We were also given advice and instruction on what documentation to look for to obtain intelligence from the official German records which had to be salvaged when towns and units were overrun and captured during the final advance into Germany. Again, on paper, a simple exercise but in practice much more difficult as we found later on when we were faced with the reality of doing it.

Being diverse in the execution of our duties enabled us to take advantage of the mobile showers and wash units which were often set up, in many cases combined with a mobile kitchen. This enabled us to keep well fed and clean. We soon discovered that the Canadian units offered better facilities, the exchanging of clean underwear, socks, and shirts, etc, were up to a very good standard compared with that offered by British army units. Being constantly on the move, we had to rely on the units with whom we were operating for cooking arrangements.

With the final assault on Germany - the crossing of the Rhine - in the latter part of March 1945, we were always on the move as a section with small groups once again being dispatched to help maintain and direct the army on the move; we were also required to go up ahead to enter captured headquarters, town halls and civil police stations to safeguard and remove records for safe keeping. In many cases, efforts had been made to destroy them, mainly by fire, and so we soon found fire extinguishers became part of our equipment ready to hand. Surprisingly very little was actually destroyed by fire as paper files, bundled together, were very difficult to destroy, and except for charred outsides, the contents were usually reclaimable.

A large number of the towns were very badly damaged, making movement very difficult, and there was the ever present danger of mines and booby traps which discouraged souvenir gathering, but was a further hazard to intelligence gathering. We moved through Germany north until early May found us near Huxtehude, about six miles from the river Elba, short of Hamburg. By this time most of the resistance had ceased and we received the signal that the final surrender had been signed at Luneburg on 8 May 1945 - VE Day.

Contrary to our expectations we found ourselves even more committed with prisoners and a very large number of the forced labour personnel, both male and female, mainly from the Baltic States wandering around without food or shelter. They had left the German camps and work places, and with nowhere to go, were starting to create serious problems. Our priority was therefore to set up centres so that medical, food and shelter could be provided as well as documentation with a view to repatriation. Typhus was rampant, and hundreds were dying each week. This could only be stamped out by good sanitation and medical facilities. For all of us involved this was a very distressing period, for in the early days we had no facilities or equipment to cope with the problem. For us the war was over, but this was not victory in Europe. I can recall that a welcome break was a visit to Hamburg, Blumen-voss shipyard to supervise the collecting and crating up of material connected with U-boat design and construction.

The war in the Far East against Japan was still going on, and in early July we made our way back to the United Kingdom to report to Exmouth. I went to Chelsea Barracks in London on a course and whilst there the war in the Far East ended, so by the end of the month I was back in Germany reporting to No 3 Company, Royal Marine Provost whose HQ was situated in a building in the Ballindamm, Hamburg. The Naval Provost Marshal, NW Europe was, at that time, Lieut Col E H Nicholson RM and the RSM was Ron Yates. I took over as Sergeant in charge of the Hamburg Section, operating from a house in Blumen Strauss, which was situated at the northern end of the Aister Lake.

At that time No 3 Coy also had police sections in Germany at Cuxhaven, Wilhemshaven and Kiel with sub sections at Travemunde, Bremerhaven and Berlin. At the Hamburg section, as well as a Police complement which varied between twenty and thirty at any one time, we carried civilian cooks, cleaning staff and a couple of motor mechanics. We also had two civilian interpreters attached, one German, the other Belgian.

We were required to give 24 hour cover each day with continuous patrols from 0600 to 2359. We found that the best patrol pattern was to have each jeep out with one driver and three Lance Corporals. The jeep would proceed to Point 'A, drop off two NCOs on foot patrol to a predetermined point when they were met by the jeep. Then one NCO would change over with the L/Cpl ex-jeep to proceed of foot patrol to the next change over point. This system enabled the patrol to work a long shift and cover a very large area as they could arrange their own breaks to fit in with what was requiring their attention.

The main patrol area was from the docks north to Little Aister in the town centre, which included the notorious Reeperbahn but from a police angle it did not live up to its reputation as the proprietors of the clubs kept the area well under control. The Royal Marines Provost became very well known and respected as we retained a presence there all the time the Section was alive in Hamburg.

During the early days, when the 'Non Fraternize' ban was in force we had power of arrest over all Allied Armed Forces and any attached civilians and all German nationals. When the ban was lifted the power of arrest for German nationals was reduced to cover certain offences, but the power to detain was kept. We welcomed this change as right from the start we had concentrated on building up co-operation with the German civil police, this change enabling us to pass a large number of incidents over to them. We were getting concerned, for instance, with our involvement in dealing with petty black market infringements by the German population as it was a waste of time and created the wrong image. With this change of emphasis, the civil police were obviously more helpful, and facilities became more available to us, namely use of their stations and their police telephone network on a more friendly basis. In hindsight, this move did more than anything else to create a stable outlook in an unsettled community. It was the start of better communications. The other bonus was the contacts we made at KRIPO Headquarters at Deutscher Ring where help was given at locating nationals wanted for questioning in connection with war crimes; other facilities, finger printing, etc, were also available to us. On a number of occasions when visiting KRIPO Headquarters we met up with NCOs from 88 SIB (Special Investigation Branch) which led to increased co-operation with them; they passed Naval matters over to us and we reciprocated by passing back Army investigations. This liaison we retained the whole time we were operating in Hamburg and it resulted in a successful outcome in many cases. (By Les Coote (RMHS)

1944 \- 1948. Part Two. Royal Marines Military Police (Provost).

During the winter of 1945/6 there was a severe shortage of food and fuel which contributed to a violent crime wave, food and fuel stores were broken into, often vehicles and sometimes trains were stopped and looted. This necessitated escorts where possible. This situation was not helped by the VIPs from the UK visiting on so called fact finding studies, escorts had to be provided for them. The Army Military Police who had a full Company in Hamburg bore the brunt of this, but we were often called upon to give backup.

On the lifting of the 'non-fraternize' ban and curfew the number of V.D. cases being reported increased rapidly. Where treatment was being given in the hospitals the contact's name and address was obtained and reported back to military police for investigation. So that individual sections would not be bogged down with the follow up enquiries a vice squad was formed, based at the Army MP HQ in the centre of Hamburg and a full Corporal and Lance Corporal were detached from our strength on permanent loan to this unit which worked in co-operation with the German Police Vice Squad. This arrangement was very successful, and RM Provost was involved all the time we were active in Hamburg.

Hamburg, with the Crusader Club and other NAAFI Establishments, became the mecca for units in the surrounding area to visit. They normally arrived in unit transport which had to be parked in guarded parks under RASC control; any vehicle which did not comply with this, but was left unattended in any other area, would be minus wheels and any other movable parts in next to no time. There was a ready market for any of these items, not only in Germany but the whole of Europe. A lot of our time was spent by the patrols in picking up vehicles at risk and taking them to the impound parks for safe keeping, plus the paperwork of the charge sheets. As well as the WD vehicles, this regulation also covered civilian vehicles which had been requisitioned and were on Form 85. These were even more at risk as, for instance, a BMW would fetch a nice price in any of the liberated countries, but a vehicle displaying Form 85 in the windscreen would stand little chance of being stopped and could be driven anywhere.

There was no shortage of incidents to keep us fully occupied, most nights it was after midnight before there was any respite. The day report book for the previous 24 hours had to be made up by 0800 hours with all incidents and other remarks entered. This day book was the bible and it was required to make up the weekly incident report, one copy being sent to No 3 Provost HQ and another copy to Rhine Army HQ BAOR.

During 1946/7 we started to lose the HO members of our happy band on being discharged to Civvy Street. We kept up to strength, however, with replacements on the close down of the sections and sub sections which were operating in Italy and Yugoslavia, also replacements from the UK on the closedown of No 1 Provost Company RM.

The Headquarters of No 3 Company moved from the centre of Hamburg to a house on the opposite side of the road to where the Section was based and during this period Major S Hill RM took over as NPM in place of Lt Col Nicholson.

Another change that took place was the introduction of the Control Commission Germany, which began taking over administration and other duties from the Armed Forces. In quite a number of cases the personnel who entered the service of the CCG were discharged HO service personnel who, being adrift from the discipline of the armed forces, took advantage of their favoured position and took liberties which necessitated a change in tactics. We had previously been lenient with the armed forces and still retained respect, but we found that a firmer approach now became necessary. With this civilian influence entering into the everyday running of things, changes were taking place, not always for the better.

A simple example of the change would be to quote an incident in which a British service person and a German national could be involved. Up to about the middle of 1946 the British service personnel would be dealt with by the Commanding Officer Hamburg Detachment of the Royal Marines Police being inspected by the Naval Provost Marshal, Major S Hill RM with evidence provided by the Military Police. The German national would be dealt with by the German authorities with evidence and written statements passed through the Military Police. This would be accepted by the German court and dealt with without involving the British personnel, as it was accepted that he had been dealt with by the Allied Authorities. There was provision to introduce evidence under oath for more serious cases and there were other safeguards. When the CCG moved into this area, introducing watching briefs and magistrates into the German courts, they complicated the matter by sometimes disputing the CO's ruling in respect of British service personnel and often demanded that they be present in the German court. There was no firm ruling on this procedure and it did promote a lot of resentment, particularly as there was no higher authority we could go to for a ruling, whereas with cases involving the armed forces the situation was cut and dried at all times.

To the north and west of Hamburg in Schleswig Holstein there were a number of Displaced Persons camps which necessitated visits for different reasons. They were controlled by the Allied Forces and any incident which required attention was referred to the Military Police for action. It was bad policy to involve the German police, even though many of the occupants of the camps were German nationals.

One camp at Stadt Park, with a large number of ex-concentration camp men and women occupants being screened for resettlement, was used as a cover to set up a printing unit producing forged documents, ration books, etc. The camp residents, with their background were scared to inform on the activities of the people operating this press, so that it was only spasmodic checks taken by the Military Police which could uncover its activity. We had not sufficient manpower to patrol the DP camps, but random checks were carried out whenever possible.

The German police operated a number of motor launches to patrol the waterside of the dock area and we often supplied a patrol to operate with them, mainly from midnight to early morning, this being the period when there was most activity in the black market trade between ship and shore. This commitment had a higher priority when ships with Jewish immigrants attempting to enter Palestine were returned and held in Hamburg docks. We had an occasion when it was necessary to deter underwater activity in one of the enclosed docks which meant that during the hours of darkness it was necessary to drop grenades over the stern of the police launch. To carry out this operation throughout the dark hours necessitated the supervision of a Senior NCO. Being the only Senior NCO in the section did raise the question of how to undertake this extra commitment and the rest of the duties. However Major Hill and RSM Ron Yates came to the rescue and we took it in turns for the couple of weeks of this scare. The day to day running of the police section in Hamburg was similar to the other sections of No 3 Provost Company RM operating in North West Europe. There was the set routine of foot and mobile patrols which committed an average sixteen Cpls and L/Cpls each day, seven days a week. It was advisable to retain at least four L/Cpls on standby for any call out duty. Any extra NCOs available could always be used to mount backup patrols and increase the leave time. There were no complaints about the shortage of time off, chiefly because the work was interesting. We were doing a useful duty and could see things moving quite rapidly and there was the excitement of being part of this change. However it was important to have time off and longer periods of 24 hours plus between duties was more acceptable than a watch keeping system.

The successful operating of the Hamburg detachment was helped to a great degree by the self discipline of all the NCOs. Their pride in good dress turnout at all times was a credit to them and this, coupled with the fact that the duties they were called upon to perform were constructive, made for a very high morale. The image of 'LURKING AROUND PUBS AT CLOSING TIME' was never part of our operation. We obviously did have to deal with drunks, large numbers in fact, but our policy was to enlist the help of their metes, either Pongo, Matelot or Brylcreem Boy to load them onto the leave transport back to their unit for them to deal with; we very rarely forwarded charges for these cases.

Unfortunately drink encouraged the illicit production of alcohol which caused quite a number of deaths through wood alcohol poisoning. By co-operating with the German police we were responsible in putting out of action a good number of the illicit stills which we located, mainly in the dock area. With the introduction of a beer and spirits ration obtainable via the NAAFI, the illicit production died a natural death.

It is the order of things that when one door closes another opens, so with the NAAFI feeding money and goods into the system, other problems were created. Money and goods were ghosted away on good number of occasions but, with the close cooperation we had with 88 SIB, I am pleased to relate that we were successful in apprehending nearly everyone who committed this shabby type of crime against their own colleagues.

Any incident concerning money, or any valuable item was handled with a strict routine and documentation so that there could be no repercussion at a later date. The safeguards taken by us proved their worth when on a routine check at the Harburg bridge over the Elbe, two cars showing Form 85 were stopped and the suitcases being carried as baggage were found to contain American and British currency; they were obviously detained and brought back to the Section Office. It transpired that the total amount in various currencies was in excess of two million pounds sterling and the involvement was with Yugoslav Royalist Forces. The conclusion, after most of the night in contact with numerous other sources, was to escort the people, cars and contents to the airport north of Hamburg where they were handed over to another authority with all documentation confirmed and accepted.

The activities with which we became involved were numerous and covered a wide spectrum. As time passed most things in general improved and became more organised, which also applied to people breaking the law. They became more ambitious, for instance, acting on information received we were able to arrange with the Cuxhaven RMP to stop and detain a large yacht on the way to the UK sailing from the Hamburg Sailing Club. This was a private yacht which had been requisitioned for recreational purposes by the allied forces. The owners, who were well known, had given their consent for this purpose, so if it had gone missing there would have been serious repercussions.

It is worth noting that for recreation near to us at Kellirihauser there was a gymnasium with all facilities which became a second home to off duty NCOs. We also had access to the German police pistol and rifle ranges and this activity also became a great favourite. We ran a monthly sweepstake on the scoring, which obviously improved our marksmanship with competitive incentive.

We were not receiving any replacements as the training facilities in Exmouth had been closed down with the disbandment of No 1 Company RMP and with the discharge from the service of the HO and NS NCOs, No 3 Company RMP was having to contract. Berlin, Travemunde and Bremerhaven were closed down leaving Hamburg, Cuxhaven and Kiel but with the steady reduction of manpower Cuxhaven and Kiel were reduced to subsections, so as to retain Hamburg as near as possible to the 20/30 NCOs we needed to operate efficiently. We could operate with the 20 NCOs for a limited period only, after which we could not offer the cover required and would therefore become inoperative.

Cuxhaven and Kiel were closed down early in 1948 and the shortage of manpower forced the closure of Hamburg with the final demise of No 3 Provost Company RM by the 26th January.

Finally to give my own personal remarks on the RM Provost, my first thoughts were that they were formed at the right time, and putting aside one's loyalty to a successful unit, they were also disbanded at about the right time.

On their formation as a unit in their own right in early 1944, the duties in the UK by their very nature created an image which was not in keeping with the calibre of the NCOs who belonged to it. They had nearly all been drafted in, having seen active service either at sea or on land, and just to check passes at railway stations and similar mundane tasks was not in keeping with their experience and training. The use of the RM Provost did not change a great deal in the UK but overseas in the theatres of war the individual nature of the NCOs with their Royal Marines background rapidly became a force which was in the forefront to overcome the new and quite unexpected requirements which were encountered. The times were unusual, requiring attitudes and solutions for which there had been no previous experience to draw on. This prevailed during the war and for a considerable period of time afterwards, particularly in Europe.

By the end of 1947 NW Europe was starting to get back to normal and in consequence the role of the RM Provost was becoming more mundane, hence the reason I give for my statement that we were disbanded at the correct time. We could not have willingly accepted the ignominy of a move to such routine duties after our previous experience of making such a useful contribution to the winning of the war and peace. At the height of their activity No 1 RM Provost operating in the UK and No 3 RM Provost operating in Europe had a strength in excess of 350 NCOs; I had no contact with 35 RM Provost which was active in the Far East so cannot offer any information regarding strength or extent of their duties which obviously must have been quite different from those in Europe.

A very high percentage of the NCOs serving in the Provost were Hostilities Only and on discharge found their way into the UK police forces and the Colonial Police Service, such as Palestine, Kenya, Hong Kong, etc.

Owing to the nature of the duties they were asked to perform the very small intake of Continuous Service marines understood that if the unit was disbanded they would be given the option of transferring to the Army Military Police or Colonial Police Service. There being no firm ruling on this the small number of NCOs left with the unit on disbandment were transferred to general duties. (by Les Coote (RMHS)

1944 \- 1950. Naval Parties Ships' Names. Port parties at major bases were given ships' names and RM detachments, RM Landing Craft flotillas and SBS served in these formations, which often commanded more units than the numbered Naval Party, or the Port.

Party initially clearing a port or setting up a headquarters. The names were:

Princess Amelia, 1945 Europe; Princess Irene, 1946 Berlin; Princess Louisa, 1945–6 Brunsbüttel on river Elbe; Royal Adelaide, 1945-46 Tonning, on Eider estuary; Royal Albert, Berlin in 1945 and later, but by the 1950s had become the depot in an ex German ship at Cuxhaven, near Hamburg; Royal Alfred, Kiel in 1945 and later; Royal Caroline, 1945–? Lübeck on the Baltic; Royal Charles, port parties at Le Havre and later at Calais in 1945; Royal Harold (NP 1742) in April 1945 at Kiel, later merged with NP 1743; Royal James, parties at Boulogne 1944–5; Royal Prince in 1945–6 at Emden, Lower Saxony and later name of a parent ship for all RN forces in Germany; Royal William, port parties at Cherbourg, France 1944–?(RMHS)

1945. January - February. The Mobile Landing Craft Advanced Base4 (Naval Party 2400 Landswell) was formed January/February 1945, under Col C. M. Sergeant, OBE, DSC, to provide shore base facilities for minor landing craft flotillas and their maintenance units operating away from their parent carrier ships (LSIs) on ferry services, etc. in the Far East. MOLCAB I sailed from the UK for Australia in February and served in Singapore before returning to the UK and being disbanded in the autumn of 1945.

Similar unit5 to MOLCAB I above, formed in February 1945 as Naval Party 2401 Landlock, under Col C. S. N. Smith. Due to sail in March 1945 for the Pacific, it was not employed operationally before World War II ended. (RMHS)

1945. Monday 15th January. The 30th RM Battalion was formed at Dalditch, under the command of CO Lt. Col T. K. Walker, mainly from former crews of LCs, the Battalion was under command of 116 RM Infantry Bde, and after a brief shakedown in Yorkshire went to France with the Brigade in late February 1945. The battalion HQ was disbanded at Topsham (nr Exeter) on 7th November 1945, the personnel leaving Stoke Gabriel on 27th November for South Brent, where they merged with the 28th RM Bn.(RMHS)

1945. Tuesday 23rd January. Henry Eric Harden VC (23 February 1912 – 23 January 1945) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Harden was a 32-year-old, lance-corporal in the Royal Army Medical Corps attached to. 45 (Royal Marine) Commando unit during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On Tuesday 23rd January 1945 during Operation Blackcock, at Brachterbeek, the Netherlands, three marines of the leading section of the Royal Marine Commando Troop to which Lance-Corporal Harden was attached fell, wounded. The Commando section had come under heavy machine-gun fire in the open field that morning, and the men were seriously wounded. One of the casualties was Lieutenant Corey. Under intense mortar and machine-gun fire Harden was wounded in his side as he carried one man back to the aid post, which had been set up in one of the houses along the Stationsweg in Brachterbeek. Against the orders of another Medical officer he then returned with a stretcher party for the other two wounded. Bringing in the second casualty the rescue party came under enemy fire which killed the wounded Commando. While finally bringing back the third man Lieutenant Corey, who had demanded he be recovered last, Harden was shot through the head and killed instantly. Henry Eric Harden was then 32 years old, married and father of a son and daughter. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his fearless action. On the bridge near the mill there is a plaque to commemorate Lance Corporal Harden.

Lance-Corporal Harden's final resting place is in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at Nederweet, Limburg, the Netherlands.

1945. January. Two further Royal Marine Brigades were formed, the 116th and 117th Brigade. Both were conventional Infantry, rather than in the Commando role. 116th Brigade saw some action in the Netherlands, but 117th Brigade was hardly used operationally.

1945. January. The 116 Infantry Brigade RM was originally intended to command beach battalions in the Far East, the Brigade was formed during January 1945 on an army war establishment under command of Brig C. F. Phillips, with three battalions - 27th RM, 28th RM and 30th RM - a brigade defence platoon, signals section and provost section of RM personnel and an army unarmoured Light Aid Detachment Type 'A'. Within eight weeks the Brigade was in Belgium and its battalions in action in North West Europe during the last three months of World War II. They returned to the UK at the end of June 1945, and this HQ took under command some personnel from Bde RM, 5 RM AA Bde and 33rd RM Bn during November 1945 as units were run down on demobilisation. The personnel of this HQ were redeployed about January 1946.(RMHS)

1945. Tuesday 16th January. 117 Infantry Brigade RM HQ was formed in Kent on an army war establishment under command of Brig W. I. Nonweiler, with three battalions - 31st RM, 32nd RM and 33rd RM - and Brigade troops which were similar to those of 116 Bde RM. After further training on the Lancashire coast, the Brigade HQ moved to Germany during mid May 1945, and from 18th May to 27th June was under naval command in Keil. It returned to the UK on 1st July 1945 and was disbanded on 31st August.(RMHS)

1945. Late January. The 31st, 32nd and 33rd RM Battalions. These Battalions of 117 RM Bde were formed at Deal late in January 1945. The 33rd RM Battalion was flown to Germany to assist 116 RM Bde in accepting surrender of the German fleet, and had some casualties. The 31st and 32nd RM Battalions joined the 33rd in the second week of May 1945. They carried out security duties in the Kiel area until returning to the UK in July 1945, and the 31st and 32nd were disbanded shortly afterwards; the 33rd absorbed some men from the other Battalions before itself being disbanded at Towyn on 7th October 1945.(RMHS)

1945. February. MOLCAB III was similar to MOLCAB I, that was formed at Hayling Island Camp (Northney II) during February 1945, (as Naval Party 2402) with older personnel than in other MOLCABs. COs were: Lt. Col E. C. Hoar, February to 29th April 1945; and Lt. Col J. P. Kelly. It was joined by No. 6 Mobile Base Maintenance Unit (MBMU 6). The base personnel were shipped to Antwerp by LST, where they transhipped stores to set up, with 'Red', 'Blue', and 'White' Camp teams, three bases in the Boreham area, near Antwerp. From these camps the engineer ratings of MBMU 6, joined by Landing Craft Repair Unit No. 8 and a naval crane party (with 4 x Bay City cranes), maintained 660, 661, 821, 822, 823 LC Flotillas of Force U, which were ferrying stores. In mid-April 1945 this Force became Ferry Squadron Force T. In May MOLCAB III moved to Nijmegen to set up camps for the maintenance personnel of the flotillas ferrying men and cargoes on the Rhine. The next month they returned to the UK and were disbanded, as the majority of the personnel were due to be demobilised. (RMHS)

1945. February. 40 RM Commando/40 Commando RM, Origin and titles:

Formed at Deal with 'A', 'B' and 'X' Companies in February 1942 as The RM Commando, it was briefly known as 'A' RM Commando (12th-18th October 1942) before being designated 40 RM Commando. In August 1945 retitled 40 RM Commando (Light) until personnel disbanded but 44 RM Cdo in Hong Kong was later redesignated 40 Commando RM. On the original formation in 1942 the personnel were mainly volunteers from RM battalions , with an officer and 80 men of 8th Argylls; a USMC officer and two other ranks in the summer of 1942 were the first of several American Marines to serve with 40 RM Cdo.

Principal operations in World War II:

After training in Scotland and Portsmouth Dockyard preparatory to the proposed raid on Dieppe, operation 'Rutter', embarked twice for this raid before it was cancelled. When it was remounted as 'Jubilee', the Commando landed at Dieppe on 19th August. Returned to the Isle of Wight, where the Commando had been based since 28th June; in October trained in Weymouth before going to Irvine (Scotland) in January 1943 and two weeks at Achnacarry in April; reorganised into Troops before sailing for Sicily early in June after landing rehearsals on the Clyde. On 10th July landed at Cape Passaro; many of 'B' Troop killed on 1st August when the Commando was aboard an LSI as a floating reserve;

September spearheaded 231 Brigade's landing at St Venere, withstood counterattacks and advanced to Pizzo; 3rd October landed Termoli; 14th January to 21st February 1944 supported (London) Division in crossing Garigliano river, later raiding behind enemy lines; 2nd-23rd March patrolled and held sectors of Anzio Beachhead, making one major incursion with 9 (Army) Cdo into enemy defences. Landed Vis on 5th May; provided boarding parties and raided Komiza 4th May, Brac 3rd-4th June, Mljet 6th-13 July. August - September in Malta reinforced by seven officers and 160 other ranks; 21st September returned to Italy; 24th September landed in Albania to capture Sarande with 2 (Army) Cdo on 9th October; advanced elements in Corfu on 13th October to garrison and administer the island until 9th November; but 'A' and 'X' Troops remained till 1st January 1945; main body at Turi (nr Salerno) until returned to Corfu 9th January 1945 to 27th February. During 22nd-31st March held a sector of line south of Comacchio; 1st-2nd April operation 'Roast' at Comacchio 11th - 13th April operation 'Impact' to cross Menate Canal; 16th April, after casualties, formed into three Troops at Ravenna; guards for prison camps etc. until June when sailed for UK.

Reorganisation:

On return to UK 40 RM Cdo was based at Basingstoke (Hampshire); as of 12th September 40 RM Cdo absorbed men of 43 RM Cdo and became The RM Cdo of 2 Commando Brigade. (On 24th September the Army Commando in 2 Cdo Brigade was formed by 2 and 9 (Army) Cdo's at Alresford, nr Colchester.) The men of 40 RM Cdo were posted to Wrexham for demobilisation or to Towyn before the Commando disbanded, early in October 1945. It was re-formed in Hong Kong in the summer of 1947 by redesignating 44 RM Cdo as 40 Commando RM.

Operations 1945 - 1980:

May 1948 in Haifa during the Arab-Israeli battles, and last unit to leave on 30th June; moved from Malta to Cyprus on 1st November 1948 with 3 Bde RM; August 1949 to May 1952 patrolled over 300 sq. miles of Malaya from the Thai border to Pangkor Island on west coast, mainly in Kedah and Perak, an officer and five other ranks killed in these actions. On 1st July 1952 in Malta; February 1953 to October 1954 in Canal Zone (Egypt) guarding installations and on desert exercises; based on Malta 1954 - 1962 and deployed in Cyprus 1855 to 1958 against EOKA guerrillas; 'Suez' operation 6th - 14th November 1956; returned to Malta, exercises, operations in Cyprus till 1958 and spring of 1959. Based on Singapore May 1962 until October 1971 with tours in South East Asia December 1962 to January 1963 in Brunei and Sarawak; April to July and October 1963 to February 1964 in Sarawak; July to December 1964 at Tawau; May 1965 in Johore; July to November 1965 in Serian; May to September 1966 in Simmangeang Barracks (Borneo) and elements in Brunei; later moved to various barracks in Singapore until 30th October 1971, with a tour of duty in Hong Kong in September 1970; based on Seaton Barracks (Plymouth) from late 1971. Spearhead battalion to Cyprus on 17th July to 16th September 1974; tours in Northern Ireland 14th June to 18th October 1972, 16th June to 16th October 1973, 16th August to 15th December 1976; from 5th March 1979 for four months; and during part of 1980 in London Derry Some operations and deployments 1981 - 1997:

1982 Landed on East Falkland 20th - 21st May; provided the protection force for San Carlos area; two companies seconded on 11th June to 1st Bn Welsh Guards to replace the Welsh casualties at Goose Green and in advance by helicopter to Sapper Hill 14th June; companies to West Falkland 15th June.

1983 move to Taunton (Norton Manor Camp); tour in South Armagh; last Commando landing from Hermes for exercise ashore in Turkey (October).

1984 Exercises in Egypt.

With UNFICYP summer in Cyprus.

1986 February composite company to Brunei for exercise 'Curry Trail'.

One Troop on raiding exercises from Gibraltar.

Deployed to Belize.

1988 20th July returned from a successful tour of Northern Ireland based in South Armagh. Fifty Marines of A Company recalled from Christmas leave on 26th December and deployed at Lockerbie to search for wreckage from the PanAm aircraft which had exploded over the town. The search was so thorough that men found themselves searching almost inaccessible woods, thick pine forests and never forgetting to look up every five metres for pieces lodged in trees.

1989 April deployed in exercise 'Dragon Hammer 89'.

1991 Summer: a company provided an element of the multinational 'Rainbow Battalion' in Turkey, which was part of the air/land deterrent protecting the Kurds.

1992 May the A Company flew to Kuwait for cross training with Kuwaitis whose weapons included Russian RPG-7 anti-tank rocket launchers, gave fire demonstrations of commando weapons and trained in the desert. Other Companies were in the Caribbean at this time and a Troop from A Company deployed to the Indian Ocean for exercise 'Orient 92'.

1993/4 the Commando served a tour in Northern Ireland based in West Belfast. Returned May 1994.

1994 October C Company Group on exercise 'Sandy Warrior'.

1995/6 Commando served a tour in East Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

1996 Series of exercises and cross training in South Africa during 'Ocean Wave' deployment, which took the Cdo to the Far East and a late summer on exercise 'Desert Song' in Jordan.

1997 Autumn - provided the Ld Cdo Group/Spearhead for the JRDF.

Miscellaneous:

Flag had pale blue background with navy blue centre segment carrying inverted red dagger.

Memorable dates: 3rd October the landing at Termoli (in 1943); and 6th November the assault on Port Said in 1956. Involving companies 'A', 'B' and 'C' in 1997.(RMHS)

1945. February. The Freedom of the Borough of Deal was bestowed on the Corps and a Royal Marine was later included as a Supporter in the Borough's Coat of Arms.

1945. Thursday 1st March. The 34th RM Amphibious Support Regiment was formed under War Office control from the 29th RM Battalion on 1st March 1945, with a War Establishment of 43 officers and 725 other ranks,17 including some army personnel. The Regiment arrived in India on 8 May 1945, and was to have come under command of the Commando Group later that year. The Regiment's 1st and 2nd RM Support Batteries were equipped with LVT(Armoured), the 3rd RM (Rocket) Battery with LVT(Rocket), and the 4th RM Battery with LVT(Flamethrower). But the only operations carried out by this Regiment were in south East Asia, where it was equipped as infantry and employed on internal security operations for a short time in 1945. The Regiment returned to the UK in 1946, after carrying out internal security duties in India, and was disbanded that autumn. (RMHS)

1945. March. Y6 Kings Squad passed for duty.

1945. April. MOBLABs IV, V AND VI. Although 'IV' was formed in April 1945, both 'V' and 'VI' did not complete their formation, begun in July 1945, and all three were disbanded later that year. Only 'IV' has been identified as a Naval Party (NP 2003). (RMHS)

1945. Tuesday 3rd April. Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter (1923 - 1945) was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) during the battle of Comacchio.

The London Gazette of Wednesday 13th June 1945, gives the following details: In Italy Corporal Hunter of "C" Troop of a Royal Marine Commando was in charge of a Bren group of the leading sub-section. Having advanced to within 400 yards of the final objective he realised that his troop had to cross open ground where enemy fire would cause heavy casualties. Corporal Hunter seized the Bren gun and charged across 200 yards of open ground, attracting most of the enemy fire. Showing complete disregard for this fire he alone cleared the enemy position, capturing six Germans. The remainder fled over the canal. The troop now became the target for fire from the opposite bank. In full view, Corporal Hunter fired and drew most of the enemy fire while the greater part of the troop gained cover. Shouting encouragement to the remainder he continued firing with great accuracy until finally he was hit and killed. There can be no doubt that Corporal Hunter offered himself as a target in order to save his troop. By the skilful and accurate use of his Bren gun he demoralised the enemy, and later silenced many of the Spandaus firing on his troop, so that many of the troop made their final objective before he was killed. Throughout the operation his magnificent courage, leadership and cheerfulness had been an inspiration to his comrades.

1945. Wednesday 4th April. Royal Marines from 45 (RM) Commando, 1st Commando Brigade were on the look-out for snipers among the ruins in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, Germany. War Diary HQ No 1 Cdo Bde 4th/5th April 1945;

Hasbergen:

0300 - The Bde moved off in single file and approached Osnabrück from the NW. 3 Cdo led with Tac HQ and 45 RM Cdo following. 6 and 46 RM Cdo were in the rear. By dawn the Bde had infested the NW part of the town and by 1000 hrs Osnabruck was in our hands, only a few snipers remaining. Whilst the casualties of the Bde were low and those of Tac HQ nil, the enemy lost some 50 killed and wounded and 450 PW.

Thursday 5th April. Osnabrück - Weather cool and heavy showers. The Eastern suburbs were cleared by 46 RM Cdo. www.commandoveterans.org

1945. April. MOBLABs IV, V AND VI. Although 'IV' was formed in April 1945, both 'V' and 'VI' did not complete their formation, begun in July 1945, and all three were disbanded later that year. Only 'IV' has been identified as a Naval Party (NP 2003). (RMHS)

1945. Three Royal Marines were awarded the Battle of Britain Clasp to the 1939 - 1945 Star. Captain R.C. Hay RM, 808 Squadron, Captain A.E. Marsh RM, 808 Squadron and Captain A.J. Wright RM, 804 Squadron.

1945. Sunday 8th – 9th April. Eighteen men from the Special Boat Service set out across Lake Comacchio to attack heavily defended German positions. The assault was led by a Danish national, 24 year old Major Anders Lassen, already a legend within the British Special Forces, three times decorated with the Military Cross for his exploits during raiding parties on enemy occupied ships and positions. 1945. Monday 9th April. Major Anders Lassen VC MC SBS. Killed in Action Comacchio, Italy. Served in the SOE, SAS, and SBS to all he seemed completely fearless. killed the same day as Thomas Peck Hunter VC.

In early 1943, No. 62 Commando was disbanded, and its members dispersed amongst other formations. Lassen was among a number who went to the Middle East to serve in the Special Boat Section, then attached to the Special Air Service. Others joined the 2nd SAS under the command of Bill Stirling, elder brother of David Stirling. During his time in the SBS, Lassen rose in rank to become a Major by October 1944. During his service he fought in North-West Europe, North Africa, Crete, the Aegean islands, mainland Greece, Yugoslavia and Italy. He was awarded two further bars to his Military Cross on 27th September 1943 and 15th February 1944.

On 24th April 1944 he led a successful SBS raid on Santorini, taking out the garrison on the island and blowing up the building housing the radio installation with time bombs. Lassen and the force, with only two casualties, successfully withdrew on two schooners.

Lassen, who was 24 years old, was serving as a temporary Major in the British Special Boat Section when he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation was published in the London Gazette on 4th September 1945.

1945. Spring. Other Infantry Units. The 60th Reinforcement Holding Unit: formed in spring of 1945; mobilised (under Army command) at Aldershot in May before going to NW Europe. Reverted to RM command on return to UK 1st June 1945 and disbanded shortly afterwards. Some Royal Marines for this unit who were under training with the Army in UK that June, also reverted to RM command.

The RM Base Defence Unit: formerly 'Y' Company, formed in 1940 for ground defence of naval bases. For Boom Defence and Scaffolding Unit.

Plymouth - Argylls Battalion: formed in Singapore on 29th January 1942 with 'A' and 'B' from men of 2nd A & SH, 'C' Company of mainly Marines from Prince of Wales, and 'D' Company from Repulse. In action 8th - 15th February before Singapore troops ordered to cease fire.

Defence Force RN Air Stations: from 1940, and before then in the case of specific stations, RM units were formed to provide the ground defences of naval air stations, and were organised in companies and platoons.(RMHS)

1945. Thursday 12th July. MOLCAB Assembly Base. This RN command on Hayling Island (HMS Dragonfly) became an RM command on 12th July 1945, CO Lt. Col T. P.

Honnor, but the base was disbanded that autumn. (RMHS)

1945. August. The Mobile Naval Air Bases (MONABS). Eleven of these had reached the planning stages by August 1945, and two battalions of RM Engineers had reached Australia to join Naval Party 580, who were to build the intermediate forward air base at Manus, in the Admiralty Islands, and had reached Australia early in 1945. Other detachments were assembling with 79 all ranks, including 30 tradesmen being drafted to MONAB XI that August. But the MONABS IX, X and XI were not deployed. In August most of the others were in Australia, with MONAB I (Nabbington) at Nowra (New South Wales), 'II' (Nabberly) at Bankstown (NSW), 'III' (Nabthorpe) with the 2nd RME Battalion at Schofields, 'IV' (Nabborrow) had elements at Manus in the Admiralty Islands, 'V' (Nabswick) was at Nowra (NSW) in 1946, 'VI' was with 'III', and 'VIII' (Nabbatcher) served in Hong Kong. 'IV' was probably the TAMY (Nabsford) at Archerfield. All were disbanded as World War II ended before bases were required. Some of the personnel worked on restoration on harbour or other facilities before returning to the UK. (RMHS)

1945. Sunday 2nd September. Saw the end of the Second World War. The following is a short list of Medals that were awarded to Royal Marines serving in Commando units. Others had been awarded at different times during the war.

BRYCE CK, Cpl, No.47 RM Commando, - MM (Immediate):

During a large scale raid on an enemy position east of Sallenelles on the evening of 18th June 1944, Cpl Bryce was in command of No.1 MMG detachment which advancing to take up a fire position, walked into an unallocated minefield. An explosion wounded Cpl Bryce and two Marines. Despite serious injuries to his foot, including a compound fracture of his leg, and in great pain, Cpl Bryce took charge of this detachment and the situation, got his gun into action against three located enemy machine gun positions, which had in the meantime opened fire on the detachment. It was due to Cpl Bryce's determination to accomplish his task disregarding his own injuries, that a serious dislocation of the fire plan did not occur and that fire support was forthcoming when it was required.

DONNELL, PM, Ty. Maj (A/Ty. Lt Col), No.47 RM Commando, - DSO (Periodic). Croix de Guerre with Vermillion Star:

When 47 (RM) Commando landed near Le Hamel in Normandy on the Tuseday morning of 6th June 1944 the Commanding Officer became separated from his unit. Major Donnell the second in command collected the very disorganised unit. Hearing the sound of heavy sustained firing Major Donnell went forward and quickly sizing up the situation, assembled as many of B Troop as he could find taking cover in the houses, and with complete disregard for his own safety personally led the attack on the flak ships lying along side the wall of the outer basin. Major Donnell, by his determination, his unflinching courage and his personal inspiration was largely responsible for the success of this attack, which was so vital to the whole operation.

During the attack the whole Commando on the enemy position at Sallenelles, east of River Orne on the evening of Saturday 17th June 1944, a MMG section, advancing to take up a firing position, walked into an unallocated minefield. Casualties were inflicted on both gun detachments. As soon as the first mine exploded an enemy machine gun opened fire at a range of 200 yards inflicting further casualties. Major Donnell, with complete disregard of the danger of further mine explosions and under accurate close range machine gun fire, went back, picked up the gun, carried it forward and personally acting as No.1, got it into action. The fire support provided by the MMG section contributed largely to the success of the raid.

In the assault on Walcheren Island he took command of a troop when its officers had become casualties, and later, during the night after an enemy counter attack, continually moved around the forward posts encouraging the men and bringing forward the ammunition and rations. In the words of his late commanding officer he was a tower of strength as second in command, his coolness under fire, imperturbability and his sound common sense have been of inestimable value. Later as Commanding Officer, it has not fallen his lot to take part in any major actions, but he has commanded and administered his unit and, by his skilful planning and direction of patrols and raids, inflicted casualties on the enemy and gained information at minimum costs.

ELLIS, WE, L/Sgt, No.47 RM Commando, - MM (Immediate):

On the evening of Thursday 8th June 1944 on the outskirts of Port-en-Bessin, Sgt Ellis was sent out in a carrier to collect two wounded men who were known to be lying by the side of the Pont fatu road. Sgt Ellis came under fire from close range from two directions. When he reached the wounded men he leapt out of the carrier and returned with both of them to their position. Throughout these actions Sgt Ellis's conduct and devotion to duty were an example to all.

EMSLEY, R, Marine, No.47 RM Commando, - MM (Immediate):

During the attack on Port-en-Bessin on Wedneday 7th June 1944 Marine Emsley was seriously wounded by a German mortar bomb. Despite his injuries, he continued to give supporting fire with his Bren gun and throughout showed an excellent offensive spirit. By this fine act of devotion to duty Marine Emsley very materially assisted the advance and final success of his comrades.

ENGLAND, JP, Acting Ty. CSM, Nos. 43, 46 & 47 RM Commando, - DCM:

On Thursday 2nd November, TSM England was TSM of one of the troops of 47 (RM) Commando detailed to attack one of the strongly defended battery positions south-east of Zoutelande which commanded the Scheldt estuary.

The defences included concreted casemates and pillboxes and unusually thick belts of wire covered by machine guns. The advance was over 1,500 yards of deep soft sand.

By the time the attacking troops had reached assaulting distance they had become very depleted and disorganised and it seemed as if there would be insufficient weight in the attack to storm the enemy defences.

At this critical time TSM England came under heavy fire at close range from an enemy machine gun. Seizing a bren gun lying on top of a dead marine, and firing from the hip as went, this brave NCO plodded up the soft sandy slope and charged this heavily bunkered position alone. He shot and killed two of the occupants and, running out of bren ammunition, he turned the German machine gun with good effect on three more Germans who had fled. Still alone, he worked forward to a second position 30 yards further on where he killed three more Germans, two others surrendering. Here he was later joined by men from another troop.

In a situation where the odds were strongly against him, and knowing that he was unsupported, the courage and determination of this NCO was above praise.

Later, in the growing darkness when it was impossible to give our forward troops any close support, the enemy counter-attacked and our men were driven off the enemy position on which they had gained a foothold.

The next morning another attack was put in on this enemy battery and TSM England's troop was given the task of mopping up behind the assaulting troops.

The enemy was putting up the most desperate resistance and soon attacking and mopping-up troops became intermingled. The enemy opened concentrated and sustained cross fire from the position which TSM England had rushed the previous evening and from a concrete fire control position known as the 'umbrella' on the seaward side of the dunes. On his own initiative and with total disregard for his safety he threw a smoke grenade to screen himself from the view of the 'umbrella' and rushed the machine-gun post in front of him. Killing or capturing the occupants, he continued to work through the network of trenches and tunnels.

Throughout the course of the battle for Walcheren , especially in the fluctuating and bitter fighting, his immense courage and total disregard for his safety had a decisive influence.

ESTHERsther, RWW, Acting Ty. Sgt, No.47 & 42 RM Commando, - MM (Periodic):

During the assault on Walcheren led by 47 (RM) Commando on Wedneday 1st November 1944, the LCT in which Sgt Esther was travelling was hit twice by shells and unable to beach, all LVT's had to swim off and owing to strong tidal conditions became disorganised and sub-units were landed at widely separated points. Sgt Esther immediately rallied his men and went in search of other scattered bodies of the Commando. By his energy, a large part of the Unit was reorganised , officers were contacted and a most difficult situation cleared up. Later on Thursday 2nd November, when the Commando were attacking enemy positions beyond Zoutelande, Sgt Esther's troop came under very heavy and concentrated mortar fire while crossing a large enemy anti-tank ditch in the sand dunes. Two of the three officers were severely wounded and it seemed doubtful if a footing could be gained on a high dune overlooking the ditch. Although severely wounded, he remained on the position encouraging his men to hold on until further troops arrived and the situation was reorganised. Only then did Sgt Esther allow himself to be evacuated .As an example to the great spirit of this NCO when in hospital although he knew that the Naval Authorities were evacuating all Royal Marine personnel to the United Kingdom, Sgt Esther insisted that the location of his Unit should be found and on leaving hospital he immediately rejoined the Commando by getting lifts from passing vehicles. Since the landings on Tuseday 6th June 1944, Sgt Esther's name has become famous in the Commando for his continued keenness to get at the enemy, for his coolness under fire and for his consistent cheerfulness.

FLOWER, RT, Ty. Capt, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

On Thursday 2nd November, on Walchern, South of Zouteland, Captain Flower was in command of the leading troop of 47 (RM) Commando which had been ordered to capture one of the batteries commanding the Scheldte, and one which contained strongly held and well-sited concrete machine-gun emplacements. The objective was nearly 1500 yards from the start line and the attacking troops had to advance over soft sand dunes, covered with thick belts of wire and studded with both marked and unmarked minefields.

Captain Flower's troop came under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire and also fire from an 88 mm gun. Many casualties were caused forcing the men to seek what little cover they could find. Captain Flower, however, with the utmost gallantry, walking among his men in full view of the enemy, so encouraged and inspired them by his splendid example that they got up and followed him, plodding through the deep soft sand, with casualties still falling among them, until they were within 30 yards of the enemy position. Here Captain Flower was wounded in the chest and arm by a stick grenade. Nevertheless, under close range fire from enemy weapons of all kinds, he rushed the nearest weapon pit and killed the 3 occupants with his tommy gun. In the bitter and close fighting which ensued and despite the pain of his wounds, this officer showed great personal bravery and the highest standards of leadership. By this time the following troop, which had lost both its officers, had become merged with the leading troop. The enemy counter-attacked and Captain Flower and his men were driven back into a gully below the battery position.It was here that this officer was again wounded by a bullet.Now grievously wounded and weak from loss of blood, he continued cheerfully and resolutely to encourage those around him. When darkness fell his troop was ordered to withdraw.Throughout Captain Flower showed great personal bravery and inspiring leadership. There were times when the position appeared hopeless, but on each occasion it was restored by his fearless example and determination. His courage is still the subject of conversation among the men. When things were going badly it was a wonderful example to the whole Commando and in the highest traditions of his Corps.

FORFARr, JO, Captain, RAMC, No.47 RM Commando, - MC (Immediate):

At Walcheren on the afternoon of Thursday 2nd November 1944, during the advance along the dunes southeast of Zoutelande, the leading troop of 47 (RM) Commando came under extremely heavy and sustained enemy mortar fire, which killed 15 and wounded 21, including three officers. Amidst the bursting mortar bombs and whilst casualties were still being inflicted on those around him, Captain Forfar went forward to attend the wounded. The troop commander could not be found and Captain Forfar went on another 50 yards in incessant mortar fire, where he found him previously lying grievously wounded. Whilst he was dressing his wounds, five Germans appeared over the a sand dune 250 yards away and opened fire with an MG34, killing one, and wounding another of the stretcher party who had meanwhile crawled forward and joined him. Captain Forfar with complete disregard for his personal safety coolly went on giving the wounded first aid and he, together with the wounded, were later withdrawn under cover of smoke. Throughout the whole course of the first three days of the battle for Walcheren , when 82 ranks were wounded, many of whom were recovered by this officer personally with the greatest heroism; the courage and devotion to duty of this officer were above praise.

GADSDEN, DR, Marine, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

On Wednesday 7th June 1944, during the attack on Port-en-Bessin, Commando Headquarters and one weakened troop on Point 72 feature were over-run by an enemy counter-attack, which was supported by mortar and machine gun fire. Marine Gadsden showing a complete disregard for his own safety, moved about bringing fire to bear from different positions for a long time deceiving the enemy as to our actual strength on the position. His gallant conduct and cool bearing were a great encouragement and inspiration to his comrades and materially assisted in frustrating the enemy's attempt to overcome the position.

GARDNER, DHG, Acting Ty. Sgt, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

At about 1730 hours on Wednesday 7th June 1944 during the attack on Port-en-Bessin, Sgt Gardner's section came under heavy machine gun fire, which caused four casualties. Immediately afterwards, a German mortar inflicted further casualties including Sgt Gardner. Despite his wounds, Sgt Gardner pressed forward and occupied the position ordered. Throughout Sgt Gardner was very cheerful and later showed an excellent spirit whilst waiting to be evacuated from the Regimental Aid Post.

GOLDSTEIN, I, Ty. Lt, S.A.U.D.F., No.47 RM Commando, - MC:

During the attack on Port en Bessin on Wednesday 7th June, 'A' tp had to assault through belts of wire and mines up the eastern feature overlooking the port.Lt Goldstein moved forward and blew a gap in the wire with a bangalore. The force of this explosion blew him at least 30yds backwards down the hill. He quickly pulled himself together and went into the assault with "A" tp. He inspired the men by his example and courage of a high order and later, when wounded in the head and arm, refused medical attention until the other wounded had been treated.

GRIFFIN, JA, Marine, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

During the attack on Port-en-Bessin on Wednesday June 7th 1944, Marine Griffin's section came under fire from an enemy MG. The remainder of the section went to ground but Marine Griffin immediately went forward alone and captured the occupants of the post. Throughout the assault, Marine Griffin was always in the thick of the fray, always cheerful.

HAW, R, The Revd, Ty. Chaplain, No.47 & 45 RM Commando, - DSC. For gallantry:

Zsteadfastness and inspiring devotion to duty whilst serving with the 45th Royal Marine Commando during the liberation of Holland.

HOOPER, A, Ty. Sgt (A/Ty. Clr Sjt), No.47 RM Commando, - Croix de Guerre with Vermillion Star:

At about 2130 hours on Wednesday 7th June, during 47 (RM) Commando's attack on Port-en-Bessin, Sgt Hooper's section came under heavy MG fire which caused four casualties. Immediately afterwards, a German mortar inflicted further casualties and Sjt Hooper was himself wounded. With hastily arranged fire support from his bren, and despite his wound, Sgt Hooper led his few remaining men in an assault on the enemy MG. In the failing light they over-ran the MG and the enemy trenches in its vicinity killing or capturing all the enemy still alive.

Unreconnoitred belts of mines and wire would have precluded any assault under cover of darkness and, if the enemy objective had not been captured that night, an attack next morning in daylight would have been a costly business.

Clr Sjt Hooper by his determination, his unflinching courage and his personal example was an inspiration to his men at a critical time when things were going badly.

Clr Sgt Hooper has maintained this very high standard of performance in the face of the enemy and has proved to be the most successful NCO patrol commander.

On the night of Thursday 15th and Friday 16th June he led a most difficult and successful night patrol into the enemy position near Sallenelles, East of the river. ORNE and brought back information of the enemy defences upon which a raid by the whole Commando two nights later was planned.

HORSFIELD, H, Acting Ty. Sgt, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

Sgt Horsfield was a volunteer for a raid on the enemy forward defended lines, east of Sallenelles, during the early morning of Sunday 23rd July 1944. The enemy had been in position for at least six weeks and his defences were well prepared and covered with wire and mines. Sgt Horsfield was the Senior NCO of a small party, led by Lt Collet, who had been ordered to sweep to the left on reaching the enemy forward defended line. When about 50 yards from the enemy forward defended line, Lt Collet trod on a mine and became a casualty. Surprise was lost and the enemy opened heavy automatic fire aided by flares. Sgt Horsfield immediately took command of the unwounded numbers of his party and, who were considerably shaken, led them forward and by his fearless example restored their confidence. In the darkness the finding and searching of enemy weapon slits was difficult but not content to return empty handed, Sgt Horsfield persevered, the whole time under heavy automatic and mortar fire. His party captured and returned with an officer prisoner. He later returned with Lt O'Brien and assisted in carrying his own seriously wounded, clear of the minefield to safety.

HUGHES, TL, Ty. Lt, No.47 RM Commando, - MBE:

Lt Hughes has been signal officer of this Commando since before D-day. Throughout the campaign he has shown unfailing courage, good humour, energy and common sense.

During March and April of the year 1945 he has three times volunteered and twice accompanied the covering parties sent to establish watching patrols on the island of Schouwen. In this type of operation, good communications are vital and Lieut Hughes spared no effort to ensure them. This is characteristic of this officer's great work for the Commando. Outside his signal duties he has given willing and unvaluable service and has commanded and trained all HQ personnel in a very efficient manner.

In battle, and in training this officer has done far more than his allotted duties, and he has set a fine example of leadership, cheerfulness and determination.

JAMES, WTB, Lt, No. 4 Cdo. & 47 RM Commando, - MC:

For courage and leadership displayed during enemy attack at Hauger on the evening of Thursday 8th June 1944. The enemy had broken through the position covering the Commando left flank and were advancing up a valley straight towards Commando HQ which was being held by only a few men. Lieut James realised the danger of the situation and immediately called a few men and started a counter-attack. Although the enemy strength was estimated at one platoon he advanced with his small force and held the enemy's thrust. He personally accounted for many of the enemy by first firing a bren gun until the ammunition for that gun was expended. He then continued to fire with a rifle until all the ammunition for that weapon was gone and finally he picked up a Garand rifle continued to fire and succeeded in holding the enemy until a force arrived to assist his small party to drive the enemy back. By his prompt and brave action he undoubtedly prevented the enemy overrunning the position and by containing them formed the base for the counter-attack which restored the position.

JESNEY, Jal, L/Cpl, RAMC, No.47 RM Commando, – MM (Immediate):

On Wednesday 7th June, during the assault on Port-En-Bessin, 'A' Tp, whilst moving up the Eastern junction overlooking the port, came under heavy and accurate fire at a range of 300yds from two Flak ships lying in the harbour. Four men were killed outright and twelve others injured, but L/Cpl Jesney stood by and tended the wounded still under fire. He showed selfless devotion to duty of a high order.

KENDENDRICK, PG, L/Cpl, RAMC, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

On Wednesday 7th June 1944 during the assault on Port-en-Bessin X Troop came under accurate close range machine gun fire. Without hesitation or orders, and with complete disregard of danger, L/Cpl Kendrick went to, and attended the wounded although casualties were still being inflicted .The devotion to duty and the prompt courageous conduct of L/Cpl Kendrick was a grand and inspiring example to all his comrades.

LANYON, FW, Marine, No.47 RM Commando, - MM (Immediate):

Closing the beach near Westkapelle during the assault on Walcheren Wednesday 1st November 1944, the LCT carrying Mne Lanyon's troop, 47 (RM) Commando, was hit by a shell. Three amphibians in the LCTY caught fire and there were large and loud explosions .A number of Marine Lanyon's Troop were killed, wounded or burnt and among these was a Marine who had literally been blown into the sea and had his leg broken. There was a great 'sauve que peut'. Marine Lanyon, who is not a strong swimmer, without hesitation jumped into the sea and assisted this Marine, who was quite helpless and in great pain to reach the beach, some 200 yards distance. By this time Marine Lanyon was in a state of complete exhaustion and had swallowed so much salt water that he had to be given medical attention in the beach dressing station. Here his clothes were taken away, but as soon as he recovered his faculties this Marine, wrapped in only a blanket, rejoined his troop. He was subsequently fitted out in the Regimental Field Post with casualty clothing. The next day Marine Lanyon's troop was ordered to attack the battery south east of Zoutelande. They came under heavy fire at close range from several enemy riflemen, killing his section NCO and wounding three others in the section. The men scattered and took cover. At this critical junction Marine Lanyon, calling upon the others to follow him, without hesitation, rushed the enemy post, killed three of them and wounded the fourth. But for his fearless example and leadership on this occasion there is little doubt that the attack would have been held up and possibly never put in that evening.

LITHERLAND, H, Acting Ty. Cpl, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

Throughout the campaign in North West Europe, Cpl Litherland 's cheerfulness and devotion to duty, no matter what have been the circumstances, have been beyond praise. In action, at Port-en-Bessin as a Marine, he took charge of a section when his section commander was wounded and by his personal example was largely responsible for the successful completion of the task allotted to his section. Throughout this period of the bridgehead, he volunteered for and took part in several patrols of a hazardous nature. Later at Walcheren , he again cheerfully took over the responsibilities of commanding his section on his NCO becoming a casualty. At Kapelsche Veer on the River Maas, on the night of Tuseday 16th and Wedneday 17th January 1945, he was in the leading group of a strong fighting patrol, which was sent to secure a firm base from which the Commando could make an attack. Before the firm base was reached two enemy patrols were met and wiped out due almost entirely to his initiative. Later when the main Commando attack was held, and heavy casualties had been incurred, he volunteered to take his Bren Gun Group to help the leading troop. On arrival there his cool direction of the Bren gun, and his personal bravery in attacking (in company with only one other Marine) an enemy slit trench from which an enemy machine gun was dominating our own positions, were largely instrumental in beating off the counter-attack. Situations as cited above are but a few examples of this NCO's magnificent personal example on all occasions.

LLOYD, RE, Ty. Lt, No.47 RM Commando, -Medal of the Bronze Cross:

This offr has rendered outstanding services to 47 (RM) Commando since its formation and particularly so during operations and general duties in Holland from Wednesday 1st November 1944 until Tuseday 8th May 1945. He took a leading part in the assault on Walcheren Island on Wednesday 1st November 1944. After his LVT had been sunk by enemy shell fire, he swam to another landing craft which in its turn was also sunk by enemy guns. Quite undeterred he swam ashore and led his section with great determination. Later that day, his Troop Commander having become a casualty, he took over command of the troop, and by his personal example inspired his men to gain their objectives, in some of the bloodiest fighting of the campaign. Later, as Troop Commander, he fought with distinction in a raid on an enemy bridgehead at Kapelsche Veer. Towards the end of the campaign, while stationed on the island of North Beveland, he took part in many small scale raids and recconnaiscance parties, against the island of Schouwen. Immediately after the capitulation of Germany he negotiated with the Germans for the surrender of their troops on the island of Schouwen, and was instrumental in bringing relief to the distressed Dutch inhabitants of the island.

MacDONALD, W, Marine, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

Throughout the assault on Wednesday 7th June 1944 on Port-en-Bessin Marine MacDonald was absolutely fearless. As the Troop Commander's runner, he time and again crossed open ground under close range enemy automatic fire, carrying messages and orders of vital importance. By his gallant and courageous conduct he played a major part during the closing stages of the successful assault on the port. His devotion to duty was quite exceptional and a most inspiring example to his comrades.

McKENNA, GL, Marine, No.47 RM Commando, -Croix de Guerre with Vermillion Star. During 47 (RM) Commando's assault on Port-En-Bessin on Wedneday 7th June, Marine McKenna's section came under heavy MG and mortar fire. Both NCOs in the section were killed. At this critical moment, when the remainder of the section were showing signs of hesitancy, Marine McKenna, unsupported, made his way forward along the East side of the basin which was being swept by almost continuous enemy MG fire. He threw a smoke grenade into the enemy MG post and under cover of the smoke rushed it and captured all five German occupants.

The remainder of the section, encouraged by their comrade's example, joined him and finally captured the vital ground above the basin.

O'Brien, AP, Lt, No.47 RM Commando, - MC:

Lt O'Brien was leading a patrol in a "silent" raid on the enemy's FDLs east of Sallenelles early in the morning of 23rd July.

When about 50 yds from the enemy position, one man of the patrol trod on an anti-personnel mine. Surprise was lost. The enemy opened heavy automatic fire aided by flares. For a moment it looked as if the patrol would fail in their task but Lt O'Brien by his total disregard of danger, by his personal example and by his determination, got the patrol together again and led them into the enemy position.

When the patrol had returned to our own lines with an officer prisoner, Lt O'Brien, hearing that some of the patrol were missing, returned to the enemy minefield, moving through our defensive fire and stayed there, in the fast-growing light, until all the wounded had been removed.

PACKER, MC, Acting Ty. Sgt, No.47 RM Commando, - MM:

Walcheren, on Thursday 2nd November, during 47 (RM) Commando's attack on W.11 Battery S.E. of Zouteland, Cpl PACKER's section commander was killed during the hand-to-hand fighting that followed the assault.

Continuous heavy fighting ensued for 2 hours, during which Cpl PACKER displayed outstanding courage and leadership, often rallying those around him at critical times. He was always well to the fore, sometimes unsupported, in the counter-rushes that met the German attacks.

In the absence of any close fire support our men were driven off the position by sheer weight of numbers. Cpl Packer rallied the survivors of his section. His cheerful yet resolute manner inspired them with confidence, and put new life into them so that they were clear to hang on to the vital ground during the hours of darkness.

The next morning, in a renewed attack on the enemy battery position, Cpl Packer's troop was responsible for right flank protection.

The enemy opened concentrated and sustained cross fire at close range from the crest of the dunes and from a concrete fire control position known as the "umbrella" on the seaward side of the dunes.

Quickly sizing up the danger from this flanking fire, Cpl Packer in spite of MG and rifle fire, without hesitation and without waiting to see if he would be supported, charged the "umbrella" with his tommy gun. He had to climb about 30 yards up a slope of soft deep sand.

When he was only a few yards short of the "umbrella" he was wounded by a stick grenade and fell just under the concrete lip of the emplacement. With great presence of mind and still full of fight he threw a No 77 smoke grenade into the "umbrella" and this proved a very effective silencer.

Throughout the best part of 2 days continuous and fluctuating fighting, much of it at close quarters, this NCO showed the greatest courage, inspiring those around him to further efforts by his cheerfulness, determination and complete disregard for his own safety.

PHILLIPS, CF, Acting Lt/Col, RM, - DSO:

For gallant and distinguished services while operating with the Army in Normandy.

PYMM , AL , Acting Ty. Cpl, No.47 RM Commando, - MM (Periodic).

During the landings on D-Day on the Normandy Beaches, Cpl Pymm's boat struck some underwater object, causing him and several others to be thrown into the sea; he saved one man who was wounded, from drowning and not content with this, he went back into the water and saved two more of his comrades. Throughout the campaign in Normandy and in the chase across France Cpl Pymm set an example of courage and fortitude, which was a source of inspiration to many, a younger man. Later in November 1944, having landed at Westkapelle on Walcheren Island, the Commando found its forward troops pinned down by accurate and heavy machine gun and mortar fire. Cpl Pymm in his capacity as a stretcher bearer worked coolly and efficiently at his job of evacuating the wounded, many of whom owe their lives to his calmness and complete disregard of personal safety. These are but two instances of this NCO'S exemplary behaviour throughout this campaign, which are rendered the more exceptional when his 39 years of age are taken into consideration.

Spencer, P, Captain, No.47 RM Commando, - DSO (Periodic):

For gallantry, leadership and undaunted devotion to duty during the assault on the Island of Walcheren.

On Walcheren , on Thursday 2nd November, 47 (RM) Commando was attacking a strongly-defended, elaborately constructed battery S.E. of Zouteland. Heavy casualties had been inflicted on the leading troops, including five officers. Several attempts had been made to reach the strongly held plateau above the battery, but all without success. Wireless communication having failed, Captain Spencer, the Adjutant, was sent forward to find out what the situation was and to withdraw the remainder of the two attacking troops under cover of darkness to a ridge about 350 yards from the enemy position. He found the troops without officers and very disorganised. It was nearly midnight before the wounded had been collected so the remainder established in a position of all-round defence. During the night the Germans attacked this position with about 50 men, far more than Captain Spencer had at his disposal, but they were driven off. Later, the enemy made repeated attempts to infiltrate into the position. All these failed. Had they succeeded, this ground so necessary as a firm base for further attempts to capture the enemy battery would have been lost. Captain Spencer, by his remarkable leadership and inspiring example was to a very large extent personally responsible for holding this vital ground. The next morning another attack was put in on this battery by two fresh troops. The commanders of both these troops became casualties and the momentum of the attack was fast petering out when Captain Spencer, seeing that the situation was critical, went forwards to pull the assaulting troops together and to co-ordinate their attack. Leaving cover and taking up position on the open dunes, with complete disregard for his personal safety, he collected the few troops there were at hand and led them in a bayonet charge up the soft sand slopes and into the enemy position. The first gun casemate was captured and working through the communication trenches and underground passages, within 45 minutes the whole battery was in our hands. By his superb courage at a time when things were going badly, this officer so inspired the men to put new life and spirit into their offense that they succeeded where four times their number had previously failed.

WALTON, DH, Acting Ty. Major (Ty. Lt.), Royal Marines, - MC:

On Wednesday 7th June, during the approach to Port-En- Bessin, X Troop, acting as advance guard, came under accurate MG fire from the outskirts of LaA Rosiere.

Quickly sizing up the situation Captain Walton led his men straight into the assault and by his personal leadership and example so inspired his men that a very difficult problem was quickly solved.

In the circumstances, it was vital that the Commando should make top speed in its advance to the port and any delay would have seriously prejudiced the chances of surprise and speedy success.

This was only one example of his lustfulness and determination to get on.

WHITE, CH, Acting Ty. TSM, No.47 RM Commando, - Order of the Bronze Lion. Medal of the Bronze Cross:

This NCO has served continuously with 47 (RM) Commando in Holland from Wednesday 1st November 1944 until Victory in Europe Day. Saw him in action against the enemy for the first time on the island of Walcheren. Shortly after commencement of the action his Troop Sergeant Major was killed, in addition to his Section Officer. Troop Sergenat Major, then Sergeant White, took command of the section and fulfilled all the duties of an officer, during some of the blodiest fighting that has been seen in this campaign. His extraordinary lust for battle, and his magnificent leadership played a great part in the succesful assault by his troop on two batteries.

After the capture of Walcheren he volunteered for every patrol carried out by the unit, in addition to taking a leading part in the routine but hazardous patrols carried out by his troop on the river Maas in that critical period between Sunday 24th December 1944 and Wednesday 17th January 1945. At Kapelsche Veer on the night of the 13/14th January 1945, he took part with his troop in a most succesful fighting patrol to secure a firm base for the main Commando attack. Later when this firm base was established, he volunteered to join a troop going in to the assault and whose Troop Sergeant Major had become a cassualty. His presence added greatly to the effectiveness of the attack. Later, at Domburg in April and May 1945 he was responsible for the instruction of Senior NCOs of a battalion of Stoottroepen who were under command of the unit to which he was attached. By his sheer enthusiasm and example, these NCOs became most efficient in a minimum of time.

1945. At the end of the Second World War the Corps had reached a strength of 78000 of which 7542 were killed or wounded.

1945. Royal Marine Bands in shore Establishments in the UK to revert to the wearing of White Helmets with White Belts and Cross belts.

1945. August. 42 Commando Royal Marines was formed at Sway (Nr Lymington). It was redesignated 42 Royal Marine Commando (Light) in August 1945 and 42 Command Royal Marines in early 1946.

1945. October. 40 RM was disbanded, before reforming as 40 Commando RM. When 44 RM was re-designated.

1945. January. Two further RM Brigades were formed, the 116th Brigade and 117th Brigade.

1945. A Landing Craft Assault (LCA) unit was stationed in Australia late in the war as a training unit. A number of Royal Marines also served as pilots during the Second World War.

1945. 42 & 44 Commandos were in the Battle of Kangaw, Burma. 40 & 43 Commandos fight in the Battle of Lake Comacchio in Italy. Royal Marine Commandos involved in the river crossings in North West Europe.

1945. Corps Strength at that time was 78,500.

A total of four Special Service units were raised during the war, and Royal Marines were represented in all of them. A total of nine RM Commandos (Battalions) were raised during the war:

1 Commando Brigade took part in the assaults on Normandy, and campaigns in the hineland after crossing the Rhine.

2 Commando Brigade was involved in the Salerno landings, Anzio, Comacchio, and operations in the Argenta Gap.

3 Commando Brigade served in Sicily and Burma.

4 Commando Brigade served in Normandy and in the Battle of the Scheldt on the island of Walcheren during the clearing of Antwerp.

At its height during 1944 more than 70,000 people served in the Royal Marines. However, following the Allied Victory the Royal Marines were quickly reduced to a post war strength of 13,000.

A number of Royal Marines served as pilots during the Second World War. It was a Royal Marines officer who led the attack by a formation of Blackburn Skuas that sank the German cruiser Königsberg. Eighteen Royal Marines commanded Fleet Air Arm squadrons during the course of the war, and with the formation of the British Pacific Fleet were well represented in the final drive on Japan in the Pacific Theatre. Captains and Majors generally commanded squadrons, whilst in one case Lieutenant Colonel R.C. Hay on HMS Indefatigable was Air Group Co-ordinator from HMS Victorious of the entire British Pacific Fleet.

1945. Wednesday 15th August. Lieutenant Norman Finch V.C. released from service and retrurned to the King's (later Queens) Bodyguard.

1945. 45 and 46 RM Commandos with 3, 4, and 6 Army Commandos formed 1 Commando Brigade which spearheaded the river crossings from the Rhine to the Elbe and played a leading part in the advance of Field-Marshal Montgomery's 21st Army Group. Meanwhile the RM landing craft crews who had worked untiringly in the assault area were formed into two infantry brigades (116 and 117) and were present at the German surrender.

1945. Late in the year. Force W Fire Control Unit. A number of Marines served in this unit as signallers in the latter part of 1945, if not before.(RMHS)

1945. 'Those Magnificent Royal Marines in Their Flying Machines' 'Post War with the Fleet Air Arm'.

After the Second World War a limited number of Royal Marines Officers were seconded to the Fleet Air Arm as fixed wing pilots, among them P J F WHITELY. Lieutenant T J P MURPHY, who completed his flying training in 1959, was the last Royal Marines Officer to fly fixed wing aircraft in squadron service in the Fleet Air Arm and the only jet pilot. Subsequently he went on to be one of the first RM officers to fly helicopters when he, together with Lieutenants WISE and LEAROYD, qualified to fly Whirlwinds. The three officers joined 848 Squadron in Bulwark in August 1961. Since that date there has been a constant supply of Royal Marines Officers to fly troop lift helicopters in the Naval Commando Squadrons. In 1969 Captain M REECE RM was appointed CO of 848 Squadron in HMS Albion based at Singapore.

Unit Light Aircraft

In 1965 a new stage was marked in Royal Marines aviation. For the first time since the days of Royal Flying Corps, Royal Marines were trained in purely military flying with the introduction of the unit light aircraft. 40 and 42 Commandos, both based in the Far East, were equipped with an Air Troop of three Sioux helicopters. Lieutenant P CAMERON, the first Royal Marine to be trained solely as a ULA pilot, commanded 42 Commando Air Troop. N D J WISE, a former Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilot commanded 40 Commando Air Troop, having done the necessary conversion course at the Army Aviation Centre Middle Wallop. The first RM SNCO to be trained was Sgt P LAWRENCE who attended Course 177 at Middle Wallop and then joined 42 Commando in March 1966. He was trained by Captain T J P MURPHY who had qualified as the first RM helicopter instructor. Both 40 and 42 Commando Air Troops served in Borneo during the confrontation with Indonesia. In 1966, 45 Commando serving in Aden, and HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM in Singapore, were both allocated Air Troops. 29 Commando Light Regiment, Royal Artillery which was also in Singapore in support of the Commando Brigade was also allocated an Air Troop. Finally in 1967 41 Commando, the only home based Commando at that time, was given its Air Troop which operated from Plymouth City Airport at Roborough. Initially all Commando Sioux helicopters were maintained by Royal Naval technicians, a Chief Petty Officer acting as Air troop Artificer. These ratings were Commando trained and wore the Green Beret. From 1967 onwards there was a gradual transition until the Naval Ratings had all been replaced by soldiers of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

On 12th August 1968 the four Air Troops of 3 Commando Brigade RM in Singapore were centralised to form the Commando Brigade Air Squadron under the command of Captain T P T DONKIN MBE RM. The squadron was organised into three flights, one Flight of three Scouts per Commando and a larger Brigade Headquarters Flight.

In 1970 the Brigade Headquarters Flights were re-equipped with Scout helicopters. It was in one such aircraft that Lieutenant FROST RM carried out a hazardous casevac operation in Malaya which earned him the AFC.

During the first half on 1971, 3 Commando Brigade was withdrawn from Singapore to the United Kingdom. The Commando Brigade Air Squadron established itself at Coypool, Plymouth on 19 July 1971 and took under command the remaining two Air Troops of the UK based Commandos and the UK based Commando Gunner Regiment. 45 Commando had returned from Aden to the UK in December 1967. Thus for the first time, all light aviation units of the Royal Marines were commanded by the one CO, Captain D R B STORRIE RM. The new squadron was organised into five Flights, one for each of the Commando Groups and a fifth for the Commando Brigade HQ. Each Flight is named after the battle honour of its affiliated Commando, namely Dieppe Flight for 40 Commando, Kangaw Flight for 42 Commando, Salerno Flight for 41 Commando, and Montforterbeek Flight for 45 Commando. The Brigade HQ Flight is called Brunei Flight to commemorate the first time our Commando Gunners went into action to support the Brigade.

It is policy the Flights support their affiliated Commando units as closely as possible. Where the Commando goes, there its Flight goes. To this end Salerno Flight remains with 41 Commando in Malta and Montforterbeek Flight is based with 45 Commando in Scotland and accompanies that unit for training in Norway every winter. Montforterbeck Flight, Dieppe Flight and Kangaw Flight have all accompanied their units to Northern Ireland. In addition, RM Flights support their units in the amphibious role alongside the Fleet Air Arm aboard HM Ships Bulwark, Hermes, Fearless and Intrepid in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Atlantic and Norwegian waters.

No matter what the future holds the Royal Marines must continue the tradition, now more than sixty years old, of providing pilots for the Fleet Air Arm Squadrons and now, for our own squadron. Having the facility to operate in three dimensions is a necessity in modern war and whether that facility is required over land or sea, the Royal Marine pilot will be in his element, providing a versatility second to none.

3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron RM Plymouth August 1973

(Courtesy – 'Flyingmarines.com' & 'Fleetairarmarchive.com')

1946. March. 45 Commando RM served in Hong Kong.

1946. Wednesday 17th April. 432 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks. R. Ainsworth was awarded the Kings Badge.

1946. Thursday 25th April. The Senior Wing of the Royal Naval School of Music moved from Scarborough to Burford in Oxfordshire.

1946. Saturday 8th June. The Victory Parade in London.

1946. Royal Marines from HM Ships occupied Penang.

1946. 42 & 44 Commandos occupy Hong Kong.

1946. Thursday 1st August. The Junior Wing of the Royal Naval School of music moved from the Isle of Man to Burford, Oxfordshire.

1946. October. HMS ROBERTSON. At least three Landing Craft bases were commanded by Royal Marine Officers during World War Two, one of which was HMS ROBERTSON near SANDWICH in Kent, a brief history of which is here reprinted from the Globe & Laurel of October 1946. "Swan songs are fashionable these days and HMS ROBERTSON is about to join the chorus - The ship paid off an 31st August 1946 and the rear party should have pulled out by the middle of September.

Since this will be our final contribution to the Globe and Laurel, some account of the ship's activities during the war might be recorded.

The story really begins in 1916, when Kitchener, Haig and Cowan Camps, as well as Richborough Wharf, were constructed for use by the Royal Engineers, Inland Water Transport Section. The wharf then boasted about 30 cranes instead of the four which are at present in use. Of the three camps originally built, Kitchener is HMS ROBERTSON, Haig is a Royal Engineer Holding Unit, and Cowan Camp is devoted to the noble industry of mushroom growing. The river was a hive of industry and innumerable tugs and barges were kept busy taking munitions and materials of war to our armies in France.

Between the two wars the wharf facilities were owned by the Southern Railway, Port of Queenbury Development Co. and finally Pearson, Dorman Long.

And so to World War II, when in August 1940, the River Stour was effectively closed by the sinking of two blockships at Shell Ness and anti-invasion measures completed by the mining of adjacent beaches.

By 1943, there was a demand for suitable combined operations bases and the River Stour came into its own again. The blockships were cleared, landing craft repair facilities installed at Richborough Wharf and, on 2nd July 1943 Kitchener Camp re-opened as HMS ROBERTSON. From 1940 Jewish refugees had found a sanctuary in the establishment.

Commander T J Linberry, RN was the first Commanding Officer and served in that capacity until 21st March 1944. During this period naval personnel were predominant, though Royal Marines soon began to flood in as the corps took over the landing craft commitment, "C" Squadron, RMLC, consisting of LCAs and LCV (P)s built up and completed its training in the River Stour and Pegwell Bay during the months before D-Day and later moved further south, ready for the grand crossing.

Amongst other Units accommodated in the camp during 1944 was an American Construction Battalion which was engaged in constructing "Mulberry" units. These were launched into the River Stour and towed into Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate. One of the Americans in this Unit had actually been accommodated in the same camp during the 1914-18 war. Unfortunately, his reactions to this coincidence are not known.

After D-Day a Special Recce, Unit trained at ROBERTSON prior to serving in the Far East. The Unit was built up from members of all three Services. (Globe & Laurel of October 1946).

1946. Tuesday 31st December. Warning Instructions - Reorgaisation of the Corps. Portsmouth, Chatham and Plymouth Divisions will become Groups and will be given specific functions.

1946. The Raiding Squadrons RM. After World War II an RM flotilla of LCP(L)s was based at Plymouth for training commandos in landings at the base of cliffs. They carried out much of their training at St Ives (Cornwall). A larger raiding craft was introduced in the early 1950s. This flotilla did not carry out any operations.

Experimental work in Malta with an inflatable rubber craft (IRC) during the 1950s led to the adoption of the Gemini for seaborne raiding. This craft was based on designs of the French Zodiac. In July 1967 No.1 Raiding Squadron RM was formed at Poole (Dorset) initially with all ranks, to take over the training and operational commitments of 3 Cdo Brigade for raids. A second Squadron was formed on 2nd December 1968 under the command of 45 Cdo RM but was disbanded after some months. In 1978 the RMR formed the 2nd Raiding Squadron, which continued in 1980. That year there was also a third Squadron, the 3rd Squadron RM in Hong Kong.

The 1st Raiding Squadron landed men from their rigid raiders or from inflatables (launched from submarines on occasions). Sections were deployed with individual Commandos in many of the operations noted in the Commandos' histories. Typically in 1979 their exercises included: the Arctic Section's visit to Norway from January to March; a detachment in Holland (June); another in Scotland (September to October); and throughout the year the Squadron provided training facilities for other units Raiding Squadrons 1981 to 1997.

Since before 1981 1st Raiding Squadron had been attached to the Cdo Brigade's HQ & Sigs Sqn. It deployed to the Falkland Islands in 1982. And was deployed on exercises in Norway and elsewhere. In April 1994 it came under the command of 539 Assault Sqn.

A 'new' 2nd Raiding Squadron was an RMR unit formed in 1978 In a typical exercise it was in the Mediterranean in 1992.

3rd Raiding Sqn was formed for service in Hong Kong in 1978 1st July 1988 ceased operations against illegal immigrants in Honk Kong, but some personnel remained in Hong Kong for service with patrol boats.

Miscellaneous. Regarded as part of the Assault Squadrons, the Raiding Squadrons had the 6th June (Normandy 1944) as their memorable date.(RMHS)

1946. Drill - New RM instructions to be issued. To include Marching as well as Bugle and Drum sticks.

1946. Captain Richard Thomas Partridge was the first Royal Marine officer to fly a jet aircraft, a Gloster Meteor at the Empire Flying School.

1946. The practice of Royal Marine Drum Majors throwing the staff in the air will only be carried out at the discretion of the Major General Royal Marines, on the parade ground of a Royal Marine Establishment.

1946. The Army Commandos were disbanded, leaving the Royal Marines to continue the role of the Commando. During this time the Corps underwent a major change of training British Commandos.

1946. Beach Control Parties. These Parties in World War II had been Royal Navy Commandos operating under command of a Beachmaster RN, who controlled the berthing at landing points and was in general responsible for the organisation of craft's beaching, coordinating this with the operational requirements as a beach head developed. In July 1946 three officers and 37 other ranks were in training as half of a beach party to learn from RN experience. They were moved to Rosneath on the Clyde estuary but were reduced to a cadre of eight, from which the knowledge of Beach Control Parties' work was retained and later expanded. The Parties had their equivalents in the LPDs of the 1990s, as a part of the Beach Units in Assault Squadron.(RMHS)

1946. The Special Boat Section was renamed the Special Boat Squadron.

1947. Jim Porter RM Recalls. When I joined at the beginning of 1947, the Corps stood at some 8,000 - just under 2000 of these were with 3 Cdo Brigade (40, 42 & 45 + Bde HQ). The remainder were at RM and Naval shore establishments, BAOR and at sea. As I recall, we had at the time 1 Battleship, 5 Carriers and about a dozen Cruisers in commission all with RM detachments. Mustn't forget the LSTs either.

1947. Registered Numbers. The prefix 'RM' Divisional system ceased.

1947. Tuesday18th March. Letter from Tony Cude on how he joined the Corps in 1947..Not an auspicious date, just a normal spring Monday to most Londoners, but for few, myself included, it was day never to be forgotten, for it was on that day with 29 others I became a Royal Marine.

Some weeks earlier, I, had gone along to the Hither Green Recruiting Office to enlist in the Royal Horse Guards, but was informed on arrival by the only person there, a rather large blue clad man with buttons on his sleeve, that the Army 'bod' was out to lunch and he doubted if he would be back before closing time. I was also advised that the Royal Navy offered a much better life for a young man, than that of a 'brown job'. Being of but 17 tender years and sadly unaware of the power and sadistic humour of a Chief Petty Officer RN, I ventured to explain I wanted to be a soldier not some scruffy matelow in a tight suit with baggy trousers.

How he contained himself, I'll never know, but he did and just smiled at me (much the way as a crocodile does)and said "For you my lad, I have just the thing, there's vacancy in the Royal Marines" and went on to explain the benefits of being both a soldier and a sailor, with me in my innocence having the impression (wrongly as one finds out) that I would get paid as both, and adding the final comment "that he had always wanted to be a Royal Marine but had not really been good enough." Oh! How gullible we are at 17.

I then remembered that I had an uncle that had served in the Corps during WW1, I had never met him for he had later settled in Cape Town, and so, green as the beret that I now wear on Anzac Day, I accepted his proposal and signed on the dotted line. It was many, many weeks before I fully appreciated his sardonic sense of humour and realised how he had restrained himself that day.

And thus it came to pass on that at 10 o'clock on that fateful Monday morning, on Tuesday 18th March 1947, I found myself, in the company of thirty other lost and deluded souls, who were either simple minded or had been tricked or duped into signing that same piece of paper that I had, facing a bored team of medical personnel,who prodded, peered, poked, looked at or listened too every square inch of my naked anatomy, after which, having been permitted to clothe my nakedness in my very expensive fifty bob suit from 'Billy' Burton's, I was ushered into another room where some of those other poor souls who had preceded me were recovering from the shock. Time passed, how much I cannot remember, with those present eyeing each other with intrepidation, until the last of the glazed eyed thirty staggered in.

Within minutes we were arraigned by a quiet spoken Sergeant and sworn in, what the actual words of the oath were I doubt if any of us knew, just "Hold up your right hand and repeat after me", followed by a mumbling fromall present, most still being in a state of shock or total bewilderment. We were then each handed the sum of Four Shillings, which most of us thought was for lunch even thought we had been advised to bring sandwiches. Neither do I remember being given the King's Shilling unless it was included in the Four Bob we got.

Left to our own resources, more time passed until a haggled looking Corporal, shepherded us, clutching our worldly possession to Victoria Railway Station and put us on the train for Deal, counting heads every time the train stopped, as if he was feared one of us might leap off the train and disappear. To this day I still do not know why any of us did not pocket the four bob and bolt but we didn't.

Tony was given the number CH/X 5002. He got around a fair bit serving on the ITCRM staff, 45 Cdo. HMS Swiftsure, HMS Jamaica, 42 Cdo. Amphib. School Portsmouth and Poole, 40 Co, TTWRM, back to 45 again then 43 Cdo., finishing up in JSAWC Poole again. He qualified as a D1. He saw action in Palestine in 1948, Korea, Malaya and Cyprus. Some of the countries he served in are Japan, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Iceland, Malta, North Africa, Sicily, Aden and New Zealand. Tony (with a No5 rifle) while serving in "A" Troop 42 Cdo RM, Perak, Malaya 1952.

1947. Friday 16th May. HMS Albion a 22,000 ton Centaur class light fleet carrier was launched. While under tow by tugs Beamish, Hendon and George V from Jarrow to Rosyth on Tuesday 18th October 1949, when she was in collision with SS Maystone 4 nautical miles from the Longstone Lighthouse. Mayston sank, Albion had a 225 square foot hole in her stern and started to sink. The three tugs attempted to beach her near St Abbs Head but were hampered when Hector became disabled when a tow rope wrapped around her propeller. Tug HMS Restive was sent from Rosyth to assist and destroyer HMS St James arrived and took Hector in tow until her crew managed to clear the propeller. Albion was successfully berthed at Rosyth with 5 feet of water in her engine room. She was scheduled for completion in 1951 but not fully completed until May 1954. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1947. May - November. 45 Commando RM was based on Malta.

1947. Monday 7th July. Functional Reorganisation - Royal Marine Divisions become Royal Marine Groups. Bands to be known as Group Bands.

1947. July. Jim Porter passed for duty at ITCRM. King's Badgeman was Jock McCance. Those were the days when lads then went off for further training as necessary. Commando school, Gunnery School, Driver training etc etc. I didn't get my first Commando draft until I was a Colour Sergeant.

1947. 478 Kings Squad passed for duty at Deal Depot.

1947. 479 Kings Squad passed for duty at Deal Depot.

1947. August. 961 N.S. Kings Squad passed for duty at Deal Depot.

1947. 484 Kings Squad passed for duty at Deal Depot.

1947. October. Inauguration date of the Cassel Prize. Rt. Hon Sir Felix Cassel presented money to the Worshipful Company of Musicains for medals / prizes to encourage education and training in Music in the Armed services.

1947. 490 Kings Squad passed for duty at Deal Depot.

1947. Monday 17th November. 45 Commando moved to St Patrick's Barracks and Fort Pembroke.

1947. November. 475 CC Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Jock McCance was awarded the Kings Badge.

1947. Under the new Pay Code Boy buglers will no longer be required to undertake instruction in the playing of the fife. At the discretion of Commanders, instruction in the fife may be given to Buglers who have completed their first commission at sea.

1947. A reorganisation of the Corps took place. Royal Marine Divisions become functional Groups.

1947. RM Band Service - Changes to Bandmaster Ranks. Bandmaster 1 to become Bandmaster and Bandmaster 2 to become Band Sergeant.

1947. Three Royal Marine Commando Units, 40, 42, and 45 Commando RM, moved from Singapore and Hong Kong to Malta, to form part of Britain's Strategic Reserve in the Near and Middle East. The units of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. At Malta the Brigade practiced its amphibious skills.

1947 \- 1991. The Cold War. The Special Boat Squadron, as it was now known, was kept busy during the long standoff between East & West. Known activities include :

Inserting and extracting agents from Eastern Bloc coastlines.

Intelligence gathering on Russian naval capabilities. An example of this is when a pair of SBS divers covertly photographed and examined the hull of a new Russian Battlecruiser when it docked in the port of Gibraltar.

Role playing - along with the SAS, SBS would frequently play the role of Soviet Spetznaz (Special Forces) troops in mock attacks on Nato installations. Some believe that these exercises caused an overestimation of the Spetznaz's capabilities.

Coastline Reconnaissance - beaches and harbors of potential hotspots around the world were clandestinely examined with the aim of preparing the way for amphibious landings.

Training - SBS teams passed on their expertise to cold war allies and strategic friends. Amongst those instructed included the U.S. Navy Seals and the Sha of Iran's Naval Special Forces.

1948. Registered numbers. By the time the use of Divisional prefixes and Divisional registers was suspended in 1948, these sequences had reached four digits (CH/X3285; PO/X4393; PLY/X4897). In the Royal Marine Band Service the use of 'X' continued until August 1955 (RMB/X1698), and then the old sequence of numbers was resumed, but from RMB 3400 to prevent any duplication.

1948. The Royal Marine Forces Volunteer Reserve. Originally Commandoes wore their own regimental headdress and cap badge (79 different badges being worn in No 1 Commando alone).

1948. January. Registered Numbers. National Servicemen and Royal Marines Reserve. The 'RM' prefix, followed by a number of six digits, indicates a National Service man entered between January 1948 (RM 127791) and June 1952 (RM 133707).

1948. January - May. 40 Commando RM went to Palestine during the Arab Israeli War. It was soon followed by the two other commandos in the Brigade.

1948. January. Registered Numbers. The prefix 'RM', followed by a number of four and later five digits, superseded the Chatham, Plymouth and Portsmouth suffixes. It indicated a rank entered on a Continuous or Short Service engagement between January 1948 and January 1948. The very first number allocated was RM 6934.

1948. March. 45 Commando was deployed to Benghazi Libya and to Haifa in the Spring.

1948. Saturday 24th - 30th April. 45 Commando seved In Libya.

1948. Friday 30th April - 12th May. 45 Commando served in Palestine.

1948. 12th May - 8th June. 45 Commando served in Libya.

1948. May. 'The Palestine History'. The British were formally awarded the mandate to govern a middle east region during 1922. The non-Jewish Palestinians revolted in 1920, 1929, and 1936. In 1947, following World War II and The Holocaust, the British Government announced its desire to terminate the Mandate, and the United Nations General Assembly adopted in November 1947 a Resolution 181(II) recommending partition into an Arab state, a Jewish state and the Special International Regime for the City of Jerusalem. The Jewish leadership accepted the proposal, but the Arab Higher Committee rejected it; a civil war began immediately after the Resolution's adoption. The State of Israel was declared in May 1948.

1948. May. Palestine. By Lieutenant Colonel Peter R Thomas.

"The Lord made a covenant with Abraham saying Unto thy seed I will give this land. (Genesis Ch 15v18).

On the 25th April 1920 the League of Nations entrusted the mandate to govern Palestine to Great Britain. Over the next 20 years Palestine's infrastructure was built up, including the construction of Haifa Port in 1933. Between 1922-24 the population increased by 342%. The Arab population tripled but dropped from 74% to 48% as Jews flooded in: in 1932 12,500 and in 1935 66,000 as anti-Semitism grew in Europe, culminating in the Holocaust. The Jewish aim was unrestricted immigration, but Arab discontent grew as land was bought up and employment for them was reduced. In the resulting Arab revolt of 1936-39 the British lost control and poured in troops. Eventually 17 battalions and a cavalry brigade restored the situation on the brink of World War 2. The Zionists had embarked on their own militarisation in defence of their settlements and by 1939 had 15,000 troops under command; the basis of the Hagannah, the future Israeli Army. The Arab leadership became exhausted and suffered 5,000 dead and 15,000 wounded. The Jews lost 329 killed and 827 wounded while the British suffered 135 killed and 386 wounded. The Arabs were given an undertaking that Jewish immigration would be limited to 75,000 over five years 15,000 per year.

Whilst the Royal Marines detachments of the Mediterranean Fleet could have formed a battalion, only platoons and companies were landed. For example, on the 29 July 1936 HMS Sussex landed a platoon at Acre, and on the 6 August 1936 HMS Sussex, Arethusa and Delhi formed Haifa Town Company under Maj C F Phillips (later Maj Gen). On the 28 September Mne Jones of the Arethusa was severely wounded in the legs throwing a bomb clear of a fire, for which he was awarded the DSM; in July and August 1938 HMS Repulse landed her RM platoons at Haifa, with the Band as stretcher bearers, until relieved by HMS Malaya. By 1939 13,000 Naval General Service Medals had been awarded to naval personnel, but only one day in the theatre was required to qualify.

During WW2 most Jews co-operated in the war effort, apart from the Irgun and the Stan gang. Abraham Stern was a Polish Jew who had arrived in 1940. His aim was to read' an accord with Hitler by attacking the British and thus allowing European Jews to be evacuated to Palestine. He continued attacks on the Palestine Police and the Army until he was killed in 1942. Menachim took over and continued attacks on Police Stations in November 1944 the British Minister of State, Lord Moyne, was murdered by the Stern gang in Cairo.

VE Day was D Day for Jews, and terrorism increased with Palestine Jewry in full and open revolt. The British HQ in the King David Hotel was bombed on the 24 July 1946 with 94 killed, the majority British. This was a Hagannah plan taken over by Irgun who gave no warning. The Jews took hostages against punishment of their terrorists. Two Intelligence Corps Sergeants were hung on an orange tree and their bodies booby-trapped with anti-personnel mines in retaliation for the hanging of three Irgun terrorists in Acre prison.

The Royal Navy had the disagreeable task of intercepting illegal Jewish Immigrant Ships bringing Jews to their promised land from the concentration camps of Europe. By the end of the campaign 47 intercepted vessels were laid up in Haifa and 67,000 Jews interned in Cyprus. RN and RM boarding parties were trained at the Royal Marines Training Centre, Ghain Tuffieha, Malta in the hazardous task of leaping from warships onto the I.J.I. ships packed with desperate Jews. Their only defence being entrenching tool helves, steel helmets and cricket boxes as protection from the ferocious women with their hat pins. These sailors and marines certainly earned their Naval General Service medals.

The most notorious of the I.J.I. ships was the Exodus which the Foreign Secretary, Ernest Bevin, ordered to be sent back to Hamburg in full view of a UN Fact Finding Commission and the world's press. This aroused worldwide sympathy to which the Palestinian Arab's pointed out it was Europe which persecuted and murdered Jews. They argued that Europe and the USA had no right to salve their consciences by creating a state for the Jews in the midst of the Arab world.

The British had already announced that they were relinquishing the Mandate and handing Palestine over to the UN, which in turn produced a partition plan allocating the most fertile camps, which the British Foreign Secretary ordered back to Hamburg half to the Jews who compromised one third of the population. Christmas 1947 erupted in carnage and this was where 40 Commando came in.

Lt Col Robert (Titch to most) Houghton MC RM (now Maj Gen CB OBE MC DL., and at 86 the Father of our Corps) assumed command of 44 Commando in Hong Kong in March 1947. He had been 2 i/c of 40 RM Commando and was captured in the Dieppe raid in 1942. 44 Cdo was redesignated 40 Cdo to maintain a commando from each of the wartime Special Service Brigades. On moving to Malta the commando trained hard for whatever the future might hold, and was moulded into a happy and efficient unit.

On the 25 January 1948 the advance party left for Haifa in the destroyer HMS Cheviot. The main body embarked in the cruiser HMS Phoebe two days later. Transport and stores followed later in the LST HMS Striker. On the 30 January we arrived in Camp 181 on the outskirts of Haifa to the sound of heavy explosions of tit-for-tat bombing between the Arab aixi Ji communities. To illustrate the hostility between the two; in addition to being Mortar Official I was appointed Messing Officer in Camp 181 and faced the usual complaints about food. With the CO's permission I took four three-ton trucks to the Arab army, they were filled with potatoes, the growers being too scared to pass on to the Jewish merchants and was able to retain one load to help their rations. From Camp 181 we were engaged in local road blocks, and familiarisation of the Haifa port.

On the 3 February 1948, 40 Commando took over responsibility for the security of the port, which was the only British withdrawal route, apart from the single Mediterranean Sea track railway into Egypt, for the 105000 British troops and hundreds of thousands of tons of military stores which had accumulated from two world wars and the troubled years between. The port measured some 2,000 yds east to west by 750 yds from the perimeter fence to the breakwater where ships berthed. These were loaded by lighter. Others berthed alongside the cargo wharf and loaded by crane. The port and adjacent streets, including the Arab suk, were dominated by the 2,775 ft of Mount Cannel. Initially manning gates was our main concern: No 1 gate in the east served the oil refinery; No 2 was the railway gate; 3, 5 and 10 were busy vehicle and personnel gates. The remainder were sealed off'. A problem with security was that the port was jointly owned by Jews and Arabs, and was engaged with commercial traffic and exports of citrus fruit. At the same time it was busy with W D chartered ships.

Eventually the whole commando moved into the port: Kingsway Camp housed Cdo HQ with Tac HQ in the Port Police Station, Rifle Troops were in West Camp, and in East Camp the Mortar group was under command of Y Tp (Capt. Ambrose Seale). Our duties were constantly to search for weapons and stop stolen goods from being taken out. This was achieved by manning the gates and vigilant anti-pilfering patrols. An emergency section was always on standby. In general the Arabs engaged in small scale pilfering usually at night, which was easier to counter because of the curfew. The Jews went in for large scale well organised theft of military equipment. They would brazenly use rail wagons and stolen Army vehicles.

Day One gave a foretaste of things to come. A bomb destroyed an Arab house bordering Wadi Rushmiya, the no man's land between Arab and Jew, resulting in an exchange of fire. Order was restored by a patrol of 8/9 Para at the cost of one soldier wounded. An hour later two British Palestine Policemen were shot outside No 3 Gate. Their bodies were recovered, and the gate closed by 40 Cdo in the face of a large crowd of angry Arabs. Sadly both policemen were ex- marines. The Palestine Police Force was a fine, brave body of men who bore the brunt of the terrorism. Their Inspector General was Col Nicol Gray DSO, who had commanded 45 Commando in NW Europe. He had recruited many ex- marines, and afterwards took a number on to Malaya.

On that same day a patrol arrested two armed Jews at the east end of the port, and later escorted the body of a Jew, killed earlier by a police patrol, to the mortuary. Examples of thieving and rackets bowled out at that time are; an American timber ship lying on the main breakwater for loading had some of her cargo taken over the breakwater into a felucca on the seaward side; the US ship Flying Arrow, whose manifest showed she was carrying agricultural tractors, was found to be unloading armoured half-tracks, which were impounded in the local Ordnance Depot until after the Mandate; the WD ammunition ship City Of Glasgow requested help and a patrol found an Arab labourer with 1,018 rounds of small arms ammunition (thereafter all ships loading ammunition had a commando guard); a team of Jewish workmen was seen unloading steel sheets from a lighter into a 10-ton truck when they were intended for a WD ship in midstream; eight Jews were found running a dump for goods stolen by Arabs a rare example of inter-community co-operation!. All these attempted thefts, and many more, were thwarted by alert patrols.

At first great difficulty was experienced because the pass system was complex and chaotic. There were very many different issuing authorities and their passes differed in shape, size and colour. Within a month one standard pass with the bearer's photograph was introduced by 40 Cdo, the sole issuing authority; a major achievement by the Intelligence Section.

Meanwhile out in the town bombing continued at an average of four per week. The Arabs were less adept and came off worse with some bombs they were preparing detonating in their own quarter. One bomb was a torpedo warhead. Most bombs were in stolen WD vehicles. The blast from one of these damaged the wooden huts in Kingsway Camp. As well as sandbagging the huts it was decided to get a couple of the old armoured vehicles for use as static pillboxes from the Returned Stores Depot. While two Staghound armoured cars were being towed back the engine of one coughed into life. Both were soon operational. Each had twin GMC engines and a power turret mounting a 37mm gun firing solid shot and HE, and a coaxial .30 calibre Browning machine gun. The Staghounds were allocated to the Mortar Group. We painted them up, named one Dieppe after 40 Cdo's battle honour, and the other Kangaw after 44 Cdo's. I put a mortar detachment into each with Cpl Mail (later C/Sgt) in charge of Kangaw and Cpl Dennis (later to be killed at Suez) took over Dieppe. Two experienced drivers were attached from the MT Section. The Staghounds became an effective mobile reserve for the commando and were much used as escorts for convoys and VIPs. There was an unpleasant Arab fishing village outside No 1 Gate and vehicles going to and from the refinery were frequently stoned. A Staghound escort soon assured better behaviour!

A distasteful aspect for British servicemen was the constantly corrupting Jewish attempt to buy weapons and ammunition. I was offered £8,500 to be paid into any bank in the world WI would leave a Staghound unattended for a few minutes at a nominated street corner. I informed the CO who told me in no uncertain terms that if I lost one of those Staghounds he would never want to see me again!

Sgt R R Dodds (later Lt Col DSM MM) stalked and disposed of a sniper firing from behind a sheet of armoured plate, using a PIAT (Projector Infantry Anti-Tank). The Jews were so impressed they put up the price of PIAT bombs. Lt John Marcel and I were invited out to dinner by a very civilised entrepreneur. We reported this to the CO who said, "String him along and have a good time ". We did so, but after a good meal politely declined to supply any bombs.

A psychiatric team arrived too interview members of the commando and reported 40 Cdo as having the highest morale of any unit they had visited, with the surprising comment that the troops believed that the officers were 'pro-Jew'. This was due to typical British sympathy for the underdog, while the officers were being even-handed. A remark from the US media mogul Ben Hecht that "He had a song in his heart for every British soldier killed in Palestine" might have lowered morale in a less robust unit.

In April matters took a turn for the worse. First the C-in-C of the Arab Forces was killed outside Haifa, and at the same time the Jews committed an atrocity which influenced Arab reaction to future Jewish attacks. The Irgun and Stern gang were given the task of capturing the village of Deir Yassin on the road to Jerusalem. Enraged by the tenacity of Arab resistance when the village was eventually captured on the 8 April 1948, every inhabitant was massacred; a total of 245 men, women and children.

By the 20 April the situation in Haifa became critical and it was decided to withdraw all British troops from Haifa and let the two sides fight it out. 40 Cdo was left to hold the port. Overnight, in Operation Cockpit the fighting troops moved out to hold strongpoints on Kingsway. The CO reported operation completed at 0617 hrs. At 1000 hrs the Jews opened fire on the Arabs. I was patrolling Kingsway and Bank Street in a Staghound at the time when two British police were caught in the crossfire. We gave covering fire while some gallant Jews in a bus recovered the casualties. Unfortunately one policemen died later. At about the same time Lt Tony Seed was shot in the back and head when a Jewish Bren-gunner fired a deliberate burst at our forward positions. Cpl Earp took two marines and eliminated the gunner, for which he was awarded the MM.

At 0522 hrs on the 22 April fighting increased in intensity and the Jews started mortaring the Suk. A number of bombs fell in the east of the port, and some hit the tented camp housing the Mauritian Pioneers, who were employed as dock labour, causing 20 casualties. Lt Dicky Grant from Y Tp was one of the first on the scene. Later I found a blind mortar bomb; it was about 3 ft long, half being propellant. The warhead had three conical fuses set on the fiat nose.

Confusion broke out amongst the Arabs, and many panic stricken men, women and children, carrying pathetic bundles of belongings massed outside No 3 Gate begging to be let in (see photo opposite - top). I will never forget or forgive the Jews, who had already won the battle for Haifa, for sending down a hail of murderous fire on the unprotected mass. The CO ordered the gate to be opened on humanitarian grounds. While helping these refugees, Lt Peter Pitman and our doctor, Surgeon Lt Mike Cox, were both wounded in the legs. I brought up a Staghound, zeroed the gun on the wall of a house and then fired a number of BE rounds at a row of binoculars watching from the GPO building. Firing stopped, and the CO said the telephone lines to Cdo HQ were hot with asking us to desist. We learned later that the Commander of the local Hagannah broke his leg running down stairs. Later Mne Litherland, the Staghound gunner, was awarded the BEM, not published until 31 December 1948, presumably to shield him from Jewish retribution.

A truce was arranged by Mai Gen Hugh Stockwell, GOC North Palestine District, to discuss the evacuation of the 37,000 Arab refugees from Haifa, of which some 12,000 were in the port, giving problems of housing and feeding. We ferried these across the bay to Acre in two Z lighters over several days. On one of these trips a mortarman dived in to rescue a woman and child.

Meanwhile 45 Commando had arrived by air from Benghazi on the 1-2 May and relieved our Kingsway positions to enable 40 Cdo to concentrate in the port. 42 Cdo passed through on its way to Jerusalem, from where it withdrew, escorting BE Gen Sir Alan Cunningham, the British High Commissioner, to Haifa. Here he declared the end of the British mandate on the 14 May. Guards of Honour were found by the King's Company Grenadier Guards and 40 Commando Royal Marines. The drill on such a memorable occasion had to be on top line, and it was agreed that honours were even. His Excellency embarked in HMS Euryalus, and the Jewish State of Israel came into existence at midnight. The Hagannah became the Israeli Army and was faced with repelling the invasions of five armies.

After the Battle for Haifa only 2,500 Arabs remained, and No 1261 Docks Operating Squadron RE, and more Mauritian Pioneers were brought in to replace the local labour. From then on the evacuation of military stores gathered pace, and the daily tonnage of stores loaded became an all pervading interest. On five days this exceeded 1,000 tons and on the 25 May 1,421 tons were loaded into WD ships.

Attempted thefts of military equipment increased:

a. On the 3 June a party of Jews was found loading 25 pdr gun-barrels and 96 breech blocks into an ex-WD 3 tonner.

b. One of four security launches, now part crewed by landing craft crews from Bde HQ, intercepted a lighter leaving the port from a Danish ship carrying war stores. The coxswain was offered a £500 bribe by the tug crew who were arrested.

c. Two armoured half-tracks awaiting a loading were stolen by Jews in British uniforms, speaking perfect English, with correctly completed work tickets. Only one was recovered leaving through No 1 Gate.

d. The GOC's reserve of 50,000 gallons of petrol in six rail wagons was stolen. The Port Commandant, Col Farley, led an armed party in a WD shunting engine and followed the points to recover the train, five miles beyond the British enclave.

e. Probably the most serious loss occurred just before the final withdrawal, when a Polish driver serving with the 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards defected with a Comet tank. RAF Typhoons were called up from Cyprus to rocket the tank, but it was not found.

The Intelligence Officer was in charge of immigration into Haifa. The liner lie de France arrived and anchored off, and the JO went out to go through the immigration procedure. Most passengers were Jews and he cleared them to go ashore. After this the Captain explained that he had a problem and invited the JO into his cabin where he met a distinguished looking Oxford educated Arab who had been expelled from the USA. He showed a deportation order signed by John Foster Dulles no less. The Arab said that if he was sent ashore he would cut his throat, to which the JO could only agree. He therefore wrote in the man's passport "Not accepted by the British Military authorities. Signed H Orpen Lt RM." The Ile de France then sailed back to the USA and he never heard from him or John Foster Dulles again!

One night when I was duty, an incident was reported in a WD ship on the cargo wharf. I took a couple of marines along and found one crew member with a fractured skull, who had been hit on the head with a duckboard. The remainder of the crewmen were on the wharf and badly shaken. It was an eerie experience searching the empty ship for the offender, whom I arrested. He was tried by a British Military Court.

A party of 230 US Marines arrived on the 17 June with white painted Jeeps to support the UN mediators under Count Bernadotte. They were under orders not to fraternise, and it caused some amusement throughout the port when their transport, the USS Marquette, on leaving rammed the oil jetty, with some damage to the jetty and herself.

The four-day countdown to final withdrawal, named Z Day, was tense. Would the Jews take a final swipe at the British? On Z-4 day, water patrols were stepped up and one-and-a-half pound charges detonated at frequent intervals. On Z-3 day, Fighting Troops deployed to their security responsibilities. Y Tp and the Mortar Group took over 1, 2 and 3 Gates and the Lee Breakwater as thousands of British troops passed through. On Z Day, the 30 June, Reveille was at 0400 hrs. At 0500 1 Guards Brigade withdrew and 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards tanks reinforced our positions. At 1115 hrs Commander 1 Guards Bde handed over command of British Troops Palestine to the CO of 40 Cdo. Y Tp withdrew, and we mounted two 3" mortars on the gun sponsons of HMS Striker. At 1230 hrs Lt Col Houghton reported to the GOC, Lt Col MacMillan, "Withdrawal completed' and the Striker pulled away. HMS Euryalus's Royal Marines detachment provided the final ceremonial guard at the Port Office. The Union Flag was lowered and the GOC, the last British soldier to leave Palestine, stepped into the pinnace as we all gave three cheers. By 1330 hrs the withdrawal was complete.

40 Commando arrived back in Malta and, led by the Staghounds with sirens screaming, we made our way to St Andrew's Barracks. We all felt great satisfaction at many and varied jobs well done, with typical Royal Marines efficiency and integrity, earning the respect of both sides. We had lost no vehicles or personal weapons and no Royal Marine was amongst the 220 British troops killed by terrorists since the end of the Second World War.

As for Palestine, within weeks Count Bernadotte had been murdered almost certainly by Irgun as the UN partition plan would have entailed surrendering some of the land gained in the 1948 war. The dispossessed Arabs are still refugees, and problems continue 50 years after the founding of the Jewish state.

Postscript: Since I gave this talk after the 1997 AGM of the Royal Marines Historical Society, Mai Gen Houghton told me that while he was a POW in OFLAG 17, he had been able to do a good turn for a Jewish prisoner. When 40 Cdo arrived in Haifa, this same Jew was in an influential position in the Jewish community and had promised that 40 Cdo would not be targeted. Gen Houghton also made the point that hitherto commandos had been considered too "Gung ho" for Internal Security duties. 40 Cdo's exemplary conduct in Palestine changed opinions and assured the future of our Corps in many similar situations during Britain's withdrawal of Empire. (by Lieutenant Colonel Peter R Thomas)

1948. Friday 18th June. The Malayan Emergency was a conflict between communist guerrillas and British Commonwealth forces. The guerrillas, most of whom were Malayan Chinese, were seeking to overthrow the British colonial administration in Malaya. The term 'Emergency' is used to describe the conflict because the British declared a State of Emergency in Malaya after guerrillas assassinated three European plantation managers in the northern state of Perak.

At the start of the Emergency, the British had 13 infantry battalions in Malaya, including seven partly formed Gurkha battalions, three British battalions, two battalions of the Royal Malay Regiment and a British Royal Artillery Regiment being used as infantry. This force was too small to meet the threat of the Communist terrorists effectively, and more infantry battalions were needed in Malaya. The British brought in soldiers from units such as the Royal Marines and King's African Rifles. While 3 Commando Brigade provided counter-insurgency support for the Malayan government. Another effort was a re-formation of the Special Air Service as a specialised reconnaissance, raiding and counter-insurgency unit. The conflict came to an end during 1960.

1948 \- 1960. Malayan Emergency. 3 Commando Brigade provide counter-insurgency support for the Malayan government fighting communist guerrillas. The Malayan Emergency (Malay: Darurat Malaya) was a guerrilla war fought in pre- and post-independence Federation of Malaya, from 1948 until 1960. The belligerents were the Commonwealth armed forces against the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA), the military arm of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP).

The "Malayan Emergency" was originally the colonial government's term for the conflict. The MNLA called it the Anti-British National Liberation War. The rubber plantations and tin-mining industries had pushed for the use of the term "emergency" since their losses would not have been covered by Lloyd's insurers if it had been termed a "war".

Despite the drawdown in violence in 1960, communist leader Chin Peng renewed the insurgency against the Malaysian government in 1967; this second phase of the insurgency lasted until 1989. He fled to exile in Thailand, where he lived until his death on 16 September 2013.

1948. Thursday 27th May - June 1948. 42 Commando served in Palestine. At Jerusalem, then Haifa before it was evacuated on 27th June. While based on Malta the Commandos carried out exercises in Tripoli and internal security duties in the Canal Zone.

1948. Tuesday 1st June. Memorial day for the men of the Royal Marine Bands of the Royal Naval School of Music instituted. The fanfare to Comrades Sleeping subtitled 'The Spirit of Joy and Thanks giving for Victory, and meditation for those who gave their lives in its cause' composed by Leon Young became the Dedication Fanfare. It was composed for the ceremony at which the Silver Memorial Fanfare Trumpets (the Official Royal Naval Band Service War Memorial for world War II) were dedicated at Burford, then the home of the Royal Naval School of Music. This fanfare was to be sounded each year as laid down in the Charter, but not to be played for any other purpose.

1948. Friday 8th October. HM King George VI agreed that the appointment of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Marines should become Captain General Royal Marines.

1948. Tuesday 7th December. 'Description of a patrol incident in Malaya March 1950 - February 1951'.

I was drafted to the 3rd Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, who were at that time stationed in the Mediterranean area of the Middle East. The brigade consisted of 40-42-45 Commandos and Brigade HQ who were based in Malta. I was attached to Y Troop 40 Commando who were, at that time, stationed in Cyprus. Later we were moved back to Malta then to Hong Kong and then, from about March 1950, the whole brigade was moved to Malaya.

We landed in Penang about March 1950 where we underwent a crash course in jungle warfare.

After the jungle training 40 Commando were deployed in the North Perak area, their HQ being at Kuala K... , the rest of the brigade to the south, and I was with Brigade HQ at Kuala Lumpur.

40 Commando had units at Taiping, Alor Sitar, Ipoh and we of Y Troop were at Grik, about twenty kilometres south of the most southerly point of the Thailand border. Our job was to patrol the border in the Bitong area to find and destroy communist jungle camps and find out where their points of infiltration along the border were.

Patrols were sent out regularly to and along the border. On one such patrol I was part of the "recce" group consisting of the patrol commander, Lt Dowling and two rifle men, myself and another marine named Smith. About mid-morning one of the Iban trackers (head hunters from north Borneo) indicated that he had picked up the tracks of about seven people. He also said that two of them were female and that they were about an hour in front of us. Lt Dowling gave the order to move faster as quiet as possible. After about two hours the tracker indicated that we were getting very close. Lt Dowling stopped the patrol and made sure that no one had anything hanging loose that might rattle and give us away, then we moved off again.

A short time later a shot rang out followed by another shot from a lighter weapon. I, like the rest of the patrol carried out the standard procedure for coming under attack, that is to get to cover and fire five rounds rapid in the direction from where the attack had come from. I went to ground behind a large fallen tree, got my rifle up for a waist high shot and fired. As I fired the interpreter sat up in front of me and went down with the shot. I dropped my rifle and thought "My God, I've shot the interpreter". A few seconds later the interpreter sat up and looked back at me. I can see his face now as clear as I saw it then.

The next thing that happened was Lt Dowling calling "Recce group follow me", so I jumped up and over the fallen tree, past the interpreter and joined Smith following Lt Dowling down the steep side of the hill to the bank of the Sungei Rui river, which was about a hundred yards in front of us to the east. When we got to the river Lt Dowling stopped and said to Smith "You go up river a few yards and give me covering fire to the right", then he turned to me and said "Murphy, you go down river to the right and cover me to the left". As I turned away to take up position Lt Dowling called to me and said "Murphy, where the hell is your rifle?" My rifle was still behind the log where I had dropped it when I thought I had shot the interpreter. I went back up the hill and collected my rifle and raced back down the hill to take up position.

After Lt Dowling crossed the river which was about forty yards wide and waist deep at the point of crossing, Smith went after him, but Smith stopped in the middle of the river and called to me "OK Spud, come on over" and I shouted back to him "Get out of there you stupid bastard, you're a sitting duck". As soon as Smith got to the other side I went after him. Lt Dowling had already taken off after the communists. By the time we caught up with Lt Dowling he was casting around looking for tracks, but the communists had split up. We had lost the quarry.

After the rest of the patrol had crossed the river and we had re-grouped, we found out what really happened.

We had not been attacked. What had happened was that one of the trackers had spotted the communist patrol and instead of telling Lt Dowling, the tracker had fired with a .303 (No. 5 jungle rifle). The second shot was fired by Lt Dowling, who was carrying an American .28 carbine, and he insisted that he had hit the last man in the patrol square in the back, the distance being less than thirty yards.

When the rest of the patrol caught up with us they were carrying food, clothing, equipment and weapons dropped when they made a run for it. On inspection of the equipment there was a large English type backpack full of rice and right in the middle of it was a small hole. Sgt Maxwell put his hand inside the pack and felt around in the rice and came up with the .28 carbine bullet. Sgt Maxwell looked at Lt Dowling and said "Sir, if you had been carrying a .303, at that range it would probably have gone through the rice and the person carrying it and possibly hit the person in front of him".

There were no further incidents on that patrol.

Lt Dowling was killed on a later patrol at which I was not present. Lt Dowling was a damned good officer, well up to Royal Marine standards. I am proud to have had the honour to serve with him. (Frank Murphy Royal Marines PLY5647 – RM19521)

1948. Wednesday 15th December. First Buglers under training reported to Burford for training at the RNSM. A team had been formed and, from this date, training would be done at the School and not at the groups.

1948. December. 45 Commando left for Egypt.

1948. December. The National Service Act fixed a period of 18 months full time service, followed by four years as a reservist. (in 1950 the full time period was extended to two years) From 1946 to 1960 conscripts called up as National Servicemen within this period would make up 30% of the strength of the Royal Marines. By the time it ended, over 300 National service Officers and 9,000 Royal Marines had served in the Corps.

1948. Royal Marine Commandos covered the withdrawal from Palestine and were deployed in the Suez Canal Zone. A Royal Marine Forces Volunteer Reserve unit was formed.

1948. As a result of the introduction of new SNCO rank titles badge of rank introduced for Bandmasters - a lyre encircled by laurel wreath and surrounded by a crown, and for Band Sergeants \- three chevrons.

1948. Wearing of ornarments and shoulder flashes in their correct positions.

1949. Friday 28th January. The Order of Council of 1871 introducing Band Boys into the Royal Navy and the Order in Council of 1903 introducing the Rank of Band Boy into the Royal Marines were both rescinded. The Rank of band boy to become Boy Musician.

1949. Tuesday 5th April. Throughout the Corps the 'Warrant List' and 'Warrant Officers' to be replaced by 'Branch List' and 'Branch Officers' to be replaced by 'Branch List'. Bandmaster (WO), RM band becomes a Commissioned Bandmaster, RM Band, becomes a Senior Commissioned Bandmaster.

1949. Wednesday 6th July. Sir Malcolm Sargent's appointment as Hon Advisor in Music announced in House of Commons.

1949. 544 Kings Squad passed for duty at Deal Depot.

1949. 21st July. 42 and 45 Commando's Sailed for Hong Kong.

1949. Brass Instruments replaced by Silver Plated Ones.

1949. 45 Commando were deployed in Egypt and Aqaba.

1949. Tuesday 21st July.3 Commando Brigade sailed for Hong Kong.

1949. The Closure of Chatham Group.

1949. Thursday 8th December. The Royal Marines received the Freedom of Chatham.

1949. December. Chatham The Freedom was bestowed on the Corps, just before the Barracks there closed. The last Colours of Chatham Division are laid up in Rochester Cathedral.

1949. Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers adopted the Corps.

### Chapter 13

1950 - 1974

1950.Wednesday 1st February. Relocation of Royal Naval School of Music from Burford to Deal was completed on this date.

1950. Saturday 27th May. Chatham Group Band heavily involved in the disbandment of Chatham Group, Royal Marines.

1950. Sunday 28th May. Chatham Colours laid up in Rochester Cathedral after being paraded through the streets.

1950. Friday 23rd June. First Beat the Retreat by the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines on Horse Guards Parade, London. The Ceremony was based upon the displays by the Royal Naval School of Music at the 1948 Dedication Ceremony and their Royal Tournament appearance in the same year. This was the first occasion that all thirty two Silver Memorial Bugles were sounded together.

1950. Sunday 25th June. The Korean war saw the Special Boat Service (SBS) teaming up with specially formed 41 Independent Commando Royal Marines and the US Army to create a joint raiding force. Operation Double Eagle was to conduct sabotage missions along the Korean coast, launching raids from submarines and warships. Railway lines, tunnels, bridges and general targets of opportunity were all blown up by the raiding parties, damaging the North Korean's lines of supply and communications.

1950. June. 45 Commando RM arrived in Malaya from Hong Kong.

1950. During the Korean War 41 Commando was reconstituted as 41 (Independent) Commando following a request from the United Nations Command for more amphibious raiding forces. The 'Independent' designation meant that their commander had sole responsibility for their unit and did not have to consult with higher headquarters on operational and logistical matters.

1950. Sunday 16th July. Mne. H.H. Rose of 42 Commando RM died during a firing accident.

1950. July. 562 Kings Squad pass for duty from Eastney Barracks. W. Preston was awarded the Kings Badge.

1950. Wednesday 16th August. 219 Royal Marine volunteers were assembled in Bickleigh then the Commando School. They were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Douglas B. Drysdale DSO, MBE an experienced World War II Commando veteran who was the Chief Instructor at the Royal Marines Officer school. Later the Commandos travelled to Japan in civilian clothes, with most of the civilian clothing issued by the Admiralty. The unit received more volunteers on route from 3 Commando Brigade involved in the Malayan Emergency.

1950. Thursday 31st August. The Chatham Group officially ceased to exist. The Chatham Band was lost as a result of the closure of the RM Barracks Chatham and its special badge, the White Rose of York awarded in 1902, was lost with it.

1950. Thursday 31st August. The Chatham Group (1st Grand Division) was disbanded.

1950. Friday 1st September. The amalgarmation of Groups Band with the Royal Naval School of Music. No futher direct entry to group bands, all recruiting through School; members of group bands to retain old conditions only until engagement expires; automatic promotion for Group Musicians to become merit based. The Royal Naval School of Music becomes the Royal Marines School of Music; Group Bands become Staff Bands. Musical Director of the RMSM will be 'Director of Music, Royal Marines; other DoMs will be 'Director of Music. 'Portsmouth' and 'DoM, Plymouth'. These bands to retain special cap badges and Portsmouth to retain 'Royal Yacht' flash. All RM Bands on RN ships and at RN establishments became part of the RMBS. Records of Portsmouth and Plymouth band ranks transferred to the RMSM from where new numbers in the RNSM 'RMB' series would be issued. This also applied to Chatham ranks transferred to the new RMSM Band and also to ranks of the C-in-C Nore band. Instructions relating to uniform (Lyre collar badge and wearing of broad red stripe trousers) to be issued.

1950. Thursday 14th September. CHX4772 Marine Ernest J. Nevard was killed in action during an ambush in a jeep along the Tapah-Chenderiang Road in Perak, Malaya.

1950. Thursday 14th September. RM8028 Marine D.C. Keyes was killed in action being ambushed in a jeep along the Tapah-Chenderiang Road in Perak, Malaya.

1950. Friday 15th September. Volunteer Commandos from Bickliegh arrived in Japan and were issued with American winter uniforms and weapons, but retained their green berets, battle dress and boots.

1950. Saturday 23rd September. Sgt. William R. N. Rowe PLY/X3615, was killed while serving in 42 Commando in Malaya.

1950. Monday 9th October. Band Rank of Staff Sergeant changed to Staff Bandmaster 'to avoid misunderstanding of his status in relation to Bandmasters and Band Sergeants."

1950. October. The first mission of the Volunteer Commandos from Bickliegh saw them embarked on two American high speed transports the USS Horace A. Bass (APD-124) and USS Wantuck (APD-125) supported by the destroyer USS De Haven (DD-727), where they executed a series of raids on the North Korean coast near Wonsan to disrupt North Korean transportation facilities.

1950. Thursday 2nd November. RNSM Collar Badge (the lyre) to be replaced by Globe & Laurel except for Boy Musicians who would continue to wear the lyre on the collar and would also retain the thin red trouser welt, not the broad red stripe. The King approved these changes on this date.

1950. Friday 10th November. 41 Independent Commando joined the United Nations advance in North Korea where they served with the United States Marine Corps, the second time the two organisations had served together, the first being the Boxer Rebellion in China. During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir Lieutenant Colonel Drysdale was given command of a 900 man unit of his own Commando, American, and South Korean forces called Task Force Drysdale. Their hard fighting together with the American Marines and Army led to 41 Independent Commando being awarded the American Presidential Unit Citation that the 1st Marine Division earned. However 41 Independent RM Commando was not listed in the original citation. It took much letter writing by US veterans to not only convince their government to award the 'Presidential Unit Citation' to 41 Independent Commando for their performance at Chosin, but to get the British government to approve and authorise it for 41 Commando. It was finally accepted during 1957 by the Captain General of the Royal Marines from the US Ambassador to the UK.

It reads, 41 Independent RM Commando for their gallantry in action on the Chosin Plateau during the fighting withdrawal from Hagaru-ri to Koto-ri between Monday 27th November 1950 and Saturday 11th December 1950.

41 Commando is the only organisation in the armed forces of the United Kingdom that is authorised to fly a 'Foreign' streamer from its colour and it does so because of the 1st Marine Division. The only other streamer displayed on Royal Marines colours is the Gibraltar Streamer.

1950. Sunday 12th November. RM9203 Marine Terence W. Barnett age 19 died as a result of an accident, while serving with 45 Commando. He was buried at Batu Gajah Christian Cemetery, Perak Malaya.

1950. Thursday 28th December. PLYX111607 Marine Dennis Parr was killed in action in the Gopeng-Kampar hills in Malaya.

1950. Thursday 28th December. CHX5369 Marine L.J. Turner was killed in action in Gopeng-Kampar hills, Malaya.

1950. 3 Commando Brigade were moved to Malaya.

1950. 41 Independent Commando formed for operations in Korea.

1950. \- 1951. Captain R T Highett RM flew the Sea Fury on operations from HMS Theseus during the Korean War.

1950. The Chatham Barracks was closed.

1951. Wednesday 10th January. CHX5389 Corporal John Henry was killed in action during an ambush in Cameron Highlands area of Malaya.

1951. Wednesday 10th January. RM7305 Marine Leslie O. Miller was killed in action during an ambush in the Cameron Highlands area of Malaya.

1951. Saturday 27th January. To mark the occasion of the return of the Royal Marines School of Music to Deal, the Commandant General approved the title 'Commandant General's Squad' to be given to the senior squad of Boy Musicians under training. In addition. the Commandant General approved of the best all round Boy Musician in the Commandant Generals Squad being awarded a Certificate of merit to be called the Commandant General's Certificate.

1951. January David Wilson 852 Squad PLYX4229 Sergeant George Westwood was killed in action during an ambush in Cameron Highlands area of Malaya.

1951. Full Dress for RMBS Other Ranks re-introduced. (Dress1 A: Band Order for the RM Band Service. White helmet or cap, blue cloth tunic, tweed trousers, white belt, white gloves. For ceremonial use as ordered) Dress regulations to be amended.

1951. April. 41 Commando was reformed in Japan and were assigned to what eventually became known as the 1st Commonwealth Division. They raided the North Korean coast with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.

1951. Wednesday 6th June. Lieutenant P.K. Budgen – died.

1951. Thursday 28th June - Wednesday 11th July. And Saturday 15th September - Wednesday 3rd October 1951. HMS MAURITIUS. Abadan crisis. Buoy-up off Abadan prepared to land to assist protecting/evacuating civilians caught up in the disturbances. Providing boarding parties to protect oil-tankers going to and from Basra. Providing "cutting-out" parties for recovering tugs and small craft concealed in various creeks and backwaters.

All civilians were eventually evacuated and taken to safety. Ship at "cruising stations" for both periods in horrendous temperatures for which the ship was hardly suitable. No official acknowledgement for this unpleasant period. (by Jim Porter)

1951. Wednesday 11th July. CHX4107 Sergeant T.J.H. Genge died of natural causes at a British Military Hospital in Kamukting, Malaya.

1951. Monday 16th July. Marine E. Lamb, RM7798 of 40 Commando RM, - died of wounds while serving in Malaya.

1951. Tuesday 25th September. RM8250 Marine Peter D. Fordham age 20 died of wounds while serving with 45 Commando. He was buried at Batu Gajah Christian Cemetery, Perak, Malaya.

1951. Tuesday 11th December. Corpral N.S. Howe PLY/X4758 while serving with 40 Commando was killed in Malaya.

1951. December. 41 Commando returned to England. Those who had served less than a year in the Commando were drafted into 42 Commando operating in Malaya.

1951. Tuesday 4th December. The Gillingham bus disaster occurred outside Chatham Dockyard, Kent on the evening of Tuesday 4th December 1951. A double-decker bus ploughed into a company of fifty-two young members of the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps, aged between ten and thirteen. 24 cadets were killed and 18 injured; at the time it was the highest loss of life in any road accident in British history.

The company was marching from Melville Royal Marine Barracks, Gillingham, to the Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham, to attend a boxing tournament. It was divided into three platoons; the rear platoon consisted of new recruits who had not yet received uniforms. They were generally under the command of cadet non-commissioned officers (NCOs); the only adult present was the contingent adjutant, Lieutenant Clarence Murrayfield Carter, a regular Royal Marines officer. The column was about fifteen yards long and was marching three abreast on the left-hand side of the road. It was showing no lights, there being no official requirement to do so, and the boys in uniform were wearing Royal Marines standard-issue dark blue battledress and berets, although they had white belts and white lanyards on their shoulders.

The cadets left Melville Barracks at about 5.40pm. At about 5.57 or 5.58pm the column was marching down Dock Road, just past the gates of the Chatham Royal Naval Dockyard. The street lighting was very poor, and it was allegedly a very dark/foggy night (although Carter denied this).

As the column passed the municipal swimming pool, a particularly dark part of the street (since a street lamp had failed), it was hit from behind by a bus belonging to the Chatham& District Traction Company. The bus was allegedly travelling at 15–20 miles per hour, although Carter and another witness estimated its speed as 40–45 miles per hour. The bus driver, John William George Samson, 57, had worked for the company for forty years, twenty-five of them as a driver. He was very familiar with the route. He had his sidelights on, but not his headlights; this was perfectly legal and considered to be normal practice at the time. Other bus drivers said that they were using headlights that night and in that location as it was particularly dark. Other drivers defended Samson's decision not to use his headlights.

Lieutenant Carter, who was moving up and down the flanks of the column, told the inquest that he saw the bus coming and told the boys to move into the kerb as far as they could, assuming the bus would move around them. Samson told the inquest that he did not see the cadets at all and was only aware he had driven into something when the bus started to wobble as though it "had run over a lot of loose stones or something", although it was also reported that he felt bumps and heard the high-pitched screams of the cadets. At that point he braked immediately. His conductress, Dorothy Dunster, called out "What's happened?", and Samson got out to see what had happened. Carter, who was knocked over and dazed but not injured, said the bus continued about fifty yards before braking and another witness said he thought about twenty-five yards.

Aftermath: Seventeen boys died immediately and another seven died later in hospital, all but one on the same night. Those who were uninjured were all in the front ranks. The military funeral of twenty of the boys who died was held at Rochester Cathedral on 12th December 1951 and conducted by the Bishop of Rochester. Thousands of local people stood outside the cathedral and lined the route of the funeral procession to Gillingham Cemetery. Royal Marines guarded the coffins and acted as pall bearers and the ceremony was attended by, among others, the Second Sea Lord, the Commandant-General Royal Marines, and the Parliamentary and Financial Secretary of the Admiralty. Three of the boys who were Roman Catholics had a separate funeral at the Church of Our Lady, Gillingham, conducted by the Bishop of Southwark.

An inquest was held on 14th December 1951 at the Royal Naval Hospital, Gillingham, where many of the injured were being treated, before the North-East Kent Coroner. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. The coroner said that he believed that Lieutenant Carter and the other witness, George Thomas Dixon, were probably mistaken about the speed of the bus and accepted Samson's estimate of his speed. He did not believe that either Carter or Samson had been negligent in legal terms.

Despite the coroner's comments, Samson was charged with dangerous driving. He was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court, but with a recommendation of leniency from the jury. The judge banned him from driving for three years and fined him £20. The parents of the boys who died received a total of £10,000 compensation from the bus company, which accepted liability under the tort of negligence. The accident resulted in improved street lighting in the Medway Towns and the decision of all three services that a red light would henceforward be shown at the rear of all columns marching along roads at night

The mayors of Gillingham, Rochester and Chatham set up a memorial fund, inviting public donations through the local and national press "to be devoted, among other things, to defraying the funeral expenses, caring for the boys who may be disabled, and then to such worthy cause or causes in memory of the boys who lost their lives, as the mayors may determine". Donations of nearly £9,000 were received. Over £2,300 was spent, but the mayors could not decide how to apply the balance of the funds. A court case later decided that the fund was not charitable and was not saved by the Charitable Trusts (Validation) Act 1954; that the cy-près doctrine could not be applied; that the fund's objects were too uncertain for it to be a valid trust; that the fund was not bona vacantia; and as a result that the funds should be returned to the donors under a resulting trust. Every year on the Sunday closest to the event, the Chatham Marine Cadet Unit still holds a memorial parade at the cemetery in which the cadets were laid to rest.

The boys who died were:

Anthony E. Aindow, 13, died in All Saints' Hospital, Chatham.

Colin Thomas Batty, killed outright.

James David Blomeley, killed outright.

John Henry Burdett, 10, died on 10 December 1951 in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Rochester.

Brian Alfred Butler, killed outright.

Arthur John Calvert, killed outright.

David Alexander Charles, died in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Rochester.

Raymond Peter Cross, killed outright.

James Francis Cunningham, killed outright.

Allan John Evans, killed outright.

Peter Harry Ernest Eyre, died in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Rochester.

John Edwin Lee, 10, died in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Rochester.

Rodney Charles McBride, killed outright.

Garth William Mossop, killed outright.

Laurence Peter Murphy, died in All Saints' Hospital, Chatham.

Richard Charles Ongley, killed outright.

Albert John Rose, killed outright.

James Keith Scott, killed outright.

James Edward Shepherd, killed outright.

William Stone, killed outright.

John Clement Thorndycroft, 11, died in All Saints' Hospital, Chatham.

David Tickner, killed outright.

James Robert Trigg, killed outright.

Keith William Francis Walker, killed outright.

1951. A Royal Marines Routine Order directed that in future the adjective 'Royal Marines' would be used instead of Royal Marine'. This meant that whereas some who had been Royal Marine officers and used to live in a Royal Marine Barracks then became Royal Marines officers and lived in a Royal Marines Barracks

1951. There were ten Royal Navy and Royal Marine recruiting officers in the United Kingdom. Two in London and one in Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle-on-Tyne and Southampton.

1951. "What ever happened to Andrew Condron?" It would be easy to dismiss Condron, along with the Admiralty, as a deserter and traitor but there is far more to his story than that.

Andrew Condron was born in London in 1928 the son of very poor working class parents. He spent WWII in London and was much affected by the devastation of the bombing. One night he was crouched in the Anderson shelter, with his family in their garden, when a bomb obliterated his home. Condrons father was a union man and the politics of the house was very left wing Labour. At the end of the war no-one in Condrons family could understand why the rich seemed unaffected but the poor carried the wait of the nation. Many in Britain and indeed Europe at the time thought that communism or at least a Marxist government was the answer.Despite his background Condron loved his country and maintained he did until the day he died. Andrew joined the Royal Marines in 1949 and at the onset of war (police action) in Korea volunteered to join 41 Independent Commando. He was accepted. When the 7th US Infantry Division was cut off at Chosin Reservoir 41 Cdo was sent in to rescue them. On the way the convoy that Condron was in was ambushed and as a result 25 of the 41's marines were captured along with some US marines and US army troops. The ambush and battle that ensued was known as 'The Battle Hell Fire Valley'. This took place at the southern end of the Chosin Reservoir. Below is a photo of some of our commandos taken prisoner. The photo was taken by a Chinese photographer and appeared in many Chinese newspapers.

In August 1951 another 5 of 41's marines were taken prisoner near Wonsan on the east coast of North Korea. Of the 31 marines from 41 Cdo taken prisoner during the war 2 were killed attempting to escape, 9 died in captivity, 1, Mne Nicholls, is fate unknown and 18 returned home. Of the 12 POW's killed or died in captivity the remains of only one Mne Melling has been returned and he is buried in the UN Cemetery in Pusan.

For the POW's life was far from easy. Apart from having to march to and between POW camps the life and conditions in the camps was abysmal. UN servicemen captured by the North Koreans were amongst the most badly mistreated. Starvation was mainly the diet of the day. Beatings and death under interrogation and re-education was common. Hygiene and medical facilities were virtually non existent, sick men laying in their own filth. The fleas were so bad that men's fingers turned black from killing so many. Along with the fleas rats ran everywhere. The daily routine was hard labour in the mornings, lectures on the greatness of communism in the afternoons and study groups in the evenings. This then was the life for Mne Andrew Condron. Condron had become fascinated with Marxism. Wether he had become indoctrinated in the camp given his left leaning sympathies and ideology is contentious.

The war was over by the middle of 1951 but with negotiations the armistice would not come about until 1953. The major sticking point was the repatriation of prisoners. Between the North Koreans and the Chinese they held 11,559 POW's. Broken down that was 7,100 South Koreans, 3,200 Americans and 1,200 from Britain and other UN forces. These figures in no way matched the numbers held in the south. The Americans had listed 11,224 missing, believed captured. Nearly 80,000 South Koreans were unaccounted for. Given the North Koreans penchant for killing captured soldiers the discrepancy was a massive number to have been murdered.

When the Armistice was signed it was agreed, by all concerned, that those prisoners from both sides who chose to stay with their captors could do so. Captured North Koreans who chose to stay in the south totalled 25,000 which was about half of the total number taken prisoner. Of those captured by the north 328 South Koreans chose to stay along with 22 Americans and Marine Condron from Britain.. The lives of the men who chose to stay was not the Utopian one that they had been promised. The men were treated like freaks in a circus. They were taken from city to city and displayed as a great triumph of the communist cause. They had no contact with the local people and were kept isolated at all times. When the novelty had died down, after three years, all the Americans chose to return to the US. As they had all been dishonourably discharged and were now civilians no charges were faced by any of the returning men. Condron chose to move to China where he taught English and translated at the University of Beijing. Over the years many letters, telegrams and memoranda went back and forth between the Foreign Office, the Admiralty and the government in Hong Kong and the British Embassy in Beijing enquiring as the activities of Andrew Condron. Foreign correspondents that had been in touch with Condron reported that he was lively and an intelligent man and seemingly undecided on the merits of communism.

The British Embassy in Beijing reported, with some relish, that Condron was becoming an embarrassment to the Chinese. He had taken to drink 'on a hearty scale'. He had also formed a liaison with two Chinese girls which put then in serious political difficulties as they were questioned as to why they were cavorting with a Western Imperialist. Further embarrassment was to come but not only for the Chinese but also for the Foreign Office as Condron formed a relationship with Jacqueline Hsiung/Baudet the illegitimate daughter of a senior French Diplomat. Andrew and Jacqueline were later to marry.

At this time Condron was becoming disillusioned with communism and the Chinese regime. He had some vague thoughts of moving to Czechoslovakia as it had the highest standard of living in the socialist bloc. Jacqueline was also questioned by the Chinese authorities for consorting with an Imperialist.

In 1961, Condron applied for a British passport even though the Admiralty had plans to arrest him and charge him with desertion as soon as he put foot on English soil. Condron, unlike the Americans, had not been discharged from the Corps. Knowing this Condron speculated that the easiest way to return to the UK would be to travel to Hong Kong and surrender to a Royal Navy ship thus getting a free passage home.

Condron eventually arrived in England in October 1962. Although records do not show how he actually did arrive back in the UK. His wife and son, Simon, followed close behind. Condron was not arrested as anticipated nor was he charged. In fact he was given an honourable discharge with back pay for the time he was a POW. It was deemed by the Admiralty and government too embarrassing, too expensive and too time consuming to follow through with the previous threats. He was, however, given a very serious debrief by the security services (MI5/MI6).

In 1986 Andrew Condron attended a reunion at CTC Lympstone and has attended several other Royal Marine get togethers since that time. Some of his fellow POW's recommended Andrew for a decoration in recognition of his efforts whilst a prisoner to save lives and improve living conditions. This however was a step too far for the Admiralty so the suggestion was ignored.

Jacqueline got a job as a producer for the BBC World Service and for many years Andrew sold encyclopaedias door to door, which he was happy to do. Eventually he and Jacqueline were divorced and she moved to the US whilst Andrew remained in London. He passed away in March 1996 age 68.

Some statistics from the Korean War. More than 90,000 servicemen from the UK took part. Two notable participants were Fusilier Maurice Micklewhite (better known as Sir Michael Caine) and Captain Anthony Farrar-Hockley (who was promoted to General and later commanded NATO).

Although the US provided the majority of the servicemen the countries providing troops to the UN for service in Korea was diverse France, South Africa, Ethiopia, Belgium, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Canada, Greece, Columbia, Netherlands, Philippines, Norway and India. The cost of the war in human terms was Britain killed. 1,078. And the United States killed 36,574. I don't have figures for the other countries but they can easily be accessed online. These figures were dwarfed by China and North Korea with losses of 1.5 million.

When the war ended in 1953 82 British prisoners of war were never repatriated. The MOD has eyewitness accounts of the deaths of 71 and some evidence of the deaths of nine others. The fate of two prisoners remain a mystery.(from Tony Cude RMAQ President)

1952. Friday 2nd February. 41 Commando was disbanded, having 31 Marines killed and 17 captured with one Royal Marine choosing to stay in North Korea, who later returned to the UK in 1960.

1952. Tuesday 6th February. King George VI died on at Sandringham and was buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on 15th February, following a State Funeral in the Chapel. Lieutenant Norman Finch V.C. was a member of his Guard of Honour.

1952. Monday 24th March. Royal Marine D. Smith RM9883 died while serving in 45 Commando in Malaya.

1952. Sunday 30th March. HMS KENYA. Marine David Cook, died at Madras hospital after accidental stabbing on the messdeck some days previously. (by Jim Porter).

1952. May. 3 Commando Brigade left Malaya for Malta, after serving in Malaya for two years.

1952. June. 42 Commando arrived in the UK from Malaya, and occupied St Andrew's Barracks Pembroke.

1952. Friday 4th July. 818 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1952. Thursday 28th August. The South Africa tune 'Sarie Marais' adopted as the quick march of the Royal Marines Commandos.

1952. Thursday 23rd October - Monday 10th November. Mombasa. HMS KENYA. First unit to arrive at the commencement of the Mau Mau troubles. Initial "show of strength marches" followed by daily patrols in Mombasa and surrounding countryside. Came upon some appalling sights, not only civilians but animals! Departed for Med station when UK troops started to arrive. Received a copy of the local paper some time later where the headlines declared "The timely arrival of HMS Kenya had a stabilising effect on the area then and during the whole period". No official recognition for the ship's company, despite strenuous efforts by some. Not there long enough to qualify for the medal issued. .(by Jim Porter)

1952. Saturday 29th November. The Duke of Edinburgh presented 40 Commando RM, 42 Commando RM, and 45 Commando RM, the units of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, with their own Colours in recognition of their service during the war. There were 1,168 men and 67 officers on parade.

1952. Saturday 20th December - Monday 19th January 1953. Suez. HMS KENYA. Guardship duties providing patrols etc, some even by air! I had the pleasure of transiting the Canal as crew of a Landing Craft (A). The ship's company were deprived of the Canal Zone Medal because we were called away for a few days to assist the French Liner "Champollion" aground in a storm off Beirut. This counted as a break in the qualifying time! (by Jim Porter)

1952. Intake of 100 National Service Musicains to the Band Service.

1952. The correct pace for marching in quick time in the Royal Marines is 116 paces to the minute. Rifle movements are to conform to this.

1952. Presentation of first Colours to the Royal Marines Commandos.

1952. 41 Independent Commando was disbanded at Bickleigh.

1952. The Colours of 45 Commando were laid up in Stationers Hall, London.

1952. Registered Numbers. The Admiralty decided to institute a system to indicate whether or not a Reservist was a National Serviceman:

1). The prefix 'RMV' followed by a five-digit number, indicates that a man became a Reservist either prior to carrying out National Service or after his National Service.

2). The prefix 'RMV9/", followed by a five digit number, indicates that a man was a Reservist during his part-time National Service.

1953. Tuesday 3rd February. 608 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. G. Wilson was awarded the Kings Badge.

1953. February - October 1954. 40 Commando served in Egypt - Canal Zone. Guarded installations and on desert exercises.

1953. Friday 24th April. "The Royal Marines adopted the Globe and Laurel based on the English air 'Early One Morning' as their slow march. The march was first used at a Guard Mounting at St. James's Palace by the London Bn RM formed especially for London ceremonial duties in 1935." There is some doubt between authorities on such matters regarding when, even if, this slow march was adopted. The late John Trendell stated that it had not been officially adopted whilst Captain Derek Oakley wrote that it was. "later to be adopted as the Official Slow March".

1953. May. 3 Commando Brigade was moved to the Suez Canal Zone.

1953. Tuesday 2nd June. The Coronation of HM The Queen. HRH Prince Philip appointed Captain General Royal Marines.

1953. Tuesday 14th July. 616 Squad started training at Lympstone..

1953. Honourable Company of Master Mariners adopted the Royal Marines Reserve (City of London).

1953. The Royal Marines brass belt buckle.

1954. 5th February. 616 Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1954. Friday 30th April. 616 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Tom Taylor was awarded the Kings Badge .

1954. Saturday 19th - 20th June. During the night helicopters from Albion assisted in the search for survivors of a Swissair aircraft that had ditched in the English Channel off Folkestone, Kent. After an initial work up with her air group, she joined the Mediterranean Fleet in September that same year, becoming flagship of Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1954. Sunday 4th July. Nine Years after the end of the Second World War saw the end of Rationing in the United Kingdom.

Here is a breakdown of what and when:

July 1948: Flour and Bread rationing ended.

March 1949: Limits on clothes end.

May 1950: Restrictions ended for canned and dried fruit. Chocolate biscuits, treacle, syrup, jellies and mincemeat. Petrol rationing also ended.

September 1950:Limits on soap end.

October 1952; End of tea rationing.

February 1953: Rationing on chocolate and sweets ended.

July 1953: Meat Rationing ended heralding the end food restrictions in Britain.

Rationing was introduced temporarily by the British government several times during the 20th century, during and immediately after a war.

At the start of the Second World War in 1939, the United Kingdom was importing 20,000,000 long tons of food per year, including about 70% of its cheese and sugar, nearly 80% of fruits and about 70% of cereals and fats. The UK also imported more than half of its meat, and relied on imported feed to support its domestic meat production. The civilian population of the country was about 50 million. It was one of the principal strategies of the Germans in the Battle of the Atlantic to attack shipping bound for Britain, restricting British industry and potentially starving the nation into submission.

To deal with sometimes extreme shortages, the Ministry of Food instituted a system of rationing. To buy most rationed items, each person had to register at chosen shops, and was provided with a ration book containing coupons. The shopkeeper was provided with enough food for registered customers. Purchasers had to take ration books with them when shopping, so that the relevant coupon or coupons could be cancelled.

1954. Tuesday 17th August. 630 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1954. August. After the Anglo Egyptian Suez agreement was signed 3 Brigade was ordered back to Malta.

1954. October. 40 and 45 Commandos were based on Malta.

1954. October. 42 Commando returned from Egypt via Malta to Bickleigh to staff the Commando school in England.

1954. Monday. 16th November. 634 Squad Commenced Training at the Deal Depot.

1954. Wednesday 24th November. 630 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1954. Friday 24th December. Other Commando and Special Service Units. SS Platoon:11 Formed in Singapore on 24th December 1954 this Platoon raided behind Japanese lines during the Second World War.(RMHS)

1954. The Fleet Band scheme introduced.

1954. The Amphibious school RM is moved to Poole.

1954. Autumn. 42 Commando RM was sent back to England to reduce the ratio of overseas to Home Service in the Royal Marines as a whole. The other two commandos (40 and 45) trained in North Africa and in the Mediterranean based on Malta.

1954. 42 Commando RM was moved to the Amphibious school Poole.

1955. Tuesday 25th February. 634 C.S. Squad Completed training at the Deal Depot.

1955. May. The Freedom of the city of Plymouth was bestowed on the Corps on the 200th anniversary of the Corps permanent association with the city.

1955. Friday 1st July. Registered Numbers. The additional prefix, was abolished, and all Reservists, whether serving on or discharged before that date, were allocated a new number with only the 'RMV' prefix. To prevent duplication, this new series had six digits beginning at RMV 200000.

1955. Early September. 3 Commando Brigade received orders to deploy to Cyprus.

1955. Friday 2nd September. 634 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks. Michael Mead was awarded the Kings Badge.

1955. Saturday 10th September. By 0900 hours the first elements of 3 Commando Brigade, some 1,300 Marines and 150 vehicles had disembarked in Cyprus. On arrival 40 Commando was based in Limassol in the area of Kyrenia.

1955. September - 16th August. 45 Commando was deployed to Kyrenia Cyprus.

1955. Monday 24th October. Following their seven month world tour HM The Queen and Prince Philip awarded their combined cyphers (EiiR / PP) to the Portsmouth Group Band that accompanied them. This was an addition to the special badge awarded to the Royal Marines Artillery during 1912.

1955. Boy Buglers formed into a separate House, unnamed at this time, for sports purpose. This was intended to intensify competition for House championships.

1955 \- 1959. 40 and 45 Commando's alternated operations in Cyprus undertaking anti-terrorist operations against EOKA guerrillas (National Organisation of Cypriot Struggle), during tensions between the Greek and Turkish inhabitants of the island. EOKA were a small, but powerful organisation of Greek Cypriots, who had great local support from the Greek community. On Tuesday 6th September 1955, the United Nations ordered 45 Commando at a moment's notice to move to Cyprus amid escalating tensions and EOKA atrocities. The unit was based in Malta at the time and travelled to the Kyrenia mountain area of the island and by Saturday 10th September, approximately 1,300 Marines and 150 vehicles used by the unit had arrived ready to patrol the area.

1956. January. Ken Cassidy remembers. On a cold rainy morning I said to my mother "I'm going to join the Army." Saying that, I put on my jacket, walked to the bus stop, and caught the bus to the railway station, where I bought a ticket from Kings Lynn to Norwich.

Arriving at Norwich railway station, I asked the Porter, "Can you direct me to the Army Recruiting Office please"? "Leave the station, cross the main road, turn left once you've crossed the road, and it's about a mile up the road." Thanking him, I pulled up the collar to my jacket, because the rain had turned to sleet, and proceeded to walk up the road until I came across the Army Recruiting Office.

After a while, freezing cold, I came across a uilding flying 2 flags, the Union Jack and the White Ensign. Going inside, I asked the man at the counter if I could join the Army. When told I was in the Royal Naval and Royal Marines Recruiting Office, I then asked him if I could join The Navy. `Sign here" he said, "What am I signing for" (My Step Father told me not to sign anything until I knew what I was signing for)

12 years in the Navy and 5 years in the Reserve" said the man, "17 years, that's along time, haven't you got anything shorter" "Yes those" said he, pointing to a poster of a Royal Marine Sergeant walking down a Mediterranean ladder of HMS Sheffield, in number ones in Malta. "What's he in, and how many years does one have to serve" "The Royal Marines" said the man, "Who are they, I've never seen them before," "Britain's Sea Soldiers and only nine years to serve" said the man. (I later found out that the man was a Chief Petty Officer)

With all the formalities done, Maths, English and General Knowledge test papers, I signed on the dotted line, caught the train home, arriving in time for dinner, where my Step Father asked me what Regiment I had joined. When I told him the Royal Marines, he burst out laughing. "You'll. be sorry" "Why" said j, "You've joined Britain elite fighting force, that's why, they are the best Britain has to offer." With that I started to wonder what I had got myself into, but I can honestly say I would do it all over again, if given a second chance, or would I ?

1956. Friday 24th February. 614 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks.

1956. Friday 13th April. Change of title from Boys to Juniors.

1956. Friday 13th April. 654 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1956. Thursday 5th July. 654 C.S. Completed training at the Deal Depot.

1956. Friday 20th July. 897 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1956. July - August. The Brigade Headquarters along with 40 and 45 Commandos were withdrawn from Cyprus for the Suez Operation.

1956. July. While 42 Commando was recalled from the UK.

1956. Thursday 26th July. During the summer months Colonel Abdul Nasser, who had succeeded General Neguib as head of the Military Junta Government of Egypt. Dissolved the 'Suez Canal Company' overnight and nationalised the control and proceeds of the waterway. That had been a joint British-French enterprise which had owned and operated the Suez Canal since its construction in 1869. Hoping to charge tolls that would pay for construction of a massive new Aswan High Dam on the Nile River. In response, Israel invaded in late October.

The British Chief of the Defence Staff was ordered to prepare a military expedition against Egypt. The amphibious assault would be launched from Malta. What became known as the 'Suez Crisis' when 45 Commando performed the world's first military helicopter borne assault insertion during British and French military action in Egypt. 40 and 42 Commando undertook a more traditional amphibious landing on the beach at Port Said. The amphibious capability of the Royal Marines was greatly increased and became a key element in the country's capacity to intervene in areas of conflict overseas. The British and French troops landed on Monday 5th November, occupying the canal zone.

Most of the world, was divided over the controversial issue of the British and French invasion of the Suez Canal, shortly after its nationalisation. There was however no disputing the success of the combined sea and airborne assaults by the Royal Marines and Parachute Regiments in the first such outstanding operation of its kind.

However, under Soviet, U.S., and U.N. pressure, Britain and France withdrew in December, and the Israeli forces departed in March 1957. That month, Egypt took control of the canal and reopened it to commercial shipping.

The bodies of 9 officers and other ranks who were killed in the action at Port Said on Tuesday 6th November were returned to England by air on Friday 14th December for re-interment. The coffins were transported to the RN Hospital at Haslar (Gosport) accompanied by an armed escort, under arrangements made by the OC RNB Eastney.

At 1500 hours on Monday 17th December the following were buried at the RN Cemetery, Clayhall, Gosport, with full military honours: -

Lieutenant E. A. Lifton RM.

Lieutenant P. W. McCarthy RN.

Marine Lorin Dudhill - RM/15070 of 40 Commando RN.

Sergeant D. H. A. Dennis - PLY/X4536.

Marine B. J. Price - RM/11202.

Marine B. Short - RN/11158 of 42 Commando RN.

Three others had funerals arranged privately, by their next-of-kin, with the Corps being represented on each occasion:

Marine David Howard - RM/14285 (42 Commando).

Marne Fudge - RMV/202128 (40 Commando).

Marine C E Goodfellow - RM/131833 (45 Commando).

For some inexplicable reason the headstones of those buried at Haslar bear the RN Anchor instead of the customary Corps badge.

Lt. Col. Norman Tailyour the CO of 45 Commando and his signaller Marine Michael Fowler RM14245, were the victims of their own side, when a Fleet Air Arm Wyvern aircraft accidently strafed them with cannon fire.

Marine Fowler later died from his wounds, bringing the total Royal Marine deaths to 10.

Two of the army personnel killed in action were attached to 42 Commando:

Sgt B Kizlo (RAC) and Cpl G Crawford (Somerset Light Infantry).

While 49 Royal Marines were wounded casualties.

The Brigade strength of 2800 was spread amongst 20 ships of the AW Squadron, and two aircraft carriers HMS Ocean and Tuseus bore 45 Command.

The following Awards were announced:

Brigadier R W Madoc OBE ADC, Commander of 3 Commando Brigade.

Lt Cot D C Tweed MBE, Commander of 40 Commando.

OBE - Maj B I S Gourlay Nfl NC.

Bar to MC. - Naj 0 L St M Aldridge MBE MC.

MC. - Naj A P Willasey-Wilsey MBE; Captain N A H Marston; and Lt S L Syrad.

0CM. - Cpl D E Mant.

MM. - QMS GD Buttery; Cpl M E Mead;

W Crossland and Marine C K Davidson.

Another 19 Officers and men were mentioned in despatches.

1956. Friday 19th October. 654 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Chris Garlick was awarded the Kings Badge.

1956. Tuesday 6th - 14th November. 3 Commando Brigade spearheaded landings at Port Said in Egypt. President Nasser of Egypt seized the British and French owned Suez Canal. The Chief of the Defence Staff was ordered to prepare a military expedition against Egypt. The amphibious assault was launched from Malta. After the military operation, Brigade HQ Royal Marine Commando with 40 Cdo RM and 45 Cdo RM were withdrawn to Malta from Suez. They were based on Malta but departed on regular exercises in Cyprus till 1958.

1956. Monday 10th – 12th December. 45 Commando Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel N.H. Tailyour took part in 'Operation Foxhunter' while in Cuprus.

1956. Naval Party Operation 'Grapple' In 1956 this party, No. 2512,18 included a flotilla of RM LCMs and other Marines, about 56 in all, who were deployed in landing stores, and building roads, camps and other installations for the testing of the British hydrogen bombs in 1957 on Christmas Island in the Pacific. Their LST Messina had been modified to carry six LCMs launched by a boom crane.(RMHS)

1956. The 'Bent-Barrel' Gun! As member of the ship's company of HMS BULWARK during the withdrawal of Aden in 1967 I wish to set the record straight as to the circumstances of the bending of the barrel of the field piece that is now displayed in the RM Museum.

In 1956, 45 Cdo Royal Marines was in the forefront of the Suez Crisis. During their fight through Port Said they captured an Egyptian Anti-Aircraft Field piece. This piece became a 'trophy 'and was carried around all theatre of operations that 45 Cdo RM served in after Suez.

In 1967, on withdrawal from Aden, the Royal Navy, who had been steaming off Masirah for several weeks, arrived to assist in the withdrawal. Major ships involved were HMS BULWARK, HMS HERMES, plus a flotilla of Frigates who were part of the screening force. Part of the withdrawal plan was to evacuate civilian employees of the oil companies. Another was to embark the Argylle and Sutherland Highlanders and 45 Cdo RM along with their treasured war 'trophy'. The 'trophy' was one of the first pieces of equipment to be flown onto HMS BULWARK.

On recovery to the ship the gun was stowed in the forward hangar adjacent to the Assault Cages. With the barrel facing aft the gun was lashed down and secured for sea. However, such was the position of the gun, that during the transit access to the assault cages was often required. This required the gun, from time to time, to be unlashed, moved in order to gain access to the cages, and then manoeuvred back into place and re-lashed. Unfortunately, on one occasion, the fated gun wasn't moved back into its original position which resulted in the barrel of the gun over-hanging the forward lift well. Not surprisingly, the next time the forward lift was lowered, there was an almighty grinding sound of metal on metal (the lift weighed 17 tons) as it struck the barrel of the gun and bent it through 90 degrees. Fortunately there wasn't a helicopter on the lift because it could have skidded off into the hanger and caused a huge amount of damage to itself and a real possibility of fire. The lift was taken up to flight deck level and checked by the Engineers.

The Marine responsible for the well-being of the 'trophy' – which incidentally was his sole responsibility - physically wept on discovery of the incident.

The very next day , The Ship's Newspaper – The Daily BEE - carried a cartoon. It illustrated the gun, with the barrel bent through 90 degrees, muzzle pointing to the deck under which there was a pool of melted candle wax. The caption that accompanied the cartoon read "I knew it was hot in the hangar, but this is bloody ridiculous".

Once the ship had set sail for the UK a signal was sent to the Admiral of Plymouth Dockyard explaining the problem asking if the Dockyard workshops could assist in rectifying the bent barrel. Shortly thereafter a signal was received saying that all assistance would be given to solving the problem. From memory, the Admiral of the Dockyard was Rear Admiral Power.

The gun was subsequently repaired and now resides at the RM Museum. If you look carefully you can see the kink in the barrel that originated from the ill-fated accident many years before.

(Then Leading Airman(AH) Tom Challis L090516 (also RMV204613)

1956. After refitting at Portsmouth, HMS Albion returned once again to the Mediterranean for operations relating to the Suez Crisis where her air group struck key Egyptian airfields and covered the paratrooper's landings. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1956. First Royal Marine detachments for frigates was formed.

1956. Corps Strength at that time was 10,000.

1956. RM Band - Drum Majors - Drill with the Staff. "Throwing the staff in the air is not in keeping with the position and dignity of a drum Major. His primary duty is to control and lead the band and not to give a personal display. The practice of throwing the staff into the air by Drum Majors in public or when the public are present is to be made in due course to 'Drill (Royal Marines) 1953 Part V, Band Drill - Ceremonial"

1957. Monday 11th March. 669 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1957. 13th June. 669 C.S. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1957. May - September. From Cyprus 45 Commando returned to Malta in October, while X and Z troops formed the heliforce in Cyprus during June 1958.

1957. National Service was to end gradually. It was decided that those born on or after 1st October 1939 would not be required, but conscription continued for those born earlier whose call up had been delayed for any reason.

1957. Elements of 42 Commando served in Northern Ireland.

1957. Small Arms School Royal Marines at Browndown closed.

1957. Friday 19th October. 666 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks.

1957. Friday 29th October. 667 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks. William Neilson was awarded the Kings Badge.

1957. Monday 25th November. 680 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1957. Friday 1st November. 668 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks. R. Irvine was awarded the Kings Badge.

1957. December. 669 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks. Roy Calder was awarded the Kings Badge.

1957. Soldiers began using the L (12A) 1 self loading rifle, a British version of the American FN FAL.

1957. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Deal Depot. (RMHS)

1958. By this time all cap badges had been anodised.

1958. Wednesday 1st January. The Physical Training School was re-designated Physical Training Wing. It remained responsible for the training and re-qualification of 130 instructors deployed worldwide.

In anticipation of the end of National Service (the last intake was in 1960), a Junior Entry (JE) scheme was introduced for recruits aged 16 and 17. Until 1969 the Junior Marines did their Phase 1 training in Junior Wing alongside Junior Musicians and Junior Buglers before moving on to subsequent phases elsewhere. In anticipation of the end of National Service (the last intake was in 1960), a Junior Entry (JE) scheme was introduced for recruits aged 16 and 17. Until 1969 the Junior Marines did their Phase 1 training in Junior Wing alongside Junior Musicians and Junior Buglers before moving on to subsequent phases elsewhere. (RMHS)

1958. January. 671 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1958. Thursday 27th February. 680 C.S. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1958. Monday 21st April. 689 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1958. May. 'Operation 'Kingfisher' or 'How Grivas Got Away'. By Lieutenant Colonel Peter Thomas RM (RMHS)

1 was serving in 40 Commando RM during the Cyprus Emergency. We were responsible for the Troodos mountain district where Grivas had organised and trained his guerrilla groups at the start of the insurrection against British Rule. Most of the effort of the security forces was aimed at eliminating the terrorist leaders. George Grives was the big prize. With his death or capture the campaign of terrorism waged by EOKA against the British would collapse.

Grivas had nearly been caught a number of times, notably in May and June 1956 when for two months he and his command group were trapped within a cordon of troops in the Troodos district. Operating amongst a sympathetic population, accompanied by only one aide, Grivas proved a frustratingly elusive quarry.

In May 1958 an informer told the authorities that Grivas was going to hold a conference of EOKA leaders in the country north of Limassol.

The reserve Brigade available to the Director of Operations was committed elsewhere. With less than 36 hours in which to react, drastic measures were needed to produce three major units to cordon and search the large area indicated by the informer. Despite the risks it was decided to pull out three infantry units from their areas of responsibility. And so Operation Kingfisher, initially a mere 48 hour cordon and search operation, started.

The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry were nearest in the Limassol area. 40 Commando had a 45-mile cross country journey along minor roads and forestry tracks. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders had a circuitous 80 mile journey from Potts in the far West of Cyprus. Transport ground its way across country throughout the night. Cordon troops debussed just before dawn and rapidly spread out to link up with neighbouring sub units.

All that day we slowly closed in on the suspected area. The terrorists were experts at making cunningly concealed hides and every suspicious place had to be searched. The first excitement came just before midday when a message came through from the left of my Troop that someone had found a "terrorist haversack". Foolishly I passed the information to Commando Headquarters on the wireless before moving across to investigate. When I reached the place I found one of my innocent newly joined subalterns pointing to a bag I knew full well to be used by villagers to protect the udders of their goats from the ravages of thorn bushes. I rushed back to my wireless and tried desperately to laugh off the gaffe. Communications were bad, and words like 'Truform and 'brassiere' began to lose their humour after being spelt out for the umpteenth time.

In the late afternoon we formed a line of static positions for the night and settled down to ambush routine. Shortly before midnight I heard a burst of firing from the far side of the cordon about 1 V2 miles away. I learned later that some bandsmen from the Argylls pipe band had opened fire at the noise of stones being thrown from within the cordon. Not being very used to military matters, they declined to report the incident when there was no corpse to show for it.

Now it was a known technique of Grivas's when surrounded, to wait until dark and then advance cautiously towards the cordon throwing sticks and lumps of earth ahead of him. This would provoke a reaction from the cordon troops. Instead of retreating and trying to breakout somewhere else he would sidestep 10 or 15 yards and after a long wait, crawl out on a parallel course. He gambled on us never having sufficient troops to close the gaps.

Next day we slowly moved the cordon in, searching carefully as we did so. That evening the three units halted in the final cordon positions which, with a few minor adjustments, were to be occupied for the next six weeks. The cordon surrounded the whole of a deep valley which extended into a ridge of hills. It measured about 800 yards across by 1000 yards long. The cordon could now be thinned out to form search parties. My troop was withdrawn, and we moved into a pleasant camp under some carob trees - much preferred to the tedium of cordon duties.

For days we searched sections of ground within the cordon area. After a week the search was concentrated on a narrow strip of hillside. The bottom was a steep sided wadi. At the top was a Jumble of limestone rocks. In between were terraced fields. Relentlessly the search continued. Every terrace was torn down, the sides of the wadi were dug out and the limestone was shifted with crow bars. Then we found the "stench hole". It was a small fissure in the rocks from which came a powerful smell of ordure. It was too late to do anything about it that day, so we were ordered to ambush the area with the whole Troop, less the Assault Engineers, during the night.

Assuming the stench hole to be the top vent of a hide I positioned my ambush line from the top to bottom of the hillside. Men lay in pairs, each man facing alternately left and right across the hill side. We lay there in silence throughout the night. At dawn we with-drew, and I debriefed each pair. They had seen nothing but reported they had heard a great deal. There had been a constant thumping noise from underground. Scraping noises as of greet sliding doors had been heard. All this was confirmed by several pairs who were debriefed independently.

The CO had come round to meet the ambush party as it withdrew. He was most impressed by what I had to tell him so after I had had a quick breakfast and a shave he took me round to give my report at the Brigadier's daily conference.

As we drove round in the Landrover a nagging doubt began to assail me. I had heard nothing of note during the night, but I had been sitting with my back to a tree. Most of the rest of the ambush party had been lying belly down with nothing except their web pouches between them and the rocky soil. Could the thumping noise have been their hearts beating as they listened in hushed expectation? In which case could not the scraping noise have been the sound of their neighbours shifting position? Over 8 hours the imagination of men waiting keyed up for something to happen can play strange tricks. Remembering the terrorist haversack I told my story but voiced my reservations.

In the meantime the Assault Engineers had been laying charges to blow the stench hole open. We worked hard alternately blowing and clearing the rubble The fissure went down about eight feet and then turned under a great slab of rock. A small, brave marine crawled in but found nothing. The stench had long since given way to the smell of explosive fumes. I suppose those dammed goats had been responsible for raising our hopes again.

The Assault Engineers expended much hard work and explosives laying charges in every likely and unlikely hiding place. To help carry the tools and explosives in and out we requisitioned a donkey train. One evening when we came to leave before blowing the charges, the donkeys were missing. It transpired that the Lancashire Fusiliers had kidnapped them and were demanding a ransom. I decided that one good turn deserved another and after redeeming our donkeys, the Fusiliers camp was raided. Next morning the donkeys plodded into the hills each with a yellow hackle between its ears. Bertram Mills would have approved even if the gallant XXth did not

On another day one of the AEs had the misfortune to loose off his rifle by mistake. Quite correctly negligent discharges are taken very seriously, and I had to drive the offender round to the CO's orderly room where he was awarded the statutory 28 days loss of pay. On return to our camp we found the AE section fallen in. The miscreant was grabbed and marched in front. They presented arms and presented him with a medal on a ribbon made from a Kiwi boot polish tin on which was etched crossed muskets each with a puff of smoke coming from the muzzle. Beneath was the motto 'Where did that one go?" This was probably a far more salutary lesson than the loss of pay.

Every night throughout this period of blasting and digging we had been laying ambushes inside the cordon. Thus any attempt by Grivas to dig himself out of a damaged hide could be dealt with. It had been made clear to me what we were expected to do if we encountered the terrorist leader. Although most of his henchmen could be charged with murder, Grivas could only have been deported for illegal entry.

One day some long awaited infra-red equipment arrived. A sniper scope, which is a night scope for a rifle, was given to the ambush party who were to lie up in the Argylls' sector on their side of the valley. I had the driver's side. This was an Aldis lamp with a thick plate of red glass over the lens, a very large pair of binoculars and a heavy 12 volt battery. All this had to be lugged into the ambush position. The result was the ability to see about 25 yards of green tinted landscape.

When I first scanned our arc I noticed a bright light across the valley. When I looked in its direction without the glasses I could see nothing. Obviously, it was the light source of the Argylls' sniper scope. I flashed my Aldis in acknowledgement and continued to scan my area. At intervals throughout the night we saw the other light In our glasses.

At dawn we broke radio silence. We had nothing to report but were amazed to hear an excited Scots voice report from the other ambush position that " they had seen someone moving around on the hillside opposite with a torch." They had aimed at the light, but the rifle would not fire. They had tried without success to fit the scope to another rifle. I asked if they has seen the light only when looking through the receiver. "Yes" said the Scots voice. Tersely I explained that it was my light they had seen.

On several occasions a small pi-dog was noticed inside the cordon and some bright spark suggested that Grivas was using it as a courier to get messages through to EOKA. Consequently the island was scoured for bitches in season which were then trailed through the cordoned area by embarrassed marines. Either the pi-dog's sense of duty was more highly developed than his natural instincts or he had gone back to his village, for nothing came of this ploy either.

Intelligence sources seemed to indicate that Grivas might be pinned down somewhere. No proclamations signed "Digheriis" had been issued since the start of our operation. Sporadic incidents had occurred which might have been EOKA diversions to ease pressure on the Kingfisher area but there had been no concerted campaign in the districts from which the troops for the cordon had been withdrawn - surely a sign that Grivas was not in control of his forces.

My Troop had done all it could with the lightweight equipment we carried. We were moved back into the cordon. A Field Squadron of sappers made a road onto the hillside and moved in heavy plant to continue the search. The rest we watched from afar.

After six weeks the cordon closed right in to surround the spot where the sappers were working. 40 Commando went back to the Troodos mountains. I cannot remember how or when Operation Kingfisher ended. Grivas was certainly not caught because he was still alive to embarrass Archbishop Makarios and the Greek Government years later. If he was inside the cordon I believe that he slipped out that first night through the band and drums. However we cannot be too critical. If they had not been there to plug the gap perhaps no one would have given him the fright which kept him quiet for so long. (By Lieutenant Colonel Peter Thomas RM (RMHS)

1958. Monday 9th June. Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade.

1958. Friday 4th July. A memorial chapel to those killed while on deployment was erected at St Paul's Cathedral Valletta, Malta.

1658. Thursday 31st July. 689 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1958. July. HMS Albion had a sample of what she would one day become, when she embarked 42 Commando Royal Marines, with all its vehicles and additional equipment to the Middle East.

The next two years saw her visit the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, before she returned to Portsmouth to pay off. She was considered as a replacement for the Australian carrier HMAS Melbourne but was rejected. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1958. August. 931 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1958. Monday 15th September. 702 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1958. Friday 10th October. 682 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. David Walker was awarded the Kings Badge.

1958. Thursday 16th October. 5/58 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1958. October. 1Je Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1958. 16th October. 5/58 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks.

1958. Monday 10th November. 708 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1958. Monday 17th November. 709 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1958. December. 689 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks. John callan was awarded the Kings Badge.

1958. Royal Marine Gunnery School at Eastney closed.

1958. Wearing of Dress Cords Royal restricted to Buglers Branch, not Musicians.

1958. In anticipation of the end of National Service (the last intake at Deal was in 1960), a Junior Entry (JE) scheme was introduced for recruits aged 16 and 17. Until 1969 the Junior Marines did their Phase 1 training in Junior Wing alongside Junior Musicians and Junior Buglers before moving on to subsequent phases elsewhere. (RMHS)

1958. Lieutenant Hadyn Mainwaring was the first RM officer to volunteer for fast jet training in response to RMRO 275/56. He was awarded his wings flying Vampires at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in January 1959 but was medically downgraded shortly afterwards during his Seahawk Operational Flying Training course at RNAS Lossiemouth.

1959. Thursday 8th January. 702 C.S. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1959. May. The Freedom of the city Portsmouth was bestowed on the Corps when the Captain General accepted it on behalf of the Corps.

1959. January - March. 40 Commando based In Cyprus, returned to Malta where the whole brigade was assembling, including 42 Commando who had been sent out from England.

1959. Friday 6th March. 708 C.S. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1959. Thursday 12th March. 709 C.S. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1959. Monday 6th April. 718 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1959. Friday 28th August. 709 Kings Squad passed for duty at Eastney Barracks. J. A. Wincott was awarded the Kings Badge.

1959. Tuesday 15th September. 702 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1959. Lieutenant Terence Joseph Patrick Murphy became the first Royal Marines pilot to fly jets in an operational squadron. He flew Seahawk Fighter Ground Attack jet fighters with 806 Squadron.

1960. Wednesday 6th January. 1/60 New Entry Squad commenced training at the Deal epot.

1960. Tuesday 16th February. 739 Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone. Willie Turnbull was awarded the Kings Badge.

1960. Wednesday 17th February. 1/60 New Entry Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1960. Monday 21st February. No 6 Junior Squad formed up at the Deal Depot.

1960. March. 6 Je. Comemnced training at the Deal Depot.

1960. Monday 4th April.45 Commando main body arrived in Aden after sailing from Malta.

1960. 31st March. 41 Commando Royal Marines (Cdo RM) was reformed. It was assigned to the UK Strategic Reserve.

1960. Monday 2nd May. 742 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1960. Thursday 2nd June. Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade.

1960. Monday 4th July. 746 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1960. Thursday 11th August. 742 C. S. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1960. Friday 9th September. 7Je Wing commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1960. Monday 26th September. 939 N.S. Passed for duty. This was also the last National Service Squad to be formed.

1960. Friday 7th October. Warning order regarding wider wearing of green beret by officers and other ranks. Restricted to wearing by Commando Formations and Units to be revised.

1960. Thursday 20th October. 746 Squad completed training at Deal.

1960. Thursday 20th October.7Je Squad completed training at Deal.

1960. Friday 25th November. AFO decreed universal wearing of green beret. Previously only worn by ranks serving in Commando Units or the Commando School. "Green beret now to be issued to ORs of the RMBS and Buglers on attaining Adult 1st Class status or on first draft to an HM Ship, RN Establishment, or Commando Unit or formation - whichever is sooner. After issue green beret will be part of compulsory kit. RM and RM Band Officers are to provide themselves with the green beret when required.

1960. November. National Service was finally coming to an end, the Marines were again reduced, but this time to an all Commando trained force of 9,000 personnel.

1960. November. 8Je Kings Squad commenced training at Deal Depot.

1960. Saturday 31st December. The last National Servicemen entered service as the call up finally ended.

1960. HMS Bulwark commissioned as first British Commando Carrier Ship.

1960. Layout of Royal / Corps insignia on Drum Majors Dress Belts checked by Royal College of Heralds and amended to suit current protocol.

1960. Rope tensioned drums replaced by rod tension.

1960. 45 Commando was moved to Aden.

1960. 42 Commando moved to Singapore.

1960. Melville Barracks Chatham closed.

1960. July. Logistic Regiment RM. The permutations of subunits in Commando deployments, were expected to require a flexibility in logistic support which could not be provided from existing formations. After careful study the peacetime and war establishments of new units were determined, and between July 1971 and January 1972 subunits were brought together to form this Regiment. In operations the Regiment HQ became - and becomes - the HQ for the Brigade Maintenance Area (BMA), controlling the logistics to the Brigade's plan. Among its 400 all ranks in 1980 were army personnel from the RCT, REME, ROAC, RAPC, and personnel of the RN Commando Medical Squadron. The Medics did not provide staff for the sick–bays when in barracks, but were equipped to provide medical services in the field during operations (including those in Arctic areas). The Regiment's Transport Squadron was equipped to move supplies from the areas of a beachhead to the Brigade Maintenance Area and from there to distribution points for the units deployed. The Squadron could also transport personnel. The Ordnance Squadron held 'on wheels' (loaded in vehicles) two months' needs in spare parts and technical stores, including those for the Brigade's aircraft and motor transport. In addition men from this Squadron were responsible for stock control in the Maintenance Area and at distribution points, and they distributed the bulk fresh rations, ammunition, petrol, oil and lubricants. The Workshop Squadron's three Troops repaired vehicles, and electronic and other equipment, including instruments, and was equipped to recover light vehicles. All Squadrons continued to provide these services in 1997.

Deployments and changes in organisation 1981–1997

1981 training in Sillies.

1982 deployed to Falkland Islands in operation 'Corporate' setting BMA at Ajax Bay and later at Teal

1985 training in Wales.

Exercise 'Mainspring'.

Belfast tour in N Ireland.

1991 deployed in operation 'Haven' during April to August[?] when strength raised to over 800, but by mid-September returned to 'a more normal strength of 540 men. The maintenance to vehicles and equipment was completed by 1st October. The configuration of the Regiment as originally laid down, had been modified in practice and was at this time brought up to date.

1993 By late 1993 the First Line Troop of Transport Squadron, the Servicing Bay and the LAD joined HQ Squadron, and the Medical Squadron moved to Coypool (Plymouth) where a new building housed the NAAFI and a purpose built galley for RM chefs who served the new mess rooms. The Workshop Squadron's hangar was renovated. During this year the Regiment put on many displays, with a section from the Ordnance Squadron, another from Transport Squadron and one from HQ plus some last minute additions, all climbing Jenny Cliff to show the Regiment's versatility.

1995 Exercise 'Rolling Deep' (where Rgt repaired CVR(T)s of the Household Cavalry).

26th August tasked with establishing an evacuation centre on Antigua for deployment to people evacuated from Montserrat.

Elements in Cyprus supporting 29 Cdo Regt RA.

On 26th October the CO formally took over the former RAF barracks enabling the Regt to bring together its various units. Elements deployed with 45 Commando to Kuwait in operation 'Driver'.

In November and December the Regiment moved to RM Barracks Chivenor.

1997 Winter deployment preparations for WD 98

Miscellaneous

Memorable date: 22nd May landing at Ajax Bay (in 1982)(RMHS)

1961. January. HMS Albion's conversion begun for her to become a commando carrier. She was eventually recommissioned in 1962. Training with 845 and 846 helicopter squadrons as well as 40 Commando Royal Marines before she joined the Far East Fleet. She was a vital asset in supporting operations ashore in Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1961. Monday 9th Janruary. 754 C.S. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Friday 3rd February. Revised structure of the RMBS Special Duties List. Admiralty approval of changes to promotion and structure. Ranks to remain in the cumbersome form of 'Major (SD (B)) - 'Major, Special Duties, Band.

1961. Tuesday 21st February. 6Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Friday 31st March. Closure of Nore Command & disposal of C-in-C's RM Band.

1961. April. 3 Commando Brigade, (Headquarters and 42 Commando Initially) were moved from Malta, where it had been based since the mid 1950s, and returned to Singapore, along with No 6 SB Section. To be based in the Far East for the next 10 years. The Government had decided to keep one Commando Carrier in the Far East, while a second one was to be kept West of the Suez Cannel. At that time there was only two in service HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion, both of 18,300 ton and having been deployed in the mid 1960's.

1961. Sunday 8th April. No 6 Junior squad completed training at Deal Depot.

1961. April. 747 - 748 Squad completed training at Deal Depot.

1961. Saturday 6th May. 754 C. S. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Monday 5th June. 12Je Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Saturday 17th June. 756 C.S. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Sunday 25th June. Abdul Karim Qasim announced that Kuwait would be incorporated into Iraq and a military threat was seen by Britain, as imminent. Britain had accepted responsibility for Kuwait's military protection and urgently sent a strong naval task force known as 'Operation Vantage' which included Royal Marines from 42 Commando on board HMS Bulwark, Britain's first commando Carrier. A Company of 42 Commando were landed by helicopter at the Kuwait Airport, just as a British Squadron of Hawker Hunters jet fighter aircraft arrived.

The British fleet included the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious (subsequently relieved by HMS Centaur), destroyers HMS Camperdown, HMS Finisterre, HMS Saintes and HMS Cassandra, frigates HMS Loch Fyne, HMS Loch Ruthven, HMS Loch Insh, HMS Llandaff, HMS Yarmouth, and HMS Lincoln and LST HMS Messina and the 108th Minesweeper Squadron.

1961. Saturday 1st July. Britain had already deployed half of a brigade group (that included 45 Commando) into Kuwait to take up a defensive position ready for action. It's always been regarded as a very fast deployment. However, it's now known that the British had earlier received intelligence of what was about to happen. They had pre-empted their forces sending them to the area but keeping a low profile. In the end Iraq did not attack and a couple of years later the British forces were eventually replaced by the Arab League forces. Under great pressure from other countries in the area, Iraq eventually recognised Kuwait's independence during 1963. The Arab League contingent withdrew from Kuwait following the overthrow of Iraq's Qassem regime during February 1963.

1961. Friday 21st July. Stick drill for Royal Marine Buglers. 'Attention' drill changed. No pause between coming to attention and bringing sticks across the body. Buglers to carry out these movements at the same time.

1961. July. 5Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1961. Monday 31st July. 764 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Monday 4th September. 766 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Tuesday 5th September. 43 Commando was reformed in Plymouth and disbanded again at Eastney Barracks in 1968.

1961. Tuesday 26th September. No 6 Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1961. September. 754 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. C.R. Gilding was awarded the Kings Badge.

1961. Monday 9th October. 769 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1961. October. 753 passed for duty at Lympstone.

1961. October. 755 Kings squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1961. October. 8Je Kings Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Monday 6th November. 771 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1961. Monday 27th November. 772 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1961. November. 756 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1961. Tuesday 12th December. 757 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1961. Saturday 16th December. 764 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1961. 29 Commando Regiment RA. These units' close association with the Commandos began in 1961 when 29th Field Regiment RA began to re-form as 29 Commando Light Regiment RA with four batteries (220 all ranks). The first battery in action, 145 (Maiwand) Bty, joined the Cdo Brigade and was in Borneo firing the 105mm pack howitzer for the Battery's first shoot 'in anger' on 23rd December 1962. By 1965 the 95 Regiment RA of forward observation teams had been reorganised for service with the Commandos, but after the economies of 1976 only one headquarters was retained. The batteries served in Malaya, Singapore, Brunei, Sarawak, Cyprus, Aden, Norway and from 1971 were on tours in Northern Ireland with Commandos.

On 1st April 1977 the first TAVR battery joined the Regiment, 289th Commando Battery. In 1978 the three gun batteries of 29 Cdo Regiment were each equipped with six 105–mm light guns, replacing the pack howitzer, and the TAVR battery was equipped with this light gun. The Commando Forward Observation Battery, 148th (Meiktila) Bty, provided parties to control air strikes and naval support fire, the men being trained parachutists and divers. All ranks of the Regiment wear the green beret on completing their commando training.

Deployments and changes in organisation 1981 - 1997

The Regiment deployed in 1982 to the Falkland Islands. They trained with the Cdo Bde in various exercises including those in Norway and with Commando units in Belize from time to time. They were involved in other exercises including in 1990 a battle run with a rifle company and helicopters. Batteries were detached for service in Yugoslavia on roulement tours in the late 1980s and 1990s.(RMHS)

1961. Lieutenants Roger Learoyd, T.J.P. Murphy and Nick Wise were the first Royal Marines to qualify as troop lift helicopter pilots.

1961. Method of wearing bugle cord described. When carrying a drum, bugle to be carried on a shortened cord passing under the right epautte - bugle to be carried in the right hand at all times.

1961. The last National Service Musicians left the RMBS.

1961. Head Quarters 3 Commando Brigade was established in Singapore.

1961. 43 Commando was re-formed in Plymouth.

1962. Monday 8th Janruary. 13Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Saturday 20th January. 766 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Monday 5th February. 775 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Friday 23rd February. Lieutenant-General M.C. Cartwright-Taylor, CB, had the honour of being received by Her Majesty the Queen upon his appointment as Commandant General Royal Marines.

1962. Saturday 24th February. 769 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1962. February. 760 Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone. D.G. South was awarded the Kings Badge.

1962. February – February 1964. A true account of a 'Beached Bootneck's return to duty'. by David (Shiner) Wright 1 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

'Adrift' After three months charging round the desert in Sharja and Aden, out flanking " Percy" by day and by night I ended up a casualty on the last day during exercise First Call at Malindi Mombasa, caused by members of B coy, who's over enthusiastic use of thunder flashes, when attacking my bren gun position, blinded me in my right eye and gave me a hell of a head ache, I remember Alan Bradshaw, yelling "there's one on my back" as he turned to dislodge it, it hit me in the face. Wham! It felt like I'd taken a shot gun blast to the side of my head.

I couldn't hear a thing, my right hand was clamped over my right eye, I couldn't feel anything my ears were ringing, a corporal got a grip on my hand and prised it of my face, then I heard Jesus Christ's name mentioned and someone yelling for the medic.

I was bandaged up by the first aid tiffy, I looked like a Sikh who failed his turban tying course, then flown back to Albion. I stepped out of the chopper and proceeded to walk to the hatch way at the bridge, the ships MO came doubling along the deck with four ratings in tow with a stretcher and promptly ordered me to get aboard, despite my protest that I could walk, I was the guinea pig, loaded onto the bridge hoist and taken below.

That evening as I lay in the sick bay members of B coy came down to say sorry on their way to a run ashore, even the M.O. popped in and asked how I was doing, he was also off ashore, me? I was passed caring, doped up and nowhere to go.

Around midnight, the dope had worn off and my eye became extremely pain full, the M.O. Took a look and said get him off the ship, I heard him say we may have to fly him to Moorfields in London to save the eye.

Bloody marvellous home for Christmas, no such luck, I end up in the European Hospital Mombasa, the Albion sailed for Borneo, leaving me behind, two weeks in dock, eye drops every two hours day and night, daily visits to an eminent Indian eye specialist, an anonymous jag in the arse, for taking the piss out of a jack tar who had penal warts, and my eye sight returns, talk about a green rub.

The naval liaison officer looking after me decided I should go on board HMS Loch Ruthven, (built 1944) to assess my eye injury under normal working conditions, i.e. chipping paint and painting, our part of ship, starboard side abaft of the whaler.

When changing into working rig standing on the RM mess table I heard someone calling "beer issue down aft" and there draped in the door way was what I thought was a jack tar taking the piss by his effeminate pose.

Not to be out done in the piss taking stakes, I purred " ooh, hasn't she got lovely eye's" wrong! Up went a chorus from my new mess mates "oy , oy , Arthur think he fancies you" oh shit, thinks I, he's the civvy naafi damager, and most likely a raving "Queen"

Well that was it, Arthur virtually chased me round the bloody ship, Arthur was otherwise romantically attached to the RM butcher, named Barraclough, he was an animal but funny with it.

2

I was walking down the companion way behind Barraclough one morning when he stopped outside the cabin and knocked on the door, there was Arthur in pink chiffon frilly house coat, Barraclough grabs Arthur round the neck and gives a deep meaningful kiss on the mouth, "morning darling" he said and carried on.

Must admit to being a wee bit shocked, first time I seen two blokes kissing, ugh! Well you know what goes on in frigate's no? Read on. Still on board at Christmas and I had made up for missing a run ashore, went a bit wild, so they tell me, dancing on tables, careering and cavorting with females of the dusky persuasion, ach well your only young once, everyone on board seemed to know me, must have been some bloody good runs ashore.

Christmas on board, the RM sergeant i.c. of our part of ship got a recommend from the skipper, he had saved his tot in a Lambs navy rum bottle and said here you go boys (three of us) merry Christmas.

I had no idea that in the bottle was navy neater's, took a mighty long pull, Jesus! I couldn't get my breath, fell on the floor gasping and choking, what the f---k was that? Having regained my composure, blown my nose and wiped the tears from my eyes, we decided to take up an invitation to take a wet on the starboard seaman's mess.

Unfortunately my oppo had not put the top back on our rum, it was gone before we got to the bottom of the ladder, the deck was awash with spilt beer, god knows what time they started, there was a rating in full white's rolling round the floor, his rig was in a mess, apparently he was watch on the gangway, fortunately someone took his place before anyone noticed the gangway was unmanned and that the duty man was "steaming"

On my way to the heads I passed the sick bay, there was one of the tiffys crying his eyes out, I thought he'd got some bad news, "what's up doc?" says I, he sobbed that he fancied the M.O. But unfortunately the M.O. was straight and his other boy-friend had been sent home and nobody loved him, well that's Frigates for you, I did invite him to the starboard watch mess for a wet but that just set him off again.

The ship was under sailing orders 02/01/63, New year's day was our last chance to have a last run ashore, and boy did we have a good one, unfortunately my winger and I got arrested for causing an affray outside The Manor Hotel in Kilandini road, locked up for the night.

In our cell was an army deserter and an ivory poacher, I managed to get out of the cell much to the surprise of the cops in the front office , I requested permission to phone the ship, if we missed the sailing we would be in the rattle big time and I was due to put on a flight to Singers, or so I thought.

One African gentleman dressed in a scruffy tee shirt and even scruffier chinos started raving at me, how did I get out? Who the hell are you, I asked, "I de chief inspector", bollocks! says I a scruffy git like you, I think I offended him, next thing I know being hurled back in the cell.

Next day we're up before the beak, typical colonial, face bloated with the drink, I'm sure he was pissed, asked how did we plead, not guilty, thrown back into the miscreants holding cage, must have been sixty people in there, a friendly African cop said plead guilty, you'll get find a pound each and you are out of here, that's what we did.

Mark, my oppo had no money, me I had two shillings left, we bought a huge bottle of coke, get some sugar into the system and run like smoking oakum for the harbour, managed to get on the last liberty boat and back on board, we were well adrift.

3

Initially on joining the ships company the Sergeant Major RM was really welcoming, couldn't do enough for me, we had barely cleared the gang way when we were fell in between an escort and marched up in front of the skipper.

I whispered to Mark, to keep quiet and I'll do the talking, the charge was read out "adrift prior to" the skipper asked if we had anything to say. Yes sir, we were having a quiet drink, toasting new year's day, and long live the Queen etc, when some disenchanted colonial types began hurling abuse and making derogatory remarks directed at our royal family.

In an attempt to keep the situation on an even keel Sir, we made them aware of who we were and requested an apology, this was met by howls of further abuse and an empty beer bottle, followed by several others hurled in our direction.

Not prepared to take this insulting behaviour, we endeavoured to settled the situation by taking cover behind our up turned table and rushing them, yelling "up and at them Loch Ruthvens".

We decked the opposition but unfortunately the proprietor of the establishment sided with the miscreants to protect his regular trade; and called the police.

Despite several requests to be permitted to contact the ship we were hauled away and banged up, we are duly proud of our ship and country Sir and could not stand by and take that abuse from any one. (of course that lot was pure unadulterated bull dust, we were nicked for trying to hot wire a car)

Dismiss and go to your duty station for leaving harbour, the sergeant major was livid, cannot remember his name but his nick name was "Biffo" due to the prominence of his listening tackle, then it dawned on me, engines running, brow coming in, " caste off forward"

Despite my informing sern't major, that I'm supposed to be put ashore, the ship was moving, " you'll get put ashore in Aden sonny" bastard! Off we go seven days sailing to bloody Aden, did a commission there 1960, the arm pit of the world.

As soon as we cleared the harbour it was sea duties for me, Biffo, no more Mr Nice guy, watch on the bridge proved disturbing, my eye sight was still playing up, I was seeing coloured lights when there were none. I was removed and put on life buoy ghost. A station on the quarter deck, the lowest part of the upper deck, standing mid ships against the bulkhead, watching for persons going over-board. Should this occur, the sentry would observe which side of the ship said person entered the water and press appropriate alarm, which automatically put the ship into the respective turn to attempt to rescue "man over board "I thought a rescue in pitch darkness and a whoring gale was very unlikely.

This was all well and good but at the time we were beating into a head sea with a wind force ten, gusting twelve, yes a hurricane / typhoon, whatever, bloody windy and extremely rough seas, so rough the quarter deck was awash most of the time. To make sure it wasn't me going over the side I unfastened my belt, ran it through the fire hose housing and back around my waist, it was scary and very wet.

There were compensations to the rough weather, a lot of tot's were going begging, people feeling a wee bit too "Uncle Dick" to imbibe, I have always helped the sick and needy and wandered round the ship in a considerably happy state.

Docking in Aden it was run ashore time, it would be the last with my new mess mates up the sharpe end. All togged up in our No 1 K.D. Rig ready to rock the place, Arthur turned out in a white dinner.

4

Jacket, maroon slacks, maroon bow tie and a pink carnation in his lapel button hole,(where the hell did he get the carnation) all the lads gave him a round of applause, that really pleased him.

First port of call the Naafi club in Steamer point, Arthur and twelve Boot necks, the lager flowed, Arthur wanted to dance, a few of us felt obliged, he was a fair dancer, could do the female steps a treat, he was having the time of his life. Come on fellas, let's go to the Rock Hotel, says Arthur, the best place in Aden.

Nah, they won't let us in there Arthur, wrong, Arthur had connections, up we went to the penthouse, booze and scran Arthur sorted it. What a night, when we got back on board, Arthur disappeared with a couple of "friends" down to his NAAFI stores where his fridge got raided and Arthur got a " good night kiss"

I'm sure Arthur never made a profit from his voyage, he just wanted to be with the lads and Barraclough, I think he was a lonely person, kind hearted to a fault, gay and looking for a soul mate, don't think it was the butcher though.

On the tenth of January I left the ship and reported to The Stone Frigate, name of which escapes me, the chief P.O. Told me that I would be billeted in the transit hotel Khormaksar, "do you need any money Royal?" he asked, no thanks (I'd been playing cards successfully), "what happens now" I asked, you will have to wait until someone leaves a through flight to Singapore to get back to your unit. " How long am I going to be stuck here" who knows, could be weeks/ months.

That really pissed me off, stuck in a dump like Khormaksar. After a week of sitting around, and going swimming I was really down, never felt so depressed, that is not like me at all. Bumped into an oppo from RM Deal, now a corporal, took me out to 45cdo at little Aden(not again, served there 1960 it's worse than an arm pit, it's the pit's)

Got pissed, sort of, in the jnr nco's mess and went back to the hell hotel, after two/three weeks got a flight out, arrived Singers late at night, truck up to Burma Camp, slept in a cell in the guard room.

Went down to the company lines to report my return. There was a new coy sergeant major, "who are you" he asked, " Wright sern't major returning from Mombasa" Wright! Wright! Your a.w.o l. he called out to a couple of lads and said "you two, escort, march this man to the guard room" back in the cell's.

It transpires that the Naval Liaison Officer in Mombasa was far too engrossed in the cocktail and daisy chain circuit, that he failed to keep an eye on my where abouts, when Loch Ruthven sailed he totally had no idea what had happened to me and I was posted A.W.O.L. What bloody leave and what a bloody liberty.

All sorted out, went to my billet all the lads came round and brought all my back mail, there were messages scrawled on the back of the envelope's, well done Shiner, keep going mate, hope you make it, all the best 1section 1 troop, very touching they all thought I'd legged it. Then it was off to the Naafi for a very huge amount of Tiger beer and war storying, great to be back amongst the good hands of 1section, 1 troop, A coy.

Strange, you moan about it when you are in the unit, with no real rhyme or reason but it's so good to be back, back with the team, where you belong, among the Brilliant Bootnecks once more, Peter "Bodge" Humpries, Ron Twigg, Dave Mathews (696 squad mates), Ray Ives,Denis Shambley Titch Underwood, Alan Bradshaw,George McGarry, and even Scouse Fagan(section corperal)

1962. Saturday 24th March. 771 Squad. Completed training at the Deal Depot.

1962. 14th April. 772 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Thursday 12th April. 779 Squad starts forming up for training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Monday 30th April. 779 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

779 Squad Kit muster and locker Inspection lay out at the Deal Depot. Photo's from Terry Aspinall (779), although they were taken by Basil Kidd of Deal.

 ...

1962. Monday 30th April to February. The Training of 779 Squad. Taken from Chapter 4 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

As I stepped off the train at Deal railway station, I was wearing a pair of tight Levi jeans and a black leather jacket. I was also sporting a mop of very long hair that had taken me almost eighteen months to grow. To some of my fellow passengers I must have looked like an alien from another planet. Because all around me other young men disembarking from the same train, sporting short haircuts and wearing smart Italian style suits. This being the style that was trying to replace the long favoured Teddy Boy look that I preferred. The Teddy Boy look featured a long draped jacket, whereas the Italian one featured a short length jacket, it being not much longer than a waistcoat. However, I always felt that the long jacket suited a tall person while the Italian style jacket enhanced a shorter person.

I felt out of place standing there on the platform not knowing where to go or whom I was supposed to meet. However, that was all about to change as I noticed a very tall slim built man in military uniform strutting down the platform and heading in my direction. "You one of mine" he bawled at me, "What's one of yours" I replied sarcastically. "Don't be smart with me laddie, you'll make a bad name for yourself". "I'm addressed as Colour Sergeant to you". Fine I thought, thanks for telling me. He continued shouting at me "By the looks of you, you must be one of mine, outside and in the van". I could not understand why he had to keep shouting at me, after all we were standing within an inch of each other and he was almost licking my nose. So why could he not talk in a normal voice like everybody else.

He suddenly turned and strutted off down the platform looking like a tin soldier bawling at anything that moved, including other bewildered young men standing on the same platform just like me. I decided to make my way down the platform and out of the station building into the courtyard as he suggested, where I was confronted by a van standing in the station courtyard, just as the Colour Sergeant had told me.

The van was a dark blue Bedford Door mobile, with the letters R.M. stamped on the side. Must stand for Royal Marines I thought, or on second thoughts maybe it stood for 'Right Mess' something I thought I might just be getting myself into. I looked in the back of the van and found it full of other bewildered recruits. Unfortunately, there were no empty seats, however I did notice that the front passenger side seat was empty, so I jumped in. I could not believe my luck or the space I had around me, compared with the other guys all crammed up tight in the back.

I was just settling down when Bang, a wooden stick crashed across the top part of my thighs. Something I was later to discover was known as a pace stick and used to measure out a marching stride. "In the back laddie" the bawling Sergeant had returned with a vengeance, apparently, I was in his seat. "Not making a very good first impression are we", he continued to shout at me. I could see that life with this mob was not going to be a bed of roses like I thought. I jumped out of the front seat and somehow managed to squeeze myself into the back. We then sped off at break neck speed to the Royal Marine barracks.

Upon our arrival we were all ordered out and met up with another group of recruits standing outside of what was known as the 'New Intake Block'. We seemed to spend hours in this building filling out papers and signing forms. During this time, I became very conscious of my appearance, as I compared myself with all the other boys around me. I was beginning to feel a little out of place, standing out like a sore thumb. The Colour Sergeant, who must have noticed this, pulled me to one side and had a quiet word in my ear. To my amazement, he was able to talk in a normal toned voice. Which was just as well otherwise he would have deafened me. "What's your name son" he asked, "Terry Aspinall", I replied, "Well don't worry about your dress Aspinall, tomorrow you will all look the same". "Especially when you get your hair cut and boy is the barber going to love you." "You're got enough there to stuff a large pillow".

After a time, we were taken into a lecture room where the brain washing began. We must have been confronted by about a dozen different people all telling us what to do and how to do it. However, I could not take it all on board. By the time the third person had spoken I'd forgotten what the first one had said. What I do remember is that I was dying to go to the toilet. I raised my hand so that I could be excused just like back at school. When the officer in charge finally took notice of me and asked what was wrong. I told him that I needed to go to the toilet. To my surprise he declined my pleading because I had not used the correct terminology. I was in the Royal Marines now and whatever I wanted to do I had to use the correct Marine slang word. Well I spent the next few minutes in dire pain crossing everything from my legs to my fingers. Finally, and to my relief a fellow recruit put his hand up and when asked what he wanted, he asked to be excused so that he could go to the 'Heads' whatever they were. However, it was not long before I realised and made the same request only to be told that I had to wait until the other guy came back. The officer went on to explain that he was not going to have two young guys playing around with each other in the heads on his shift. Boy I was beginning to wonder what an earth had I got myself into. I'd only been there for a couple of hours and already I was being classed as some sort of pervert.

The formation of a Royal Marine squad can take anything up to four weeks. During that time, you are given a bed in a dormitory style building. You draw all the necessary clothing and gear to get you started, fill out more forms, have talks about what is expected of you and what you will be doing in return. You also sort out who will be your friends and whom you will be avoiding within the squad. We were given the title of 779 Squad. It was made up of about 43 recruits, 15 came from Scotland, 15 from the London area and the other 13 from all parts of England, Wales and Ireland. Some guys had even managed to be transferred from other services, electing to join the Royal Marines.

One of the guys called Jimmy Jewel had been an R.S.M in the Plymouth junior Royal Marines unit. He started taking charge of us from day one, twenty years later I was to learn that he was promoted to the rank of Colour Sergeant. I also saw him on television on a Royal Tournament show in Earls Court London with his own drill squad, quite an achievement, and something I later admired.

I teamed up with Bob Hodgkiss who had changed over from the Navy, along with Syd Foulston from Kent and Johnny McGuirk from Widnes near Manchester. Widnes is just a few miles from Warrington, where my Father was born. A big talking point amongst us all was football. It just so happened that my local club Ipswich Town went on to win their very first 1st division football league championship that year. While being managed by Alf Ramsay, who later went on to become the England manager and was knighted, becoming known as Sir Alf.

One thing I did find amusing was that we had all come from very different back rounds and occupations. I recall that one guy had been a gravedigger, but the funny thing was, he was the biggest guy in the squad, so all that exercise had not helped to keep his weight down. Most of the officers would always make smart comments to him saying that his work experience would come in very handy on the battlefield, for digging slit trenches, or latrines (toilets). Later in the training, the recruits were to be split in two pairs. Whoever was paired up with this guy was going to have it very easy, when it came to digging trenches. It was a good job that I never mentioned that I used to dig trenches while working for the Eastern Electricity Board. Otherwise some smart Sergeant or Officer might have linked us up to dig the Channel Tunnel by hand. I was learning fast and the first rule that was drummed into our heads was to keep our mouths shut unless you were spoken to.

An essential part of our training was to learn the Royal Marine Corps history. The Corps revolves around its history and is very proud of what it has achieved over the years, something that was drummed into us at every conceivable opportunity. Items like our battle honours and 'Victoria Cross' winners, there being about ten of them at that time. The last one was posthumously won by Corporal Hunter from 43 Commando, while in Italy during the Second World War. It was reported that he sacrificed his own life to save his troop from heavy casualties as they advanced over open ground just north of Comacchio.

Had he survived he would have most likely been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. The main reason being that when you salute an Officer you are actually saluting his rank, not the person. We as other ranks would salute the officer first. The officer would then return the salute acknowledging your gesture. However, there is one exception to this rule. Everybody and that includes Officers, always salute first any person who has been awarded the Victoria Cross. So, at times you can imagine that it could be a little intimidating for Officers to have to salute first. Therefore, the quickest way to cure this problem was to promote the other rank with the Victoria Cross, to the rank of Officer.

We also had to keep up with world events and news. At any time of day, we would be asked questions by almost anybody. At one time I remember being asked about the latest spy scandal that had hit the headlines in1962. Some top government guy called Galbraith had gone over to the Russians. Up until then I had never heard of the guy and it took me quite some time to find out what he had been up to. We also had to learn all the service slang words, things like socks were known as dogs and when they were dirty, they barked. As I had learned the hard way, toilets were known as heads, while to wash your cloths was known as to dhobi them. To get your shoes repaired you had to take them to the Snob shop, although I haven't got a clue how that one came about.

The Royal Marines were the top service, although they are part of the Navy. Who it's always assumed are the Senior Service. This was constantly being explained to us, that you could always transfer up to any other service of her Majesty's armed Forces. Unfortunately, you were not allowed to transfer down. Hence, the Instructors delighted in constantly ribbing us that this was the end of the line for us. From here, there was only one place to go and that was out of the gate forever.

The Deal Barracks was where all the marching skills and drills were to be learnt. Known as square bashing, this was also where taking orders was drummed into your head and thrust down your throat at every conceivable opportunity. You are expected to do as you are told the first time around and not to ask why. At times, it being a very tough lesson to learn for some people. Deal is a place where only the strong and easy to adapt people manage to survive.

Many of the recruits cannot take this type of military regime and either drop out as they say or are thrown out. If you were very slow at picking things up you were what is known as, back squadded. Back squadding is where you are dropped back to the squad that formed up behind you, in our case it would be back to the 780 Squad. It being the dreaded scenario that most recruits hated, not want to go through a repeat of your past months hard training. Another bad thing about being back squadded was that it became hard to make new friends. Nobody liked a recruit who had been back squadded, they were known as losers. Because of this, many recruits dropped further and further back until they were finally kicked out. Although if you were determined and made friends easily you could usually get back on track.

Being thrown out was hated even more, as you would have to return to your hometown. Unfortunately, your fellow towns folk soon found out that you had become some sort of a failure and you would become the centre of many bad tasting jokes. Although All this usually took place behind your back. So, there was a great deal of pressure on you to succeed in all the training.

However, back squadding also applied to the people who broke limbs or became injured during the training. Only they had to wait for the break to heal, before they were finally allocated a new squad. It usually ended up with them being a couple of months behind their original one. In the meantime, they were not allowed to lie around on their beds. Even though they were almost crippled, they were expected to undertake other chores around the camp. Jobs that included cleaning or washing up in the canteen or the dreaded coal delivery to the officer's mess. However, this category of back squadded Marine was usually accepted back into the fold with out to many questions being asked.

We spent several days undergoing medical check-ups and testing our education. If that was not up to standard, we had to go back to school until we reached a minimum standard. Somehow, I managed to get though all that without the teachers realising that I was dyslexic and struggled with my reading and writing. It being a god send that most of the questions had a multi choice answer. It did not take me long to work out that I had a one in three chances of getting the correct answer. I could usually read some of the question parts and I guess I got the knack of working out which one to tick. Mind you I'm sure that lady luck played a large part in me choosing the correct one. I have since learnt that in those days the qualifications scores were very low anyway. The Military not wanting to turn anybody away, as recruits were hard to get. I sometimes laugh that all you had to do was walk in the recruitment shop door and you had signed on for twenty-two years. The one thing that I did not do in order to pass was to cheat. It being a problem I did not want my fellow recruits to know about and to give them further ammunition to be little me.

Then there was Physical education which was a necessary for all recruits. Having come from all walks of life it was not known how fit we were. Therefore, we all had to participate in a program that included three sessions a day, to be run over a period of four months, the duration of our time at Deal.

The Royal Marines had always prided its self in producing the fittest service personnel in the world. By the end of our training and with what we had been through, I am almost certain that we were. Circuit training was the key to this fitness, something that was very new to me. In addition, there were lots of sport and cross-country running, weights training and much more. Not forgetting the battle training and the drill, all coupled with a yes sir here, and a no sir there.

I tried to stay in the background during those early days, which I found quite hard as I am tall, and I stand out like a sore thumb. I also tend to crack jokes at every conceivable opportunity. Therefore, if I was going to blend into the background, I would have to completely change my approach and keep my mouth shut. Because there was no way that I wanted to be the unlucky Marine, who is picked on at every opportunity. Something I was never completely successful at. A squad is usually formed up with the tallest on the right and the shortest on the left method. It always resulted in me being in the front row and usually right under the instructor's nose. In fact, I can still remember where I stood to the instructor, I was always second from his left. Therefore, it was very hard not to be picked on and it was no good saying that I will not give him eye contact. It is drummed into you to always look straight ahead. If he was standing right in front of you and you moved your eye away from him, you were called shifty. You would then be given a lecture that ended in his famous words, that shifty eyes meant that you had a shifty nature. You just could not win, so I always did just enough. Anybody that stood out was picked on and treated as if being too smart for themselves. Anybody who hung back was picked on as being a malingerer or to being just plain lazy. Every time you did something wrong or something the instructor did not like, you were ordered to run around the parade ground. I'll make a guess that it was at least half a mile around that Parade ground. Alternatively, you were ordered to do ten press-ups or climb the ten-foot brick wall at the bottom of the parade ground. In doing so you would get your uniform covered in red brick dust, thus insuring that it would take you at least three hours that night to get it all cleaned up. Not to mention before that happened, other instructors would have given you further punishment for turning up to their classes with a dirty uniform, because you had not had time to clean it up.

Sometimes we were marched into the drill shed and told too strip down to our under wear. Anybody found with dirty undies was called crabby and was ordered to be cold water scrubbed by his fellow squad mates in an old iron bath tub. A very painful experience and no it never happened to me, I made sure of that. Especially after I saw the size of the stiff scrubbing brushes that were used. We had to wear a clean set of clothes every day. It being explained to all Marines, that if you are on board a ship or in battle, you must keep yourself clean at all times. It was further explained that decease could spread very quickly throughout a ship. Later while I was on the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Albion, we had an outbreak of ringworm on board. Even though the ship was locked down and the crew was confined to their own mess decks, the ringworm spread through the ship like wild fire. I've since wondered if it spread through the air vents that are connected throughout the ship.

One of the guys in my squad, who was scrubbed, was Alexandra Upsall Barwick. Way back in his family history, he had a connection to the Swedish Royal Family. This poor guy struggled from day one and I could not help feeling sorry for him. He had been forced to join the Marines by his parents, who believed it was the right thing to do, as it was a family tradition. It did not matter what this guy tried to do he was a failure. Whereas when a few of us stronger guys tried to help him, by pushing him over the obstacles on whatever course we were training on. We were only prolonging his agony and hiding the fact that he could not make it on his own, from the instructors. Later the inevitable happened and he was thrown out. He was terrible at everything he tried to do, he should never have been accepted into the Royal Marines in the first place. I often think to myself that at least he had a damn good try, he was certainly not lacking in that department. Although I doubt very much that his family saw it that way. Later I used him as example to myself if ever I was struggling, I used to say to myself that if Alexandra could attempt it, then so could I. I would also like to say that the squad was forced to scrub that guy, if you did not participate and the instructors noticed it, then there was a good chance that he would order you to be scrubbed as well. I did not take part in Alexandra's scrubbing, although I was in the room pretending to go through the motions. I often wondered what his parents were like when he returned home, I doubt they were very understanding, having ordered him to join up in the first place. I heard later that Alex had become a Vicar, a calling I thought was more suited for him.

An incident that brought it home to me just how hard the training was going to be, took place at the Quartermasters store, that was located the other end of the camp to the New Intake Block a distance of about half a mile. We had just been issued with most of the gear that we were going to use, while we were at the Deal camp. Items that included our back pack 44 Pattern Webbing, along with all its assorted bits and pieces that included a water bottle and mess tins etc. The clothing was made up of four sets of everything, most of which did not fit me anyway. Not to mention a gas mask that was also in its own webbing bag and you know how big they can be. Then there was a sleeping bag and blankets, plus a few other items that for the life of me I cannot remember. Anyway, it was all placed into one of the largest kit bags that I had ever seen, and it weighed a ton.

Corporal Geordie Peart had become our drill instructor, it being his job to steer us through our training while at Deal. He ordered us to place the kit bags on our shoulders, he then preceded to doubled march us, which is a fast trot all the way back to the living quarters. Man, it killed every one of us, however fit we thought we were, we were all dreadfully wrong. And Corporal Peart told us in no uncertain words upon our arrival back at the New Intake Block. While adding that by the time he had finished with us, we would be able to repeat this little stroll, over a twenty-mile distance a couple of times a week. What a baptism to the Corporals first day of training with us, it did not bear thinking about what he had in mind for us for the remainder of the course.

The Royal Marines have an official monthly magazine, giving details of all the Marine units stationed around the world. At that time, they were serving in England, Aden and Singapore, plus Marines were also stationed on board of ships, known as Marine detachments. In the April 1962 issue of the 'Globe and Laurel', there was an article on my walking trek from Edinburgh to Marble Arch.

It also carried an article on twin brothers, who were from the London area and had become members of the 779 squad. Brian and John Ward had been made an exception to the rule. As brothers are usually split up in case of war, because in battle it is very easy for a family to be wiped out with one bomb blast. During the last war, I understand that they would normally split them up into different services units.

This article did not help me in my quest of staying in the back ground, as it suddenly propelled me to the front. The instructors took the view that I was a know-all and so used me for any marching demonstrations in front of the squad. Then there were the taunts about me being able to out walk all my friends in the squad. At one time the Corporal even talked of making a bet with one of the other squad leaders and to setting up a race. To my horror the figure of a hundred miles was being considered. Now I was tired enough with the normal days training I was receiving. The last thing I needed was a further hundred-mile walk. It would have more than likely taken place at the weekend and I needed that time to get over the weeks surprises that had been thrown at me. Lucky for me the race did not take place, once the officers got to hear about it.

The Globe and Laurel gets its name from the Royal Marine cap badge, which is a globe of the world, surrounded by Laurel leaves. (The European part of the globe), a crown on a lion on top, that is the Royal connection. While the fouled anchor at the bottom of the laurels, denoting we are Navy. By the way, the American Marines have the other half of the world globe, (the America's) on their cap badge. The Royal Marines have always fought throughout the world. They were originally formed in 1664 as boat soldiers, being stationed on ships and placed between the officers and the crew. This was to protect the officers, if the crew were to mutiny or just wanted to kill one of them. Although their primary task was to protect the ship's crew, as they set foot on newly found lands, as protection against the local inhabitants. As a footnote I later learnt that a marine was the first European to set foot in Australia during the arrival of the first fleet.

Once we had all our clothes and gear issued to us, the Corporal went about showing us how to maintain it. The first thing I was ever taught was how to wash a shirt with a detachable collar in a bucket, (or pail) called a Dhobi bucket. Then it was how to iron a shirt and collar. Then how to darn a pair of woollen socks, nowadays nylon is used, and they are disposable, but not back then. However, wool is good for your feet when you are marching in heavy leather boots. No such thing as detachable collars anymore and I wouldn't mind betting that the shirts are now drip dry and none iron as well.

It took about four weeks to form up our squad and by then we had moved from the new intake block, into the main building that ran along the front of the parade ground. Then the instructors informed us that we were about to get down to the real hard training. I had thought that we were already doing the so called hard work, surely it could not get any harder. Oh, and how cold I felt round the ears, with my new very very short haircut. I looked just like a skinhead and just as the Sergeant had predicted I did look like everybody else. It is a safe bet to say that I certainly did not stand out amongst a crowd of Marines. However, in those days I would have certainly stood out in a crowd of civilian's. If we were to go over the wall, as it was called and become AWOL, (Absent without leave) it would not be long before somebody would pick you up, the hair just gave you away.

Life at Deal soon dropped into a routine, of up at 6am, for a 6.30 am breakfast, it being a crime not to have one and was enforced by military law if you passed out on the parade ground. Then there was the 8 am parade, which meant being on the parade ground by 7.50 am to be formed up by 7.55 am. The Parade starts dead on 8 am and I mean dead on. Then there is a roll call, to find out who is late or who had deserted during the night. This was then followed by a full inspection of you and your uniform. Not many people survived without being picked up for one fault or another during those early days. The punishment was usually a further inspection at the guard house later in the afternoon. Somehow, we all participated in this ritual of daily punishment that was dished out by the instructors. Who seemed to delight in the thought that they had to ridicule us every single minute of every single day? Then there was the square bashing, marching here, marching there and marching every bloody where. This was followed by physical training, battle training, educational training, swimming and more physical training, all followed up by more physical training. If you were lucky, you were allowed to finish around 4 to 4.30 pm in the afternoon. To be unleashed into a frenzy of washing all your cloths that had become dirty during the day. Not to mention the ironing, cleaning your boots and polishing brass buttons etc etc. All this had to be completed in the very close confines of your dormitory style room, amongst all the other guys in your squad. At times, it seemed more crowded than Piccadilly Square on a cup final night.

The day in, day out discipline was very strict, while the punishment being dealt out was plentiful, that included extra kit inspection, extra parades, extra uniform inspection, extra drill, extra guard duties and extra fatigue work around the camp. Oh, and I nearly forgot about the constant running round the parade ground. With the constant threat of all that lot hanging over our heads, I always did my best to get things right the first time. I can proudly boast that during my entire time at Deal, I only ever received one extra guard duty, I am thinking that it must be some sort of record. Unfortunately, I did receive a few runs around the parade ground and a couple of runs around the battle courses that came later.

I like to think that I became smart and tried to beat them at their own game. On a regular basis we would have crash locker inspections, at all times your locker had to look perfect and laid out as they had instructed, even giving us photos to copy. Even your knives and forks had to be laid out in a special order. Clothes had to be neatly ironed and folded in a certain way. We had been issued four shirts, pants, vests etc. The theory being three pairs had to be in the locker at all time, while one pair was being worn. However, during the day and because of your constant sweating and becoming dirty we had to change. Therefore, it was impossible to have the right amount of clothes on display in the locker all the time. However, I bought myself a double kit from the quartermaster's stores, which fooled the instructors for a time. They spent a lot of time trying to catch me out, but I can hold my head up high and say, I think I beat them. Just for the record, my dirty articles of clothing were all neatly tucked up inside the sleeves of my greatcoat. So, all of the time they were looking for them, they were right in front of them, but they never did find them. It was a terrible crime to have dirty clothes in your locker at any time but being practical you could not help it. They knew I had some somewhere, because they had made me change during the day. They even looked behind and on top of the locker, everywhere around the locker and even under my bed, but they never sussed me out. Which I find strange because at some time or other these instructors would have gone through the same training just like me. I often wondered how they managed to get through and where they managed to hide theirs. I did not tell any of my squad mates what I had done, just in case they tried it and were caught, then the game would have been over for me, and I would have paid a high price for that deception.

The floors in the dormitory block were made of wood and we were expected to polish them by hand every morning before the morning parade, using boot polish brushes. I found out later that it was all a test, to see what we would do and how we would react. If we still took orders, we were fine, but if we framed up and hit someone or verbalised them we were out. In a battle condition, if you are ordered to get down, you do not ask why, because that way you're dead. You get down first and then ask why. I reckon I passed all these early tests with flying colours, because as far as I know they never caught me out.

After finishing at 4.30 pm in the afternoon, it would then take you until 10 pm and lights out, to wash, iron and metal polish your brass wear, as well as to spit and polish our boots, we usually took just a short break at 6.30 pm for supper. Upon arriving back in my room, I would get stuck in to the work hard once again, there would be no playing around with the lads. Even with my dedication, I would only just finish by the time lights out came around, which was ruthlessly enforced by the instructors. The guys who took it easy and horsed around were never finished on time. They would be under their blankets with torches trying to finish all their chores. Because boy if you did not look smart on the 8am parade next morning, you were for the high jump plus receiving all the penalties I've mentioned earlier. My motto was to always keep your nose and gear clean and at all times to stay out of trouble.

It was hard work cleaning your uniform every night especially the brass buckles and buttons etc. We had a special button stick that slid behind the button, so that we could apply some cleaning liquid to the brass. We would then scrub it off with a clean boot polish brush, hoping that the result would gleam like a piece of gold. The button stick was to prevent any of the liquid from getting onto your uniform. Then there was the white webbing belt and your peak cap both had to be blancoed. Blanco is a type of white polish that makes one hell of a mess if you accidentally got it on anything else. It's the same lotion that was applied to white Tennis shoes in those days. Once it had been applied, the finished article would also show up dirty finger marks on its white surface very easy. The worst scenario with this stuff was being caught out in the rain and then you would end up looking like a white snowman, as it ran all down your dark blue uniform. Then you guessed it, it took hours to get all the blanco off your uniform ready for the following mornings inspection.

Marines are very lucky today because there is no brass used with the uniforms, it's all Stay Bright plastic. I wonder how the new recruits of today would have coped years ago. I understand that ten years before I entered the service, it was even harder than I experienced.

On one occasion while on morning parade Corporal Peart informed our squad that there was a certain clause in our enlistment papers. This informed us that if we were not happy in the way in which we were being treated. As long as it was within the first six weeks of our nine years then we could leave the Marines with no questions asked. However, he went on to inform us that the six weeks had been up the day before. As of today, there was no way that we could leave, other than being thrown out. Not one of us in the squad had bothered to read the contract and so none of us knew of the clause he had mentioned. I guess I can only add that at least he told us, even if it was too a little too late to act on it.

Whenever there is a threat of war around the world, the training periods are always reduced, as there is always a shortage of service personnel. Just before I joined, the training lasted for fifty-two weeks. Then because the Borneo Campaign was looming it was cut back to forty weeks. I am told that since the Falklands War it is now something like, twenty-six weeks, but I'm not sure. The way it's going it will be soon cut down to six weeks, just like the basic Army training period. However, upon reflection I can honestly say that this training was necessary and that it does what it was intended to do and that's to turn you into an efficient fighting soldier, but mainly it's to help keep you alive.

Of all the uniforms that I had to draw from the Quarter Master Stores, I hated the worsted shirts, the serge trousers and the old-style Battledress. My skin is very sensitive to rough material, as I have mentioned earlier. The roughness would just craze me, causing me to itch all the time, especially the shirts. I do not know how I tolerated it sometimes. Lucky for me after the first year, most of the uniforms were changed for a smoother material. The Battledress was changed for an olive green lightweight suit known as Lovat Greens. This change certainly went a long way to make every day living easier for me.

Before I had joined the Marines, I had always been given snippets of information about life in the services. Being told to never and I mean never, volunteer for anything. There was even the advice that whatever you volunteer for, you would probably get the exact opposite. This bit of advice went by the wayside for me and during my time in the service, I volunteered for several things. Everything I volunteered for I got and each one turned out to be a worthwhile experience.

Starting at Deal I volunteered for a canoe trip, upon being accepted it was then extremely hard to get the time off training. Being informed by the instructors that if I went on this crazy trip. Then upon my return, I would have to double my workload to catch up with the rest of the squad. The trip turned out to be four days canoeing around the waterways of Kent. Something I really did enjoy, only about six of us went on the trip with a Sergeant. Going on a weekend meant that I only missed two days training, which was easy to make up.

The next trip I volunteered for took me to Holland for ten days, we went over on the Submarine Depot ship, 'Rame Head'. The trip was an excuse for the Navy to get the ship painted on the cheap. While the end result for us was a valuable few days leave ashore upon our arrival in Den Heldar, the Portsmouth of Holland. Boy did we work hard scrubbing and chipping every single piece of paint that could be seen on the outward-bound trip. Then on the return trip, we had to paint everything, and I mean everything. The Navy has a motto, if it moves then throw it over the side and if it is bolted down you paint it. Anyway, it was worth all the hard work, just to see Holland. A group of about ten of us was about to be let loose on the country all under the wing of a protecting Sergeant.

Upon arrival, we all decided to thumb a lift around the country to have a good look at the sites. Unfortunately, we only got as far as the small cheese-producing town of Alkmaar. There we pitched our tents on the out skirts of the town and promptly got stuck into the local booze and girls. The whole trip was very hazy as we went from bar to bar drinking. Being in uniform and British we were easily identified by the locals, who I might add loved the English very much, or at least they did in 1962. I believed they were still trying to thank us for looking after their Royal family in England during the 2nd World War.

We settled on one particular bar that was by a canal where I became very friendly with the local barmaid, although she was a little older than me. Her name was Ria, I would drink in her bar all day, as they never seem to shut in Holland and go out with her during the evenings. I even went home and met her parents, that was a laugh as nobody could speak English and I could not speak Dutch. I think she had about four brothers, they were all Otter catchers, to stop them causing damaged to the Dikes, boy that means something totally different in today world. I forgot to say that Ria could only speak a few words of English, but it did not stop us having a good time and we got on well. I remember being in her kitchen and we were having a cuddle with the lights off, when in burst her brothers putting the light on. Opps sorry!!! They put the light off and beat a hastily retreat from the room. Ria was the youngest member of the family, but I also believe she was the boss over her brothers. We wrote to each other for several months but with my writing problems I struggled badly. At that time, I was scared to ask somebody to help me in case I was found out and then thrown out of the Marines. At one time she sent me an engraved cigarette case as a love present. I believe I still have it somewhere amongst my treasured possessions. I think it was the vast distance between us that ended the courtship about six months after I had returned to England. In those days people did not travel the world like they do today and I'm sure I could not see me every going back to Holland in the near future.

One day while drinking in her bar with the Sergeant, who was well on his way to being drunk. He was constantly putting a Petula Clarks record on the Jukebox and playing it repeatedly. I asked him why and he told me a very long story that at one time before she was a star he had courted her for some time. He was just drowning his sorrows in the booze and music, while reminiscing of what might have been.

Another day in the bar, all the Marines became drunk and started to pick on a drunken local guy who had been getting on their nerves. After an argument, they picked him up and carted him outside where they threw him in the canal.

On another occasion while I was drunk Ria took me, Bob Hotchkiss and another local girl shopping. We were in the lady's underwear department of a large department store. Under the influence we started trying on all the lady's bras, causing many laughs from the local women.

We were a big hit with the locals and every Marine managed to attract more than one girl friend during the trip. One day being too drunk to find our way back to the campsite, Bob hailed a police car and we were whisked to the local police station, unfortunately the police could not speak English, so it was hard to communicate. I thought we had gone too far this time, thinking that we were about to be locked up. As we entered the station, the local Sergeant sat at a desk with a loaded pistol lying on its top. Oh no, I thought, as he opened the desk, but instead of another gun, he produced a bottle of whisky, boy had we made a friend. When the bottle was finally finished, they drove us back to our campsite. All this time, hardly a word of English had been understood by them, I suppose gestures speak louder than words.

One day we did thumb down to Amsterdam to have a look around the red-light area. This was all new to us, but we were inquisitive especially when we saw the girls sitting in shop windows, very unladylike, wearing no under cloths. We also went to see a war film, more laughs there when Billy Wishart went into the lady's toilet by mistake, said he could not read Dutch. The film was, 'Merrill's Marauders' starring Jeff Chandler, but with Dutch sub tittles. A totally different war to the one I would find myself engaged in, the following year.

All in all, a great trip was had by all, sadly ending with us all having to thumb a lift back to Den Heldar. A truck picked us up on the understanding that we all rode in the back sitting on its cargo in complete darkness. Well as you might imagine it was a strange conversation as we all sat there in the dark. Upon our release when the door was opened we all suddenly realised that we had been sitting on top of cartons of booze. I dread to think what might have happened during the trip if only we had known.

This was followed by two days of hard painting, during the 'Rame Heads' return trip to Harwich in England. Then it was back to the hard work and discipline we had missed at Deal. We were hoping that we could catch up with our squad's training and fitness. We also hoped that the instructors did not pick on us at every opportunity and in doing so parade us in front of the other guys to make fun of us. Unfortunately, the instructors delighted in ridiculing us, calling us fairies and farts, whatever that meant.

We were all given a rifle and had its number stamped on our brains. I still remember mine to this day, 72364. Like my Royal Marine number that I would always answer to, it being R.M. 21414. These are your identification numbers, something you are never allowed to forget, as they are drummed into our head like a rubber stamp.

One morning Colour Sergeant Dinger Bell took over the squad to assess the progress of our marching skills, it also being a test of our instructor Corporal Geordie Peart capability. In the service everybody is known by nicknames, Whites are Chalkies, Millers are Dustys, the Irish are Paddy's or Micks, Welsh are Flappers and the Scots are Jocks or just plain tight. Hence, Sergeant 'Dinger' Bell, anyway during one of the drill routines, I must have missed a step or something, Dinger picked upon the mistake I had made. Then screaming at me at the top of his voice he declared, that he would break my bloody arm off and beat me to death with the Soggy End. This was a well-known terminology used by Marine drill instructors at that time.

Along the bottom of the parade ground was a ten-foot high brick wall. As a form of punishment for any small parade ground crime or infringement, the whole squad would be ordered to climb to the top of the wall the best way you could and then down again to re-form up once again on the parade ground. Unfortunately, after landing back on the ground, your uniform would usually be covered in red brick dust. Upon reforming up on the parade ground, the instructor would then accuse you all of having a dirty a uniform. He would then award you another uniform inspection later that day. Now came the twist, if you did not manage to climb to the top of the wall you would receive an extra uniform inspection because you failed. You would also receive an extra uniform inspection for having a dirty uniform. Therefore, it occurred to me that whatever I did I was going to get that extra uniform inspection. Then again, if I scaled the wall I would have to re-clean my uniform, which would possibly take me a couple of hours to complete. Fine, I thought I would just hang back and not even try to scale the wall. In the mad scramble of forty odd guys all trying to scale up and down, it was easy to blend in and not even participate in the climb. Fine, I got the extra inspection of my uniform, but at least I did not have to spend three hours cleaning it. The Drill Sergeant finally cottoned on to what I was up to and just grinned at me. I guess he thought I had found a way of beating the system, but he never said anything to me at first. However, on another occasion he did walk past me and said, "You think your bloody smart don't you Aspinall". He just happened to be the same Sergeant who greeted me on Deal station a couple of month earlier.

It also became a bit of a problem when we found out that the Corporals taking the squads were also training to become Sergeants. So, a little bit of rivalry developed between them. Unfortunately, this did not help the recruit, because on many occasions what one squad was ordered to do. Another was ordered to follow only it had to be done quicker or slicker or whatever order was shouted at us, as these Corporals tried to outdo each other. So, as you can imagine sometimes there could be as many as three squads all climbing the wall at the same time. While the Corporals stood back laughing and joking with each other. Imagine the cleaning that would have resulted from each little escapade they challenged each other with. On one occasion we were just one of three squads all being drilled on the parade ground at the same time. Our respective instructors gave the necessary orders that culminated in all three squads walking into each other. We were then all chastised for looking like a rabble and made to attend an extra hour's practice.

If for some reason, you had to report to the sick bay in the morning. It meant that you would miss the forming up of the 8 am parade. Therefore, upon being released from the sick bay, you would have to ask the inspecting office of the day, for permission to join his parade. Now on this particular day, the inspecting officer just happened to be the Adjutant and he inspected while riding his horse. One Marine marched up to the adjutant as he was sitting on his horse having approached him from the front as we had all been instructed to do and stood to attention and saluted it being the custom. Unfortunately, the horse kept moving its head so that the recruit could not see the adjutant. As the recruit swayed his body from side to side, so he could see what was happening. The horse must have thought that he was playing a game with him. Because the more the recruit moved his head, the more the horse followed suit. By this time, the Adjutant knew what was going on and shouted at the Marine ordering him to stand still. He then told the recruit that he should have approached him from behind. He then pointed at the recruit shouting at him to get behind. With that, the recruit grabbed hold of his hand and tried to swing himself up behind the Adjutant and onto the back of the horse. The parade ground fell about laughing, but unfortunately the Adjutant who by this time was lying on the ground, ordered everybody an extra parade after work that day, for our crime. The recruit did not come out of his predicament quite so easy, within just a few minutes he was whisked off to the guardhouse. Where he was charged with striking an Officer and was sentenced to several months of hard labour punishment, before finally being released and thrown out of the Marines. Although there was a rumour going around that he had used this situation to get his ticket out.

When we first arrived at Deal, it took almost four weeks to form up the Squad. It was then a further six-week before we were allowed out of the camp for an afternoon on a weekend. I might add that you were only let through the gate, after a fair amount of blackmail threats and intimidation from our instructors. We still had to undergo an inspection of our appearance upon our presentation at the guardhouse, before finally being released through its gates. We were only allowed out in our uniforms, as our civilian clothes had been taken from us upon our arrival. Sometimes I wondered whether it was all worth the effort, because it was just a case of looking around Deal and having a drink. With our short haircuts, we never managed to pick up any of the local girls. The short haircuts told them that we were only passing through as recruits and that we would all be gone in just a few weeks. To my knowledge, there were no long-term relationships amongst my squad members at Deal. Who wants a boyfriend who is constantly leaving home and travelling around the world. By the way, we did not get our civilian clothes back, until we had finally finished our full training course at the end of January 1963. Yes, you guessed it, even in civilian clothes we had to be inspected by the guardhouse commander before we were allowed ashore as it was called.

The 770 squad, along with quite a few of the trained Marines that were based at Deal, all travelled to France where they took part in the filming of, 'D Day 6th June'. A very big and successful War film that came out around 1963, I cannot remember any of the stars, but the film was packed with them. By all accounts everybody had a great time, with some of them hanging on to the gear that had been issued them for the film, so that it looked 1940's authentic. One Marine was badly injured when he fell under a landing craft ramp as it disgorged its cargo onto the beach. He was a deep blue in colour and only just alive when they pulled him from the water, but at least he did survive. There were thousands of other troops from all the armed services, used as extras on this film.

A funny instance that makes me laugh whenever I think of it, happened one day when we were at the Old Marine Barracks across the road from our more modern block. It was during one of the 779 Squads hated monthly fatigue days, a day in which we had to undertake all the camps dirty chores. I was detailed to the coalbunker, a dirty job that entailed delivering coal on a trolley throughout the camp. After delivering a few bags of coal, we were returning with an empty trolley to the coal yard. Three were pulling the trolley while three of us were riding. I was sitting at the head of the trolley having taken charge and shouting mush, mush to the pullers. As we picked up speed, we became slightly out of control as we came flying around a corner onto the main parade ground area. Unfortunately for us, a very large parade was under way, so we had to do a rather quick 360 degree turn as fast as possible to get out of their way. Lucky for us the Adjutant who was taking the parade at the time had his back to us and never saw what was taking place. However, every one of the two hundred or so recruits on parade all saw us, and we became the highlight of conversation for a couple of days. We would have been charged if we had been caught. I'm sure the charge sheet would have read, acting in a manor unbecoming of a Royal Marine.

The three-level building that housed the recruits was divided in half on each level by what we called the sex door. While we were on one side, on the other were the junior recruits. These youngsters had mainly lost their Fathers who had been Marines in the past. They were trained just like us, only the instructors going a little easier on them. Unfortunately for them, their full-time service did not start until they reached the age of eighteen. Some of these youngsters had been at Deal for a few years and because of their age, you did not touch these guys, otherwise you might be accused of sexual misgivings. However, these guys were aware of this and used it to their full advantage on many occasions.

Like the time they were on the parade ground being instructed by a Sergeant that they all disliked. He was being a bit of a pain while constantly picking them up for the most minor of faults and issuing out a long string of punishments. He was trying to get them to present arms with their riffles. Every time he ordered them to go through the routine, it would end up being wrong. Therefore, in desperation he walked over to one of the juniors in the front row and snatched his riffle off him. He then proceeded to go through the routine himself, when he had finished he threw the riffle back at the junior with great gusto. The force of which pushed the guy backwards half a step. The instructor then screamed at them to do exactly what he had just done.

He called them to attention and ordered them to present arms. They obeyed his order and went through the complete routine that he had just demonstrated to them. Only as they completed the routine they all threw their riffles at him. Now part of the SLR riffle is made of wood and at times when it hits the ground hard it can break. Can you imagine a pile of riffles all lying on the ground in front of him, with a selection of broken pieces of timber flying everywhere?

Most of our battle craft was taught to us at a place near Dover overlooking Dover Castle and the White Cliffs. After which we would always have to double march back to Deal, I think it was about twelve miles. While making, my walks home from Ipswich in my Teddy Boy days look a little sick. Our rifle training and shooting all took place at Kingsdown riffle range under the White Cliffs of Dover on the beach. An area where one of the famous James Bond spy Books was based. If I remember correctly, it was Moonraker and a passage in the book goes on the say that he could hear the Marines shooting on the Kingsdown riffle range.

Our Squad membership had dropped from the original forty-three members down to around thirty-six, as we lost a few guys back into the clutches of civilian life. A few more were back squadded, while we had gained a further couple of back squaddies from the 778 Squad. One guy who had been in hospital with a broken leg for six weeks, was back squadded two months, it must have broken his heart to go through all that training again. One or two guys who could not take service life had tried different tricks in order that they might get out. This was always hard to accomplish, as we had all signed on for nine years, plus a further three years to be served in the reserve. Trying to work your ticket was not easy, because most of the instructors were up to all the tricks. They had been around for many years and it took a lot to pull the wool over their eyes.

One such guy caused a lot of trouble while trying to work his ticket, but he eventually did get his discharge. On pay days an officer would stand at a small table handing out our wages slipped inside of our pay books. On this particular day, the pay officer happened to be a Lt Gordon, who was later to become the heir to the Gordon Gin Empire. He had his leg in plaster the result of a parachute accident a few weeks earlier. Anyway, your name would be called out and you then march forward to the table, to confront the officer. Reaching the table, you came to a crisp halt clicking your heels and then saluted the officer with your right hand, bringing it up to the side of your right eye and then dropping your hand straight down to your side. You would then thrust out your left hand towards him palm up to receive your pay. One guy saluted Lt Gordon correctly and then thrust his right fist straight out, punching poor old Gordon right on the chin knocking him flat on his back. Before you could count to three, he was rushed off to the guardhouse and placed under arrest. I think he was finally thrown out of the Marines, but not before he was dealt, some server punishment while in the guardhouse.

Then all of a sudden, our time at Deal was drawing towards an end. As I look back, it seems incredible that I survived all the torture and hard work that was dished out on the squad. Especially as I had been the kind of guy who did not want to join up in the first place and certainly found it hard to take orders without making some kind of remark, especially during the first couple of weeks.

It was true, that by the end of this action packed four months I was fit. I amazed myself at just how fit I had become. I had hated running, now I found myself enjoying twelve-mile route marches. Good job for me that I did, because towards the end of our training we were completing two and sometimes three of these a week. Not to mention, that we would be carrying very heavy rucksacks on our backs. We only marched up hills, doubling on the flats and down hills at a rate of one mile every twelve minutes. No breaks or rest periods were taken, we had to just stick it out to the end. I even started entering cross-country races as a pass time, being a glutton for punishment, but I did enjoy it. I also picked up a couple of medals in the swimming pool, during an Inter Squad competition. For being first in the 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and second in the 100m relay and 200m Medley relay. I even started playing water polo, yes, I enjoyed being fit, as it did make all that training a lot easier.

Towards the end of those first four months, we had to pass out in what is known as the Kings Squad. A type of drill demonstration and appearance test that all our parents were invited to come and view. It was too far for Mum and Dad to come for just a half an hour's display, but I did feel good to know that I had finally passed the first of the many tests that would be thrown at me.

All the time I had been at Deal I had never been allowed to go home. To add to that it was six weeks before anybody could leave the camp and to walk around Deal. Something I believe I only did on a couple of occasions. I did not want to be tempted just in case I tried to walk away from this very hostile heavily law enforced way of life I had chosen for myself. However, I believe we were allowed three train travel warrants a year. Later they were to become currency for some Marines to make a bit of spare cash, if you did not want to use them.

The end finally came on 11th August 1962 and what a hectic four months it had been. In all that time, I had never heard a radio, as they were not allowed on the camp, so I cannot tell you who was the top of the Pops during all that time. The only news we were allowed was via the local newspapers. Yes, I was happy to see the end of Deal and to move onto the next challenge, whatever that might be. Although the instructors had always tried to scare us with what laid a head we really did not have any idea.

We were all granted a long weekend pass home, something I had been looking forward to. It was nice to see Mum and Dad and to show them that I was well. I think they got a shock at how I had shaped up and was looking so fit and muscular. I also had a night out with Brenda and we went to the cinema and followed it up with a few drinks. She had many questions for me and of what I would be doing next. I had my suspicions that she was worried that I was going to be spending a lot of time travelling around the world and so we would not be seeing much of each other. Something I had realised was going to be the case. It must be hard for service personnel to cope with these long breaks apart. I guess that's why most people go into the service as a single person. Because it does hurt when you can't get to see somebody you love until the service says you can. Then all too quickly the weekend was over, and I had to return to Deal. The very next day we were all moved by truck to Portsmouth. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1963. Easter week end. 'One Gunung Too Far (Almost)' David (Shiner) Wright 1 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

Burma Camp Malaya, Home of 40 Commando Royal Marines, "Flap Jack" Borneo was brewing up, by Sunday 90% of the unit were ready to go. B coy were already in the Kuching area, when a party of CCO crossed the border and attacked a police station in Tebedu in the Serian district of the first division. C coy flew to Kuching and A Coy, "The Saints" boarded HMS Albion.

A coy were a floating reserve, heading out into the Malacca Straits, we had our own wee flap jack, a report of rebels (communist sympathisers ) were grouping on the Malay west coast, "tool up lads there's a landing to night".

Usual full kit, rations for two days, full mag's, plus a fifty round bandoleer a 36 and a white foss grenade, we sat around on our bunks on 2S mess deck, waiting, then the buzz came down, it's an opposed landing, never mind one bandoleer, some lads had three and nearly every one grabbed an extra grenade, if any one fell in the oggin they would surely sink.

Every one standing up now, checking and re checking kit and weapons, nervousness causing a few involuntary farts, which broke the tension, someone complained about someone else's foul arse, the lads started laughing, "Stand Down" came the shout landings off , thank fuck was the general comment.

That flap apart, life on board was fine, fatigues in the fore noon, physical jerks on the flight deck in the afternoon, best of all was "tot time" after three hundred years the rum ration was still the highlight of Jack and Royals day.

Our mess deck "Bubbly Bosun" was Cpl Roberts, Robbo was a good hand and he knew how to measure a tot, with his business finger in the beaker he ensured that there would be sufficient rum for "The Queens" God bless her.(doncha just love this)

"The Queens" was a ruse to provide a wee bit more rum for "the rum rats" who gathered around the rum fanny and retold tales of daring do, etc.

It came to pass that my 22nd birthday arrived whilst on board, birthday came, and was fated royally by my mess mates sippers, gulpers, and a few sandy bottom's I arrived at my appointed place alongside my compadres at the "round the rum fanny" gathering.

I was glowing to say the least, "The Queens" a full pint, was passed from hand to hand, and but sippers only were taken, the pewter pot was passed to me, "happy birthday Shiner it's all yours".

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Jesus! Thanks lads, my mate Ray (Ivy) Ives, said now you sit here quietly and sup your rum, I'll bring you back a chip and curry sauce buttie from the gally, aw, tha, tha, thanks Ray, me ole mucker , the rum was kicking in.

If anyone has experienced this situation then you'll know that to keep a grip on the situation you need someone to burble to, it helps concentration and prevents your head slapping down on the mess deck table, I managed that.

Ivy got back with my buttie, although I was not feeling hungry (what after a tot, a lot of tot actually) I discovered that I had erroneously been burbling to a bloke Ivy absolutely detested, and I was summarily rebuked for my lack of care and attention.

My response was to stand up, sway a little and apologise, "sorry mate, and now I need to piss" Ivy, observing my less than usual steadiness assisted me to the heads, the mess deck was air conditioned but the bogs were not.

As soon as the odours hit my snot box , I gagged, then called for "Hughie" in the nearest pistol, just as a naval young pig walked passed, "what's wrong with that man" I heard with my head in the pistol ,"flu sir, he's got the flu" well done Ivy, the officer swallowed that one, and I was hauled back onto the mess deck.

PT on the flight deck was definitely out of the question for me, my comrades in arms placed me in a bottom bunk away in the corner, face down, to prevent choking on possible regurgitated bubbly and placed a spit kid under my head, Jesus man, so good to have oppo's like that(how would know, I was totally blootered.

We eventually choppered in to Lundu and commenced a couple of weeks hard slog collecting weapons from the Chinese farmers who were possibly communist fifth column, Travelling by native long boats virtually a shaped plank of wood powered by an out board engine, relatively comfortable until the tide went out. Our places of investigation always seemed to be up a tributary of the main Batang Kayan river, when the tide went, so did our medium of travelling.

It was portage, dragging the long boat up the now empty, almost, streams apart from sink holes and pools, struggling over tree roots one minute, up to your oxters(arm pits) the next, mud, mud, bloody awful mud, Jesus! That was a knackering experience almost as bad as mangrove, yes we had some of that too.

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At that time our section, 1 sec, 1 troop, consisted of Cpl Fagan (arse), Dave Mathews, Peter (Bodge) Humphries, Ron Twigg ,(all three 696 squad as was I) George McGarry, Denis Shambly( LMG) Titch Underwood, Jimmy (the Red Witch )Howitt, Ray(Ivy) Ives, not only but also, Sgt McCarthy, and accompanying, us the Lundu District Commissioner.

The DC had the list of suspect bodies and locations, also along for the ride a Dyak border guard come policeman. The Chinese, the inscrutable little sods knew we were coming and would hide their weapons up in the tree tops.

They were of a diminutive stature and therefore had a limited reach in terms of climbing any sparsely limbed trees, there was a lot of those, not many of the alternative, we found their shot guns, on one occasion they were actually in the concealment process, their up the tree and the family dog was howling his head off at the base of the tree, well done Spot.

We would spend the night kipping on the front deck of a long house or village basher, the DC did not like Ulu living, infrequently we based our-selves in Dyak Kampong's and trekked out to various places.

The Dyaks thought we were medicine men, one day a young mother brought her 2yr old daughter to visit us, the child's ear was a mass of festering puss, I cleaned it with warm salted water(that's all we had) dried off the ear and found the infection was in the fold of the ear.

Later in the campaign efforts were made to fly out local people with injuries or illness but this was early days, what to do? One of the lads had a tin of Germaline,I carefully troweled the Germaline into the fold of the ear and made a wee bandage of a piece of field dressing, then asked the border guard to advise the mother to keep it covered for a couple of days, and off we went rejoicing,(chasing down the chink's weapons stash)

When we came back to the Kampong there was mum and child waiting for us, not looking forward to this, thinks I, off with the bandage, gently clean off the Germaline and there was clean, pink shiny skin, no more infection, we gave the Germaline to the mother, just in case, we felt really chuffed about that, it was a hearts and minds moment, never to be forgotten.

There was a tale about a certain Dyak old gentleman who had seen Royal helping people with their ailments, as best we could, he hobbled in with a walking stick, almost bent double, so some wag put a codeine tablet in the small of his back with some sticking plaster and sent him on his way.

The next day the old fellah was walking up right, no stick, just walking around telling everybody we were magicians, which of course we were, everybody knows that.

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The native people, Dyak and Iban were good to deal with, honest, trusting, and generous, always ready to share their machan(food ) with you.

Ate a few strange things whilst I was out there, my favourite was armadillo, the skin was tough but when prepared and cooked it tasted like boiled ham, (pass the mustard)

On our way back we came back down the Batang Kayan and stopped off at an Iban long house, a big one, Kampong Stungang(I think) Iban's love a piss up and knees up, deffo Royals kinda people.

They (the men) danced and the wemen played the drums to give the beat, not to be out done, Ivy, myself and Davy Mathews shook down with a conga(got fotos) Fagan did his best on the local drum kit.

They loved it, we were talking their language, the DC said they like you all very much, specially the one with the red hair, me. Well it just got better, out came the tuak, local vino, served in an aluminium kettle and poured straight down your gob, by a nubile female, kiss me, I'm in heaven.

Later in our campaign John Grubb went native and got the Iban tree tatoo'd on his throat by the locals, very painful, unless you had a gut full of tuak, cost him a rake of dough to get it removed when he got back to UK.

I digress, the lass that was tanking me with tuak, was a widow, and widows had first shot at any stray males that came within shagging distance(I make no apologies for that crudity but nor did they).

Mucho tuak fevers the loins, and boy did I want to spend the night there, and I was very welcome, but the frigging DC insisted on going home to mama(his mrs) and we could not stay there without him--- Bastard!

My amorata, kettle server, was distraught, as we pulled away in our long boat she dived in and hung onto my hand, Sgt McCarthy grabbed my ammo belt and hung onto me, or who knows what would have become of me, I still fantasise, they can't touch you for it.

So it was Lundu for some rest, one night Ivy suggested a chicken hunt, off we go me and him, night black as pitch, no moon, found our target coop, chickens all roosting asleep, ah , bless em, one, two, in the bag and off, so slick, as we thought.

Back to our billet, away from the coy lines(1 sec was special), we hear a commotion, Malay cackle, into sleeping bags pronto, Ivy with the chickens, supposedly dead.

In comes the orderly officer, "have any of you been stealing chickens" no sir not us sir, then a fucking chicken comes back to life and starts squawking, (Ivy was shite at wringing their necks).

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He thumped them inside his sleeping bag and we all started clucking to cover it, "all right you smart arses, cut the cackle(what a cracker sir, young pigs, no sense of humour) if I find out you bastards have chickens that do not belong to you, you'll all be in the rattle).

We were very care full when plucking and cooking our ill-gotten gains but boy was it worth it, gently simmered in an onion and garlic enfused broth, egg fried rice and lots of chilli, oh mother, was that a risk worth taking, (hell of a job swallowing all the feathers).

Where to then, we were in so many places, barely had time to find out the names of the Kampongs but we got lots of guns 2836 out of a possible of 3227, we did get some help from other companies of course.

Pug gets punched.

We were Kampong sitting somewhere in the Bau area, usual stuff, laying ambush, patrolling etc, supplied by air drop. A volunteer was requested to butcher fresh meat, that would be me, it was still half frozen, rib of beef, as I boned it and cut it into friable portions, I ate it raw, it tasted fantastic, fresh blood, in 24 hrs it would taste like shit.

Amazing though it may seem, the drop consisted of fresh meat, offal(liver, kidneys) bacon and eggs, eggs! By parachute, yes and none were broken, The offal had to be eaten there and then, meat had to be water proof bagged and anchored in the river(that was not navigable), 24 hrs in the river the meat still came out with a greenish tinge, the reality was eat as much of the fresh as you can, then cook the rest to stop it going off.

We were in a troop position, 1sec up on a higher ground under a village basher, the remainder closer to the river in a smarter basher. Our revered, and much admired company commander Maj P J Davis came to check us out, Pug was a wee bit of a WW2 hero, fighting with the Yugoslavian Partisans(Tito) in the Adriatic.

Pug comes up to our position, he congratulated me on my percentage pass on my exams which would see me through to the rank of MGRM (nice to dream) I had been encouraged to "take up the tools" by our coy sergeant major after hearing me express my opinion of a certain officers lack of navigational prowess i.e. " I could do better than that wanker with my eyes closed"

Pug then proceeded to bollock me for not writing to my mother, who, having not heard from me for some three months, had set the Royal British Legion, The Salvation Army and SSAFA, looking for me. I did explain that due to my being dumped in Mombasa after being blinded courtesy of B coy my mail was up crap creek.

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(Patience, were getting to the Gunung bit). Suddenly there was a shot, I knocked down the tilley lantern, we closed up, weapons cocked, Pug had arrived unarmed and tried to grab our LMG, Denis Shambley had taken over as No 1 as I was now lead scout, thumped Pug and got the gun up on the sand bags, loaded and ready to fire, all was quiet, then a squeaky voice piped up from below, "oops sorry accidental discharge", (how the fuck do you get an accidental discharge cleaning a weapon)

Pug gets up and said to our Denis, "that's a hell of a right hook Shambley", well done lads, a brilliant stand to, I'm recommending your section for a ten day leave in Hong Kong at Christmas, aw shit hot sir (didn't happen, typhoid epidemic in Honkers).

Och, well life goes on. Don't know how this happened but me and Jimmy Howitt got volunteered to escort/body guard, two army bods who were mapping the area, they had a bit of kit to carry and wanted porters, five bucks a day, three bods required, one to carry the radio and act as guide and two for their kit, we said we'll do it for four, no not possible we need you as mobile as possible., job went to grinning locals.

Off we trot, me lead scout, Jimmy tail end charlie, Jimmy, an Aberdonian, red hair just like me, a couple of "gingers", his claim to fame was that he could hear the fiz of escaping gas from someone opening a bottle of Tiger beer at 500 yrds, Jimmy could take his bucket in ale.

We thought this will be a pleasant change from laying in ambush all night, where you got bitten to bits by mosquito's, or got inside your poncho, which was like being in a sauna all night. The mozzie's would attack in squadron formation so it was the rubber sweat box for me every time, leeches were not fussy either they latched onto any think living.

Sneaky bastards leeches, didn't need to be near a river, these little sods were tree and ground dwelling, arm pits and groin were their favourite target areas, if you were fortunate to spot them on you by regular checks, you could salt them or get an oppo who smoked to light up and zap them with a fag, if you were unlucky, the chaffing of your clothing and equipment severed the body and left the head attached to you and it continued to bleed and in some caused infection, nasty little bastards .

Chance to do some sight-seeing we thought, persons not familiar with the rain forest will not appreciate that there's not much to see but tree's, tree's and more tree's. No wild life, they keep out of your way apart from ants, they are always about.

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Fire ants there the worst, Jesus! They sting when they bite, I recall a lad called Taff Goss(Welsh he was, there's lovely) he was hacking a way through some secondary Ulu got snagged on a Wait- a- While palm it was swarming with the acid mouthed little bastards Gossy was going berserk, finally got free but he was bitten all over, light duties for a week, no sweaty jobs.

The only other beastie that could cause severe pain was a hornet, the sting is ten time worse than a wasp. When we were training in the Jungle Warfare School, issued with our jungle machete, we were told not to play at "Jungle Jim" and take random swipes at trees as we went along, you guessed it, some idiot did just that.

Down they came out of their midday slumber, you did not realize they were there until you got stung, Oh Fuck did that hurt, we scattered, some of us jumped into a stream, poor old Cpl Fagan got stung on the temple and he passed out, in a bad way for a few hours, rumour had it that some people actual died from hornet sting, went into shock, and I can well believe that.

Not for me and Jimmy, a casual stroll through Ulu land, wet nursing a couple of pongo's, sleeping in a kampong basher, no ambushes, no patrols and no guard duty, but this trip, god it was bloody boring.

Start stop, poles out and theodolite levelled, heights and distance check, twas monotonous to say the least, highlight of the day was to see what the next kampong was having for evening scran.

Got to one place where the head man and his oppo's had just returned from a wild pig hunt, it was a big bastard, huge head, lucky me I was kipping at the basher of the guy that killed it, with a bloody parang.

They flush it out with dogs and gradually surround it, when it makes a brake for it, the nearest hero takes a slash at it, trying for the base of the neck to sever the spine. This particular pig was over three feet at the should, that means it was almost up to the waist of the hero, and hero he was, he had to get close to about 200 lbs of charging pig who did not want to be dinner.

All night long the hero's family were chopping and cutting, scraping every morsel of meat from that head, then they were smoking it to preserve it, all the kids were helping all five of them, I was fascinated and knackered in the morning, off we went to our next trig point to be logged.

8

Gunung Rhia(at last)

Well I think that's how you spell it, we came out of a clearing, there in front us was girt great hill, looked like that mountain in Close Encounters, Percy said, " I'm afraid we are going up there" Fucks me! Expressed our Jim, up there, it's almost a shear climb, don't worry said Percy the guide tells me there are steps cut into the side of the hill, just like climbing stairs.

He was bloody wrong, nothing like climbing stairs, stairs don't go up a thousand feet, we were really glad Percy did not accept our offer to carry their kit.

It was the most difficult accent I have ever made, yes there were steps cut into the hill, it was very steep, you had to grab on to grass and foliage to keep yourself balanced or it was over the edge and straight down, wallop!

We were fit, Percy was fucked, but those wee Dyaks, pocket dynamos, they could carry weight we would never dream of lifting even on level surface never mind up a bloody cliff, admittedly we did take a few breathers, it was a killer, the Dyaks kept all their loads on, nowhere to put it down, and your muscles ached until you got into your stride, so much so that we did not want to stop.

Cannot remember how long it took us to get up there but we were mighty glad when that was over, time for a brew, mess tin out, solid fuel burner going and a refreshing cup of black tea no sugar, a sit down, Jimmy had a fag, Percy said this is the highest Dyak village in Borneo(tell me about!) apparently they came up here to get away from Iban war parties who were continually taking slaves and a few heads to decorate their living room,(couldn't they afford some nice pictures, says Jim the wag).

Whilst were yarning and sipping our tea I noticed a bit of a commotion and caught the words Orang(man) and Snappang( gun).The Dyak guide came over and said there are men, soldiers coming up the other side "oh fuck" said Jim and I, as we went to take a shufti down the hill.

Sure enough, there was somebody coming up approx a couple of hundred feet below, we watched and waited, we had time, progress up the side was very slow, Jim and I had a wee opps meeting(you've got to laugh but this was serious).

Our plan was to lay in wait either side of the track and shoot down from both sides Jimmy taking out tail end charlie and then bring his shots up to the next in line and I would shoot the front man and do likewise down the hill.

Whilst we waited we sent Percy and the Dyaks to watch our route of accent so they could leg it if we did not finish the job, couldn't see why not, we were in a cracking position.

The assumed the enemy was now seen more clearly, they were in a karki coloured uniform with khaki floppy hats none of our forces wore that colouring and they were definitely brown skinned, hated just waiting, six men were now clearly visible, we

could pop them off no bother, Jim you fire first when they get to the next turn in the steps about 100 feet below us.

Watching them, I started to feel guilty and some sadness, they were sitting ducks, never shoot a slow flying bird or one that was flying low, that's what I was taught, give them a fighting chance.

Here we are, going to blow them away, just like that, they would not know what hit them. If the roles were reversed, they, whoever they were, would be jumping for joy at chance like this, to blast us into oblivion, big feather in their cap, big piss up, a celebration, fuck em! I got a grip of myself and became patiently angry.

We're sitting on ready, when I noticed the lead man had a black curved scabbard on his belt, and the next man, they all had kukris, Jim their Gurkas fucking Gurkas, what the fuck are they doing here.

Johnny Gurka! Hey Johnny Gurka, we called down to them. Boot necks beat you to it, they looked up and waved, great guys the Gurkas, probably the best soldier in the world, when given an order they carried it out no questions asked.

9

Heard a story about some Gurkas who were to be trained as parachutists and they were in a Dakota air craft on a familiarization flight, there senior nco went into the cockpit and said to the pilot, my men are prepared to jump but could you go a bit lower, bless em.

I was on a life-saving course at Sembawang at the army PT school, six Gurkas were on the course, they were told by their officer every Gurka will pass the course. The Gurkas are not renowned swimmers and these guys were no exception.

They were amongst the weak swimmers, when it came to rescuing a supposedly drowning man the rescuer dived in got the subject in the correct manner, then subject and rescuer sunk down into the water and were continuing to swim under water, the instructor told myself and Dickie McArdle to dive in and get them out before they drowned each other.

We helped them out with their swimming after work and they all passed and got their medallions, bloody brilliant little chaps.

I said to Jimmy, don't think we would have been mentioned in dispatches for knocking them off, we spent the night up there, dining on tins of processed cheese , strawberry jam and pussers hard biscuits, you can't whack it.

10

The Pongo's had a radio to keep in touch with what was going on in our area, as far as we were aware there were no other patrols around. The Gurka corporal told us they were on a sort of day out, sight-seeing, day out! Day fucking out! It was nearly your last day out, poker faced they just shrugged their shoulders I don't think they got it.

The decent, you forget, it's always much harder going down that going uphill, your muscles are working in the least efficient manner, your balance is off, slipping and sliding on a damp surface, must have said "fuck this bastard" a thousand times.

It was much slower than going up and more pain full, legs like jelly skinned elbows, bruising from your rifle slamming into you side, finally we were down, the local Kampong had a wee shop, no we don't want any dried shrimp's.

The Pongo corporal said hey they've got Tiger, we aint got no dough, don't worry say's he, think you deserve a drink on us, it was warm and wonder full, in litre bottles Jimmy and I were grinning like we had lock jaw, cheers Percy, to all army map makers god bless em.

It was back to base, no more gunung's to climb for now, just patrolling, ambush in the evenings, guard duties, cleaning weapons, oh yeah, and writing home to my Mum

Happy snap of me and James Howitt Esq(he's got the fancy beer mug) catching up on our two cans a man daily beer ration, boy it was great to get your boots off, note the green feet, not enough sweet corn to finish the job, ho, ho, ho.

Note, the Gunung Rhia, famous highest Dyak village is no more, flattened to make way for a dual carriage way, I'm told Lundu is unrecognisable as we ( we happy few, we band of brothers, beg pardon Horatio) remember it, the only place that looks the same is Kuching, never got there, I was probably ambushing, patrolling, doing me dhoby, oh yeah and writing to my Mum

1962. April. Lieutenant-Colonel John Glenn, Jnr, USMC, sent this photograph to Lieut.-Colonel P.G. Davis, DSC, RM, to be used on the cover of the April edition of the 'Globe and Laurel' Corps magazine. Photo from the author Terry Aspinall (779 Squad), there was also an article about his walk from Edinburgh to Marble Arch befor he joined the Corps.

1962. May. 40 Commando left Malta for Singapore.

1962. Saturday 5th May. 775 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Tuesday 15th May. 764 Kings squad passed for duty at Lympstone. A.I. Mendoza was awarded the Kings Badge.

1962. Monday 18th June. 781 Squad commenced training at the the Deal Depot.

1962. Friday 22nd June. Completed training a the Deal Depot.

1962. Thursday 20th July. 770 kings squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1962. Saturday 11th August. 779 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Saturday 11th August. 12Je completed training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Monday 13th August. 779 Squad continue Training at Portsmouth on board H.M.S. Sheffield. Taken from Chapter 4 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

The Royal Marine's Latin motto is 'Per Mare Per Terrum', 'By Sea By Land'. Therefore, after learning the riggers of marching around a parade ground, a skill that one day might take us into battle. It was only fitting that we also undertake some form of seamanship, just in case we went to war on a ship. What better place to be taught these skills than at Portsmouth, the home of the British Navy. We spent fourteen days on board of H.M.S. Sheffield, the second such ship to bear this famous name. During the Second World War, the RAF had bombed her by mistake believing her to be the German pocket Battleship 'Bismarck'. It having survived that attack along with several other very hostile encounters during the Second World War. Now she was only being used in the training of sea cadets and Royal Marines. By a cruel twist of fate, a few years later the third H.M.S. Sheffield became involved in the Falklands War and was sunk with heavy loss of life. My cousin Ivan Abbott, who was also in the Navy, had one of his sons Kevin on board. While my Auntie Betty and Uncle Bob also had their son Melvin on board, luckily both was saved uninjured. I guess tradition will one day demand that they build a fourth, H.M.S. Sheffield.
Anyway, I was on 'H.M.S. Sheffield' for fourteen days of learning, how to hang and sleep in a hammock, something that I consider is almost bloody impossible. We were taught how to splice and tie knots in ropes and wire. We were shown boat craft, how to row and handle a wooden whaler boat. The name whaler came about after its use years earlier to hunt and kill whales for their oil.

While rowing around Portsmouth Harbour we were allowed to board a couple of old war ships, both moth balled up and ready for the next war. One of these was a Cruiser that had been completed at the end of the Second World War. Upon testing its very large guns that were all fired broad side at the same time, the force of the explosions had twisted its keel, so that was the last time it had ever put to sea. Can't see it being of any use when they eventually remove the moth balling material. Maybe it will end up like the 'Vanguard' the last of the British battleships. Being sold to Gillette and then cut up and made into razor blades.

Then there was the ships drill, eight bells here and four bells there syndrome. We were treated like full time sailors and had to undertake ships watches even though we were docked in port. The highlight for us was the daily issue of the tot, it being a spirit measure of rum that you had to drink in front of an officer at midday. To stop you placing it in a container, to either drink it latter or to sell it. A bit farfetched you might think, but many people did just that to make a few extra shillings. If you did not drink then it was entered in your pay book that you were tea total and instead of the daily ration of rum, you received the handsome sum of three pence a day added to your weekly pay packet that was around £5 at that time. It was one of the great traditions of the Navy to mix the rum at midday, it being so many parts water and so many parts rum.

Corporal Geordie Peart had taken us to Portsmouth and on the last night of our stay, we were finally allowed into Portsmouth town to sample the nightlife on a drinking spree. I hasten to add that before we were allowed out, we had to once again undergo a rigorous uniform inspection on board the ship.

While Syd Fulston, Johnny McGuirk and I were in one of the pubs, we met up with Geordie, who was already half drunk by that time. We were surprised when he allowed us to team up with him and to join in the party. However, Geordie laid the law down to us right from the start. It is out of working hours now so it's Geordie, I will not answer to Corporal. This was hard to do, as we had just spent four months having it drummed into our heads to call him Corporal. He then went on and added that by 8 am the following morning, its back to working hours and once again he will be known Corporal. Fine by me I thought with that we all got blind drunk and ended up watching a couple of strip tease shows. As was usual for me I could not help throwing in my well tried and tested one liner jokes that seemed to fit in with the girl's routines. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1962. Monday 27th August. 779 Squad continue training at the Amphibious Warfare Unit based at Poole Dorset. Taken from Chapter 4 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

Next day along with a very bad hangover, we took a short three-ton truck drive to Poole in Dorset, for a one-week stay. Poole is the home of the Joint Services Amphibious Under Water Warfare Centre. It's is also the home of the famous SBS, (Special Boat Service) the Cockleshell Heroes who carved out a very famous history for themselves during the Second World War. They were the guys who under took a famous canoe raid across the English Channel into France. The name Cockleshell refers to the type of canoe that was used in those days. One of the Heroes was a Marine named Sparks, but unfortunately no relation to Ricky, my Teddy Boyfriend from Stowmarket.

One of the best known of SBS Marines at that time was one Sergeant Gilly Howe. This guy had won the Westminster Devices canoe race several years on the trot, way back in the late fifties. Somehow my Aunt Queenie, Ivan's Mother knew him, but I must admit I never ever met up with him.

Poole was where we learnt how to disembark safely from landing craft and to what was involved in underwater warfare that was carried out by the SBS. Who are also known in the Royal Marines as a Swimmer and Canoeist, it being a rating that they are rewarded with on successful completion of their course. This very small plain looking badge is worn on the top of their left arm to prove that they have been to hell and back, just to earn the right to wear it.

We were also shown how to fight fires of all description and even went inside of a spectacular stage-managed building fire wearing breathing apparatus. On another occasion we were shown how to use fire hoses and extinguishers in all sorts of different situations.

We spent the week in Nissan huts and bunk beds, a little more comfortable than the hammocks on board HMS Sheffield. I decided to grab the top bunk above Syd Foulston, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After a day's fire-fighting practice Syd must have gone to bed dreaming about the day's events. He later told me that he dreamt he was activating a fire extinguisher by placing his thump over the exit hole. He then picked up the extinguisher and shook it violently high above his head. Then once he'd lowered it down to an upside-down position he slowly removed his finger from the exit hole and aimed the nozzle at the base of a fire to extinguish it. When in fact all he did was to release his finger and pee the bed. As I said, lucky for me I was above him at the time.

The Marine camp was right next door to a holiday camp, so every night when possible we slipped out of our dormitory accommodation and climbed through the barbed wire fence surrounding the camp. So, we could mingle amongst the holidaymakers. The lure of course as always was the Wine, Women and Song. A highlight for one of the Marines was a few dates with Anne Sidderly who was working at the camp at the time. She later went on to become a Miss UK Beauty Queen.

With our short stay at Poole over it was time to say good-bye to Corporal Geordie Peart, for good. His arduous work with us was over and most of us felt sorry to see him go. After all we had just spent four months with him chasing us around. At times we had been fed up because no matter which way we looked he was there ordering us around. Although in one respect he had been our Father, a term he had frequently referred to during our training. During his final speech to us, he wished us well and went on to tell us that he hoped what he had taught us would one day save our lives. It was only now dawning on some of the recruits that they would more than likely go to war during their stay in the Marines. For the remainder of my time in the Royal Marines, I never met up with him again. Therefore, I guess you could say that it was the end of an era. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1962. August. 771 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1962. Monday 3rd September. The 779 Squad commence Commando training at the Infantry Training Centre at Lympstone in Devon. Taken from Chapter 4 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012

We under took a long drive by three-ton truck to the Infantry Training Centre at Lympstone near Exeter in Devon, where we were going to complete the final stage of our training. Lympstone is where the Battle Training takes place, it is the home of the dreaded Commando Course. A feature we would have to tame and pass, if we wanted to win the prized Green Beret, yes this is what it was all about. If we wanted to earn that treasured Green Beret and become a Commando, then we were going to have to succeed at every challenge that would be thrown at us during the next few months. At least it was going to be a little cooler, because by now it was September 1962. The day the 779 Squad entered the gates of Lympstone Camp we were greeted by a cold wind that we knew was going to sort the men from the boys. We also knew that most of the training would be under taken on Dartmoor, a notoriously cold bleak area of wilderness.

Lympstone Commando training centre was the toughest thing that I have ever participated in during my entire life. If I thought that Deal was tough, then I was in for one hell of a shock. It was like nothing else on earth, in this book I will not be able to put into words just how tough it really was. Believe me when I say it was very very tough. I can understand why a lot of guys call it a day and try to walk away from the Marines.

Lympstone was also the place where I started to excel and to stand out, while at the same time I started enjoying most of the tasks. Coming from the country and being able to live off the land as they say. This course was made especially for me. I loved every minute of it, I have always been the type of person who packs a lot into a lifetime and I have always considered myself as a hyper active person. I recon by today's standards I would be best described as an ADHD type of person. Therefore, I did not have to worry about sitting around doing nothing. These four months of Battle Training were crammed packed with challenges and not a single minute was wasted. It was a great time and if I were to have my life over again I would have liked to be an instructor here at Lympstone, teaching the Commando Course to the young people of our country. Dartmoor to me was a dream place. Of all the times I went out on its rough terrain, I never once used a compass, I just had the knack of finding my way around.

The first couple of days were just for settling in. While the accommodation was made up of rows and rows of thin old army style Nissan Huts. Each hut contained a Squad of around forty recruits. The huts had only the bare essentials of life, two up bunk beds, two pot belly coke stoves. With two showers and two toilets in an outhouse wash room. A vast difference to what Lympstone had in the late sixties. I was told that they had high-rise tower blocks with all the creature comforts that you associate with modern day living.

We had to re-draw a complete new set of equipment, having left our original gear back at Deal. The only item we had brought with us was our Riffle and uniforms, with our white ceremonial webbing gear. A quick look around the camp showed that it only had the basic facilities, like a Canteen, NAAFI, Library, Drill Shed, Gym, Museum, Parade Ground and a Tarzan course. While around the edges of the camp were scattered the usual array of football fields and a twenty-five-yard Riffle Range.

As in Deal, life at Lympstone soon dropped into a routine, only this time it was even harder, the only thing in our favour this time was our fitness. Deal had certainly built me up and made me very fit, but this fitness would have to be improved drastically for all the tasks that now lay ahead of me. Just like Deal we started the day with an 8 am Parade, although square bashing was now down to a bare minimum, just enough to keep our hand in. The emphasis now was on weapon training. Being taught all the weapons of war that the Marines use in modern warfare. Like the SLR (self-loading rifle), sub machine gun, Bren Gun, 3.5 Rocket Launcher, Hand grenades, Wombats, Mobats. You name it we learnt all about it, taking it apart, putting it back together and sometime while blindfolded. We also had to keep learning about the Royal Marines History that included most of its old war battles. The victories and the defeats, although I must add that there have not been to many defeats. I did spend a little time in the small museum that was housed near our Nissan hut. I was fascinated by one of the exhibits of an old 303 rifle that had been used during the First World War. The barrel was slightly split open, and you could see two bullets together in the middle of the barrel. The chances of that happening more than once must be quite high, although the curator told us that there was several on show around the country in other museums. Not to mention those that were lost in the heat of battle. This particular riffle had exploded in the user's face killing him although nobody was certain who it was.

The fitness side of the training was a continuation of what we had become used to while at Deal. It usually included lots of physical jerks and runs, along with a continuation of the highly successful circuit training that had been perfected at Deal. Then there was the assault course that was positioned down in front of the gymnasium and the twenty-five-yard rifle range First you had run to the course and then around it starting with a six-foot wide tank trap hole. We would have to jump over it, not being allowed to fall in. It was six-foot-wide by six-foot-deep and constructed of brick and usually full of stinking water. Then we had to run over a plank of wood eight-foot-long and suspended on wires so that it swung backwards and forwards. This was also suspended over a large hole full of slimy mud. Then it was onto a long scaffold frame where you hung by your hands, no feet needed here, for once they could take a rest. Here your hands did all the walking as you swung from one bar to the next. If you were unlucky and fell, it was once again into a hole full of stinking water. Then it was onto a twelve-foot high brick wall where you needed each other's help to scale the obstacle. To then be confronted by a four-foot high wooden fence, that had to be jumped. You then had to run to a selection of long tunnels. That were all about six meters long by about a meter in diameter and constructed of concrete, being buried about three feet underground. I always remember that as you entered any of these tunnels they were always very damp and smelly owing to the sweat that had been lost in them over the years.

At times, they used a different style of tunnel that was set-up nearby. It was just along trench that had been dug and then corrugated tin had been placed over the top. This had then been back filled with a couple of feet of soil. The worst thing about this tunnel set up was that the instructors persisted in throw thunder flashes right behind you, to hasten your progress. Trouble was after a couple of these things banged off in your ears, you could not hear a single word that the instructors shouted at you. There were no ear defenders in those days. I often wonder what the health and safety people would say to the Marines these days. I must add that in later life I ended up with tinnitus in my right ear and have often wondered if it was the thunder flashes that caused it.

I would describe the Thunder Flashes as being like a large firework about six inches long by about an inch and a half wide. Just like a conventional fire work they are made of rolled up cardboard, but carry's a much larger amount of explosive than the fire work. I might also add that later the Special Air Service used similar devices to stun passengers while storming hijacked aircraft. In a confined space the explosion acts like a stun grenade and knocks you out for a split second allowing the attacker to gain the upper hand. Therefore, you can imagine what it felt like in confined space of our underground tunnels.

Anyway, which ever tunnel you choose to go through it was usually followed by a run back to the gymnasium. Where there were ten ropes hanging from a scaffold frame, about twelve feet from the ground. We would all have to pull ourselves up to the top and back down to the ground. If you thought that the climbing up was hard on your arms. Then you were in for one hell of a shock when you started to come down, it being even harder. Most people could not control their arm muscles and would slide all the way to the ground. Allowing the rope to slide uncontrollably through their hands, they would receive very bad rope burns to the palms of their hands and with these injuries the threat of back squadding became a possibility.

Then we would have to move onto a round brick tank full of water six-foot deep. Passing above the tank was a rope suspended about eight feet above the water. We had to lie on the rope on our stomach so that we could pull ourselves across the water. Once in the middle of the tank we would have to swing our legs off the rope and to hang only holding on by our hands. Then we somehow had to swing our legs back up onto the rope and to then place ourselves back in to a position where we were once again lying flat on our stomachs on the rope. Once in that position we would continue to pull ourselves across the top of the tank to safety. Failure to get back up onto the rope meant that you had to drop off into the icy cold water of the tank, that lay below, and I do mean icy cold. This was all followed by a run back to our Nissan hut shower block, where we had to shower, warm up and to then wash and dry out your wet clothing and gear. Can you imagine all our battle webbing gear having to be scrubbed in a shower, and then somehow trying to get it dry for the next morning's 8 am parade? It might seem impossible, but somehow, we had to do it. There was also the threat that the hot water would run out which is why you always tried to be first in to the showers. Those who came later had to shower in cold water. Our webbing was very thick and olive green in colour. A few years earlier the squaddies had to boot polish their webbing black, after it had been dried and on top of that, it had to shine. Have you ever tried to polish and shine any article that is damp, almost impossible but somehow, they achieve it?

The camp also boasted what is known as a Tarzan course. The name Tarzan being used because it consisted of many ropes that were strung around the trees, within the camp. I would guess that you travel a few hundred yards without touching the ground, about ten feet below. All types of different obstacles were used, there being about ten different variations. Like laying on your tummy and pulling yourself along, or two ropes one on top of the other about four feet apart. On this one you placed your feet on the bottom one and hands on the top one. Or two side-by-side ropes about two feet apart. For this one you had to use your hands, knees and ankles to inch yourself along. Then you would have to swing on a single rope, letting go in mid-air as you aimed your body to land in a rope net suspended about ten feet up off the ground hanging from a couple of high trees. Finally, the high light was a scaffold tower built around a very large tree, about forty feet high. There a rope was strung from the top of the tree to the ground about one hundred feet away. We would have a loop of rope that was spliced together and called a strop or toggle, this was placed over the main rope to the ground. Then we placed our hands through the strop sides, one each side of the main rope and gripped it tight. We would then proceed to step off the tower and slide all the way down to the ground. Usually our legs would buckle as we reached the ground and crumpled into an untidy heap or at least that is until we got used to it. All Marines knew this set up as the 'Death Slide'. After only a couple of slides, it was loved by most of the squaddies, especially as they perfected their landings. Some nights after a few beers, squaddies would sneak up into the trees for a midnight slide. There had been a few accidents over the years, usually by people falling off the scaffold tower, a drop of about forty feet. The course was always out of bounds after working hours, but as with all rules they were made to be broken.

It was common folklore that one Marine who had climbed the tower one night after a heavy drinking session, failed to make sure his toggle was over the slide rope. When he stepped of the tower he plummeted straight down, ending up in a heap at the bottom. He was not found until day break next morning and I'm still not sure if he lived through the experience.

Just before my very first attempt on the death slide, I received a letter from Mother informing me that Granddad Palmer had died. This upset me very much and I felt very shaky climbing that scaffold for my very first slide down. Poor Granddad I had loved him very much and would certainly miss him from now on. I do know that he was very proud of me when I joined the Royal Marines, after all he had spent several years in the service himself. He used to tell people that it would be the making of me and I'm sure he was correct.

Lympstone was geared for sport, if you were good at any type of sport you could miss almost any part of your training, just to take part. In our squad, we had two very good football players. Ray Manson, who at one time had taken a trial with Glasgow Rangers Football Club, as a striker. He represented many Marine units during his stay in the Corps. Then there was Michael Hardy, who had been back squadded to the 779 just as we left Deal. He was also a very good goal scorer and represented anybody who would have him.

At Lympstone, a lot of boxing took place, something I also enjoyed. Although my first taste was a little more brutal, the 779 Squad was made to report to the gym where the squaddies were pitted against each other. The first time I found myself up against Angus McGregor and he just about plastered me all over the place. Sometimes a big guy was pitted against a smaller guy. On one such occasion I drew Robin Zaleswoski who was the smaller. As I got the upper hand the gym instructor jumped in the ring called me a big bully and proceeded to knock the stuffing out of me. Like I said, most of the training was designed to see how we would react in those types of situations. Later I also had a good slogging match with Jimmy Jewel and I might add he gave me a good flogging as well. After getting up from a knock down that I had not fully recovered from and not really knowing what time of day it was, he came in for the kill. I cannot really blame him, I would have done the same to him if I had been given the chance, because if you did not then the instructors would jump in the ring and they would have done it to you. There was also plenty of canoeing, archery and shooting.

We also took part in many different types of small exercises on Dartmoor. Which is a world of its own, there being no trees, just lush green rolling hills, with a few small mountains. The whole place is made up of grasses and hidden bogs that are very treacherous. I heard a story that just before the Second World War a field gun crew that included a team of six horses pulling a gun and carriage went into one of these bogs. Nothing has ever been found of them since, no horses, no carriage no nothing. On top of every hill is a cairn, a pillar of rocks and stones. A custom of the locals was that every time you passed by a cairn, you added another stone to the pillar. These pillars are great in assisting you in your map reading and direction finding. I loved Dartmoor it was one of the most picturesque areas I have ever seen. I excelled here and loved every minute of my stay. Even to this day, I still love Dartmoor, it's beautiful in the summer but can be treacherous in the winter, with deep snow, fog, mists and heavy driving rain. I got to know the area so well that after only a couple of trips I did not need a map. I just got to know the hills by the stone pillars that could be seen several miles away.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I found peace and tranquillity in the place, with nothing to prove other than to beat the elements. I was suddenly discovering that I was in fact what's known as a loner, which I am even more to this day. I'm sure at this very moment in time I can count on the fingers of one hand my true friends. Up until then I had always tried to be the centre of attraction, the trend setter, the unusual one, the comedian. Something that my wise cracking and joke telling usually brought me. However, on Dartmoor you were usual alone or in groups of three, so there's nobody to impress, just a task to complete.

Some of our map reading route marches took us past the notorious Dartmoor Prison. It was built around the early 1700's to house prisoners from the Napoleonic wars or something like that. While in the early sixty's it was housing the worst of Britain's notorious prisoners. On the odd occasion, the Marines would be called out to help look for escaped prisoners and I pitied every one of them. The prison was almost in the middle of the moor and unless they had the assistance of a waiting car. There was just no way that they would ever make it off the moor. Funny thing is most escapes somehow always occurred during the winter months. I do not know why that is, because with all that snow around and in their very thin scant clothing that they wore, it was just suicidal. Most of the stories that we were told usually ended after only one or two nights on the loose. Then they were only too glad to give themselves up and to return to the comfort of their warm cell, hot drinks and all the other perks that went with their sentence. I sometimes thought they had it better than us recruits at Lympstone.

We used a rifle range at Oakhampton about two hour's drive from our camp. Dartmoor is shaped like a diamond, with Oakhampton at the very top. Oakhampton Camp had only the basic of facilities and consisted of a couple of wooden huts with cold water washing only. It was also used for live firing, which means live bullets going over your heads as you scramble through obstacle courses and barbwire. We would also have to walk in a live shoot gallery. As you walked along with a Sergeant right behind you, targets of soldiers would pop up all around you, giving you two seconds to fire at the target and to take up a secure position. All the time you would be stumbling through rivers, bombed out buildings and thick vegetation. Not to mention the Sergeant screaming in your ear, telling you what you just did was wrong and how in real life you would now be dead. It was always wet at Oakhampton, somehow it always rained up there, but life never stopped, rain never stops a war, or so we were constantly being informed. The most uncomfortable time for us was when we were sitting around in the rain, while in wet clothes. Awaiting our turn to shoot and that could be eight hours a day in wet clothes and usually in a cold driving wind that went through every stitch hole in your clothing.

I remember on one occasion when we were on a route march following a river to our right and it started to rain, as you can well imagine there are those that try to dodge the rain drops. Well the Sergeant that day soon stopped anybody dodging the rain. As he called out to right turn and marched us right through a river and out the other side. He then let it be known that as we were all soaking wet it should not affect our marching. We also realised that even if it poured down we were not going to stop, as far as he was concerned the march would be finished as soon as possible.

Most of the times we exercised on Dartmoor, we were given tasks to see what our survival rate would be living out in the open countryside. This was something I excelled in, coming from a country way of living. Like the day I had just completed a twenty-mile walk across the moor and was told to bivouac down for the night with a partner. To keep the rain off us we all wore a cape style poncho that could be joined up with another one, by using the buttonholes. Then all you had to do was to throw it over a rope or a wooden pole and you had a lean too for the night. This would give you some protection from the weather while you slept inside, the Marines had named it a Bivouac.

It had been raining steadily for most of the day, so we were all feeling a little uncomfortable. The instructors directed us to the side of a hill and then ordered us to pitch our ponchos for the night. Unfortunately, the hill was at forty-five-degree angle. Most squaddies just pitched their bivouac on the side of the hill, being too tired to do anything else. Their one aim was to get out of the rain as quick as possible. I believe I was paired up with Michael Warren. With our shovels that we had carried on our backpacks, we set about digging into the side of the hill and scraped the dirt forward so that we made a firm flat base. We then pitched our Bivouac into the back of our little platform, in order that we would only have one opening at the front, to let the wind in. I then plugged this up with a few small bushes and some ferns that I wove into each other. Then another load of bracken for a mattress and we were as snug as a bug in a rug, as they say. The result being that we had a good night's sleep to tackle the rigours of the following days challenge. Just as a footnote, many of the other recruits who had just laid out on the forty-five-degree slope had been rewarded with a terrible night's sleep. During the night, the rain had turned to snow. Some of them had even slipped down the hill during the night. Upon the morning's inspection of the Bivouac's area, Michael and I were voted the best because of the trouble, we took with its construction. For our efforts Sergeant Nobby Clark rewarded us with a truck ride back to Lympstone, after ordering the other squaddies to march for four hours. This meant that we had used up most of the hot water by the time they arrived back.

Sergeant Nobby Clark must have taken a liking to me, in the knowledge that I could take care of myself in the open. On another occasion he singled me out whilst we were having a riffle inspection. While looking up the barrel of my riffle he shouted at me, 'Boy there is a spider in there, not only that it is staring at me'. He went on to tell me that when the other recruits left the camp for battle training. I was to stay behind and help him clean up the camp site. Now I hated this part of the training, I wanted to be out there with all the others running around on the moor. I hated washing pots and pans and generally tidying up the camp area. Not to mention getting the food prepared for their return later in the day. Anyway, after all the squaddies had left the camp site Nobby came over and in a normal voice informed me to hurry up and get the place cleaned up. He then informed me, that he lives just down the road and wanted me to help him move his beehives. I could hardly believe what he was saying. Anyway, it all worked out for the better and from then on, I got on well with Nobby. I even met up with him while I was serving in Borneo.

On another occasion while on Dartmoor we were running here, running there, over rivers through bogs and tunnels, you name it and we had to go through it. In one area there was a tunnel made up of concrete pipes. It was about two feet in diameter and about one hundred feet long. It had been instilled into our brains that at all times our rifle barrel had to be lifted off the ground to keep it clean. If a dirty rifle were to be fired, it could explode in your face. Now I can sometimes suffer claustrophobia at times, but I knew I had to go through these obstacles. Therefore, it was a matter of just gritting my teeth and getting on with the job.

On this occasion that I went into the pipe, I could see somebody was half way up a head of me. So, I thought he would be out by the time I got to where he was. Well he was not, he had started to panic and somehow, he had become wedged and stuck. With our constant sweating, the inside of the tunnel was becoming very foggy and steamed up. Then I noticed somebody else had entered the tunnel behind me. By this time, I was starting to feel a little anxious with my claustrophobia. However, I had to get out, so I just started jabbing the squaddie in front of me up the backside with my rifle barrel. Somehow, he managed to free himself and boy did he move fast, or as fast as he could. I mean wouldn't you with a riffle barrel being constantly rammed up your backside. Anyway, I think he was the largest of my squaddies, Marine Warne the gravedigger from Plymouth. I was also aware that once you panic your body swells up. I do not know how he managed to shrink his body down, but somehow, he did. It would have been the fastest he had ever moved in his life. Mind you, I do not think there would be many people who could have tolerated my riffle constantly jabbing at them. I'm not sure what happened to Marine Warne, latter he was back squadded and I believe he was eventually put out of the Marines and ended up working for the Naval Dockyard maintenance crew in Plymouth.

To protect our riffles from getting what was commonly known as foreign objects in the barrel, we used to wedge a piece of oil soaked two by two material into the breach and then wrap another piece around the flash hider at the end of the barrel, that was held in position by an elastic band, or a condom. Two by two was the correct material that was issued to us to clean our weapon. This material was so valuable amongst the recruits that we washed it and dried it by our beds, so it was not stolen. If a Marine managed to steal a roll it was worth an absolute fortune on the black market. It was also wise to take these pre-cautions because if the rifle was fire with something in the barrel there was a good chance that it might explode in your face and anyway it was easier to clean. All we had to do was to pull a small section of oiled material through the barrel and it was clean.

One night a Marine from another squad was bragging that he was into meditation, so we challenged him to a test. Pointing to another Marine nearby who was ironing his shirts. He told us he would go into a trance and upon a signal from him, we could place the red-hot iron on his back. We were chuckling long before he even went into his so-called trance. Then upon his signal, somebody stuck the red-hot iron right into the middle of his back. What followed was an almighty scream that ended with the Marine leaping a couple of feet off the bed. If it had been the Olympics, he would have won the triple Gold that day. The whole event scarred his back for life and of his meditation that seemed to have gone wrong. His excuse was that our chuckling distracted his attention. I do not think that he ever tried that demonstration again.

During the latter part of our training an American Marine Officer, I think his name was Captain Hatch joined our squad for a couple of weeks. To learn our methods of training, so he could compare it with the American way. For a start, I could have told him that other than our training instructors we don't under take a lot of shouting, especially while on patrol. In addition, we certainly do not take ghetto blasters in to the jungle with us.

We were divided into groups of three, after first being timed and then two fast guys were teamed up with a slower one. The ideas being that you always help each other to finish. No matter whatever task we under took, it always ended once we had run back to camp and passed through the gates. Your time was only taken once the last of the three in each group went through the gates of Lympstone. Captain Hatch joined me as the two fast ones in our section and I believe the slow squaddie was Michael Warren. Anyway, on this day Michael was having trouble keeping up on the run home. I ended up helping him most of the way. Because Captain Hatch wanted a fast time and did not like being held up by us. He just took off on his own and left us, to our own devices. Boy was he sick, when the officers under taking the timing at Lympstone Camp gates would not let him through. They made him wait until I arrived with poor old Mike hobbling along beside me. His time was taken from then and from that experience I guess has come my hesitation of trusting of soldiers from other units. I mean where was he when I needed help. Whereas I know that I can count on the help of a fellow Marine, just as Michael did from me.

Another instance that makes me laugh happened on a night exercise again with Captain Hatch. When you are out at night and a trip flare goes off you must freeze in whatever position you are in. There is a slight chance that if you do not move then you might not be noticed, you could resemble a tree. If you know what a trip flare sounds like after its ignition, you have time to drop to the ground before the flare lights up the area, usually about one second. Anyway, this night, we were stalking a target when a flare went off, most of us dropped to the ground but Hatch froze where he stood. Looking around at the Marines lying on the ground around him he asked, 'What the hell are you doing down their', 'A damn sight better than you up there' somebody replied.

Although he did give some well-deserved praise to a fellow recruit from another squad. Who was running with him on another occasion and was holding him up badly. Hatch was cursing and abusing him, anyway the squaddie ran twenty miles in this state. Upon their arrival at camp he was rushed to the sick bay, where it was found that he had a cracked femur leg bone and had run the penultimate challenge, it being the twenty miler in this condition. The feat that this squaddie endured earned him great respect from everybody including are officers and Captain Hatch who went to the sick bay to apologise for his earlier language and treatment of him. It was also decided to give the squaddie his Green Beret even though he had not completed the thirty-miler march. At that time, he was the only guy to get the highly prized and coveted Green Beret without actually finishing the full course.

The famous Green Beret that is awarded to the recruit, on the completion of this final five weeks of hell that was known as the Commando Course. It also identifies him throughout the world as Commando. Most countries have what is known as shock troops or Special Forces and use the same colour green to identify them as Commandos.

I'm not sure where we under took the throwing of hand grenades, but what I thought was a funny incident at the time could have turned into a disaster. Not sure who it was but could have been either Robin Zaleswoski or my pal Johnny McGurk.

Once thrown most new recruits would immediately drop down behind a barrier waiting for the explosion. Not knowing where the grenade had landed. In those days the grenades had a five second fuse, I'm told that the Americans had a seven second one but I'm not sure. We were told ours was a short fuse of five seconds so that they could not be thrown back at us. Any way once thrown like I said it was automatic that we would drop as quickly as possible down below the barrier. The instructor would then grab you by the arm and lift you up to see where it had landed and then push you down just as the grenade exploded. At one time a grenade did not go off and the thrower was then ordered to crawl out and retrieve it, crawling back to the barrier and the awaiting instructor. who then order the base plug to be unscrewed and the fuse removed. Funny but the crawl out was very slow while the return almost broke the hundred meters record. At one time one of the throwers must have been a little worried and his hands were sweating because as he threw the grenade over arm as ordered just like a cricketer the grenade stuck to his hand and it landed just the other side of the barrier right in front of him. Normally we would drop down behind. the barrier that had been designed like a zig zag for just such an incident. The instructor pushed the thrower backwards and in doing so he ended up around the corner from the explosion that followed. Nobody was hurt but a lot of official paper work had to be filled out about the accident.

Our physical training now doubled in intensity and included a four-mile route march in full kit, with fifty-six pounds on your back twice a week. This then changed to an eight miler after a couple of weeks. Doubling along in a group is very hard for me, as my legs are very long, and this means that I take longer strides than the average guy, so it's hard work within this group. There are usually three columns of Marines about twelve guys long. In addition, the heat inside this group from sweaty bodies can get very hot, sticky and smelly. Therefore, I would always volunteer to become a traffic guide. You would have to run faster, but at least it was at my pace and I loved that, the whole test seemed so much easier.

Then it was stepped up to the sixteen miler, all these tests had to be completed within a time limit of about twelve minutes a mile. Or we had to do it all again the next day, but in the evening as an extra test, there was no way that it could interfere with the normal days routine. In addition, there was always the threat of being back squadded even at this late stage.

On the Wednesday of the final weeks training, the distance was increased to twenty miles, this being the last of the timed route marches on a road. This was the one that the squaddie cracked his femur on.

Finally, on the Friday the ultimate challenge the thirty miler, which consisted of ten miles across the moor, and the remaining twenty miles on the road. The dreaded thirty miler had to be completed in a given time that seems to have been decided by the instructors of the day, which for the 779 squad was under six hours. Failure to do so would certainly mean that we would have to do it all again the following day or the possibility of being back squadded.

Our squad had gone through some of the worst weather experienced at Lympstone for many years, which on its own had tested the squad to its limits. Somehow, most of us had made it, so here we were with this one final test and with heavy snow having been forecasted for the day. Unfortunately, that would not be enough to stop our training and so in true Marine spirit we set off. As a foot note it worth me saying that the winter of 1962/63 was one of the worse winters for many years.

The first section of the march is undertaken as a group walking in single file across the moor. To add to our woes, as we set off it started to snow. Luckily, we were still walking as a squad and being pushed ruthlessly by our instructors. They knew that the weather was closing in and would slow us down, so wanted us off the moor as quickly as possible. As the snow became deeper, our feet started to sink through the thin layer making it harder to walk. Although those at the back had it easier walking in the foot prints of those up ahead. There would be no stopping until we all got off the moor. The instructors feared that we might become trapped and we had no emergency rations or overnight protection with us.

Upon the completion of the first ten miles we hit the main road. Here we split up into our groups of three and got stuck into the last twenty miles. That included snowdrifts and slush, you name it and that day the weather threw it at us. We took very few rest breaks because we knew we were way behind our time schedule. Although it was very cold, if you march as quickly as we do, your inner chest seems to burn, and it is a temptation not to pick up a handful of snow to quench your thirst. The instructors ruthlessly policed this rule not to and if you were caught you would have been punished. I can remember one of them shouting at a lad who had picked some snow up, screaming at him to drop it. While just a few miles further on I saw this same instructor pick up a hand full of snow and stick it straight in his mouth. Within just a couple of minutes, he dropped to the ground rolling around with severe stomach pains. We all marched past him that day repeating his words, 'You're not allowed to eat the bloody snow Corporal'.

I cannot remember whom I was with, but it could have been Michael Warren because you were kept in your same groups of three for the duration of the final five weeks course. Also, with Captain Hatch returning to his unit, I'm not sure who took his place with Michael and me. Anyway, we arrived at our destination, it being where the three-ton trucks were awaiting our arrival, to return us back to camp. To discover that we were amongst the first, although we had only just made it inside the allotted time frame of six hours. While many of the other sections arrived well outside the time. Therefore, as you can imagine the mood in the trucks going back to camp was very low. The rules were that if many failed, then the whole squad must do it all over again. I could not believe it, just the thought of doing it all again did not bear thinking about. The camp instructors spent all night debuting the day's events and to our amazement and because of the atrocious weather conditions we had endured and beaten. The whole squad was awarded the treasured Green Beret. This was the first time in Limestone's history that they had allowed this to happen and boy was I thankful, what a relief to know that it was all finally over. None of us relished the thought of having to go out the next day to repeat the same feat and to add to that it was still snowing. Our jubilation was further increased by the thought that it had taken us right up to the Christmas holiday break.

We were all granted two weeks leave back home for Christmas, something I had been looking forward to for quite some time. I used this time to go and see Brenda at E R Howard's in my best new Blue uniform. As a recruit, I was only allowed out in uniform. The up side being that it was my Mother who did the final inspection of my uniform before I left the house. The management was sympathetic and allowed me to go around the factory and to see all my old friends. Walking around that factory in my best uniform made me feel quite proud of what I had just achieved, man that day I felt ten feet tall. Now was the time to see if the old saying of girls like guys in a uniform was correct.

During that time, I had a couple of nights out with Brenda and I tried not to talk about the service to much but found it hard as she was asking all the questions. However unbeknown by her, I had also arranged for a secret night out with another girl who I had also met at the factory, whilst I was walking around in my new uniform (yes it does work!). I cannot remember her name, but she had only just started working there. Unfortunately, it was to be my downfall with Brenda. Well you know how girls and women talk at work, it does not take long to spread around what went on. As footnote, this really hurt me, and I ended up with nothing. Because after Christmas when I had returned to Lympstone for the final two weeks training. I had decided to end the romance with the new girl, knowing that two girls at one workplace was a no-no and would never work out in my favour. Therefore, I wrote a Dear John letter to the new girl, explaining that I did not want to see her again. I dearly wanted to stay with Brenda and to this day I don't know what ever came over me. It was crazy and to think that I had spent most of the past few months just dreaming of the day we could be together once again. Anyway, the very next day would you believe it I got a Dear John letter from Brenda. For those who do not know what a Dear John is, it's a letter giving the brush off to a partner, in other words telling you that you are being dumped. It's in a written form rather than a verbal full on frontal confrontation. Upon reflection you do not have to be a rocket scientist to know that I really deserved everything I got. I had treated Brenda badly for the past four years and now it was all coming back to haunt me. I had always believed that no matter what I got up to she would always be there for me. Hindsight's a wonderful thing but now that I'm older and wiser it would have to rank as one of the worse decisions of my life. I guess I thought I was bullet proof and could treat all women the same. This was a lesson in learning for me and something that would affect me for the rest of my life. From that day on I never cheated on another girl or told lies. I might have been a little rough around the edges but at least I was honest, as I still am to this very day. Therefore, for this change of heart and life style I will always be indebted to dear sweet Brenda. I've often wondered where my life would have taken me if I'd chosen not to go into the Royal Marines and to have settled down with her.

The final two weeks at Lympstone were known as Kings Squad, it was just a case of brushing up on our marching drill and uniform inspections. It was also the time to volunteer as to where you would like to be stationed once we left Lympstone. Like I said before I was told you never got what you wanted. Therefore, I volunteered for Singapore and to my surprise got it, being informed that I would be stationed with 40 Commando in Malaya.

Because it snowed constantly, the passing out parade had to be held in the main drill shed, in front of invited guests and parents, who braved the conditions to attend. However, we failed the first rehearsal and got a right rollicking, with threats and promises of going over the last two weeks all over again. I believe it was because we lost our momentum with the two-week's leave over the Christmas break. Anyway, we pulled out all the stops and were finally accepted at the next attempt.

On Friday 25th January 1963, our big day finally arrived, and we assembled up in the drill shed. Unfortunately, my parents never came to see me, it was even further than Deal. Not only was it too far to travel from one side of the country to the other. But the weather conditions were simply appalling to venture out in. It all turned out to be a great day, a day I have always been very proud of. I am still very proud of my Green Beret and even to this day, it still holds pride of place in my household, being worn on the odd occasion and yes it still fits but only just.

To prepare us for our travelling abroad we were given many inoculations, two in each arm at the same time. We were warned that we would feel ill for some time. During the day, guys were dropping like flies and returning to their beds. It seemed only three of us were not affected so we got dressed into our uniforms for a run ashore in Exeter. We could not help calling all the other guys in our room, a load of wimps. Then as we were about to leave, we also succumbed and ended up in bed along with all the others. In those days, you could not travel overseas without inoculation certificates. I think they were for Cholera, Yellow Fever, Smallpox and Tetanus and I think I still have the old certificates somewhere to prove it.

One thing I have not mentioned is that during the last few weekends, I did venture into Exeter for a few hours of looking around and to try the nightlife. At one time I remember seeing a poster advertising a pop show at the ABC Cinema Exeter that had Chris Montez on top of the bill. Who had a hit tune at the time called 'Let's Dance'. While on the bottom of the poster was advertised a little-known band from Liverpool called the Beatles.

Another hit tune that always reminds me of my Exeter and recruit days is Little Eva singing, 'Locomotion'. While in one of the pubs I was drinking with some of the 779 Squad members and a trained Marine took some one's chair. Well that started one hell of a fight and unfortunately, I found myself involved. The result was I ended up with two black eyes and a broken nose, which I am still reminded of to this day whenever I look in a mirror. Johnny McGuirk got a black eye, I think it was the left one and Hardy got the right one blackened. During the next morning's 8 am parade the inspecting officer came along the line checking us out. When he got up to McGuirk he asked what had happened to him. Johnny told him that he had slipped over on some ice on the hill outside the camp, the night before. The officer then moved along the line of recruits until he came to where Hardy was standing and asked him what happened to him. Hardy then told him that he had slipped over on some ice on the hill the night before. The officer said nothing but moved along the line and stopped right in front of me. Asking me if I had slipped over on some ice on the hill the night before. To which I answered Yes Sir, noticing a smile on his face as I did so. It's an offence to be caught fighting in the Marines and usually carries a server punishment being handed out to those who are caught. That night the three of us were in the NAAFI sitting in a line at a table, when the trained Marines from the pub incident the night before came in. They took one look at us and said, See No Evil, Speak No Evil and Hear No Evil. We must have looked funny, Johnny and Hardy with their black eyes and me with a broken nose and two black eyes.

On another occasion while I was in the NAFFI, I was talking to a squaddie from the 778 squad, it came out during conversation that he lived in Bolton. I told him that years earlier I had met a girl from Bolton while I was at the Skegness Holiday Camp. I told him her name was Jeanne Hilton. In those days, I still had a coat hanger with her name signed on it. However, after this encounter I scrapped it as quick as I could. Anyway, this guy went on to tell me his best friend had married Jeanne, a few of years earlier and that they already had a large family. Boy it's a small world, watch what you say to strangers, you just never know.

A lot of horseplay and skylarking took place with our high spirits, especially during the weekends out on the town in Exeter or Exmouth. Usually the beer was doing most of the talking. One of the earlier squads to us, all got drunk one Saturday night and the result was very tragic. One of the squaddies was riding on the top of a car hanging on to the roof rack, when the car that was going at high speed went around a corner, it threw the recruit off and into the path of an oncoming speeding car. Thus, bringing about his swift death, but the training for his squaddies went on uninterrupted.

During the Battle training, we had an instructor, who was a little guy with pure blond hair. Because of this, we had nick named him the Milky Bar Kid, after the chocolate bar TV Advert that was big in those days. Anyway, this guy was a real pain to us, he cursed and swore at us at every opportunity. He used to carry with him an old army issue enamel tin mug. During our training, we always had to wear steel helmets, which was just as well. Because this instructor, would insist on constantly banging us on top of the helmet with this mug. He became a very annoying pathetic hated little man. We had always planned to get him at some stage, but somehow it had not eventuated. Then one night while we were returning to camp by train from Exeter, by we, I mean Johnny McGuirk, Mick Hardy and Myself. Anyway, we saw the Milky Bar Kid kissing his girl goodbye on Exeter station and jumped in a carriage on his own. In those days, there were still carriages without corridors on some of the trains. Hardy jumped in with him and beat him up all the way back to camp, it being a twenty-minute ride. Hardy said he had done it for all of us, for all the suffering we had endured at his hands. Johnny and I had ridden in another carriage while Hardy made a mess of the Milky Bar Kid. After this incident, the Milky Bar Kid was whisked away to another camp and we never heard from or saw him again.

The high level of training that we had all just endured made us one of the toughest and fittest fighting units in the world. We now possessed skills to engage and defeat any hostile army that was thrown at us, or so they told us. Unarmed combat played a very small part of the training and I was told that because of this, our names had been placed into our local Police Stations back home. During the early sixties, a Marine had beaten a murder charge, because he pleaded he only protected himself in the way he had been trained. I understand that the loop hole in the law has long since been closed to stop this ever happening again.

Once we all knew where we were to be posted, we were allowed to go home for a three-week leave period. This was so we could take it easy and say good-bye to all our families and girlfriends, before we disappeared for up to eighteen months. Unfortunately, by this time I had no regular girlfriend. So, I spent my entire holiday just visiting old friend and relatives. I don't believe I saw Brenda once even while I was in town on a Saturday night.

Then it was back to Portsmouth Naval Barracks to await a flight to join 40 Commando Royal Marine, stationed at Burma Camp in the Southern area of Malaya just over the causeway from Singapore.

I had to wait at Portsmouth for a couple of weeks and during that time, to keep a few of us occupied we all took part in an air disaster exercise. We all had to become the supposed victims, all being made up with real blood and torn clothes. A plane had been reported as having crashed onto the Royal Marines Records Building and we had to be found lying around everywhere. I was out the back of the building lying under some old corrugated iron sheets. Unfortunately, a group of us were never found. Therefore, a couple of us got up and walked over to the First Aid Station where we received the regulation cigarette and a cup of tea and a cream cake. Those who were supposed to be dead got no goodies, so we all said we were only wounded. Some of the Wrens (Woman sailors) were sick when they saw our so-called real-life injuries. Some of the guys were never found, as they just went off to the pub. Where they caused maximum havoc with the locals who thought that they had all been involved in a real accident.

There was always something funny happening daily at Portsmouth. Each morning we awoke to find that somebody had found his shoes, which were usually cleaned and neatly placed at the bottom of their bed, were in fact full of urine. It being a daily event to see somebody walking steadily with his shoes stuck out in front of him slowly down the stairs to the toilet block, to empty them. We named the culprit the phantom piddler, although we all tried to sleep with one eye open, he was never caught. It was either somebody having a big joke, or maybe the owner could not hold his beer from the night before.

Finally, I was taken to RAF Lynham in Wiltshire by a naval bus along with a few other Marines, including some of my old 779 Squad mates. Upon our arrival we all boarded a Comet 4 Jet Airliner which was to fly us all to Singapore. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1962. September. 772 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1962. Tuesday 2nd October. 773 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1962. Saturday 13th October. 781 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1962. Monday 1st October. 786 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1962. October. 775 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. T.J. Harrison was awarded the Kings Badge.

1962. December. 12Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1962. December. 13Je Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1962. Saturday 8th December. The Brunei Revolt broke out with very little warning to the security forces, being aided and abetted by Indonesia. Although its actual involvement probably did not go beyond the provision of training and materiel to the rebels. Nonetheless, it marked the beginning of a new policy toward the territories to the north of Kalimantan, the Indonesian section of Borneo. Even though the main part of the rebel force was defeated in a few weeks, remnants of the insurgency remained at large for several months before they were finally killed in the jungles around Brunei. During the manhunt which followed the revolt, Indonesia began to intensity its political and military attacks against Malaysian Borneo. The attacks were perpetrated by guerilla bands recruited from Borneo, Malaya and Singapore and leavened with leaders from the Indonesian Army (TNI) and Marine Corps (KKO). Major General Walter Walker, who was in command of the security forces tasked with the mopping-up of the rebels, believed that Indonesia was poised to play a much larger military role in Borneo. Indeed, even before Yassin Affendi, the military leader of the revolt was killed on Saturday 18th May 1963, Indonesia had already begun to step up its efforts to foment further uprisings in Borneo. On Friday 12th April 1963, a party of men attacked the police station near Tebedu in the first division of Sarawak. The security forces initially did not know who was responsible for the raid, although it was known that at least some of the raiders were members of the Qandestine Communist Organization (CCO), an arm of the predominantly Chinese Sarawak Communist Party. The specter of a repeat of the Malayan Emergency was likely in Walker's mind as he planned his response. As he had been a successful brigade commander in one of the Emergency ' s last and most effective operations, he was well suited to the task at hand. The pillars of his Borneo strategy, drawn from his earlier experience in Malaya, were to win the 'hearts and minds' of the natives, maintain close liaison with civil and police powers and emphasize intelligence gathering. Shortly after the raid on Tebedu, evidence came to light indicating that the operation had been conducted by Indonesian soldiers. This obviously changed the nature of the threat to Borneo considerably. Walker believed the Indonesians' strategy to be the active support of dissidents within Sarawak. A report by the recently augmented Special Branch showed the CCO to be bigger Conflict Quarterly and stronger than originally thought earlier in the year. The CCO insurgents, who were stationed in Kalimantan and called Indonesian Border Terrorists (IBTs) by the security forces, were believed to number about 1,500 at this time. They were supported by an unknown number of Indonesian regulars, mostly concentrated opposite the First and Second Divisions of Sarawak. They even feared at one point that the Sultan of Brunei's bodyguard, the Brunei Regiment, might itself become the vanguard of a new insurgency. Walker's warnings to General Headquarters, Far Eastern Land Forces (FARELF) were now given heed and a few reinforcements were deployed from Singapore and Hong Kong to Borneo. A crackdown on the CCO was undertaken, and a surprise operation mounted to confiscate all 8,500 licensed guns in Borneo retrieved a full 8,000. No doubt this helped to forestall any planned insurrection, but a significant internal threat remained along with a growing external threat in the form of deep incursions into Borneo from Kalimantan. The task of thwarting the incursions was enormous: there were only five battalions initially available to cover a frontier stretching for more than 1,000 miles, and a land mass as large as England and Scotland. Indonesian raids into Borneo continued to increase over the summer of 1963 while the Prime Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdhul Rahman, attempted to reach apolitical agreement with Sukarno and the Philippines' President Macapagal in Manila. At the same time, in August 1963, a large, uniformed force raided deep into the Third Division of Sarawak, near Song, and over a period of days were defeated by ambushes of the 2/6 Gurkha Rifles. Prisoners taken by the Gurkhas revealed that Indonesian regular army officers and non-commissioned officers provided the leadership for the force of IBTs. IBTs stepped-up their activity as the date for Malaysia's federation in September approached. On 16th September, Sarawak and Sabah became independent prior to joining the federation but Brunei opted to remain a British protectorate. On 28th September, the Indonesian response to federation was felt in the Third Division of Sarawak at the longhouse in Long Jawi where six men of the 1/2 Gurkha Rifles, three policemen and 21 Border Scouts were stationed. The latter were part of a force of natives recruited, trained, armed and uniformed to act as the 'eyes and ears' of the security forces in the longhouses. This small party fell victim to a raiding party of approximately 200 Indonesians supported by 300 unarmed porters. The Indonesians had been in the longhouse for two days before attacking, a fact which later led to a restructuring of the Border Scouts. The Gurkhas held out by themselves, the rest were taken prisoner or killed. Five of the security forces' men were killed and seven of the Border Scouts, who had been taken prisoner by the Indonesians, were murdered. In a series of ambushes, the rest of 1/2 Gurkha Rifles were able to kill 33 of the raiders and scatter' many more in the jungle, where they presumably died of starvation. This raid had two important results, one of which was that the Indonesian murder of the Border Scouts alienated the natives in the border area and evaporated what little support the Indonesians had enjoyed up to that point. The result was that the Border Scouts were taken out of uniform and reorganised to stress an intelligence-gathering role. They carried on with their normal, peacetime occupations, which for many included cross-border barter trade. As such they became an extremely valuable intelligence source for 'Claret' and complemented well the reconnaissance tasks now being conducted by the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS) in the border areas.

1962.768 and 769 kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1962. Wednesday 12th December. 40 and 42 Commando are deployed to Brunie. Lima Company of 42 Commando led an amphibious assault rescue mission lead and Commanded by Captain Jeremy Moore. The Marines approached Limbang by the river as dawn was breaking. However, their engines were quite noisy, and they lost the element of surprise. The deck of the boats offered little protection, and two Marines were killed before landing on the river bank.

The Commandos charged the police station, where they killed ten rebels and captured the Bren gun. Salleh Bin Sambas was injured but managed to escape. The hostages were discovered in the hospital, where the residents were singing loudly, to avoid being mistaken for a rebel.

The Marines then spent the rest of the day clearing Limbang house by house, during which three more Marines and two more rebels were killed. In total five Marines were killed and a further five were wounded.

The Limbang raid saw three of the 150 Marines decorated. For their role in the battle, Corporals Lester and Rawlinson were awarded Military Medals, while Captain Moore was awarded a bar for his Military Cross. After this action L Company 42 Commando are still referred to today as 'Limbang Company' in memory of this Commando raid.

There was a time when the Indonesian government were assisting the rebels and allowed them to use the border as a hiding place. Because of this there then followed a period of four years that saw 40 and 42 Commando's alternate tours in Sarawak and North Borneo, policing the countries. A time when both Commandos saw action, until it finally ended around August 1966.

40 Commando served in the following:

December 1962 in the 5th Division of Sarawak.

December 1962 - January 1963 in the 1st Division of Sarawak.

March - July 1963 in the 1st Division of Sarawak.

October 1963 - February 1964 in the 1st Division of Sarawak.

July - December 1964 in Sabah (North Borneo).

July - November 1965 in the 1st Division of Sarawak.

May - September 1966 in the 1st Division of Sarawak.

42 Commando served in the following:

December - April 1963 in the 5th Division of Sarawak.

July - October 1963 in the 1st Division of Sarawak.

February - June 1964 in the 1st Division of Sarawak.

December 1964 - May 1965 in Sabah (North Borneo).

December-1965 - May 1966 in the 1st Division of Sarawak.

1963. Friday 11th January. 778 and 12 Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. J.A. Hartley was awarded the Kings Badge.

1963. Wednesday16th January. 786 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1963. Monday 21st January. 791 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1963. Early. 'The Pork Pie Incident'1 Troop A Company.

While still at Burma Camp (1963) Major (Pug) Davis DSC. SBS. A Companies C.O. walked into his office one morning to be confronted by a Pork pie that was sitting on his desk. Well as you can image the preverbal hit the fan, and within minutes he ordered the whole company to assemble outside. For those who are not aware Major Davis was at that time the only serving Jewish Officer in the corps.

Once the whole company was assembled Major Davis did not mince his words and demanded to know, what clown had place a PORK pie on his desk, no one said a word. Major Davis went on to add that if the culprit did not own up, then all shore leave including the outliers would be cancelled, until they did. To put it politely he went bloody mental.

Because of the threats made against all the company Rod Spinks finally raised his hand and admitted it was him.

Major Davis dealt with him in his way.

Quote Pug removed his Majors epilates and behind his wooden office we went, he hit me first then I got a few in and took a few back as Pug had been a boxer, then we shook hands and all was forgotten, that was Pug, a brilliant leader of men and as I have said before the best officer I ever served under. We had just returned back from Borneo when we were told to report back to Burma Camp as we were shipping out again, all the outliers and ranks who were ashore had to get back pronto, I said to Pug, Sir I only have 2 weeks left before my 3 years are up and knowing my luck I could have not made it home so he said Spinks you will be on guard duty until you fly home, I'll never forget this because I had a pussers new BRASS cap badge and I was sitting on the steps outside the guardroom filing and rubbing this badge when one of the lad's said keep still Terry (my nickname) and a ferkin huge snake slithered down the steps and over my legs, nearly shite myself ha ha.

The finest Officer the Corp's ever had may he now rest in peace. Unquote

1963. Saturday 26th January. 786 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1963. Friday 25th January. 779 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1963. February. The Royal Marines Recruitment booklet/Leaflet was revised by the Central Office of Information, first published during the 1950's. Photo from Terry Aspinall.

1963. Friday 1st March. Band C-inC Home Fleet to be located at HMS Pembroke Chatham.

1963. Monday 18th March. Part of the 17Je. Squad formed up at the Deal Depot. While the second part of the squad formed up on Monday 29th April, to commence training.

1963. March to July. 'Active Service'. Upon completion of the Commando course, and presentation of his Green Beret Terry Aspinall was posted to 40 Commando based in Singapore. Taken from Chapter 5 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

I could not believe that I was boarding a Comet 4 Jet Airliner. Up until then I had only seen pictures of them in the newspapers and would never have imagined that one day I would be able walk in side one of these giants. Amazingly, here I was about to take a seat on a flight that would take me halfway round the world. To a destination that was steeped in mystery and hardly ever received a mention on the radio or in the daily newspapers. Until then I had only heard stories of the Far East from returning service personnel who were occasionally on home leave and needed somebody to talk too, so they could re-live their escapades over a pint of English beer.

If anybody had told me a couple of years earlier that I would one day visit the Orient, I would have laughed in their face. I felt good that I had changed my life around and had broken away from the small town of Stowmarket. Not bad for a young lad who just a few years earlier did not seem to have a future of any description, other than maybe prison.

I was lucky and found myself sitting by one of the windows on the left side of the aircraft, so at least I would be able to see where we were going. I could feel the excitement brewing inside of me as I anticipated what the experience was about to feel like. After about fifteen minutes, the plane started to move away from the Terminal building, to align its self-up on the runway. The excitement within started to increase, as I felt like a young kid who was about to take his first steps across the room. The aircraft suddenly lurched forward with a great thrust of speed, forcing me back into my seat. Then as I watched the tarmac drop away at great speed, I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my body. It was a great feeling, something that I had not experienced up until then.

I guess it was the unexpected, of what lay ahead that had me excited, because I had no idea of what I was about to become involved in. The only thing I did know was that the trip was not costing me a penny, in fact I was being paid to go. I was thankful that the government was financing this trip, because there was no way that I could have ever saved the money to purchase a ticket. In those days, the only people who travelled around the world were the Millionaires, Servicemen and the Merchant Seamen.

Then all too quickly we were engulfed in the clouds that blocked my view of the English countryside below, leaving me feeling a little disappointed. It was time to talk to the guy sitting beside of me, it being Jock Minnock who had been a member of the 779 squad and behind us sat his countryman Jock Stone and his wife who was accompanying him on the trip. Jock had also been a member of our squad.

My attention was suddenly grabbed by a view that lay far below us. We had finally found a hole in the clouds and below us lay the Alps completely covered in snow. I could not believe how beautiful it all looked. After all, I had only seen coloured pictures of the Alps in the National Geographic magazines that we usually found at school. However, the view that was laid out below looked even more stunning and spectacular. Jock and I spent some time discussing what lay below and wondering if some day we would ever set foot on to that type of terrain. The Alps must have covered a very large area, as it seemed to take an eternity to pass over them.

The next spectacular views that greeted us was the West Coast of Italy. It was about now that I realised how lucky I had been in obtaining a seat on the left-hand side of the aircraft. Somehow, it seemed that most of the spectacular views we were flying over just happened to be on my side of the aircraft. Some of the passengers were walking around the plane trying to peer through whatever window was available to them. While all I had to do was to sit back and watch it all unfold beside me. The excitement and talking amongst the passengers grew even louder as the city of Rome came into view. It was so picturesque and would have been well worth a photo, if I had a camera. Unfortunately, in those days, not many people owned one and if you did there was always the hassle of carrying it around everywhere with you.

Then all too quickly we had left the shores of Italy way behind us, as we headed out over the Mediterranean Sea. The view that greeted us gave all on board the impression that it was a deep rich blue in colour. Which caught me off guard, after all I had been reading in the National Geographic Magazine, stories that told of how the Mediterranean was becoming polluted, even way back in the early sixties. Even at the height we were flying, you could see the waves below, as occasionally the white heads became visible as they broke. Whereas Felixstowe my local seaside resort always looked a dirty brown with loads of white froth washing up the beach.

Very soon, it all changed once more, and you did not have to be a brain surgeon to work out why. With the colour changed from a blue to a very light tan colour it was clear that we were now over a desert. What I did fine strange was the vastness of what lay below us. Up until then, I had always believed that only the oceans of the world covered vast expanses of space. Now all of a sudden, the desert below seemed to be as vast as the Mediterranean Sea we had just flown over. As far as I could see it was sand, sand and even more sand. I could not see a single object, other than sand from my viewing platform.

Suddenly someone further along in the plane announced to everybody on board that there was something in the distance. We all eagerly scanned the horizon in an attempt to be first to recognise what it was. To me it looked like a small short black line stuck out in the desert miles away from anywhere.

Then slowly as it came into view you could see that it was in fact an Airfield, the black being the tarmac on the runway. Then a small camp alongside of the runway came into view and right in the middle of the camp was a beautiful light blue swimming pool. In its own way set in the middle of this vast desert it looked like a paradise, a very lonely paradise, it being all on its own with only sand for company. The thought passed through my mind that at least it would be hard to fall out with your neighbours. I've often wondered how they laid the runway believing that they must have transported all the materials and equipment for hundreds of miles.

As we landed, the Captain informed us that we had just arrived at The Royal Air Force station of El Adam, in the heart of Libya. He also added that we would be stopping over for two hours as the plane needed to be refuelled and cleaned up. We were further informed that we could walk around the camp but were not allowed out into the desert or to use the camp swimming pool. The camp was just a refuelling station for all the military aircraft flying to and from the Middle and Far East. While Tobruk was the closest large town to the camp, but I had no idea how far away it was. I would certainly not want to walk there.

Tobruk also brought back memories of my Father, who at one time or another had told me that he had been stationed there during the war. During the early part of the war Tobruk had been fortified, as the advancing German Armies surrounded it and trapped thousands of allied soldiers within its confines. Then after a few months, the Allies broke out of Tobruk, advanced on to the German lines and slowly pushed them back. Unfortunately, within just a few weeks, all the Allied gains had been turned into losses, as the Germans held their ground and even started to push the British back. It soon turned into a route as the Germans advanced at such a rate that the Allies were running in retreat. Again, they were pushed past Tobruk, where some of the Allies finally decided to take up a defensive position. The remainder kept running back towards Egypt, never once stopping to take up a defensive position. That is until they got to a place that became known as El Alamein, where they finally dug in. This is just as well because if they had not, then Field Marshal Erwin Rommel would have pushed them all into the Suez Canal. The strange thing is that once Rommel stopped and took stock of what he had, he was amazed to find that he only had four Tanks that were operational. He had advanced so fast that he almost out run his supply lines, leaving him short of fuel, water and ammunition. If only the Allies had known this, then history might have been changed for the better. However, for a second time the town of Tobruk, was by passed and came under siege by the Germans. The importance of Tubruk was its harbour, it being one of the few places in that area where the Allies could bring their equipment ashore.

Where the Allies had dug in at El Alamein, they fortified a complete line that ran from the Mediterranean Sea in the North to the Qattara Depression in the South of the country, almost 200-miles. It was around this time that Field Marshal Montgomery came out from the UK to take over what was left of the Allied Army. It was his job to knock them in to shape and to build up supplies for a major offensive against Rommel. In order that they might chase him, right out of North Africa for good.

Dad had told me that the night before they broke out from El Alamein, the guns had started to fire on to the German lines as it became dark about 7 pm in the evening and that it continued right through the night. He always remembered that it sounded like one continual roll of thunder that lasted right through the night.

Then at five am and while it was still dark, they were ordered to advance forward, with some of the soldiers having to advance through the un-cleared mine fields. Dad had always felt bitter about how the first to advance were treated in this way by the military. It became a well-known fact that the men were made to clear the mines to protect the precious tanks that followed up behind. I guess it was a case of the tanks being worth far more money than a human life. If the situation were to be repeated today, I doubt very much whether things would be any different, with the so called modern Army of today. Dad went on to advance all the way across North Africa, then across the Mediterranean Sea to land in Sicily. Where he had to repeat it, all again on the main land of Italy as they advance right up the middle of the country. I guess he was very lucky, as he was never injured, and came through the whole experience unscathed in body. However, I've often wondered if it affected him mentally.

To complete the next leg of our journey to Aden, we had to fly over countries that did not allow military aircraft to pass their air space. Therefore, in order that we could reach Aden, we had to divert around certain counties. Egypt was one of them who did not allow shock Troops, such as Commando's and Parachute Regiments personnel into their country. An older Marine later told me that on one occasion while he was on board a ship and going through the Suez Canal. All Marines had to remove their Green Berets so that the local people had no way of knowing what type of Servicemen they were.

There was also a story doing the rounds that during the Suez Canal crisis in 1956 when the British and French governments invaded Egypt to protect the Canal. The British Parachute Regiments parachuted on the Airfields while the Royal Marines Commando's were landed by sea, taking the beaches.

Where the Canal meets the Mediterranean Sea, there used to stand a thirty-foot high statue of the guy who built the canal. Anyway, during the Marines occupation, one of the Cliff Leaders scaled the statue and placed a Green Beret on its head. It was believed that the statue was so slippery that the Egyptian's would not be able scale it to remove the Beret, so in desperation they blew it up. Maybe that is why they did not like Green Berets. While another story went on to explain why the Royal Marine losses were very low when they came ashore from their landing craft. The Egyptians, who had been given Bakelite land mines from the Russians, were so scared of them, that they laid them in the sand without arming them. Therefore, when the Marines came ashore they did not go off. Another point worth remembering is that being made of Bakelite and not metal meant that our mine detectors would not have picked them up.

Our trip took us due south for almost a thousand miles, at which point we turned east for about hour. We then turned and headed North East, a route that took us over the Horn of Africa and finally on to Aden. We landed at night, so not a lot could be seen from my ringside window seat.

Because of the training I had received while a member of the 779 Squad, my body shape had under taken a dramatic change. So just before I left England, I had purchased a complete new set of clothing. It was also because we had to travel in civilian clothes, just in case our aircraft had to divert to one of these countries that did not like military personnel travelling through their airspace. Unfortunately, I was wearing a new pair of shoes that had not been broken in. While on the plane they had begun hurting my feet so much, that I had taken them off for a little relief. Unaware that the cabin pressure would swell my feet once the shoes were removed. Therefore, as we came in to land I could not get them back on. Unfortunately, I had to make my way off the plane carrying them in my hands. This caused a big laugh amongst all of the other passengers.

Once the Plane had taxied to a halt and the doors were opened you could feel the heat circulate around the inside of the aircraft. Then as we walked of the plane, the gangway lead down in front of the Jet Engines and I could not help remarking to Jock Minnock how hot they were. Even when we were fifty meters away from the Aircraft it still felt hot. I suddenly realised that the heat was everywhere, it being unbelievably hot and stifling. I could not believe that it could be this hot at 2 am in the morning, what was it going to be like at noon midday. The next thing I noticed was that wherever I looked there were Arabs lying around or sitting propped up against walls. The whole airport just seemed to be bursting at the seams with them and it did not smell very nice either. The whole place looked like Liverpool Street station on a busy weekend, crowded with the usual wino's and the down and outs of the area. I was told later that they were all airport workers, who did not have homes to go to. At least they would not be late for work each day. I wondered how they got on when they wanted to take somebody home for tea.

We spent most of our stay in Aden inside of the main terminal building, it being a little cooler than outside. In those days there was no such thing as air-conditioning, so I guess what we never had, we never missed. Although I was thankful that the building had several large circulating fans positioned high above our heads, they were not making us cooler, but at least they were moving the air around the waiting area. At least it was acceptable as we stretched our legs and had a chance to talk to the other passengers over a drink. I was still the topic of conversation having to carry my shoes off the plane, giving most of my fellow passengers a good laugh at my expense. I must have looked funny with a shoe sticking out each of my back pockets.

After the aircraft had been refuelled, we took to our seats for the next stage of the journey, which would take us to the island of Gan. Gan is located slap-bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean. We headed just east of due south, on what had become a customary four-hour hop. It was still dark as we left so I could not see anything from my window. However, within just a few minutes of passing over the coastline of Aden, the sun suddenly appeared above the horizon filling the cabin with a beautiful golden yellow light. Once again it was lucky for me as it was once again on my side of the aircraft and made a spectacular view.

The Indian Ocean was so vast and looked a very deep blue in colour. It did not matter in which direction you looked, the ocean was all that you could see. This vast blue expanse went on for almost the full four hours of the flight. Until we approached the Island of Gan, that was like a pin head in the middle of this great expanse of blue. As we approached the small spec looked pure white in colour and seemed to be surrounded by even smaller white specs. Then as we were only a few miles away, we could see that the main island had a runway running its full length and was almost as wide. While all around the larger island were several much smaller islands, all were of the same pure white colour.

By now, we were becoming seasoned travellers and we all knew the drill. It being a two-hour stopover and that we could look around but were not allowed to swim in the swimming pools. The two Jocks and I headed straight for the nearest beach, knowing that we were going to find something very spectacular. We were not disappointed because the scene that greeted us must have come straight from the cover of a National Geographic Magazine. The beach had the finest white sand I had ever seen in my entire life. It flashed through my mind of the days I had gone to Felixstowe for a holiday back in England, where the beach was covered in stones of all shapes and sizes. Compared to this very soft fine sand they had felt like large rocks under my feet. The experience was going to be remembered for a long time. For all we knew we might never get another chance, to enjoy one of nature's wonders of the world.

Jock Minnock wasted no time in stripping down to his under pants and walking past a couple of small Arab Dhow boats that lay on the beach, into the small waves to sample the water. None of us had a swimming costume as they were all packed away in our suite cases that were stowed away in the cargo hold. Anyway, there was no need to worry about exposing ourselves to the female fraternity. As there was only one woman on the whole Island and she was sixty years old. She was a member of the Women's Volunteer Service and was there just to add a woman's touch to the place and to help the fifty of so service men if they needed any feminine help over family matters. The RAF service men had to serve a minimum six months tour in this Garden of Eden, before returning to their unit that was normally stationed in Singapore. It was their job to take care of the aircraft as they passed through, on their way to either Singapore or the UK. I would guess that Gan must have been the prime posting that was well sort after by all the RAF personnel.

Anyway, Jock Minnock was beckoning, to Jock Stone and me to join him in the sea. I must admit we did not need too much encouragement, as we slipped out of my clothes and joined him. Now I had been a swimmer during most of my school days and loved being in the water. However, this was different it did not even feel like water, it being luke warm. It even felt warmer than the bath water that I use to wash in back in the UK. It was certainly much warmer than the Ipswich Baths heated swimming pool that I had visited in the past. The first thing that went through my head was that this was not going to take a lot of getting used to. In fact, they were going to have to persuade me with something good to get me out and that is exactly what happened.

After Jock Stone had finished his swim he had gone for a wander around the island and had returned with a couple of bottles of beer for us. This was the correct enticement to get me out of the sea, where I'd been enjoying myself for the past forty-five minutes. I finally left the beautiful warm waters of the Indian Ocean to join him on the beach. Boy did the beer taste good, all I needed now was some female company and who could want for anything more.

We did not have to worry about drying ourselves, because the sun did that job for us in just a few minutes, so it was easy to slip our clothes back on. Upon reflection, I think we were the only passengers to take the plunge that day, but why I do not know. All I do know is that it was a great experience and what I hoped was going to be lying ahead of me for the next eighteen months. After all, this was what I had always imagined it would be like in this part of the world, just laying around on a beach of a desert island.

Finally, some good news as we were informed that the plane had an engine problem and that we were going to be delayed for a further couple of hours. What bad luck I thought, as I lay back on the beach and soaked up the sun. I even managed to grab a few minutes sleep, but it is hard with all the excitement going on around you. It had been hard to sleep on board of the Comet, as the seats were very uncomfortable and there was not a lot of leg room either. In addition, the engines were very noisy making a high pitched whistling noise, while all around it felt like a vibration was affecting the whole aircraft. Not like today when the passenger comfort comes first, to us it was all part of the job. Service men being uncomfortable on an aircraft did not seem to come into the equation of protecting British interests in the Far East.

As we walked around the island none of us had ever imagined a picturesque place like it, to us it seemed like heaven. However, the tranquillity of the moment was interrupted by an RAF guy riding around on a motor scooter trying to round us all up to re-board the aircraft. Because of the break down, most of us had wandered to almost every conceivable corner of the island in an effort to pass the time. Therefore, his task was not an easy one and was further complicated by their having to walk back to the aircraft.

The next part of the journey took us due east as we headed for the island of Singapore. This was also to be another four-hour flight and then on the captain's instructions most people adjusted their watches forward onto Singapore time. After my first experience with a watch when I bought a lemon while working at E.R. Howards back in Stowmarket. I had never bothered to wear one, something I still do not bother with to this day.

We continued to fly into the darkness of the night, so my window view was not revealing too many sites along the way. Until that is, we flew over an Electrical storm. I then witnessed a spectacular lightning show that seemed even more spectacular because I was looking down into it, I had never seen anything quite like this. The lightning was also inside of the clouds and seemed to go on and on lighting up the cloud formations below. By now if you including time zones, flight times and stop over's, we were almost 30 hours into the flight and already I had notched up many firsts. I was wondering what the remainder of my 18 months in this part of the world had in store for me.

I do not know what I had expected to find when I finally set foot on the Island of Singapore. After all, I had not read any books on the subject, I had not even seen any Television programs, mainly because they just did not exist at that time. Therefore, for me I was going to be walking into a complete unknown and that everything was going to be a completely new experience. The only picture I had in my head was of the coolies that I had seen in the old black and white war films of the day. With their little pointed hats, that was woven from some type of grass and with a wooden yoke across their shoulders carrying a basket either side of them, as they rebuilt the runways and roads during the war. Then according to the Tarzan films of the day, there would be snakes falling from every tree that you walked under. Somehow, I always imagined that the people would be uneducated and even backward and that we were so superior to them in every way. My Schooling had given me a little insight into European History and to how its people lived. However, there had been very little about the rest of the world, in fact, it was always hinted that they were all savages. The other thing about our history teachings is that it had always been mainly about wars and so anybody who was against the British was always thought of as barbaric people. So, with these ideas planted in my head, that was the sum total of what I expected to find in the Far East.

I did not manage to grab any sleep on this part of the journey, as I knew it was the last leg and so the excitement kept me awake. This four-hour stint seemed to pass a little quicker and so it was not long before we were landing in the middle of the night, at Changi Airport. The heat was unbearable because of the humidity. Lucky, I had not removed my shoes on the plane during this leg of the journey. Therefore, I was able to walk off the plane this time wearing my shoes, but they were hurting me terribly. Never travel in new shoes, run them in first I remember saying to myself. I had to hobble past the customs and officials that were everywhere in the terminal building. All the Marines on board were going to Burma Camp. We were all herded together outside of the airport terminal by a Sergeant and told to board a three-ton truck for the journey up into Malaya. I sat by the tailgate, so I had a nice view of my new home for the next eighteen months, but I was very tired having not slept for such a long period of time. The truck set off at a very fast pace, so my first impression was that there could not be any road rules. The heat and the humidity in the middle of the night was also something I found hard to accept. Then there was the terrible smell of decaying food and the dogs. Dogs were roaming everywhere, it did not matter where you looked it was dogs, dogs, dogs, and they all looked very mangy in appearance. We drove north through Singapore, then over the causeway and into Malaya. We then continued the journey north towards Kota-Tingi. My first impression of Malaya was the same as Singapore, in fact to me it did not seem like I was in a different country, just a continuation of Singapore. Singapore is really one large city while Malaya is made up of lots of small villages and towns. Again, as we drove through the village of Johore Barhu, there were many people lying around everywhere sleeping in the street and in front of shops. What I will always remember from my first night in this part of the world, is the stifling heat and smell.

Burma Camp was located about twenty miles north of the causeway in an area of cultivated Rubber Plantations. Arriving in the dark, I could not see much of the camp so after being shown a bed and handed some bedding I just crashed out for what remained of a good night's sleep, which I had not experienced since leaving England. With all the travelling and time changes, I think it was the equivalent of about a thirty two-hour flight. While in real flying time and with the stopovers, it was probably only about twenty hours. Boy was I tired, and it was not long before I was blowing zzzs and counting rubber trees.

Next morning, I had a good look around what I believed was going to be my new home. Burma Camp is a very large hillside camp with all of the accommodation huts built into its side. These housed A, B and C Company's. While on the top of the hill was located the canteen, the N.A.F.F.I. and parade ground. Just back from the top was the Headquarters Company and all of the administration buildings. At the base of the accommodation huts was a very large long sports area that included about four football fields, in fact light aircraft regularly land in this area. On the other side of the football field was a second smaller hill, which housed the Jungle Warfare School. The Gurkhas were usually based here in small-corrugated tin huts, well at least ours were made of wood. In a climate like you experience in Malaya, that tin must have become almost red hot at times and would have felt like an oven in side.

The two Jocks and I had all been placed in 2 Troop, of A Company, so it looked like we were to spend the next eighteen months together. We were even bunked up in the same hut, each hut at that time housed about a dozen Marines.

Each Commando unit consists of around seven hundred Marines, divided into three Companies and a HQ Company. Each Company was further divided into three Troops and a HQ Troop. While each Troop is divided into three sections. One section consisted of a two-man Bren gun team, plus a Bren gun commander, a three-man riffle team, a front scout, a rear end Charlie and a corporal in charge of the whole section. If you were lucky the Troop has a total membership of nine men. Unfortunately, a Commando unit was usually under strength, because of its manpower turn around program. The unit stays where it is stationed, with only the Marines coming and going. It being a regular occurrence that once a month personnel were either coming or going. This then was 40 Commando and to identify us from other Marine units we wore a light blue lanyard on our left shoulder.

Our Company Commander was a Major, 'Pug' Davis, the only Jewish officer in the Royal Marines at that time. Pug was a highly decorated officer having a military history going way back to the latter part of the Second World War. At that time, he had been parachuted behind enemy lines to work with the resistance in Yugoslavia or Czechoslovakia.

During that first morning we all had to pay a visit the Quartermaster Stores to draw all of our jungle equipment, which we were going to need for the next eighteen months. We then found ourselves on our beds talking, laughing and trying on and altering all our new equipment, while stowing it in our bedside lockers. After dinner, which consisted of the usual food, that we had been used to or hated back in the UK. Then it was back to our hut to finish stowing our gear. Later we were were joined by the rest of our new Troop mates as they assisted us, having finished their training for the day. Because of the heat during the day, we start at 7 am, with a break for brunch at 10.30 am, finishing work at 12.30. Tea and cakes were laid on 4.30 pm, supper was at 6.30 pm and during supper, we all had to take one Paladrin anti Malaria tablet per day. Later it was increased to two a day, even then, I do not think that they worked, I often forgot to take mine and towards the end, I had completely stopped taking them. At one time one of the officers used to line us up with our mouths open. He would then walk down the line flicking one into our mouths as he walked past. We would then store them under our tongue and spit them out when we were dismissed. Lucky for us they did not break down in our mouths, the taste from them would hang around for at least half an hour.

Anyway, back to the guys who had just joined us, a couple of them I already knew. Don Hackett and Geordie Frith both had been in the 778 Squad ahead of us and had been in 40 Commando for a month. I had only known them briefly back at Lympstone. Anyway, all the old soldiers, as they are known were giving their own advice to us, really trying to mix us new boys up. I played it by ear, not wanting to be caught out by somebody pulling a prank on me. Several people were pulling the Jocks leg, not understanding their Scottish accents, while they were trying to adjust their new webbing equipment.

We were lucky in the fact that we had arrived at the camp on a Thursday night and this being a Friday, it was the last day of the working week. Therefore, we joined all of the other Marines climbing on board of the three ton trucks heading into Singapore for a run ashore as the Marines call it. I could not believe it, we had only been in the camp for a day and here we were getting a chance to see the sights of our new found home.

We all disembarked from the trucks near the Britannia Club, in the heart of the city of Singapore. This was where most of the service personnel spent their time drinking through the weekend. The two Jocks and I had different views on that one and headed straight for the beautiful beckoning waters of the club swimming pool. There we stayed in its luke warm waters for almost four hours while soaking up every minute of what I thought was heaven.

At which time I suddenly became aware that I was starting to burn quite badly. I found it hard to believe because I had been in the water for the whole four hours, with only my shoulder appearing above the water occasionally. Therefore, it gives you a little idea of just how powerful the sun can be in this part of the world. It was also about this time that Jock Stone and I realised that Jock Minnock, who had sat on the side of the pool for the whole time, was starting to look very red. Jock Minnock had light ginger hair, so his skin was very pale in complexion and was very susceptible to the sun. He started to complain of the burning pain that he was experiencing and as we watched we could see his back changing colours until it was almost a dark red. We managed to get him into the shower room and coached him to stand under a cold shower for almost fifteen minutes. It did not help him, so we took him across the square from the Britannia club to the Union Jack Club. There we booked a room and Jock Stone went looking for a chemist to get something, we could put on his back. By the time he returned the skin on Jock Minnocks back was one mass of fluid filled bubbles that were starting to burst. Whatever it was, that Jock Stone had bought it was very painful when we applied it to his back. We had to be careful as the skin came off as we touched it. He stayed in bed for the rest of that day and also the following day, with both Jock Stone and I taking turns to apply the bottled liquid to his back.

We were all worried about what might happen once we returned to the camp, because it was an offence to get sun burnt. It's known as self-inflicted wounds and if you miss your work, you are usually charged. Poor old Jock Minnock he did not know what he was going to do. Sunday evening came, and we caught the truck back to the camp making a pact amongst ourselves that we would not tell anybody what had happened and that Jock Minnock would stick the pain as long as he could get away with it. It is to his credit, his guts, determination, and his pain threshold that he got away with it. At no time did anybody at the camp know what had happened to him. For my first run a shore, I did not get to see too much of the city, but I thought at least there will be other times.

After a couple of weeks in the camp, a few of us were in the hut one morning when the door suddenly flew open and in strutted the Company Sergeant Major, balling at the top of his voice. Telling us that we were his lovely lads and that we had to listen to what he had to say. He then told us to get our gear packed for a long journey and that everything we needed was on a piece of paper that he then threw on to one of the beds by the door. Finally, he urged us to get a move on, as we only had one hour, to fall in outside of A Company main office building. Where we were to load the company stores onto the trucks, this would also include our own kit bags. He then proceeded along to the next hut, where he repeated the very same message word for word. As soon as he had left the hut all pandemonium broke loose, everybody was trying to talk at the same time, trying to find out where we going, what was the trouble, was it for real etc etc. The general opinion was that maybe we were going to Borneo, there had been rumours going around for some time, as 42 Commando was already in that area. 42 Commando had lost a few Marines as it under took an amphibious landing in the town of Limbang, in Brunei. The rebels had been getting greedy wanting to take over the country by force, mainly for its rich oil deposits. Like I said earlier with hindsight, some people get very greedy. Only this time instead of it being the young students who were the culprits, this time it was all backed up by the Indonesian government, but from a distance. So far, they were only involved from behind the protection of their own borders, offering military aid and a safe haven for those that wanted to upset the Status Quo.

In this instance, the terrorists had taken several western hostages and had them imprisoned in the local police station at Limbang. The Marines had gone up the river by landing craft to storm the police station. The raid had been very successful, and all of the hostages had been released unhurt. Unfortunately, 42 Commando had paid a high price with the lives of several of its Marines.

I grabbed my kit bag and started replacing articles of kit, I had only just unpacked and placed in my locker, while checking the paper list as I went along. Several of the old boys were helping us new lads, by telling us what to pack and what to leave behind. I then dragged my kit bag down to the company office, where all hell had been let loose with Marines running everywhere. I then returned to get my tin trunk full of all my unwanted belongings, these were to be locked away in the Company stores over the back of the hill until our return. This took some time as it took two of you to carry the damn things, so we had to make at least four trips and at quarter of a mile one way, it was tiring in the tropical heat that surrounded Burma Camp.

Having completed our own personnel tasks, we all had to muck in and help to load up A Company's stores onto three, three-ton trucks at the bottom of the hill. Most Marines by this time had settled on our destination as being Borneo, I did not even know where Borneo was, okay I had heard the name but never checked a map to find out where it was.

All the stores that would be making the trip with us had been loaded by 6 pm that night. After a final inspection by the Company Commanding Officer Major 'Pug' Davis, we were all loaded aboard a convoy of Royal Navy Buses. That left the camp and headed for the Singapore dockyard. It was pointless looking out of the windows, with the interior lights on, as we could not see anything. The buses made their way down through Malaya, through Johore Barhu and crossing the causeway into Singapore. We then turned left into the dockyard that was all lit up, so I could see out of the window. The buses wove their way around HMS Terror and finally we parked alongside a large ship. That's 'Old Rusty' one of the Marines yelled, continuing to tell us all that it had been an old aircraft carrier, but had been converted into a Commando Carrier, only now-a days it went by the name of H.M.S. Bulwark. The Sergeant ordered us all off the bus and up the gangway to board the ship. We all fell in on the flight deck in our respective Company's and Troops. Where we were issued our billets and lead by a seamen through the bowels of the ship, to show us our mess deck and finally our bunks. We did not have to unload the trucks as they were all brought on board fully loaded, so at least that was one chore we were spared.

I thought I would get a haircut before leaving the ship having heard that we could be away for anything up to six months. The hairdresser was in a very small room under a set of stairs, with about a dozen sailors and Marines all queuing up outside. I got talking to a Sailor with a Liverpool accent, it turned out that he lived in Ipswich. We got on well and would you believe that in the mid-seventies I would meet up with him once again, when he came to work for me. At a time when I was working for a construction company building the Ipswich to Stowmarket Bypass.

After stowing our backpack gear in the small lockers provided, everybody just sat around talking. Most of us were still wondering what was happening and where the hell were we going. However, I must say at this point I was never scared, more to the point I was very excited and wanted to get going. Shock Troops are not normal people, the only thing that's different about us is that we have been trained to do a job and kill if required. The general public must not be surprised if occasionally a couple of us come off the rails and do something silly. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1963. March - July. 'Active Service in Sarawak and Kampong Lundu'. Taken from Chapter 8 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

Morning on board of H.M.S. Bulwark saw a tremendous amount of movement amongst the Marines Commandos and the ship's crew. All the Marines had been formed up on the flight deck into their respective companies. While all around them was stacked large amount of ordinance. Each man was issued with his quota of 7.62mm ammunition, along with a couple of hang grenades. Once it had all been distributed amongst the Marines, we were allowed to sit on the deck loading up the SLR magazines. Then primed all of the hand grenades that had been issued. Which meant unscrewing and removing the base plate insert the detonator and to then replace the base plug. The deck of the HMS Bulwark was made of steel, as a favourite trick some of the older Marines would throw a grenade at one another, just as a sailor walked by. It would then be dropped on purpose so that it landed with a loud bang on the flight deck. The passing sailor would freeze to the spot, expecting the grenade to blow up right there and then. Most of the sailors did not share our sense of humour where explosives were concerned.

Once A Company was fully loaded up with ammunition we all had to report to the landing craft that were attached to the sides of the ship. These were the same type of craft that we had all training on, while we were at Poole in Dorset. We were all loaded on board, there being one Troop of Marines to each boat. In this way, the whole of A Company was distributed evenly amongst all four of the landing craft and ready to leave the ship. While B and C Companies were eventually to go to other districts of Sarawak by Chopper, yes Sarawak in Borneo was the destination.

When the landing craft were fully loaded with cargo, they were lowered into the water. Where upon, a given signal, they all pulled away from the side of the ship, taking up a circling pattern awaiting a signal so that they could all advance towards the objective together. When the signal eventually came, we all set off in a single file heading for the coast of Sarawak and in to my very first adventure. I was surprised to find that the atmosphere was very relaxed. Once we were away from the ship, most of the Marines had their shirts off and were playing Uckers on the side of the boat. This is just a naval version of Ludo, only each player has a double set of counters. Other Marines were just laughing and joking amongst themselves. Nobody seemed worried that in couple of hours' time they might be shot at. Even the Sergeant was relaxed, which was unusual for them. After about two hours in the open sea, the landing craft that was still in single file, preceded up a river. The river was very wide at its mouth, it being more than a mile a cross. After a further hour, we reached the small village of Lundu, where we disembarked. This was to be A Companies home for the next three months.

The village was very small, but it was the main one in this particular district. Having a Police station made it a prime target for attack from Communist Insurgents, backed by President Sukarno of Indonesia. Their main aim was trying to steal weapons in order to help their cause. The cause being to take another country by force, but the main prize was the oil fields in the state of Brunei. A big prize that president Sukarno would have loved to get his hands on. I was once told that the Indonesian air force was so hard up that it could only afford to have one plane in the air at a time.

It was decided that 2 Troop would stay behind to guard the Police Station. This was one of my first big disappointments, as I watched the other Troops go out to other areas and on their own. While we were going to be stuck guarding A Companies H.Q and all the spit and polish that would go along with it, the 'Yes Sir's, No Sir's, Three bags full Sir'.

1 Troop would be flown by chopper to guard the Kampong of Bau, about fifty miles away. Kampong is the Malay word meaning village. The choppers were always based on board H.M.S. Bulwark sitting just off the coastline and out of sight of land, but only twenty minutes flying time from Lundu. Therefore, it was comforting to know that help was only twenty minutes away, mind you a lot can happen in twenty minute.

3 Troop would go by landing craft to guard Sematan, another Kampong on the coastline also located by a river mouth, but not our river, this one was about fifty miles to the west.

The first task for 2 Troop was to fortify the Police Station, this being just a wooden hut perched on four-foot high stilts and overlooking the river. Sandbags were place all around the base and on the balcony a Bren gun was positioned, to cover the full width of the river. A very high wire fences was then erected around the entire living quarters out the back, while a guard rosters was worked out to patrol the whole area 24 hours a day. Because the Company Head Quarters was being set up here, it meant that there would be several officers around at all times. This meant that we could expect a lot of discipline and there was.

Out the back of the station and away from our wired compound was a very large football field. This was to be used as a helicopter landing strip. At that time the Marines were mainly using Wessex Choppers for bringing in personnel and light gear, any heavy equipment always came by landing craft docking at the jetty just in front of the Police Station. At least the Bren gun on the balcony could give good cover, as the supplies were unloaded.

One of my pet hates and chores was to roll the forty-gallon drums of AV Gas for the choppers, from the jetty to the airstrip. I would judge the distance to be about seven to eight hundred meters. Boy a long way when you are rolling a full forty-gallon drum. Add to that about three dozen drums each time the landing craft arrived. That added up to a lot of exercise and cut hands, from the rough edges around the barrels, there being no leather gloves in those days. The choppers use a lot of fuel and one of their main tasks was to fly patrols from Lundu, to different locations around the area. Sometimes they flew into just holes in the trees down to the ground. At times the tree branches were only inches away from the rotor blades, relying on the theory that the draft from the blades would peel back the branches. Other time's ropes would be dropped through the trees for us to abseil down to the ground. On the other hand, sometimes they would hover about two or three feet above flooded terrain. We would then have to jump into the water catching our gear that was kicked out behind us. Failure to do so meant that all your gear would get very wet. Talking of getting wet, during the monsoon we would be wet throughout the whole day. We would never be caught with our trousers and boots off, just in case we were attacked, so we wore both until they just about fell off us.

After a few days, everybody dropped into a boring routine. All of 2 Troop was involved in the guarding of the camp. Not so headquarters personnel, they were always very lucky and got out of the menial tasks. The guard consisted of two hours on and four hours off. This went on around the clock, day in and day out. At all times, one person was always manning the Bren gun on the Police Station balcony and three Marines were roving around the compound. At nights, the roving guards would stay put, in strategically placed slit trenches. It was felt that any shadow movement, might attract somebody with an itchy finger to shoot at their own men by mistake.

In addition, during the day there was always work to be done around the camp. On top of all this, almost every day a patrol was sent out to different areas. So that we became very familiar with the area and we got to know it like the backs of our hands. It was also to show a military presence amongst the local tribesmen. This was an exercise that became known as showing the flag.

There were no sealed roads in this division, unless you call dirt tracks roads. A division is much the same as a county in England. The whole area was littered with many rivers. Therefore, full advantage was taken, and they were used whenever possible, to get the Marines around.

For patrols that needed to go across country, they would have to either follow very narrow existing jungle tracks or to cut their own through the jungle. This was a hard hot work, but a much safer way of travelling, hoping to eliminate any chance of an ambush. It was not long before most of the Marines became tired and fed up with these dull dreary routines and complacency soon started to creep in.

One morning four of us along with a Corporal Bwana, unfortunately I cannot remember his real name, but we all called him Bwana, after a character in an old Bob Hope Film. Anyway, we were called in for a briefing and then set off up river in a long boat. This was a dugout canoe with a forty-horse power Mercury outboard motor fitted on its stern. We were too proceed up the Batang River on a routine patrol. After travelling for about two hours, the trees and the riverbanks started to creep in, until they were only a few yards apart. Half an hour later they were touching each other across the centre of the river, cutting out most of the sunlight. We travelled a further hour and by now it was late into the afternoon, so we pulled onto the bank, by a very small Kampong known as Salami.

We decided to stay the night, because this village had a small trading store. Corporal Bwana ordered everybody to search the area thoroughly. I decided to search a small building that looked like the local store but saw nothing much until I looked up and to the back of one of the shelves. There to my amazement stood two bottles of genuine Irish Guinness. I gave the storekeeper a Dayak tribesman two dollars (25 pence UK then). Back outside Bwana had found a heap of papers under an old abandoned hut. Going through them we found it contained a lot of pornography and leaflets containing servicemen's names, along with names of their wives and men friends they were supposed to be sleeping with. Clearly, a propaganda war was about to break. There was nobody to arrest, so we just made camp for the night out in the jungle, but after this find, a watchful guard was set up. I suddenly produced the two bottles Guinness and told the boys they could have a swig. Jock Stone was rubbing his hands while telling everybody that he could not believe our luck. Here we were a thousand miles from nowhere, but at least we had a bottle of Guinness. While everybody was laughing I opened the first bottle and took a big swig, but I soon spat it out declaring that it was Vinegar. The second one was just the same, so nobody got to have a drink that night. Bwana told everybody that it had probably been hid on the shelf for nearly twenty years.

Realising that we were in an unfriendly area we all had a restless night. That was not helped by the presence of a plague of mosquitoes that had decided to feast on our bodies that night. Unfortunately, we had no mossy nets to protect us and nobody wanted to use the Mossy repellent liquid we had been issued with, because it had a horrible aroma about it and you couldn't wash it off. There was also the worry that being a strange smell the enemy might pick up on it. Mind you I used to tell people that if it didn't keep the moosies away at least it might make the terrorists move off in a different direction.

The next morning, we headed back down the river calling in at another Kampong called Seband-Ulu. The idea was to show the flag and our military presence in the area, while hoping to make friends and allies. We also hoped that we might pick up some fresh meat for the lads back at Lundu. All the Kampong consisted of was one very large long hut, containing about forty families all living together under the one roof.

The hut was built up about six feet off the ground and was sitting on stilts alongside of the river bank. Getting out of the boat, Bwana strode up to the chap who he thought looked most like the headman and held out his hand. Telling the guy that he was pleased to meet him. The local man looked amazed and clearly did not understand a single word he had just said. I did not believe he was the head guy, to me he looked more like the local toilet cleaner. Jock laughed and so did I, while Bwana was clearly not amused. I walked up to another guy and in pidgin English tried to make conversation with him. Bwana left it to me and I succeeded in obtaining a very small pig and a local drink for the boys, it was called Toddy and was the sap from a tree. It was tapped from a tree trunk, in the same way that rubber is extracted from the rubber tree. Being quite potent we were soon very merry, but not the Corporal he would not drink the stuff. He soon ordered us back into the boat that was moored to a large floating log that stuck out into the river.

Bwana never spoke much to us on the return trip, I guess he was feeling a bit of a fool. About ten minutes away from Lundu, he turned to one of the Marines, a Scotsman we called Big Mac. Telling him that his gun barrel was red with rust, to which Big Mac told him that it was red partherising, although it really was rust and was a crime in the Marines. Bwana just muttered something under his breath and turned away to continue looking at the riverbank, while everybody else in the boat just grinned at each other. I might add that we called him Big Mc long before the American food giant arrived on the scene.

After reaching Lundu the Company Commander held a de-brief, at which all the leaflets were shown around. It had been learnt by Radio, that some of the other companies had experienced similar leaflet drops around their camps.

That night I had to go on guard with a policeman from the local Dayak tribe. Sitting under the Police Station behind a few sandbags, we began talking in a low voice, because whispers travel very easy through the night. All the time he kept holding on to a small little leather pouch around his neck. According to Mogumbo as I called him, it was full of bones, herbs and lucky charms. As long as he kept wearing it around his neck then nobody would be able to shoot him. What a load of rubbish I thought, I bet I could prove him wrong. Still I did make very good friends with Mogumbo, over the next couple of months as we went on many patrols together. He was one local guy I know I could have relied on in an emergency situation.

The days became more and more boring, knowing that some of the tasks we were given, like digging trenches, digging latrines (toilets) etc, was just to give us something to do. Most Marines started to moan that this was the only camp that had all the disciplines of a conventional military barracks back in the UK. Here we were in the jungle and somebody was picking us up for have dirty boots. Although I realised that it was mainly because Headquarters group was located with us. This was not what I had expected when I was back at Lympstone, dreaming of operating in the jungle.

I acquired a pet Monkey one-day from a local villager, for only five dollars just sixty-two pence in English money. According to the local villagers it was an albino. It being ginger in colour and only about four inches long, with a tail that measured a further six inches. It was clearly too young to have been removed from its mother. At nights I would lay on my camp bed with my hand in an old cardboard box with the monkey cuddled in my palm, for heat. Every time I moved the monkey would cry out and wake everybody in the tent, I was not a very popular guy. During the day I took it around with me, sitting in an empty magazine pouch hung by my side, with the top cover down, even the officers never knew I had it. However, it only lived a few weeks, upsetting me for a few days when it eventually died, one of the sick birth attendants told me that it had died of pneumonia.

Two Marines were charged for Accidental Discharges from their S.L.R. Rifles. In both cases civilians were nearly shot, one bullet had actually passed through the Police Station roof. After being charged, the Marines were very heavily fined and had extra work added to their already congested daily routine. Money meant absolutely nothing to us, as we could not spend it on anything. I smoked and bought tobacco to roll my own, that was flown in by choppers and that was about it. By the end of a tour in Sarawak, we went back to Singapore to a fair amount of back pay that had accumulated in our accounts.

Another incident that happened, was whilst I was on guard one night. I was walking along the back of the living quarters, when I stood on something and heard a crack. Looking down with my torch I saw I was standing on a Scorpion and its tail had come up and hit the heel of my leather boot. Lucky it had not gone through the leather, if I had I been wearing my canvas jungle boots I would have been stung. If you did take your boots off to sleep at night, you always had to knock and shake them in the morning. Before you put them on, because at least one very small scorpion would always fall out, but I do not know how they got in to the boots in the first place as these boots were about eighteen inches high.

At night, we all slept on camp beds in tents so when the guard came in to wake their replacement they usually awoke everybody else in the tent. One night after nearly a month of this dull routine, the whole tent got up around midnight to go on guard. Somehow nobody noticed what was happening and we all staggered out to change guard. The officer checking weapons noticed that there were too many people standing in front of him and asked who should be on guard. To which everybody replied 'Me', then as we all looked at each other along the line we suddenly woke up to the fact that some of us should still be in bed. We all burst into a low laugh and those that could, went back to bed. That is how tiredness can affect you sometime.

Ginger Walters a fresh Marine joined 2 Troop, Ginger had been a member of the 40 Commando HQ, in the intelligence section, but had asked for a transfer so he could get involved in a little of the action. I often wondered what he thought of digging trenches and twenty four-hour guards, something he never had to do before. I made very good friends with Ginger and over the next eighteen months, we got up to a lot of mischief and had some great times together.

One morning Ginger, Don (Hackett) and I went to the football field to await a chopper that was arriving with some stores for us and a patrol that had been stationed at a border fort, for about a month. When the chopper eventually arrived, it was a two bladed Belvedere flown by the RAF. I had never seen one of these before, it being a lot bigger and longer than the usual Wessex choppers that the Navy used. I spent a little time walking around it and having a good look, while the other Marines did all the unloading. It looked like it could carry about seventeen Marines, here in the hot climate of Sarawak, while the Wessex could only manage about eight. However, back in the UK where the air is much cooler and denser Wessex could probably carry about ten people.

A four-man section of Marines jumped out so, I signalled them over to where I was standing. Not wanting to try and talk under the still revolving blades above our heads. The first thing that struck me about these guys was how white they all looked. As I shook hands with the Corporal in charge I could not stop myself asking why they were so white, when everybody else in the camp sported a lovely dark tan. The Corporal told me that at Rassau, the fort they had been stationed at was amongst very dense jungle vegetation and that no sunlight ever penetrated down upon them. Having spent a month at Rassau they looked very anaemic, but they were hoping to get a good tan here at Lundu, where they were hoping to take it easy for a few days. I laughed at them telling them that around here nobody takes it easy. This place is known as 'Fort work your butt off'. Suddenly their expressions changed, and I left them looking a little dejected.

One morning a landing craft came up river and tied up at the jetty in front of the Police Station, being loaded with the usual minimum amount of supplies to support a fort. Most of the Marines that had nothing to do were suddenly press ganged in to reporting to the jetty to unload. A very long, hot job was in store for all who could not come up with a reasonable excuse. A human chain was made to pass the gear from the jetty to the make shift trolleys that a couple of Marines had earlier designed. This would then be pulled inside the camp by a team of four Marines acting the part of a Brewery Drey team of Shire horses. The stores consisted of the usual items required to supply a base for about a week, although it usually included several cartons of beer. As the equipment was slowly being unloaded two of the Marines began hatching a plot to relieve the Quartermaster of a carton of beer. As the officer who was supervising the unloading turned and looked away for a few seconds, one of the Marines lowered a carton of the beer into the water by the bank, while another Marine threw a large stone into the river further down to divert the officer attention. Anyway, the whole idea was to come back later to retrieve the carton.

Once the job was completed most of the Marines made their way up to the camp, leaving a couple of them and myself by the side of the water looking at the carton of beer. Looking is about as far as we got, as the carton was completely covered with bull leaches, a bull leach can suck up to a pint of blood at any one time. Eight of these things on you and your history, they would just about suck you dry. In the end I left the other Marines to figure it all out, I never did know what they came up with, but for days they would disappear into the jungle for ten minutes at a time and reappear smelling of grog, I guess some how they found a way. Although upon reflection all you had to do was to just put your hands into the water pull out the carton and to burn the leeches off your arms. Sooner said that done because at that time we were not experts at jungle warfare, however, later on when we understood the environment we were now living in, I'm sure that's what we would have done.

Sarawak is a beautiful country, its birds, its animals, its people the rivers and the jungle, just the air around the place. I used to love the cool misty mornings, I even l enjoyed the rain and there was lots of it. I used to love to lie on my bed listening to the rain pounding on the roof. I guess it was the sense of security, of knowing that I was dry, while outside everything would be soaking wet. Even if you were caught in the rain, once the storm was over and the sun came out your cloths would dry on you in about an hour. Unfortunately, by then, your cloths would be ringing wet once again, only this time it was with sweat. So really, your cloths were always ringing wet. To prove a point the material soon became rotten and would tear quite easily.

The Lundu Division only had one decent road and that was just a dirt track which was about 17 kilometres long. Can you imagine your country only having one road? At least the road accident rate would be a little lower than today's unrealistic figures.

I would love to visit Sarawak today, but I'm sure I would be in for a bit of a surprise. I believe it's called progress, but it is not always for the better. Western progress to me is sometimes a backward step, I would always like to remember the country as it was way back in 1963. Yes, Sarawak was a beautiful country and I will always carry its magnificent pictures around in my head for a long time to come.

'Kampong Stung Gang'.

It was flag showing time again, so Bwana took Ginger, Don, Dal (Dalrimple) and I on an overnight patrol up river to visit Kampong Stung Gang. The kampong was only a couple of hours distance up river and in a so called friendly area. Once again, we set off in our dug out with the outboard motor. As it was only to be a one night stay Bwana ordered us to travel light. We had an uneventful trip up the river, just staring at jungle and talking quietly amongst ourselves.

Kampong Stung Gang consisted of just one long hut that had been constructed on eight foot high stilts and was positioned along the river bank. Several logs were fixed to the bank all sticking out into the river with dugout canoes tied to them. We manoeuvred our boat amongst them and tied up, we then disembarked and balanced our way towards the awaiting villages on the bank.

These people were known as Iban tribe's the whole village lived together in a long bamboo constructed hut. We all shook hands with the headman who spoke very good English, however, this was usually a bad sign. If they spoke good English they were educated and education to me meant trouble, because too many ideas had been places into their heads while at a white schools, or at least that's what I believed at that time.

At the time, Sarawak was being slowly taken over by young Communists upstarts. Who were usually plucked from obscurity and educated in a big Russian University. Once in power it was always hoped that these new leaders would look favourable upon Russia who wanted to station their troops in the country, which would then flood the country with Rubbles. Then if he was extra smart he could play the Russians against the Americans, but not the British because by this time they were running out of money. I believed that most third world country leaders used their education to take everything for themselves. Their ideas and views meant absolutely nothing, all they were after was the power and all that goes with it, money, money, money. The plain un-educated villagers were usually swept along with their big words and promises but ended up with absolutely nothing. Meanwhile the leaders ended up with all the riches of war. Believe me in wartime there is a lot of money being thrown around to buy favours. These poor villages were usually very expendable as well, they were always the real losers. Just take a look at some of the so called rebel leaders in Africa who became Presidents and how rich they became once they had wrestled power from whoever was running the country at the time. To me they were not rebel leaders they were just thieves and murderers. I've never seen a poor Africa leader, but I have seen very poor village people trying to survive under their regimes. It must also be remembered that while they were so called freedom fighters, all committed murder in one way or another and all later became Presidents one even had the cheek to accept Nobel prizes for his cowardly acts. I can still remember, how he ordered his men to place a bomb on a train. The only people he killed that day were very poor innocent villagers. If you want to blame a government for something, at least go after them or a military target.

Presidents Mugabe and Amin are two good examples of people who used the villagers of their respective country to get what they wanted. However, once they had control they had to exterminate their opposition, so they were never deposed. Both set about destroying complete races of people, while the west sat back and did nothing. To me the United Nations is a joke a complete waste of time and money. Once again, it's come down to money. I hope this is not becoming a yard stick for the so called western world to follow. Sorry for this little outburst but that's how I felt at the time and I'm trying to be honest in writing about what I did and what I believed at the time. I feel that as a fighting man I'm entitled to say what I think on this subject, as its always people like me who have to go into situation like that to help sort it out, I'm not just an arm chair critic like most people. It's all very well talking about it but let's see you sort it out.

The headman's speaking of English was a little surprising and caught us all off guard, as they still displayed shrunken human heads around the outside of their huts. However, we were assured that these were mainly Japanese soldiers from the last war. During the Second World War most of the Ibans tribesmen were still practicing headhunting cannibals. In fact, there were still stories doing the rounds that it was still being practiced to this day by some of the tribes in our area. The young Ibans all carried long Parangs knives tucked in their belts around their waists and attached to the handles were usually tufts of human hair.

We spent a long time just looking around the area, being observant and getting used to the people. However, at all times we had our riffles cocked and ready for action, not knowing what to expect. In fact, we did everything with our riffles by our side and that even included while we slept and went to the toilet.

After spending a couple of hours checking out the area we made our way into the main long hut. As with most long huts, there was usually an open area right through the hut from one end to the other, along the front. While along the back were dozens of smaller rooms that housed the villagers. Once inside we all sat down in front of the headman's section of the hut in a circle, he then placed his daughters amongst us. Then the headman's wife brought out an old rusty kettle full of rice wine. By this time, we had already taken out our water bottle mugs in anticipation and we were all given a mug full of the rocket fuel. This was very strong, powerful stuff and most of us were completely unaware of its possible effects on us and started knocking it back as though it was going out of fashion. As soon as the old woman's kettle was empty, all the other women folk brought out their kettles. I winked at Ginger lip shaping the words that it was going to be a good night and there was going to be a few thick heads in the morning. Even Bwana was sipping his full mug, it being the first time that I had seen him take a drink, and I guess he did not want to offend the villages.

Most of us started making a pig of ourselves, knocking it right back as fast as they could fill our mugs. While I imagined that I was making head way with the headman's eldest daughter, who was sitting beside me. After an hour the noise level started to get louder, with us singing and the locals chanting and dancing. I also noticed that Ginger was making out nicely with one of the other headman's daughters. Ginger was a lucky guy, as he had red hair and nobody in this part of the world had ever seen anything like it. The attraction always drew large crowds wherever he went, and he was always treated like a Royalty.

While we drank the rice wine, we were also expected to eat the rice sediments that earlier had been drained from the wine and lay on a large green leaf on the floor in front of us. If you thought the wine was powerful, it was nothing to the handful of sediments that you were expected to munch into after every sip from your mug.

Dal was the first to collapse right where he sat, just as I got up to go to the toilet. This was just a small hole in the floor over in one of the corners of the hut. Without warning I suddenly fell through the thin bamboo slotted floor matting. Almost falling into a load of pig dung that was heaped up under the hut. Whenever the locals needed a toilet they just did it through the hole in the floor onto the pigs below. How these people were disease free, I will never know. In fact, it's a wonder that we did not end up in a hospital. Ginger helped me from my predicament and after much giggling we made our way back to re-join the party.

Bwana was next to keel over to a cheer from those of us who were still enjoying the festivities. Boy there was no way that we were going to let him forget this day. Ginger and I saw it as future blackmail material. Then slowly we all started to collapse one by one into very untidy heaps on the floor right where we sat.

As daylight started to shine through the holes in the side of the hut, I could not believe the sight that greeted me. It was not a pretty one as all of the Marines were out cold and looked a right mess. While sitting all around us were the local young men holding our riffle and sitting at the ready guarding us. They had spent the whole night watching over us, but I doubt they would have known how the riffles worked, or at least I would like to think they did not. If an officer had seen this sight, he would have gone bananas and threw the book at all of us. It was a good job that my earlier assessment of the headman had been wrong, otherwise we would have all been killed that night. The whole incident had turned into a big learning curve and I like to think that most of us learnt by the experience.

I staggered up to get some water and threw it over some of them to wake them up. No use having breakfast in this state, as I do not think anybody would have been able to stomach it anyway. Therefore, we grabbed our gear and tried to make our way back to the boat, thanking the headman and his daughters on the way. What followed was one of the most comical sights I had seen for quite some time. It was not only comical for me, even the villagers had also gathered to see the great British Servicemen make fools of themselves.

The Marines started to balance their way along the log towards the boat, but in their drunken state, they looked very clumsy with no sense of balance. One by one we all fell into the river. Ginger and Dal had to be rescued by the locals who by now were all rolling around laughing and pointing at the funny antics the Marines were displaying. It took almost half an hour to get us all into the boat safely and being a dug out it wobbled all over the place. Well that is my excuse and I am sticking to it even after all those years. Then with a final wave, we managed to shove off from the log and to head out into the main part of the river and head back towards Lundu.

Not wanting the officers back at Lundu to see the state we were in Bwana beached the boat a couple of miles before Lundu, so we could all clean ourselves up, Bwana being the worse for wear. During this time, we all had a swim and something to eat. If we had learnt anything from this whole trip it was to leave the local grog alone, or at least to only drink it in moderation. This jungle patrolling work was becoming a bit of an experience, not what I had imagined during my battle training. Maybe this was the type of experience we should have been pre-warned about and trained for.

Whilst we were back at the Headquarters, just sitting around in our tents after dark was a little boring. Luckily, we were allowed two cans of beer per day. Coupled with smoking, drinking, cracking jokes, and stories became the only pass time of the evening.

Like the one about Arthur who was attached to I think it was B Company. His section was patrolling along the border with Indonesia and based at a fort known as 'Fort Little Big Horn'. Unfortunately, they had an officer stationed with them and so they were a little regimented in their behaviour. On this particular occasion they had a dead terrorist to dispose of. Therefore, the officer ordered Arthur to bury him down near the river. Arthur placed the body in a hole he had just dug but owing to the rocky terrain unfortunately the hole was not quite big enough. So, Arthur chopped off the arms and legs and folded them, in such a way that the lot just about fitted into the hole. He then threw on some dirt and jumped on the heap a few times to flatten it all down. The officer watching just turned away and walked back up to the hut in disgust, where dinner was about to be served. Dinner usually consisted of hard tac biscuits. Anyway, Arthur just walked straight into the hut and without washing his hands, grabbed a hand full and tore into them. The officer had to go outside the hut, where he gagged a couple times. Most of us had come across Arthur at one time or other and knew that he was capable of such an act, to us it was just Arthur.

Another time was when an Iban tracker called Leo brought in a paper parcel and then laid it on the table amongst all the food right in front of his officer. "Did you get anybody" asked the officer, "Yes" said Leo. "And did you get any identification". "Yes" said Leo, adding, "It's in the parcel sir". The officer opened the parcel expecting to find badges of rank or something like that. Instead, he found a bloodstained hand with rings on the fingers. The officer covered up the hand and went outside for some fresh air. "The body was too heavy to carry back" Leo called after him. Once again, the Marines just grinned and laughed at each other.

We also had Gurkhas stationed with us at different times and I made very good friends with some of them. They were all very young boys, some as young as sixteen. One night in my tent, one of them showed me some photos, explaining that they were of a ceremony for the Gurkhas taken back in Singapore. The Photos were quite gruesome, showing bullocks and goats tied to posts, with a Gurkha and his legendary Kukri sword chopping off their heads. Apparently, they have to cut the heads off with only one blow, if not they are disgraced. Then a big feast follows, after the cooking of the carcasses. Everybody in the camp wanted to see these photos. However, most Marines felt sorry for the poor old animals tied up like they were, they hadn't a chance in hell of survival.

'Kampong Sematan'

After one of the longest most boring months of my life, we finally managed to get away from the over disciplined dreary Lundu Camp, I could hardly contain my relief. As 2 Troop headed down river on board one of the landing craft and once out to sea headed further along the coastline to the west. Where we relieve one of the other troops and took up a defensive position near the very small Kampong of Sematan, by the mouth of the Serayan River. The main purpose of the Kampong was as a supply village for the nearby Bauxite mine that was run by an American. The settling in period was made easy for us, by the fact that we had relieved another section that had previously set up the camp and fortified it.

We had taken with us a new infrared riffle night scope to be tested under battle conditions. Everybody stripped it down and had a good look at its inner workings. Then as soon as it was dark, we set it up outside the main bunker in the compound and took turns playing and fiddling in the darkness. It consisted of an infrared lamp that was on top of a small tripod, while a special scope was attached to a rifle. All very primitive by today standards but being the first of its type in the world, it was enthusiastically received by the Marines. The idea was that you sighted your rifle scope in a certain direction and then with your other hand you operated the lamp by slowly moving it to point in the same direction, as the gun was pointed. The best results were not too spectacular and I soon lost interest, however anything is a great help to us, especially at night. It used a red coloured beam of light unfortunately everything looked a pale shade of red through the scope. It was very hard to distinguish a man from a tree if he were stationary. However, the more we used it the more are eyes became accustomed to what we were watching and found it a little easier to use. At least if we were attacked it was in our favour and not the enemies. It was set up by the Bren gun emplacement so everybody on guard was able to try it out at some time or other. After a few days most of us agreed that it would be very useful for us even if we only used it to look around after dark. Trying to find what had made those annoying noises that are always heard during the night.

Once again, the fort had been built around the police station and there was the usual arrangement of barbed wire and booby traps around the perimeter of the camp. The compound was quite large with many wide-open spaces that I considered as being bad for our well-being. It housed four main buildings on five foot high stilts and all built soundly of timber. All around these huts were positioned a number of slit trenches and an underground bunker for the armoury. Unfortunately, it was only accessible across those wide open spaces. I guess it had been positioned this way just in case it took a direct hit. If it were to explode it would not take any of the buildings with it.

2 Troop comprised of four sections at that time and two of them were to stay and guard Sematan, whilst the other two sections would man smaller forts along the coast further to the west. From there we would patrol to the furthest point west of the Sarawak coastline. Kampong Serabang and Kampong Samunsam were both on the coast but the border was only about two miles in land. This was an area where Indonesia and Sarawak came together and stuck out into the sea as a peninsular. Both these forts were only accessible from the sea by boat and sections would change over at fortnightly intervals.

It was during one of the changeover times that a section set out in a double skinned aluminium assault boat with a forty-horse powered mercury engine out board. Unfortunately, they set out as the tide was almost in, along with seven men and all their gear, so the boat was well down in the water. As they tried to leave the estuary, the waves were very high and rough. A dozen times, they nearly went over as they were hit by wave after wave and then they started taking in water. Frantically they started bailing out and somehow, they survived and proceeded to make their way along the coastline. About two and a half-hours later as they were broadside onto the waves, they were hit by a big one. The wave half filling the boat with water, the Marines started to bale frantically, but then another big wave hit them filling them right up. One of the Marines stood up shouting don't panic, but it was all too late, panic had set in and over the boat flipped. Suddenly they were all in the water thrashing around and trying to survive. Two of the Marines were not very good swimmers and were still wearing their very heavy clothes that were now even heavier in the water. Amazingly, all seven Marines survived and made it safely to the shore, but they had nothing with them and they were in hostile territory. Therefore, they made their way up to the back of the beach and hid in the bushes while they rested from their ordeal.

After about an hour the fittest of them decided to go for help, he made his way along the beach back to Samatan, taking nearly three hours. Where he blurted out his story to the remaining Marines.

Ginger, Don, Corporal Pearse and I set out to try and find them, leaving the survivor to rest up. We took an extra couple of rifles with us just in case we were attacked, knowing that the ship wrecked Marines would need some sort of fire power. Marching quite fast it only took us about two hours to find them, although we had been worried in case we were walking into ambush. The enemy might even be using the capsized boat as a lure for us to come along the beach. We found the Marines lying on the edge of the jungle just beyond the high water line and most had already recovered from the ordeal. We set up camp for the night and gave them all a good feed, we also watched the tide waiting for it to go out. By then the beach was very flat and about half a mile wide to the point where they had capsized. Somehow, we managed to recover everything, the boat, the outboard motor, guns, packs it was quite unbelievable, there was nothing missing it was just wet.

We then spent a very uncomfortable night amongst the ever-biting sand flies and swarms of mosquitoes that plagued us all night. Not much sleep was had by any of us, so we were all glad to see the warm morning sun when it finally poked its head up above the horizon. Wasting no time, we set off back to Samatan, leaving only the boat behind we would pick it up another time.

One day, an airdrop of mail and stores by parachute was found to contain a movie film, the Ten Commandments. It was arranged with the local Bauxite mine manager for the Marines to go to the mine and use his projector to view the film, allowing any locals who wished to watch it. We all looked forward to the viewing, instead of drinking our two cans of beer each night we saved about a week's supply and we had one big binge the night of the film showing.

Came the big night and half the fort personnel were allowed to go to the mine for the showing, all were carrying their supply of cans and becoming well drunk, but they still had their weapons slung over their shoulders. By the time the film started, everybody was quite merry and started wise cracking and telling jokes during the film, which lucky for us was in English. Most of the locals could not understand a single word but they all watched in amazement, as none of them had seen moving pictures before. They laughed whenever the Marines laughed, not realising what we found funny. By the time the film reached the scene where Mosses is being chased across the Red Sea, Jock Stone was well and truly drunk. Mosses was about to be shot by a pursuing Egyptian with a bow and arrow, Jock picked up his S.L.R. rifle and fired it at the Egyptian. Most of the locals dived under the chairs while others ran off screaming in to the night. It was lucky that we were viewing this film outside and that the screen was just hung on the back of one of the out buildings. Jock just laughed and said that he could not see what all the fuss was about as he had just saved the day and Mosses from a fate worse than death. The bullet tore a hole through the screen and the hut behind it, lucky for us nobody was hurt. Otherwise all hell would have been let loose. It's a good bet that Jock would have been jailed for his little escapade. It might sound incredible, but we still watched the end of the film. Funny but we were never invited back to the mine again, I often wonder why. Jock was also very relieved that no charges were laid against him. I guess it was put down to high spirits by our Corporal. It was even more surprising that we managed to keep it from Headquarters. If Pug Davis had found out Jocks feet would not have touched the ground, until he ended up behind bars.

One morning a group of us took an aluminium assault craft down to the river mouth and on to the far sand bank to have a go at water skiing. None of us had ever attempted it before, so we were all novices. We took with us a small plank of wood about six inches wide by about five foot long. Once we had arrived on the sand bar, using a machete we rounded a point on one end and nailed on an old sand shoe, (Plimsoll) onto the middle of the board. We then got one Marine to sit on the sand near the water's edge, with one foot in the ski shoe. The rest of the Marines positioned themselves around him, with their hands under him to assist him in trying to stand up. In order to keep the weight down in the boat and the speed up, only the coxswain was allowed on board. Therefore, you can imagine the speed at which he accelerated forward. As the boat attempted to tear the Marines arms out of its sockets, on the command of "Go".

We had some great fun and most of us got at least fifty feet before falling off. Because there was about eight of us all waiting around to have a go, the time seemed to drag. Therefore, another Marine and I went for a swim across the river mouth. However, I now know that it was crazy to even attempt it. Then I was just young guy who did not have a care in the world. We reached the other bank and then swam back. It is a wonder we were not swept out to sea for a start, whilst someone later told us that they had seen sharks four miles upriver. The river mouth would have been at least half a mile wide at this point and at times had been quite treacherous. Try telling that to a young upstart from Suffolk who imagined he was bullet proof and thought he knew it all.

'Kampong Serabang'.

Morning found 2 Troop, including myself boarding a Malaysian patrol boat from the Sematan jetty. I was feeling happy because I would be getting away from an office-controlled fort. We were to be split into sections and man very small out-post fort along the coast. We shoved off from the jetty and headed west along the coast of Sarawak towards the peninsular that juts out into the South China Sea. The journey would take us almost four hours, while on the way we dropped off another section at Samusan and took on board the section that was being relieved. They all looked quite pleased at are arrival and were looking forward to a break back at Sematan. We then continued our journey along the coast to Serabang and on to Kampong Milano it being the furthest fort that we had a presence. We were to be the first Marines to stay there, so we would have to build our own defences. The journey was very uneventful as the patrol boat hugged the coastline line. Then as we neared Serabang, the boat went in to the beach as near as possible, without it running aground. We had to jump over the side and into the sea where we waded ashore. So here we were, Don Hackett, Ginger Walters, Corporal Reg Pierce, Harry Dalrymple and me.

All we found was a small long hut that sat on the beach containing only four rooms, a barbwire entanglement was scattered around the area. The hut was so close to the sea that the barbed wire was actually under the water at high tide in some places. We had a quick look around, to secure the area and to see what we had to defend. We were on a small peninsular of land jutting out of the furthest point west. The Sarawak Indonesian border ran up the middle of this peninsular of land and was only about three-quarters of a mile back from our new home, the hut on the beach. There were other small Kampongs in this area and we were to show a presence around them all. It was once again a show the flag exercise although we also had to protect them and to assist the local police. The Reg the corporal grabbed one of the rooms, Don and Dal took one and Ginger and I took the other. The last room was for all the gear we had ferried ashore from the patrol boat.

Everywhere we looked around the camp area there were wild dogs roaming around. A long the front of the hut that faced the sea there was a veranda that ran the entire length of the building. On which lay a very old, but friendly three-legged mongrel dog soaking up the sun, he had probably been left behind or tamed by the last occupants of the hut. Being an animal lover, I soon took to making a fuss of him. I've often wondered how he came to lose his leg, because there did not seem to be any locals living around the area. I guess I could only assume that it might have been by a wild animal in the jungle.

There were a few old slit trenches and sandbag emplacements around our fortified new home. Most looked like they were in the correct position and did not need much work to bring them up to scratch. Therefore, after grabbing a place to sleep, we all set about making our enclosure safe for the night. By placing mines and booby traps around the perimeter of the barbwire fence, that was only about twenty yards from the hut. While making sure that, any roaming dogs did not set them off. We then arranged a guard roster, only one guard on at a time, as we were so few in number. We were not happy in the thought that the jungle was so close to where we were setting up camp, but there was not a lot we could do about it. Just the thought of removing a considerable amount of jungle put us off the idea.

By now it was starting to get dark, so it was a quick meal and those that were not on guard hit the sack, we were all dog-tired, as sleep was always hard to come by in this sort of environment.

Next morning the first task was for somebody to disarm all the booby traps. We had a motto, 'He who arms them, Disarms them'. Most of them were of our own design and flimsy, so it was only right that the inventor make them safe.

We were to keep up the one-man guard at all times, in addition three man teams were to patrol the area. This meant that our travel was to be lighter and faster, so we could cover a lot more ground while leaving two in the camp area at all time for back up.

The first patrol was to the Kampong of Serabang, from our fort we could see it right across the bay. We would have to walk around the bay to get to it. Corporal Pierce, Ginger and I set off at a brisk pace. We were travelling in single line with about a five yard gap between each other and I was leading. The jungle was thick, but we were following an old track, something I was not happy about. A well-used track is ideal for an ambush and everybody in the area would have seen us landing from the patrol boat the day before. They would also have seen us leave our new home and approach them up the track. Although the jungle is a noisy place with monkeys calling and insect's clicking or screeching you can still hear unusual noises. It is that different and unusual sound that usually gives your position away.

The track hugged the coastline, so it was very easy to see where we were going. We did have maps, but they were very sketchy with not too much detail on them, in fact where it said Indonesia it was completely blank. After a long four-hour march, we finally entered the Kampong that consisted of a few small huts all scattered along the beach obviously belonged to the local fisherman. The rest of the Kampong was built into the side of a steep hill. To us it looked like the whole area seemed to depend completely on fishing and was inhabited by Sea Dayak people and a few Chinese.

We had a good look around the area, not really knowing what to expect. I guess we were just looking for that little something that looked out of place. Not finding anything, we headed halfway up the hill to what looked like the local store. Where we talked the store owner into giving us a bottle of what looked like coloured water, costing us one Malay dollar, about 1 shilling 2 pence in English money. At least it was not fizzy and tasted like lemonade. Not much English was spoken as by now a few of the locals had gathered in the store. They all seemed to be glaring at us and I guess wondering what three white guys were doing in their village. We talked amongst ourselves discussing the long march we had just under taken and how looking out across the bay we could see our fort. To us it seemed like it was only three-quarters of a mile away, across the bay.

Using pigeon and broken English Reg tried to explain to the guy running the place that we wanted a boat to paddle across the bay. However, he did not seem to be having any luck and Reg had already made up his mind that he was not going to walk back. Reg was a very forceful guy, so he ordered us out and together all three of us walked back down to the beach, followed by what seemed like half of the village. Upon reaching the beach, he was disappointed because there were no boats. You did not have to be a brain surgeon to realise that they were probably all out being used to do the fishing. Therefore, we had a good hunt along the beach until we found an old dugout canoe half full of water. We emptied the water and dragged it in to the sea. Because nobody tried to stop us, we climbed aboard and grabbed a paddle and off we went. The beach must have been sheltered from the sea as it looked like a millpond with not a wave in sight.

As we picked up a little speed, we heard a few cheers from the beach. Reg who was sitting in the rear just waved his paddle without looking back. Being his job to steer he had to keep an eye on where we were going. Ginger was in the front while I was in the middle. It was only now that Ginger mentioned to us that he was not a very good swimmer and I could see he was a little apprehensive of what lay ahead. Especially as the water level was only about six inches below the top of the canoe. We were soon out into the open water and a few small waves had appeared from around the headland and were becoming bigger and bigger as we progressed out into open water. We were trying to head across the bay, but the direction had us broadside onto the waves. By this time, the waves were starting to come over the side. To complicate matters worse, as it was a log dug out, we were starting to roll. Ginger was getting more and more worried and I was starting to think it was possible that we could roll over. Our paddle rate slowed so we could try to steady the canoe. Very slowly, we made our way across the bay.

Halfway across we came upon a large bamboo structure, sticking out of the water. It looked like some sort of fishing trap, although unknown to us, we were paddling across a shark breeding ground. I do not know how we made it across that bay, but somehow, we did. Upon reflection, it was a crazy stunt, more than once we all believed the canoe was going to turn over. Then as we hit the beach right in front of our hut, Ginger who by this time was as white as a ghost. Climbed out and dropped to his knees kissing the sand and making a sign of a cross on his chest. He suddenly bounce back laughing, while under his breath repeating the words "Thank you, Thank you". I think even Reg was relieved that we had finally made it, but he never showed it by his facial expressions.

Boy did I sleep that night especially after I completed the first guard watch for the night. A couple of the guys found it hard to sleep with all the jungle noises going on around them, but not me. That night I realised I could sleep anywhere. The jungle could be a very friendly place and its sounds tell you a lot, or should I say sometimes the lack of sounds, tell you that there are bodies moving around out there. If used correctly it can be of great help to you and not the scary place I had once believed when I was a young kid visiting the local cinema watching Tarzan films.

The following morning was treated as a lazy day, so we could wander around the camp and surrounding area. Getting to know the place and seeing what we could find. Just through the jungle we found an old store, with a glass display cabinet intact, plus a few items of stores.

It all seemed out of place because these people do not normally leave anything lying about, they usually recycle everything. After removing everything that was of use to us, Reg ordered us to smash all the glass cabinets, but I had to ask him why. After all, it was a good bet that some local might be coming back for it, it being his only worldly possessions. Reg was adamant that we must not leave anything that can be of advantage to the enemy. I must say that some of Reg's decisions left a lot to be desired. I sometimes thought he had lost all his marbles. After all what good would a glass cabinet be to a terrorist, maybe he would want to place all of his weapons on display. Sometimes Reg's decisions were just plain crazy. While I wouldn't mind betting that the cabinet's owner sat down and cried when he saw our handy work.

The next morning Reg said he would be staying in the camp, but a patrol could go up to Milano and meet up with the section that was staying there. Ginger, Don and I volunteered as we had friends in that section and anyway it was only about a six-hour march. Therefore, we radioed up ahead, so they knew that we were coming, no use walking into one another and blasting hell out of our comrades. Before we left we had a short briefing so that Reg knew our plans and what way we would be heading. It was decided that we would stay one night at Milano and because there would not be many left in the camp, they would be doubling the booby traps around them.

The trip to Milano was uneventful but hard work, not wanting to be ambushed we cut our own tracks most of the way. It was a gruelling six hours, but the end result would be worth it. A couple of places along the track that we had cut, we placed a cigarette lighter and further on a pen. So, on our return trip if we found no lighter or pen then we would know that somebody else had used our freshly cut track. We would then get off it and cut a fresh one, cutting down our odds of being ambushed. Although it was slow hot work it was still the safest way to travel.

At Milano we arrived by late afternoon, I met up with my old squaddies Jack Stone and Jock Minnock, we had a lot of talking to catch up on. While Don met up with Geordie Frith his old squaddie from the 778 squad. The section at Milano let us off guard duty that night knowing that we had a six-hour hike back to Serabang the following morning. Therefore, after we had all swapped stories we settled down to a good night's sleep.

We set off early in the morning heading back to Serabang, hoping to use our old track if it had not been detected, that way we could complete the journey in about two thirds the time. The lighter and pen were still where I had left them undisturbed. Halfway back with Ginger up front he raised his hand, we never talk much on patrol, voices carry a long distance in the jungle, we usually use hand sign language. Anyway, Ginger raised his hand and beckoned us forward. He picked up a long stick and started poking something in the vegetation by the side of the track. When I got to where he was standing I saw he was poking at one of the biggest snakes I have ever seen. Ginger said it must be at least thirty feet long, at its middle was a very large bulge, it must have eaten a goat or an orang-utan and was sleeping it off for a month. Looking again at the size of the lump, Don mentioned that it could be a small man or child, while I added that he would not be alive now. Ginger was quick to tell us to let it sleep it off. I could not help asking if he meant the snake or the man. I then poked Ginger in the ribs telling him to get going before it wakes up for a nightcap.

We arrived back at Serabang by the early afternoon, swapping stories of our trip with Dal and Reg. Reg then radioed Milano to tell them that we had arrived back safely. He then called in for our daily chat with Sematan to tell them that all was quiet along the western front, just a joke among Marines.

In the morning Reg took a radio message from Lundu and we were very upset by what we were told. We had been ordered to shoot all of the wild dogs we could find in our area. Doctors in other camps had found that many of these dogs were carrying decease. A couple of Marines had picked up viruses thought to have come from handling these dogs. I love animals and I would never want to ill-treat any one of them. Humans I have no problems with, I have no feelings towards them. I would shoot a person long before I would shoot a dog, but an order is an order. The message read all dogs, no exceptions, Reg and Ginger said they would do it and I believe Don later shot a couple. We had to be a little careful, because a lot of shooting might draw attention and bring unwanted people to our area. With all the other forts having to carry out the same order on the same morning, it was going to be one hell of a battle area all along the coast.

Reg walked around with his sub machine gun slung over his shoulder looking like John Wayne and shooting from the hip at anything that moved. These guns use 9mm ammunition and were not as powerful as our rifles, while Ginger was using his SLR riffle. The dogs started running everywhere trying to avoid the hail of bullets heading their way. A couple of pups I had become attached to, one a four-month old black one copped it first from Reg. Although I was not shooting I followed Reg and Ginger around, but do not ask me why. This poor little puppy had about three shots in its back and it was still moving. I pleaded with Reg to finish it off, but he would not, "Cannot afford the ammo", he said, (the bastard). I watched that poor little thing laying in agony, later Ginger did finish it off for me.

Halfway through the day Reg and Ginger were getting bloodthirsty and even drew up a kill chart in the sand on the beach with a stick. Kills, maims, wounds and who got what. Sickening I thought, but still we will see what they are like when there are bullets being returned. Most of the killings went on all day, but by then many dogs had run off into the jungle to dodge the hail of bullets. However, the ever-faithful old three legged dog, that spent all day on our veranda. Somehow, he must have thought I am the pet around here, they will never shoot me they are my friends. He was never so wrong, that poor old dog had stayed on the veranda the whole day listening to the shooting. By mid-afternoon Reg was losing his temper because the easy shooting was over, now he had to stalk the older dogs that had run into the jungle. He just walked up onto the veranda for a cup of tea, took one look at the old three legged dog, then walked up to him and placed the barrel of his gun to his head, the dog looked up at Reg as if asking for a reprieve. Then Bang! Reg never gave it a second thought. I still believe that the old dog never thought that he was going to be shot. Like I said earlier, some of Reg's decisions were questionable, he is not a man I would ever want to meet again. I was upset for hours over this entire incident.

That night shots were fired, we believe into the compound because a booby trap was also ignited, but nobody got hurt and I don't believe we shot anybody in return. We were not sure, but we believed that there was only one person shooting, but at whom we were not sure. We radioed Sematan in the morning and because of our low numbers on the ground, it was decided to pull us out. About 11 am, a small aluminium assault boat came as close to the beach as it could to pick us up. We had already disarmed all of the booby traps and mines and took on board everything that we had arrived with, we were closing down the fort for good and nobody would be replacing us.

What a waste, if only this order had come just twenty-four hours earlier all those poor old dogs would still be alive. Life is so cruel and hard to understand sometimes. I guess I will never get used to it no matter how hard I try.

The trip back should have been uneventful. However, Reg soon put paid to all that. I guess he was still experiencing the excitement of the previous days shooting round up. Anyway, Reg had seen a small shark playing around the back of our boat, I suppose it got on his nerves a little and pointed it out to Ginger. Why don't you shoot it he told Ginger and Ginger never one to miss a chance just stood up and shot it. Now we had never seen any of the TV programs of today about sharks, it was all new to us and we thought it was a big joke. We just did not know what we were about to unleash, the blood from the wounded shark suddenly attracted more sharks and I might add much bigger one. It was still fun for Ginger, as he started shooting at more and more sharks. By this time the water was starting to turning into a red frothy broth, it was amazing. I have not seen a frenzy like it, Ginger must have shot about a dozen by now, sat down to replace his magazine. The sea was now alive with thrashing sharks and not just behind the boat. Now they were all around us even bumping the sides and bottom of the boat. We started to worry in case we were knocked into the sea, because we would not stand a chance amongst that lot. On reflection and with what I have since seen on TV, it was another one of the most stupid thing we did. Reg put the engine on full blast and we luckily got out of the area as quick as we could. It was something we never did again. Later we heard of another section that went out for target practice with sharks towing a dead dog on a rope as bait. They soon cut the rope and headed back to shore having learnt just like us, the hard way. Again, nobody was hurt, so the Marines were once again very lucky.

When we were younger, we did very silly things, not thinking about the consequences. I guess being young, we just have no fear, but put in the same situation and being that much older, we would make a very different decision. It always amazed me, that a lot more people were not hurt, doing these crazy things, maybe lady luck still helps us sometimes.

Even on guard duty's we would fall asleep completely relying on, dogs, trip flares or booby traps to protect us. I do not think we even thought about it, we just did it. I must also add that it was always the single guys, who did most of the crazy stunts and always came out of it without a single scratch. However, most of the married guys were worried stiff about not making it home to their wives and children. Therefore, when they were on guard we all knew that we were being well guarded that night. It's also worth adding that it was usually the married ones that attached the major injuries, it's as though they were trying too hard to return safely to their loved ones and that every hurdle possible was being thrown their way.

'Kampong Samunsam'.

After only a couple of days rest our section was ordered to relieve the Marines at Kampong Samunsam, this time the trip would be in a small double skinned aluminium assault craft. All our gear was stowed aboard, and Reg took the helm and with the forty horse power Mercury out board fixed to the transom away we went, heading west again, but not quite as far as Sarabang. The departure was timed to coincide with a high tide, so it would be easy to reach the open sea, with not too much trouble.

After half an hour, we had cleared the estuary, it being the most dangerous part and we settled down to an easy trip along the coast. We were all enjoying the scenery and chatting about things in general. About two hours out from Sematan and half way through our journey. We were suddenly surprised by a school of Dolphins that just appeared all around us. There seemed to be hundreds of them breaching the water, all were a darkish grey in colour. Some came out of the water and so close to the boat, that you could lean out and touch them. We were all shouting and pointing in great excitement it being a big joke. Until Don said what happens if one comes up under the boat, it would turn us over. The mood suddenly changed, as we all stopped shouting and started to hang on to the sides of the boat. Blood thirsty Reg even made a suggestion to shoot a couple of them, telling us that perhaps it will scare the others away. Thanks Reg for another brainwave of a suggestion. I dread to thing what this guy would have been capable of, if let loose within a children's nursery.

Then just as suddenly as the dolphins had appeared they simply disappeared. Nobody said a word, but just in case we still kept hold of the side of the boat. I made the remark that they had probable heard what Reg had proposed and had fled in terror. Then after what seemed like hours but was in actual fact was only a couple of minutes, they suddenly broke the surface about half a mile ahead of us. Hundreds of them, what a beautiful sight something I will always remember. Once they were out of sight, we all settled back into the boat and started chatting once again, as we continued our journey.

As we reached Samunsam we beached the shallow draft boat and were greeted by the section we were to replace. We all unloaded our gear onto the beach and then re-loaded up the section that was making the return trip. The two Corporals walked around the camp showing each other different items of interest and what to watch out for. Then it was goodbyes all round, followed by and usual handshakes and we found ourselves alone in our new home. Our small band consisted of Corporal Reg, Dal, Don, Ginger and me.

Samunsam was almost like Serabang, it being positioned on the coast by the river Sungai Samunsam's estuary which was about a mile wide at this particular point. At low tide you could wade across to the other side. Once again, our barbed wire perimeter fence got wet during high tides, as it became half submerged. This camp had a twin fort on the other side of the river estuary. At this camp the idea was to move about, to throw the enemy off our scent and not let him know too much where we were, or where we would be going. Therefore, a couple of nights would be spent in each fort, while occasionally a few were spent out in the jungle. This main fort had been named by earlier Marines as 'Fort Blood', having been attacked a few times, which had claimed a few victims. It was constructed of the usual corrugated tin and looked just like a rather large garden shed. Inside it was divided into four rooms, while around it was positioned a few underground bashers, all neatly sand bagged up. The tin on the roof was only to keep the rain out, not mortars and rocket shells. The main hut was also protected by sandbags that were neatly stacked around the outside the hut about waist high in some places. This gave those inside a little protection from the sides, but not from above. So, it was back to the old routines with guard rosters, booby traps, mines and of course, a good scout around to get to know the area.

One of my favourite booby traps was to nail an old bean tin through its base to a tree about two feet up from the ground, with the open end of the tin facing across a track. I would then attach a very thin piece wire to another tree pulling the wire across the track and attaching it to a hand grenade and then holding the clip I would remove the pin. Then gently slide the grenade into the tin, making sure that the clip slid inside as well. If anybody was to walk past and hit the wire, it would pull the grenade out of the tin and the clip would fly off exploding right beside of them. This was very plain but a simple idea that over the years had claimed many victims. Its only drawback being that anybody who under stood jungle warfare would feel the tight wire as it touch their legs, as it needed a little force to pull it out of the tin. Therefore, in a way it would only catch those who were walking at a considerable pace, so they hit the wire with a little force. If they were taking it slowly and watching where they walked, it was possible to feel the wire.

That night we were all awoken by shots out in the jungle, they sounded near but were not directly outside our wire perimeter fence. In order to play it safe we had to stand too all night just in case. That first night nobody got any sleep it being a new location and our surroundings being strange to us. The next day we all spent a considerable amount of time making our position more secure and easier to protect. It was hard work, but it had to be done, if we wanted to survive and sleep a little more easily. Then half way through the day Reg pointed across the river to the fort on the other side of the estuary. It being just visible on the edge of the jungle, smoke was rising from the main hut that should have been empty. We all decided that this must have been the enemy taking advantage of our situation, they must have known that we were thin on the ground and could not do much about it. Therefore, they had made it their headquarters using all the pots and pans that had been left by earlier Marine patrols. On the other hand, it could also have been a trap to try to lure us over the river and in to an ambush, or maybe to lure us into an ambush as we left the fort we were now settled in. Reg decided that we should stay where we were for a couple of days, because these guys were not that easy to catch out. One of Reg's smarter decisions I thought. We also decided to double our nightly guard, two on at any one time in two different slit trenches either side of the fort. This was hard, as there were only five of us, but we managed, we had to if we wanted to survive. We also decided to change guard at twenty minutes past the hour. Every guard around the world changes on the hour or half-hour. It being a good time to catch guards out of their positions, I might add once again not a lot of sleep was had by all for a few nights. For once at least Reg's brain seemed to be working to our advantage.

A seasoned jungle fighter usually tries to get your moral down by depriving you of sleep and that is easy, one man can fire a single shot into your camp once or twice a night. Net result, everybody inside the camp has to stand too to keep watch all night, one man can do this for a week and the end result is a very tired enemy camp, easy for the taking especially one hour before dawn when the light plays tricks on your eyes.

In the morning, Reg took Don and I up river to cross it well into the jungle, so we could try and sneak up on whoever was making the smoke in the other fort. We returned after only a couple of hours, having found a good river crossing and an old deserted Kampong. There were no locals anywhere, maybe the enemy had chased them off, but we also found what we thought was an old enemy camp. We had returned early because Reg wanted to change his plans, everybody got as much rest as we could and the next morning just before day break we all slipped quietly and unseen out of the fort carrying only what was necessary, everything else had been hid or buried.

We all proceeded along the route we had checked out the day before and cross the river. By now it was starting to get light which was just as well, because it turned out to be a little harder than the day before, as the tide was higher. Unfortunately, we all made it over quite easy except that is for Dal who got very wet. Dal was more worried about something he had seen at Lundu and that was a shark several miles upriver. No time to worry about that here I told Dal, because it was about one hundred-feet wide and at least four feet deep.

Silently we made our way to where we knew the fort was positioned, by about 8 am we were just outside the fort's barbed wire entanglement. All was very quiet, there did not seem to be any life around. Reg ordered Ginger and Don to check it out, cautiously they made their way through an open entrance and went around the huts looking for people and booby traps. Suddenly Ginger appeared, claiming that there was nobody around. With this we all made our way into the camp having a further good look around, just in case Ginger had missed somebody. It took about an hour to completely secure the camp. Once Reg was happy that the place was okay, he told us to have break and make a cup of tea. For those of us who needed a drag of the additive weed, he told us to use the local tobacco. Therefore, the locals would not detect our presence. Their keen sense of smell is so good, that anything that smells unusual, or out of place to the normal jungle smells, would be picked up by them from a great distance. Therefore, we used their tobacco and tea, no toothpaste, soap or anything like that, because it would stand out like a nudist at a country wedding. However, we had all failed to realise that our body odours were quite different to the locals and stood out like a sore thumb.

After an hour, Dal called us all over to see something that he had just spotted. He then pointed over to the fort we had just left about four or five hours earlier and to the smoke that was rising from the main hut roof. I could not help ribbing Don that he had not put the fire out before we left. However, the situation was quite serious for us, we were beginning to believe that these guys knew what they were doing. Somehow, they had known that we were coming and had got out before we arrived. They would have most likely crossed the estuary, although it was at high tide, in an effort to avoid us. Still it proved that they were not prepared to confront us for a fire fight. Instead they were adopting the usual Guerrilla tactic of hit and run, which usually unsettles and frustrates their prey, who just want to shoot it out with them. If successfully enticed into a battle the Guerrilla usually loses against a well organised fighting outfit. Therefore, we did not have to worry too much about a confrontation later.

We decided to stay in a new fort that we named 'Fort Disappear' for a couple of days, so we could have a good look around. We decided to play them at their own game, at night we would fire a couple of riffle rounds into the other fort across the estuary, whenever we felt like it. As far as I can remember they never once fired back at us, maybe they did not like their own medicine. Maybe they did not have weapons, who knows. Although it could have been the locals, trying to get their hut back.

We were always in touch with Semantan by radio, if we did not radio in each morning by a certain time, then a search party would be sent out to find out where we were. It was one of these early morning radio messages that told us of an accident in another fort. A Marine going out early one morning to re arm his bean tin booby trap, had walked into his own trap wire. The grenade had popped out of the tin and exploded right beside of him. The explosion had torn a big hole in his side. Luckily, he had survived the explosion, being flown by helicopter to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak and from there to Singapore. He was then placed on a special care flight to England, the aircraft being allowed to fly at a very low altitude for the whole trip. A doctor was seated beside the Marine at all times, ready to inflate his lungs if they were to collapse, or to massage his heart at any time during the flight. Last we heard of the Marine was that he had made it home safely and was doing okay. Unfortunately, once he had made a full recovery it was a foregone conclusion that he would be invalided out of the service.

After an uneventful couple of days, early one morning while it was still dark, we crossed the river estuary back to 'Fort Blood' and as you might have guessed, nobody was there when we arrived. Mind you, all the pots and pans we had left behind were sitting around a smouldering fire, one even had warm water in it.

One night automatic rifle fire slammed into the sandbag walls of our enclosure. We could see the flashing from the gun, so we all trained our weapons into that area and just kept blasting away. After only a few minutes the firing stopped, but we were all kept on our guard for the remainder of the night. In the morning while making sure it was safe, we made our way to the spot we had all been shooting at the night before. There by the perimeter wire, but on our side was a heap of spent ammunition casings and a small trail of blood that lead back through the wire and into the jungle. We tried to follow it, but it just faded away into the jungle and we lost it. We were very lucky, this guy had got through all our booby traps and defences and so straight away, we set about improving them. Like I've mentioned earlier one of our big concerns was the short distance from our huts to the perimeter wire. It meant that when attacked we were so close to each other that it was very easy to lob a grenade at each other. Something I always expected the enemy to do, but lucky for us I never once heard of this happening. The clearing of tree's in and around our fortified positions was not easy, remember there were no chain saws in those days. It all had to be undertaken with a very small hand held saw, or an axe which none of us carried. However, once cut down if you could not move the main trunk it became an even better place for guerrilla's to take cover behind. Left standing at least only one person could hide behind it and he had to be standing.

After another uneventful week at 'Fort Blood', our replacement section of Marines arrived to relieve us, in the aluminium assault craft. Reg did the usual walk around of the camp with the incoming Corporal showing him the usual, traps, tracks and what else to watch out for. Then with all our gear neatly stowed on board, we were on the move once again, only this time back east to Sematan and maybe a little rest.

At Sematan, it was thought that we should indeed have a well-earned rest, however we still had to take part in the usual two hours on and four hours off guard roster. We had been at Lundu for just over a month, Sematan and Serabang each for two weeks, a week at Samunsam and now a final two weeks at Semantan a grand total so far of around three months. Suddenly it was all about to change. Only this time we were moving away from the coastal area and heading inland. 2 Troop was heading for a fort next to the Kampong of Kandai, about ten hours hard march in land south west of Lundu.

The Chopper flew us to Lundu, from there it was a full pack march over several hours' one hell of a slog. Most of the area we passed through was known to be friendly, but it paid to keep alert and careful. It was a new area and unknown to us, so we treated it as a normal deep penetration patrol, but lucky for us it was uneventful.

'Kampong Kandai'.

Kampong Kandai had a little bit of a history to the place. 42 Commando had been in this area before us and one of their sections had been pinned down in a tin hut that was perched on a cliff edge. Which I thought was positioned incorrectly, as there was no way of escaping if you were attacked from the front. Anyway, the five man section came under fire while they were all in the hut during the late afternoon. The attackers were reported to have numbered about forty, although it is always hard to put an accurate number on your enemy as the bullets are whistling past you. Most of the Marines were hit during the exchange, while the wireless operator was shot twice. However, he still managed to keep his radio open during the whole attack, for which he received a Bravery Award. Somehow, the whole section was rescued by another section of Marines the following day, but sadly, I believe one of the Marines died from his wounds.

This then was the reason that found Corporal Bwana, Ginger, Don, Dal, the two Jocks and I on our first patrol in to the Kandai area. The march to Kandai was very exhausting, it being over very rough terrain, rivers and thick dense jungle. While doing what we did not really like, that is following existing tracks through the jungle. However, it was wonderful countryside and I just loved the jungle. There must have been more shades of green than I had ever seen in my life. I loved lush green colours of the vegetation, the animals and even the smells especially after a rainstorm. The trip took us about ten hours, with me as the front scout, I just liked being up the front. It kept me alert and, on my toes, something you should always be in this type of environment. Walking in the pack behind, you tend to get a little complacent and let your guard down and if you are ambushed your brain just takes that little bit extra time to work out what's happening and to how you are going to respond and react.

As we arrived at the Kampong we became extra alert, not knowing how we would be received by the locals. We carried on through the village of Kandai, acknowledging a few of the locals who had stopped to see what we were up to. By now we were steadily climbing until we came out the other side of the Kampong. Then just a couple of hundred yards further on and around to the right we came upon the hut where 42 Cdo had been trapped. All un-eventful as it turned out, but how were we to know that. This hind sight thing is a wonderful tool to have, especially if you could have it before the event.

The border with Indonesia was only a further fifteen-minute stroll away. With this in mind we had to stay alert at all times, here there would be no playing around the position we were in was serious. Sloping up and away from the front of the hut was the remains of a large old landslide. Upon are arrival at the hut, we all set about fortifying the hut to protect us for the first night. We used all of the usual trip flares and booby traps that we had perfected since are arrival in Sarawak. It was also decided to double up on the night guard roaster. Directly in front of the hut were many large boulders so at least we had good cover. The hut being made of tin was not going to be a place where anybody would want to stay if we were attacked.

The first night was uneventful, not many of us managed to get much sleep, as we all expected to be attacked at some stage. We all knew that the area had a bad history, so we were expecting the lightening to once again strike in the same place.

First thing in the morning Bwana lead Ginger and myself down into the village to meet the head man. It was his idea that we show the flag and our presence. Something that had been drummed in to our heads to undertake at every opportunity. It was felt by the big guns in the military that it was better to have tribesmen on our side if possible. The usual idea was to give first aid to any of the locals and maybe a present to the Headman. Usually a dead wild dog if possible, as they are a delicacy to these people. Bwana had shot one earlier in the morning, this he then presented to the Headman. Ginger had brought with him the Bren gun, he then stripped it down and showed the villagers the parts, he then re-assembled it showing the villagers where all the parts went. By now a large crowd of Dayak tribesmen had started to gather, all were displaying their Parang swords around their waist with human hair attached to the handles. Ginger who had been ordered by Bwana, pushed the crowd to one side and singled out a small tree with a trunk about fifteen inches thick, about twenty-five yards away. Then standing with the Bren at his waist, he intended to blast away at the tree, using up a complete magazine. Each magazine contains twenty-eight rounds of 7.62 mm, it should hold thirty, but we only placed twenty-eight rounds within, allowing protection of the spring. We would then tape two magazines together, with one of them upside down, for the ease of changing while in a battle situation. With the SLR riffle, it was much the same, but with only eighteen rounds of 7.62 mm for each magazine. The good thing about this is that the Bren and SLT magazines were both interchangeable and could be used on either weapon.

Anyway, Ginger blasted away at the tree, using only one magazine and chopped the tree right in half (about four to six inches thick). All the villages started shouting after the banging had finished scaring them. All were amazed at the firepower and at the tree toppling over. Ginger then reloaded the Bren and we gave it to the Headman to have a go. Bwana was a little worried, he could see the Headman swinging the Bren about and there were a lot of villagers trying to get closer to get a better view. Ginger stood behind the Headman and pointed him towards another tree, encouraging him to point the Bren a little lower down the trunk. As the Headman started to blast away, the force of the shots lifted the barrel of the Bren and forced him backwards. All the time Ginger was pushing the Headman's shoulders forward trying to hold his ground. The Headman soon let loose the complete magazine. All the Dayaks were continuing to shout and dance around, all very excited. Unfortunately, he did not chop the tree down, not only that most of his rounds missed the target as the barrel slowly raised skywards. As soon as things had quietened down Bwana, Ginger and I were invited into the Headman's hut for the usual drinks. The hut was a very old and rickety, being made of bamboo and attap leaves to keep out the rain, being built on stilts that were ten feet high. While hanging around the roof on strings were about two dozen shrunken heads. The headman explained that they were Japanese soldiers from the last war. Where have I heard that one before. All though I thought these ones looked a little newer than the earlier ones I had seen. After sitting cross-legged on the bamboo slotted floor, we were all offered some rice wine, now we knew all about that stuff. After our earlier experience with the stuff, it had been well named as 'Rocket fuel'. We made sure that we only drank the cloudy liquid and did not indulge in the eating of the sediment. We could not afford to have a hangover in this place, the enemy would have taken full advantage of that situation. A large Union Jack flag hung on the wall above where the headman sat and beside it was a colour photo of Queen Elizabeth II in a nice wooden frame. There was also a black and white photo of Queen Victoria hung over the door. This all looked out of place in a grass hut stuck in the middle of the jungle. Up until then I had only seen these types of items above a fire place back in the stately home of the UK.

After thanking the headman for his hospitality, we decided to head back to our hut, as by now it was midday. We also decided that the headman had been won over and would be friendly towards us, wondering if he would be loyal was another question.

Bwana decided to lay an ambush that night on the border-crossing track, which just happened to be a log across a rather large ravine, the ravine marking the border with Indonesia. Bwana decided he would take an Iban tracker, Ginger, Jock Stone and me. This meant that Dal, Don and Jock Minnock were to be left behind to guard the hut.

We set out for the border leaving enough time to settle in to a position before it got dark. As I have said, the ravine marked the border and a log lay across it. I was to lie on the ground only twenty yards from the end of the log on our side of the border. With the Bren gun facing along the length of the log pointing in to Indonesia, with me was Jack Stone. The other Marines were up on the top of a very large boulder to our left and looking down on us and the log across the border. We had a vine for communication, strung between Bwana and Jock Stone. By now the whole area was bathed in bright moonlight, so we all settled down for a long night. I was lying on a poncho pointing the Bren at the log. If anybody was to cross here tonight, then there was no way that I was going to miss. If I did then it would be easier to spit on them.

We had all decided to stay awake just in case somebody appeared, unfortunately after only two hours it started to rain. Then what started as drizzle suddenly developed into down pour. Jock and I were wet through in a matter of minute, as the area around us started to flood. Within just a few minutes, the water level started to rise dramatically. Suddenly we heard some sort of roaring noise but had no idea what is was. It got louder and louder and we had to shout at each other just to discuss the situation. To me it sounded just like a landslide. Both Jock and I were starting to get worried as the floodwater steadily rose all around us.

Suddenly all hell was let loose as the trees seemed to lay over at about a forty-five degrees, as a deafening wind started blowing and to cap it all it rained even harder. It was now like a cloud burst and it just went on and on and on. It was raining so hard it was impossible to even talk to Jock, in fact I was getting worried that the torrent of water flowing past us would eventually wash us out in to the ravine. By now Jock was frantically pulling on the vine attached to Bwana's wrist up on the rock, who I might add were not even wet, having covered themselves with their ponchos. Bwana had to climb down the rock to see the problems we were in, I tried shouting to him that we would drown if we kept lying where we were. Jock and I then pleaded with him to let us get up on the rock with him. Instead, Bwana decided that we would all go back to the hut together. I would rather drown here than be shot by my own men Jock told him. Bwana told us not to worry as he had a plan to let the guys back at the hut know we were returning. Therefore, they all got down off the rock and we got our gear together to return. It was still raining very hard and it would be difficult to find our way back in the darkness that was pitch black.

It was about a fifteen-minute walk in normal conditions, but the way we were going slipping and sliding on wet rocks, while feeling our way along the side of the mountain. It was going to take a lot longer than any of us thought. Slowly we made our way back and it took us nearly one and a half-hours to cover the normal fifteen-minute journey. We finally reached the area where the hut was perched on the cliff edge. The rain had eased up by then, I told Bwana to be careful, or he would be shot by mistake by our friend's inside. Firstly, it was an unwritten rule of the jungle that you do not move at night amongst your own troops without giving them a prior warning. With the rain banging on the tin roof of the hut, nobody inside would hear us. It being a good bet that their guard would not be outside in the rain. Anyway, they would think that they were under attack and shoot anything that moved. As soon as we were within the area of the trip flares, Ginger, Jock and I got down behind some handy large rocks. Bwana started shouting at the top of his voice, but there was no chance those inside were going to hear him. In desperation and knowing where the trip flares were he threw a rock at one and ignited it, lighting up the whole area.

The Marines inside the hut, dived out of the door, cocking their weapons as they landed behind some rocks, two had already started shooting. Incredibly, someone recognised Bwana and they stopped firing. Not one round had hit him as he stood there in full view waving his arms and shouting, "It's me Bwana". Yes, by now, he had accepted his nick name. Once the firing had ceased, slowly we all rose up to show our selves. After we realised that they had recognised us, we made our way into the hut. Everybody was soaking wet, cold and shivering. The only thing we had in the hut that was dry, were a few old parachutes, which had drop supplies on an earlier occasion. We all stripped off and rolled up together in the parachutes hoping to warm each other up. The last thing I remembered that night was Ginger telling me, that he thought Bwana was just plain bloody crazy. Adding that he wondered where the hell they were picking up this latest crop of Corporals, he even wondered if Bwana and Reg were related in some way.

During the next day, Ginger and I had a wander around the village to see if we could find some fresh fruit to supplement our bland service ration packs. While walking around our attention was attracted to a young Iban boy with a blow pipe. There had been a few stories circulating amongst the Marines, that Indonesia troops had been using blow pipes and had been moved up to the border area with Sarawak. It had also been said that, the Indonesians were also using women troops as well, unheard of in the sixties, but nobody had seen proof of this one either.

I walked over to the young man and asked him a few questions. The pipe was six feet long with a small hole burned right through the centre, but it was not straight, it had a slight bow in it. I asked if the young Iban would demonstrate how he used it, the man stood up and took a small sliver of bamboo from a pouch around his waist, then from another pouch he took out a small amount of clay. I noticed that the bamboo sliver had a dark substance on its tip, guessing that it was poison, but I really had no idea. The Iban then rolled up a small ball of clay attaching it to the other end of the bamboo sliver, he then place the sliver, point first into the pipe. He lifted up the pipe to his mouth and pointed the other end at a target. Instead of holding the pipe with both hands spread evenly along the pipe to balance it. He held both hands together right near his mouth. To counter the weight of the pipe his back was gently arched backwards, while slowly he took aim. Then suddenly he made a snorting noise and to our amazement, thirty feet away we watched a large butterfly in full flight, fall to the ground. "Some shot" Ginger said, "Yes and I would not want to be on the receiving end of that one", I replied. The young man seemed happy at the shot. Ginger gave the Iban a packet of cigarettes with only five left in it. The Ibans face lit up with a broad smile and he nodded a gesture of thanks to him. Ginger was breaking rule number one about smoking English cigarettes not being able to find any local tobacco, which usually consisted of old leaves.

One morning just as day was breaking, we were all awoken, as one of the trip flares was ignited and lit up the area around the track leading from the village past our hut. As we all piled out of the hut cocking our weapons and expecting incoming shots. To our amazement a young woman was hopping about on the track near where the flare had gone off, it must be to our credit that we never shot her. Meaning that we had been trained well and had good battle sense, to identify our target before shooting at it. What had happened was that the villagers loved eating frogs and the place where they were caught was near the border just past our hut. The best time to catch them was very early in the morning just as the sun was coming up. Without us knowing and while our guard had been left down, she had gone out without telling us. They even knew where the trip wires were and would jump over them, but this girl had hit the wire by accident setting off the flare. Anyway, nobody was hurt during the incident, but it made us more vigilant and we had a word with the Headman about future hunting trips. The frogs were massive things with legs on them like chickens, the meat was white as well and cooked correctly they even tasted like chicken. I also have to add that the woman had what I was later to learn was called Elephantiasis, one of her feet was at least three times larger than the other one. It amazed me how she still managed to walk let alone jump over our trip wire.
Walking over to a very large clearing that over looked the valley below, I saw a small group of boys flying what I thought was a kite. As I got nearer, I discovered that it was indeed a kite. So, I sat on a log and just watched them for about half an hour. As the kite landed in the clearing, I walked over to have a look at it. To my amazement, it was made of a very old newspaper. I started talking to the boy who was flying it, asking the usual questions about how he had made it. I then picked up the kite and started to glance at some of the articles, it was an old English newspaper, probably left behind by some of the earlier serviceman. There right in the middle was a picture of Elsie Tanner from Coronation Street a British TV soap queen. I asked the boy where he had found the newspaper, he told me his brother had received it from the Marines before us. I must admit that it made me think of home, it being the first reminder I'd had from England for a long time. Up until then, I had not received any letters from home. It would not do to think about home too much, in these conditions it could cost you dearly, you had to keep your mind on the job and your hands on your guns. You had to eat, sleep and live the jungle, if you wanted to survive.

A couple of weeks later while I was feeling lonely and bored, and with a little help from Ginger (assisting me with my use of the English language) I wrote to Elsie Tanner, whose real name was Pat Phoenix care of Coronation Street Manchester and told her what we had found. Several weeks later I received a great letter and signed photos from her, unfortunately I never did meet her. Sadly, Pat has since passed on to that great big soapy in the sky, but I still have the photos she sent me.

Kandai was a great place and of all the Kampongs that I have visited this was the place that I would have loved to have stayed at and to this day I would love to go back and visit it, but I think I would be very disappointed. Probably by now all the grass huts will have satellite dishes fixed to the roof and Japanese cars parked alongside the house.

After about ten days we had to return to Lundu, another section was coming up relieve us. Therefore, the friends we had made would now be lost and the new section would have to start up their own. The jungle is a constant learning exercise, the villages at Kandai had taught me to live off the jungle. The number one rule being you do not eat anything red, it's probably poisonous and anyway doesn't red stand for danger. Another thing I have neglected to say up to now is that many villagers did not wear clothes. In fact, I do not think that some of them had ever seen a white person, until just a few months earlier when the Marines first arrived. Some of the women wore a sarong around their waist, but nothing else. During a visit by a high-ranking officer several weeks later, he became very embarrassed and ordered a load of brassieres to be dropped by parachute and distributed amongst the village women to cover them up. I must say it was the most ridiculous sight I ever saw, nobody got a size that fitted them anyway. I think it was the start of us ruining the country, setting them up onto the road to western ruination. Unfortunately, I also contributed to this by getting a young girl to wash my clothes in the river, for which I would give her the handsome price of one cigarette. If another Marine became jealous over that same girl, he would give her two cigarettes and so it went on. When we left Sarawak, I think it was up to twenty cigarettes a shirt, such a pity it was a wonderful country before we arrived. Unfortunately, it is the price we pay to bring third world countries into our so called twentieth century as we call it. In addition, it is always our military presence that starts the inflation cycle off on its never ending spiral. I've often wonder if the powers that be, have thought that maybe these people did not want to be dragged kicking and screaming in to the twentieth century.

Although looking at it from another angle our military presence was to assist these people by giving them some form of protection. Like somebody once wrote before me, the only countries that are under a military threat of invasion are the weak ones, the ones that have no military defence. After all, you never hear of the UK being threatened with invasion.

'Kampong Biawak'.

With the completion of a week's rest at Lundu my section was once again on the move, this time it was a full day's march up to Kampong Biawak. Earlier Marines had named it 'Fort Laramie', again the name had been borrowed from an old American cowboy movie.

'Fort Laramie' was only reachable through some very thick jungle, so a track had been cut earlier. Therefore, it was now open to ambush and booby traps, so great caution was needed during the march. My section consisted of Corporal Reg Pearce, Ginger, Dal, Don, Big Mac, Geordie, two new Marines and myself. Unfortunately, it also included the Company Sergeant Major who would be staying with us for a couple of days. Wanting to see how we were coping with the loneliness of fort life. The section had also been given the use of one of the new war dogs and his handler Marine McGinty.

One of 40 Commando Royal Marine newly formed dog-handling team, Marine McGinty turned up at Pang Te Bang one morning with his new dog Sheba. Mac had been a regular member of A Company before volunteering months earlier for the vacant position of dog handler. Having been accepted he had been away for several weeks on a dog-handling course back at the dog school that adjoined Burma Camp in Malaya. There are three types of war dog, usually Alsatians (German Shepherds).

The Guard Dog, just simply that. There only function is to guard, with its handler or sometimes they are let loose in a secure compound.

The Ambush Dog, these dogs are trained to sniff out an ambush position. They would walk along a track and if a scent were picked up, they would just sit and point along the track in the direction that they believe an ambush was lying in wait.

The Mine Dog, these dogs could detect a mine or anything metallic buried underground and would just sit and point at the spot on the ground where it suspected the mine was buried.

Sheba had all three of these skills. She would also be very good at picking up the scent of any local inhabitants miles away. We were told stories of the dogs training and why they could do this. The dogs would apparently be on a chain approximately six feet long. Then a local with a bamboo pole would daily beat the dog. Result was that the dog would hate any brown fellow who carried that type of a scent and I must admit that it worked. These dogs would pick up a scent long before the local person came in view.

The march to Biawak was almost uneventful, it was just a long hard slog and we arrived at 'Fort Laramie' late in the afternoon around 6 pm, just before dark. To be greeted by the section we were relieving, with a large mug of tea, which was truly welcome. Not much time left to look around, so a good night's sleep was had by all and luckily for us no guard duties.

In the morning as daylight was breaking the outgoing Corporal showed the incoming Corporal around the camp. The usual positions of the tracks and where they lead to, mines booby traps and the fortified positions. After breakfast, we said farewell to the outgoing Marines, as they left on their long march back to Lundu, and we settled into our usual routine around the camp. The Company Sergeant Major wanted us to strengthen up the fortifications, so a lot of hard work was going to be needed. I recon he was only trying to show us his authority. Digging a few more slit and trap trenches, plus a new much deeper toilet which was positioned further away from the main living quarters. By the end of the day most of the heavy work had been completed, but in doing so we were all shattered to exhaustion, especially after the long march of the day before. Guard rosters were worked out with only one guard on at any one time, in two hours stints, the Bren gun which was set up by the main gate being with whoever was on guard.

The next morning Corporal Pearce and the Sergeant Major took Ginger and me for a small look around patrol, just within the close vicinity of the fort. First place we visited was the Kampong, a flag showing exercise. As we walked into the village, we were greeted by the Headman who took us to his own hut. Where he offered us the usual drinks of Toddy and Rice Wine, but we knew by now just how much to drink and not to make a fool of ourselves. Somehow, Ginger can just pour the stuff down his throat without too much effect. After about an hour of broken English conversation and drinking, the Sergeant Major wanted to move us on.

Ginger and I could see that this guy was going to be a bit of a pain. As Ginger got up he started to stagger about on the bamboo-slatted floor. Standing on a weak area he went straight through the floor and fell about six feet onto the ground, landing amongst a heard of pigs sniffing about in a heap of dung underneath the hut.

I got down from the outside of the hut and went to help Ginger, but when I got to him, seeing he was all right, I took one sniff and backed away. He did not need too much encouragement or persuasion to return to the camp to take a wash. The fort was only about one thousand yards away, Ginger told us that he could have crawled back if need be.

When we got back to the fort the Marines were entertaining a few local girls, as they seemed to be choosing who was going to wash their gear. As Ginger stumbled in amongst them, all the girls rushed over to see him, that Ginger hair magic was working once again. These people had never seen Red Hair before and they looked on him as some kind of God. Everywhere we went he always had the pick of the girls.

Ginger made his way to a small stream just outside the wire compound with three bare breasted girls following him. In the river he stripped off and two of the girls then washed him down while the third washed his clothes. Believing that Gingers luck had once again struck, I thought it was time to see if any of it would rub off onto me. I joining him in the stream and striped off, plunging into the water. I have two eyes tattooed on the cheeks of my backside, something I had done as a joke one night while I was drunk in Singapore. When the girls saw the eye's, they ran off in the direction of the village, screaming and shouting. Ginger became upset that I had just driven the girls away. Five minutes later, the whole village came down to the stream for a look at my eyes. Suddenly in the villagers eyes I had also become a God alongside of Ginger, they had seen nothing like it before. Just like Ginger, I now had the pick of the girls. Although I have to admit that most of them were only around sixteen years of age but looked a lot younger. Two of the girls had no clothes, so we gave them some parachute silk from the hut, so they could make a Sarong to wear.

Once again, we had started the inflation spiral here at Biawak. Wherever we were in the camp these girls followed both Ginger and myself around. Even trying to carry our gear when we were to go on patrol, but the Sergeant Major was having none of that. However, they would always wash our clothes in the river, although we would put them straight back on again ringing wet. There was no way that you wanted to be caught off guard with your trousers off, by the enemy.

Just before dark all the locals would be turned out of the camp, so that all of the wire entrances could be sealed up for the night, we would also reset most of the booby traps and trip flares. The living quarters had been left open during the day allowing the locals to come in and have a look around. This was not really a good idea, because if any of the locals were friendly with the enemy, they could describe the lay out in fine detail, so camp beds were laid out behind sandbag barricades.

At one fort, the Marines left the camp beds on the floor, but would sleep in parachute hammocks strung in the high roof rafters. Every time they were shot at, all the rounds would be fired into the bottom section of the hut and nobody was ever injured. Most forts had a couple of single shots fired into their compounds at least once or twice a week. These were not really considered as an attack, more like a vandal type action of hit and run tactics, but it made us lose a lot of sleep.

That night we had a couple of shots fired at us, but in the morning, we found no evidence of the attack not even one spent empty ammunition casings. Later Big Mac, Don and I were asked to patrol up the track outside our fort, which led up to the border about half a mile away, just to have a look around. We travelled very light, just weapons, ammunition, and half a bottle of fresh water. This track was the only known border crossing for several miles, so it was constantly being used. Therefore, we had to take our time and be vigilant, although there was also the chance that unbeknown to us the enemy had cut a new track somewhere else. At that time, we did not have the luxury of daily chopper flights patrolling along the border, looking for things like that.

It took us about half an hour to reach the border where we found a crude wooden sign on a post telling us that we were now entering Indonesia, while on the reverse side it claimed that you were now entering Sarawak. Don took up a secure position behind a tree giving us some cover just in case. It did not pay to take too many chances, while we were so close to Indonesia. After about ten minutes we decided to head back to the fort. Suddenly we heard a light aircraft flying low overhead and riffle shots could be heard from the Indonesian side of the border. The plane kept flying around over our fort, so we knew something was wrong, immediately we started running back to the fort as fast as we could.

Back at the fort the Sergeant Major was on the radio talking to the aircraft pilot, on board was Major Pug Davis, who was having a look around the forts within the area he had been allocated to protect. The usual chit-chat took place, until we butted in and told the Sergeant Major to report that shots had been fired from the Indonesia side of the border. Apparently Pug Davis just laughed, until we added that they were firing at him. That plane disappeared in double quick time, it was luckily that nobody on board had been hit.

One of the other Troops actually found an American Armalite riffle, their dog had led him to it. At that time, it was the latest weapon to come out of the USA. It was wrapped in plastic and had been buried in the middle of a human dung heap, the dog handler's arms had smelt very high on the nose, but it had been worth the effort. Whoever buried it must have believed that the prim and proper pommy would not put his hands in all that muck. Well they were in for a big surprise. This was the first time that we had been informed that this type of weapon was actually in Borneo. Anyway, the riffle was sent back to our Headquarters for testing.

We had heard stories of Armalite riffles being fired at people and the bullets killing its enemy without even hitting them. When the bullet leaves the barrel, as well as twisting it was also supposed to tumble creating a shock wave that damaged the brain. Our weapons experts said that one shot in a thousand would actually do just that. That was in 1963 can you imagine what riffles might be capable of today.

On their way back to the compound, Don, Dal and Geordie went up to the border and low and behold the border sign had already been moved. It was now in a position, fifty yards inside of Sarawak. Somebody was having a laugh, so the enemy is human after all. Before leaving, Don repositioned the sign a further fifty meters inside of Indonesia.

That day we also took a radio message of an arranged airdrop that would take place the following morning around 10 am. The drop would include tinned food for the dog. These dogs did not have a very long life in the jungle and it was even less if they lived on bush tucker. Therefore, a decision had been made to use tinned food with all its vitamins. We just took a chance of its smell, giving our position away to the enemy. We were also to get some cash, so we could barter with the locals for food supplement.

Early next morning we all got ready for the airdrop, then at 10 am bang on time, an RAF Argosy aircraft arrived overhead, with its back doors open for the drop. On his return low level run a single crate came out of the back, the chute opened okay and we watched it all the way down to the ground, as it landed in our compound clearing. The plane then did another run and this time out came a small bag with a large red ribbon attached to it that was flapping in the wind. It came down in the jungle somewhere, having missed the camp. Mac and Sheba went to try to find it, but after an hour they had not been successful, so the Corporal and Ginger joined them, unfortunately they all returned empty handed.

The search had been fruitless, so the Sergeant Major got on the radio, apparently the bag had contained our mail and $350 in cash. The cash was to be part of our wages, so none of us was very happy about the loss. I would have only earned about eight-pound per week and that is around $56.00 to $60.00 (Singapore) per week depending on the exchange rate. Anyway, over the radio it was decided to make a duplicate drop the next morning. We were all relieved when it was also decided that the lost money would not be deducted from our accumulating wage.

At 10 am right on cue the next morning the Argosy aircraft appeared and did one low level run and out came another bag, this time there was no mistake as it slammed into the side of our main hut. Also spinning down with it was another of Gingers National Geographic magazines, one of these days I thought he is going to lose one, but he never did. That magazine must have been one of the most read amongst Marines in those days.

A few rumours spread that the cash had been found and re-hidden, to be collected by a Marine on another occasion, but nothing was ever proven. In addition, it's not right to point the finger, but there was only one of the searchers who was suspected dare I say who? but we'll never know.

Amongst the crated supplies that came in by parachute on another occasion, was a new night sight to be assessed by us under battle conditions. What is tested in this war is in common use for the next war. The first one that we had tried out had not been very successful, it being too cumbersome, big and awkward. This new one was a very small compact unit with the infrared lamp and the sight all in one. This unit was fitted on the top of the riffle and was all lined up just like the normal sight, much the same as a telescopic sight. Once fitted to an SLR riffle, it would then be left out all night so that whoever was on guard could have a play with it.

As soon as it got dark there would be a couple of hours before we bedded down, during this time we played a lot of cards and read under a small paraffin lamp. Big Mac was always game for a laugh, just like me. As we were all in one big room there was no privacy and the Sergeant Major was becoming a bit of a pain. Therefore, we tried to drive him out, by playing very childish games. Just to give him something to think about and to maybe report to Headquarters with. We used to play, I spy with really stupid subjects, then we had a 'Yes no interlude', taken from an old English TV competition called 'Take Your Pick', using an aluminium mess can for a gong. I will swear that the Sergeant Major thought we had all flipped our lid a couple of times, God knows what his reports read like.

A village local arrived in our compound one morning with a bamboo pole, about two foot long and a large leaf tied over each end. The pole would have been four inches in diameter. He came into our hut and uncovered one end of the pole. He then tipped the contents on to our table and out tumbled a dozen witchery grubs. Well we all knew about witchery grubs, but up until now we had never seen any. The villager even showed us how to add them to our stew for the evening meal and I must admit that it tasted very good. The local guy also showed us how to cook snake in a type of batter, we fried it and found it tasted just like Rock Eel that you would purchase from any English fish and chip shop, its flesh being quite white.

That night while I was on guard, I spent most of the time playing around trying out the new night sight. It was much like the earlier one with everything looking red, although trees and people etc definitely looked a paler shade of pink compared to the surrounding area. At least there was a difference, so it would definitely help you watch out for the enemy. The more you used it, the easier it became to work out what you were looking at. During my guard duty, I had to go to the toilet. For this function, a large square biscuit tin had been placed away from the hut, but amongst a few trees. On my return, I picked up the gun and continued to scan the wire area, really enjoying what I could see. Yes, the more I used it the easier it did become. It was easier than the last one as you did not need to use your left hand to move the lamp. Suddenly the sight focused onto our urinal tin I had just visited and wrapped around it was a very large snake. I must admit I went cold for a few seconds thinking of what might have been. I decided to leave it alone, to kill it would make a lot of noise. I just warned the next guard and told him to pass the message on. Nobody else saw it and all laughed at me saying that I had fallen asleep and dreamt it. I must admit to this day I wonder if I really did see it. Mind you from then on, every time I went to the urinal in the dark I always used the night sight to check it out first.

In the morning, Corporal Pearce took Ginger, Geordie and I on a patrol. Now although it was not really allowed, Corporal Pearce crossed over the border and headed cautiously into Indonesia. Here we go again I thought, Corporal Calamity was up to his old tricks. The basic idea was just to go and have a look around, to check out the area, or at least that's what he told us. After about three hours we came across a deserted village of about ten huts all built of attap leaves and branches. The Corporal had told us all to be careful and to watch out for booby traps. We were to have a good look around and report anything unusual. It was very evident that it had been used by military personnel and in the past couple of weeks, most likely twinned with another one maybe within say about ten mile radius.

Using the same sort of system as ourselves, by staying in one village for a week and to then move to another one for a week. The Corporal called us all together and to our surprise ordered us to burn it to the ground. Calamity gave the orders, we just carried them out, isn't that what most military people say at their trials. Anyway, everything looked tinder dry, so we did what we had been commanded and lit it up. It only took a few seconds to turn into a burning inferno. We then high tailed it out of the area and back along the track that we had arrived on, before the flames and smoke brought unwelcome sightseers. Just before, we crossed back over the border into Sarawak, which was about one thousand feet above the village. We were able to look down at our handy work. It looked like half the jungle was a blaze, the Corporal's only remarks to us was that we had better be on our toes, as they will probably retaliate after this.

When we arrived back at Biawak, another larger section had arrived, so the camp looked a little crowded with Marines. Immediately the Sergeant Major ran up to the Corporal and asked what had happened. "I have just burnt down an enemy fort sir", he replied. Reg was feeling quite proud of himself. The Sergeant Major went bananas and jumped on the radio back to Lundu Head Quarters. The end result was that our section including Reg was ordered back to Lundu. Somehow, I just knew that what we had done, under orders I might add, would lead to trouble. The incident almost coursed an international crises in England and Singapore, who at that time were about to announce the signing of a Federation agreement between Malay, Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei and North Borneo. To be known as the Malayan Federation. The last thing they needed at this stage of the negotiations was an incident that might grow out of all proportion.

The new section that had arrived was made up largely by new recruits, so they were here to learn. That night we had to go out on an ambush, just to show them what it was all about. The Marines we had left in the camp had been shown around and how to defend the fort. So, an hour before dark off we set to find a sight to lay the ambush, our Corporal Calamity was confined to the hut with the Sergeant Major. Ginger, Don, the four new boys and I would be lying out for the night. We chose a pepper plantation that was elevated and ran alongside a track, laying amongst the pepper bushes for a little cover. Making it easy to see and cover the track, looking down is always a lot easy than lying at the same level, while at no time do you set one looking up. Anyway, after all the trouble we took to camouflage our position, nobody came so it was all a waste of time, for us anyway. However, I guess the new guys learnt from the exercise. I had brought with us the new night sight fixed to my SLR riffle. Therefore, I had a little fun playing with it, but I also had to stay awake all night, as I was the only person who would have been able to see any likely suspects who came along the track.

At daybreak, we disbanded our position and moved down the slippery muddy bank of the plantation. I had the riffle on my shoulder and took one step forward and down I went, as I hit the ground the riffle and especially the night sight smashed on a large rock. Tearing it right off my riffle, it was a total right off and had been smashed to pieces. I can remember saying that did not last long.

Back at Biawak I had to tell the Sergeant Major about the night sight, he then radioed Lundu, that guy never did make a decision of his own. We were then told the news that we had to march back to Lundu next day with all our gear including the broken night sight. Our Corporal Reg was the main reason we were returning, he was more or less under house arrest, for his burning escapade.

When I spoke to him, he could not understand what all the fuss was about. At one stage, he even thought he was going back to receive a medal. I really did not know where this guy was coming from.

The trek was to take all day, first we marched to Kampong Mengeris and there we boarded three aluminium assault crafts that had come to meet us from Lundu. That was the easy part of the trip, it being a time when we could sit back and enjoy the break, which is wrong because you should never drop your guard in situations like this. About halfway into the river trip we rounded a bend to hear what we thought were soldiers hacking their way through the jungle. We all grabbed our riffles and cocked them ready for action.

All three boats cut their engines and we just drifted with the current down the river. It would have been about two hundred yards wide at this point and the jungle was very thick and hanging over the riverbanks, there would be no place to beach. As we drifted further down river, the noise became louder and now sounded like somebody was tearing branches off the trees. Then as we rounded another bend we came across a beautiful sight of a large troop of Orang-utan's, with the big domineering one at the top of a very large tree. Below him was his harem and below them the young juvenile delinquents. I guess there was about fifty in all and most of the younger ones were shaking the branches. Those with cameras spent a few moments taking photos and then we restarted the outboards and carried on down the river.

The Sergeant Major had been looking at Big Mac's red riffle barrel, for a few moments. He then made the point that he had rust on his riffle barrel, now where have I heard that before. Big Mac answered him by saying "No Sir its red partherisation". I could not believe it Mac got away with it for a second time, but this time he had even flannelled over the Sergeant Major. I do not know how he managed to get away with it a second time.

It was a hard job trying to keep our weapons rust free, because of the humid climate. Coupled to that, most of the time we were near water, or it was raining and very damp. The only way was to keep it coated in oil, unfortunately the oil gave off an unusually smell and that was the last thing we wanted. The rest of the trip was uneventful as we arrived at Lundu just before dark for a well-earned rest. However, the Corporal was whisked away, and we never saw or heard another word about him. While my report on the night sight to the powers that be, was well received. Everybody agreed that it had been a great success, only adding that maybe they should make it a little stronger in the future.

We had one lovely week off, and enjoyed ourselves every single minute, but we still had to be involved in the usual guard rosters. It was a good way to keep us match fit and on our toes. Ready for any future patrol, that could be ordered upon us at a minute's notice, but for now we could relax during the daytime for this week.

At the end of our leisure week, we were called into the commanding officers office for a briefing. We were to relieve a section at Kampong Rassau. Our section was to leave the next day and we were to take two army officers along with us, who were to survey the area bring our maps up to date. These two guys were to give us many laughs, they spoke in very posh English and wore civilian clothes most of the time. They also carried three times as much gear as us and that was only clothes and belongings.

'Kampong Rassau'.

The section set out at first light, as the trip was a two-day hike. The first part was to be by assault craft that would take us up the river. Taking all day to reach a point somewhere up river just passed Kampong Selampit. We beached the boat at the best spot we could find and then we posted a guard and stretched our legs. We then set up a camp for the night, before having a good feed and settling in for a bit of a sleep. Next day we carried on up the Batang Kayan River to a point where the Rassau River joined the Kayan. From there, we had to leg it to the Rasau fort. After leaving the boats and coxswains, to hang around until the outgoing section at Rassau was relieved and would meet up with them later. After two days, we finally reached Kampong Rasau, arriving in the middle of the afternoon. Most of us were in good condition, but I felt sorry for the two surveying officers, they looked absolutely worn out. I could see we would have to take it easy if ever we took them out mapping.

There was a good name for this fort, it was known as 'Fort Forgotten' and that's how the outgoing section felt, being so far away from any back up. Being so isolated, only a chopper would be able to get in here. Unfortunately, there was no landing strip, just a few trees chopped down making it a tight fit for one chopper to get in. The only other way to get into the camp would be to hover above the trees and abseil down ropes through the trees to the ground.

We lost no time in going round with the outgoing section, checking out living quarters, sand bag emplacements, booby traps, the perimeter wire, gates etc. It was arranged for the outgoing section to leave at first light the next morning, to walk to the boats. The Marine's left to guard the boats had to hide up for two days, there being only three of them.

In the morning, we all said our goodbyes and watched them leave the compound that was to be our new home for the next couple of weeks. So here we were Big Mac, Dal, Don, Ginger, Geordie, a Sarawak Ranger Scout, Corporal Bwana, a Gurkha and myself, oh and the two Army Officers we were to escort. Twelve of us two days away from anywhere, so we set about the usual tasks making ourselves secure, a few extra sandbags here, or there. A few extra mines or booby traps dig another toilet and of course make up the usual guard roster.

The first few days were a little boring looking around and getting to know the area. Just outside of the fort was a small narrow stream, where we would all wash and shower ourselves. This stream must have washed threw an area of bauxite, because the water just looked like it had gold dust floating in it and we would emerge looking like we were covered in a light film of gold. Once dried, it could be dusted off us, so nobody worried about it. Life was becoming a little boring I could understand the fort name 'Forgotten' because that is just how we felt. No news filtered in, our only contact was by our daily morning and evening radio in, procedures. This was strictly a military routine, so no normal chatter was allowed, because we never knew who was listening in.

Taking the two surveying officers around eased some of the boredom. We would take them out daily to areas they requested. The patrol consisted of a three-man protection unit that had to accompanying them. As I wrote in earlier chapters, we would never be caught with our trousers down, so we slept in our full jungle green clothes, but these two Army Officers slept in silk pyjamas. I could not believe it and in addition, they never did take part in any of the guard rosters. Silk pyjamas, I ask you!!!

One Sunday morning we received a radio message that during the day 40 Commando unit's Vicar would fly over most of the border forts including ours and would use a radio to deliver us all a Sunday message. However, he never reached our fort and we were told via radio and later by word of mouth about what had happened. Apparently, his Army Auster light aircraft had begun circling one of the forts when suddenly they heard automatic weapons fire, everybody had dived into their sandbag emplacements and slit trenches expecting the worse. The Corporal stayed with the radio to inform the pilot that he was possibly being shot at. The pilot then replied that the aircraft had been hit several times. The Vicar was in a bad way, having taken a couple of rounds in his back and that he had also been hit in the arms. He was trying to fly the aircraft with his knees. The Corporal informed the pilot that the nearest landing strip was back at Kuching airport, about eighty miles away. His reply was that he would not be able to make Kuching and that he would have to land immediately. He would have to crash land into the very small helicopter-landing pad, which was just a hole cut into the jungle, the smallest size possible to take one helicopter. In addition, it was full of tree stumps sticking up about two feet with just a very small flat area right in the middle. Everybody was of the opinion that normally the pilot wouldn't even consider the attempt, so he must have been in a very bad way. There was no time to talk him out of it, without any further warning he suddenly dived into the small clearing with the engine cut, gliding at about fifty miles per hour. He clipped the top of the trees, which slowed him down a little, then dived straight into the small clearing. He was flying so slowly that everybody was worried he would stall and crash in sideways. Mind you they also realised that whatever he did he was still going to crash. The pilot then tried to level out into what small area he had left in front of him. His under carriage caught the tree stumps and he then slammed into the trees on the other side of the clearing. The trees tore off the wings, in addition, the sound of a loud crunch could be heard as the whole plane just disintegrated in front of them, but luckily, there was no fire. Everybody ran over to the plane, while still clutching their weapons at the ready, not knowing where the shooting had come from.

They could not believe the mess that was scattered all around the landing pad. Some of the Marines started pulling at bits and pieces looking for survivors. The Gurkha found the pilot who was not too bad but had been shot in both arms. While the Vicar was still alive, but he was not so good, he had taken two bullets in his back that had come up through the back of his seat, so they had virtually gone up through his whole body. The Corporal on the radio was speaking to Lundu, ordering a chopper to air lift the pair to hospital in Kuching as fast as possible. There was blood everywhere, while the bucket seat that the Vicar had sat in had two bullet holes in its back. The Vicar by this time had been laid out on the grass, one Marine had spread his shirt over him and another one under his head for a pillow. He looked as white as a ghost, but I guess that was because he had only just arrived out from the UK and did not have a suntan yet, or maybe it was through the loss of blood.

The Vicar was mumbling about having had a good life and had enjoyed himself and was not worried that his time was over. Everything possible was done to make him comfortable. The pilot was quite jovial and seemed to accept the situation and somehow knew he would be okay.

The chopper arrived in forty minutes and came into the landing pad easing in gently to miss the wreckage strewn around the site. It took only a few moments to load both people onto the chopper and away it flew to Kuching. Everybody was told later that the Vicar had died during the trip back to Kuching. While the pilot survived and went on to make a full recovery and returned to operations after about four months. He was also mentioned in dispatches for his heroic landing.

Late one afternoon, we heard the sound of aircraft approaching so we were looking skywards to see what it was. By the sound of the engines, it was flying high. We all agreed that it was a Russian Bear Bomber. The Russians had always supplied the Indonesians with all their air cover, anyway we radioed Lundu to report it. They were probably having a look or photographing where the incident had taken place in the morning. We had all heard reports that the Indonesians air force was so short of money that President Sukarno had ordered that only one aircraft was allowed in the air at any one time. I guess we had just seen its one and only flying plane during that hour and it was a Bear. We worked out that it had flown right along the entire border passing over most of our forts, because everybody had radioed in with the same information.

Radio messages from Lundu ordered us to lay ambushes around the Rassau area. So, we split the section into two, one half would lay an ambush at night, while the other half would guard the camp, the sections would then be alternated on a daily basis.

I set out with my half section at midday, we cut our own track through the jungle parallel with the border. With the idea of looking for any new tracks that might have been opened up by the enemy as they crossed over the border. So that they could infiltrate their troops into Sarawak safely and then hit at local or military targets.

We were cutting our way through the jungle for about three and half-hours, when we finally found a new track crossing the border. So, without disturbing any foliage along the track we had found, we retreated back fifty meters and made our plans for that night's ambush.

About one hour before dark, we moved back to where we had found the border crossing and took up our ambush position. By approaching the track from the side and settling down without leaving a trace of our presence on the enemy cut track, we had a better chance of not giving our own position away. We had estimated that we were possibly half a mile inside Sarawak. Once in position we all tied vines to some part of our bodies, wrist, legs anywhere, covered our heads with mossie nets or sweat rags and settled down for a long night. Although we heard constant noises all night and we were all kept on our guard nobody walked in front of us that night. In the morning, we made our way back to the fort to make a full report on the night's activities.

Another night we went out to set an ambush, we headed up towards the border along the track that passed close by our fort. Not wanting a long walk, we decided on a small clearing just before the border, the track ran along by the jungle in which we would lay. The clearing being on the other side of the track, we placed trip flares in the short grass of the clearing, working on the idea that the enemy would run that way, we also set some hand operated flares and mines. We had taken our ponchos to lie on and were expecting rain, we had also brought some extra ones to cover us with. Just as we thought, a couple of hours into darkness it started to rain, not much but enough to get you wet, but luckily it only lasted an hour. There was still no sign of movement along the track, so no village people were breaking the curfew as we had suspected. About 2 am, I had lightly dozed off for a few moments, when somebody using a raised voice suddenly awakened me. He was cursing and hitting his poncho on the ground. It took me a few dazed moments to work out what was going on, somebody else was giggling and other Marines were muttering. Dal had laid his poncho on an ant's nest and they had swarmed all over him almost eating him alive, or should I say stinging him, very badly. Although we do not usually move in situations like this, we had to let him move he was scratching himself crazy. We were lucky nobody was in the area that night, otherwise the noise would have given our position away and we could have been attacked. An hour after first light we packed up our flares etc and moved back to the fort, that night we were all very lucky. While the next night, which was our turn in the fort, a couple of shots were fired into the fort from outside the compound. Luckily nobody was injured, and we never hit anybody when we returned the fire into their direction. Things were starting to hot up, so we had to be very vigilant and not take anything for granted.

We also had another false alarm at night using the new and third trialled night scope, I cannot remember who it was on guard using the sight, but they thought they could see somebody crawling around out front of them and opened fire. In the morning we found a dead wild pig, so at least it was pork on the menu for the rest of the week. Another night we went without sleep. Have you ever seen a zombie, well neither have I, but I do know how they feel?

We learnt a lot from the jungle, it could be your friend rather than an enemy. Just the noise could be of help to you, especially while you were on patrols. Usually the jungle was a very noisy place, but upon the sounds of people moving around, the jungle would suddenly become very quiet. While at other times animals being surprised, would dash through the under growth screaming in animal language.

The climate was very damp and humid, so our weapons would become rusty very quickly if not cleaned and oiled. As big Mac had learnt from day one. We usually only stripped down one weapon at a time just in case you were attacked. Same as when you strip washed or went for a swim we always had one men fully armed at all times who would stand guard over you. I do not know how long we were at Rassau, but after what seemed like a couple of weeks we were given a well-earned rest. We were picked up by choppers and taken back to Lundu, but not before we had showed the new incoming section all the usual do's and don'ts of the place.

Back at Lundu, we had some reinforcements in the form of three new recruits who were here for experience. One of them was a young Scouse who was very easy for practical jokes, of which we took full advantage. The jokes got increasingly bigger and bigger and one morning as a chopper arrived with some stores that included another night sight, would you believe we had broken another one. Boy, they certainly were not built to last or take a few knocks. Anyway, Scouse was told to go and climb up the side of the chopper and ask the Pilot if he had brought the ice powder and did as we had asked. The pilot must have read the situation and told him that he would bring it on the next trip.

During further store trips by the chopper, Scouse was told to ask for Atomic Cigarette lighters, so we did not have to keep refuelling our old ones. On another trip, it was atomic fridges, so we could keep our milk cool. Funny thing was we never even had any milk. We also told him that at one of the Kampong there was a supermarket. However, he caught me out one day, when he overheard that I was going out on patrol and was going by this particular Kampong. Anyway, he asked if I would pop in and get him some fags. On my return I told him they were shut it being early closing that afternoon.

One night Big Mac was on guard with Scouse and after arranging with us first, he staged a mock attack just for Scouse's benefit. After being on guard for a short time, Mac ignited one of the trip flares. He then pretended to be scared, as we all did having been made to stand to. I must admit fair dues to Scouse he handled the situation well. I would go as far as to say, he really did think we were all scared and that he was actually protecting us. I would say that if we had been under a real attack that night, Scouse would have won a medal for his heroics. At one time, he climbed up on the sandbags and opened fire with the Bren gun at the waist firing into the jungle. While Big Mac cowered in a corner pretending to cry and pleading with Scouse not to let the enemy get to him. Scouse was heard to have told Mac that he was safe with him and that he would look after him. It went so far, that we all told him that we would recommend him for a medal.

One night I was on guard with him looking at all the fire flies in the night, I convinced him that it was somebody with a cigarette running around. The guy was so gullible and easy to con, or maybe we were the ones being conned by his supposed stupidity, I really don't know.

On another occasion whilst Scouse was on guard and thinking that we were about to be attacked, he crept around awaking everybody and telling them to stand to. After about two fruitless hours, Scouse crept round once again to tell everyone that they could stand down and go back to sleep. Upon reaching sadistic Big Mac's sandbag emplacement he found him asleep, so Scouse woke him up just to tell him he could go back to sleep. On being woken up Big Mac went mad and jumped up, Scouse upped and ran off, no creeping around at this precise moment for him, to hell if anybody saw him better to be shot than caught by Big Mac. Leaving Mac screaming at him in the silence of the night, informing him that if he got his hands on him he would kill him.

Some of the joking got a little out of hand with Scouse, when we convinced him we were running a drug ring. Then using the malaria tablets that we all had to take. We would crush one and show him the dust in the palm of our hand, trying to convince him it was drugs. Big Mac would put on some sort of act that he was craving for a shot, by rolling around on the ground. Somebody would then give him the dust to swallow and slowly he would start to calm down.

In the end, it was decided to tell him the truth, but Scouse would not believe it. Big Mac finally ended up losing his temper and hitting him. Unfortunately, it was a sad ending to a good laugh, which we had all enjoyed over a few of weeks.

On some of the lonelier nights, I along with Gingers help started writing to hospitals and factories back in the UK, to their female staff. I was trying to get the girls to write to us lonely Royal Marines serving and fighting in the jungles of Borneo. On one of the mail drops, I received a very big surprise. To my amazement, three signed photos and letter arrived from Pat Phoenix, I still have these today. I also received three signed photos from Kim Novak, the American film star. I had written to her about six weeks before whilst I was at Lundu and I still have these three photos to this day.

'Kampong Pasir Llir'.

We had only been back at Lundu a few days and already we were being ordered right back into the thick of it. We pushed off from Lundu jetty in our assault craft all loaded up for a few days patrol, it was to be just an observation trek. A recce trip, to report on what we found while trying not to get involved in any skirmish, to see and not be seen. The section was made up with the usual members they being Dal, Don, Geordie, Big Mac, Ginger, Corporal Bwana and myself, accompanied by the local policeman Mogumbo as our guide. We had chosen 8 am as our departing time, so we could take full advantage of the incoming tide, the effects of which could be felt up to ten miles up the river. After a few hours travelling, the riverbanks started to close in on us. Here the river had closed to about fifty meters across, the banks being covered with very thick jungle. Most of the trees were hanging over the river in this area. We were now passing small Kampongs spread along the riverbanks, consisting of long huts and a few out houses. With a dozen or so dugout canoes beached in front of the huts on the bank.

Soon the river was down to about ten feet in width with the trees hanging over from both banks now joined up over the river centre and blotted out the sun. Everywhere looked quite dark, as we rounded a bend in the river and came upon the Kampong we had come to investigate, it being Kampong Selampit.

We beached the boats about three hundred yards down river from the village, not knowing who would be living in the huts and if they were friendly. The noise of the outboards had more than likely announced our arrival. Therefore, we jumped out of the boats and took up defensive positions on the riverbank. Ginger helped pull the boats up the bank and secured them by ropes to overhanging trees. He was to be left to look after them, while the rest of us took up patrol positions and slowly made our way along the bank towards the Kampong. We were well spaced and keeping our eyes open for hostiles and booby traps. These guys do not use mines, they used the jungle and large animal traps made of bamboo that are spring loaded. The end result is not very pretty, usually ending up with somebody being speared through the stomach. As we started to enter the Kampong, we got Mogumbo to go in with the lead man, as he knew the language. There were plenty of women and children around but not too many young men. In addition, nobody had come to investigate noise of our boats. We all took up defensive positions leaving Bwana and Mogumbo to do all the talking. Then the kids started to gather around the Marines, shouting and touching, I do not think many of them had ever seen white people before. We were just looking around, just seeing if anything was wrong or out of the ordinary. Just like the lack of young men, maybe the enemy had recruited them. Bwana and Mogumbo made their way over to the headman's hut from where he had just appeared. We were to show the villages that the local police forces were still in control of the area. In addition, Mogumbo was a very good interpreter, the Headman held out his hand and Bwana shook it firmly, as did Mogumbo. His name was Jia and he spoke very good English, then pointing up some steps into a hut, he invited them in.

The hut was on six-foot stilts and was made of bamboo and housed about forty families. It was about sixty-foot long and cubicled off. Inside Jia's room, the walls were decorated with pictures of the Queen and of the Royal family and a couple of long Parang Swords. From the roof over the door hung about a dozen shrunken heads, Japanese Jia told them, but you did not know whether to believe him or not, it being the usual story. They all ended up sitting on the floor and the usual toddy drink was brought out, the Headman's daughters passing it around. Bwana did not want any, knowing just how powerful it could be and anyway he wanted to keep a clear head. Mogumbo drank his full mug right down in one gulp. These guys were used to it and could knock the stuff down all day and still walk a tight rope home.

They spent about twenty minutes asking questions and according to Jia there had been no strangers around the village and that his young men were off hunting. Whether you could believe him or not, nobody really knew. The picture of the Queen meant nothing. It could easily be changed to one of Sukarno if the enemy was to enter the village, but you could not blame these people really. They only wanted to be left alone, to just get on with their simple way of living.

Bwana strolled around the Kampong, giving us all orders. Nothing had been found, so it was decided to stay here the night in an old empty hut on the Kampong's outskirts just inside the jungle. Nevertheless, we would have to mount a guard all night to play safe. The night was uneventful and so we had no problems. We did not tell the Headman when or where we were going. We wanted to implant the idea that we would be coming and going at any time and they would have to get used to it.

As the night was very uneventful, we decided to just slip away in our boats at first light, which is what we did. Starting the engines as first light appeared over the trees, we all boarded and headed down river. Because the trees joined up over the river, it still seemed quite dark and with the early morning mists, it looked a little spooky. After about an hour and a half, the river widened, and the sunrays broke through the trees, lighting up the river, which was a muddy colour. We came to a fork in the river, here we doubled back up the other contributor to check out another Kampong. Now we were going up stream once again, so our progress slowed a little. After about another hour we calculated that around the next bend would be Kampong Pasir Llir, so we beached the boats and took up defensive positions while Ginger tied them up. We then took up a patrol formation and slowly worked our way through the jungle in the direction of the village, we soon found a track heading in our direction, so slowly we made our way along it.

We had to be very vigilant, just because the last village was friendly, it was not to say this one was. We stopped at the edge of the Kampong clearing to have a look around, before moving in. People were walking and running around, so we decided to rush in and take up positions throughout the village, so nobody had time to hide things or pass messages to a would be enemy. As we did, Mogumbo made a bee line for the steps of the Headman's hut. Who did not even know we were in his village, he was a frail old man with very white hair and looked quite scared, furthermore he spoke no English. Therefore, Mogumbo did all the talking, we all noticed that once again the young men were missing from the village. Mogumbo got the usual answers from the headman, all out hunting so we were all very cautious while we looked around the village for any tell-tale signs. One of the Marines was out the back of the Kampong and found another clearing. He also found a tattered shirt with blood on it, plus a spent 303 cartridge case and some tailor made cigarette butts, which could have been Indonesian. We had a very funny feeling about this village, we just did not feel at ease, so at all times two of us kept up a guard. As we had slipped away early in the morning from the other village, we decided to have some food and take a couple of hours rest. We also decided to stay the night picking a hut in the middle of the village this time. There were other huts clustered around it, so if a fire fight was to break out they might think twice about shooting amongst their own people. We were thinking more about the young ones returning. That idea seems a little stupid now upon reflection all these years later. Things like that did not worry these people, they did not seem to worry who they killed even if it was their own families just as long as they got rid of the Dirty British as they called us.

In the morning we slowly took a look around, but there no sign of anybody, just the locals. The Headman knew nothing but still looked very scarred, that we had found a few empty ammunition shells and so once again with no food in our bellies we got back to our boats and then headed back to the relative safety of Lundu to report what had happened.

We arrived back at Lundu by late afternoon bubbling with excitement to tell of our suspected contact but were caught off guard by some even bigger news. Our term in Sarawak was over, we were to return to Burma Camp for some well-earned R & R. Hopefully we would be entitled to plenty of rest and recreation around the streets of Singapore. A time to talk over our failures and problems would hopefully come a little later. There would be plenty of time to rectify most of our mistakes.

Within the week 42 Commando would be replacing us. Therefore, everybody was very excited at the prospect, that in just a couple of days' time we would be flying out, unfortunately nobody wanted to go on patrols at this late stage of our deployment. It would be so cruel to go through all this only to be killed in the last couple of days while on a patrol. We had been there an unbelievable six months. For me I had enjoyed most of it and the time had just flown by, but most Marines could not wait to get out. They hated it, for me well I had been trained for it, I volunteered for it, I got it and I was very happy to have come through my first active service tour totally unscathed.

We were flown out of Lundu by chopper to the ever waiting Commando Carrier sitting just off the coast and within two days we were back in Singapore. Then after just a short drive north and we once more in our old home of Burma Camp, the home of 40 Commando Royal Marine's and to my amazement it was the middle of July 1963. (From Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

'The Reason the Royal Marines were In Borneo'.

On the 8th December 1962 four thousand men belonging to the North Kalimantan National Army (TNKU) serving in Brunei rose in rebellion against the proposed inclusion of the small state into the British sponsored Federation of Malaysia. Many hostages were taken leaving the Sultan feeling threatened, but swift action by men of the first Battalion, Second Gurkhas dispatched from Singapore saved the day. Arriving in small parties by air, HQ Company and two platoons of D Company took the initiative immediately, shooting their way towards Seria through patches of dense jungle to relieve a number of embattled police posts. They then retired to secure Brunei Town and by the end of the month the revolt looked finished.

This proved to be just a beginning, however the idea of a federation comprising of Malaya, Singapore and three states under British protection in Borneo being, Sabah (British North Borneo), Sarawak and Brunei. Brunei's inclusion was bitterly opposed by President Sukarno of Indonesia, who believed that all of Borneo should be under his rule. What he really wanted was the oil that Brunei had discovered and had become very rich from its revenue. Taking full advantage of local dissidents, he sent forces into Indonesian controlled Kalimantan. Intent on mounting guerrilla style raids all along the sixteen-kilometre border, which would wear down the British resolve and so prepare the way for an Indonesian take over. Setting up bases inside Kalimantan, often no more than a kilometre from the border. Sukarno's soldiers were ideally placed to exert maximum pressure, through rugged and seemingly impassable terrain.

Within Sabah and Sarawak, the only means of travel was by jungle track and its rivers. While on the border itself the mountains rose rapidly to nine hundred metres culminating in peaks of about two thousand four hundred metres. It was tough, uncompromising country that would test the stamina of any soldier who was sent there. The crisis was to last four years, with Sukarno's men continued to enjoy the initiatives, choosing the time and the place for their incursions. It was not until political clearance had been given in late 1963 that the British forces were allowed to make cross-border pre-emptive strikes. At first, these were restricted to penetrations of no more than two thousand seven hundred metres, but as Sukarno escalated the conflict, this was gradually extended.

H.M.S. Bulwark the Commando Carrier was steaming at full speed from Mombassa in Africa, towards the expected flare up in Borneo. It's cargo of Helicopters and landing craft would be needed. While 42 Commando was flown to Brunei from Singapore.

Limbang was a village on a large river and within its police station three hundred and fifty rebels were holding some British hostages. On the 12 December 1962 L Company in landing craft boats sailed up to the river towards Limbang to rescue the hostages. As they stormed ashore against very heavy fire, things had not worked out for them, bad luck had also played a part. Five Marines were killed and six wounded including a Navel Petty Officer. However, he Royal Marines soon brought the situation under control and all the hostages were released unharmed, a successful operation.

40 Commando Royal Marines served,

December 1962 - 5th Division of Sarawak.

December 1962 - January 1963 - 1st Division Sarawak.

March 1963 to July 1963 \- 1st Division Sarawak.

October 1963 to February 1964 - 1st Division Sarawak.

July 1964 to December 1964 - Sabah North Borneo.

July 1965 to November 1965 - 1st Division Sarawak.

May 1966 to September 1966 - 2nd Division Sarawak.

42 Commando Royal Marines served,

December 1962 – April 1963 - 5th Division of Sarawak.

July 1963 – Oct 1963 - 1st Division of Sarawak.

February 1964 – June 1964 - 1st Division of Sarawak.

December 1964 – May 1965 - Sabah North Borneo.

December 1965 – May 1966 - 1st Division of Sarawak. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1963. Friday 12th April 1963. A party of Indonesia men attacked the police station near Tebedu in the first division of Sarawak.

1963. Tuesday 23rd April. Acting Lance Corporal Douglas John Radford RM 19037, while on active service with 40 Commando deployed in Sarawak was awarded the Military Medal.

1963. April. 'Burma Camp'. 'To Know The Road Ahead, Ask Those Coming Back' by Edward 'Andy' Anderson 2 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

I arrived at the camp during the very early hours of the morning while it was still dark. As the truck drove through villages and roadside wooden structures I could smell the rotten vegetable aroma of the Far East.

By the time we arrived in Burma Camp the sun had risen and began to produce a welcome heat. The plan had been to spend three weeks acclimatization which I was sure began by carrying bedding up those long steps to the huts that rimmed the camp. We all began to sweat as never before returning to the stores and trooping like ants to our given quarters. The huts and the camp were all but empty of souls; we were told the reason was they were, over the other side. Over the other side was a euphemism for Borneo where as in Aden we went upcountry, one of those strange traditions we accepted readily. Two PTIs took us for acclimatisation that had been dramatically reduced to two weeks within the hours since our arrived. There was six if us raring to go. We began with press-ups all of us dropping after a mid-thirty effort with the exception of a tall obviously fit marine. The PTIs pointed to him and said we should follow his example. We then did pull-ups on a bar grasping for breath after doing our utmost. The tall marine was still fresh and embarrassed us with another fifteen effortless pull-ups. We once again told to follow his example. Various exercises proceeded to make the tall guy fitter and the rest of us feel like we were melting in the heat and our bodies tiring. Thank fully it was lunch time and we welcomed the respite and cool drinks.

On return acclimatisation had been reduced to one week which we were glad to hear. We were lined up for a two mile run (I think) with the dust hot under our feet. The PTIs announced we had to keep up with super marine. The run began with the tall marine sprinting away out in front and the rest of us plodding along. Within one hundred yards I saw the tall superman sway and drop like a stone. As we rush by him we pointed and shouted, "Follow him." Here was first and one of the most important lessons to conserve energy like the old soldier. On completion of the run the PTIs took pity on us and sent us to our hothouse huts with squeaky overhead fans.

One guy I took a liking to was from a farm where they grow apples in Gloucestershire, his name as far as I remember was Munroe. He was like western movie star with broad shoulders and swept back blond hair with a wicked sense of careless humour. "Do you have any money?" he asked. "Eighty bucks." was my reply wondering what he had in mind. "Well, I can borrow another fifty and we can go ashore." It seemed like a good sound idea. As luck would have it we were given lift in a Land Rover driven by an Elvis fan who thought he was Elvis's double continually looking in the mirror as he combed his hair.

The flight over the Indian Ocean had been something of a nightmare. A storm had rocked the plane, in a silence that only the imminent thought of death can produce. The passengers looked straight ahead rocking like puppets with their strings attached to their hind end. One of the Air Hostesses began to cry bitterly as the plane dipped towards the white horses of the waves. It was pitch dark and only the lights of the plane illuminated the sea giving an indication of how near we were to the fishes. Now we had this idiot combining his hair at the Rovers highest speed leaving the steering wheel to its own direction. I was glad when we reached a destination and ready for a drink. I cannot unfortunately give the experts the name of the bars as they were much the same with dim lights and clouds of smoke. Amid clinks of glasses and a roar of voices competing with the music that had lost its way, while we sat watching the young matelots spend and spend. While they had money ladies attended them in all directions. Some of the girls whispered in his eager ears, others trying to drag them away and the remainder begging for drinks. When his pockets lightened the circle of girls thinned dramatically like insects that had just found a more attractive food supply.

The night was glorious in the sense of hilarity and tales that flowed from each orator. We smoked and drank as each story became more dramatic and funny till the noise began to dampen down. I looked around the bar and noticed it was nearly empty. I studied my watch in a blur. Midnight had long gone and we had to get back to camp for the morning exercises." One more and we go Andy boy." Munroe announced as he groped into his pockets. "Have you any money left." He asked me as his head dipped towards the table top. "You were the one who was supposed to keep money for the taxi back to Burma Camp. Don't tell me it's all gone." "All gone." he repeated. I was no better as I search each pocket in the forlorn hope of finding just enough to get back to camp. "See that guy over there." He pointed in the direction of a well pressed marine uniform. It could only be a clerk so tidily presented with creases set to perfection and a shirt and tie brand new. We made our way across to him and asked if he would take us with him in the taxi back to camp. He looked reluctant but gradually assented. "The only thing is I'm going to the brothel first." We were in no position to argue. The taxi was a comfortable German make that had a speedometer with a laminated green linear indicator. In the pitch-dark it dove over bridges and spun around twisted roads till we saw a lamp brightly shining over a door way. We got out of the taxi and followed the clerk inside. Along the long corridor were lines of men from all the British forces sent to the Far East. Most of them had too much to drink but pinned themselves to a wall to stay upright. We were the last in the queue and it seemed we were in for a long night. I still hoped we would be back in time to get ready for the morning parade. As I listened to the voices from the soldiers of Britain echoing in the corridor a young short woman appeared from a side room. She walked down the line of prospective customers examining them with a keen eye. Much to my surprise she stopped at me and looked me up and down. I wondered what the attraction was as I'm far from good looking with a pale freckled face and plump body work. She took both of my wrists and pulled me to the room. On the way there the men seemed to come awake and began to grumble.

The room was comfortable with a large bed and lit by a blue bedside lamp. The lady smiled at me and unbuttoned the top of my shirt. I bent down and took my shoes off and flicked then on to a colourful carpet. My trousers were now at half-mast and I was preparing myself for some of the delights of fortification. "You have money, you have money?" She asked politely at first. I looked up at her and said patiently, "no one said anything about money." I turned by palms upwards as a sign of innocence. "You got no money?" this time with a very angry voice. At this point I pulled my trousers up and held them with my left hand and picked up my shoes with my free hand. She was quick in pulling me out of the door. I stood there with my shoes in my hand holding on to my trousers looking at a baying mob. "You got money for him, you got money for him?" There are something's that drunken soldiers cannot abide and this was one. They unstuck themselves from the wall and their faces like masks from hell. There was only one thing to do and it had to be done now. I ran like a scared rabbit down the corridor. I could see the clerk and Munroe taking in the view of Chinese men rushing out of an office some with bald heads. "Run." I shouted at the top of my voice, while I spun passed them and plunged into the dark night. I could feel them clatter behind. The German car was still there and we jumped in like bank robbers. "Burma Camp and be quick about it." The taxi driver seemed to be an expert at the quick escapes and we left the squabble behind. The clerk smiled at me and said politely and slowly. "A man's foibles are what makes him loveable." I took the advice in and replied. "I didn't get a chance to use mine."

The morning came and the acclimatisation was cancelled for the last time. I had to get my kit and be prepared to leave Burma Camp by mid-afternoon. Down by the docks was a tramp ship like the one in the story (The Twilight of the Gods). I was off to Sarawak across the South China Sea. As the sun went down a huge pale moon rose and the sea became dark green with luminous creatures in abundance. As I looked spellbound at the distant horizon I remembered some advice given by a kind uncle. And this was rule number two. 'There are moments when everything goes well; don't be frightened it won't last.'

1963. Saturday 18th May. 791 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1963. May. The last National Servicemen left the Armed Forces.

1963. May 'The Grenade Attack at Biawak' By Geoff (Tex) Webbon. Signals with A Coy 40 Commando RM.

When A company left the Albion in May 1963 after being the floating brigade reserve, company HQ was established at Lundu. 2 troop went ashore by LCVP into Sematan and established themselves around the telephone exchange on the padang. The troop commander Roger Linn decided that troop HQ would actually live in the exchange, and as the troop signaler I sorted out my operating place and rigged an antenna to be able to talk to Lundu.

After settling in and digging in around the exchange, patrolling was started both by boat and by foot. 2 aluminium assault boats provide the waterborne transportation and patrols went out upriver and along the coast to Tanjong Melano, which was an abandoned Chinese village towards the tip of Sarawak, a trip of about 3 hours by boat.

We were later tasked with providing a standing patrol of a section in Biawak , a kampong about 1 km from the border and with an Indonesian army position called Sedjingan approximately the same distance on their side. We rotated out and back to Sematan about every 10 days.

The section grot was a newish timber hut in the centre of the kampong with a long house 50 m from the hut to the NE and the village shop some 20 m to the south. The headman lived in a large house about 100 m from the grot closer to the border. The helicopter pad was about 150 m to the SE. We had 2 sentry positions, one facing the helo pad and one up the slope at the back of the building.

The grot was on two floors with a large area on the ground floor and up a flight of stairs were two rooms, one of which was locked and the key held by the headman. We all slept in this area upstairs on pussers camp beds with the green box mossie nets. The main problem with this arrangement was that the grot was plagued with rats, with the rats hopping from on net to the other during the night.

On arrival I had rigged an antenna and operated out of the upper section at a home-made desk. One day whilst trying to improve my antenna I had cut my big toe and had bandaged it to keep it clean. That night I awoke to find a rat had chewed through the mossie net and was having a go at my toe. At that point I decided that I did not like rats and that I was going to be revenged.

A41 radios had a fairly large battery with 4 voltage tapping points, the largest being 135v dc which was sufficient to give a belt if mis-handled, and dead batteries were never actually dead, there always being some residual voltage. My plan was to use some batteries to make an electric rat trap.

I took an empty compo tin and made a hole in each side towards the bottom of the tin and fed in a piece of electric cable. I put some nutty in the tin and then connected the cables to 3 A41 batteries in series, giving a voltage of 405 volts dc. I then placed this on a shelf above the operating table. I told Sam Shilitoe, the section commander, what I had done and he just grinned. Nothing happened for a couple of days and life went on pretty much as normal, with half section patrols going out and half a section doing fatigues.

At about 2am some days later there was a flash and a bang, followed by a scream. Some-one shouted "grenade" and in no time flat we were all outside in our defence positions. The sentry was shocked to see us as nothing was happening and after about half an hour we all turned in.

The following morning I called into Lundu as normal on the radio (we couldn't get Sematan from there), and then noticed that the compo tin had moved. In fact it hadn't just moved, it was burnt black and inside it was the calcified remains of a rat, and the cause of the turnout the previous night. I lost a few brownie points over that with the section!!! We later imported a snake to keep the rats down.

1963. May 'Big Time In Bugie Stasse' by David (shiner) Wright 1 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

Three young Boot-necks recently returned from a stint in Sarawak, decide to hit the big city of Singapore for an all night on the town.

My self, David(Shiner) Wright(from London) Michael(Mick)Mc Donaugh (Stoke on Trent) and John (Mac ) Mc Kenna( Burnley Lancs) a very good UK ethnic mix of personalities, well, we all thought so.

"Runs a shore" in Singers were few and far between, mainly due to the cost and there was no point in going unless you were going for a budget busting blast and come back skint but happy.

Bugis street at this time was the same as it had always been, a sort of cross road to the world, everything could happen in Bugis Street, entertainment, you name it, it was probably there, real tasty scran (food) from many street side(in the street) stalls and can I say the eateries?

Backing up the food establishments were many bars and other dens of inequity where if one so desired, you could hook up/meet with females, males, males masquerading as female, performing performers, you name it, it was in and around Bugis Street.

To say the least it was an interesting place to spend an evening. Into the back of a three ton truck (the liberty vehicle) and off to Singers, first port of call, the Britannia Club, beer was cheaper and we could get a head of steam on(warming up the engine) before strolling down to BS.

To be kind, the aroma of Singapore was exotic to say the least, Bugis Street had its own special flavour, black bean, sweet and sour, hot chilli, garlic, barbecue, sauces and plenty more, beans sprouts stir frying in very hot woks, chicken ,pork, duck, squid, fish sauce, your mouth began to water as you approached.

Apart from salivating in anticipation of the culinary delights we would soon be enjoying, there was one aroma that didn't quite add to the gastronomic ambience, Rochor canal .

Boy did that "pen and ink" it ran from the north west to the south east, passing relatively close to the east side of BS, it was an open sewer, backing up when the tide was in, to minimise the effect on your evening spent in BS, check on the state of the tide, after heavy rain was also an advantage, flushing out all the dead stuff, you name it was in there.

2

Bugis Strasse(as we called it) had a reputation for being the centre of the gender bender brigade "lady boys" "kai tais" in female garb done up to the nines, many an inebriated service man had enjoyed an encounter with said "bender", convinced it was his charm and personality that had one him a leg over, "nah it was a bloke you dip stick" kind words from seasoned comrades only too glad to put him wise after the event and take the piss.

Food lads, let's get some scran, a favourite was a simple dish called mamee soup, a combination of sliced pork, duck, chicken, prawns(anything the chef could lay his hands on)vegetables , phat choy, spring onion, lots of garlic, all skilfully brought together in a hot wok with chicken stock, great stuff, then the chef dropped in a raw egg beat it until it became like noodles, you seasoned it to suit your self which was usually enough chilli sauce to turn it blood red.

Our first experience of this culinary master piece was in the Chinese saw mill canteen, situated across the main Koto Tingi road opposite Burma Camp, after a boozy session in the Naafi, we would stagger down to the canteen, you wanna mamee soup bootneck's " the chinese chef would call out, oh yes please chef.

Next day on parade, standing in the hot sun, you could feel the chilli coming out in your perspiration under your arms and stinging as it trickled down your sides. I remember the inspecting officer passing me and Ray Ives, giving us a wide birth as the stench of chilli and garlic was oozing through our pores and on our breath, and only 50 cents a bowl delicious and devious.

That's enough haute quisene Singapore style, whilst sedately quaffing Tiger beer in The Britannia Club, we decided upon the task for this evening, Bugis street the venue, objective, to drink all night until the sun came up over the Rochor canal, sunrise at that time was 5:45am.

Rules of engagement, no frigging engagement, we would desist from our usual Singapore week end, ie, getting pissed and bagging off( a few beers and enjoying the carnal delights on offer, no, none of the queer stuff, genuine Susie Wong look-a-like fanny a difficult choice but one we intended to keep.

Sitting at a table just off the south east corner off the cross roads approx 23:00hrs we settled in to our allotted task, whatever happened this night we would all meet up on Saturday at the Brit Club by 12:00hrs.

Across the street were two Kai tais, unusually dressed as bloke's but wearing makeup, one in a purple shirt and the other in serese(pink, we tought maybe there signal colours) well, we were getting a head of steam on.

3

Sitting with the KT's was a real ugly looking woman, approx 6f tall, quite muscular(there's a clue) sallow, pock marked complexion, despite the the eye shadow, rouged cheeks and lipstick, she still looked like Johno the camp post corporal.

Was it corporal Johnston in drag? He was not the finest example of handsome, bulbous nose, sallow pock marked complexion, even slightly jaundiced in appearance if you ever read this Johno, nothing personal mate, could have been your sister/brother?

Mick was smitten, never could hold his drink, couple of sherbets and he was burbling like a bloody chipmunk, "She's essence, look at the body on that" oh for Christ Mick are you blind as well as pissed, it's a fucking bloke you dip stick.

Mr Mc Donagh was having none of this, he continued in giving the Johno look alike the glad eye, then the bender gender stood up straightened her tight fitting dress with sexy aplomb and sloped off down the street, with a casual glance over "it's" shoulder in Mick's direction.

That was it, Mick jumped up, knocking over his beer and chair, and steamed off after "it" waving a ten buck note,(expensive) gone into the night, me and Mac looked at each other and in unison said "crazy bastard".

Now passed the bewitching hour, and some of the stalls were closing, we decide the best chance of achieving our objective was to move away from the cross roads and up the northern road where the bars got less share of the business, there for more likely to stay open.

We settled in for the long haul to sun rise, we'd drunk beyond the "burbling stage and were now into "lamp swinging" tales of daring do when along came some Norskies (Norwegian ) merchant seamen, spotting that this bar was still selling grog they came across and joined us.

They hailed from Narvik, the only ice free port in northern Norway and the scene of two battles against the Germans in WW2, they offered to buy us a drink, which we refused explaining that we were down here on a once a month run and short of mazuma and that we were Royal Marines, just back from Borneo but thanks all the same, Jackpot! The beer began to flow.

The subtle use of the "Strangling Cord "(Naval patwa for drink trapping from the gullible) and we were virtually swamped with ale, boy they could knock it back and insisted that it was an honour to be in the company of such an illustrious fighting force, almost felt guilty, not for long, cheers Olaf.

4

They asked were with 41 commando, who were the first brigade strength unit to go winter war faring, no, but we know someone who was, Mc Donnagh. Mick told that that he became snow blind and went doollally, running out of the line of march and eating handfuls of snow cackling pieces of eight, we think he was trying to work his ticket, no joy.

Popular rumour has it ,that when 41 arrived at the location the mountain side was covered in little fir trees, when they left there wasn't a tree left standing. Olaf and his pals were pissing theselves laughing, the Tiger kept coming, there for we felt duty bound to continue with "tales from 41s Norse Sagas".

Bearing in mind that these were mostly passed on by Mc Donnagh, there may be some slight interpretation irregularities, Mick told us that he wasn't that clever at skiing, on one occasion he was gingerly going down-hill when another pair of skis suddenly appeared between his and two arms gripped him firmly round the waist, a voice said" oop's sorry" as the pair rapidly gained momentum, totally out of control heading at a rate of knots for the trees , big ones.

They cannoned onto the forest ended up in a heap, but no broken bones, the uninvited skiing partner was an equally crap skier who had lost his poles The following evening they were told to wax up their skis as there was no likely hood of any overnight fresh snow, wrong! Skis were waxed, it was chaos, particularly if you were a mortar man with a base plate on a man pack, bodies O.O.C everywhere.

Those who thought they could ski went down into the local village, shushing down the piste, finding it difficult to stop with any style and coming a cropper and ending up in a heap, much to the amusement of the local crumpet who were observing "Royals" gallant efforts from the comfort of the local cafe; particularly when some actually hit the cafe.

Arthur(Wankie) Smith, nick name self-explanatory, was in a troop skiorging(being towed by a snow cat on a long rope all members on skis), Arthur, being tale end Charlie and crap at control(in more ways than one) could not handle the whip effect of the rope when going round bends, he ended up off road in snow drifts, head first, the nco ic would yell " get a grip you wanker" which of course was very much to the point in Arthur case.

The piste de resistance for Arthur was the cross country ski, as usual Arthur was toiling well behind every one, the rest of the troop were having a fag break when they heard this scream and observed a body going over the trees. On investigation they found Arthur at the bottom of the ski jump, visible only by his skis sticking out of a snow mound.

5

When Arthur was de snowed and suitably recovered, he was asked what he screaming whilst air borne, I didn't realize I had taken a wrong turn until I was hurtling down the ski jump at a rate knots, didn't even know what it was, I thought I was going over a cliff, almost shit myself with fright and yelled "Mother".

Arthur was not alone in his lack of skill on the pointy planks of wood. Many an out of control Bootneck was heard to shout " save me a late supper" to any one in ear shot as they sped past, trying to remember how to stop without breaking something.

Popular rumour had it that the C.O. Had not been observed skiing, until the last day of the exercise, when he suddenly appeared shushing down the piste like a pro, he unfortunately found a hole and broke his leg, they(the lads ) said it made their day.

I think our Viking friends were feeling home sick or they were running short of cash as they bade us good night and good luck, the good luck was on our side they must have bought four pints a piece, insisted they did, would not let us buy a round, that's what you get for being a Bugis Strasse Blagger.

Sun's coming up Mac, one more for the road, felt sorry for the Chinese guy who was serving us, he was kipping on a bench behind us waiting for us to go for a piss, then he would grab the table and chairs and close up. Nothing doing we took in turns to prevent mission drink till sun rise from being scuppered.

We arrived at the appointed rendezvous at 11:50 hrs and awaited the arrival of Mick, in he comes, all smiles Mac and I said in unison, "it was a bloke wasn't it?" he said well sort of, When we got back to her/his flat she/he said do you mind if I turn the light of to undress, I'm shy( oh yeah) Mick said I couldn't care-less, I was as hard as a chocolate frog and as horny as a boar in the sows pen.

We slipped into bed, I put my arms round her/him and discovered a very hairy back, it was then that she/he told me she/he was saving up to get the gender operation to make she/he female, and did I mind, by this time I was passed caring, and said " whatever, it aint gonna save you" and bashed on regardless, and she/he cooked me a fry up this morning

Me and Mac, in unison again, "good was it?" oh yeah, cracking bit of bacon, and we promised not to tell anyone, well not until now'

1963. July 'An intended Ambush'. Turn a dream to an adventure. By Edward 'Andy' Anderson 2 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

Being not too sure if I should write this story I let time fly by. My health spiralled but gave me time to reconsider as I lay studying a hospital ceiling. You see, it is a part of what happened and others might consider it unimportant. We will never again see our brother Marines as they were back then but Memories last longer than dreams. So all I have to do is close my eyes and sail to another morning.

I thought the places would be impossible to find again but as luck would have it I received information that helped in a telephone director.

'The Old Gurkha Location

The sky was still light and the heavens had yet to call out the faint evening stars. But the mosquitoes ever alert as usual turn out in thousands and formed their squadrons to begin their annoying evening attacks. The Tilley lamp hissed apologetically at the end of the wooden hut that remains a sound I have never forgotten. The first night I spent here was lying next to the lamp, when a sergeant stood behind me and asked if I were a Scot. I said yes and he replied I, thought so, 'you bastards sleep with one eye open.' Coming from an Englishman I considered it a complement.

It was an old Gurkha location near a small village in Sarawak called Pang Te Bang. The location as we called it, stood near a river of variant width and depth that ran around the location forming a simple delta. It was considered an ideal defensive position as the river had its steep embankment adding to an open two hundred yards as an ideal killing ideal ground for a Light Machine Gun. The open area was a tangle of wild grass and roots were exposed clearly at night to a moon lamination brighter that the Tilley Lamp. The location was probably chosen as ideal for a patrol to the Kampong Gumbang situated near the Indonesian border. We often went there hopefully to find some indication of enemy movements and to administer first aid to the local children or whatever was of the latest intelligence.

In Pang Te bang we were settling in for the night and slipped into our bashers which was a slit trench covered with battered attap leaf and burst sandbags.

We had a black communication wire tied to our wrist to alert each other in the night like of puppets in series. We hoped there would be no panic as lay as comfortable as possible with the company of large rats that were going to be active when we dozed off. The floor of the basher was emerged in water that had seeped from the river or old rain. We lay on a ledge several feet from the watered base and covered in a mosquito net or silky parachute that made you sweat a little.

The dark was so impressive in this eastern compass covering all in its perpetual path and blanketing the bashers in dank darkness. The night was full of noises, including continual screeching and howling of animals and insects, that were unseen under the coverage of the leafy bushes. There was a continuous racket that alerted the senses and sent a shiver down the neck. My SLR was close at hand.

The location had to be picketed by foot for security each night. Those on duty tended to do so in a sleepy pace. Walking a chosen route that passed the lonely hut and then to pick a way down towards the river hidden in its shadowy embankments. A static sentry stayed in the basher and similar to the roving picket had one up the spout in readiness. The rims of trees were like ink blotches on the horizon and contrasted with the skies pale light. A flock of fruit bats flew silently across the moon looking as if they had just left the gates of hell, their wings slowly flapping in a silent rhythm.

A picket watch at night seemed to last for an unnatural length of time as if the clockworks of time were deliberately slowed by fiendish play goblins. There were times when we would have given a million dollars to close our eyes for a minute or two and not regret the loss of money. The morning was eternally welcome lighting up the basher and relieving us from the uncertainness of the dark and brought its optimism of a new day. One morning I had a large rat sitting on the end of feet examining me like a chief calculating the number of meals I would make. It didn't take me long to move my legs and had them carry me swiftly outside.

There was one second it had entered my mind to shoot it but common sense took over and I missed the opportunity to lose a toe. Dysentery visited most of us and one marine said he set the record of visiting the bogs fourteen times before breakfast.

The bogs were very elementary, we just a hung over a large tree branch to discharge our waste into the river. We were sure as gun going to return several minutes later. It was of course advisable to wash up stream where the water was a cool caramel colour. I remember seeing a large bull leach hanging from one of my friends chin as he swam by. I thought he was going to be sick when I told him of the leach. One thing I had learned was not to follow Hollywood movies and burn the leach with a cigarette, especially one as large as this. I took a bar of soap and rubbed his lower lip and the leach slid down into the water. This was a remedy we learned by accident but there were of course others. We were saved from our youthful amateurishness by the arrival of Sergeant McCarthy a man of experience. I knew him from the shooting team and had nothing but admiration for him. In the morning he examined the bashers and decided they were one step from useless and obviously rat infested. To prove this he fired rounds into the log walls and watched as they split apart. He moved our firing positions to a more friendly area with better drainage and far superior fireproofing. The first step was to fill in the basher trenches and clear a killer firing zone. We had to dress in shit rig which was anything we considered to be comfortable while we cutaway the long grass and very stubborn bushes.

My Machete companion was Juby (Cain), he had another name but that is another story. As we cut towards the river it became difficult when bush routes tangled with the grass. We knew there were snakes around but they didn't seem interested in us. I hit a large branch and something dropped into my right unlaced baseball boot. I glanced down and was surprised to see two glowing eyes and a pointed nose looking at me. It began to squirm and slide within the boot, it felt slithery and damp. I called Juby over and asked him how you get a snake out of a boot. Juby carried on swing his machete and answered, 'Take it out.' Then he carried on his work. It was at least some advice. I did exactly what he said and out popped a little frog.

This event gave Juby a humorous story to tell over the next few days and who could blame him.

Early next morning just as the sun began to raise two Irishmen (one named Wilson) woke me from a very deep welcome sleep. 'Would you like a good job?' Before I had time to answer properly he said. 'Were leaving the unit soon leaving for UK and there will be a vacancy for a lead scout for the company, are you interested?' Still somewhat asleep I agreed because they promised they would show me the ropes. We left early that morning for a place we called Tringgus ria and then to Tringgus san. (We asked an expert if these were proper place names, but he couldn't as the military often made them up. Now the trail is a tourist spot). The usual walk time they explained was about nine to eleven hours the journey would take one way. Distance was measured in the number of hours taken to your destination, in my staggeringly simple Malay I would ask' Berapa jam kampong (wherever). This was where a good water proof watch was a bonus. I lost count of the number of times we crossed a river and the number of muddy hills we climbs. I was not jungle fit which was very different from a running track. Most will remember it fitness being that of strength, agility and endurance in one bundle. When we were near the first kampong the Irish lads left me struggling a bit and it was some time before I caught up. Wilson was cooking rice. 'Do you know how to cook, we'll teach you anyhow'. He said as I staggered past completely knackered.

After about six times making the same journey I came to enjoy the tracking and I was no longer a stranger to the Hutan or Ullu. I was told one evening I would be taking a larger patrol next day and this excited me somewhat. I was so excited I found it difficult to sleep. I remember we were told by our CO on arrival to Sarawak that some of us would be like Davy Crocket and we all laughed. Never for a second did I think we could learn such a skill so naturally.

I woke to the busy sounds of cooking and packing and checking weapons. I walked to the front to begin our patrol and was amazed to find a dark-haired scruffy Border Scout. There was an officer who called me aside and explained the border scout would be in charge. Miffed, would be the appropriate word but there but it was an order and that was that. I followed on faithfully looking back to see Sergeant McCarthy and some NCO.

All seemed well until we reached a delta in the river where the scout stopped and pointed to the right. This was where the land rose over ridge upon ridge. It was the way I usually came back as the slops lent themselves to downhill gravity assistance.

In other words this was the easiest way back but the opposite going uphill this way. I told him he was wrong and he was far from amused. He broke in to a furious dialogue of what appeared to be a bit crazy.

The officer appeared and talked for a time with the scout and then tried to impress on me I was wrong. The scout was from the area and was therefore would be right. Thankfully Sergeant McCarthy came strolling along and asked the officer what the difficulty was. He came over to me and we talked for a good ten minutes while I explained the problem. 'Are you sure Andy?' He asked. I nodded and gave an assertive yes. McCarthy spoke to the officer and seemed to come to an agreement. I was then placed in front and glad to be back on my job. The scout was in a dark joyless mood his eyes following every move I made. When we stopped for a rest two of the marines came to sit nearby. I'm sure they were Tam and Knoxy who told me. "You'd better watch out Andy he's fidgeting with his rifle and machete when he looks at you'. I made it known I would shoot the bastard if he intended me harm.

The way was muddy and precarious but all seemed well as we arrived at the Kampong's. I heard there had been a radio call but I was not privileged to any information. One thing was sure that night I had my beady eye on the scout who hovered around a lot. When it was time to return once again I stepped to the front ignoring the scouts evil glances. This time it seemed much longer to arrive back to our camp and the only incident I remember was one of the lads complaining he had been bitten by a butterfly.

As I neared the lonely hut Sergeant McCarthy touched my shoulder and told me the radio message informed them the border scout had tried to lead us in to an ambush on the way he chose. Two marines hearing this raced towards the border scout rifle ready to use their rifle butts. McCarthy called them back and pointed to a very large Chinese police officer. 'He'll get far worse from him'. We all agreed. And that was the end of it.

It seems the border scout who looked quite young was in his late thirties and was an Indonesian trained spy. Whatever the truth we were OK.

P.S. My water proof watch was a Rolex I had purchased from a Marine for £18.00 and included all the paperwork and sold in London three years ago for £600. It was severely damaged but still ticked away. On the Tringgus Trail there is a high remote Bidayah Village close to the Indonesian border, beyond Bua with Limestone hill tracks and ample rivers, where you can travel by Land rover. If I had known I would have taken my fishing rod.

1963. August. 784 Kings squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1963. September. 791 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1963. September. 'A Green Marine in Sarawak' Pang Amo by Patrick Walker 8 Troop. C Company 40 Commando RM. & A.E.

We had left our commando carrier HMS Albion just 24 hrs. before, and now waited on the grass landing area at Serian to be flown to our first location of Pang Amo. This was my first operational Tour since completing training so it was all a bit nerve wracking.

Our section, with all our kit and equipment sat in the Wessex, and as the noise of the rotors increased, the helicopter lifted off. Through the open door we watched those below clasping their hats, and we saw the rotor wash make patterns in the grass. We skimmed the thirty miles or so across a solid green jungle canopy and some twenty minutes later came in to land in a clearing at Pang Amo.

Everything was grabbed and we jumped out and moved away, to kneel down in the long grass under the severe down draft from the blades. The 'chopper' departed and the silence was deafening, but not for long. as all the local children came running across with screams of delight. The noisy gathering throng immediately offered to carry our packs and stores. They were a dark brown-skinned people of whom some showed signs of malnourishment, but despite this they were extremely strong. They all knew the rewards for carrying out the duty of porters. The children would get boiled sweets or biscuits, and the men would get a couple of cigarette each.

We trotted along in single file behind them across the open area, through the village and crossed a rickety log bridge over the river. They mostly preferred to wade through the water with a ten-man ration pack balanced on their heads. This was a small troop location and at this time was on the far side of the river. The defences were dug in around a large wooded house vacated by a Chinese merchant, and sat on high ground just above the river. Guards were posted and then we were given a guided tour round the area. Part of one section set off immediately up the track towards another village called Kujang Tembawang which was some forty minutes away. This was an advanced position to give fore warning of any attempted approach by guerrillas.

Stores and rooms were allocated and then after a briefing we sat down to a meal. It was after this that we were sitting and talking in the downstairs room by the light of a hissing tilley lamp. The blackout was enforced and hessian draped over all doorways and openings. The coils of Dannert wire had been pulled across the access track and the trip flares had been armed.

'Jock' J. was on guard in a trench some twenty yards from the front door, and it was he who fired a burst from the Bren gun. It was so sudden and so loud that for a full second nobody moved , then there was a scramble to grab weapons and equipment that were hanging from nails on the wall. Nervous hands reached up and turned out the lamp and we were plunged into darkness. it took several minutes before we had gained anything like night vision, during which time we had sorted into three groups. We knew which trenches we were to go to and as soon as the door was opened, we scurried out like frightened rabbits.

There was much fumbling and tripping because some of the trenches were reached by steps, and in the dark more than one man ended up with muddy trousers and bruised shins. We squeezed into our trench and hardly daring to breathe carefully looked over the top of the sandbags. The sound of the shots was still ringing in my ears, but now all I could hear was the heavy breathing of three men, each one trying to catch the faintest sound. There followed the thump of the 2" mortar as the crew fired a parachute illuminating flare. There was a 'pop' as it burst into brilliant light, and then slowly fell to earth swinging gently on its parachute. We heard the crash as the empty container fell some distance away in the trees. But now as the flare drifted down, fast moving shadows were produced by every tree and fold in the ground. We nervously watched these but there was no answering fire from outside the perimeter.

A second and a third were fired and once more the Bren opened up with two short bursts. There followed an unearthly silence as the last of the flares burnt out and we were plunged into pitch black again. We stood there for half an hour and then quietly returned to the accommodation. The troop officer explained the sentry thought he had seen something crawling towards him near the wire. The result of all this was double-guards for the rest of the night.

Daylight revealed a small area of flattened grass probably the result of a wild pig. The wire obstacles across the track were removed and the trip flares disarmed and then the way was open for the locals to go about their business since the curfew was now lifted.

Pang Amo sat astride the main track between here and the forward location and had five defensive bunkers ringing the central area. There were layers of Dannert wire in different configurations and fields of 'panjis', ( sharpened bamboo stakes) pushed into the ground and all facing outwards. There was also wire on the far side of the river from us and flares to warn of approach from that side. The local school teacher (a Malay) came over from the village, and introduced himself in pretty good English. He enquired about the shooting and we had to rather sheepishly blame it on first night nerves.

We settled into a routine and the troop signaller, who had some basic first aid, started a morning clinic for the sick. Word soon got around and each morning he was greeted by a queue, though what you could do with codeine, sticking plaster, triangular bandages and the enormous white tablets (for stomach upset) was somewhat limited. Mother brought all her children, knowing that we would give them a sweet, grandma came with all her aches and pains, real and imaginary, and dad had to come so he was not left out.

There was one amusing case one morning when an old man came in complaining of a stomach ache. To the local psyche a pill would cure any ailment and in this instance he was given two codeine tablets, one to take then with water, and one for later. he promptly waved away the water and proceeded to chew the tablet. His next reaction was to spend several minutes spitting it out with various moans and groans, and from the horrified looks on the faces of the rest, they must have thought we had tried to poison him. We now offered him the other tablet but he assured us in no uncertain terms that the pain had gone. The result of this was that the sick parade was a quarter the size the next day - it seemed only the real cases were prepared to be poisoned!

Because we were well off the beaten track and miles from the nearest road all re-supply was by air, normally every three days. On the first one I was detailed off at 10.30 to go to the DZ and await an air drop. I collected my equipment and with my rifle made my way across the river and through the village, and past a shop that seemed to sell everything from dried fish to tin plates. At the edge of the open area used for the DZ there was a bamboo lean-to for shade and by the time I had reached this I was like the Pied Piper with a string of the local children following.

The grass was fairly long and on the far side of the DZ was a cultivated area for vegetables and a section laid out with black pepper growing up tall poles rather like hop plants. The drop time came and went and I was almost on the point of returning when at 13.15 I heard the distant sound of an aircraft. It eventually got louder and then flashed over the clearing at about 800ft.

I could clearly see the dispatcher on his safety line standing in the open doorway. He threw out a weighted streamer for the wind drift and the aircraft banked and started to turn. It was a Hastings, and with a turning circle of about 5 miles I think, he had to be careful not to cross the line of the border. It came back several minutes later and when it was overhead an object was pushed out of the door and after about 50ft. this jerked to a stop under a bright red parachute. While this slowly drifted down the aircraft went off on another circuit. The load landed well inside the area but I now had to try and stop the children running over to it before the next run in case we had any 'streamers'. On the next pass two loads come down one under a blue and the other under a brown parachute, and landed further away. The last pass produced two further chutes, and then with a wave from the dispatcher, the aircraft flew off.

Of the last two one drifted well up into the pepper plants and the chute snagged across some of the poles.

At the first sound of the aircraft the local men had appeared again and with their help the chute was retrieved. The children obviously knew the routine and were busy stuffing the nylon chutes back into their canvas bags, which would go back to base for re-packing Meanwhile the men brought the stores into a central pile. When everything was accounted for, everyone picked up a box and I followed the long file as they trotted back to base. There they got their reward of boiled sweets or biscuits. Occasionally if we did not have enough to go round we would give out tins of produce from the ration packs. Because they could not read the wording their trick was to shake the can and guess what it might be. Sugar and tea made a very distinctive rustling sound, but explaining what was in a can that made no sound was beyond me. It could have been mutton stew, rich fruit cake or even sausage and beans; they had to take potluck.

Whilst on patrol we sometimes nailed up foot-square yellow and black metal signs in Malay and Chinese to advise and warn the locals what to do should they come across any guerrillas.

On another day, as part of the hearts and minds, an Auster flew over several villages in this area and scattered showers of leaflets. These exhorted the locals to dig defences and man them in time of trouble, and if all the security forces and themselves joined together we could beat the common enemy, the Indonesian guerrillas. I managed to get one of these leaflets to keep as a souvenir.

Since most of the locals were illiterate we didn't know if the gist of the message was getting through !

Our other main contribution to the hearts and minds campaign was if we came across a medical problem beyond the locals ability and ours, we could then call up a Chopper' to take them to Kuching. Luckily these were not too frequent but one was a small boy with some sort of eczema on his scalp. His hair, or what was left of it, was full of large scabs.

A rather more serious one appeared early one morning. One of the locals came to us and tried to explain in Malay his problem, but none of us could understand what he wanted. While some one went for the school teacher to translate, he motioned us to follow, and standing very shyly round the corner with what we assumed was her mother, was a rather attractive girl. She was holding her left hand, which was wrapped in leaves. Our 'Doc' led her into his surgery and while I steadied her hand by holding her wrist he unravelled the leaves. Beneath was a congealed mass of blood and dirt. After cleaning this away we were confronted by the real wound. This girl had been cutting sugar cane and whilst slashing with her perang (knife) she had missed and buried it in the knuckle of her index finger almost severing it. The horrifying fact was that she had done it three days before and been too shy to come and see us. We called up for a helicopter immediately to take this case to Kuching, and they would have had their first mind-blowing trip flying like a bird in a helicopter!

We did see her some time later when she had recovered but she had severely restricted the movement of this finger. Our own most serious casualty during our first month was the Troop Officer, Lt. 'C'. Whilst returning from disarming the trip flares outside the wire he had slipped on the winding muddy track and put a 'panji' through his leg. As he fell he ripped a nasty hole in the calf muscle. He was carried in cursing himself for being such a damm fool, but from the look on his face he was obviously in great pain. A helicopter was called immediately.

He was wrapped in a blanket and put on a stretcher but the blood had drained from his face and he was starting to sweat heavily, a sure sign he was going into shock. In the end he was given a dose of morphine and seemed to settle better. As soon as the helicopter was heard we had to manhandle the stretcher down the steep muddy track to the river, wade across and up the far bank and get him to the DZ. (The log bridge was quite impossible to use since it was only a foot wide.) We never saw him again although he made a good recovery and eventually became a Wessex helicopter pilot.

Our total existence at Pang Amo comprised guard duties, strengthening the defences, patrolling rear areas and every other week to change over duties with the advance location and from there occasionally set night ambushes on the border tracks. It was hard work and not helped by the lack of sleep. The very high humidity and perrenial rain, making it an uncomfortable existence whilst under constant attack from mosquitoes and the all-pervading leeches. We did have a small volleyball pitch alongside the accommodation on which we took on some of the locals and even if they did not completely understand our rules it was a way to relax.

By the time we left some weeks later, after handing over to a troop of Malay soldiers, we had gained valuable experience of how to live and survive under these conditions and flew to Padawan ready for our next location further along the border.

1963. Prior to our Autumn Pescando y Poemas AKA FISHING AND POETRY. David (Shiner) Wright 1 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

A jaunt across the water to Sarawak (3rd time) we had a new troop sergeant for 1troop A coy, Sergeant McCarthy was going home, and he had been a top hand as far as we, the lads were concerned.

The "new broom" was a sergeant Withers, any-body know him? Yes I do, what's he like? .Prior to my draft to 40CDO I was a member of the august band of hero's at The Depot Deal, the pioneer section, broom wranglers, street embellisher's, refuse management executives (aka the lads on the bin wagon)landscape artists (grass cutting)

We did every-thing and any-thing, even went down to Chatham Naval Barracks to carefully dismantle a pre-war, sectional timber building, bring it back and re build it for the padres cake and arse parties.

1960, there were just six bodies on the pioneer section by late 61 there were 60 bodies, there was a build-up of men to reform 43Commando in Plymouth.

60 bodies where could we hide, our base was by the east gate, in what was a war time hospital, so many rooms, we had a darts room, table tennis, five aside football in the opps room, The Marine café struggled to cook 120 oggies for tea brake and we brewed tea in two gallon buckets.

Sergeant Oliver was IC, a good hand well liked and a pleasure to work with, he got drafted to 45cdo, early in 62, in comes Withers, he slotted in nicely, very easy going, he didn't do much, we had things ship shape and Bristol fashion. We made sure no one could complain or pull us up. Brooms carried at the slope, fatigues clean and pressed, boots highly polished, wellies washed, all turned down at the same hight, boot neck bluff at its best.

My answer to the question was "he's a good hand" wrong! Well he turned out to be an absolute arse hole, he was always in a bad mood like he was on restricted privileges in the bed room department, treated trained sweats like recruits, guys were giving him the swerve and I was getting dirty looks and smart remarks.

Look lads, it's not my fault he's turned into Edward Hyde, bide your time, we can get our own back when we get to Sarawak, no parade ground, no stick drill etc, we just blank him.

Fortunately 1section went back to Rasua 2, no Withers there, he was at Rasua 1, occasionally half our section went down to Rasua 1 for supplies that had been brought up by river, Rasua 1 was on a tributary of the Batang Kayan.

2

From the greeting we got from Withers it was clear that the cold shoulder was working, he was almost all over us like a rash, but our resolve held, no chat. We got our supplies loaded up on man packs and hoofed it back to R2.

We were within a week of pulling out, going back to Malaya and Singers for a well-earned rat arsed run ashore so it was leg it down to R1 and 2section and a new troop officer who's name escapes me, so with a young sir around some acknowledgement of the Withers fish was necessary, but it appeared that the restriction of fraternisation was having an effect, he was very with-drawn, think young sir thought he was suffering from some form of Ulu depression.

PESCANDO (FISHING) the border scout/policeman was fishing with a nylon hand line of the landing stage and he hauled up a snapping turtle, it was the size of a pet tortoise, he was chuffed, I will make soup he said and off he went, came back about 45 mins later with a mess tin full of soup, it was really tasty.

I had seen the locals coming into Lundu with a full grown snapper in a bamboo cage, bit like a conical fish trap but much heavier gage bamboo with the turtles head well restrained. The neck comes out about 18 inches, is the size of your fist with a mouth full of reverse sloping teeth, when they get a grip they don't let go, that put me off swimming in the Batang Kayan.

We did swim in the R1 tributary, just for fun we'd dive in at the tributary mouth and swim up to the landing stage against and ebbing tide, I suppose it was a bit dangerous if you were not a strong swimmer, you had to keep swimming hard, no stopping for breath or you got swept out into the main stream, good fun, nothing else to do. Except go fishing(pescando).

We borrowed some nylon line and hooks from the border scout, asked permission to go from sir, a lad called Colin came with me, o.g. under pants(shorts) rifle and a borrowed canoe, we paddled up stream where the locals told us a good spot was on the first bend in the river, Blashford – Schnell and Tonto carry on.

Found the first bend, beached the canoe and started digging for worms, the fish we were after were the cat fish which is the emblem of Lundu, the fish first discovered in the Sungai Lundu.

Worms found, hooks baited with a bunch of worms that would sink and roll along the river bed, lines just looped around a sapling, got one! almost immediately, a nice fish about 2lbs.

3

We had been warned about handling the fish, they have a long sharp bones just below the base of the gill, which springs out with enough force to drive into your hand, which is likely to become infected, so we kept it on the hook before we delivered the coup de gras, with a bloody great stick. Got another one! I was three fish up, Colin hadn't had a touch, he was getting fed up, don't fret Colin your probably get the biggest, by now I was six fish up, Colin really pissed off and wants to go back when wallop! He's into a fish and by the turmoil in the water a good one.

I've been fishing all my life, since I was a nipper, a bite never fails to excite even if it's some else's, take your time Colin, keep the line tight but let it run a bit, Colin was in control and he worked that fish a treat, we beached it after ten minutes, seemed like an hour.

What a beauty, not a cat fish, it resembled an American big mouthed bass, it looked about 4lb, superb, Colin well done mate, the fish was a stunner skin pattern was like a Python, colours black and pink, a beautiful fish, right Colin give it the priest mate, Colin whacked it with the stick and it was still.

Of course Colin could not stop jabbering on about his fish, "I mean who wants a scabby cat fish when you can catch a beauty like this, etc, etc , etc, I just nodded my head in agreement, you've got to let the lad enjoy his moment of glory.

Right Colin, time to head back, I'm going to clean my fish you doing yours oh no don't fancy that, you do it( self-sufficiency takes a back seat) I gutted and cleaned my catfish, I picked up Colins beauty, as I went to push the knife into the anal gland it jerked into life and shot out of my hand into the river, gave me a two fingered look and disappeared .

What the fuck have you done, you bastard, that's my fish, you let it get away, you jealous, lousy bastard, don't hold back Colin tell me how you feel mate, let me remind you, you were supposed to kill it, I did I did, well you didn't did it enough, the bloody thing was just stunned,

Colin confessed that he thought a wee tap on the head was enough, and he'd never done it before, and I should have done it, fuck it!, was my first time fishing, did not know you were an angling virgin, says I trying to lighten the mood.

Well he wasn't having any, sulked all the way back, when we landed he told everybody I lost his monster fish, some mate he is, not going fishing with Shiner no more

(thank fuck for that you whinging git)

4

Got a fire going stuck a sharpened bamboo through and the mouth of the fish and out by the tail, when the fire had burned down to grey ash, we laid the fish directly onto the embers.

The cat fish being very oily, similar to Mackerel, as it cooked the oil came out and burned black on the fish, once it was charred we flipped it over and charred the other side, then it was ready to eat.

Peel back the charred skin and you've got pure white chunky fish, really tasty, Colin tucked in so I took it that I was forgiven, couldn't blame him, that was a stunning fish. He couldn't kill.

The sub lieutenant, who was a new boy, name escapes me, he had with him a book of Rudyard Kipling verse, there was nowt to do in the evening apart from going on watch and reading a book, our subbie suggested we all read a poem(poemas), most of the lads felt a wee bit goofy about reading poetry out load, in front of your mates.

The only poetry I could remember was William Wordsworth (what a name for a poet)

"I wandered lonely as a cloud" the daffodil poem, that was it.

We, six of us sat round the tilley lamp, our subbie kicked off with Gunga Din, we listened in silence, he put life into that verse, a tale of loyalty, above and beyond the call.

It wasn't a stunned silence, more a reflection of what team work means, how each one of us relied upon the next man to him,must admit that reading made the hair rise on my neck. The next orator chose "Tommy" blimey, that was a choker,and although written in another era the sentiments were true,the lad who read it struggled.

Next! Some-one shouted, trying to ease the mood, hairy arsed bootnecks some on a second commish, choking up on peotry (dont tell anyone), next it was "If", well good as it is, it's not a tear jerker, then it was my turn.

Watching and listening to previous poems, noticing how the readers got choked up etc, I decided to play safe and read "The Power of the Dog" being a dog lover (that is not a reference to fornicating with females who are aesthetically challenged) but I was dog daft as a kid, I soon found out that that my choice, even after the first verse was going to have me shedding tears, phew, I could not finish it, had a lump in my throat like a goose egg, beaten by words, me, the mouth, beaten by words.

That was an experience I'll never forget and I still cannot read that poem, only five weeks to push and I would be going home, after a bloody good run ashore in Singers.

1963. September - October. 'Burma Camp Revisited'. Taken from Chapter 7 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

Back at Burma Camp life became a little boring compared with what we had been used to in Sarawak, where the military aspects of life had been quite laxed. We had also become used to the idea of whatever we wanted we took. All we needed to do was give the locals a note saying that Her Majesty's Government promises to pay the bearer the sum of etc etc, mind you I do not know if they ever did.

At Burma Camp, a tough military regime was reinstated and was used in its entirety to pull us all back into line. As soon as we were settled in, the hard work began. At first it started with a fairly liberal dose of square bashing. Followed by a full inventory check of all our personal gear, because most of it had been lost or should I say mislaid during our deployment in Sarawak. Although a lot had been also altered to suit the situation we found ourselves in.

We also under took a lot of jungle training, especially on how to lay ambushes and how to react if you were unfortunate enough to walk into one. Hoping to learn from the wrongs we had all experienced while on active service. Then there was a full physical program organised to knock us back into shape, who were they kidding, out of shape my eye. I found this one had to understand, how could we be in a bad physical shape after all of the patrols we had been on during the past few months. What they really meant to say was that the HQ members need to be whipped into shape, because they had never been out on patrol. However, there was no gymnasium, so it was all achieved outdoors in the full glare of the sun on the football fields.

During 40 Commando's first tour of duty they had suffered a number of casualties from medical and hygiene problems, a close study of the jungle drills was instituted, and related training courses have been retained in the Corp to the present day. Therefore, as you can imagine we spent a lot of time in the jungle honing our new found skills.

I remember one such day when B Company gave the whole unit an anti-truck ambush demonstration. For this they used two of their sections, who were positioned in the back of a three ton truck. The first demonstration was to show us how not to travel in the back of a truck.

As the truck sped towards us, all the Marines were acting drunk and dancing about. Once the truck was ambushed, bodies were seen falling about everywhere as the truck came to an emergency stop. It was utter chaos with one guy actually rolling over the front of the cab onto the road in front of the driver, while others spilled out of the open sides. It gave us all a good laugh, but in real life they would have all been killed. Once the watching Marines had gone through a debrief picking on all the relevant points. B Company then under took a re-run showing us the correct way to travel in a truck while in a hostile environment. The truck was going a lot slower this time, with everybody quiet and holding onto his rifle in a ready to fire position. At the ambush point, the truck pulled up with the Marines on the back returning fire. Some jumped off to take up better fire positions, while being covered by their comrades. Once in a good position they open fired, allowing the remainder of the Marines to get off the truck safely. It was a good demonstration with a great deal being learnt by all, and to prove a point none of the Marines were laughing during the second demonstration. Until that is one Marine just happened to draw attention to the fact that there were no roads in Sarawak. Adding that during our last deployment only very small two seater Citroen flat backs were used.

We also went into the Ulu, our name for the jungle, to a village that had been specially constructed on a small hill and fortified. It housed many underground tunnels and buckers beneath the village. It was very impressive and was of the same design that the Americans found in Vietnam. I went through some of these tunnels and I must say it was quite scary, just knowing that in real life the enemy would be down here somewhere waiting to kill you. Not to mention the bobby traps and snakes, all very frightening especially for the squeamish.

On one-excursion into the Ulu poor old Don Hackett had a flare gun cartridge hit him right on the bridge of his nose. Fired I believe by our officer Lieutenant Bar, it bounced off a tree and hit him, while the phosphorus was still burning. It split his nose open like a banana. After hospital treatment the scar always looked black, I guess it was from the burning. Don was very lucky not to have lost the sight in that eye, but I never heard him complain, he just accepted it as part of life. Of all the Marines I knew, Don was military through and through and you just knew he was in for the full duration, which at that time amounted to twenty two years. He was one of the few guys you knew you could rely on in any emergency situation. I always believed Don to be of Victoria Cross material.

This was also a time when I took up running once again and would spend hours running around the bottom football fields in my heavy leather boots. I found that it was a good way to train, because once I swapped them for my running shoes on race day, it felt like I was running on air.

One afternoon I was in our hut on the side of the hill overlooking the football fields and the Jungle Warfare School on the other side of the hill. The school consisted of several tin huts housing at that time a contingent of Gurkhas. A very bad thunderstorm was taking place and I do mean bad. Lightning strikes were happening all around us, one hit a power pole near our hut and we watched as a green glow ran along the wire to another pole and explode with a terrific bang. The bang was so loud that it is very hard to describe. As well as this explosion, the thunder was also very loud making us jump at times. Suddenly across the valley, we saw another lightning strike hit a transformer on a power pole. The same green glow shot along a wire fixed to one of the tin huts. As the glow hit the hut, there was a terrific bang. Suddenly Gurkhas soldiers were seen diving out of the windows and doors. There must have been about a dozen of them, we found out later that nobody was hurt, just very scared and slightly deaf.

For recreation most weekends we would board a three-ton truck on a Friday night and all head south into Singapore with sixty dollars in our pockets. It became a routine, drink until you passed out somewhere and slept where you fell. On Saturday mornings we would head for the Britannia club for a swim and to sober up, we travelled light with no gear. Then it was get drunk time again, ending up across the square in another club, known as the Union Jack Club. There it would be pretty much the same, drink, drink and more drink.

The Union Jack club always held a talent competition on a Saturday night and a local girl called Rita always sang. We would all cheer so loud she would always win, although she sounded terrible. Then one day a Marine from C Company sang the American folk song the 'Alamo'. From then on, we made sure he always won, even if it meant that we had to go round the tables and threaten violence, if the other patrons did not vote for him.

Once the clubs had shut we would all take a trip down to the infamous Boogis Street or somewhere else much the same, looking for female company. However, I was lucky and ended up with a regular girl, which is very unusual in this type of environment. She was a young student attending the Singapore University and her Mother was one of the teachers. I must have been one of the only guys who did not end up with a street worker. It still amazes me to this day that I held on to her for so long. Because I was never what you would call a well-dressed person. Like I've mentioned earlier, whatever clothing I left the camp wearing on the Friday night, I was in when I returned to camp on the Sunday night. Lu was half Chinese and both she and her Mother spoke a little broken English. There were times when I went home with Lu and she allowed me to clean myself up. Lu was always very kind to me knowing that I did not have much money, she paid on many occasions. Our little affair only lasted a few months. However, with me being on standby to return to Borneo at any time I guess our relationship was doomed to fail. I believe the end came one Sunday morning when I failed to meet up with her in a café located in the better end of town, by Collyer Quay near Clifford Pier. From that day I never looked back, anyway it was almost time for my units return to Borneo and there was no way that I would be able to keep in touch with her, my writing skills would have seen to that.

Boogis Street is well known throughout the world by the service men of that era. During the daytime, it was just the same as any other street that you could find throughout Singapore Island. While at nights most of the open fronted shops would bring out their tables and chairs and it would be turned into one very big road side bar cum café. It had a reputation amongst all service personnel that you could purchase anything down this street and I do mean anything. We also had a saying that the 8th wonders of the modern world, was to watch the sun rise over Boogis Street. Unfortunately, not many people ever achieved this feat, usually collapsing through alcohol and sheer exhaustion, long before the sun's rays broke the skyline. Whatever you wanted to buy, it was always cheaper here than anywhere else. On top of that, you always had to bargain, or haggle as we called it. Many times, I woke up the following morning clutching something that I had bought the night before and not had a clue as to why I had bought it. I usually ended up giving it to somebody, not wanting to carry it around with me for the duration of the weekend.

On one particular occasion I woke up in the Union Jack Club lying on a bed covered with what I believed was a nice clean white sheet. Mind you there seemed to be a horrible smell coming in through the open windows. Upon closer inspection I found a six week old puppy snuggled up to me and the sheets covers in loose dog poo. Lucky for me there were no other people in the room, so I changed the sheets with another bed and gave the puppy to one of the club cleaners, who walked away with a broad smile on his face. Upon reflection I hope he didn't take it home and eat it.

Sunday mornings we would sober up once again back at the Britannia Club while taking a swim. Not too much drink though, as most of us would be down to our last couple of dollars. We would have to stretch it out until we were picked up at 6 pm, from outside of the Britannia Club. The three-ton trucks would pick us up and return us to our Burma Camp home. In order that we might get back into all of our old routines, that included plenty of so called and spit and polish. Can you imagine what we must have smelt and looked like, still wearing the same old T-shirt and trousers we had left the camp in on Friday night. No change of clothes and no washing gear, how I ever found myself a girlfriend I will never know. Most of the guys just smelt of sick, stale beer and fags. As a footnote on many occasions some of us used to sleep rough in the Cathedral Churchyard each night. It being in the middle of the very large traffic island separating the Britannia and Union Jack clubs. It was a great way to let off steam and we did not harm anybody although we might have threatened a few locals. A lot of our behaviour was tolerated because of the Sarawak campaign and anyway we were guarding many of their interests.

Another way we let off steam was when a group of us would occasionally go up the road from Burma Camp to visit the Kota Tinga waterfalls. They were located near an old tin mine with a lush area of jungle around it. To get to the falls we had to go past an old Japanese prisoner of war camp, which was still intact but over grown. I hated that place, knowing that Uncle Eric had been captured around here somewhere during the Second World War, but it was a great place to swim in its very cool water.

I met up with a Marine from C Company, who had formed a band from members of his company. I used to go to the camp cinema and watch them practice. It was my first insight to the workings of a live band. I also noticed how the Bass guitar just dominated the whole sound. Unfortunately, I never saw them perform outside the camp on a gig. The only thing I learnt from the encounter was that one day I would like to try and learn how to play the Bass Guitar, although at that time I could never see it happening.

One day we were told that our hut was to be used for a girly film show and that we could all watch for free, however everybody else had to pay fifty cents. So, there was great excitement and expectations as the night drew near. Show night saw our hut bursting at the seams, you would have thought the whole Commando unit was packed inside, all seven hundred and sixty-six men. Once the film show got started, there were the usual cat calls and jokes, being thrown around. This is usually quite funny and makes for a good sound track. Everybody seemed to be enjoying what they had paid for. Once the show was over somebody asked the guy showing the film, where he had got it from and he replied he had taken it. Who is the bird someone shouted at him, my wife he replied? A deadly hush fell over the whole hut and you could cut the air with a knife. All of a sudden, two of Marines grabbed the projectionist and threw him out of the hut and beat him up and making a good job of it. When the story of the beating leaked out and an officers got to hear of it, the Marine was whisked away somewhere. We never saw him again, you just do not do that sort of thing with your own wife and then brag about it. Mind you I guess they must be somebody's wives. Once again, we males are a very hypercritical race.

Another incident worth mentioning was when an Army guy who was out on the town and becoming quite drunk. Later he jumped into a taxi and asked the driver to take him to see a white woman for a night. You guessed it, the taxi driver took him to his own house. That night he smashed the place to pieces, so the military police became involved. They discovered a vice ring being run by some of the wives while their husbands were away in Sarawak. The end result was that about a dozen or so wives, including one Marines wife, all got sent home to England, to defuse the situation. Many Marines take their wives on tour with them, but I never thought it right, as they spent so much time on their own while living in a strange country. You imagine if I had taken a wife with me to Burma Camp and then within the first couple of weeks, I was rushed off to Sarawak. She would have been on her own in a strange country and surroundings, with no friends for almost six months. It always amazed me that the military allowed that to happen.

On occasions we would go to Nee Soon to buy our Rabbits, that's Royal Naval slang for presents. Nee Soon is a small village on the main Singapore Island but out of the city and in the middle of the country. Here it was supposed to be the cheapest place to purchase these types of things. I think I sent Mum and Dad a couple of items while I was out there. One was a black musical box and when you opened the lid up popped a ballet dancer, who danced to the music. The other was a brandy barrel built like a donkey it being musical as well. It had four small whisky glasses placed around it on a little rack. Of all the Rabbits I sent home only one of the small whisky glasses got broken. I also sent a Chung Sam, that's a split dress, to a girl pen friend I was trying to write to in America. Never did know what happened to her. I guess she might have got fed up with my dozen line letters, all three of them.

Sitting outside of our accommodation huts each day was an Indian guy who for fifty cents a week would make our beds, clean your shoes and iron our uniforms. He had a little paraffin stove and would cook us an Egg Banjo, which consisted of a fried egg between a bread roll and a cup of coffee for one dollar. There were about a dozen of these guys scattered throughout the camp. Punka Walla's are what we called them. Somebody said that they had been left behind in Malaya after the Second World War and were trying to earn enough money to return home. At these prices I doubt they ever made it.

During one weekend, I had to go to HMS. Terror on Singapore Island for an aptitude test to see if I was good enough to go on a S.B.S. Swimmer and Canoeist course back at Poole in the UK. We arrived at HMS Terror late Friday afternoon and drew some gear, canoes, flippers etc. Then we were taken to the boat ramp where we set off down the Singapore Straights for a five mile canoe test. After dark, we landed on a very small island and tied up the canoes to the mangrove bushes. Then we donned flippers that were too small for us. These had been issued small on purpose so that they were of no use to us. Wearing our jungle green uniform, we had to swim about a mile to the main land, to RAF Selletar air field to undertake a Recce. The task was quite easy because the whole airfield was lit up like a football stadium by search lights. The flippers hurt me so much I had to take them off and tie them around my neck, but I had to keep my uniform on because there are sea snakes in the area. Mind you I can't see how my jungle greens were going to protect me, were they trying to tell me that a snake cannot bite through material.

As there were eight of us, we swam in an arrowhead formation. After an unchallenged look around the airfield, we then had to swim back and to somehow find our Island in the dark. Which was quite an achievement, because by now the tide had come in and we could not use any lights. However, we never found it how we left it, because by now all the land was completely under water. All we found was our canoes tied to a few bush tops sticking out of the water. We were ordered to stay where we were not being able to head back home until daybreak. Therefore, we had to tread water for the rest of the night. Occasionally we splashed water onto our faces to scare the sand flies off as they were eating us alive. When the tide did start to turn and the sea level lowered, I kept my body submerged in the water all of the time, those sand flies just about ate every bit of flesh they could get their teeth into.

At daybreak we canoed the five-mile return trip back to HMS Terror. We were then run up and down the main camp road about one hundred times while in bare feet. Then we had to go into a tennis court arena, still in our bare feet and running around on the fine gravel that the courts were treated with in those days. After a time, a few fresh SBS guys came over and we had to play football with them. I might add that they were wearing heavy leather boots. Unfortunately for us every time we contacted them, somehow their boots always managed to end up on top of our bare feet. One other twist to this bizarre football game was the fact that if we kicked a ball over the small half a meter high wooden fence that surrounded the court. Then we were penalised with a ten press up punishment. I thought that once the game was over we would be able to take a rest. How wrong I was, we were taken right back to the road for some more running, by now my feet were bleeding badly from broken blisters.

At midday we had to pair up, each pair was given a live chicken and one hour to eat it. Now you know I do not like killing animals, so I told my partner to kill and pluck it and that I would start a fire. All the chickens were consumed within the hour, some only half cooked I might add. Since we arrived at 4.30 pm Friday night, the chicken was the first food we had received, and it was now late Saturday afternoon.

Then there was the swimming tests, many of them. That included distance swimming under water on one breath. Underwater duck diving to retrieve a dozen-dinner plate from the bottom of the pool on one breathe. Depending on your luck as the Sergeant threw the plates into the water, to how the plates end up on the bottom. It is almost impossible to get a plate off the bottom if it is face down. Then we had to try out different breathing apparatus that included the aqualung and the Co2 pack, similar to the type used by submariners to escape their sunken vessels. Finally, just as it was getting dark we were allowed to return to Burma Camp, for a good night's sleep.

With my attempts at letter writing to Pat Phoenix, Kim Novak and a few others I cannot remember. I had also decided to write to the Windmill Theatre in good old London town. Telling them that on numerous occasions, I had spent my leave in London and during that time, I had visited their club many times. They promptly replied sending me a few of the photo's they usually displayed outside the theatre, all signed by the girls. I still have the photos to this day and one is signed by Denise Warren.

Another funny incident that happened at Burma Camp, involved Big Mac. Who had a bad habit of wetting the bed, I guess mainly because he drank so much and got too drunk to know what he was doing. Our bedding mattresses consisted of a large block of foam sewn inside of a thin cotton bag. Bed wetting in the service is a chargeable offence, so hearing that we were due for inspection. Mac had to somehow wash the stains out of his mattress. He cut the bag open and pulled the foam block out. He then filled up a bath full of water in the shower house and pushed the foam into the water, slurp, slurp, slurp, you could hear the foam sucking up the water. It was amazing, it sucked up every single drop of water. I'm not sure how many gallons of water a bath tub actually holds, but it took ten of us to try and get it out of the bath. Unfortunately, with all of us tugging at it and the weight of it, it soon became out of shape. After a long time of laughing and horse playing about, we somehow managed to drag it outside. However, when we put it over the linen line, the weight broke it. Even when it had dried out Mac's troubles were not over, it was so out of shape that he could not get it back into the cotton bag, coupled to this the bag had also shrunk after being washed. The finished object looked a terrible sight, but at least he got away with the inspection, but only because he had swapped it with one from a spare bed in another hut.

One day a couple of mad scientists turned up at Burma Camp from one of the large government research stations back in the UK. It fell upon C Company's shoulders to supply them with a group of guinea pigs to undergo a few of their crazy tests. Three sections of Marines were taken to the cinema where they were given a long lecture about what they were trying to achieve. Apparently, they had come up with a special designed suit of clothing that could be worn during a nuclear attack. To the average on looker the best way to describe the suit is to say that it looked exactly like what an underwater diver might wear, only it did not have the big steel helmet. Instead the head covering looked like it was made from the same material as the suit. This can best be described as being made up of several thin layers of material that were stuck together with a tar like substance. Like the tar paper you sometimes find in wooden packing cases. The suit completely enclosed the wearer giving him only two eye glasses to peer out of, like a full facial gas mask. Once the Marines were all fitted in to their suits they were fell in on the road in three columns and double marched towards the direction of Singapore. As you can well imagine at the best of times it's very hot in this part of the world. However, to be wearing a fully enclosed suit doesn't bear thinking about. Being made to double march wearing a fully enclosed suit like this is another ball game all together. The heat inside would be absolutely unbearable. As the Marines were running down the road the scientist were also running alongside of them, keeping an eye on how they were going. While every now and then, if somebody looked like they were struggling the scientist would attach a thermometer they were carrying to a wire that hung on the Marines shoulder outside of the suit. That wire had earlier been inserted into their back side before they climbed in to the suite. Those guys marched and run down the road for nearly ten mile. Its full credit to their stamina and fitness that they made it, because I believe any normal service man would have collapsed just leaving the camp gates. It was later described to us that the principle of the suit was that it breathed. Allowing air to pass through the fibres of the material while the tar like substance filtered out the radioactive material. Most of the Marines I spoke to did not believe that it worked as far as they were concerned there was hardly any air in side of the suit. None of them wanted to repeat the test and lucky for us that was the last we saw of the mad scientist.

At one time I was placed on a charge of being drunken and disorderly. I was marched into the company commander's office, where he described me as an animal and ordered me to clean out the officer's mess after they had thrown a party the night before. The site that greeted me was unbelievable, there were heaps of old Camouflage nets lying around everywhere. Intermingle with ladies under wear and vomit. There was even urine in one of the corners. I'm sure that when I've told this story to people they have not believed a word I've said. Anyway, I and a couple of other Marines had to clean it all up. If you know my history, when I'm not happy about something I usually talk quite loudly so that people around me understand where I'm coming from. In the service you're not allowed to make a complaint, but you can talk loud so that other people know exactly how you feel. Anyway, I let it be known that I was not happy in cleaning up the mess. I went on to say that the officers had probably acted like a pack of animals at the party. The officer that had sentenced me over heard this and came over to give me a telling off. "It's was just high spirits Aspinall, just high spirits". I made the situation worse by back answering him. "Oh, I was described as an animal for this sort of behaviour, but for you guys its high spirits". For my troubles I was award a further days cleaning up around the camp. This proves my point that there is a law for the rich and a law for the poor, and that in the service you will never win, so at all times keep your bloody mouth shut.

One night Ginger, McGinty and I went to Johore Barhu for a night out. Johore Barhu sits on the Malayan side of the causeway that leads to Singapore and has a rather large canal running right through the centre of the town. At all times this cannel looks and smells absolutely awful, as it is used by all wanting to discard their unwanted items. Once the tide goes out and exposes its muddy bottom the whole area resembles a rubbish dump that has been used for many years. You name it and I'm sure it's in there somewhere. We nick named it the Sweet Water Canal although at times I thought it would be better known as the Sewerage Canal. I was once told that it had not been cleaned out since the Second World War, when the Japanese forced British prisoners of war to do the job. To prove a point just how bad the canal was. One night a Marine from B Company fell in and was whisked away to a hospital. Where he was administered 17 injections and kept under close observation for a week. Because of its risk it was an area you stayed away from, just in case.

Anyway, we sat in a bar having a nice quiet drink when in walked a large group of soldiers who we usually refer to as Percy Pongo. However, because they outnumbered us by several to one, we did not say anything. During the night as they became drunk it was inevitable that they would pick a fight with us, which is exactly what they did. For a few moments it was full on and during that time several tables and chairs were broken. It was also inevitable that we would be on the losing side. Anyway, lucky for us it came to a quick conclusion and Percy Pongo withdrew leaving us to lick our wounds over another drink. Unbeknown to us the owner of the bar seemed to think we had started the fight. I found it quite hard trying to explain that we had been the victims. Why would three guys take on half the British Army. This did not help, and he persisted in trying to make us pay. I guess he was just trying to get some compensation and as Percy Pongo had gone why not try and get it from us. It was all very stupid, although we were the mugs we should have left with Percy Pongo, and then we would not be in the mess we now found ourselves in. Suddenly McGinty lost his cool and smashed an empty beer bottle on the table we were sitting at. That was our signal to leave before it got out of hand. Once outside we hailed a taxi, but Mac was in an argumentive mood and would not pay the driver what he wanted to return us to Burma Camp. In those days you haggled the cost of the trip before you got in the taxi. Failure to do this meant that he could charge you whatever he wanted, and you were obliged to pay it.
Anyway, once again Mac lost his temper and slammed the taxi door shut with such force that it smashed the window. Well by now things were starting to heat up and I was wondering if we were going to get back to camp in one piece. I grabbed Ginger telling him to start walking because we had to get away from that area. Which is what we did, and Mac followed us. A couple of hundred meters further down the road when I thought we were safe, I turned round and saw a large group of locals heading are way. Some were carrying large pieces of wood and iron bars. We all acknowledged that we could be in trouble, so we quickened our pace hoping to lose them. All of a sudden, they started running towards us, it was time to make a quick exit. Lucky for us just then an open backed Police Land Rover suddenly appear around a corner. Therefore, we ran over to give ourselves up, hoping that the matter would be over. How wrong we were, because the three Police Officers took one look at the crowd rushing towards us and they ran off taking the keys. There was no way we were going to out run the crowd in our present condition, so we climbed on to the back of the Land Rover just as the crowd reached us. By this time, I had already made up my mind what I was going to do. Thinking along the lines that once a frenzied lynch mob has hung their prey, they usually just drift away there being nothing else to do. Therefore, as the first piece of timber rained down on us I fell to the floor pretending to be hit. Lucky for me Ginger had the very same idea and landed on top of me. Although Mac had come up with a different idea and that was to try and out fight them. I would estimate the crowd to number about fifty, so as you can imagine they were reining blows down on him from every conceivable angle. The beating seemed to go on for a long time before Mac finally succumbed and fell on top of Ginger. Just like I had imagined the crowd sensing that they had reaped their revenge and taken their pound of flesh they started to drift away. Where upon the Police Officers reappeared from nowhere and drove us around to the Police station. We were allowed to sit in a waiting room while we explained our version of events. However, Mac was in a bad way and had to be taken to a hospital. Ginger and I were quite lucky as we came out of the whole incident unscathed. We were even allowed to go back to Burma Camp and no charges were ever laid against us. Unfortunately, Mac ended up with permanent damage to one of his ears and a rather large bump on the back of his head. Later he was to lose the hearing in the ear and at times used to go a little crazy after a few beers, so we gave him a wide berth whenever he was on the town.

It was also at this time that I noticed my headaches were getting worse and more prolonged, but I still did not seek medical help. I just took a couple of tablets that I bought myself locally. On one exercise the whole company under took a route march to Singapore, to a destination I cannot remember. By the time we arrived I already had a throbbing headache, we then had to dig slit trenches to sleep in that night. After all that marching and then the bending over to dig, I ended up with a massive migraine, one of the worse attacks I'd ever experienced until then. I was with Ginger Walters and he could see I was in a bit of a mess and just about ready to pass out. He went to the medical tent while I lay in the slit trench. Upon his return he dropped six tablets into my hand, I do not have any idea what they were. All I do know is that once I had them I just grabbed my water bottle. I was in so much pain that I took all six tablets and it still took almost an hour to work, but at least they did.

While the trenches were being dug, a so-called enemy being some members of A Company had to do probing attacks against us. One of these was a friend of ours, a Marine Thompson. While we were digging, Thompson crept up close to us lying unseen in very long grass, calling for the dirty British to go home. A popular phrase used in those days by the locals, to get rid of the British. Anyway, on and on he went repeating that we the dirty British should all go home. Funny, but nobody took any notice of him, but it did get on our nerves. In the end, one of our Officers just shouted back at him, "Why don't you just piss off Thompson". We never heard any more from him during the remainder of the exercise. However, it was becoming harder and harder to hide my headaches from my mates, lucky for me nobody had reported my problem to one of the officers. My weekend drinking binges were also leaving me with weekly headaches from the hangovers.

Looking back at the hell fire way in which we spent those weekends, it is incredible that none of us ended up ill. Every weekend we would go to regular drinking houses, where we got to know all the girls very well. From there several of the Marines usually ended up in the brothels for the remainder of the night. There were not many girls around the area, who were not charging money, I guess it was the only way they could survive. However, I can honestly say that I have never paid any woman to sleep with them and am very proud of that record.

I guess I was always lucky because after I had finished going out with Lu. I found a regular girl who I would go home with to Nee Soon. I even had a key to her home and at times I had the run of the place. Her name is supposedly tattooed in Chinese on my leg, namely "Salome". One night I was in a bar in Nee Soon with Salome and a couple of her friends when a travelling tattooist came to are table. I asked Salome to write her name onto a piece of paper. I then gave it to the tattooist and told him to put it on my right leg. Suddenly the girls all started laughing, so I realised that it was not quite right. I then asked her to write it again on another piece of paper. Once again, the girls all laughed, so I screwed up the piece of paper and threw it away. For a third time I asked her to write Salome on to another piece of paper, then before I could change my mind I ordered the tattooist to start tattooing.

Unfortunately, she laughed when it was being tattooed on, so I doubt very much that it actually say "Salome". Knowing my luck, it probably says, "Go Home Dirty British" and not only that nobody has ever been able to tell me what it does says.

Several years later I approached an Asian looking person and asked if he could read it for me and he stormed away in a bad mood. I was then told that he was actually a Japanese person and that there are 57 different dialects of the Chinese language.

While on the subject of Tattoos, I've not mention why I had two eye's inscribed on the cheeks of my backside. Several years earlier I had been reading letters on the old Codgers Page in the Daily Mirror. One had been from a nurse who went on to describe how she had been administering a bed bath to a very old Sea Dog of a sailor. Upon rolling him over she was surprised to discover two eyes staring at her from a most unusual position. That struck me as being very funny and so at the first opportunity I copied the idea. I remember leaning over the back of a chair as the tattooist attempted another of his master piece's to suddenly being made aware of great pain. Which I could not believe. I had always thought that the only time it hurts is when they go over a bone, while the cheeks of your backside are all muscle and fat. Of all the tattoos I have, the eyes would have been the most painful to have put on. Over the years they have caused a lot of laughter mainly because I can't see them, so I forget that I have them.

I guess by now most people reading this book probably think that we were all drinking alcohol from morning to night, which is not quite true. To quench our thirst after a hot days slog through the jungle, we would usually have several cold glasses of a Lemon drink that in the Royal Navy has become known as Limers. I'm not sure if that's its correct name and I'm not sure if that's the correct way to spell it. However, what I do know is that the basic ingredients usual came in a tin and it looked like a very course yellow looking powder. We usually placed a large tea spoon of the powder in our drinking mugs, topped it up with water, and stirred the contents together. At first it looked like a glass of yellow cloudy water, although within just a few minutes it would settle and end up looking quite clear with a faint yellow tint. When you are very hot, it is one of the best ways of refreshing yourself and it also helps to cool you down.

However, I do not believe that was its sole purpose in life, as an old Sailor once told me that it originated in the sailing ship days, as a means of warding off Scurvy amongst the crew members. Because of its constant use over the past 200 years, it is also believed to be the main reason why the Americans started calling us Limey.

I volunteered for a hiking come camping trip in the Cameron Highland up north of Malaya. I was rewarded with a very long train journey, sitting on hard wooden seats. With a filthy hole in the floor for a toilet and unbearable heat and smells. We boarded the train at Johore Barhu, early in the morning and spent a whole day on the stinking ride arriving at our camp destination by late afternoon, just as it was getting dark. To an awaiting message from Burma Camp that told us to please return immediately, we all guessed why. Borneo had more than likely flared up once again and so even before we had unpacked. We turned around and endured that same horrible train journey back to Burma Camp. To me it was a crazy way to spend two days, something I would not want to repeat on a regular basis. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1963. October to February 1964. 'Active Service Back To Lundu' Taken from Chapter 8 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

40 Commando Royal Marines had been ordered back to Sarawak, to undertake a second Tour of Duty in the Lundu area. By now we all knew the routine having been through it several months earlier. Only this time we would be travelling in so called luxury on board HMS Albion a Commando Carrier. It having replaced "Old Rusty", HMS Bulwark a month earlier because it was returning to the UK for a major refit. This tour is going to be a little harder for me to recollect times, dates and places, but I will do my best. The reason I managed to get my first tour so accurate is that I kept a rough diary of events, but during this second tour, I became lazy or should I say could not be bothered. It is at times like this that I wished I had taken the time to record more accurate information. Because I know that I have left many incidents out of this book.

Kampong Lundu looked completely different this time around. 42 Commando who had replaced us had under taken a major building expansion around the police station area. Gone where all the tents and in their place was long wooden huts with separate cubicles so each Marine had a little privacy. A very large barbed wire compound surrounded the whole area including the football come make shift airfield.

However, all the routines were to become the same as before, even to the point that Two Troop were to spend the first month once again, guarding the police station along with A Company Head Quarters section.

Therefore, it was two hours on and four hours off guard duty, cleaning up this, sweeping up that, unloading boats and refuelling the choppers. The horrible routines that everybody hates doing, that are all part of going to war and anyway somebody has to do it, so it might as well be us.

Occasionally we did get a couple of trips up river to a Kampong, just to show the flag to the Iban tribesmen, while trying to keep them on our side. I must add that a vast majority believed in Queen Elizabeth when we arrived in their village, but who they believed in when we left I have no idea.

Life soon dropped back into the boring life style we had experienced way back in March, when we first arrived at Lundu with all our expectations of becoming jungle fighting heroes. Once again, we all wanted to be out in the jungle making our own rules and not being tied to the Headquarters group along with all its discipline. It upset us more as we were hearing stories of what B and C Companies were up to. Some of the Marines were making contacts with the enemy, but in that first month, lucky for us 40 Cdo received no fatalities. We had all learnt lessons during that first tour and many deaths had been unnecessary, all caused by not knowing about the jungle and are own hygiene. A connection to rats took a couple of lives, hopefully this time it would all be different. We all reunited our acquaintances with the locals, including the Police, Sarawak Rangers and the Iban Trackers. Mogumbo was still there, but Leo and the Gurkhas had long since gone. His unit having moved to the second division of Kuching.

The Helicopters that we usually refuelled would undertake many different rolls from moving men around to bringing in supplies. Sometimes while moving the men around, baskets would be fitted to the outside of the Chopper to carry their kit bags, allowing a little more room inside for the Marines. On one occasion while some of the Marines were being flown back to the Carrier, the Chopper under took a very steep banking manoeuvre and the kit bags rolled out and plunged many thousands of feet into the sea below. That day a few of the Marines came out on top having placed claims far in access to what was actually in the kit bags, because they were never found.

It always amazed me how they worked out the weight of the load they could safely carry in a Chopper. Most of us knew our body and kit bag weight, and at times we were asked before going on a long flight. But usually it was just a case of try it and see. On one occasion I was last in and ended up sitting in the door way. The Chopper took off trying to gain height, however after struggling to about five hundred feet it spun round and dived back into the landing zone coming down with a very loud bump. The Pilot then shouted back to us "One out", which meant me. I jumped out and the Chopper took off without me. Somebody shouted that they would come back for me. That day I felt quite lonely being left on my own in a hostile place just before dark. To add to my problems all my gear had stayed onboard the Chopper, so all I had with me was my rifle and a few rounds of ammunition. Anyway, it was a happy ending as they returned half an hour later.

One story that we did hear about concerned B Company, who was stationed at one of the forts in land. One of the sections was patrolling the border and walked onto the enemy while they were sitting around on the side of a track, it was assumed that they were having a break. A fire fight took place with three of the enemy being killed, while the Marines received no casualties, so it was described as a good contact. We also continued using what became known as MK's, as Assault Boats. These were local dugout canoes called long boats fitted with outboard engines.

Anyway, our four weeks were soon up at Lundu and we were given a new assignment at Kampong Pang-Te-Bang. To reach our new home we had to undertake a boat ride and then a long march through the jungle which took us all day. Everybody was excited as we were returning to the jungle on our own, now we could shake off the shackles of Head Quarters which always seemed to dog us. I might add that there was a little rivalry amongst the Companies and we always thought that A came before B & C so in our eyes we were always the first choice for any assignment. Not only that, our Company Commander, Major Pug Davis was well known for his volunteering at every opportunity. A Company's nick name was the Saints.

'Kampong Pang Te Bang'.

Pang-Te-Bang had been hard pressed in the last few weeks, having been attacked a couple of times. Fortunately, the Marines had been very lucky and so far, the Fort had received no casualties. The camp had been given the nick name of 'Fort Apache', another name taken from an old John Wayne movie of the same name. Up till now it had been living up to its name, with constant attacks being thrown against them, by the Indians as we sometimes referred to the enemy The fort did not have a landing strip, so it was supplied from the air, by parachute drops. While on other occasion supplies were brought in by changeover patrols.

'Fort Apache' was only a small fort, but it was well protected. Later a visiting General declared that it would take an army to overrun and storm the place. In its centre was a main hut, made up of Attap leaves, when built correctly attap is a very good waterproofing material. While spread evenly around the main hut was eight underground mortar proof Sanger's or bashers as some people refer to them, each holding two men. These were just holes in the ground with cut down tree trunks laid across the top, with mud packed across the logs helping to make it water proof. The mortar proof roof was positioned about two feet above the surrounding ground level, giving the Marines a good all round low field of vision, while still being able to stand up in side. Inside was just enough room for two camp beds with mosquito nets, a few boxes of ammunition and battery operated detonator wires. These ran out to explosive devices hid out the front area of the basher, near the barbed wire perimeter fence about forty yards away. The barbed wire consisted of two rolls of dannet wire, one balanced on top of the other one. Between the bashers and the wire, there were hidden six foot deep pits that were filled with pangy spears. Pangy spears are made from bamboo poles, which are split into about four pieces, the ends are sharpened to a point. The points are then placed into the ashes of a fire, for a short time to harden the tips. Some of the tips are given coatings of poisonous substances that included human excrement. The other ends of the Pangy were then stuck into the earth at the bottom of the pit and covered over with vegetation, so that advancing rebels could not see them.

While outside of the wire were dozens of hidden booby traps, the favourite being cans of AV gas, chopper fuel, hanging from the trees. These could be detonated from the bashers by battery operated switches or by tracer bullets from our S.L.R. rifles. During the night, a rifle would be laid on the sandbags and lined up with the can of fuel that usually hung above a track. The riffle then had a couple of extra sand bags placed around it, so it did not move. Therefore, in the dark if you thought that the enemy was within the line of shot, all you had to do was just pull the trigger. Another favourite booby trap was the old tin of beans trick, like I used at Samunsam. The whole interior of the compound had been cleared of all trees and bushes to give us all a good field of vision.

After the long hard slog to Pang-Te-Bang, we arrived about an hour before dark. Giving us time to wash down, the usual method was to dive in the river with all our clothes on. As the river was just outside the camp wire perimeter. At all times somebody usually stood guard on the bank for us. After sweating buckets during our march through the jungle, it became one of life's little pleasures, just to lie in the cool water. As darkness started to fall, everybody would make their way back into the camp from different directions and the two gateways would be sealed up by barbed wire and booby traps. Usually being reopened the following morning around 8 am. Although we tried not to do things on a regular basis. If we were being watched it was not in our interest to give them an advantage to attack us while we were unprepared.

When the patrol returned from Lundu they brought with them a new replacement Sergeant. Would you believe my old friend Sergeant Nobby Clarke from my training days at Lympstone, on his very last overseas posting, as he was nearing the end of his full 22 year's service in the Royal Marines?

The patrol also brought back a story of a Marine from C Company. Who had been out on a patrol and had camped in a rubber plantation. Next morning, he had taken a shave in the nearest stream and had cut his face. It was unknown by the Marines that the plantation had earlier been sprayed with arsenic to kill off the insects that attacked the trees. The arsenic in the air had got into his cut and he was dead within twenty four hours.

Another Marine from the same company had cleaned his teeth one morning in the local stream. Unbeknown to him the water contained rat's urine, this had got into cuts in his gums and had killed him a couple of days later. The Marines had learnt the hard way. I've mentioned earlier that the jungle can be your friend, but it can also be a hostile place and can kill more people than the enemy if it's not treated with respect. Because of these accidents it was essential that we learnt from others unfortunate mistakes. Let your guard down and the jungle just gobbles you up and spits you out.

Not sure if it was A or B Company who also lost another Marine whose name I cannot remember. It was discovered that he had anemic dysentery and a Sergeants delay in getting him back to headquarters and medical help, coursed his death. Even accusing the Marine at one time of being lazy and to faking all the symptoms he complained of. This affected many Marines in that company, so much so the Sergeant was moved to another Commando unit to take the heat off him. Months later I attended the Marines funeral back in Singapore which was a very solemn occasion. As his coffin was being lowered into the grave a local Malayan worker started shouting at us, the Commanding officer thinking he was making a mockery of the whole ceremony, sent two Marines over to shut him up. It turned out that he was one of the wardens of the cemetery and was trying to tell us that the coffin was being lowered into the ground facing the wrong way.

Another sad event was when a junior Marine died, even though he was by now a full Marine, we still referred to them as juniors. This guy had a body like Charles Atlas the famous American Body builder and was very proud of it. I think at the time he was a member of 42 Commando, anyway he dived into a muddy looking river, not knowing that the water was only about eighteen inches deep. He broke his neck and was paralysed from the neck down, he just lay in hospital with no will to live. His body physique had been his pride and joy, so we all surmised that not being able to show off all his muscles, he had nothing to live for. The poor chap died within a few months, what a tragedy he was only just nineteen years old.

One morning a few of us got permission from Nobby Clarke to go fishing in the river that ran by the camp, but we did not take any rods and worms, instead we took a few blocks of plastic explosive. We also took with us one of the Sarawak Rangers, who had no idea what we were about to do, but he came along out of interest. We walked along the bank until we found a shallow part of the river, here we left a couple of Marines with buckets. Don Hackett and I walked a little further up the river to a much deeper spot. Here we fixed a short length of fuse wire, about four inches long to a single block of plastic explosive. I showed it to the Sarawak Ranger and took out my lighter, telling him to watch this. I lit the fast burning fuse and waited until it was only about an inch from the plastic and then I threw it into the deepest part of the river. Thump, the Ranger jumped as a large column of water shot straight up into the air. Then as the water settled, we all saw many small fish floating up to the surface, the current carried them down stream to the waiting buckets. We then proceeded a little further upstream and did the same exercise once again. At the third attempt, we let the Ranger throw a stick in, but this time there was no explosion, the fuse had gone out. I believe he got scared and threw it in while the fuse was too long. The art was to try and time the explosion just as the plastic hit the water. Otherwise the water would put it out. I told the ranger that we could not leave it there and that we would have to get it out of the water. No way, the Ranger told me shaking his head. Knowing that it was safe I stripped off and dived in, trying to duck dive and find it on the bottom. Unfortunately, I was having no luck not being able to find my way around on the bottom of the river because the water was all churned up. I knew the Ranger was a good swimmer, so I tried to coach him into the river. He was very nervous knowing what it could do if it went off. After all, he had seen the large plume of water heading skywards when the earlier ones had exploded. I had to assure him that it was okay and to prove my point, I swam directly above the spot it had entered the water, to give him a little confidence. Slowly he swam out to where I was and then executed a duck dived beside me. He came up a few seconds later with the block in his hand and held it high out of the water. He then swam very fast with the other hand, breaking all known Olympic-swimming records for Sarawak, in his haste to reach the bank. He then threw it ashore and turned towards me laughing. Don picked up the plastic and pulled out the unburned part of the fuse. With that, we decided that we had fished enough for the day. We would call it a day, so we headed back down the river, collecting the Marines along the way with their buckets full of fish.

As we approached the camp from the other side of the river. We could see an area on the other bank that was used as our toilet. Unfortunately, in those days, nobody ever considered that other people were living further downstream. The locals usually placed a log across the river and would squat on it. Anyway, our toilet was on a platform built of bamboo and stuck out over the river, about six feet up off the water. I always thought that it had been constructed this way, so nobody had to dig a pit. Anyway, holes had been cut in the platform base and wooden boxes, with their own holes, had been placed over the platform holes. Four of these so-called thunder boxes were placed side by side. Marines used this setting to have a chat while they sat around answering natures call. The whole platform had sacking draped around it to give the user just a hint of privacy from the outside world. As we neared the toilet area, I could see Nobby Clarke and another Marine with their backs to us, doing the usual sitting, while having a chinwag. We were on the other bank, so we crept up until we were level with them, I stuck a fuse into the plastic explosive we had just retrieved from the river. I lit the fuse and tossed it in the water just below Nobby. Whoosh a spout of water shot up about ten feet high into the air, drowning the Sergeant and Marine, with more than just water. Nobby saw us on the other riverbank laughing and shook his fist at us, while hurling shouts of abuse like "I get you for this Aspinall". Soon the whole camp came down to the river and had a good laugh. I would have to be on my guard now. Nobby or Sergeant Rock (from an American war comic) as we had started to call him would be looking to get his own back on me.

Most of our supplies were dropped by parachute at least twice a week. During these drops we had to be vigilant, as the parachutes would land anywhere, and some Marines had been injured in the past. Sometimes the aircraft flew very low over the camp and just kicked out the load with no chutes, this practice was very dangerous. Anyway, after a time there were many parachutes lying around the fort. The material was a type of silk and nylon mix. Somebody hit on the idea of using it to barter with the locals. This material became worth a fortune to them. Both men and women wore very little clothing and some owned absolutely nothing. So, for them to own a few panels of silk material, made them feel very rich and flashy. Nowadays I like to call them the yuppies of Sarawak.

Later while back in Singapore I took some of the white parachute materiel to clothing shop and got them to make me a couple of shirts. However, the venture turned out to be a complete waste of time, because the material could not breathe. Once you started sweating the material just stuck to your skin and looked like the shirt was full of bubbles of water.

On one occasion a drop was planned, so the lads could have a birthday party drink for one of the Marines. One of the items to be dropped was twelve packs of tinned Tiger beer, (twenty-four cans to a pack) the plane usually completed a low level run first checking out the wind direction and would then do a second run to complete the drop. Unfortunately, on this occasion the parachutes never opened, and the crate went straight through the main hut roof and landed beside the dinner table embedding its self about two foot into the ground. Some of the beer cans burst open upon impact, so there was one hell of a mess as the beer flowed freely, especially down a few throats I might add. Luckily nearly everybody was outside to watch the drop, otherwise a few of the guys might have been seriously injured. I say nearly everybody, because the radio operator was still in the hut trying to keep in contact with the aircraft. Lucky for him he was away from where the beer actually landed but it did give him one hell of a shock. Although I might add that he was also the first to sample the contents of the so called damaged cans. Remember in those days cans never had rings on them, we had to use an opener to piece the top.

The plane then returned on another low run over us, this time out spun Ginger's monthly National Geographic Magazine, spinning to the ground in its plain brown envelope. Followed by a bag of mail with a red ribbon flapping in the wind so we could find it. One day that magazine will land in the river I used to tell Ginger. It was also nice to read the magazine whenever Ginger had finished reading it.

A Marine Commando unit stays put in the area it is assigned to for several years. The men are usually changed around after serving eighteen months in the unit, being returned to the UK. However, Marines who bring their wives with them usually stay for about two and a half years, but no longer. The main reason being that the UK government did not like you being out of the country more than three years, because you would then be able to reclaim your past three years income tax back. Because of this system, a Commando unit could end up losing half a dozen of its most experienced Marines at any one time. Then overnight, have to replace them with half a dozen mere novices, not knowing one end of a rubber plant to another.

It was precisely this reason that Sergeant Rock decided to take out a patrol, firstly to aquatint himself with the area and secondly to sort out some of the new recruits, that had just arrived with him. While thirdly to find out just how good his so-called old soldiers were. So, one morning a large section of us set out on what would be a long drawn out patrol. I took point with the tracker, a position I loved to be in. We had just recently been issued with Remington repeater pump action shotguns. The Remington Company had sent technicians out to Sarawak to fit us up with them, in some cases they even sawed off the barrels to suit the person using them. The jungle foliage could hang very close to you as you walked along a track, if you swung around the hanging foliage would catch up on the barrel. So, it was decided to shorten the barrels to stop them getting caught up. If you were suddenly to turn a corner and walked onto the enemy, one shot with the short barrel would be all you would need, you could not miss especially with the spread of shot as it left the barrel. It would certainly stop the guy directly in front of you, giving you time to take cover.

Ginger took the rear end of the patrol, Don and Geordie Frith was with us, Sergeant Rock in the middle with six of the new lads plus a Gurkha. The idea was to cut our way up to the border and just patrol the area for a few days. As we left Pang-Te-Bang we formed a long line, because we were well spaced, an important teaching if you walked through an ambush position, a bunched up patrol could all be wiped out in one hit. We were all carrying backpacks loaded with about 56lb of gear, a lot for this type of climate. The webbing was very uncomfortable, I'd heard a story back at Deal that a woman had designed it many years earlier. It's a pity she did not try walking through the jungle with it on her back. Most of us old soldiers had hacked the webbing about and added what we called a quick release buckle. Made up from parachute straps, in such a way as to ride more comfortable on our backs and I might add that it worked very satisfactory. I use the word quick release because it was designed so that if we needed to drop the heavy load, all we had to do was pull the belt end and it would drop around your ankles as we attempted to run away from the enemy in a record breaking time.

We twisted and turned our way through the jungle, walking purely on the compass, cutting a track as we went. We made the new boys take a turn up front with me, using their machete's to cut a path through, not a wide track just enough to squeeze through. This was where the shotguns were worth their weight in gold. We walked for about two hours and would then have fifteen minutes off for a rest and a smoke, but we would always get off the tracks when we rested.

When we arrived into the area we thought was the border, I say thought because the border position was always suspect, never having been mapped accurately. Here we turned west still cutting our own track parallel to what we thought was the border. The reasons we tried to keep off existing tracks, was so that we did not walk into an ambush or a lethal bamboo trap. These were usually made of bamboo spikes and were very effective in severely injuring people.

Cutting your way through the jungle is a very slow and very noisy, but it had to be done. On a good day, you could travel maybe up to four or five miles, a lot further and quicker than travelling through mangrove swamp. Sometimes in mangrove, you would be lucky if you could cover one mile a day.

Around 4 pm after covering about four miles, Sergeant Rock called a halt. Poor old Nobby he was just dripping with sweat and struggling with the heat and insects, he was in his middle forties and was carrying a little extra weight around his waist. He had done well to get this far, most of the new boys were struggling by this time as well, so it was decided to make a camp for the night. The sight chosen was a low area, but clear. Ginger and I paired up, Don with Geordie and together we moved a little way up a small hill. We then built a small platform of bamboo into the side of the hill, about six feet long and five feet wide, (remember training). We then covered it with ferns and leaves, as a mattress. We stretched a string line the length of the sleeping area about three feet above and draped our ponchos over the string to keep any rain of the mattress and us. We also hung mosquito nets under the ponchos. It took us about one hour to complete all of the work. We then walked down the hill to see what the others were up to, most of them had just laid down where they had collapsed and crashed into a heap. If only they knew I thought, they were novices and it showed. Don and Geordie had done the same as us and Nobby had teamed up with the Gurkha who built the same sort of structure as ours, but I must add it was better and Nobby had not lifted a finger in its construction, being absolutely exhausted.

I told them all that they were wrong in not trying to get themselves up off the ground. I was told to mind my own business and that it would not rain tonight. As we had cut our own track and that our camp area was off the beaten track, we did not bother with a guard, it being a waste of time. Ginger and I headed back up the hill, cutting some small branches as we went to lay them around our bashers as a little camouflage. We ate a quick meal from our ration packs then turned in for the night. It had been a hard day's slog and tomorrow would be just as hard, so a good night's rest was essential.

About three hours into darkness, I was awakened by a very heavy rainstorm, Ginger and I lay there and chuckled to each other. All the new comers were caught out, you would think that with all the training they had received back in the UK, they would have known better and learn their lesson. It rained on and off for most of the night. Then in the early hours of the morning, the shouting started from the new boys. Right where they had lain, it had suddenly turned into a small stream. Now they were struggling to save whatever they could by dragging it up the side of the hill, to find cover for the rest of night. Lying there dry and warm, I tapped Ginger lying beside me, we both agreed that in time they might learn, I then rolled over and went back to sleep and my dreams of Brenda and of what might have been.

I rose at 6 am and crawled out of my basher, as it had stopped raining. Looking around I could not help laughing to myself at the sorry sight that greeted my eyes. All the new comers were stripped off trying to dry out their clothes. I walked over to where Nobby was sitting amongst a group of the sad looking guys. "If you do not mind me saying", I was cut off in mid-sentence, "We do mind" one of the Marines butted in, "I did try and warn you all. I guess you have just learnt a valuable lesson". I went on to tell them that we had never been through the jungle warfare school either.

After eating, washing and covering up the camp we set off for another day of following the border, Ginger, Don Geordie and I started out on our own. Leaving the others to tidy up and catch up later. If we were only three miles ahead and the track was cut, they could walk it in under an hour.

A few tricks we had to teach these new guys was, only cook food that the locals cook Only smoke their home made fags and no washing with soap, no tooth paste and certainly no after shave. These smells travel miles through the jungle. If you eat like a local, there is just a chance that the enemy would not investigate. It was also a good idea to eat one cooked meal per day if possible. One thing we could not change and that was our body odour which made us smell totally different to the local people. We could sit in a river and wash all of our daily sweat from our bodies and because of the humid conditions, within half an hour we would smell exactly the same.

That night we camped on a small hill by a stream, the new guys did not need telling how to build a basher. Therefore, we left them alone, the tracker had got some good tucker for us to eat during the days march. He picked up a few frogs, with legs on them like bantam chickens. It was decided to just cook it up and not tell the new guys what it was until it had all been eaten. Everybody commented on it being good and once told they did not even complain, these boys are learning fast I thought. That night everybody got, a goodnights sleep and it didn't even rain.

In the morning while breaking camp, it was decided to give the new guys a chance to lead and do the chopping. It was fairly safe as we had not come across anything yet. Our hope in cutting a track parallel with the border was to maybe come across a new track that the enemy had perhaps cut through the border and into Sarawak. We let the new boys chop away to their hearts content. It would strengthen them up or wear them down, you can choose which one. Nobby was quite happy to just take our advice on the situation. At 4 pm we called a halt in a small clearing, this will do for the night, Don told Nobby, knowing exactly where he was. So, we started to set up for the night, Nobby asked Don why he had chosen this site and was told that he knew the area well, adding that the clearing was still hidden. He also knew of an existing track about a mile away, that he would show them tomorrow. It was suggested that we post a guard tonight and keep our talking down to a minimum.

Don Hackett was a very good soldier, early in his career, he had joined the Army, but later he volunteered successfully and completed a tour of duty with the Special Air Service. He then had to leave the service because of his Mother's health. After her death, he had wanted to get back into the SAS. Which meant that he would have to first join the Army and to then re-apply to join the SAS. However, he worried that he might not be selected and that he would then be stuck in the Army as a Percy Pongo for whatever time he had signed up for. He did the second best thing, by joining the Royal Marines. He was a good military man and did his job well. I would guess that he would make Sergeant one day.

Don suggested one man on guard for two hours and cooking down to a minimum. One of the new guys wanted to know where the water was, there is no stream he said. Don took him over to a bamboo clump of canes, he counted up from the ground five notches and cut it off with his machete. The lads could see it was full of water and it was pure, remember five up but do not sleep near bamboo. It usually houses the bamboo snake and they are very poisonous. Don then took them over to some vines hanging from the trees. He grabbed hold of one and cut a three-foot section away, showing it to all the new guys that water was running out in a trickle. About half a litre enough to survive on, telling them not to let the vine touch their lips, because they would become covered in very nasty sores. He also told them that they could also crush up a banana trunk and strain it through your neckerchief. Training over we all set about building our bashers for the night. With each of us taking a short guard for the night, we got as much sleep as possible.

In the morning, we broke camp early and arranged to keep the noise down as low as possible, while slowly and carefully we made our way up towards the track that Don said was there. We gave Don the Remington and he took lead point with the Tracker clearing the way. This time we going slower as we were being more careful not wanting to walk onto the enemy unprepared.

We found the track about midday just where Don had predicted, Nobby mounted a guard just near the track and the rest of us withdrew to make a plan, about two hundred yards back into the jungle. Nobby had decided to lay an ambush on the track during the night, we had a short briefing in which he outlined that we would be laying in a patrol order. That is Scout (1) Bren Team (3) Riffle Team (3) and tail end Charlie (1). A trip flare would be laid across the track, furthest from the border, as we were only expecting the enemy to come down the track from the border side. We would also cut a way to our lying positions from behind and not enter it from the track. You do not enter from the track, as a good tracker would spot these marks, so you must always enter from the back. We will all have vines tied to our wrists as a communication link, one tug for somebody coming, constant tugging to withdraw. We would open fire when the trip flare goes off, also try and place large leaves in front of your eyes in the direction of the flare, so you're not blinded when it goes off. No talking, no smoking we will get into position just before dark and we do not move out until my order comes, after daybreak. One of the new guys asked about sleep you just cat-nap, but do not all fall asleep some of you snore. We got into our positions at around 6 pm on the straightest part of the track, wanting to ambush as many of the enemy in one go as possible. However, we would only be covering about a twenty-yard area of the track. Everybody's firing area or ARC as we call it would overlap each other's, an ambush should only last about two or three seconds by then it should be all over. With each Marine only having to shoot one of the enemy, or maybe two at the most who are in his ARC of fire.

About midnight the vines tugged on my wrist, I lay there waiting to see what came into my line of fire, which was on the left of the patrol furthest away from the border but near the trip flare. I heard noises of somebody moving down the track, but I could see nothing. Although I knew somebody was definitely moving down the track and towards us. You could hear small twigs snapping and brushing sounds of the boots in long grasses that sometimes grow alongside these tracks. Suddenly BANG, BANG, BANG, somebody started shooting, but at what I was not sure. I could see nobody in my ARC of fire because the flare had not gone off, what the hell had gone wrong. Being dark, nobody moved, and no signals came along the vine to give me an indication.

It was a long wait until morning in order to find out what had actually happened. At first light it was discovered that two wild pigs had been shot, both had died instantly. We withdrew into the jungle for a debrief. Nobby was very critical of the actions the night before, we had only shot two pigs and that was before they had even activated the trip flare. If they had been terrorist whoever had panicked and fired first would possibly have let about a dozen others escape. They should have let as many pass though the trap as possible. It's quite scary letting the enemy walk past you into a trap because they are so close to you. Because of the thickness of the jungle you are laying very close to the track. It takes a little nerve knowing that if it was daylight they only had to look down and they would be looking straight into your eyes. Even the most hardened of Marines would be a little nervous at times although you do get used to it. However, getting used to it only comes when you are lying next to Marines you know well and can trust that they will not panic. Its times like this, that you must trust your opposite number and know that at all times he will protect your back. Because this ambush had been set off early there was a chance that it could have gone wrong and that some of our own could have been injured. It was not worth trying to find out who fired first, what was done was done, we could not alter it, but hopefully all the new Marines had learnt a valuable lesson. It would not be any good hanging around this track now, as our position had been compromised and it would be about two months before the terrorists would use that area again.

One of the other companies had a similar experience while laying on their night ambush. Hearing people approaching their position the officer had jumped out on to the track and challenged them with a, "Halt who goes there". The terrorists just turned around and fled, end result being, no kills and a total waste of an evening's work. These two incidents changed all of our ambush tactics. General orders went out to all units, to kill as many as possible, after allowing the maximum number of terrorists to get in front of the ambush team, before the trap is sprung.

We only set night ambushes, the reason being a curfew was in force during the night and anybody found wandering around after dark was fair game. Nevertheless, I felt sorry for the non-English speaking villages they had not a clue what was going on around them, they just did not understand and still carried on in their old traditional ways.

We walked back into the jungle, back the same way we had come. Along the track we had cut the day before for about half a mile to the East and then turned ninety degrees and started cutting a new track north. The tracker very carefully covered up our exit point on the old track, not wanting to give our position away to anybody. We did not want unwanted guests to find our new track. We travelled for about two and a half miles and decided to camp by a swollen river for the night. Nobby advised everybody to boil their water as the river was a funny colour, but the old hands would look for vines or bamboo. We used to also carry a small green canvas bag that was used to strain and purify water. Once topped up we hung it in a bush so that the strained contents could dribble into our water bottles. Once full we added a water purifying tablet and then anther tablet to take remove the taste of the first tablet. Once that bottle had been shaken it was okay to drink. I once saw a demonstration in Burma Camp when an instructor topped up his green bag from a sewerage stream that ran past the camp. Once he'd added the tablets and shook the bottle he drank the water. I might add that there were not many people to take up his offer of a drink that day. However, it's nice to know that an idea like that, will keep you alive if you can't find any drinkable water.

That night we all got a fairly good night's sleep, after being awake for most of the previous night and it was most welcome. As we needed to top up our batteries just a little.

In the morning after a good breakfast, Nobby was asking for ideas on how to cross the swollen river. Not everybody in the section were good swimmers, so we decided the best way was to attach a rope on the other bank and to used it as a hand rail, so it could be used to help you pull yourself over. We had tested the rivers depth and discovered it was about four feet six inches deep, not too bad. I was one of the best swimmers in the unit, therefore I volunteered to get the rope across to the other side. I tied one end of a rope to a tree in an area that we wanted to cross. I then walked up stream as far as I could, with the other end tied around my waist. I then slid into the water, not wanting to dive just in case I hit a submerged rock and swam for the other bank. The swift current carried me down river to the area we intended to cross and by this time, I was already over near the other bank. I climbed up and tied the other end of the rope to the nearest tree. Most of the Marines had taken off their backpacks and also some of their clothing. Then they wrapped all of their gear including their riffles inside of their ponchos, to try to make them floatable and waterproof. One by one they pulled themselves across the river on the rope with their poncho covered gear attached to them floating behind, at all times we had someone on guard on each bank just in case. Ginger brought my gear over when it was his turn, we only allowed one man on the rope at a time. Last man over untied the rope from the tree and just hung on to the end. As we pulled him over to our side of the river.

One of the Company's had lost a Marine at a river crossing much like I have just described, but unfortunately, he was washed away. He was very young and not a very good swimmer, he was not only washed away, he completely disappeared. Later a chopper pilot spotted his body a couple of days later on a sand bank near the estuary of the river. A patrol was dispatched to recover the body, but it was already in a bad state of decay when they found it. Two days in the sun had seen to that, along with the fish and animals.

We cut our track still heading north and made a camp at around 4 pm. While most were getting organised, the tracker took Ginger and me into the jungle. He was searching for and found an old and rotten tree. Slowly he peeled back the bark and exposed a very white soft inner core, full of large tunnelled holes. He then picked around until he found what he was looking for and then showed us what to me looks like a very fat long grub with a brownish head. I would say it was about three to four inches long and about as fat as my thumb. The tracker put it straight into his mouth but kept hold of its head, he then bit the head off and threw it away while the body was still wriggling on his tongue. Not for me I thought looking at Ginger wondering what was going through his head. The tracker smiled and swallowed it, apparently it is the top jungle food you can eat being full of protein. Ginger had a taste of one, wringing his face about a little, as he swallowed it. After seeing that, I declined, whilst feeling a little bit of a coward. Anyway, the tracker collected up a couple of dozen of these grub type things. Back at camp, somebody was cooking some sort of stew for us. Ginger leaned over and dropped the grubs straight into the pot, the end result was it tasted pretty good. There was not one complaint, as we all enjoyed them cooked. Mind you, I often wondered how many of the guys would have eaten them raw. I don't believe I would have been alone that day.

Another thing I have not mentioned yet is Leeches. The strange thing about leeches is that you will never feel them on you, it's as if they are invisible. Every day after a long march, you would usually be covered in them, mostly from the waist down. You must not pull them off as the heads stay attached to your skin and will turn septic. Some people sprinkle salt on them. I preferred to burn them off, by just holding the hot end of a cigarette up against them, they would just roll up and drop off. As a protection against them, some people would also place salt around the tops of their jungle boots, although this doesn't usually work and can course further problems if salt gets into your boots and down to your feet. When they first latched themselves onto you, they would only be as thick as a pin, but when they are full of blood, they would become very fat. If you had them on your back, you would usually pair up with somebody and together you would get them off each other. If they were in an area of your body where the clothing chaffed, or was folded they sometimes burst open, letting all the blood seep through your clothing. Looking a little scary but a lot worse than it actually was.

On one patrol I went on, in to an area known to be bad for leeches, I counted thirty-two leeches on me. All in my under pants area, so my under pants were covered in blood. Where some had gorged themselves on me and my walking motion had burst them open. It was very frightening the first time I saw it, but like everything you get used to it.

I was later told a story of one of our lads getting some in his underpants and one had got inside the end of his private parts. It turned out to be quite a delicate operation in trying to remove it, so it did not leave its head stuck in his flesh. He had been lucky, when one of his friends used a cigarette to burn it off safely.

Next day we still headed north until we found another track, here we decided to lay another ambush, only difference this time we did not know anything about the track, where it came from or where it was going.

That night we decided to split up the new boys amongst the more experienced of us, which I think was a good idea. Most of us wore a sweat neckerchief which was made of a mesh material and camouflaged in colour. During the day, we wore it around our necks to soak up the sweat, but on an ambush, it was ideal to place over your head and face to keep the mossies and other insects off you. Trying to be quiet, you could not keep swatting your face. Anyway, the night was fruitless and at day break I noticed the guy beside me had not used his net over his head, in fact I do not think he even had a net. His face was completely distorted with lumps and bites. How he had tolerated this biting all night and had not made a sound, was beyond me, because he looked a mess. Funny thing was, I had lain right beside him and at times I had removed my net and I had not one single bite. Proof that mossies are a bit choosy of whom they bite. Full credit to the Marine for keeping silent right through the night. It is a well-known fact that insects are a little choosy and will home in on a certain people, whether it's their blood or body odour I'm not sure.

After a feed, we set off on the track that we had just laid our ambush on. After a couple of hours Don started to realise where we were, taking us on to another known track which lead us back to Pang-Te-Bang and 'Fort Apache'. So, we could catch up with our mail and a few hours sleep. During some of my lonelier hours, I would try and talk somebody into writing to my American pen friend for me, after all she was taking the time to keep in touch with me. During the next few months I received quite a few letters from her. Funny but I can't even remember her name, although I do have a couple of pictures of her family farm. At one time I believe I sent her a Chung Sam dress that I bought from Nee Soon on the island of Singapore. During that time, I did get some nice letters and information cuttings from her. She sent me a Dallas (Texas) newspaper with the headlines of Kennedy's Assassination. Would you believe news did not filter through to us very fast in those days? Kennedy had been dead for about a months before we even knew about it. In fact, we read it all in the paper I had been sent. Unfortunately, somebody stole it from me, which is a pity as it would be worth a fortune today.

I was suffering headaches once again, at times very bad ones. At times I was taking about four tablets of codeine every four hours, although now the headaches seemed to be a little more frequent. Some attacks would last two days, but I just lived with them. While not letting too many people around me know, especially the officers. I could have been a liability on guard, but I must own up until now I never had been.

We had a medical officer visit the camp because quite a few of the Marines were complaining of different ailments and problems. Therefore, he thought he had the answer, the first thing he made us do was to fill in the underground bashers and to build new ones above ground. Some Marines had been bitten in their sleep by large black rats that infested the camp. While living underground and laying on our five feet nine inches long camp bed and covered by a mosey net. We usually ended up with our feet hanging out of the bottom of the beds. This site must have looked a little tasty to the local rat population.

When we pulled these bashers down, we were all amazed at the size of these rats that appeared and ran off. The guard dog Bella got a couple and a couple were killed with spades. The holes were filled in and what timber could be salvaged was recycled. See we were even recycling in those days. The bashers that we built above ground were much the same, with double log sides full of earth, all about three foot thick and about three foot high. However, this time there was no roof protection from mortar attacks. Just a dark green tarpaulin cover, not very bullet proof but at least it kept the rain out. We had placed the bashers further away from the main hut, nearer to the wire fence. I used to tell everybody it was so the parachutes had a better chance of hitting us, when they dropped our supplies. We also paced duckboards as walk ways between the main hut and the bashers, so at least we had a dry and non-muddy path, because it rain almost every day. Otherwise the camp would have been turned into a quagmire of mud. Now at least we could keep our feet dry for a couple of hours a day and not take mud into our new homes.

'Kampong Gumbang'.

Our arrival at Gumbang was very low key. The fort was positioned a kilometre from the Kampong, so it was possible to come and go without the locals knowing too much of our activities. It was also a very quiet fort and to date it had not seen any action. Therefore, I guess we all went there expecting a very quiet relaxed life style and we were not disappointed. I would also say that we were very lucky, because later when 42 Commando relieved us, Gumbang became the centre of a lot of action. On August 17th the 21st and 23st, one week after we had left for Singapore. Indonesian raiders led by regular troops, attacked the fort of Gumbang, which was only about two hundred yards inside the border. The fort was defended at that time by a riffle section from L Company 42 Commando and was under the control of Sergeant Alistair Mackie, along with a section of locally trained border scouts. They fought and beat off every attack that was thrown at them and with no casualties. On the 23rd, they set an ambush near the border and caught about sixty raiders on their way to the Kampong to attack it, killing many of them. L Company had a lot of kills to their name, including Limbang in Brunei and also later at Rassau, fortunately they lost very few of their own men.

We were also told of a patrol that had walked through an ambush, the point man and a local scout got through. Unfortunately Riffle and Bren parties were all shot, but the tail end Charley and a Gurkha survived. As the ambush was executed, everybody dived into the jungle, the opposite side to that of the gun sounds. The two at the front and the two at the back lay in the jungle all day not daring to move. They finally crept away in the fading light of the day, taking a complete day to cut their way through the jungle and back to a safe fort. All four got back but it took another full day to mount a search party. When the search party finely went out to locate the bodies of the dead, all had been booby-trapped. Hand grenades without their pins had been placed under each body. Fortunately, all were very damp and luckily none went off. After the first grenade had been discovered, ropes were then attached to the bodies to roll them over slowly. Luckily, as I said not one of the grenades went off.

The only bit of excitement we had was while on a patrol with McGinty and Sheba the war dog. Was when Sheba suddenly sat and pointed at an open area that we were about to walk across. Cautiously we fanned out to check out the whole area. We found a spot flattened by somebody who we supposed had been lying in wait for us. Lucky for us Sheba had alerted us, and I think scared whoever it was away. After two weeks, we were relieved and told to make our way to Kampong Bau a good days march away. However, in Sarawak every destination is always a good day's march away.

'Kampong Bau'.

Bau was B Company's strong hold in Division two and known as a safe area. Therefore, it was great to be able to just lie around and to be able to talk and take it easy. Not knowing what our next assignment would be. Yes, Bau was a holiday camp compared with what we had been used to.

We were all excused guard duties, so it really was a rest area, the camp was situated beside a very large lake. Pass times included canoeing, swimming, volley ball, football and of course sun bathing. In those days, it was the in thing to do, not like today with all the stories of holes in the ozone layer etc. During the first two days, most of the section just lazed around and caught up on some sleep. By about the third day we were starting to come alive. Ginger and I took a stroll down to the Kampong for a look around, mind you we still had to carry our weapons with us, just in case.

The Kampong was built into a square with the stores all being open fronted, we just casually strolled from store to store looking at this and that. Most sold a collection of local foods especially dried fish, which stank to high heaven. Soon we found one that sold bottled beer. Walking inside we found a few tables and chairs, so we took a seat and ordered two bottles of Anchor beer, costing about four Singapore Dollars. $1 is equal to two shillings and four pence at the 1962 exchange rate. Anchor was a lager style beer, which I enjoyed at that time. It was brewed in Singapore, the only other choice was Tiger, once again brewed in Singapore, but it was usually in draught form. Anyway, Ginger and I were sitting back enjoying a nice beer.

Sitting a couple of tables away were three men dressed like locals and speaking the local language, all had long hair and beards, but looked a little tall. Suddenly they started talking in English, Ginger leaned over to talk to them and after a few minutes he was very surprised to find out they were in fact British. It only took a few seconds to realise that they were members of the Special Air Service (SAS), after being invited we joined them at their table. We all ordered another round of beers and the general conversation was around jungle survival. Each giving his views, apparently these three had been in service in Norway and had been flown direct to Sarawak. Being briefed on the plane during the flight over and then dropped straight into the jungle. The speed and skill for them to adapt to the jungle conditions had to be very swift. Just so they could blend in and not be noticed is just incredible. After all, both Ginger and I had thought they were locals. Their main task was just to stay undetected in the jungle, for recognisance and surveillance work. Between the three of them, they had to know every subject under the sun and I do mean everything. They each spoke three different languages and had to have the ability to pick up other languages and subjects when required and on top of this, they also had to be very good jungle fighters.

After a time, a few stories started to emerge, one they told us was of a helicopter full of high-ranking officers flying around North Borneo, checking out the British Forts. It developed engine trouble and came down in the jungle crashing into a very thick area of trees, ending up badly smashed up. Most of the occupants survived and scrambled out, getting clear just in case of fire, but one man was trapped inside (E. D. Smith). A branch of a tree had broken through the side of the chopper and pinned the man's arm. It was very badly crushed, and nobody could move him or the branch. One of the Officers was a surgeon but had no instruments with him. Thinking the chopper would catch fire at any moment he made a quick decision and amputated the man's arm with a service issue jack knife, it being the only tool available. He must have done a good job as the man made a very good recovery. We had about three hours with these guys and enjoyed their company immensely, but soon we had to make tracks back to our campsite. E. D. Smith went on to write a book about the Borneo Campaign, called 'Malaya and Borneo' Counter insurgency Operations:1, of which I have a copy.

Later Bau was to become well known to all Marines when 3 photos were handed around and copied amongst 40 Commando. They were of a head of a terrorist that had been brought into the Bau fort by a local Dayak Tribesmen, claiming that he had kill the terrorist that had earlier shot down an Army light aircraft (believed to have been a Beaver) that was patrolling along the border. The local had brought the head back so that the military could identify the terrorist and wanted to claim some sort of reward. I do not think anybody argued with his claim, and as for the reward I'm not sure if he ever received one. The photos were of great interest as they also included a group of Marines from B Company taking turns in holding it up by its hair. It had been cut off at the neck and mud had been packed into the cut to keep the blood in and I suppose to stop it from going off quickly. I also have a copy and they are displayed in Chapter Eight photo gallery on my website. I never did find out if it was the vicar's plane that they were talking about.

Next morning, I went down to the lake for a swim and found Ginger running around with a net, trying to catch butterflies. All around the banks of the lake, where the mud was very damp were thousands of butterflies of every shape, size and colour. When disturbed they made a terrific splash of colour as they flew away. Ginger had started a collection and had been pinning them to his hut wall. Unfortunately, the night before he had lost a large part of the collection by scavenging rats so here he was trying to replace a few of the species. Ginger stopped his collecting and joined me in the lake, as did, Dal, Don, Geordie and a few others, a great day's horseplay followed. This was great way to let your hair down and to forget our trouble for a couple of hours.

During the evening while sitting around the hut drinking our couple of beers and swapping stories. One of the Gurkhas took out some photos and explained to us a ceremony that was celebrated back in Singapore. While I had heard it all before and seen the pictures, it was still fascinating, so I listened to what he had to say. He went on to tell us how they chopped off heads of lambs, goats and oxen. It was something to do with their religion, using their world famous knife the Kukri, the head had to be chopped off in one blow. Failing in this brought some sort of disgrace to them. I hated the fine detail, being an animal lover, although I had heard it all before at Lundu, but I did bring home some photos of the ceremony.

While at Bau many of the Marines acquired some sort of pet or section mascots and they ranged from snakes, Iguanas, to several varieties of monkeys and a civet cat. The civet cat even made it back to Singapore against all the rules. It was smuggled back but died at Burma Camp a few months later, having hung its self on its lead. I had a grey snake about three feet long, it made a great pet. Unfortunately, I was ordered to get rid of it in the end. One of officers was dreaming one night and dreamt I put it on him in his sleep, but I did not. Sometimes I wish I had, if I am going to be blamed for something, it's better that I did the deed in the first place. I do not mind the blame if I have enjoyed the prank that I was accused of.

One of the other sections had a rather large monkey called Rosie and everybody liked her. Unfortunately, when they knew we were going back to Singapore and that no pets were allowed. Somebody tied a large piece of rag on her like a parachute and dropped her out of a chopper as they were being flown to HMS Albion lying of the coast. Poor old Rosie she had been a faithful pet and most Marines had thought it a bad thing to do to her. It might have been better putting her out of her misery first.

All too quickly our short stay at Bau was over, and so it was back to the action station once again. From here we were to go to Kampong Stass.

'Kampong Stass'.

Kampong Stass had a bad record, it had been attacked quite a few times in the past, not a place to drop your guard. We had to march there, and it took all day. We also had to radio on ahead to let them know we were coming, just in case they thought they were under attack once again. It had been decided that the outgoing section would stay a further two days, just in case we had been seen coming. It would only take a Monkey to work out that a changeover was taking place and that the relieving section usually came back the next day following along the same track. A good time to lay an ambush, in fact it always surprised me that it never happened more often.

Stass's fortifications were about as good as those at Pang-Te-Bang. It would take an army to get through, but it paid to keep on your toes and to help we had McGinty and Sheba with us. Sheba would be on guard twenty-four hours a day, she was our ears and we also had two night sights that were also very welcome. Most Marines by now had a good idea how they worked and welcomed their assistance during the night time guards.

The villagers seemed quite friendly and I befriended a young girl who would do my washing for me. We never took off all our clothes, as I have said before we were not going to be caught without trousers down, our weapons were always ready for use and sometimes cocked, one in the breach or up the spout as some prefer to call it. Although I might add that it was not a normal practice to have one in the breach. I guess by today's standards it would not be considered as a safe working practice.

We did lay a few ambushes at nights, but somehow nothing ever happened. I guess you could say we were lucky or unlucky whichever way you look at it. One night five of us were laying an ambush, we had a new Marine with us and because of the very wet ground we all lay on our ponchos. On this particular night we were late getting into position, it being almost dark, so nobody could see much, anyway this new guy heard a scratching noise all night from under his cape that he was laying on. Plus, it was moving, but lying on flat rocks, he just had to leave it. Nobody was to move until daylight, we found out later that he and his partner who had been lying beside him had been very worried through the entire night. In the morning and daylight, they jumped a mile when they moved the cape, he had been lying on a small snake and they never knew if it was poisonous or not. It was brown in colour and did not take many seconds to disappear off the rock and into the undergrowth once it saw daylight.

While on another patrol Sheba picked up a blood stained bit of rag, but it did not mean anything. It could have belonged a local who had just cut himself on some bamboo. It was not even worth following up, so it was just thrown away.

Stass would not always this quiet, about a year later it was attacked by about four hundred raiders, with several being killed on both sides. At about the same time Biawak was also hit by a large number of raiders. The Royal Marines and Gurkhas killed many of the enemy during both of those confrontations that was called operation Dragons Teeth.

February 1964 soon came around and we were back on board of HMS Albion, then within the week we were settled back into Burma Camp. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1963. October. 'Night Frights In Sarawak' by David (Shiner) Wright 1 Troop A Company A Coy 40 Commando R M.

1 section of 1 troop A coy 40 CDO Royal Marines we were located in a small Dyak kampong known as Rasau 2 an outpost from our company base at Lundu.

Our motley crew, two men under strength, consisted of two lads almost straight of the flight from UK, Jeff (tea boy) Urand, Derek(Sticks) Beer, not only but also, Alan(jungle boy) Olding, Stuart (yank )Randle, Taff(kid karate) Rhodes, Jock(tiger thigh) Phillips, Dick(sports fan)McCardle, Me and our recently promoted section Cpl Titch( hirohito)Underwood and Money our Dyak border scout policeman.

We were engaged in the usual duties patrols along the border, ambushes by request and guard duties every night, pitch black, almost no night vision, ear ache from straining to hear and comprehend every sound.

In addition to my role as lead scout (I was in the sea cubs in civvy street 1948) I was also chef, cook and bottle washer, I could open tins quicker than anyone else and prepare a meal without setting fire to our kitchen/dining area.

We had received reports from our Kampong that people had been seen near the border "ont tuther side" etc, etc, edgy times for us and the locals. Sleeping was difficult but now and again tiredness gets the better of you and you "go deep" this particular night I was deep asleep.

I was woken by the sound of heavy automatic gun fire, very close in. Our accommodation was the usual, hut on stilts, attap roof, split bamboo floor, the walls were made from tree bark.

I had been under fire before in Aden, rockets, mortars and the usual night time sniping, But that was two years previous and not as now, almost right outside the door.

We slept on camp beds, above me hanging on a peg was my rifle and ammunition, we all slept fully booted and spurred. In the Ulu (forest) everything echo's and distorts sounds, I was convinced that shots were coming through the walls of the hut and that the insurgents were through the dannett wire defence cordon.

There was a break in the firing I reached up for my weapon, the firing began again, I flattened myself to my camp bed and gripped it that hard it sprung the legs, I was convinced I would be hit any minute.

The next break in the firing I got a grip and was up with rifle and ammo and diving out the door and hit the ground like a sack of spuds.

2

Diving head long into the guard slit trench, I found Taff screaming "stand to" in a state of total hysteria, I burnt my hand on the very hot barrel of the LMG it was Taff that had been doing all the shooting.

I calmed him down as best I could, a slap round the face stopped him gibbering like a lunatic; then he tells me.

I heard a noise on the track where we close the wire at night, so I shone my torch and there were two blokes kneeling trying to unhook the wire. I brought the LMG into my shoulder and knocked the torch into the trench and illuminated myself.

I cocked the gun whilst trying to kick the torch out, I opened fire, nothing, empty magazine on the gun, in my panic I knocked over the full magazines, managed to get one on the gun and just blazed away until you got here.

By this time the rest of the section were out and in their slit trenches or taking cover under the hut behind sand bags. All but one that is, Yank came "steaming" down the steps of the hut firing from the hip, behind us, fortunately "Jungle Boy" jumped on him, Yank was half American and spent his formative years in the USA he thought he was the reincarnation of Audy Murphy.

Yanks firing ,although behind us was parallel to our trenches and directed straight out of the door in the direction of our galley/dining basher, I remember thinking if that crazy bastard has holed my cooking pots I'll shoot him in the morning.

I must add that one sections set of three Malay cast aluminium traditional pots were an integral part of the section, passed down from one talented cook to another and were almost our talisman. (boot necks are not superstitious)

Now all was quiet, apart from the pulse thumping in our ears, we stood to for two hours or more, then our section Corporal decide we should return to our guarding roster until day light, we all slept under the hut; strangely enough we did sleep until the guy on guard opens fire again. No hesitations this time.

I was first in the guard trench (self-preservation) and it was my fire trench mate Mac, (sports fan ) "what's up Mac?" just beyond the wire he said; up the reverse slope some-body just lit a fag I could see it glowing, "arsehole that's a bloody fire fly even the bloody Indonesians are not that stupid".

3

Again we stand to, eyes like organ stops, as it gets lighter I notice what looked like a hand moving along a large felled tree trunk lying about 80metres to our front, we are all seeing things by now.

I called across to our NCO to request permission to open fire on what we thought,;Me Mac and Money, was a bandit trying to slip away.

Three rounds rapid fire, chunks of wood flying of the tree trunk and the hand was still moving, then it dawned on me; as it was getting lighter a fresh breeze was blowing directly towards us.

The hand was nothing more than a "wait a while" palm frond being blown forward over the log and the thorns on the palm stem were catching on the tree and holding it in place.

In the improving light we could see the casualties of Kid Karate's excess with the LMG, about twenty rubbers trees were streaming latex where they should'nt ought to. The Headman was not too chuffed this was their only cash crop.

Royal Marines being innovators in difficult situations set about bandaging the wounds to the rubber trees and successfully stemmed the wayward flows of latex.

The headman and his oppos inspected the ground where Kid Karate had reported seeing the intruders and they confirmed knuckle marks in the soil, personally I could not make it out but at least Taff felt vindicated, well done son. (when in doubt open fire)

The villagers, bless em, had been standing buy with loaded shot guns that night and the following day they came to our basher with enamel plates full of maze corn custardy stuff and a nip or two of Tuak.

Our bold Corporal sent a radio message to HQ to report the firing and to let them know we were all ok with the cheeky post script "un flappable" yeah in yer dreams.

A fright is a great motivator, we set to with a will (even thought he had not joined us yet) with the locals help we felled trees built a double wall below and around our basher, in filled with compacted soil topped with sand bags to give a firm firing position.

Not to be out done I decided to lend a hand with the tree felling, trusty parang in hand I felled a tree approx. 200mm in diameter, trimmed it lopped of the top, noticing that the locals felled their trees much faster than me.

Ach well, thinks I, they are more experienced than me and began to heft the tree up onto my shoulder, "Jesus this is F**king heavy" then it dawned on me they were cutting bolsa type trees and I'd tackled a teak tree.

4

All Dyak eyes were upon me, I could see the little muscle bound bastards grinning from ear to ear. I though the pride of the Corp is at stake I've got to do this, and just like Popeye with his can of spinach, Singing Saray Marie (quick march of The Royal Marines thick-oh's!) I hefted that tree and staggered man fully as best I could back to the hut with much back slapping from the locals. (I've still got a hernia)

Mac and I smashed at least another foot out of our fire trench(bed rock)Money offered technical advised like "is no possible Tuan that's the top of a hill" Ah bollocks Money go and put the kettle on.

Apart from improving our defences, it was unanimously decided that no man would stand watch alone and to stagger the change-over so that there was always and acclimatised pair of ears on watch.

It may strike you gently reader that, I have a some-what light hearted attitude to what was potentially a dangerous situation, only when it's over and you can look for the laughs.

Two things I have learned from my training and service in our illustrious Corps, try and keep a cool head and always look on the bright side and lest we forget, even the bad times are good.

1963. Friday 29th November. Issue of white drill leg aprons for RMBS Drummers and Buglers. The buff leg apron to be withdrawn.

1963. Wednesday 4th December. 'The Border Post at Sapit' Some memories of an A/E in Sabah with 40 Commando. RM. by Patrick Walker 8 Troop. C Company 40 Commando RM. & A.E.

On the 4th Dec 1963 we flew from the rear echelon base of Padawan by Whirlwind helicopter up to the forward location of Sapit. It was a short flight of about 15 minutes. The landing pad was situated well down the reverse slope outside the kampong for security reasons. As far as I am aware, Sapit is the closest location to the Indonesian border being only about 200yards away. The position sits in the saddle between two steep ridges and is slightly on the reverse slope behind the crest.

The track from the DZ led through the most horrendous thick, black stinking mud and wound its way through the edge of the kampong. It terminated on the far side of a sort of shallow re-entrant at two attap huts built in the traditional style on stilts. This shallow valley separated our area from the Ibans in their huts on the other side but they could be reached by crossing a long, low bridge made from bamboo.

As normal the defences were set out in roughly a circular shape and comprised six bunkers surrounded by the usual coiled dannert wire and sharpened bamboo stakes pushed into the ground at forty five degrees.

Because there was a section of local scouts under their Ghurkha corporal there were four other trenches that could be manned in an emergency by them on our right flank. They lived in their own hut much closer to the kampong proper and we later found out the corporal seemed to get lots of 'favours' with the local women. The priority task was to upgrade all the defences, which were not in a particularly good state, and send out patrols to get acquainted with the local terrain and try and gather any intelligence. We were only two sections strong, so with all this work and guard duties we were going to be pretty busy.

The trenches had only a waterproof cape over the top to try and keep out the weather, so the first thing was to go out and cut down timber to form a solid roof over them as protection against mortar fire. All this had to be done using machetes which caused no end of blisters at the start. One other defensive item that was on trial was an infra-red night sight. This cumbersome piece of equipment was mounted on a rifle and comprised a large light source with a black filter and operated from a power source akin to a car battery with crocodile clip leads. It was very unwieldy and certainly not easily manoeuvrable and spent much of its time back at base being repaired.

However, when it was working well you could see on the blackest of nights out to about seventy yards. Despite the Hollywood imagination, the picture you viewed was a foggy green not, in the least red. Things close to you appeared as bright, whereas those further away darker. Trees came out as greeny- white and a man standing in the open appeared as a film negative, with white body and black deep set eyes. The aiming sight was in fact a vertical white graticule, the intensity of which you could alter to suit your self.

Once daylight came and the usual stand-to had finished, the wire across the outgoing track was removed to allow the locals to get out and about to their forage areas. Trip flares had to be disarmed as well and then the daily routine started. We were lucky there was a stream coming out of the ground just outside the wire and where it dropped over a vertical wall of rock a small dam had built and two half bamboo troughs had been erected so that the limited flow of water could be used as a shower.

After breakfast from the 'compo' rations and a weapon inspection it was normal for a cutting party of three to go out and search for a suitable timber to cut and bring back for the defences. Four stout poles were dug outside the particular trench we were working on as the corner posts. Fixed to these were cross beams and a framework formed on which galvanized sheets were laid. Round the perimeter of this was placed a two-foot high wall of sand bags, and then the whole of the enclosed area was filled with soil. This would give reasonable protection against incoming mortar fire. Rain, which was an almost daily event, managed to penetrate even the most carefully designed system, so sumps were dug in one corner of the trench and then the floors were covered with bamboo mat to try and keep dry.

Because of the sites elevation it was decided to climb one side of the ridge to the east and find a spot where an observation position could be set up which looked down into Indonesia. A suitable point was found about half an hour away and the local vegetation cut back to give a clear view. This allowed a small 'attap' shelter to be erected for shade and from which we could use a large telescope to view a considerable tract of 'enemy' territory. There were several tracks visible running in the valleys along with some small patches of cultivation and it was just possible to see one small corner of a village called Goen. You could see the local people going about their daily business and on rare occasions men in green jungle fatigues. The biggest problem was the tendency for a thick mist to hang over the valleys and sometimes this would take several hours to lift before anything could be seen. This OP was connected back to base by telephone cable and one of the items that had to be taken each time was the hand held-cranked set.

Work progressed at a pace and then it was decided that the latrine facilities needed improving so digging stared on a trench that was to be eight feet deep, ten feet wide. Once the initial problem of tree roots had been overcome the work went well until about six feet down, where a hard band shale occurred. It was at this point that the Platoon weapons sergeant suggested he could get over the problem by blasting. Poor naïve things that we were, we agreed. Once he had positioned three charges of what must have been about one pound each of plastic explosive and tamped them down with sandbags, we all withdrew to a safe distance. There was the most almighty thump and the ground seemed to lift as one. Great clods of earth and roots rained down around us for what seemed several minutes. When we cautiously returned to the hole which continued to emit wisps of blue smoke we found it now six feet wide and only three feet deep! All the work had been wasted and we had to start again in another area. This new one was successfully completed and a splendid new four - seater 'thunderbox' was delivered by helicopter and manhandled from the DZ to be set up over the hole to carry out sterling service. The whole thing was sealed with sandbags and some hessian screens put up to afford some sort of privacy. But after the all the hard work and a short speech everyone was too 'coy' to want to be the first to use it.

After a while we got to know many of locals as they waited to get out through the wire first thing. It was noticeable that many of the women wore coiled brass rings round their legs about nine inches long and just below the knee. These they kept clean and shiny by rubbing them with handfuls of grass while they washed in the shower area. It appeared that the girls who were not married had to keep covered up, while those who were 'attached' just wore a sarong from the waist down. There was the universal habit of chewing betel nut, which stained their teeth and mouths bright red. There must have been some drug they extracted from this for they chewed on it constantly. It was the 'norm' to see these women coming back at the end of the day carrying a large, loaded basket on their backs supported by a strap that went round their foreheads. These baskets contained anything that had been cultivated or foraged and ranged from sugar cane, fruit and sweet corn to firewood. The men used to go out hunting with their blowpipes and poisoned arrows and occasionally returned with a monkey. The wild boar type pigs with black hair all seemed to belong to someone, even though they ran about wild. They were a nuisance at night because of their habit of tripping our flares.

It was a revelation when later we asked these men to rebuild one of the huts. The old one was reduced to its frame and then a steady supply of attap was brought in from the surrounding jungle in next to no time the task was complete. There was not a single nail or screw, just lashings and natural materials, and these things were totally waterproof. The floor was covered in split bamboo opened out in papyrus fashion and the access was via a sloping log with foot- holds cut into it.

Sapit was a kampong miles from civilization, unless you were prepared for a long laborious walk. But dispite their isolation and their undoubted primitive existence the locals were very adept at living and surviving in this harsh environment. They had to be totally self-sufficient, and therefore had various skilled tradesmen in their midst.

One who always drew admiration was the local blacksmith, who now that we were here found a welcome niche in his repertoire making traditional parangs (jungle knives). He had his shop set up not far from us in a hut with an open work area alongside, his assistant was a young lad, probably his son, and it was his job to work the bellows. The whole thing was very crude but also effective. There was a shallow dish of baked clay into which lighted charcoal was put. Feeding into the bottom was this were two pipes which led up to two further large diameter bamboo tubes above ground level. In each tube was a piston with a handle. The head of the piston were covered with skin and feathers and made a sort of air tight seal as they were forced up and down the bamboo tubes to supply the air needed to get the charcoal really hot. The poor lad had to work quite hard, but once the heat was there he eased back. The blacksmith, in turn, put the metal he was working on into the middle of the fire till it got white hot, then removed it to beat it till it cooled too much to be workable and then replace it in the fire. In this way he could be observed drawing out a chunk of iron into the beautiful long curved shape of the knife, in most cases about two feet. This took several days and when he was happy he would then start to make the wooden handle, which was cut from hardwood and a hole drilled up into it to accept the tapered end of the handle. The final job was to seal this in with some sort of home - made resin.

This scabbard was also a work of art and started out as a piece of wood split down the middle. This was then worked on till it had been hollowed out to accommodate the blade and thinned down to a reasonable thickness. Once the two halved were a good fit they were bound together with thin strips of bamboo lashing and the job was complete. Sharpening the blade was done with a sort of whetstone and they were exceptionally sharp. No self-respecting Iban male ever went out without his parang hanging from his waist.

The locals had their own medical man who seemed to dispense various potions but was not averse to coming over to us to collect a few pills for his repertoire. There was one sad occasion when one of the local children became very sick, probably with dysentery, and they tried to cure him themselves. The witch doctor put on all his finery and the drums started to beat for hours. Unfortunately the child died without us having a chance to help.

We had the chance to try out some of the exotic wild fruits that grew in the area. There were bananas which tended to be much smaller than normal ones, rambutan, a bright red fruit with a spikey husk inside which was a hard sweet white fruit round a stone. There was one tree that provided mangostin, a purple fruit about the size of a small apple, inside which were white segments arranged like an orange. Mangos were available but not always ripe and of course the local delicacy durian. There was one large durian tree with very few leaves which had a branch that over-hung our hut. Hanging very precariously from thin stalks from the underside of the branches were large fruits about the size of a big pineapple. These weighed anything up to ten pounds or more and had very hard spiny husks.

During the course of a windy night we heard several dull thumps in the night and then later on a crashing sound and we felt the hut shake. Examination in daylight revealed that one of these fruits had detached and fallen about forty feet and gone straight through the roof and also the floor and embedded itself in the ground under the hut. It had narrowly missed one of the sleeping Marines who could easily have been killed by such a freak accident.

The owner of the tree was summoned and told to either cut all the fruits at risk or do something about them. So valuable were these delicacies that he shinned up the tree and tied a length of raffia from the fruit to the branch so that if it fell it would be left suspended in full view. Of course everyone at some time or other tried this fruit because the locals always said how good they were. It was an experience not forgotten, since once the husk was removed the true smell came flooding out, and was something akin to a septic tank! The fruit, if you were brave enough to get that far was a series of soft pithy stones inside the main shell, a bit like the way conker's sit inside their husks. There was nothing remarkable about the taste--only the smell.

Because the location was so close to the border, strict black out rules were enforced, and the inside of the huts were lit by Tilley lamps with hessian across the door openings. One evening we were plagued by a swarm of insects, large black flying ants, which had been attracted by a chink of light we had missed. They circled endlessly round and round the lamp until they dropped from sheer exhaustion or from being badly burned on the glass. I don't think anyone was actually stung, but these visitors were nearly an inch long.

To help out the situation we gave them a good dose of aerosol spray. This thinned out their ranks dramatically, and as the evening wore on the pile of dead grew on the floor under the lamp. But not to be outdone they drew on hidden reserves and another wave appeared. Even so every army has its limits and finally the last one spiralled down in a crazy nose dive, out of which it never pulled up, to become just one more black dot on a large heap. We brushed up the mess and deposited it outside where in the morning we found a long line of marauding red ants scurrying away with the corpses, no doubt to administer the last rites.

While work progressed on the defences, including thickening up the panji stakes around the outside area, we carried out several patrols to areas to our rear and along the ridge to the west. One of these was to two villages called Cacas and Kidding. Once we had left our kampong behind it was a steady climb the whole way along a very winding track, sometimes passing through small, once cultivated patches, across streams and then back into dense jungle.

The day as usual was scorching hot and the mosquitoes were out in force. After passing through one kampong that was too small to be marked on our maps, we eventually reached Cacas, where we stopped to try and find anyone who might be able to give us some information. Unfortunately there was only one very ancient old man with blood shot eyes and filed teeth, resting in the shade of a hut. He of course spoke no English, and we little Malay, and he did not appear to go very much on our sign language so we hurriedly left.

The lack of locals did puzzle us since it was quite usual to see children peeping out from huts, and our arrival would normally bring out the adults to stare out of curiosity. Another long, arduous, muddy climb, brought us to yet another kampong, where we were fortunate to meet a section of Border Scouts who had come from the other direction, this being the limit of their patrol area. Since they had an English speaker we grabbed him as our interpreter, put out two sentries and then sat down to have some lunch.

Hardly had we sat down than one of these sentries came back with a very agitated local. We learnt through our interpreter that there was a local man in the village who was in need of a doctor. The corporal and two men left to look at the casualty but soon returned with grim faces. He was definitely a 'casevac' case for he had badly cut his leg with a parang. We had a radio with us so contacted base for a helicopter and tried to explain our location. After eating a snatched meal we left instructions with the Border Scouts to throw a coloured smoke grenade when the helicopter was nearby so it could spot them. Luckily there was an open area within the village that would just about take a helicopter.

We, in the mean-time, pushed ever onwards and upwards and finally arrived at Kidding. Half the patrol was left just beyond the village while the other half continued still further to an even tinier village. We found the head man almost at once, or rather he found us and we had the usual Dyak welcome to join him in his long-house for a drink of tuak (a very potent brew made from palm berries). After the introductions were over, we tried, by sign language and poor Malay, to ask if he had seen any guerrillas. He obviously got the gist of what we were saying and shook his head vigorously. Up to this time not all patrols carried a good Malay speaker which meant it was sometimes an exasperating job trying to get through to the locals, especially since they were somewhat suspicious of us anyway.

There followed a pause while he lit a cigarette, which we had given him a sign of good faith. Then suddenly he beamed all over his face showing bright, red, stained teeth. He shuffled over to the corner of the hut and we got our first surprise. In the semi darkness we had not noticed them before, but handing from a pole inside a rattan basket, were three skulls, very old and dirty. As far as we could make out they were Japanese heads he had personally taken during their occupation in the last war. There was no doubt as to their genuineness, and slightly taken aback we smiled and signaled that it was time for us to go.

We managed to get through on the radio to say we were starting back and took our leave of our host. The last we saw was a very dejected man leaning against the doorway, probably dying to tell us how he had come to take these trophies, while he finished off his cigarette. We had heard the 'casevac' helicopter while we were there and by the time we reached the village the casualty had gone to Kuching Hospital.

We collected the other half of the patrol on the way back and set off. Our route out had involved negotiating many fragile bamboo bridges, crossing guillies and streams, and the patrol signaler was not a small man. Combined with the weight of the A 41 set and a spare battery he proved too much for many of these flimsy structures and many was the time we heard the sound of splintering bamboo followed by cursing as he broke through and landed in the bottom. It was all right for those in front but being at the rear we had to help him out from many ravines and then had to negotiate the drop ourselves. We arrived back in late afternoon covered in mud and exhausted. Nothing can describe the sheer pleasure of removing tight jungle boots and putting on dry plimsoles. Your feet turn green and white. Green from the dye in the boots and white from being waterlogged and starved of air. There was then the ritual of trying to find any leeches that might have penetrated the tightly bound laces at the top of the boots and removing these.

Next day after night guard duties it was back to work on the defences or a patrol to the OP. such was the exhausting routine that we were glad towards the end of the month to return to Padawan for a break and be involved in cordon and searches. In fact when we did get their this led to us being used in the follow up searches after the Corporal Marriot patrol incident.

1963. Friday 6th December. '7 Troop C Coy 40 Commando RM.' By Brian Bartlett 7 Troop C Coy 40 Commando RM. (later to become Chairman of 40 Commando Association)

At first this seemed like an easy task, however as time has gone by and you have reached the age of almost 62 my memories seem to have dimmed but here goes.

It was 6th December 1963 and RM 21860 Brian Bartlett found m-self at the airport for a flight to Singapore to join 40 Commando Royal Marines. The funny thing is I have no memory of the flight, what type of aircraft it was but the memory that is very firmly embedded in my memory is the arrival. When that aircraft door opened the hot and sticky air hit you like a brick wall. We were transported by truck with our luggage to 40 Commando's camp in Malaya at Burma Camp. It all seemed very quiet; the thought that run through my head was it seems quiet for a Commando Unit. We were shown to a small hut and told to leave our entire luggage and to follow the Corporal.

We headed of and found ourselves at the stores; we were issued with jungle green clothing, jungle boots, underwear, in fact almost every piece of equipment that you would need and of course a rifle with live ammunition. On return to our hut we were instructed to prepare for early departure the following morning in our jungle green clothing with all our equipment packed and our suitcases with our UK luggage placed in a storeroom.

So it was the following morning we returned to the RAF air base that we had arrived at from the UK except this time we boarded an Argosy Freighter aircraft we sat in canvas seats and flew a lot lower that the jet that brought us to the far east. I had teamed up with my oppo Peter Scott RM 21741, eventually we landed at an airport it was Kuching in Borneo.

We were told to disembark some were instructed to get in trucks however peter and I were instructed to get on to a waiting helicopter which promptly took off. After flying for a short while we hovered in a clearing several feet above the ground, our equipment was un-ceremoniously ejected from the aircraft closely followed by us jumping to the ground.

All this time I was wondering just what the hell I had let myself into; we were shown our defensive positions and told to "stand to" this I later discovered was normal procedure when we had helicopter activity either bringing in supply's or fresh replacements.

Fortunately we only stayed at this base for about a week and were moved to our Company base at Bau, I discovered later it was normal practice for this to happen. This move back to base camp gave me time to organise myself and to get the latest buzz about what was going on. I soon discovered from the old hands that the 38 pattern equipment was not very good for the long-range patrols but older 44-pattern was better. So I set about getting what I needed in readiness for our next move out of base camp. We only used the 44-pattern belt with pouches for magazines and a water bottle carrier and your machete. The small 44 packs were used for essential food, ammunition and a dry change of clothes for sleeping in and those little brown pumps that were issued.

Much later I was fortunate to get hold of some green parachute silk from which was made a jump suit which I used for night wear and of course was much easier to carry. Strapped to the underside of the 44 pack was our bedroll consisting of our "Poncho" (A big green oblong of waterproof material) used to make a "Basha" (Tent) to sleep under and our spare clothing and toilet roll (a green material with pockets in for soap, toothpaste, foo, (Pussers Talcum powder) and shaving kit and spare paper which would then be rolled up).

At Bau camp it was relatively comfortable, we had time to rest and recuperate, this was interspersed with guard duties. One of the main features at Bau was the lake, the RAF pilots of the Wessex Whirlwind helicopters used to use the edge of the lake to land this would save them the walk down from the heli pad up the hill to the back of the camp.

Our next visit to a forward position was to a curiously named place of Bukit Knuckle this was my first opportunity to get my self-sorted out in the ulu (jungle). Peter and I decided to buddy up again so when the instructions were given to pair up and make somewhere to sleep we set about the task. To give some idea of the type of place we had taken over, we were positioned on top of a hillock, around the whole site was a wall about 4 feet high and about 3 feet thick and we were positioned around this outer wall and given our arch's of fire. For several days we collected timber and branches, in fact the first night we stood to at our position and then slept on the floor. During that first night there were a few cries of Ahhhhh !! as people's hammocks fell apart and they landed with a thud on the deck, followed by a string of the normal expletives.

The next day when we had time from our normal duties we started to build, the four very thick corner posts were sunk into the ground. We then fixed in a floor level so that when we sat on the end we were in the correct place for stand to. We continued to lay the floor poles, constructed a roof and covered it with a few acquired ponchos. At the back was shelving so that we could actually un-pack or kit for a change. The building was nicknamed the Hilton hardly surprising as it took us 3 days to complete construction despite the many requests from the SM to get a move on.

Daytime duties included collecting water, repairing the perimeter wall, marshalling chopper re-supply and inspecting defences. The main duties were long range patrols some lasting as long as 14 days, which would take us out of camp up to the border, where we would lay ambushes or follow intelligence information regarding the movements of enemy patrols. Sometimes we were tasked to intercept Indonesian Guerrillas who had attacked a local village.

Somehow during this time I ended up as a lead scout, quite how this happened I do not know, one thing I am fairly sure of I did not volunteer. This meant that I found myself way out in front on patrols with a local tracker and a Ghurkha carrying for a weapon a 12 bore shotgun. I do not remember asking what happed to the previous lead scout; I think I hoped that he had just gone home on a posting rather than anything else.

The first tour in the jungle was very eventful and after what seemed like an age we were relieved by 42 Commando and returned to Burma Camp.

It was common for units to do a 6 months stint in the jungle and then return to camp for some well-earned leave, however once leave was over it was back to training again. I remember we did some training on river crossing and using assault boats "Exercise March Hare" at Kota Tingi. There is a story to this, when boating never ever let anyone know that you know anything about engines. Our metal assault boats were dropped into a big lake by a Wessex helicopter and blown into shore by the thrust of its rotor blades.

Once we had concluded our training the sergeant major looked for a likely candidate to take the boat back to the middle of the lake. Regrettably I was chosen not only because I knew about engines but was also a good swimmer.

The plan was to remove the outboard engine once in the middle of the lake, put it back into its box secure the lid of the box and await the chopper and then hook the lifting straps to the hook on the underside of the chopper and then jump in and swim back to the shore.

However all did not go to plan, I had completed my part without a hitch, and had jumped into the water to swim back.

However on my way another chopper decided to hover just above me and despite my gestures for it to push off it continued to hover just above me actually pushing me under water.

Eventually the pilot realised what he was doing and lowered a line to lift me up out of the water, I thought great at least I will not have to swim ashore as by this time I was pretty tired. The chopper lifted me clear of the water and flew towards the shore but kept going and going eventually landing me on top of a hill with no kit and hardly any clothes. An enquiring voice said "where are you from lad" once I had explained they said " you will have to wait to the rest get up here with your clothes and equipment, so I waited for what seemed like a lifetime, the moral being keep your attributes to yourself.

After leave some fantastic runs ashore it was time for us to return to Borneo, everything was packed and of we set.

This time I had a lot more idea what to expect when we returned, I was probably an old hand with experience as we had replacement for those who had gone home the replacements were straight from training as I was when I first joined the Commando. This time my equipment was top notch; I had made improvements to my 44-pattern kit whilst back in Malaya.

We started the normal routine of 4-day patrols and as lead scout I felt more at ease than I had during the last tour. I now had a nice canvas bag full of cartridges for the Remington pump action shotgun and had got to know my local tracker very well.

He had gestured to me one day that my pusser's parang was no good, so he set about making on for me. Over the next several days he worked on a piece of steel which I think was part of a car spring goodness knows where he got that. It was flattened and shaped and finally sharpened, to say that the blade was sharp would be an understatement it was like a razor. He crafted a handle in the shape of a snakes head and a wooden scabbard all were beautifully crafted and finally assembled with the handle being glued in place, to this day some 44 years later it is still in tack and still very sharp.

The patrols were always interesting as you never knew what you would find, I remember on one patrol we had been out for several days and all of a sudden we came across an old train, obviously a relic of mining. We spent a lot of time chasing guerrilla's back across the border sometimes they did not make it back, on other occasions we just could not catch up to them, we would see the sign's as they dropped equipment to lighten their loads. One of the bases we worked from was in a new area of Northern Borneo, Sabah at a place call Kalabakan this is where all that boat training came in very handy, as we would start our patrols by travelling up or down river. One of the worst things was the orang-utans who would go crashing through the trees sometimes bringing on a hale of gunfire, I don't remember if we ever hit any.

On those long range patrols you had to put up with the heat, which made your clothing wet with the sweat, your feet would be permanently wet with walking through water and you would have to put up with the mosquitoes and the leeches. So after a long days march you would endeavour to find a good stream and after the removal of your equipment you would dive in and wash first with all your clothes on and then with them off. Get yourself checked over for leeches and then dry off. This would be followed by the use of pusser's powder. For most of the time your feet would look like a white wrinkled mess and the only relief was when you changed into your dry kit for the night together with dry socks and those brown boots, and if you were lucky a parachute silk jump suit. The one big drawback to all this was that as you only had to enough space to carry on rig for daytime and a change for night time you had the unpleasant task of putting the daytime clothes back on the following morning usually still wet and progressively as time went on they would stink a bit. Only carrying a light load allowed us to move much faster if we had to undertake a pursuit, as progress through the Ulu (jungle) at the best of times was pretty slow.

One of the main tasks on these long-range patrols was to lay an ambush, this we did quite often. It was the custom to have good firepower at each ends of the ambush to prevent escape and good concentrated fire in the centre ground for maximum effect. I seem to remember that we had been very successful on a number of occasions, however on one we achieved a good kill it was a wild pig so that day we all ate very well. The quality of the food provided on active service was in the most part dependant on who you had for a cook. I remember at one position we had a 3 badge marine cook who was absolutely brilliant, it amazed me that not only was the food great but that he had also built an oven, from which came forth pie's and home-made bread.

We would spend a lot of time at our main bases carrying out repairs to the perimeter walls and the huts. On one particular occasion I remember that the sergeant major had instructed us to move and rebuild a perimeter wall. When we dismantled the wall we found that it contained wooden boxes, at first we thought that they were boxes filled with soil but on closer inspection it was discovered that the boxes contained very big metal boxes somewhat like sardine tins only bigger, inside those were hundreds of 50 tins of cigarettes. Needless to say when it came time to return to camp in Malaya everyone who smoked had a spare kit bag full of tins of cigarettes, which by fair means of foul we manages to get through customs on our return.

There may be a few details which are not exactly correct in this effort to remember for which I apologies but the old grey matter is not quite as good as once it was, but one thing I hope is that one day when my grandson asks what did granddad do in the Royal Marines he will be able to read this and then parade my medals on a commemorative parade, as I have done with my fathers from WW1 and my brothers from WW2.

Somehow I was one of the many lucky ones who made it back home, some did not and my thoughts are always with them for the ultimate sacrifice made for their country. The government today don't give a dam for those who fought for their country and are quite happy to insult us by their actions.

In the jungle you can never relax, never be sure that up on that ridge or around that corner in the track the world won't suddenly split open with machine gun fire. When camp is made before dusk and your back is sore and your shoulders ache from the weight of your pack, you still cannot relax. While you silently cook and whisper to your oppo or crawl into your basha at night, all the time you half wait for the sound of a twig cracking or a man crawling up the back towards you. As the days pass the senses become blunted and it becomes easier to relax but to still stay alert.

1963. Tuesday 10th December. The Aden Emergency as it was known was an Insurgency against the British Crown forces in the British controlled territories of South Arabia, which now form part of the Yemen. Partly inspired by Egypt's President Nasser's pan Arab nationalism, it began with the throwing of a grenade at a gathering of British officials at Aden Airport on Tuesday 10th December 1963. A state of emergency was then declared in the British Crown colony of Aden and its hinterland, the Aden Protectorate. 45 Commando Royal Marines were based there. The emergency escalated in 1967 and hastened the end of British rule in the territory which had begun back in 1839. On Thursday 30th November 1967, British forces withdrew, and the independent People's Republic of South Yemen was proclaimed. 45 Commando returned to the UK, while 42 Commando covered the final withdrawal from the country.

1963. Friday 20th December The London Gazette Newspaper FROM THE ADMIRALTY

Whitehall, London S.W.I. 20th December 1963.

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards for gallant and distinguished services in operations in the Borneo Territories during the period 24th December 1962 to 23rd June 1963:

The Military Medal to Marine (Acting Lance Corporal) Douglas John Radford, R.M. 19037, Royal Marines.

Marine (Acting Lance Corporal) Radford was on active service with 40 Commando Royal Marines in Sarawak from March to May 1963. On 23rd April he was in charge of a Surveillance Patrol of five men and a policeman in a school hut just outside Kampong Gumbang, close to the Indonesian border.

In the early hours of the morning, in particularly dark and misty conditions, his outpost was attacked by about eight men using grenades., shotguns and automatic weapons, backed up by a further thirty armed men.

Although surrounded and in a position difficult to defend, Marine Radford rallied his men, one of whom was wounded. By his coolness and determination, he drove the enemy back, inflicted several casualties and1 prevented his small force from being over-run by superior numbers. Subsequent intelligence revealed that the enemy suffered five casualties, two of whom died.

By his gallant and distinguished service in the face of an enemy attack in superior numbers Marine Radford set a fine example. It was largely due to the steadiness and confidence of this young non-commissioned officer that the people in the area hold the British soldier in such high regard as a fighting man.

Mention in Despatches

Second Lieutenant (Acting Lieutenant) James Nigel Best, Royal Marines.

Sergeant Dennis Smith, R.M. 7626, Royal Marines.

Colour Sergeant Reginald Charles Locke, R.M. 9137, Royal Marines.

1963. Monday 21st December. Borneo. An Indonesian incursion group crossed the border and raided a shop in Serudong. Among those capture was Indonesian Marines, who were disappointed that the locals did not help them. Having been miss-informed that they were discontent with Malaysia.

1963. December. 'Padawan in Sarawak' by Patrick Walker 8 Troop. C Company 40 Commando RM. & A.E.

The aftermath of the Cpl. Marriott patrol incident

We left Sapit, which was right on the border, on 27th December to fly back to Padawan for a few days' rest. This location was about four and a half hours walking by a fit man to our rear. It was classed as a rear echelon area and connected to the outside world by a rare stretch of dirt track.

The location itself was roughly triangular with the bulk of it being grass and buildings down two sides.

It also has a small population of civilians because there was a schoolhouse and accommodation for students and a large house where the local European farm supervisor lived with his family. Down one corner was a compound in which lived a water buffalo with his own muddy wallowing pool. His main task was to plough the near-by pineapple fields and cultivated areas between crops.

Generally the buildings that we occupied were made of local materials and sat a metre off the ground. The river meandered round two sides of the site in a long lazy loop and the roadway to the outside world stopped just short of the other side of it. You couldn't get a vehicle onto the site and everything had to be manhandled across a bridge made of one enormous log with a very precarious handrail. There was also a wire rope and pulley apparatus for heavier stores.

The whole Border area had been put on alert in the run up to Christmas, since it was thought that the Guerrillas might try something.

On the 30th we were called on to carry out a search of some isolated huts near Koholm, which involved a rope-down from the helicopters while they hovered over the tall scrub, and then a trek back to the Tebekan Road, but in this case nothing was found.

It had rained heavily up river and the water levels rose by nearly eight feet, and complete trees came floating past, some with attached root bowl. Elsewhere there were no reports of trouble and on 1st January we were preparing to go out on another cut-off and search operation near-by.

It was a scorching hot day and we went to check the thermometer that hung on the school wall. It registered 117 degrees and it felt like it. Suddenly on the same day reports started to come in of a large incident involving the deaths of about eight Malay soldiers and the wounding of twice that number.

The location was given as Kalabakan, which we had never heard of, mainly because it was in North Borneo. Details kept coming in when they were known. Because of this, Intelligence now reported that there might well be a concerted effort by guerrillas to carry out further raids elsewhere.

We continued about our chores but with a little more apprehension, which was fully justified when the next day new reports started to come in of another incident in the next area to us here called Bau. Initially they claimed that patrols had gone out searching for signs of guerrillas who had been spotted in several areas, and that one of these had bumped a guerrilla patrol coming the other way. In the exchange of fire a border Scout and one of our Corporals had been killed before the rest of the patrol had had to withdraw, being considerably out numbered. (Enemy killed or wounded were at this point not known).

We went onto a one-hour stand-by and eagerly awaited every morsel of news. Apparently further patrols from 'B' Coy were saturating the area and trying to cut the guerrillas off from escape across the border. By this time the body of Cpl. Marriott had been recovered but several blood trails had been found leading away from the area. By 3rd. Jan there was a great need to get as many extra troops into cut-off positions behind likely escape routes and we were packed and ready and waiting on the grass for transport.

After an hour we heard the 'chopper' coming. It had a most distinctive rotor noise more of a drubbing sound. It came into view and made a circuit and then landed in the middle of the area. It was a Belvedere with twin rotors. Unlike the usual Whirlwind or Wessex these were not painted in camouflage colours and resembled a long thin aluminium cigar with wheels mounted on outriggers fore and aft. They had two doors in the fuselage, one at the front and one at the rear and the usual routine was to enter by one and exit by the other. Their great advantage was they could hold up to eighteen men, which was nearly twice the usual load.

We flew off and sometime later landed in a field in the Bau area, and then made our way along a dusty track through a rubber plantation. Eventually we reached a bungalow, which was to be our patrol base for the next few days. Reports were still coming in saying that there may have been up to two hundred guerrillas split up into several groups. Most were suspected of having crossed back over the border but an unknown number could still be on our side and working their way back.

Follow up operations had discovered shallow graves and captured a lot of equipment including the first Armalite rifle to be recovered. It was not long before rumours had this rifle with its super high velocity round able to kill with a near miss to the head.

Further rumours reported two bodies found on stretchers which had been left by them and a water bottle with a paratroops insignia. By this time most of the border crossing tracks were guarded and patrols were inside the cordon trying to flush out any one inside. We were towards the southern end of any possible route they might take to get away. It was a fair bet that anyone still in the trap would be aware of the likely sequence of events to cut them off and would therefore try and cut their way out avoiding our likely positions.

We were to start patrolling the next day with the intention of searching for any signs they may have already been in that area, such as trails, footprints or good intelligence from locals.

Sat 5th Jan '64

We went out on an all-day patrol along a track towards a place called Tegora. We were given wrong directions by a local and ended up lost when the track ran out. After much hunting around we resorted to a compass bearing and after wandering through a lot of rubber plantations eventually found the right one. What did not help was the route was not marked on any of the maps, but this was not unusual. We waded a river and tried several routes out from here, but they all petered out in further rubber plantations.

On the far bank of another river we came across a derelict little hut with whitewashed walls and decided to stop for a meal break. Inside the hut, half the floor had been gutted by a fire, and in large black letters on the wall was written "Kilroy was here!" followed by various obscenities that Kilroy could do. British servicemen are not noted for their subtlety. it seemed each successive visitor had added a highly imaginative remark, plus his unit and date. On completion we appended ours but with only the date. After being out all day we returned to base extremely damp and exhausted.

More information had come in. It seemed that one enemy group had managed to get out near Gumbang but amongst the items already found had been marked up maps with the intended routes on them for the targets to be attacked. What must have been somewhat alarming for the intelligence boys was the intended target for the raid was Kuching Airport, some considerable distance inside the border. It seemed they then intended to capture transport and drive to Bau and attack one or more locations before nipping smartly back across the border. There was analysis too of some of the equipment captured - a Czech rocket launcher and the Armalite rifle.

The other patrol had had more luck. They had come across a freshly cut track on the limit of their area and thought this was worth another visit. So the next day a large patrol left to go and check this out. We had been travelling for about two hours through flat terrain with the river well below us and on our left when we suddenly came across two large over grown metal pillars, one either side of the track. It was quite astounding, for there right in the middle of nowhere, was a suspension bridge. It spanned a two hundred-foot gap and was about eight feet wide. The decking was made up of rotten boards, many of which had long since fallen through leaving gaping holes through which you could see the river over a hundred-feet below roaring over narrows and rocks. The whole structure was so precarious that to move too quickly caused it to sway alarmingly. However, crossing one at a time, and with some very neat footwork, and a few more broken boards we all crossed safely. We supposed it was a relic from the Japanese occupation for there were several mines in the area.

After another hour we reached the site of the freshly cut track. Here we stretched out into extended line and proceeded at right angles to our own track to carry out a sweep. The area was mostly tall elephant grass and light vegetation. After advancing about four hundred-yards we discovered some freshly cut piles of firewood and the track petered out. This was obviously a dead end but when we tried to contact base with the news the radio reception was non-existent. This was a general problem in Borneo and many was the time that you could not contact base from the moment you left until you got back.

We continued on further down our original track but no sign of anything and it was decided to return. We negotiated the bridge again and whilst crossing an area of low scrub an aircraft came over several times broadcasting in Malay and Chinese, for any guerrillas to come in and give themselves up. After several more hours we reached the bungalow. It had been a long day and we estimated we had travelled about twelve miles, which was quite far enough when walking in jungle boots.

The other patrol had found sets of foot prints and investigated these, but it turned out later they were made by another patrol who had strayed into our area and probably missed each other by about an hour and thus avoided some anxious moments. It was decided that we were not going to find anything of interest so the next day we were flown back to Padawan to await a return to Sapit.

1963. Bogey Bogey Bogey By Geoff (Tex) Webbon Signals.

On one particular section deployment to Biawak I had just shut down comms to Coy HQ at Lundu when the sound of high performance aircraft engines approaching shattered the normal peace and quiet. Nipping outside I was in time to see three P51 Mustangs flash overhead, followed by what turned out to be a B25 Mitchell bomber converted with a side door for dropping. The Mustangs then returned overhead so low that we could quite easily see the pilots. The sentry had by this time mounted the section LMG on to a post from the nearest sanger. I heard him shout "shall I open fire?" to which I think we all shouted "No!!" in unison. I was thinking of the 18x 0.50 Browning's carried by the aircraft as being at odds with 1x 7.62 LMG!

I leapt back on to the radio and called Coy HQ with the standard Bogey Bogey Bogey call, at which point Pug Davis asked what we had seen. He then came back with the order "Do not open fire unless you are fired upon", which suited us down to the ground!

It transpired that the Indonesians were deliberately overflying many of the border posts trying to provoke an incident whilst resupplying their own positions on a 400 mile stretch on their side of the border. We at Biawak were the first position that they overflew.

Crab air scrambled a pair of Javelin aircraft but the Indonesians were long gone by the time they arrived.

1963. Metal wrist badge for Drum and Bugle Majors being manufactured in Portsmouth.

1963. First Drum Majors Course.

1963. New Rank Insignia for Staff Bandmast - a lyre surrounded by a laurel wreath. To be worn on blue uniform and khaki drill. On other orders of dress, the current (QMS) insignia to be worn.

1963. Khaki tie issued to Band ranks and Buglers in preparation for the introduction of Lovat uniform.

1963. 'With a Waterproof Cape' by Edward 'Andy' Anderson 2 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

Somewhere in Burma Camp in Southern Malaya during 1963. Thanks to Terry Aspinall for reminding me of the time I spent in 40 Commando and all the great lads of that special unit.

It was at a time when the cadres or candy cakes as we used to call them, were showing their potential. And how miserable that was we found out later, when one of them was placed in charge of a patrol. The point is someone decided we should let one of the lads take a drill parade for our section. This was a good idea as it led to a good laugh as good as any comedy show.

It was also the time of the monsoon when the rain came in torrents never-ending.

I was not looking forward to my turn as I have what was called a soft highland voice or southern Irish tone I was often accused off. The morning came with that inevitability bringing out the comics at their best. And I was the focus of all the jokes, just as others had been before me, although it did not seem the same, not quite as amusing to solitary me. I had been awake a part of the night trying to catch someone who was stealing out bed mats and flip-flops. Pretending to be asleep with my one eye open I lay ready for the thief. He came crawling in on all fours sometime after two. As he approached a bed near the door I leapt. Knox said later, that one second I was lying in bed and the next I was in the air. Unfortunately I was in my bare feet and the ground had grumbled concrete or stone paving and open grass. I lost him running into the night at full galloped. Any way he never came back.

It was now my turn and the theme of my drill parade was Saluting with a Waterproof Cape. I drew in my breath to bark as loud as I possibly could, 'Saluting with a Waterproof Cape.' Suddenly the sky turned from murky grey to a Gothic Black. The air stilled before a staccato lightening filled the heavens followed by a thunderous bang. Then to match the previous display of chaos rain fell with all the power gravity could countenance.

The parade was marching towards the huts not hearing a word of command. The next bolt of lightning and clap of thunder caused the parade to shout things like 'Fuck it' and they ran to their huts. I didn't hang around and ran after them.

If you ever get the chance in the middle of the storm shout out 'Saluting with a Water Proof Cape' and you will see how futile it can be.

1963. 'Lost! Who Me?' by Edward 'Andy' Anderson 2 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

We were used to each other and relied on each of us doing our job. When there was a change in the resolved arrangements it was like a change in the heart beat.

A trainee (candy cake) candidate for promotion arrived one day. He had that unfortunate look on his face of sickening superiority. He was to take us out of our usual patrol route to look for a Chinese habitat. The usual scuffle of putting on packs, checking weapons and looking around to see you pals were with you was completed. When we were out of the way and on track when the candidate was asked to go to the rear and keep out of the way. I had nothing to do with this but was happy to comply.

It was near the end of a monsoon and the sun came out with a burning heat that we were not used to. We walked cautiously through a rough path of elephant grass and out into a bare field. The heat was now intensive. At the end of the field an elderly native woman was cutting up a large pineapple. With a sharp knife she cut it from the top to bottom while her daughter poured water over it. The work looked cool and delicious. She took pity on us and gave some of her cool pineapple. It was unbelievably enjoyable and made us feel human again. At the end of the longhouse we were given a mix of cool water, certain fruit, routes and long red objects placed in one of our mess tins.

The candidate leaped forward and grabbed the mess tin and drank its contents down. His face in a trice changed to a reddish hue and began a coughing spree. The red long objects were peppers of a very hot kind apparently. By chance I looked around and saw three of the lads huddled tight, laughing. I had the feeling this incident had been engineered.

.On the track again and I called the Border Scout to have a look at what I found. We bent down to examine a foot mark. The mark made us almost certain we were on the right path. We found the Chinese residence neat and clean in comparison to the locals. The shoe mark indicated to us the Chinese were near as they were often seen wearing them. It was not rocket science and we could have been wrong in our estimation, but luck on this occasion was on our side.

We left the Chinese abode and walked the long way back. As we neared the river again I was approached by the candidate. He asked me to come with him to talk about something. "Admit it you are lost, admit it your lost?" I was very interested in how he had come to this conclusion. "I was watching you and you didn't' know where you were going." This and other things he raved at. I called Knox over and told him what had transpired.

.I lifted my right hand and pointed to the roofs that could be seen over the curve of the river. Knox knew as well as I did where we were. "That is the camp and we will be there soon." We had only about a mile or two to go and I was glad. I never saw this guy again and never want to. To be fair-minded there is good and bad in any group of people. But my thoughts may have been biased as I was in every way one of the section.

1963 – 1964? The supposed toughest man in the American Fleet (Singapore)

During 1963 -1964 an American War Ship was anchored off Singapore and some of the crew were allowed shore leave. And as is usual they all made for the Britannia club for a spot of serious drinking, and as was usual for our Marines we also visited the club to try and score free booze from our American friends.

A few hours in, and as is usually many were reeling around quite drunk as well as our boys I might add.

Anyway One very big, and I do mean big US Marine at the bar suddenly turned around to face everybody in the club and proclaimed at the top of his voice that he was the toughest Marine in the United States fleet. To which a Royal walked up to him and punched him in the jaw, and dropped the American to the floor. The American then shocked most guys in the club by getting to his feet and once again proclaiming aloud that he was still the toughest guy in the United State fleet.

Once again a Royal stepped up and again punched him in the jaw, and just as before he ended up on the floor.

To our amazement the American grabbing hold of a bar stool leg pulled himself up and back onto he feet. Proclaiming to all once again with a loud voice that he was still the toughest guy in the United States Fleet.

Just then a quite small Royal, I believe from C Coy stepped forward with his right arm in a plaster cast hit the American on the jaw with the forearm part of the plaster covered arm. This time as the American went down there was an almighty cheer from most of the Royals in the club. Oh and the American stayed down.

However, it did trigger an all in fight that smashed the club up quite badly. (Terry Aspinall 2 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.)

1963 \- 1966. 3 Commando Brigade (less 45 Commando) were involved in anti terrorist Confrontation operations in Borneo and Malaysia.

1963. During the period 1963 to 1966, Britain fought an undeclared war against Indonesia in the jungles of Borneo. The war was over Indonesia's political and military effort to destabilize the newly-formed Federation of Malaysia with the purpose of annexing Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei. As expressed by the Indonesian president, Achmed Sukarno, this policy was called Konfrontasi, or 'Confrontation.' British and Commonwealth forces fought a highly successful campaign against Indonesian incursions into Borneo (East Malaysia), Malaya (West Malaysia) and Singapore. Although unknown to the public at the time, the British and Commonwealth forces went onto the offensive in Borneo from August 1964 until three months before the formal cessation of hostilities on 11 August 1966.

The offensive took the form of top secret, cross-border operations and raids code-named CLARET, and proved to be an integral factor in the successful conclusion of the military campaign. It would be specious to credit Sukarno's fall from power in March 1966 solely to the military failure of Confrontation.

It is equally specious to ascribe this fall only to domestic reasons.1 Knowledge of CLARET helps to bridge the gap between these two schools of thought.

CLARET was a politico-military tool employed in response as much to political situations as it was to military ones. This article will examine in some detail the circumstances which made CLARET a necessity, the political nature and extent of the operations, and its sensitivity to political changes.

THE ROOTS OF CONFRONTATION:

Field Marshall The Lord Bramall, who commanded a British battalion during the campaign, calls Confrontation "the war that shouldn't have happened." 2 His rationale is that since Malays, Borneans and Indonesians have so much in common there was no need for any kind of conflict. Like many others,

Bramall places the blame for Confrontation squarely on the shoulders of President Sukarno of Indonesia.3 Sukarno carried out a policy of confrontation not only against the nascent Federation of Malaysia but with all of the polities he considered to be "Necolims."4The progression of his policy resulted in an eventual cessation of much-needed foreign aid from the United States, alignment with the People's Republic of China, withdrawal from the United Nations, runaway inflation, expansive political turmoil in Indonesia and, of course, Confrontation with Malaysia and its allies Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

Sukarno's reasons for Confrontation were varied and complex and this article is not directly concerned with them. However, a little background is necessary to understand how and why CLARET came to be. British commitment to Malaysia during Confrontation had its roots in the Malayan Emergency of 1948-1960. In 1957, during the latter stages of the Emergency, the British signed treaties which committed them to the defense of their soon-to-beindependent colonies of Malaya and Singapore. In 1959, the same was done for the protectorate of Brunei. Wishing to assure a racial balance between predominantly Chinese Singapore and the Malays of the surrounding colonies, and to create a stable polity following independence, Britain initiated a drive to federate Singapore with the Malayan states, Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak. The British were further committed to the area through their participation in the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), which it joined in 1954. And in addition to these "compelling moral and political reasons for a British presence," there was also pressure from the United States to maintain deployments east of Suez.5 Thus, during Confrontation the British government's "strategic gaze was firmly fixed outside Europe and especially east of Suez."

Defense resources allocated east of Suez did not keep pace with the increasingly important commitments to the area. The Sandys Defence White Paper of 1957, which was to lead to Britain's increased reliance on a nuclear deterrent, resulted in the end of national service and the re-birth of a highly professional, but much smaller, regular army. Despite the increased quality of the all-volunteer force, it was stretched to its numerical limits during the mid-1960s, especially by commitments in South Arabia and Borneo. "Of the Army's 60 battalions, more than 24 were committed to overseas operations, and 20 to the Rhine Army."7 There is little wonder, men, that when the Director of Borneo Operations (DOBOPS) requested troops and helicopters during the first 24 months of the campaign, Whitehall found it difficult to comply. There is some reason to suspect, therefore, that Sukarno believed the British were unable or unwilling (or both) to provide security for the fledgling Federation of Malaysia.

Plans and announcements for the creation of a federation of Malay states with Borneo, Brunei, Singapore and Sabah were made well before Sukarno advanced any opposition to the plan. His interest in disrupting Malaysia only manifested itself after the Indonesian campaign to oust the Dutch from West Man came to a successful conclusion toward the end of 1962. There was little coincidence between the end of the one campaign and the beginning of the next, both of which were similar in the "Indonesian ambivalence between 'diplomacy and struggle' as the twin poles of policy."

Sukarno claimed that Malaysia was a neo-colonial dupe of Great Britain. Although he was very much an anti-imperialist, there were also elements of megalomania in Sukarno's pursuit of 'Maphilindo,' an acronym referring to a conglomeration of Malaya, the Philippines and Indonesia which would, of course, be ruled from Jakarta and its president for life, Achmed Sukarno. The British-sponsored Federation of Malaysia and a continued British presence because of SEATO and other commitments thus posed a threat to Indonesian hegemony of the area.

Besides his revolutionary tenets and his desire for control of the Malay and Philippine archipelagos, there was also an element of necessity in pursuing an adventurist and confrontational foreign policy which diverted attention from domestic problems within Indonesia. Ironically, it was Sukarno who created the economic muddle which Indonesia was to become over the next few years, as he associated more closely with the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), cut off Indonesia from US aid and aligned the country on a 'Jakarta-Peking' axis.

Sukarno's power was predicated on the need for an external enemy. This eventually became his undoing as Confrontation with Malaysia proved a failure.

Unable to produce results abroad, having alienated his anti-communist generals, and with the economy a shambles, Sukarno eventually fell and Confrontation ended soon after.

THE INITIAL BRITISH RESPONSE TO CONFRONTATION:

The Brunei Revolt, which broke out on 8 December 1962 with very little warning to the security forces, was aided and abetted by Indonesia, though its actual involvement probably did not go beyond the provision of training and materiel to the rebels.9 Nonetheless, it marked the beginning of a new policy toward the territories to the north of Kalimantan, the Indonesian section of Borneo. Even though the main part of the rebel force was defeated in a few weeks, remnants of the insurgency remained at large for several months before they were finally killed in the jungles around Brunei. During the manhunt which followed the revolt, Indonesia began to intensity its political and military attacks against Malaysian Borneo. The attacks were perpetrated by guerilla bands recruited from Borneo, Malaya and Singapore and leavened with leaders from the Indonesian Army (TNI) and Marine Corps (KKO).

Major General Walter Walker, who was in command of the security forces tasked with the mopping-up of the rebels, believed that Indonesia was poised to play a much larger military role in Borneo. Indeed, even before Yassin Affendi, the military leader of the revolt was killed on 18 May 1963, Indonesia had already begun to step up its efforts to foment further uprisings in Borneo. On 12 April 1963, a party of men attacked the police station near Tebedu in the first division of Sarawak. The security forces initially did not know who was responsible for the raid, although it was known that at least some of the raiders were members of the Qandestine Communist Organization (CCO), an arm of the predominantly Chinese Sarawak Communist Party.

The specter of a repeat of the Malayan Emergency was likely in Walker's mind as he planned his response. As he had been a successful brigade commander in one of the Emergency ' s last and most effective operations, he was well suited to the task at hand. The pillars of his Borneo strategy, drawn from his earlier experience in Malaya, were to win the 'hearts and minds' of the natives, maintain close liaison with civil and police powers and emphasize intelligence gathering.

Shortly after the raid on Tebedu, evidence came to light indicating that the operation had been conducted by Indonesian soldiers. This obviously changed the nature of the threat to Borneo considerably. Walker believed the Indonesians' strategy to be the active support of dissidents within Sarawak. A report by the recently augmented Special Branch showed the CCO to be bigger and stronger than originally thought earlier in the year. The CCO insurgents, who were stationed in Kalimantan and called Indonesian Border Terrorists (IBTs) by the security forces, were believed to number about 1,500 at this time.

They were supported by an unknown number of Indonesian regulars, mostly concentrated opposite the First and Second Divisions of Sarawak. They even feared at one point that the Sultan of Brunei's bodyguard, the Brunei Regiment, might itself become the vanguard of a new insurgency. Walker's warnings to General Headquarters, Far Eastern Land Forces (FARELF) were now given heed and a few reinforcements were deployed from Singapore and Hong Kong to Borneo.

A crackdown on the CCO was undertaken, and a surprise operation mounted to confiscate all 8,500 licensed guns in Borneo retrieved a full 8,000.

No doubt this helped to forestall any planned insurrection, but a significant internal threat remained along with a growing external threat in the form of deep incursions into Borneo from Kalimantan. The task of thwarting the incursions was enormous: there were only five battalions initially available to cover a frontier stretching for more than 1,000 miles—a land mass as large as England and Scotland.

Indonesian raids into Borneo continued to increase over the summer of 1963 while the Prime Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdhul Rahman, attempted to reach apolitical agreement with Sukarno and the Philippines'President Macapagal in Manila. At the same time, in August 1963, a large, uniformed force raided deep into the Third Division of Sarawak, near Song, and over a period of days were defeated by ambushes of the 2/6 Gurkha Rifles. Prisoners taken by the Gurkhas revealed that Indonesian regular army officers and non-commissioned

officers provided the leadership for the force of IBTs.

IBTs stepped-up their activity as the date for Malaysia's federation in September approached. On 16 September, Sarawak and Sabah became independent prior to joining the federation but Brunei opted to remain a British protectorate. On 28 September, the Indonesian response to federation was felt in the Third Division of Sarawak at the longhouse in Long Jawi where six men of the 1/2 Gurkha Rifles, three policemen and 21 Border Scouts were stationed.

The latter were part of a force of natives recruited, trained, armed and uniformed to act as the 'eyes and ears' of the security forces in the longhouses. This small party fell victim to a raiding party of approximately 200 Indonesians supported by 300 unarmed porters. The Indonesians had been in the longhouse for two days before attacking, a fact which later led to a restructuring of the Border Scouts. The Gurkhas held out by themselves, the rest were taken prisoner or killed. Five of the security forces' men were killed and seven of the Border Scouts, who had been taken prisoner by the Indonesians, were murdered. In a series of ambushes, the rest of 1/2 Gurkha Rifles were able to kill 33 of the raiders and scatter'many more in the jungle, where they presumably died of starvation.

This raid had two important results, one of which was that the Indonesian murder of the Border Scouts alienated the natives in the border area and evaporated what little support the Indonesians had enjoyed up to that point. The other result was that the Border Scouts were taken out of uniform and reorganized to stress an intelligence-gathering role. They carried on with their normal, peacetime occupations, which for many included cross-border barter trade. As such they became an extremely valuable intelligence source for CLARET and complemented well the reconnaissance tasks now being conducted by the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS) in the border areas.

(from 'CLARET Operations and Confrontation, 1964-1966 by Raffi Gregorian.)

1963. The Tanzanian army revolted. Within twenty four hours Royal Marines had left Bickleigh Camp, Plymouth, Devon, and were travelling by air to Nairobi, Kenya, continuing by road into Tanzania. At the same time, Commandos aboard HMS Bulwark sailed to East Africa and anchored off-shore Dar es Sallam, Tanzania. The revolt was put down and the next six months were spent touring Tanzanian military out-posts disarming military personel. The Royal Marines were relieved by Canadian armed forces.

1963. 4-Man Patrol, By Pete Cairns A Coy 40 Commando.

Here is the story that lies behind the photograph of a 4-man patrol in Sarawak, Borneo, in 1963.

Whilst deployed at Sibu, Sarawak, No.1 section of 'A' Troop were allocated a task; we did not know what it entailed. Corpral Roberts was handed an envelope with the details inside, which was not to be opened until we were well outside the area of the eyes and ears of the villagers.

I led the patrol because I was the Lead Scout, followed by Leo the Iban interpreter/tracker, then corporal Roberts who was in command of the patrol, who was followed by Marine Tom Minnock and then there were the other seven members of our patrol.

At a position deemed free from local eyes and ears, as ordered I halted the patrol; who immediately all took up all-round defensive positions. I then went to corporal Roberts to see what our instructions were; he opened the letter and read it and then passed it to me. I read the details and passed the letter to Leo who had also joined us.

Corporal Roberts asked: "any suggestions," I looked at Leo and then decided I needed to say my piece, I said: "if we go as a patrol we will never succeed in doing what we are being asked to carry out."
'The objective was to go over the Indonesian border and bring back an Indonesian soldier who was home on leave in a kampong close to the border.' Corporal Roberts asked me: "why we would fail?"

I replied: "as lead scout I am always the first person to enter a kampong when we go out on patrols. So I am the first person to get an opinion of our reception, and in most cases I get the feeling that the locals knew we were coming to their village way before we arrived there."

Corporal Roberts turned to Leo and asked: "what would you say,"

Leo replied: "he is right."

Corporal Roberts then turned to me and asked: "have you any suggestions," I replied: "If we take a 4-man patrol and run all of the way to the border and the kampong we might stand a chance of catching our man; if not, I feel we have no chance."

Corporal Roberts looked across at Leo who nodded his approval of my idea, Roberts asked: "why 4-man?" I answered: "1-man for each side of the basher so that our target cannot escape." "Are you prepared to run all of the way," he asked, I nodded and when he looked at Leo he also nodded.

I took up my position while the corporal gave instructions to the rest of the patrol to make camp and to expect us back just before dark and he came back with Tom as our fourth-man; the photo was taken just before we set-off.

I led at a steady pace and we crossed the Indonesian border and reached the kampong just before mid-day. On arrival we surrounded the basher on the diagram in our letter and then Leo shouted out an order for the man to come out; if he did he what was asked of him he would not be harmed.

A lady came out and said: "he is not here,"

Leo looked at corporal Roberts for instructions who replied: "tell her if he doesn't come out we will burn the basher down with a phosphorous grenade," which he held up for the lady to see.

Leo explained the situation to the lady who immediately turned her head and I believe she said to her man: "they are going to burn our basher down."

The man slowly stuck his head out from the doorway and peered at us to see what was happening; Leo explained to him what we wanted and the man agreed to come along with us.

We ran all the way back to our grid reference where the rest of the patrol we waiting for us; and reached it before darkness set.

We gave the prisoner some rice and water and handcuffed him to a tree.

Tom and I, did not have to do any sentry duty that night; we cooked our rations and turned in after stand-too.

The next morning we unhandcuffed our prisoner and the patrol walked into base camp having fully achieved the objective they were allocated.

After two-days the Indonesian soldier was allowed to walk back to his kampong.

But The Story Does Not End Here

About 18-months later I was lead scout for 42 Cdo Anti-Tank Troop, at Lundu. We had a very keen young officer Lieutenant Christie Miller, who volunteered us to go out on patrol on every occasion he could; our troop spent more time on patrol than any other troop or section in the unit.

We had just come in from one patrol and had washed all of our webbing and kit that we had taken with us; I was standing in the shower when the Troop were told we were going back out immediately.

We put our wet clothes and webbing back on (the heat in the jungle is very exhausting for newbies until they learn to adapt to that environment) which really didn't matter about our clobber being wet, and we made our way to the airfield.

We were airlifted out to a clearing in the Jungle and were getting organized to set off when another helicopter which came from a different direction landed and dropped off our Tracker.

When Leo stepped out of the chopper he recognized me and I him at the same time. We shook hands when he said: "Corporal Roberts patrol," "That's right," I replied. Christie Miller was annoyed he said: "Cairns, I want to get this patrol moving." I answered: "Sir, if you let me and my friend completed our introductions I can assure you we will lose no time."

The Lt. was amazed that I knew Leo. we went over to him to see what we had volunteered us for. 'Information had it that there was an armed group on the edge of our sector heading towards our base camp Lundu. We had to locate and deal with them them as seemed fit for the purpose.'

I could see instantly that the distance on the map was not reachable by our patrol by nightfall. I said to Leo: "you do understand where we have got to get to don't you?" he answered: "I know where it is." I asked: "how long will it take us to get there?" "Four hours," he replied, "is there another route we could take which would be quicker?"

He thought about it and said: "yes," How long will it take us?"

I asked: "two hours," he said. I was fully aware that an Iban's hour would be different to the hour we understand; but it was logical that the two hours should be the shortest distance.

"Can you show me on the map where we would go," he ran a finger across the map which did not make a lot of sense, "it is a main road," he replied. My experience told me there was no main road as we know it to be; which meant it had to be a special track.

I said to Leo: "if we go via your main road, will we reach our destination quicker than if we go by a compass bearing," "yes, the terrain is better," he replied.

I said to the Lt I have been discussing our route with the tracker and he says that if we follow him he can get us to our destination quicker." I didn't want to mention main road.

Christie Miller took my advice and we went via the main road through the jungle. I didn't take me long to realise that although I could not see a track or any damaged vegetation, that this was truly a very important track for those who know of it.

On the hour we stopped for five minutes; it was jungle routine, which allowed time to check bearings and map references.

Each time Leo showed me something that only Iban's know; how to read the track. The first stop he asked me: "can you see anything unusual," "no," I replied. he pointed to a sapling and said: "this is an old track," "how can you tell," I asked.

"When a native passes along this track they sometimes snap off a sapling about every twenty paces and leave it pointing in the direction they came from; then if they want to come back this way in the dark they feel for the saplings and carry on with their journey. When the sapling regrows it always grows on the side of the break. now you can see what I see."

I was amazed how something so simple could be so effective, as I passed along the track I noticed where the other saplings had regrown.

Further along the track Leo pointed to a sapling that had been sliced at an angle with a sharp jungle knife, he asked: "what does that mean?" I thought it might mean something different; so I just gave a blank look, he replied: "that is also the direction that another person was taking using a different method.

Even Further along the track he showed me a sapling that had again been sliced with a sharp jungle knife; but this time there were two slices; one angled and one straight across a fork of a sapling. "What does this tell you," asked Leo, again I was at a loss for an answer.

"The angled slice is the direction you need to take and the straight slice will lead you to water, but you need to come back here to complete your journey, the short stem to the straight slice means water is close by, if it were longer then the water would be further away," said Leo.

The next time we stopped Leo showed me another fork of a sapling which had two angled slices; this was self-explanatory after seeing the other forms of communication; obviously from here the track went in two directions.

When we arrived at our destination we found some caves but nobody had lived in them for years; the information Christie Miller had received had been a false alarm; but the knowledge I had learnt was very pleasing.

1964. All ranks were wearing bronzed cap badges on field service, officer's badges in two pieces, or piece.

1964. January. Part of the Tanzanian Army mutinied. Within 24 hours. Royal Marines of 41 Commando had left Bickleigh Camp, Plymouth, Devon, and were travelling by air to Nairobi, Kenya, where they continued by road into Tanzania. At the same time, 45 Commando aboard HMS Bulwark had sailed to East Africa and anchored off shore from Dar es Salaam, the revolt was put down and the next six months were spent in touring Tanzanian military out posts disarming military personnel. The Royal Marines were eventually relieved by the Canadian forces.

1964. Friday 10th January. From this date the Regimental slow march of the Royal Marines will be The Preobrajensky March. Earl Mountbatten offered the march to the Royal Marines instead of the present Regimental Slow March the Globe & Laurel which is based upon the same air as the Regimental Quick March of the Womens Royal Army Corps. This march will be retained by the Royal Marines as an inspection piece. Also phased as: Prompted by Admiral of the Fleet Earl Mountbatten, the Royal Marines adopted the Preobrajensky March as their Regimental Slow March in place of the Globe and Laurel based on Early One Morning. The new march was the ceremonial slow march of the Preobrajensky Guards commanded by the Grand Duke Sergius of Russia, Mountbatten's uncle prince Philip's great uncle. The first public performance was on Horse Guards Parade on this day.

1964. Tuesday 21st January. 804 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1964. Monday 13th January. 19Je. Squad Commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1664. Monday 3rd February. 805 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1964. February. 16Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Cameron March was awarded the Kings Badge.

1964. February - July. 'Burma Camp the Third Time'. Taken from Chapter 9 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

Once again Burma Camp became the home of 40 Commando Royal Marines, having returned from a second successful tour of duty in Sarawak. Most of us were expecting a little rest and relaxation during the next couple of months. While a privileged few were hoping that it would be their final resting place before being repatriated back to Britain. Having successfully completing the customary eighteen months service.

Unfortunately, most of us were in for a big shock, when on our very first day home, it was announced that we were about to embark on a training program of righting several wrongs that had left our lives exposed to danger while in Sarawak. Especially if we were to become a more efficient jungle fighting force. Therefore, it was going to be mainly jungle training from here on, which would concentrate on the laying of ambushes and patrols.

The life style soon became very tedious, going over and over the same old things day in and day out. However, I guess to be fair to the system it was all designed to keep us alive in the future. It was also evident that it was only those we call the old soldiers, who tired of the dreary routine first. Whereas, the other fresh newcomers, who had just arrived out from the UK, for their first tour of duty in the Far East, saw it completely different. Most of them were new recruits and had a lot to learn in order to be ready for their expected stint in Borneo, especially if they wanted to stay alive. When I and the other members of the 779 squad first arrived, we were thrown right in at the deep end with no training other than what we had learnt back at Lympstone. I must admit that it was hard finding yourself thrown in to a battle condition with no previous training. Although I must say that Marines do look after each other. It's like being a member of a family and most will help you if you are in trouble. There are also those who take the new guys under their wing and keep an eye on them.

It did not take us long to drop back into our old routine of going ashore in Singapore, an old Navy term used when you leave the camp or ship. Ginger and I wasted no time in looking up our old haunts and girlfriends. Within just a couple of weeks, we were into our old drinking habits, of wine, women and song as they say. Although I might add that we deserved the break after being on constant alert for 24 hours a day, over a period of 6 months.

It was also around this time that Ginger and I befriended an Australian millionaire called Jim, who we met one night when we were very drunk in a bar called the 'Rosy Dor, We became very friendly with him, usually meeting up with him at clubs and going to his home to drinking his beer later in the night. In fact, we were even allowed to let ourselves into his flat and to get at the beer in the fridge, but for some unknown reason we were always told to keep the bottles. We used to think that one of his girlfriend's worked at a bottle shop and that there was a fiddle going on between them.

In those days it was common knowledge that there were ten millionaires on the island of Singapore, nine of those were Chinese and Jim was supposed to be the tenth. Unfortunately, it doesn't say very much about the Malaysian people doesn't it. Not one of them were in the rankings, so I guess that's why they did not like foreigners in their country. At one time Jim even told us that we were protecting his interests in Borneo, although he never explained what he was into. To this day, I do not think he would have had the time for us, if it were not for the Borneo emergency, because during that period we did not really look after ourselves. We certainly weren't the type of people you would take home to meet your Mum. Anyway, the crunch came one night while we were all lying around drunk at his flat. Ginger was out of his mind with booze and he asked Jim if he was queer. The incident saw the end of that little friendship and we steadily drifted apart. Poor old Jim he had a lovely Malaysian girl friend and I do not believe he was queer anyway. Still we had two good months with him. Why the hell Ginger said that to him I will never know.

Ginger and I were becoming night animals with all our drinking and with not caring what people thought of us. At one time Jim had given us some tickets for the South East Asian premier of the film 'Lawrence of Arabia' starring Peter O'Toole. Now to get into many of these events you always had to wear a tie and look smart. Can you imagine Ginger and I in our dirty shorts, tee shirts a plastic tie done up in a rather large bow around our necks? You could usually purchase these for a dollar from the road side traders. Anyway, we were stopped going into the theatre by the doormen and as a result one of us hit the manager. Once they had us under control we were both thrown out into the street. Fortunately, not in front of the hundreds of fans all waiting outside the main front doors to see the main film stars as they arrived. No, we were thrown out of a side tradesmen's entrance, away from the public and prying eyes of the press. It was almost twenty years before I finally viewed the film when it first appeared on commercial television back in the UK.

During the early 1960's, Singapore was a bit of a rough place to be during the evenings, therefore you had to able to handle yourself if you wished to stray from the usual tourist circuit around the city centre. It was not only a case of being able to protect yourself from the locals, but from fellow Marines and also other service men that frequented the night life. On one occasion one of our Marines was visiting a night club with his wife. During the evening another serviceman was becoming louder as the alcohol and night wore on. Towards the end of the evening the serviceman ended up in a full scale brawl with other patrons, during which he grabbed a beer bottle and smashed it on the side of the bar, he then preceded to threaten a couple of people with its jagged edge, including the Marines wife. It just so happened that the Marine was a Karate expert and also one of our best unarmed combat instructors. Without hesitated he just waded in and disarmed the drunken maniac waving the broken battle. Unfortunately, it left the serviceman in a heap in the corner complaining about his back. Later in hospital it was discovered that the guy had a broken back and would be confined to a wheel chair for the rest of his life. However, the Marine had no qualms about what he had done, after all his wife might have ended up with a mutilated face, if the madman had carried out his threat. The Marine later visited the serviceman in hospital and was quite blunt when he told the guy straight to his face, that he would never again threaten a woman with a broken bottle. You might think that he was hard and callus, but at least he had protected his wife from a disfigured face.

Most military units will protect its personnel whenever possible, as long as they are honest with them and they believe they can get away with it. It's a well-known fact that in those days if you reported to your Commanding Officer that you thought you had made a local girl pregnant, they would do their best to get you transferred to another unit and out of the area. However, if you were to play around and not tell the truth they would be on your back like a ton of bricks and run you into the ground. On one occasion one of the Marines reported that his girlfriend was pregnant and that it had happened just before he left the UK for a tour in the Far East. He requested permission to go home so he could marry his childhood sweet heart. After much debate on the subject, because of the cost involved with flying him both ways, it was finally decided that he could go, and they gave him one month in which to get it all settled and sorted out. Unfortunately, his plane stopped off in Gibraltar to refuel and he got himself drunk, ending up with one of the local women of disrepute. To further complicate matters he picked up a disease from her. Therefore, upon his arrival in England he could not go through with the marriage knowing full well that he would not be able to sleep with his future wife and keep his little secret from her. The marriage was called off immediately and both parties went their separate ways. However, there was also no way that the Marine could return to Singapore, because he had to wait for the flight he had been originally booked on. Anyway, to cut the story short, one month later he finally arrived back in Singapore where he was confronted by our Commanding Officer who threw the book at him and deducted every single penny of the trips expense from his wages and in those days, it was a lot of money. One rumour had it that it took him over a year to repay the debt.

In the evenings during the week, a few Marines would make their way to the nearby town of Johore Barhu, just down the road from our camp, which stood on the Malaysian side of the Causeway leading over to Singapore. It was about half the distance to Singapore City and cost half as much for a night out. We used to call it the poor man's Singapore, but you could still have a good time if you knew where to go. Johore was a rough free for all type of place, but I still liked going there, you just had to know when to call it a day and move on. One night a group of us were sitting by a window in a night club about five or six floors up. By his time the table was full of empty bottles awaiting collection by the waiter. For some reason one of the Marines was in a bad temper and was banging on the table with his bottle of beer. I got up and moved away knowing full well that trouble was going to erupt sooner or later, and I did not want to be part of it. From my new position over by the bar I watched the crazy guy still banging the bottle on the table. Well finally it burst open and the glass flew everywhere. Then when a waiter arrived at the table to help clear up the mess. The drunken Marine picked up the corners of the tables cloth one at a time. Then once he had hold of all four corners he lifted the lot up into the air, swung his arm around until the cloth was hanging out side of the window, as the waiter pleaded with him not to drop it. The Marine took no notice and dropped the lot from about four or five floors up, without even looking at what it might hit. That incident cured me of going out with some of these guys again. It was just sheer luck that it never hit anybody but think of the carnage if it had. From that day I used to go out on my own whenever possible, or at least tag on with a couple of the quieter guys.

Back at Burma Camp we all received a lecture on the problems of sexual diseases, it being very prevalent in Singapore. At one time it was reported that 40 Commando had almost fifty cases. However, it was also very easy to cure, just three penicillin injections per day in your bum, over the period of a week. Then a blood test, plus another blood test in six months and usually you was given the all clear. On any Monday morning, you could usually see a small queue of Marines outside of the camp sick bay and then a fortnight later you would see the same old faces once again. Most of the girls of Singapore usually carried medical certificates with them, unfortunately that meant absolutely nothing as there was a thriving forgery industry as well. We were told that after a certain amount of time on penicillin, it got used to your system. You would then have to move on to another drug known as Streptomycin. There was only one final drug that they could use and then you were on your own. According to the experts there was nothing known to man that could help you. This lecture slowed up many Marines and made them thinks twice, I can honestly say that I looked after myself and that it never affected me, at no time have I ever parted with my money. While some Marines were so worried that they totally refused to go with any girls, the whole time they were in Singapore. I might add that just because I stayed with the girls, it did not necessary mean that I slept with them, usually I was to drunk and would just fall asleep.

In the evenings during the week, we would usually go for a beer in the camp NAAFI Club, but it would close at 10.30 pm. Most of us had Dhobi buckets with us, so at 10.30 pm we would fill these up with draught Tiger beer. Once this had all been drunk most of the Marines would make their way back to their huts for a sleep. Leaving a hard core of drunks behind all looking for something else to drink. When the bar was shut, a wrought iron grill would be lowered and locked in position to keep us out of the bar area. On the back shelves there were rows and rows of full bottles of beer. It took us a considerable amount of time, but we eventually came up with a way to get at the beer. We hollowed out a length of bamboo and then passed a string up through the centre. Leaving a loop out the other end and then brought the string back down the centre. So now, we had a loop of string at one end of the bamboo and two string tails hanging out the other end. We then passed the bamboo through the wrought iron and placed the string loop over the top of a beer bottle. We would then pull the other string ends tight, so that the loop held tight around the neck of the bottle. Then while still holding the string tight we would slowly walk backwards bringing the bamboo pole back through the wrought iron grill and getting a rush of adrenalin at the same time, as to what we had just achieved. Not only did we drink the contents of all those bottles of beer, but we also had the cheek to replace all the empties with their lids replaced back on the shelves. Well if we were going to be caught, we had to have something to laugh about later. Oh, and by the way, we were never caught and to this day, I do not think they knew exactly how we achieved our little feat. Only about six of us knew and we were keeping it as our little secret.

Towards the end of May, 40 Commando attended an exercise held by SEATO. (South East Asia Treaty Organisation), in the Philippines. We were all packed on aboard H.M.S. Albion and amongst a fleet of one hundred and twenty ships. From the air it was a spectacular sight, something that had not been seen for many years. The fleet consisted of American, Australian, New Zealand, Philippines, and British etc. For the exercise the Americans had placed frigates as an umbrella around the outer most edge of the Convoy, as an anti-submarine defence net. While a couple of British submarines were used as the enemy.

Not only did the British submarines get through the defences undetected, but they also surfaced beside HMS Albion on our Starboard side. The American flagship a very large vessel was positioned on our Portside. All our crew came up top to cheer the sub. The Americans did not even know she was there.

English Buccaneer aircraft were also used as the enemy and on one occasion, they attacked the fleet flying very low hugging the waves. As they flew past the HMS Albion we were all standing on the flight deck. I could not believe that we could all looked down at the pilots as they flashed past. This exercise also had a run of bad luck with several accidents that created many casualties. On one New Zealand ship a boiler exploded killing a couple of crew members. A couple of Aussies were lost, but I can't remember why, and a couple of American planes came down in the sea losing one pilot. At a later de-brief we were told that the Americans usually allowed for at least two percent casualties, that's injury's not deaths.

Halfway through the exercise 40 Commando joined in with the American troops for some very large beach landings, after which we headed inland to take some sort of objective, quite exciting at times. The exercise lasted one week and towards the end, a number of British Marines that included myself, ended up in a US Marine camp, as prisoners and starving for something to eat. An Officer directed us to a very large heap out the back. There we found an eight feet high heap of discarded and unwanted food from US Marines ration packs. I could not believe it, this was all unwanted food, tins of fruit, cans of bread, as you opened them the bread rose up from the tin. Tinned steak, apple tarts and so on and so on. Most of the tins also had a means of heating the product within, by just pulling a tag. Seconds later you had a hot meal. Now if you know anything about English ration packs, this stock pile was sheer luxury for us. All we ever got in our packs was a small tin of stew or some other type of meat. A few hard tac biscuits and a bar of chocolate and if you were really lucky a tin of cold treacle pudding.

The day the exercise was completed, we were all told at 6 am to return to our ships and to sail away. HMS Albion reloaded all our gear and we sailed at 11 am that morning. While the American troop carriers left two and a half days later. I have never seen so much gear in my entire life. You name it and they had it and if they didn't at least they could get it. A few days later the whole fleet met up once again, in Subic Bay Naval Base, where we were all allowed a run ashore together.

Subic Bay had one of the largest NAAFI Clubs I had ever seen, it held thousands of service people and 99% of them were drunk. The Jukebox was continually playing Beatle songs. The Beatles were just starting to become very popular in this part of the world. So, for a stunt four fellow marines found the cleaner's cupboard and grabbed four mop heads to be used as wigs, and four broom handles to be used as guitars. Then they jumped on the tables and mimed to almost every Beatle song that the juke box blared out. That night they went down a storm and it became one big drinking binge that we all thoroughly enjoyed.

Later a group of us went out of the base and into the local nearby village, just outside the main gate. Changing our American dollars into Philippine currency, we then went to a local strip club, come drinking houses. Jock Stone jumped onto the stage and joined in with the girls removing his cloths. He looked a sight once all his clothes had been removed. Because two weeks earlier, he'd had a circumcision operation and had a bandage around his private parts. The laughs continued the following day when Jock told everybody that he had lost his bandage. Anyway, when we tried to re-enter the American base they would not change our money back to American dollars. They reckoned they did not want our Mickey Mouse monopoly money as they called it, as it was not worth the paper it was printed on.

The green berets we wore were a sign of a Commando and were highly prized and sought after by American serviceman, who was paying big dollars for them. Most of the Marines on board HMS Albion ended up selling them. I think the price at that time was about $30.00 U.S.

Trying to get back on board our ship was a bit of a hazard, can you imagine one hundred and twenty ships in that Harbour and only one jetty, with dozens of boats trying to ferry us all to the correct ship. The Duty Officers were standing on the end of the jetty trying to keep some sought of order as the rabble approached them. When we arrived there seemed to be thousands and thousands of service personnel milling around ahead of us and I doubt one of them was sober. Anyway, a group of new arrivals just started pushing forward, soon more joined in and the end result was that hundreds got pushed off the other end of the jetty in to the sea including the duty Officers, what a mess and incredibly no one was hurt or drowned.

Back on board HMS Albion, it soon became evident that not many returning Marines had their Green Berets with them. It became so bad that our Commanding Officer got involved, apparently there were only a couple of spares on board in the ships stores. Reluctantly he did a deal with the military police of Subic Bay. They went around just taking back every Green Beret they could get their hands on. Bringing four sack loads back on board. Not only that, we all got our correct beret returned, because we had our names printed inside the head band. So many of us had lost them, that no charges were laid against us and to cap it off, we had also made thirty dollars out of the deal. Not bad!!!

A couple of Marines went AWOL while we were in Subic Bay. One I saw brought back on board had a few of us in stitches. He was a little guy and his escort was a six foot six inch coloured military policeman. After boarding the ship and arriving at the top of the gangway, he ended up standing in front of his Military Policeman escort, while confronting the ships Duty Officer. He could not resist making a remark to him, "Look what I found Sir, can I keep it", pointing to the military Policeman behind him.

Upon our return trip back to Singapore we had to sail through the tail end of a Cyclone. This was also a first for me not having experience one before. During are free time on board a carrier we would usually walk the deck as we called it. Most of us would meet up in groups and just walk from one end of the carrier to the other a couple of dozen times. This particular day most of us still took up the challenge. And challenge it was, as the Carrier was bobbing about in the sea like a matchbox. These ships are very big, and some have what look like wings attached to the sites under water line, that help to stabilise them in rough weather. However, as we walked forward at times we were looking up at the sky and next we were looking down at the water. At this time the sea look as if it was high above us. Something I will never forget.

My twenty-first birthday occurred just one day out of Singapore. Unbeknown to me all the guys in A Company had been saving their two beers a day. Along with some of their daily rum ration, although it was an offence. Somebody had also been down to the officer's galley and had a cake made for me. It was a great surprise and I had a good time. Something I have always remembered even though I am not a birthday celebration guy, but I did not mind getting drunk on that particular day. Next morning, we docked in Singapore and we all had to line the deck, as is the custom of the Royal Navy for entering a harbour. I believe it goes back to the old fashion sailing ship days and is a display to the people of the port that you are not hostile and down below aiming your guns at them. It's a drill that looks spectacular to the people waiting on the dock side. However, I was excused as I was still badly hung over, I even had to have some help getting off the ship. What is the old saying, 'Oh Never Again, Never Again'.

We were back at Burma Camp for only a couple of weeks. Then in July it was off to Borneo once again, but this time we were going to be deployed in a different area. Although, his time the transport was not going to be as pleasant, as we travelled on board the M.V. 'Auby' an old converted cattle boat and that's about how we were packed in, like cattle. At one stage a competition was run, to guess the mileage covered in a twenty-four hours period. I can remember going to the bridge and taking a look at a map and working out what distance we had covered the previous day. Where we were and where I thought we might be the next day. Somehow, I managed to win and received a large carton of Tiger beer. Mind you my friend made sure that I had a lot of help getting rid of it, as I was not allowed to store it up or take it a shore.

The Auby docked at 'Jessleton' to give us all a run ashore and stretch our legs, and the town never knew what hit it. Seven hundred Marines converged onto the local yacht club, situated on the shore of a very nice sandy bay. For a start no money was allowed to pass over the bar, we all had to buy books of tickets at the door and then so many tickets bought you one bottle of beer. It only took about three hours to drink the place dry, so with nothing else to do, the drunken Marines headed for the beach. Within the bay were many very small boats that were all anchored a few meters out. By the time we left, all had been sunk or were at least upturned, because of our horse play and search for a crazy laugh. It did not take long for questions to be asked and we were all rounded up by our military police and herded up just like cattle and made to re-board our cattle boat and to get us out of that place as fast as possible. I'm sure the local people were glad to see the back of us, as we sailed out of port. I wouldn't mind betting that the whole town gave a big sigh of relief. I'm thinking that the local newspaper headlines read might have read, 'The animals have departed and with luck, they will all be sold at market'. They must have thought that a Cyclone had just hit them. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1964. Early. .'War Dogs' by Cpl Tom Blair 6 Troop B Coy 40 commando RM.

During the follow up after the contact on 31st December 1963 my patrol was reinforced, by helo, with a platoon from the Royal Artillery. They had come prepared for European warfare, let's be kind and say , fully booted and spurred. They also had a tracker dog and handler who told us the dog was old but keen. It had seen service in the Cyprus emergency and was a good tracker explaining that if it stopped and pointed it meant that there were Indons ahead, he added a little Vetenary Corps joke. If it lifts a paw it means there are more than you can shake a stick at. I said I was more interested in not running into an ambush at the speed the young RA Officer intended to go at. I suggested that my patrol took up the rear to save confusion. This was agreed, the dog was sent to just behind the lead scout a, Sarawak Ranger. I suggested that the lead scout should be someone with a SLR as having a single shot weapon had caused problems the day before by alerting the Indons to Cpl Marriotts patrol. The willing local had fired his single barrel shotgun and fled leaving the patrol unprepared. I was overruled. We set off. It soon became apparent that all was not well up front. Soon it became one long concertina. People were falling over, eyes became fixed on where their foot was being placed and not on the possibilities of being ambushed. Eventually the handler and dog joined us at the rear, he had been told he was stopping too often to wipe his specs. The dog was knackered and kept laying down, the handler had problems seeing ahead because his specs kept blurring due to sweat on his face (should have gone to spec savers). The handler put the dog on his shoulders but after a short time he wanted to stop and recuperate. I said no we had to keep going but we would spell him with the dog. We eventually arrived at the notional border and young Sir said that we could go no further. Taking the lead we all made our way to Bucket Knuckle the nearest location where Sammy Fink gave us tea and an oatmeal block. We were recovered by helo to Serabak, our location. At the debrief I asked my blokes about their thoughts about the last few days. Generally it was about working with ill-prepared troops and locals. On a final note "what about having to carry the dog around your neck"? I asked. One said, I wish it had been a bitch, did anyone else have its dick in their ear the whole time.

Three years later I was at Colchester nick, at it and not in it, a recently admitted soldier asked me if I remembered him. I look at his cap badge -- RA . He said "do you remember the time I slid down a river bank, my land rover shovel got caught in a creeper and swung me out over the river and the Platoon Cdr. said I was pissing about and to get down. It was you who jumped off the bank and pulled me down, nearly drowned me. "That was the most exciting time in the Army for me, helping you Marines"........ I Sighed.

I asked him what he was in nick for? He said he was just walking past the NAAFI late at night when the outside fag machine fell off the wall and burst open, " I was just collecting them for the Manager when I was arrested!" ........I Sighed again.

1964. Wednesday 1st April. Lovat dress was introduced.

1964. Monday 6th April. 808 Squad commenced training at the the Deal Depot.

1964. Thursday 7th May. 848 reformed at RNAS Culdrose on 7th May 1964 with 18 Westland Wessexes. Between August 1967 and April 1973 these were joined by Westland Wasp HAS.1's.

During its 69-year history, 848 Squadron had been disbanded and reformed several times but had a more permanent standing, having been made the Commando Helicopter Training Squadron, based at RNAS Yeovilton.

Part of this Squadron was taken to form 847 NAS during Operation Corporate to retake the Falkland Islands 1982. The Squadron operated Westland Wessex HU.5 aircraft at this time.

1964. 848 Naval Air Commando Squadron, a letter from Nigel Osborne (RMAQ). As the name suggests, 848 Squadron has the role of transporting commandos; sometimes we even had to transport soldiers! Originally all the navy squadrons operated fixed wing fighters, piston engine & later jets. During the Korean War, helicopters started their military role with the Sikorsky 51, known as the Dragonfly, a small not too powerful helicopter used to pick up downed pilots. Also the Bell 47 was used for medivacs as in the 'Mash' TV series. After the Korean War all navy pilots were commissioned unlike the Army & RAF who were much slower to phase out NCO pilots. Our backseaters were ratings although each squadron had one commissioned observer who was more of a staff officer.

During the Malayan emergency the helicopters were bigger, up to 10 seats, namely the Sikorsky 55 which when built by Westlands became the Whirlwind which had a big radial piston engine pinched from a fixed wing aircraft. Later the radial was replaced by a turbine engine and the Whirlwind saw service for many years including being the first helicopter to get involved in the Borneo confrontation with 846 Squadron who did an excellent job.

By now the Wessex 1 was in production with one large turbine engine and was faster and carried a bigger load then the Whirlwind. 845 Squadron was the first squadron equipped with the Wessex 1 and served with distinction in Nanga Gaat and other locations. The Wessex 1 struggled in the local conditions of rain, cloud, mountain and high humidity which sadly led to a few accidents, the worst being when two collided on approach to Nanga Gaat with only one survivor out of 10.

In 1963/64, 848 Squadron was reformed at Culdrose and was equipped with 18 brand new state of the art Wessex 5, a twin turbine engine version of the Wessex 1 with incredible power, good autopilot, very robust and reliable. Even after not flying one since 1967, it is still one of my favourite helicopters and just didn't let me down. The radios were excellent, one day while flying around Brunei; a Buccaneer answered my radio call while flying over the North Sea out of Lossiemouth!

After our basic training at Culdrose we were split between commando pilots and anti-submarine pilots. Most wanted commando as we all thought it more fun! After getting your wings in 705 squadron, the commando training soon made you realise you had a lot to learn. Carrying troops may look easy but there are quite a few ways to get them in and out of the helicopter without damaging either the helicopter or marine. Strangely quite a few marines did not like jumping out from a 10 ft hover or climb down a 25 ft rope. I've no doubt they've Jumped out of higher towers at Lympstone without batting an eye lid, but the roaring engines and flashing blades was a new experience for them. After leaving Culdrose we flew onto HMS Albion and started deck-landing practice by day and night. One night while cruising through the Bay of Biscay I was on number 9 spot, the last one, my altimeter was altering up to 80 ft while on the deck and 10 degrees or more of roll. Just a bit much for a new pilot, even the crewman in the back wasn't too happy! The Flyco asked if we thought it was a bit much and the 3 of us new pilots quickly said yes & then off to the bar for a brandy!

The marines also went through carrier drills including sling work & we did a short exercise in Gibraltar and then off to the Suez area. (From Nigel Osborne RMAQ.)

1964. Saturday 16th May. 804 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1964. Tuesday 26th May. Marine David Wilson, 45 Commando RM, KIA while serving in Aden.

1964. Friday 29th May. 805 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1964. Friday 29th June. 17Je Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone, Cameron March was awarded the Kings Badge. 1964. Thursday 23rd July. As part of the Corps Tercentenary Celebrations a Royal Review was held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Musical support was provided by the Band of Portsmouth Group augmented with Buglers and Musicians from the Bands of C-in-C Portsmouth and HMS St. Vincent under the direction of Captain P. J. Neville.

1964. Monday 27th July. 808 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot. Rod (Pedlar) Palmer was awarded the Kings Badge.

1964. July - September. 'Sabah North Borneo'. Taken from Chapter 10 of 'Almost Total Recall' Terry Aspinall's Autobiography published by Smashwords (free) 2012.

We sailed right around to the most eastern side of Sabah and then headed South to a small coastal town of Tawau, which had a population of around four thousand five hundred people. Tawau was where the Eastern Brigade Headquarters was located and from here the whole of North Borneo was controlled during its state of Emergency. Its Commanding Officers was a Malaysian Officer while the Brigade Major was a British Officer.

We spent five very uncomfortable days on board the M.V. Auby. Therefore, it was a great relief when we finally disembarked at the port of Tawau. After each company was allocated a different area in the country to secure and Patrol, we were immediately transferred to three smaller craft.

A Company headed across the bay and up a very large river heading towards the small timber town of Kalabakan. The river in this area twisted and snaked sometimes almost re-joining itself. In some places, just to travel ten miles by land you would sometimes travel almost double or treble that distance on the water.

During the entire trip all the Marines were vigilant and in action station positions, just in case. It was a well-known fact that many cross border raids had taken place in this area. In fact, that was the reason we had been sent to the area, so we could cut down on the insurgents. However, our long trip was all very uneventful, except for the wonderful scenery.

Kalabakan was a timber village and housed a very large saw mill that was managed by an Englishman and was to be our base for the next few weeks. Just like Lundu in Sarawak, our first order of the day was to set about fortifying the mill and building some sort of camp to house us. Although this time everything was on a much larger scale, as the whole of A Company was to stay together. Once we had settled in, things really started to hot up in this area, with all three of our Companies reporting action, but with no losses so far on our side.

Tawau was also used as a base for the Royal Marine's Special Boat Service raiding teams. It was all unofficial, but these teams would follow the coastline on the Indonesian side of the border. They would swim ashore and complete a Recce to get the lie of the land. Latter a raiding party would go in using the same sort of tactics. These teams had a lot of success and killed many of the enemy, while our own boys only sustained the lightest of casualties. These actions also made the enemy feel insecure and uncomfortable in his own country, something they had always tried to do to us. Now they were finally receiving some of their own medicine and they did not like it. The end result was that they moved deeper into their own country, further away from the border. This area was just a maze of waterways, and so the Royal Navy tried out their new Hovercraft SRN-5, with great success. Any helicopter work was hard, as there were not many jungle clearings. Most times, we had to rope down from the choppers through the dense jungle, an operation we had perfected when we first arrived in Sarawak and is still used to this day.

One of the raiding party's attacked the Island of Selbatik, that over looked the island of Nanukan, a known base for Indonesian Marines. This attack was by Gemini inflatable's launched from a small motor cruiser 'The Bob Sawyer'. Lt Seeger led the attack and later received the Military Cross for the way he conducted the assault. Ram as he was better known was the only Marine hit, taking a bullet right through his elbow at the very beginning of the attack. Sergeant Costley and Corporal Tomlin were both mentioned in despatches for their part in the attack. There was never time for a head count of the dead at the OP Station, but several bodies had been seen. At one time the fighting became so viscous that it ended up in hand to hand combat.

At Kalabakan, with our camp fortified, we began the usual routines of patrols and ambushes. Because all of A Company was housed in the camp, the patrols were much larger, consisting of at least two sections. We set one ambush on a smaller river that had a very steep hill on one side overlooking the water. The Marines dug in at different heights up the hill. There were so many of us scattered up the hill that at one time it looked like an auditorium in a theatre looking down at a stage. We had picked up information that a large party of Indonesians were moving up the river. They never arrived, which left us feeling very frustrated, having put in so much work in to our effort and not to get a result. Mind you if they had come, I'm sure we would have blown them out of the water as we were all spoiling for a fight.

After a couple of weeks 2 Troop were sent to a hut on the Seradong River. The hut was positioned very close to the river and was to become the centre of our camp. So, the usual fortification was under taken. The river marked the border which meant that the far bank was Indonesian territory, so we had to expect an attack from that direction. We trained all our weapons which included a new two inch mortar we had brought with us, on the far bank. To achieve this, we had to have a couple of practice shots that went almost straight up. I do not mind admitting that first shot I thought was going to come right down on top of us. The river would have been only about fifty feet wide, but it worked, so the mortar was left set up and sand bagged in to position so it was always at the ready.

I started to get a little worried now, I was within a couple of weeks of returning to the UK, I had almost completed my eighteen months service and I thought it would be just my bad luck to get shot on during my last few week. After going through all of what I have just described, it would not have been fair.

We had a couple of shots fired at us, but no damage, so it turned out to be a little uneventful. Don and Geordie had already left for the UK, soon my day came around and I was taken back to Tawau were I met up with Jock Stone, Jock, Minnock, we were to have a couple of days leave while arrangements were made to get us out and back to Singapore.

By now, we were into September 1964 and because a few of us were going home, we had been moved into the Tawau camp. We were all allocated a small hut together and left alone, no guard duties, no chores, it was just like heaven. We had two drunken days in the village of Tawau with Lieutenant Bar, who I had befriended earlier. Because we were so drunk and had done our bit, he let us get away with murder. Jock Stone and I bought a case of spirits from a local bar and were stopped at the main gate while returning to camp, by the Military Police. One bottle was accidentally smashed on to policeman's shiny toecaps. He went mad and confiscated all the booze. The next day Lieutenant Bar got us off all the charges and also managed to retrieve our booze from the guard house. I might add he was with us in town when we got the stuff in the first place. Anyway, a group of us just disappeared into the jungle with the booze and we were lost for a couple of leisurely days and what a couple of days we had.

Towards the end I started feeling ill and this time it was not the booze, I just knew I had picked up something. Unfortunately, a few of the Marines had started to become ill while being near the Seradong River, so the illness attracted the name of the 'Seradong Fever' and I knew it was bad and would knock me about for a couple of weeks. I did not want to miss my flight out, so I tried to look okay and not to report it to anybody. Most of my friends said I looked like death warmed up and I must admit I felt like it.

I finally managed to get a flight out of Tawau with the two Jocks. First it was a short hop in an Argosy to the RAF station on the Island of Labuan. By the time I got off the aircraft, I was feeling like death itself. The sight of food made me feel even worse, after what we had been living on for the past few months. I could not believe what these guys were served up daily with chicken and steak. I had forgotten how to spell it, let alone eat it. Somehow, I tried to keep myself walking around, no way was I going to miss my connection and I knew if I told somebody I would end up in hospital here on Labuan.

Well I made it on board my connection, which was a Blackburn Beverly aircraft, normally used to transport the Para troops. The large part of the body would normally carry tanks etc. While we were all seated in the very high tail section. I can still remember the excitement as we took off, but that is about all I can remember. It was very hot, so the aircrew opened up the doors that were used by the Para troops. These two large doors were in the middle of the isle, with seats on both sides. I was told later that I got up to go and finally report my condition to the Sergeant seated at the back of the aircraft. Not knowing what I was doing I almost fell through the very large hole in the isle. Lucky for me I was grabbed by a couple of Marines who were sitting either side of the hole. I dread to think what might have happened without their quick thinking.

I was laid out on a stretcher at Singapore airport, although I do not know which one. I was carried through the customs and asked if I had anything to declare, I can't remember saying no, but I am told that I did. While outside of the terminal, many of my Marine friends came over to retrieve their smuggled contraband, which had been hid under my blanket. All their stuff came through duty free, while mine that was following the next day attracted a small duty. Anyway, I was taken to a military hospital where I stayed for a couple of weeks. Which meant I missed my connecting flight to England.

At the hospital, I underwent test after test. However, I was never told by anybody what was wrong with me, and to this day I still don't know. What I do know is that I had one hell of a headache that seemed to last forever, and I was being pumped up by many many injections. Plus, the glands in my neck and groin stood right out like tennis balls and were also very painful. To this day, they still stand out in my neck whenever I get a cold or flu.

I was eventually discharged from hospital and just left to make my own way back to Burma Camp about thirty kilometers away. Somehow, I did not understand why there were not many people about. While thumbing, I managed to get a lift with the wife of a Chopper Pilot who was in Borneo. Mainly because she noticed my Green Beret and her husband had told her he was working with the Marines. So, we had a lot to talk about, she told me that there was a curfew on in Singapore. Somebody had bombed a hotel a couple of days earlier. She took me all the way to Burma Camp, which was a blessing, as I was still feeling quite weak.

All my friends had already returned to England, so it was a lonely couple of days while I waited for a flight to be arranged for me. I spent most of the time just walking around the deserted Burma Camp. At that time, they didn't even have a television and there were no newspapers. I would make a guess that there were only about a dozen personnel on the camp at that time.

Having said all that, it was a very exciting time for me, having waited eighteen months for it to come around. Right now, all I wanted to do was to get home, just to see what I had been missing out on. Well the day finally arrived, I was given a flight and wasted no time in getting to the airport. Sergeant McCaffery from A Company was also on the same flight, so I teamed up with him. This time it was not a military flight it was a civilian one, a Bristol Britannia aircraft that was operated by Eagle Air. The Sergeant and I teamed up with two other Marines and spent most of the flight drinking. First stop over was at Bombay, where on the side of the runway was a crashed airline, its wing had hit a truck when it came into land a couple of days ahead of us. I hated Bombay, it just stunk terribly and was very hot and humid. I was glad when we flew on to Turkey. Remembering that I only earn eight pound a week, there I bought two cups of tea and a glass of orange juice, it cost me twelve shillings and six pence, let's get home I thought. (from Terry Aspinall RMAQ).

1964. August. Royal Marines landed from Westland Wessex helicopters during an operation in Borneo.

The Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation had begun in early 1963, following Indonesia's opposition to the creation of Malaysia. Initial Indonesian attacks into East Malaysia relied heavily on local volunteers trained by the Indonesian Army. With the passage of time infiltration forces became more organised with the inclusion of a larger component of Indonesian forces. To deter and disrupt Indonesia's growing campaign of infiltrations, the British responded in 1964 by launching their own covert operations into Indonesian Kalimantan under the code name Operation Claret. Coinciding with Sukarno announcing a 'year of dangerous living' and the 1964 race riots in Singapore, Indonesia launched an expanded campaign of operations into West Malaysia on 17 August 1964, albeit without military success. A build-up of Indonesian forces on the Kalimantan border in December 1964 then saw the UK commit significant forces from the UK-based Army Strategic Command.

During the 1964, British Commonwealth command arrangements changed. 99 Gurkha Infantry Brigade HQ returned from Singapore and replaced 3 Commando Brigade HQ in Kuching. 3rd Malaysian Infantry Brigade HQ arrived to take over East Brigade in Tawau, and 51 Gurkha Infantry Brigade HQ arrived from UK to command the Central Brigade area with the 4th Division of Sarawak added to it. Its headquarters was in Brunei, and there were no roads to any of its battalions. In DOBOPS, all HQ elements were concentrated in one HQ complex on Labuan. At least one of the British batteries stationed in Malaysia was always deployed in Borneo with its 105 mm guns.

In summary, in about the middle of the year the situation was:

West Brigade (HQ 99 Gurkha Infantry Brigade), frontage 623 miles (1,003 km), 5 battalions.

Central Brigade (HQ 51 Gurkha Infantry Brigade), frontage 267 miles (430 km), 2 battalions.

East Brigade (HQ 3 Malaysian Brigade), frontage 81 miles (130 km), 3 battalions.

Another Malaysian battalion joined East Brigade mid-year, and was later followed by a third Malaysian battalion, a battery and an armoured reconnaissance squadron. This brought the total force to 12 infantry battalions, two 105 mm batteries and two armoured reconnaissance squadrons. The UK component of 8 battalions in Borneo was being sustained by rotating 8 Gurkha and about 7 UK battalions stationed in the Far East. In addition, there were the equivalent of two Police Field Force battalions and some 1500 Border Scouts.

In 1964, UK tactics changed. What had been a platoon commanders' war became a company commanders' one. Most of the dispersed platoon bases were replaced by heavily protected permanent company bases, mostly a short distance from a village, ideally with an airstrip. Each base normally had a section of two 3-inch mortars and a few had a 105 mm gun, although guns had to be moved to deal with incursions. However, they continued to dominate their areas with active patrolling, sometimes deploying by helicopter and roping down if there was no landing site. When an incursion was detected, troops, sometimes relying on the Border Scouts' local knowledge of tracks and terrain, were deployed by helicopter to track, block and ambush it. The Border Scouts tracking skills were highly valued when pursuing the enemy.

Support helicopters, RAF Belvedere and Whirlwind, and RN Wessex and Whirlwind, had increased to 40, but it was not enough. Late in the year, another 12 Whirlwinds arrived. The RN had adopted forward basing, notably at Nanga Gat in the 2nd Division on the Rajang River, which the RAF had previously declared unsafe for helicopters but subsequently used as a forward base for Whirlwinds. At Bario in the 5th Division, RN helicopters received their fuel in air-dropped 44 gallon drums from RAF Beverley's. The expansion of the Army Air Corps (AAC) was creating air platoons or troops of 2 or 3 Sioux in many units, including some infantry battalions, which proved very useful. In addition, the AAC was operating Auster and Beaver fixed wing aircraft and some of the new Scouts, which could carry a similar number of troops as a Whirlwind. However, in the remoter areas of Sarawak, the Twin Pioneers of the RAF and RMAF were vital, and the RAF's Single Pioneers were also useful. East Brigade had the benefit of RMAF Alouette 3s, and RNZAF Bristol Freighters were also used between major airfields.

The Indonesian Air Force also operated air transport, particularly into the more mountainous areas of the border that were beyond rivers navigable by larger boats and landing craft. Although they had far fewer aircraft than the Commonwealth forces, those they had were far more capable. They included the workhorse helicopter Mil Mi-4 NATO reporting name HOUND, the largest helicopter in the world, Mil Mi-6 NATO reporting name HOOK, C-130 Hercules and Antonov An-12 NATO reporting name CUB.

The naval presence was composed of minesweepers and other light craft patrolling coastal waters and some large inland waterways, and a "guardship" (frigate or destroyer) at Tawau. Army vessels, typically "ramp powered lighters", supported bases on navigable waterways. Hovercraft were also used.

RPKAD Battalion 2 was withdrawn in February 1964 and deactivated. During the year, the Indonesian army extended its operation into East Kalimantan, and three companies from RPKAD Battalion 1, commanded by Major Benny Moerdani, were sent there. Company A dropped into Lumbis opposite the Interior Residency of Sabah, while B and C were supposed to go into Long Bawan further West opposite the 5th Division of Sarawak. B's C-130 aircraft was unable to identify the Drop Zone, and they never deployed. Both companies were tasked with training locals from Sabah, mainly as porters, and cross-border operations disguised as TNKU with uniforms, badges and fake ID cards. Company A launched the first raid in June 1964 against a post near the village of Kabu; however, they were stopped by a swollen river and withdrew to the border. Along the way, they stopped at an unoccupied longhouse, where they bumped into Gurkhas and fled to the border. This company was withdrawn in early 1965.

Within a week or so of landing, a 15-man element of Company C, including its commander, went northeast roughly midway to Lumbis, then crossed into Sabah with orders to establish a permanent base. However, their supplies were inadequate, and, after a week, they headed back to Kalimantan in two groups. Along the way in what they thought was Indonesia, the first group of 10 under Corporal Ismael heard chopping, and, assuming it to be TNKU, went towards it hoping for food. Instead around last light in heavy rain they bumped a shirtless Caucasian, who was thought to be an SAS operative. After a fire fight they remained in position all night and in the morning found the body of Tpr Condon, whom they buried, taking his pack and radio. For the rest of their tour until February 1965, they trained TNKU and undertook very shallow cross-border raids with mixed teams, losing 4 RPKAD and 10 TNKU.

During the year, Indonesian forces increased in strength, and incursions were increasingly by regular troops, sometimes led by officers trained by the UK. A United States (US) Army training team remained in Indonesia throughout the period but does not seem to have had any tactical impact in Kalimantan, although US-equipped Indonesian units appeared there. Troops facing Kuching were reinforced, and, in the east, amphibious activities increased, and TAG's communications jammed. Moreover, within Sarawak, the CCO was expanding and the Borneo Communist Party started producing grenades and shotguns. Total Indonesian forces were:

Facing West Brigade - 8 regular and 11 volunteer guerrilla companies (companies were up to 200 strong)

Facing Central Brigade \- 6 regular and 3 volunteer companies.

Facing East Brigade - 4 or 5 KKO and 3 volunteer companies.

The initiative remained with Indonesian forces as to where and when they attacked. DOPOPS had repeatedly sought authority for hot pursuit and pre-emptive action across the border. This was denied, and some parts of the armed forces considered that a major overt attack on Indonesia would bring the war to a close. However, in July the new Labour government approved offensive action across the border, under constraints, conditions of strict secrecy and the codename Claret. However, there was no intention of launching a general offensive or attacks intended to inflict significant Indonesian casualties. The aim was to keep the Indonesians under pressure and off-balance rather than attempt to pre-empt specific Indonesian attacks, and to this end, operations were conducted along the entire length of the border, not just the "hot spot" close to Kuching.

In January, reports indicated a large Indonesian force in the 5th Division. A camp of some 60 men was found. Attacked by 11 men of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment, they fled, leaving 7 dead and half a ton of supplies. In the 1st Division, a force of about 100 crossed the border, apparently heading for Kuching airfield, but they were put to flight by a small force of marines and police. They were well equipped and had East European-made rocket launchers.

In March, in the 2nd Division, 1/10 Gurkhas discovered a force from the 328 Raider Battalion, which was made up of regular Indonesian troops. After being ejected, they returned a few weeks later and established a position in caves in a cliff face. This led to the only use of offensive airpower in the campaign, albeit with approval from London. Wessex helicopters of 845 Naval Air Commando Squadron fired SS.11 anti-tank missiles into the caves.

Between March and June, a new pattern emerged in the 2nd Division during a series of actions between Gurkhas and professional soldiers from the Indonesian Black Cobra Battalion. The latter's losses were several times the Gurkhas', and, in one incident, 4 Black Cobras clashed with 2 Gurkhas. The Cobras were killed, and the Gurkhas remained unscathed. In another incident, 6 Black Cobras were captured by Ibans and beheaded.

In July, there were 34 Indonesian acts of aggression, including 13 border incursions in Borneo. There were indicators that Indonesian forces were re-organising. However, in the last three months of the year, the number of cross border incursions in Borneo dropped significantly.

In 1964, Indonesian operations, mostly based in Sumatra, were launched against West Malaysia (the Malayan peninsula). Most did not involve the Indonesian army. There were six successful infiltrations by the Indonesian Police's Ranger Regiment, although 33 were killed and 76 captured.

Coordinated to coincide with Sukarno announcing a 'Year of Dangerous Living' during Indonesian Independence Day celebrations, Indonesian forces began a campaign of airborne and seaborne infiltrations of the Malaysian Peninsula on Monday 17th August 1964. A seaborne force of about 100, composed of air force Pasukan Gerat Tjepat (PGT - Quick Reaction Force) paratroopers, KKO and about a dozen Malaysian communists, crossed the Malacca Straits by boat. They landed southwest of Johore. Instead of being greeted as liberators, they were contained by various Commonwealth forces and most of the infiltrators were killed or captured within a few days.

On Wednesday 2nd September 1964, three C-130 set off from Jakarta for Peninsula Malaysia, flying low to avoid detection by radar. The following night, two of the C-130 managed to reach their objective with their onboard PGT paratroopers, who jumped off and landed around Labis in Johore (about 100 miles (160 km) north of Singapore). The remaining C-130 crashed into the Malacca Straits while trying to evade interception by an RAF Javelin FAW 9 launched from RAF Tengah. Due to a lightning storm, the drop of 96 paratroopers was widely dispersed. This resulted in them landing close to 1/10 Gurkhas, who were joined by 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1 RNZIR) stationed near Malacca with 28 (Commonwealth) Brigade. Operations were commanded by 4 Malaysian Brigade, but it took a month to round up or kill the 96 invaders and a New Zealand officer was killed during the action.

Indonesia's expansion of the conflict to the Malaysian Peninsula sparked the Sunda Straits Crisis, involving the anticipated transit of the Sunda Strait by the British aircraft carrier Victorious and two destroyer escorts. Commonwealth forces were readied for airstrikes against Indonesian infiltration staging areas in Sumatra if further Indonesian infiltrations of the Malaysian Peninsula were attempted. A tense three week standoff occurred before the crisis was peacefully resolved.

On Thursday 29th October, 52 soldiers landed near the mouth of the Kesang River on the Johore-Malacca border and not far from 28 (Commonwealth) Brigade base at Camp Terendak, Malacca. The Commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) was given the task of dealing with the invaders with his D Company, B Company 1 RNZIR and C Squadron 4th Royal Tank Regiment with fire support from 102 Battery Royal Australian Artillery. 20 surrendered, while some others were killed or captured by the Royal Malay Regiment.

In the same period, about 30 landed near Pontian and were hunted down by 1 RNZIR, the Malaysian Army and Royal Federated Malay States Police Field Force personnel in Batu 20 Muar, Johore. There were also terrorist attacks in Singapore.

These attacks on West Malaysia led the UK to plan offensive air and sea operations against Indonesia. It appears that Far East HQ produced a tentative list of seven potential targets for retaliation based on four criteria. The criteria were that: the target must be related to the Indonesian attack; must be militarily useful; would produce minimum casualties; and, be least likely to produce escalation.

In late 1963 and into 1964, the Indonesian Air Force took to "buzzing" towns in Sarawak. This led to Malaysia declaring an Air Defence Identification Zone on 24 February. The RAF started periodic fighter patrols along the border using aircraft such as Javelin and RN Sea Vixens from the fleet carrier in theatre The UK already had 12 Light Air Defence Regiment Royal Artillery (12 Lt AD Regt) stationed in West Malaysia.

In June, 111 Light Anti-Aircraft Battery Royal Australian Artillery with Bofors 40/60 guns deployed from Australia to RAAF Butterworth near Penang, close to the Thai border. In September, 22 Lt AD Regt with two batteries arrived from the UK to defend RAF Changi and Seletar in Singapore, and 11 Lt AD Battery of 34 Lt AD Regt arrived to defend Kuching airfield with batteries rotated through Kuching for the next two years. All the UK batteries were equipped with Bofors 40/70 guns and FCE 7 Yellow Fever.

The year ended with the UK Government approving deployment of UK-based units from Army Strategic Command and a major reorganisation of Indonesian forces in Kalimantan. However, Sukarno was coming under increasing influence of the Indonesian Communist party (PKI), causing unhappiness in the Indonesian Armed Forces.

By the concluding months of 1964 the conflict once again appeared to have reached stalemate, with Commonwealth forces having placed in check for the moment Indonesia's campaign of infiltrations into Borneo, and more recently, the Malaysian Peninsula.

1964. August. Most published sources that mention operation 'Claret' are ambiguous about when cross-border operations were first authorised. This is understandable since the most explicit sources are regimental histories which deal almost exclusively with die activity of a particular battalion's tour in Borneo. In Fighting General, Tom Pocock indicates that 'Claret' was not authorised until August 1964, after the first Indonesian incursion into West Malaysia. Pocock tied authorisation for 'Claret' to a visit to Borneo by Fred Mulley, the Deputy Secretary of State for Defence and Army Minister in the summer of 1964. Walker supposedly convinced Mulley of the need for cross-border raids to keep the Indonesians off-balance. Mulley reportedly agreed with Walker, promising to pass on this information to Denis Healey, who had recently become Secretary of State for Defence. Presumably, Healey then raised the matter before the full Cabinet, which gave its assent based on the growing threat indicated by the seaborne landing and the Indonesian build up opposite the First Division.

Rules were drew up in order to ensure secrecy and effectiveness. Known as the 'Golden Rules,' they were:

Every operation will be authorised by DOBOPS.

Only trained and tested troops will be used.

Depth of penetration must be limited, and the attacks must only be made to thwart offensive action by the enemy.

No air support will be given to any operation across the border, except in the most extreme of emergencies.

Every operation must be planned with the aid of a sand table and thoroughly rehearsed for at least two weeks.

Each operation will be planned and executed with maximum security.

Every man taking part must be sworn to secrecy, full cover plans must be made and the operations to be given code-names and never discussed in detail on telephone or radio.

Identity discs must be left behind before departure and no no traces such as cartridge cases, paper, ration packs, etc, must be left in Kalimantan.

On no account must any soldier taking part be captured by the enemy, alive or dead.

The Golden Rules were faithfully followed. Available sources indicate that operations followed months of reconnoitering, planning and rehearsing every possible detail, including fields of fire for machine-guns, silent plotting for artillery and mortar fire, approach routes, etc. The degree to which all crossborder operations were subject to high-level review and approval was remarkable.

"Reconnaissance patrols were to be decided by the Brigade Commander, who would notify (the division Commander), but other cross-border operations were to be determined by the Director of Borneo Operations based on recommendations from (the division commander) and his brigade commanders, on SAS advice, and on intelligence available."

Since no soldiers, alive or dead, were to be left behind, casualties during 'Claret' operations could pose a real problem. Fortunately for the security forces there were very few. Bodies of any dead or wounded had to be carried back to the border before being evacuated by helicopter. Only one instance of a helicopter 'casevac' (casualty evacuation) from Kalimantan is recorded.

There are at least two cases of soldiers being lost across the border, but in neither case is there any indication that the Indonesians ever found the bodies. Walker attributes the success of operations and the minimal number of casualties to his insistance on training.

1964. Monday 14th September. 815 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1964. Friday 23rd October. 19Je. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1964. October. 805 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Paul Demery was awarded the Kings Badge.

1964. Wednesday 28th October. The 300th anniversary of the birth of the Royal Marine Corps.

1964. October. 'Stass' and the Head by Cpl Tom Blair 6 Troop B Coy 40 Commando RM.

I had just finished a slog on the hearts and minds campaign arriving back to our base at Stass (Bau) in the evening. Before I could give my report to Lt. Gregson, another Cpl asked me if I would like a beer.

This person had never before bought me drink, he was from Kilmarnock after all. I opened the fridge door and there on one of the few plates we had was a human head wearing sun glasses and had a fag in its mouth.

All went quiet as my reaction was awaited, I said the first thing that came into my head." MacMillin this beer is warm and has a bloody head on it all ready."

The head man as he was now called had been killed because he was a Indon soldier by locals in return for money and ammunition. They were firmly told that the complete corpse and uniform was required in future. The head was transported up the chain of command the next day.

It has always surprised me how detached we all were about the incident and able to make it into a source of amusement to hide our real feelings.

1964. Tuesday 8th December. The Military Cross awarded to Lieutenant Robert Alan Mountcastle Seeger, Royal Marines. Lieutenant Seeger was leading a patrol in Sabah North Borneo, in the Border on the West Coast of Sebatic Island, Tawau, Sabah. The patrol was operating from rubber boats, and shortly after landing on a beach near the Border Lieutenant Seeger and the leading men of the patrol came under heavy fire, at close range, from an enemy automatic weapon.

Lieutenant Seeger was wounded in the right arm and knocked to the ground. Instantly he regained his feet and rushed the enemy position firing his sub-machine gun and shouting orders to his patrol.

The automatic fire ceased, and Lieutenant Seeger cleared the immediate area with grenades. He then led the assault group of his patrol through the enemy position under covering fire from the support group. This manoeuvre accounted for three enemy killed and these were later identified as Indonesian Marines. Having cleared the area, he withdrew his patrol to the boats, re-embarked and moved out of the area.

Throughout the action Lieutenant Seeger demonstrated leadership of the highest quality, and his presence of mind, calmness, decision and inspiration whilst under fire resulted in a very competent tactical action. The ability of the patrol to react quickly when surprised reflected the thorough preparation and training which he had carried out with his men beforehand.

During October, Lieutenant Seeger led a long reconnaissance patrol through extremely difficult country. This resulted in very valuable information and was the result of leadership and skill of a very high order.

1964. Wednesday 16th December. 808 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Rod 'Pedlar' Palmer was awarded the Kings Badge.

1964. The mythical Britannia club swimming pool dive (Singapore). By Terry Aspinall 2 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

Many time I have heard of the Britannia drive as it became known. It's been claimed by many that they know of, or were told of, and even witnessed that Marines were diving into the Britannia Club swimming pool from the upstairs dance floor. Having visited the club on many many occasions, I often heard people planning to do it, but did not witness it ever being attempted. I have to admit that I also thought very hard many times of attempting it myself. I classed myself as a good swimmer and dare devil, and I did try it at a couple at other venues around the city. But this one No, and I personally don't think it was ever achieved at least successfully. In fact I don't think it could be achieved unaided.

You only have to look at the photos included to see what I mean, it's one hell of a stretch of land to cover before you reach the water. Added to that there was also a hand rail to get over. I was once told that an attempt was going to be made by running across the dance floor and flinging himself onto a table that was going to be raised at one end on the hand rail, it would have been like a rocket being fired with no fuel in it. And I think he would have just flopped over the hand rail, missing the water by couple of feet.

Being older and I hope wiser and I like to think honest, I was talking with fellow RMAQ Marine Alan 'Buster' Brown about this subject. Buster had sever in Singapore and like all Marines frequented the Brit Club and he agrees that it could not be achieved successfully.

After doing a little research I have come across three known attempts, and all were from the British Army, but sadly all three were unsuccessful, leaving the participants severely injured.

1964. Late in the year. River Patrols by Cpl Tom Blair 6 Troop B Coy 40 Commando RM.

As boats Cpl it was my job to run, maintain, and keep the two assault craft ready at all times. I was given Pansy Potter as the other cox`n. Seradong Laut was the most active time ferrying troops up and down the river to troop locations, patrols and the like. Despite being well upstream the river was tidal and would rise above the riverbank. On one occasion I was sent down stream to find a person, let's call him the AE Sunray , who was in difficulties on the river on his own. Somehow he had rigged up two 40 hp outboards on the one boat . The tide was high, the bend was tight, the speed was too great and it all went horribly wrong and he ended up in the ulu. I recovered him and his kit leaving the boat to others to sort out.

Nosh Parker( Cpl Sigs) was acting as my escort on a run up river to collect a patrol that had been out for a few days. I was proceeding gently along when Nosh stood up and aimed his rifle into the riverside ulu. He said go round again. It was then I saw what had drawn his attention. It was a large crocodilian of the genus crocodylus. It was sunning its self over a tree that was semi-submerged. I asked him did it have a long narrow snout? Were the fourth teeth either side visible when its jaw was closed? He said he was not interested in its zoological status and he was going to put a round down its gob the next time it opened it. I said you can`t - think of the noise, he replied, think of the handbags! As it turned out it had gone when I returned to the spot later with the section having told them of our derring do with the croc. Yorky Light the Sec Cdr said what croc? We walked through the elephants shit yard, some turds were still steaming.

Boat work at Kalabakan was less active mainly ferrying blokes to a position called the `Neck`. This position, on a raised bend on the river, gave a commanding view of the boat landing area and most of Kalabakan. Long before we arrived a Indon raiding party had killed about fourteen Malay soldiers. Gurkhas had been sent in to pursue the Indons and eliminate them. This they did. As a consequence of this we were told that a very high member of the Malaysian Government was to plant coconut palms in remembrance of their soldiers. We were told to keep out of the way until it was all over. I was called to the Coy Office and told to take a Mne and relieve the sentry at the Neck. I of course complied and did the changeover. On the way back I asked what had happened ? The sentry who had been relieved said " I dont know maybe something I`ve said over the radio". I took him to the Sgt Maj who just shook his head. I listened to events from the Coy Store next door. They went something like this. March him in Sgt Maj.....What is the charge......Conduct prejudice......( Good old Sect 69. I thought. The catch all Sect of the Army Act, the NDA is also Sect 69 for conduct....prej.) In that he called a party of government officials a bunch of nignogs when reporting activities at the landing jetty. It went on for a few minutes and it transpires the party had included Tunku Abdul Rahman the Prime minister of Malaysia. He was told quite firmly that he was not to call that person that name again . I took him back to the Neck after he had been found guilty and fined. About an hour later I was in the Coy office when I heard to my horror over the Coy net," Tunku Abdul Rahman the Prime Minister of Malaysia and sixteen other nignogs have just left the landing jetty ". The outcome was that he visited the Coy Office a second time that day and gave more cash back to the MOD.

1964. 'Serudong Memories' Some memories of an A/E in Sabah North Borneo with 40 Commando. RM by Patrick Walker

Now back again in Malaya, preparations were put in hand to return to Borneo. But before this I was sent on two courses, one on regimental hygiene and the other on water supply and purification. Because of these courses I would miss the Unit's sailing departure and had to join them on completion.

The new operational area this time was Sabah, (formerly North Borneo) and was a maze of mangrove swamps and tidal estuaries, a totally different type of operation to our previous tour in Sarawak.

Having successfully passed the two courses I flew to Labuan and spent some days under canvas waiting for a flight to Tawau, which eventually came. On being offloaded there I was collected with two others by an Alouette helicopter and taken to the new headquarters camp at a place called Bombali. Because I drew the short straw I was the one who had to sit in the seat which faced backwards, so did I not have much of a view through the perspex front.

I probably would not have been so calm had I known that one of the other passengers was Sgt 'Crash' Evans, so called because he was a survivor from a civilian aircraft crash on Malta and had walked away from two helicopter crashes in various locations! He was my new AE Troop Sergeant.

Some time was spent working on improvements to this camp and also clearing a large area down the road to make a new campsite, but there is one memory that sticks in my mind. There was a limited supply of cereal for breakfast and invariably what was left was Shredded Wheat.

You soon found out why it was always this that was available, because it usually had a good dose of weevils hiding inside. As you poured on the milk and broke open the husk they floated to the surface with all legs going. You could use the spoon to carefully ladle then out but it took so long That in the end it was far easier to crunch them down with the food: they had a slightly bitter taste but I don't think they caused any harm! Shortly after this I was shipped out to the A.E. detachment at a place way up the mangrove swamps called Serudong Laut. This location was reached by shallow draught patrol boat. After several hours negotiating mangrove waterways you arrived at two jetties, one at high level and the other much lower. The reason for this was there was quite a rise and fall of the tide, the lower jetty being under water at high tide. The main task was to rebuild all the defensive bunkers, repair dannert wire, and a lot of electrically operated explosive devices. These wires invariably got cut during frequent practice shoots.

It was here that we first came across the American Claymore mines. They came in beautifully made wooden boxes with the stencil Vietnam on the outside. The bodies of the mines were packed carefully in tiers, the detonators were in a separate compartment and the generators for the electrical current by which you set the mines off were coiled elsewhere in the box.

They had green coloured, curved plastic bodies somewhat like a small transistor radio in size with fold out legs on the bottom so they could be pushed into the top of the ground and then aimed in the desired direction. There was a legend 'front towards the enemy" on one face to help make sure that it was not set up in the wrong direction. They were quite heavy for their size, do doubt due to the 800 steel ball bearings backed by a pound or so of plastic explosive. The idea was to site them facing down tracks or likely approach routes used by guerrillas and have the control wire led back to a command position from where the device could be set off. They made a fearful bang when detonated and the 800 ball bearings sprayed out to the front like a giant shot gun blast. The thing you had to watch out for when setting them up was that there was a pretty substantial back blast as well.

As a location, Serudong Laut had the usual almost circular defensive perimeter, with many sand bagged bunkers and two mortar pits all interlinked with a defensive wall about four feet high between the positions. We faced across the tidal river all along our front and within the perimeter were a couple of the original Dyak timber and attap-roofed two storey buildings which had been a store for local passing trade. One big drawback was that on quite a regular basis when it had rained up river, and combined with a high tide, the whole area was under 4" of water and when this went down it left a film of scum behind.

The rifle troops changed over on a regular basis, as did the A.E.s but I soon became the longest serving inhabitant. Something, which was never satisfactorily explained, was causing a fever, that attacked many of the men stationed there. It was so serious that some had to be casevaced out, while others lay under their mosquito nets delirious with very high temperatures.

Although nearly everyone caught it to a degree, for some reason I never did. Whether water borne or transmitted by mosquitoes it was never really resolved. The medical world called it Laut Fever because they could not decide exactly what it was.

We were visited by a BBC film crew for a couple of days who were making a documentary to be called "Jungle Green". They took general scenes, some of us cutting down trees to make defences, went across the river with a patrol and then left. The only problem was it was to be shown only on BBC 2 and at that time parts of England still could not receive it, so no one in our family ever saw it.

Because one of our main tasks involved a lot of concreting floors for the galley and ancillary stores, we spent quite a few days going up river to collect sand and gravel. These trips up the river to collect timber and ballast were very welcome to get away from Serudong. The river was still tidal for quite some distance up stream and navigating was quite hazardous since there were numerous hidden and half-hidden tree trunks and obstructions and large boulders.

One man had the job of crouching in the bow and with hand signals tried to direct the coxswain around the worst of the timber dangers. Even then we had some hair-raising scrapes and judders across some unseen items. Fouling the prop or breaking a shear pin was dreaded.

We used to see beautifully coloured jungle birds fly gracefully across the water to the nearby trees, in most places the jungle came right down to the water's edge. Occasionally you would startle a large lizard several feet long basking on a sand bank and you could see it trying to decide whether we posed a threat before gently slithering into the water and disappearing.

During periods of heavy rain, and in Sabah that had to be seen to be believed, the rivers rose many feet in as many hours, and the gradual scouring of the banks left many trees perilously close to the edge. Those that could hang on no longer crashed over and ended up floating down stream complete with gigantic root ball attached, it was these that invariably snagged on some previous victim and ended up causing a log jam, with the result that when the water level went down the channel became impassable. Occasionally we had to resort to blasting to shift the more tangled of the jams.

In October there was a tragic incident some way up the river from us when Marine Deering got into difficulties whilst crossing the river and was drowned. The supply helicopters were told to keep an eye out for his body that after a few days had still not been recovered. Then late one afternoon, about five days later, it was spotted drifting down stream in the current. Three men went up river in an alloy assault boat to recover it and put it in a bag and brought it down to out location. Volunteers were asked for to help with getting it up onto the jetty and then when the emergency helicopter came, to carry it outside the defensive perimeter to the heli-pad and load it on for transportation to Tawau Hospital.

I was one of four volunteers and it was a very sad day. After loading the stretcher with his body late in the afternoon onto a Wessex that had come to pick it up, we all ducked down under the rotor wash while it took off and mentally said our goodbyes to a comrade who none of had ever known.

As a result of this accident we were detailed to go up stream some days later in order to construct a suspension bridge of some 130ft wide so that patrols could cross the river in more safety. We started by making two "A" frames that were cut from local timber and then anchored these to the bank on each side of the river to convenient trees. Then using our assault boat we transferred three long lengths of rope from one side to the other and secured these under tension from a winch. We now needed two volunteers to work their way from one side to the other, tying and securing the 'V' shaped in-fill lashing which would provide the rigidity, and also link the two top handrail ropes to the one on the bottom on which you had to place your feet.

Thus it was that I found myself swinging crazily some thirty feet above a fast flowing river, one minute almost horizontal and facing down, and the next almost horizontal and facing up from the crazy oscillations. Your weight on the bottom rope of course tended to cause it to sag considerably more than the handrail ropes, which made it very difficult to reach and secure the linking ropes using a prussic knot.

However once we had secured a percentage of the binder ropes the whole structure became considerably more stable, and then the rest of the section could finish off the work.

After two days we were complete and from then on the rifle company could get across with dry feet. How long it lasted before the climate and the ants got to it I don't know, but it should have been named Deering's Bridge as a fitting memorial to a brave man.

Our work continued on the rebuild of all the defensive positions back at Serudong until everyone had been replaced and there was suitable accommodation for each section to have somewhere dry to live.

There was one amusing incident when for an early Christmas dinner, amongst the rations delivered, were several frozen chickens. When the chef came to the point of preparing them as they thawed out, he noticed one of them had moved. Sometime later when it had completely thawed out, the unfortunate bird, which had had its neck partially wrung, managed to walk about.

Thus it was that we acquired 'Henrietta' as out mascot. She hadn't a single feather left because she had been well and truly plucked, but at least she had all her internal organs. Over the next few weeks her feathers grew back and she used to strut about the location and it was then that we could see that she was actually a cockerel!

Of Course we realised our mistake so she was renamed "Henry" His party piece was just before dawn to stand on a crate and try and crow but because of the effect of having had his neck wrung what came out was "Cockadoodal aaaaaaaaaachk"

After what he had been through no one had the heart to dispatch him. There were no guerrilla contacts from this location while I was there, though some of the rifle companies on other areas quite close were luckier.

Eventually we left at the end of the two and a half months, being relieved by 42 Commando RM. and returned to further training in Malaya.

1964. The Civet Cat By Geoff (Tex) Webbon Signals. 40 Commando RM.

In his book "Where Soldiers Fear To Tread" Ranulf Fiennes mentions a man referred to only as "The Unfortunate Marine". In later versions he identifies him as Hugh Affleck – Graves, in 1963/643 troop commander. This story shows that the trait of being "unfortunate" started earlier than 1967 when Fiennes was writing of his experiences in Oman during his time in the Dhofar.

The troop was in a kampong at a place I can no longer remember the name of, but the locals were extremely friendly, particularly the headman. Whenever there was an event in the kampong we were invited and tuac was passed around in large doses. The troop commander was not too happy about us fraternizing too much, particularly as he was straight out of the box and feeling his way.

However as Christmas was approaching and the headman had invited the troop to a do, the troop commander gave permission for one of the non-patrolling sections to attend, and he attended himself.

At the end of the do, the troop commander made his way back to the grot and decided to get his head down in his pit. Not a problem you may think. Unfortunately one of the guys had a pet civet cat which had snaffled a chicken from the kampong, and after devouring the said chicken looked for somewhere to have a kip. The animal decided that the troop commanders mossie net looked a likely place, notwithstanding that the troop commander was crashed underneath and snoring lightly.

However the chicken did not agree with the civet and went straight through it, thus depositing a wet smelly pile on the net. This duly dripped through the mesh and covered "Gravesend" as he became known. Nobody felt like waking him up and so he slept in this state for a further hour or so, and then he took off like a rocket for the dhobi area. The civet cat had in the meantime found somewhere else to hide.

As a foot note. After the completion of an earlier tour a Cevet cat was smuggled back to Burma Camp by members of A Company. Terry Aspinall.

1964. 'Action Mortars DF SOS' by Cpl Tom Blair 6 Troop B Coy 40 Commando RM.

During their stay at the Laut the ITV crew who were filming a jungle story noted that they did not have any action footage, Boom, bang, zipp of tracer and all that. The Paras gave us a show in Aden last year the producer said in a stage whisper.

On hearing this Jasper Bacon shouted "Stand to Action Mortars DF SOS....... Fire. .......Get ready with your camera there is going to be all the bangs you wanted and plenty of action, watch the far bank of the river "Although we were meant to be `Stood to` all eyes were on the mortar pits ,hands placed over ears ready for the noise and action. Utter silence then " Jesus Christ , I wish people would stop pissing about, who shouted that cried Mick the mortars Sgt". " I did bawled.... Jasper now get a move on MFC I said DF SOS now". The crews sprang into action, check range and elevation , remove barrel from baseplate, empty oil that had been put in almost to the top to stop the tube rusting , give it a boogie out, barrels replaced , muzzle covers on recheck range and elevation and the less than enthusiastic "ready "called out . The MFC shouted out` Number one mortar.....5 rounds HE DFSOS...Fire.` The first round went down the barrel , there was a muffled bang, the bomb came out followed by a tail of blue and grey smoke, had a look around , wobbled for a bit then fell into the river about twenty yards from our bank The Sgt Maj had the wit to shout` take cover` it went off in a great plume of water. The Chinese trading post was peppered with shrapnel even as each bomb got further away from us. The fifth round hit its intended target , the far bank, to a loud cheer from the spectators . By this time Number Two mortar had been made ready in a fit state to join in giving the area a going over. The film crew thought they had enough footage and left on a kumpit later that afternoon.

There was an air of expectation the next day. The Sgt Maj was heard typing away ( Good old Sect 69 was used again.... Conduct prej) and the Coy Cdr was in deep contact with Cdo HQ. Despite our best efforts none of the HQ blokes were talking so we had to wait and see what was going to happen to the Mortar Detachment. In the end none of them gave much away but the MOD got lots of dosh back that day.

1964 'Memories of Serudong Laut' by Patrick Walker 8 Troop. C Company 40 Commando RM & A.E.

I can remember a time at Serudong Laut while working with the A/E`s we needed hardcore and sand to `batch-up` some concrete to make the floor for the galley a hard standing so the mud was not carried everywhere.

The temporary A/E `sunray` at the time was QMS Mic Oliver and we set off up-stream in an alloy assault boat. The river was tidal well above the site and great care had to be taken avoiding submerged tree trunks and large boulders, which at one phase of the tide were well hidden but at others just below the surface.

After half an hour or so we landed on a bend and started to load up sandbags with gravel. We then moved further up-stream to look for suitable sandy material and on one bend came across several very large lizards sunbathing on a sandbank. I don't think they were crocs just large lizards about four feet long. They were not sure whether we posed a threat and you could see them thinking hard before slowly slithering off into the water.

Once we had found a source of sand below a small water fall we loaded up and set off for home. In the mean-time the tide had dropped somewhat and with our extra load we sat deeper in the water. We had many horrendous scraping sounds as our keel caught the top of some hidden obstruction but we got safely back Serudong Laut.

1964. War Dogs 2 by Patrick Walker C Coy & A.E.

This is a true story as best I can remember and about the War-dogs held in the training camp behind Burma camp near Kota Tinggi.

There were quite a large number of Alsatians kept there under training.

One day a member of the press went there to do a story about them. He got one of the handlers to bring his dog out and tied it up to something nearby. He then talked about it and their training and the dog sat quietly and obediently on the ground.

The press man then wanted to take a photo of the dog in a fierce pose so he asked the handler to do this.

However the dog had other ideas and just sat patiently. Eventually it decided to growl and bark but still not enough for the photographer.

He then picked up a stick and started to thrash the ground in front of the dog shouting at it to get it angry. This did the trick and the dog became totally ferocious and straining while standing on its hind legs. It was at this point that the dogs lead broke. The photographer got a good savaging before the handler could control his dog.

1964. 41 & 45 Commandos in Eas Africa.

1964. Lovat Dress introduced.

1964 \- 1967. 45 Commando was on operations in the Radfan in Aden.

1964. Lieutenant Norman Finch V.C. was made Divisonal Sergeant-Major of H.M. Bodyguard of the Yeoman of the Guard.

1964. 'Dal' by Edward 'Andy' Anderson 2 Troop A Coy 40 Commando RM.

When Dalrymple came into the room for the first time I saw him shorter and some ways thinner than I was, but not much. I noticed he was fond of continual gestures with his hands. He had bold ginger hair that made him almost Technicolor. My family had some red hair and my uncle how fought at Monti Casino was similar to Dalrymple, so I was far from a stranger to ginger locks. What surprised me much more than his stature was his consistent use of profanities or to speak plainly, swearing profusely. In fact, at least every second word seemed to be an effective cuss that came out of determined ginger Dalrymple . He was master at this linguistic art and did so naturally, he could have been born to it.

Someone remarked he was sure he dropped in a French profanity every so many words. This made me wonder if he was multi linguistic and liked to show off occasionally. But the best theory was his natural ability to swear without rhyming a word and minus any French. His likeliest words were in a stream of intermittent curses that came out if his mouth matching a Morse code message. He had this technique of emphasising the words to such a good effect they painted the picture perfectly.

What happened next was completely unexpected. Dalrymple arrived in the room and stood between the beds and began to speak and did not swear. It was so different we couldn't understand a word he was saying. We waited for a profanity that was as sure as three comes after two. But this didn't happen and we were forced to ask what the problem was. He told us solemnly and not without some sign of regret, he was finished with bad language for keeps. We did not swallow this easily and waited for an eventual slip up. It did not come and Dalrymple became normal and may I say a little boring.

One late afternoon Dalrymple came into the room more dynamic that he had recently been. He looked as if he was about to lecture us on the evils drinking. Instead he began a torrid of bad language our ears picked up as quite pleasant. He swore he would never stop fucking swearing again and to prove it he swore for a minute or two. I was sure I heard a French word or two. Dalrymple was back and sounded great.

A door opened in my life when I saw a picture of Dalrymple recently and memories flew in. I could hear his pleasantries resound down the paths of time, uncensored and humorous. Such things are priceless.

1965. Friday 29th January. 815 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1965. Saturday 30th January. The Royal Marines played a Major role during the state funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, as his Guard of Honour. (From 41 Commando) While other Royal Marines help line the streets of London from St Paul's Cathedral to the Tower of London.

1965. Monday 1st March. 824 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1965. Monday 22nd March. 825 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1965. Thursday 29th March. 826 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1965. Captain T.J.P. Murphy was selected as the first Royal Marines officer to train as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor.

1965. Thursday 1st – Thursday 15th April. 718 Kings Badge man Douglas John Brand who was later commissioned was awarded the Military Cross. Which stemmed from an action whilst OIC 7 Troop Z Company 45 Commando in the Radfan area of Aden between 1st and 15th April 1965.

HONOURS AND AWARDS CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD St. James's Palace, London S.W.I. 27th August 1965.THE MILITARY CROSS Lieutenant Douglas John BRAND, Royal Marines. Lieutenant Brand was Officer Commanding 7 Troop, ' Z ' Company, during Operation CUT. Despite very heavy and accurate fire from a party of dissidents this officer, with complete disregard for his own safety and in full view of the enemy, coolly and calmly moved up and down the firing line encouraging his men, checking their positions and controlling their fire. He was an inspiration to the whole of his Troop and it was entirely due to his good tactical foresight, determined control and personal example, that the casualties were kept down to one man. His conduct and bravery in the face of a very determined enemy were in the highest traditions of the service and ^the resulting excellent morale and determination of his Troop to close with the enemy was entirely due to' his personal example.

Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order, for Gallantry. Quartermaster Sergeant (acting Regimental Sergeant Major) Robert William SMITH. Royal Marines PO/X 6620. Q.M.S. Smith was the Company Sergeant Major of ' Z' Company Group during Operation CUT. When the dissident firing started, he was moving with Company Headquarters. He quickly moved forward across an exposed slope and joined the R Group. He then, with great determination and total disregard for his own safety, arranged the move forward and sighting of the M.M.G. Section. Having completed 'this task, in full view of the enemy, and under heavy fire, he moved around .the two forward Troops, redistributing ammunition, encouraging the men and assisting the Troop Commanders and Troop Sergeants in the control of their Troops. His conduct was an inspiration Do all ranks and proved of immense ^ value to his Company Commander. His bravery, inspiring personality and complete disregard for his own safety, were in the highest traditions of the service

Major Michael John BAIZLEY, Royal Marines. The officer was in command of ' Z' Company throughout Operation CUT. His careful and methodical planning for the first part of the various ambush positions. During the second phase, his sound .tactics and leadership ensured that the Company group was always on balance. When the Company came under fire his 'leadership and personal example was an inspiration to all. Without regard for his personal safety lie deployed his Company into a position from which it could contain the dissident tribesmen until the arrival of the Hunter airstrikes. He then skilfully withdrew his Company in accordance with orders received. It was due to his coolness and tactical skill that casualties in the Company remained so' low and that the operation was concluded so successfully.

Lieutenant Andrew Campbell LETCHFORD, Royal Marines. This officer was the Forward Air 'Control Officer for ' Z' Company Group during Operation CUT. When he was warned to expect Hunter support he quickly reconnoitered a position for his air panels, and found that the only place they could be put and seen dearly by the aircraft was on the flat roof of the house. This house was completely dominated by the enemy and was swept by dissident LMG and rifle fire. Despite this, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he moved out onto the roof and carefully placed out his panels. It was a miracle that he was hot hit. He then found that the only position from which he could direct the aircraft was behind the roof of a small out building. This building was also in full view of the enemy and swept by fire. Nevertheless, again with complete disregard for his own despite this, and the fact that his radio aerial, which was only two feet from his head, was shot away twice, he remained in this position and directed, coolly and calmly, the aircraft strike. It is entirely due to his bravery and skill that the strikes were successful and the enemy fire reduced by two thirds. safety he took position behind the roof, to find that the difficulty in seeing the enemy position necessitated his head and shoulders being above cover Despite this, and the fact that his radio aerial, which was only two feet from his head, was shot away twice, he remained in this position and directed, coolly and calmly, the aircraft strike. It is entirely due to his bravery and skill that the strikes were successful and the enemy fire reduced by two-thirds.

1965. Monday 3rd May. 25Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1965. May. 814 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Allan Jones was awarded the Kings Badge.

1965. June. 815 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. D (J?) Sayers was awarded the Kings Badge.

1965. Friday 18th June 1965. Lieutenant Charles Peter Cameron RM was the first Royal Marine to qualify as a Unit Light Aircraft Pilot.

1965. Wednesday 14th to Saturday 31st July.The Royal Tournament was help at the Earls Court Exhibition Building. 41 Commando Royal Marines demonstrated a 'Blockade and Raid' that included a cliff assault. The following photo is from Terry Aspinall.

1965. Friday 9th July. 824 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1965. Friday 23rd July. 825 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1965. July – November. 40 Commando RM. S Coy RM Plamu Mapu by Olly Scarrott (Mortars)

Another Marine who came straight out of training and joined us in Borneo was Pat (Buck) Taylor and he was in Mortars like me. He arrived when we had moved from the old Plamu Mapu camp into the new one. Equipment we used was the old pattern OG shirts, floppy hat and trousers with Dunlop jungle boots. Within 5-10 minutes of starting a patrol patches of sweat used to start around the arms and middle of your back on the shirt, like a huge stain. It was very hot and humid. After maybe half an hour your shirt was soaked with sweat and went a darker shade of green. Blended well into the jungle back ground. We never used cam cream much unless on operations as for normal patrols you sweated so much it wouldn't stay on for long. We only had brown cam cream at that time.

The British Dunlop jungle boots had a rubber sole and canvas uppers with lace ups fronts. They only lasted a few patrols before falling to bits and we had plenty supplies of them. We preferred the US jungle boot with leather uppers with side canvas but had to obtain them ourselves. Trouble with leather in the jungle is goes slimy and white when repeatedly soaked. We were issued with a military machete - alternate names were 'gollak' or 'purang' but these tended to be short and heavy.

So we bargained with the local Dyaks or Ebans for theirs which were more effective. Patrols were constant and lasted between two to 10 days - depending on mission. All patrols were 'silent', everything being signalled by hand.

No smoking, no washing, no shaving etc. so you didn't give away your position by smells. Anyone who was there should always remember the 'wait a bit' bushes. They were like a natural form of barbed wire and caught on your clothing, hands and neck. Also you had to watch out for the red ants as they really bite you.

I'll always remember the smell of those patrols, mixtures of rotting wood, stale sweat, and insect repellent. We always took one paladrine tablet per day for malaria. All food was backpacked on patrol which meant binning all the extras and carrying one main meal per day supplemented with boiled sweets, tins of cheese, the inevitable 'pusser's' biscuits.

In 1965 the ration packs were of the European war theatre kind and most food was tinned, which made carrying it a pain.

Later in the trip (1965) we got the new style rat packs which had vacuum packed dehydrated meat, noodles etc. and required mixing with water to eat. I preferred the old style rat packs as the food was better.

Ammo was minimum of 5 mags x 20 round (7.62 for SLR) and at least one bandolier of 50 rounds plus the odd grenade or smoke grenade. Most grenades used were the old Mill 36 grenade but we all preferred the white phosphorus hand grenade (designated white smoke) as that really hurt. Signallers and officers tended to carry the Sterling 9mm sub-machine gun. All right for up-close and in my opinion underestimated for jungle work. With the M15 (AR -15) we would carry the same mags but extra ammo due to the lighter weight.

The AR15 was much easier to carry being lighter and shorter than the SLR but you carry a weapon for a reason. When you really need it, it had better drop the target with one or two shots and a lot of us were not convinced it would at the time.

Looking back, over time, if I had the choice I would have preferred the AK47 for jungle work as the bullet (7.62 short round) punched better than the 5.56 M15/16. People who really have not been in combat get too carried away about the choice of weapon as generally it's not the weapon but the individual using it that counts.

As long as the weapon is effective, reliable and accurate then it's okay. Much like choosing a tool for a particular job from you kit box General Purpose machine gun team used to carry extra ammo and sometimes we each used to carry a 50 Rd ammo belt for them.

I was in Support Company and my main weapon, whilst in the camp was the 81mm Mortar. The ammo used, during my first trip was mainly all old 3 inch ammo which rattled a bit when going down the barrel. The good thing about using 3 inch bombs in a 81mm mortar is you could get some twenty mortar rounds in the air before the first one landed, depends on range.

We liked to use 2 HE rounds followed by one white phosphorus.

The camps we stayed in like Plamu mapu looked similar to hilltop forts.

A minefield (claymores, flares), separated by barbed wire and dug in living quarters, and connecting slit trenches. We used lots of panji sticks around the perimeters of the camp. These were sharpened bamboo stacks about 2- 3 foot long.

When we first got to Plamu Mapu we relieved the Gurkhas, who had taken over from 2 Para. The place had lots of bullet holes everywhere from the battle between the Paras and the Indos who had attacked the camp. The Gurkhas used to cook loads of boiled rice in their trenches and consequently the place was overrun by large rats.

Sleeping quarters for me was next to the mortar pit so I could go straight into action. The camp was badly designed as our mortar pit was next to the main camp entrance and the first barbed wire fence ran alongside the pit.

I remember I lined the inside ledge of the mortar pit with mills grenades for quick use.

At night the entrance to the individual or group sleeping area was covered by canvas sheeting, same material as the sandbags and we used candles for illumination inside. I can still remember waking in the night when a large rat run over my chest - the candle had gone out.

Strange but the sandbags we used were desert colour and some of the guys who had been in Aden said the ones they used over there were green.

The locals were really pro-British and every Kampong we visited was friendly. They really trusted us and inside some huts were pictures of the Queen's coronation etc. In some kampongs were heads cut off victims from past tribal wars. The locals all had relatives over the border and the impression I got was the ones over the other side were treated brutally or that may be too strong a word but they weren't treated good. The drank 'arak' a strong local rice type wine that tasted awful but would down an elephant.

We really worked on the 'hearts and minds' approach to them. When we passed through the villages most of the young girls (17-30) when doing the washing were bare breasted. All were friendly but off limits for anything more.

The unit I joined (40 CDO RM) had, at that time, a lot of ex-conscription marines who had stayed on. To join the Royal Marines you had to volunteer but as they were being called-up anyway some thought it better to go in the Marines. They did three years' service not two as the army did.

So we had guys who had fought in Korea, (Sgt Haywood) others who had been in Cyprus (Nick?) and Suez and some small wars I had never heard of. A real tough bunch - brought up in the forties and fifties but who all helped each other.

A lot of small soldiering techniques used disappeared when these men left the RM. Such as how to really build sandbag fortifications and using the mortar tube caps as markers for the legs of the mortar, in the dark.

They also taught me how to uses the mortar without a bipod for when your being overrun.

For the rest of my time in the marines I never saw that taught to anyone else after that.

Every day in Borneo started just before first light when we had 'stand-to.'

If in a camp you would take your weapon and sit in your allotted slit trench until after it was light. If in the 'Ulu' (jungle) you would take defensive positions until it was light. So you were up around 4 to 4.30 in the morning every day. We also did stand-to a last light until it was dark.

These periods of time were when we expected any surprise attacks.

The personal water bottles we had when I first went to Borneo were made of metal alloy with a metal cup.

We used to put black masking tape on the lip to stop you burning your lip when drinking tea.

During my 'tour' the water bottles were changed to green plastic ones with a black plastic cup.

The cup being plastic wasn't much good as you couldn't brew up in it or make 'scran' (food).

So you then had to carry a mess tin which was one more item to carry.

Water was purified by letting it seep through a millbank bag (light green colour bag used as a strainer) and then you put one white purifying tablet into your water bottle and half an hour later one blue one to neutralize the chlorine.

The water was always safe to drink after that but tasted funny, sort of metallic. Some of the smaller rivers were crystal clear and very cold - which made great drinking water.
Lots of guys got jungle sores on their legs that never went away until they returned to Singapore.

Leeches were also a problem sometimes, depends on the type of jungle you were traversing, usually swamp areas but I have had them on me in wet tall grass.

You also had to be aware of Leptospirosis in stagnate pools or slow rivers. Its disease spread through rat's urine which penetrates skin and attacks the liver - can be fatal if not treated.

We lost a helicopter on my first tour. It had a prisoner on board and I think it was a Sioux type chopper, you know with a Plexiglas bubble front. I heard from someone who had worked out there, for one of the oil company's years later, that the joystick was found in a river bed and identified. No bodies or anything else found.

I personally never saw the chopper take off as it left from the next camp along but everyone heard about it at the time.

Sorry not much good in the remembering the name of the chopper types.

We also had a large artillery piece (5.5inch -if I can remember right) in our first camp that used to make a large bang when fired.

One day the artillery support teams were shelling our wire for ranging in case we were attacked and possible overrun, in Plamu Mapu new camp. When by accident a shell landed right next to one of the mortar pits. Luckily we were all undercover.

In the new camp we also had a group of dancers and singers come out on tour who visited us, it should have been Frankie Howard but the weather stopped him visiting.

Unfortunately they had to make a run for the chopper, you should have seen the panic on their faces, when the alarm went off and artillery support was called for by some of our patrols on the border. The chopper, a Wessex, actually flew into the path of the firing but the shells went over the chopper. If I remember right, the border was less than one click (one thousand yards) from our camp position by map.

Oh by the way the equivalent of Top of the Pops when I was in Borneo (1965) was Nancy Sinatra -Those boots were made for Walking. My mum had given me a transistor radio and I still remember listing to that while sitting in the mortar pit

I got four days off during my first tour and went to Kuching for R & R.

Can't remember much about it except I was very drunk.

We also cut a lot of chopper pads out of the Ulu on that tour, close to the border for future operations.

Used plastic explosives sometimes - and the stuff we used was old WW2 plastic explosives nitro-glycerine based.

Sometimes we used C4 or PE 4 - I think we called it PE4 and the yanks c4.

White colour plastic explosives.

One patrol I went on had to re-cut an old chopper position on the border, in fact it was just over the border by about 500 yards and when we got there we found the Indo army had set up an ambush previously around the old chopper pad.

No one was there when we got there and it was obvious that the ambush had been set months before.

The trees had some Indo names carved on them and there were well sited slit trenches they had dug.

Patrolling was a mixture of boredom with exhaustion but you couldn't relax and had to be alert all the time.

Incidentally they (Indos) were using the AR15 before us and we found some of their used cartridge cases on the border.

You could always identify their footprints because they wore small size US jungle boots which leaves different sole print that our Dunlop ones.

One thing most people don't really understand about that part of the world, unless they have been there, is how humid and hot it is.

Not the dry heat of the desert but this heat drains you, as you're just dripping sweat all the time.

One raid in 1965 was done from our camp using a mixture of Alpha and Bravo rifle companies (40 Commando RM) that were based at Plamu Mapu. They had apparently caught the Indos bathing in a river at first light, early morning. They had actually got close to the Indo camp the night before and moved in before dawn.

Our lads shot about thirty five of them in the river. They had sighted a 50 caliber machine gun on the hill overlooking the river in a basha but couldn't depress the machine gun, which was on a tripod, enough to hit our lads.

Anyhow one guy fired an antitank grenade from his SLR, (and for the love of me I can't remember the grenades name but I trained on it). The grenade hit the basher and knocked out the gun.

One of our lads, I can still remember his face but not his name, was hit in the back by a bullet which landed on the GPM ammo belt he was carrying.

One round in the belt exploded and took of a small part of his ear and also left a nasty carved scar on his back.

I picked all these details up from the lads after they had returned to our camp, so this bit is not first hand.

I also nearly shot a 'green Howard'.

Our mortar pit was close to the wire, in Plamu Mapu and the 'heads' (toilets for a dump) was in a hut outside the first gate and in between the wire.

Stupid camp planning I know.

After about a month a bunch (4) of 'Green Howard's' walk into our camp.

They had been doing recce work over the border and we all knew they were SAS.

That night one of them decides to go to the 'heads' for a dump.

When he got to the first gate the sentry was just changing out with me. So I didn't see him go outside but I certainly heard him when he came back.

Though he wasn't making much noise he got quite a surprise when I shoved a SLR into his head.

Luckily I had been trained to be sure of my target before firing and when my rifle barrel poked him he made a noise which was distinctly British. At the time I was sweating badly as I couldn't work out where he had come from. So all ended well but when I reported what had happened the next day the routine for going to the heads was changed.

My second and last trip top Borneo was in 1966.

At one stage a big raid was planned but called off as Sukarno went after the CCO and the Indo offensive collapsed.

It called for a planned attack on an Indo camp at least eight clicks over the border using a lot of troops.

It was planned we would take the mortars to within 3-4 klicks of the enemy camp and uses para flares to illuminate the target during the night attack.

If I remember rightly the assault, by the rifle companies would be over rice paddies which meant us also giving smoke and He support. There quite a few body bags brought up when we were preparing as we expected to take casualties.

Anyhow it was all cancelled.

This would be around - maybe beginning of Sept. 1966 - I haven't thought about this for a long time so I apologies for my memory.

1965. Monday 2nd August. 831 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1965. Sunday 12th September. The Military Cross awarded to Major John Culpeper Weston, Royal Marines. A reconnaissance patrol from C Company of 40 Commando discovered a latoon of Indonesians in position on the Sarawak Border.

Operation 'Stonehouse' was mounted on the Tuesday 14th September with the aim of destroying this force. After a long and very difficult approach through dense forest and severe hills, Captain (now Major) Weston who had planned the operation in detail successfully positioned his Company near the enemy.

He then led a small patrol to ascertain the enemy's exact dispositions. He placed his subunits for a fire assault. This was less than 70 yards from the enemy.

At this moment two civilians spotted one of our fire groups and gave the alarm.

A very fierce fire fight developed immediately, during which a number of the enemy were hit. The enemy maintained heavy small arms and mortar fire for some time but were then forced to retreat by C Company's accurate fire. Throughout this action Captain Weston who was close to his most forward troops, controlled the fire and the movements of his sub-units with great coolness and disregard for his own safety.

Over a period of four months he also led his Company on a number of operations both on the border and in the rear areas. All these have been well planned and led.

On three occasions they have disrupted Communist elements and the third resulted in the capture of a group of Communists one of whom had been badly wanted by the special Branch for several months.

The efficiency and determination displayed by C Company on all its operations has very largely resulted from the training and leadership of Captain Weston who although still severely handicapped by an arm badly wounded at Suez has never spared himself and has set a magnificent example to his men.

1965. Monday 13th September. 826 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1965. October. 21Je and 22Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1965. Monday 1st November. 837 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1965. Friday 26th November. 839 squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1965. November. A Recommendation for an Honour or Award (OBE) was made on behalf of Lieutenant Colonel John Aubrey Taplin. Then Commanding Officer 40 Commando Royal Marines during the unit's deployment in the Serian district of Sarawak.

1965. Friday 3rd December. 831 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1965. December. 23Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1965. December. 824 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1965. Sergeant Peter Lawrence became the first Non Commissioned Royal Marine to qualify as a Unit Light Aircraft Pilot.

1965. Earl Mountbatten of Burma was appointed a Colonel Commandant RM.

1965. Commando Brigade Air Squadron. A light aircraft unit was formed by 42 Commando RM in 1965; this flight and others formed to support Commandos, were brought together to form the Commando Brigade Air Squadron on 12th August 1968. In the early 1970s these flights were each equipped with three Sioux AH1 helicopters for which there were four pilots

an RM OC, an RA second in command, an RM sergeant and an RA sergeant. Each flight had two observer/gunners, a signaller and three drivers for its vehicles drawn from RM or RA personnel, and an REME team of six airframe fitters and other mechanics. The flights served with their respective Commandos in Northern Ireland and elsewhere, proving Nitesun illumination, forward air command and air OPs. They landed on darkened LPHs at night, and in October 1978, one flight relieved an Army Air Corps' flight in Belize (formerly British Honduras). Three flights served in Norway in 1979 with six Gazelles and six Scout helicopters.

Deployments and changes in organisation 1981 - 1997:

The Squadron provided flights in Northern Ireland from time to time in the 1980s and 1990s in support of army units on some occasions. They deployed with 3 Cdo bde to Norway. In 1982 they were deployed in operation

They also provided flights for operations in Belize from time to time, as in 1992 a typical year of their 1990s deployments: the A Flight, issued with new tropical flying suits, and served five months in Belize as the roulement for 25 Flight of the Army Air Corps; their Gazelles were fitted with emergency flotation equipment, but weight restrictions meant that 'the optical aid was not fitted'. Much of the flying required extra concentration to identify landing sites in jungle clearings, when the duties were mainly involved with liaison work.

1993 Pilots had additional training at Middle Wallop on part of a new syllabus for the Army Pilots, so that they could work in pairs as Aircraft Captains commanding a section of aircraft. In November Sgt Jack Frost won the Hughes Master Pilot's Trophy awarded annually to the pilot who obtained the best results in the Army Master Pilots' Exam. In 1994 the deployment in Norway only required part of the Squadron but a team also deployed to Kenya to support 3 Para in exercises. On 1st September 1995 the Squadron became a part of 847 Squadron in the Naval Air Command.

Miscellaneous. Memorable date: 14th June recapture of Falkland Islands (in 1982)

1966. Friday 11th February. 25Je. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1966. Tuesday 1st March. 29Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1966. Thursday 10th March. 837 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1966. Sunday 15th March. Lieutenant Norman Finch V.C. passed away while living in Portsmouth Hampshire and was cremated at Porchester. His ashes were transferred to Southampton. His only known memorial is at the Eastney Barracks, Royal Marines Museum, Southsea.

1966. March. Borneo. Two Company's of Royal Marines attacked an Indonesian stronghold near Biawak. The Commandos had made a long approach march lasting several days, avoiding jungle trails that were liable to be mined. Upon reaching the enemy camp, Claymore mines on long bamboo poles were quietly hoisted on to the roofs of the enemy bashas (huts) and triggered by remote control. When these exploded each claymore releases 700 steel balls, which tore through the palm roofs and created havoc among the occupants below. The survivors dived out of the buildings and returned the fire of the waiting commandos. Captain Ian Clarke RM was morally wounded during this exchange and another Marine was injured.

1966. Wednesday 30 March. 839 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1966. Friday 22nd April. 831 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1966. April. Royal Marine Graham Price RM 22359, while on active service with 42 Commando and serving in Borneo was 'Mentioned in Dispatches' during operation Claret. His 'Mention in Dispatches' was later published on Tuesday 13th December 1966 in the London Gazette. Graham received the award during the summer of 1966 while on the parade ground of Stonehouse barracks Plymouth in front of the Company. It was presented to him by Major R.E. Simmons U.S.M.C. (on secondment).

Lt Ian Clark with Graham as tracker, along with a Malay linguist and 2 Ibans tribesmen were sent on recce patrols over the Indonesian border to locate Indonesian fire bases. After a large enemy base was located a plan was hatched to attack it. Graham led L Company and Lt Clark led M Company on an overnight march to lay up in the jungle for a dawn attack. The attack was a success but sadly Lt Clark was killed along with one other Marine. However, there were 22 Indonesian soldiers killed during the attack, and it stopped the Indonesians from mounting further raids over the border. Believing that they were safe upon there retreat back onto Indonesian territory. At the time it was a secret operation. The British government did not admit what Operation Claret involved until 1974. While most of the information was not available for thirty years.

1966. Monday 16th May. 847 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1966. June. 836 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1966. June. Martin 'Scouse' Dowling (PO24167V) Recalls his first day in C Coy 40 Commando RM, straight from training (837 Squad.

My arrival at C Coys location was a bit of a traumatic start for me, I had just drawn my weapon from the armoury when I was accosted by a Lt. Todd who wanted to inspect the said weapon. After proving my SLR and handing it to him he proceeded to rip into me for having a dirty weapon and magazines. I attempted to protest my innocence, explaining that I had just been issued with it and that I was still stood within 6 feet of the armoury entrance and not yet had the chance to clean it. But all to no avail, to my first 20 minutes in camp and I had been given an extra duty in the galley. I will never forget Mr Todd who in my mind's eye seemed to have a greater girth than height.

Finally being allowed to carry on I was told that my grot was to be 10 Downing St, what a revelation...a hole in the ground reinforced with 50 gallon oil drums and sandbags, I was to share this 4* residence with (I think) Sgt Jan Exelby, Cpl (Torchy) Downs and another Marine I can only remember as Mac. Oh yeh, 2 dozen rats also shared the grot with us.

The memories are many but can anyone confirm that our Sgt Major was Tiny Whitehead who's office was at the top of the hill and was it a house????

Mine was a very short tour, only managing to get in two patrols but it really did set me up for what turned out to be the start of a 10 year career as a Bootneck.

1966. The RMFVR retitled Royal Marines Reserve.

1966. July. 837 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1966. Thursday 18th August. The end of Indonesian Confrontation in Borneo after a truce was finally agreed.The total casualties of the Commonwealth Military Forces in this undeclared war, which lasted over four years, were 114 killed and 181 injured. A fifth of the Indonesian losses, half of who were prisoners. The British forces also had to contend with virulent diseases such as scrub-typhus with its weakening fevers, kidney failure and possible death of the victim in a coma.

1966. Friday 23rd September. 847 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1966. Monday 31st October. 857 Squad Squad commensed training at the Deal Depot.

1966. Monday 12th December. 860 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1966. Saturday 17th December. 31Je Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1966. Monday 28th November. 859 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1966. December. 844 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1967. Tuesday 10th January. 32Je Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1967. January. 846 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1967. 26th February. 29Je. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Sunday 10th March. 857 Squad Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Thursday 23rd March. Marine David Esseen died while serving in 45 Commando, Aden and the Radfan.

1967. Monday 15th May. 870 Squad Squad commensed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Monday 29th May. 871 Squad commensed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Monday 1st May. 869 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Thursday 4th May. 860 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Friday 5th May. 860 Squad commenced Commando training at Lympstone.

1967. Monday 29th May. 871 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1967. May. 29Je. Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone, M.D. (Mick) Page was awarded the Kings Badge.

1967. May. 852 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. John Bryant was awarded the Kings Badge.

1967. May - June. The 75th Anniversary Edition of the 'Globe & Laurel', Editor Captain D.A.G. Collin RM. The magazine was now published bi-monthly and cost half a crown. The content was more structured, reporting on Unit and training activities in a similar layout to that of today's publication growing to some seventy two pages. Pay and Records Office articles were frequent, coming at the time from Melville camp, Eastney, behind the main Eastney Barracks.

1967. Friday 30th June. 856 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Colin Griffiths was awarded the Kings Badge.

1967. Monday 24th July. The 874 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Monday 7th August. 875 Squad commensed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. August. The introduction of CG's Certificate of Merit for Buglers.

1967. Tuesday 5th September. 35Je. Squad commensed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Friday 8th September. 869 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Friday 8th September. 860 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1967. Tuesday 12th September. Royal Marines, 2nd Lt Danny Moir age 22 was killed in action in Aden whilst serving with 45 Commando. Because the British withdrawal from Aden was less than 3 months away the decision was taken to bury Danny at sea rather than on land where his grave may well have been desecrated after the withdrawal.

1967. Friday 22nd September. 870 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Thursday 5th October. 871 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Thursday 19th October. 32Je Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Monday 13th November. 881 Squad commensed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. November. 42 Commando covered the final withdrawal from Aden.

1967. Wednesday 29th November. 45 and 42 Royal Marine Commandos fare well to Aden.

The overall plan, for the withdrawal of the British Forces, was to move the majority of troops, out through Khormaksar Airfield, whilst the equipment, went by sea. The privilege of being the last to leave, was accorded to the Royal Marines. Fittingly, Four-Five, was the last major unit, of the permanent garrison, to be withdrawn. 42 R.M. Commando, would hold the airfield, then they would withdraw, to the naval task force, and their Commando Carrier, HMS Albion.

By the September of 1967, all service families, had been evacuated, and 45 Cdo R.M., moved into their flats, after leaving Little Aden, the home of the unit for the best part of seven years. 42 Commando, Royal Marines, arrived aboard HMS Albion on Wednesday11th October. In their distinctive, olive green, jungle dress, they took up positions, North of the airport. This was the line, that had been held by British troops, since September. Roadblocks, and OP'S, (observation posts), sealed off the peninsula, from the North, and kept the airfield, out of mortar range.

The NFL, was busy defeating FLOSY; the Southern Arabian Army, had left the Federation, and joined the NFL, and in one last fling, decided to mortar, 42 Commando's positions at Tawahi, on Saturday11th November 1967. Marine Blackman, had the unfortunate distinction, of being the last, British serviceman, to be wounded, in Aden, during this action.

At one-thirty. on Wednesday 29th November 1967, the last aircraft left Aden. The last to board, were the Commanding Officer, 45 RM. Commando, Commanding Officer, Royal Air Force, Khormakser, Commander, Aden Brigade, Brigadier, General Staff, and Senior Air Staff Officer, Middle East Air Force. The perimeter, was still being guarded, by 42 Cdo, C company, of the King's Own Border Regiment, and 8, (Alma), Light Commando Battery, R.A. 42 Commando, was the last to leave, in their helicopters, on the 29th. The last defiant act, of the 45 Commando, was the appearance, of the Union Flag, and White Ensign, as if by magic, Recce Troop, Royal Marines, magic-, on one of the peaks, of Jabal Shamsan, overlooking Ma'alla, placed there, during the last day, before departure.

Its believed that the last man to leave the shores of Aden, was a Royal Marine landing craft crewman, slipping the bow line, from the bollard on the quay, and stepping onto the craft, as it got under way, wondering if it was worth it?

The epitaph, to all servicemen, of all the British Forces in Aden, who were killed, in this seven year war, was written, by a Fleet Street journalist, who described the troops in Aden, as, 'men, whose steadfast patience, had been tested, and found to hold firm, on thousands, of unrewarded, forgotten, occasions.

Dedicated to the memory of those who remain behind.

Sgt D.J. Arnold RM Friday 7th August 1964.

Sgt D.J. Arnold RM Friday 7th August 1964.

Bugler P.A.T. Baker RM Monday 20th November 1961.

Marine D.G. Calway RM Wednesday 17th May 1967.

Marine A.J. Dunn RM Friday 5th May 1967.

Marine D. Esseen RM Thursday 23rd March 1967.

Marine R. Hydes RM Monday 18th May 1964.

L/Cpl R. Jeffery RM Sunday 23rd June /6/63

Cpl E. McGrath RM Tuesday 12th September 1967.

S/Lt D.A.. Moir RM. Tuesday 12th September 1967.

Marine D.A. Muir RM Thursday 10th June 1965.

Marine J. Pettigrew RM Friday 27th January 1961.

Marine G.A. Poyzer RM Wednesday 30th May 1962.

Marine R.C. Swindell RM Saturday 27th July 1963.

Marine K. Tuck RM Wednesday 31st January 1962.

Marine K.N. Whitaker RM Wednesday 20th January 1965.

Marine D.M. Wilson RM Tuesday 26th May 1964.

1967. 'All Hands To Assault Stations Off Aden' (HMS Bulwark & 45 Cdo RM)

How many of you can recall that pipe booming from the many metal tannoys aboard our commando carrier? The embarked marines would curse the inconsiderate navy for pulling them out of their warm pits and mess decks, but did they really know what was happening.

During 1967 - 69,1 was an aircraft handler with 845 Naval Air Squadron Commando, on board HMS Bulwark. Contrary to belief, we did not spend all our time sunbathing on the flight deck. We had a very important and on occasion, dangerous job to do, which I am of the opinion, we did well.

Now cast your minds back as I take you through the process of moving a complete Royal Marine Commando unit, ready to fight, onto enemy territory in the shortest possible time. This was achieved by a Royal Navy developed technique known as a 'Roulement'. This procedure consisted of precision and teamwork to enable us to complete the task quickly and safely.

0300 hrs - Preparation. We removed guard rails and took down chains, while the Assault Supply teams (AST) comprising of seamen and marines, also removed tie-down chains from vehicles and stores down aft.

0330 his - "All hands to assault stations!" was piped. The whole ship now became alive and began to do the job it was created for.

0340 his - The first Wessex Mk V chopper came up from the hangar and was put on its spot by the flight deck party. The spots were gradually filled from I to 9. At this time the deck was a hive of frenetic but controlled activity. Once the spots were all occupied, even more helicopters came up from the hangar. No more spots remaining. Where to put them?

This problem was solved by placing the extra aircraft inboard and between each of the filled spots, while the Sioux spotter helicopter was pushed into what was known as `The Green' area near the carrier's island.

After each chopper had been placed on its spot, the aircraft engineers pulled out and fitted the large and heavy rotors and made sure that once operational, they would cut through the air no closer than 18 inches to the next!

Once all engines were running, it created an actual `mesh' of blades rotating above our heads

0500 hrs - Start aircraft engines. Rotors turning and forming the deadly umbrella of turning blades with men working underneath.

0505 hrs - Royal Marines formed into `sticks' take up their places on the lifts, where after, they are directed to their embarkation spots by a marshal. At this stage, the Mobile Air Operations Team (MAOT), comprising of an officer plus 3, had already been ashore for 16 hours to radio back landing zone information. I am proud to say that I was a member of this team.

0530 hrs - The first `cab' lifts off with 15 aircraft still on deck and about to follow. The directors knew that underneath this `ceiling' of spinning and lethal rotors, one mistake could cause a catastrophe and ' would make us look very `ordinary' and not the cream of combined operations, which we were. Together with the choking burnt aviation fuel fumes, the flight deck had now become the most dangerous piece of real estate in the Royal Navy.

060 0 hrs - Troops are being regularly airlifted ashore. As each cab came back after delivery, they would either load up with more marines or hook up to the prepared underslung loads of water, stores, transport, vehicles or 105 mm artillery pieces.

The first aircraft in the landing zone would have picked up the MAOT team and brought them back on board.

After they were all ashore, we could relax slightly and enjoy the knowledge that we had successfully carried out our task without any death, injury or loss of stores.

At this time, HMS Bulwark held the record for flying in a complete commando unit plus their supplies, transport and artillery in 4 hours. The USN could never understand how it was done. Why did this happen?

Easy. Professionalism by the best navy in the world! (Tom Chalis RMAQ)

1967. Friday 1st December. The 874 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. Thursday 14th December. 875 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1967. December. 29Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1967. Band Ranks to be eligible for selection as Drum Majors.

1967. Move of Plymouth Group Band to Infantry Training Centre RM.

1967. Band of C - in - C Mediterranean Fleet was disestablished.

1967. 45 Commando returned to UK.

1967. 40 Commando on IS duties in Hong Kong.

1968. Feruary. 871. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1968. Saturday 21st March. 881 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1968. March. 848 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1968. Monday 29th April. 889Troop Commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1968. April. The 874 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1968. Friday 3rd May. 875 Kings squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1968. Monday 6th May. 39Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1968. May. Exmouth The Corps was adopted by Exmouth Urban District Council in this and has since been reaffirmed by the new Borough.

1968. Tuesday 6th June. 35Je. Squad completed group 'A' training at the Deal Depot.

1968. Friday 26th July. 889 Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1968. Monday 12th August. The 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron Royal Marines (3 BAS) was formed on 12th August 1968, at Sembawang Air Base, Singapore. At the time, it was equipped with 14 Westland (Agusta-Bell) Sioux AH.1 helicopters with six Westland Scouts envisaged. It was the amalgamation of the Brigade Flight and the Air Troops of 40 Commando, 42 Commando and 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery (29 Cdo RA). Prior to its formation, it was understood that all non-RM support, such as REME personnel, would be Commandotrained.

1968. Monday 2nd September. 892 and 893 Squads commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1968. Monday 12th August 1968. The formation of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron RM. The Squadron was formed from the amalgamation of the three Unit Air Troops of 40 and 42 Commando and 95 Commando Light Regiment RA plus the Brigade HQ Flight. The first Squadron Commander was Captain T.P.T. Donkin RM.

1968. As a result of conditions and age, the memorial Silver Bugles will no longer be sounded.

1968. New NCO structure in Band Service - Introduction of Band Colour Sergeant rank.

1968. The Commandant Generals Piper. 1 During his recent visit to 42 Commando RM the Commandant General approved that the title of the Commandant Generals Piper was to be held by the leading piper in 42 Commando's Pipe Band. 2 This appointment confers on the holder the entitlement, when in Pipe Band uniform, to wear a Skian Dhu presented by General Sir Norman Tailyour KCB DSO. 3 The first person selected to hold this appointment is RM 21534 Lance Corporal I Anderson.

1968. 43 Commando was disbanded.

1968 \- 1998. The conflict in Northern Ireland is known as the Troubles. Over 3,600 people were killed and thousands more injured. During a period of 30 years, many acts of violence were carried out by paramilitaries and the security forces.

The first barriers were built in 1969 and were meant to last only six months, but they multiplied over the years. Belfast endured 40 years of virtual war. The IRA and other Catholic paramilitary groups used bombings, kidnappings and murder to further their cause.

The Troubles (Irish: Na Trioblóidí) as they were known was an ethno-nationalist conflict, that began during a campaign that was supposed to end discrimination against the Catholic/Nationalist minority by the Protestant/Unionist government and Police Force.

The Irish Republican Army (IRA), also called Provisional Irish Republican Army, republican paramilitary organization seeking the establishment of a republic, the end of British rule in Northern Ireland, and the reunification of Ireland.

The Provisional IRA was chiefly active in Northern Ireland, but from the early 1970s, it also took its bombing campaign to England. They believed that such bombing would help create a demand among the British public for their government to withdraw from Northern Ireland.

On Thursday 28th July 2005, the IRA Army Council announced an end to its armed campaign, stating that it would work to achieve its aims using "purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means", and shortly afterwards completed decommissioning.

The Royal Marines units served in Northern Ireland and sadly lost:

Marine L Allen, Marine Anthony David, Marine John Shaw, Marine Andrew Gibbons, Marine Graham Cox, Marine John Macklin, Cpl Robert Miller, Marine Gary Wheddon, Marine Adam Gilbert, Cpl Dennis Leach, Marine Michael Southern, Marine Neil Bewley, Sgt William Corbett.

Along with Royal Marines School of Music members:

Cpl Dean Pavey, Band Cpl Trevor Davis, Band Cpl Dave Mcmillan, Musician Richard Fice, Musician Bob Simmonds, Musician Mick Ball, Musician Richard Jones, Musician Tim Reeves, Musician Mark Petch, Musician Andy Cleatheroe, Musician Christopher Nolan.

1968 \- 1998. Northern Ireland. The low intensity conflict in Northern Ireland was an ideal arena for the SBS to operate in. The main role was covert surveillance and apart from its own operations, many SBS operators joined 14th Intelligence Company, or 'the Det' - a branch of Military Intelligence specially created for surveillance ops 'over the water'.

The SBS was also used to monitor and interdict gun running along the coastline and on inland waterways and lakes.

1969. Wednesday 1st January. Band of HM RM C-in-C Western Fleet formed. With a strength of forty three this was one of the two largest bands and was regarded as the Staff Band of the Royal Navy.

1969. Tuesday 21st January. Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for children. First concert in aid of this charity held in Portsmouth Guildhall, preceding the Royal Albert Hall concert.

1969. Friday 7th February. 39Je. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1969. Sunday 23rd February. The Silver Memorial Bugles withdrawn from service and issued, as Corps Silver, to the Officers Mess's at Plymouth and CTC as well as the RMBS and the RMM.

1969. February. Captain Michael John Reece was appointed Commanding Officer of 848 Naval Air Squadron. The first Royal Marine officer to command a Naval Helicopter Squadron.

1969. Monday 15th September. 48Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1969. September. 41Je. and 42Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1669. Wednesday 22nd October. 928 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1969. Friday 31st October. HQ Commando Forces RM

After world War II the Major General RM Plymouth commanded all Commandos in the UK when these units were not detached to army or navy commands. On Friday 31st October 1969 Plymouth Group was redesignated Commando Forces; and when 3 Commando Bde returned to the UK, it came into this command. In 1980 the Bde HQ and all operational Commando Units formed part of Commando Forces. The HQ provided personnel for the HQ of the reinforced 3 Cdo Bde and for General Moore's Division in the Falklands operation 'Corporate'. It remained based in Plymouth during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In April/June 1991 deployed to Iraq for operation 'Haven'.

In March 1993 this Headquarters was closed and its functions taken over by personnel of HQRM as from 1 April 1993.

Miscellaneous

Memorable date for HQ Cdo Forces was 14th June and the recapture of the Falkland Islands (in 1982).(RMHS)

1969. 1st November. 49Je. commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1969. Monday 10th November. 909 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1969. Friday 5th December. 48Je. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1969. Friday 5th December. 911 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1969. Friday 19th December. 909 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1969. 'Operation Banner' as the troubles in Northern Ireland escalated. 41 Commando were the first RM unit to operate in Northern Ireland. The Royal Marines went on to complete over 69 tours of duty.

1969. The Deal Barracks. The Adult and junior recruits destined for commando training were grouped together in the Commando Wing at Deal; all recruits training to be Musicians and Buglers formed Music Wing. (RMHS)

1970. Monday 19th January. 50Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1970. Wednesday 28th January. The so call Tot or Rum ration had been a long tradition in the Navy and also enjoyed by the Royal Marines. The following is how a motion was passed by the Government of the day to Stop it.

Vol 794 cc1660-861660.

A motion was made, and questions proposed, in Parliament by Mr. James Well-beloved (Erith and Crayford)

The threat to abolish the rum issue in the Royal Navy is a matter of considerable gravity, and I make no apology for raising it in the House today.

As a wartime sailor in the Royal Navy who remembers with pride and affection the comradeship of the lower deck, I am glad to have this opportunity, as a Member of Parliament, to bring before the House the views which have been expressed to me in the many letters on the subject which I have received from serving sailors. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] I am glad to see some of my hon. Friends here to support me in this debate. I shall be more than delighted to offer them sippers or gulpers at a more appropriate moment than the present.

It is clear from the volume of correspondence which I have received and from recent reports in the Press that the decision of the Admiralty Board to abolish the rum issue has aroused deep anger and resentment in the Royal Navy. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State will, I know, carefully consider the case put to him tonight. I hope that, as a result of the argument deployed, he will feel able to review the Admiralty Board's decision and reprieve the Navy's rum ration.

I shall not deal with the long and distinguished part which the daily tot of rum has played in the history of the Royal Navy. The history of our Navy is the history of our nation. Our freedom and our system of democracy have evolved and developed over the centuries behind the shield of the Royal Navy, a navy manned by men of courage, skill and endurance.

All are aware of the enormous changes which have taken place not only in the technology of the Navy, but in the standards and conditions of life aboard ship. But not only the ships and the weapons have changed. The men of the Navy have changed, too. Education and the need for technical skills have contributed to a dramatic rise in the standard and the expectations of those who serve on the lower deck.

The case against the abolition of the rum issue is not based upon a desire to defend or to hang on to tradition. To be fair to the Admiralty Board, it does not say that because the press gang, hard tack and the rope's end went out long ago, so ought the rum ration. To be fair to the Under-Secretary of State, it was made abundantly clear to the House on Wednesday 17th December that the abolition of the rum issue is not an economy measure. If were an economy measure, it would be absolutely intolerable, and the Navy would be right to make its voice heard with great vigour.

For the basis of the decision, I turn to the official announcement on 17th December last year in a Written Answer to a Question put down by my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Mayhew): The Admiralty Board concludes that the rum issue is no longer compatible with the high standards of efficiency required now that the individual's tasks in ships are concerned with complex, and often delicate, machinery and systems on the correct functioning of which people's lives may depend."—[OFFCIAL REPORT), Wednesday 17th December, 1969; Vol. 793, c. 341.] If that were true, if it could clearly be shown that alcoholic drink in the small and controlled quantities that are available to the lower deck was a danger to operational efficiency of the Navy and to the lives of those who served in the Navy, there would be a clear case for following the practice of other navies and banning all alcoholic drink from ships of the Royal Navy at sea. If the Admiralty's case is right, the Navy should be dry of all spirits, but I do not believe that the Admiralty's case is right.

What is the truth of the Admiralty Board's claim? What evidence is there to support their contention?

Mr. Roy Roebuck(Harrow, East)

They were drunk at the time.

Mr. Wellbeloved

I may well be able during the course of my remarks to demonstrate that there is more probability of an officer being drunk on duty than of a member of the lower deck being drunk on duty.

Has it been established by medical evidence that rum is detrimental to health? I must tell by hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State that there is some evidence to the contrary.

Mr. Roebuck

Hear, hear.

Mr. Wellbeloved

There is some evidence from people who serve at sea in Her Majesty's ships and in the Merchant Navy that a tot of rum can have a stabilising effect upon the stomach, and this is indeed a matter of considerable importance.

Imagine, Mr. Speaker, the Fleet about to engage the enemy in a tempestuous sea. [Laughter.]

Mr. Speaker

This is a serious debate. If there is too much interruption, I may have to hang an hon. Member from the yardarm.

Mr. Wellbeloved

We were about to engage the enemy, Mr. Speaker; let us proceed upon that course.

A tempestuous sea is raging. Men are piped to a meal before action. If they can take their tot, they can consume their food; if they consume their food, they are able to face the coming action with greater strength and greater determination. If the medical evidence is not there, will my hon. Friend explain why the Admiralty Board took this decision?

What research has been carried out into the operational efficiency of those who take rum compared with temperance ratings who take the 3d.-a-day grog money in lieu? Is there any evidence of a careful scientific evaluation to show that temperance ratings are more efficient in the discharge of their duties than those who take the rum issue? Let my hon. Friend tell the House the facts. What evidence can the Admiralty Board offer to justify a dry lower deck stripped of its rum issue with a wet wardroom with spirits still available?

Is there any evidence available to show that the rum tot affects the operational efficiency of the Royal Navy? Certainly, there is no evidence readily available. My hon. Friend's Department had the greatest difficulty searching out the details to reply to Questions which I tabled this week asking for figures of men charged with and found guilty of being under the influence of alcohol while 1663 on duty in the Royal Navy. It is clear from the letter my hon. Friend sent to me and which I received today—and I am grateful for the promptness with which he arranged that reply—that no statistics spread over a reasonable period exist which could substantiate the Admiralty Board's decision. Indeed, it would be difficult, under Section 28 of the Naval Discipline Act, 1957, to produce meaningful statistics.

Under that Section, a seaman in the Royal Navy could be drunk at home on leave and be charged. The Section says: A person is drunk within the meaning of this section if owing to the influence of alcohol or any drug, whether alone or in combination with any other circumstances, he is unfit to be entrusted with his duty or with any duty which he might be called upon to perform or behaves in a disorderly manner or in a manner likely to bring discredit on Her Majesty's service. That is a very wide Section. No wonder no meaningful statistics are available.

The statistics available really do not mean anything. We have statistics for officers charged between 1960 and 1969 with being under the influence of drink while on duty. Only 18 cases are reported, a small and insignificant number when we consider that 10,000 officers are engaged in the Royal Navy. We would need to examine with considerable care the records of the courts-martial of these officers to see whether the offences were committed on duty or whether some were committed while the officers were on shore leave. I doubt whether any concern drunkenness while the officers were on leave. The important thing is the cases which were brought to trial, and I hope my hon. Friend will make available the records for study.

In any group of men who live closely together an esprit de corps springs up, and it is not beyond our comprehension and understanding to realise that, if an officer became intoxicated while on duty, he would be in a much better position for his colleagues to protect him, to put him in his cabin and tuck him up in his bunk, unnoticed, uncharged and unconvicted.

Mr. W. A. Wilkins (Bristol, South)

This has happened on the lower deck as well, because I have helped to put a colleague to bed there.

1664

Mr. Wellbeloved

I know that esprit de corps exists on the lower deck. I have put to bed and been put to bed myself. But the risks are greater on the lower deck, because officers and petty officers are on duty. The risks of exposure, of being caught, charged and convicted are immensely greater for the lower deck than for the officers. No wonder there is a wide difference between the statistics for the seamen on the lower deck who have been charged and the officers of the ward room who apparently and fortunately have escaped that fate.

I also draw the attention of the House to the fact that, as far as one can ascertain, very few of the ratings involved committed the offence during the course of duty. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State has acknowledged this in his letter. I believe that I have given a fair summary of it, but I can quote it if necessary.

Mr. Roebuck

Let us have it.

Mr. Wellbeloved

My hon. Friend writes: I am afraid that Punishment Returns do not enable us to say the extent to which these offences"— the offence of being under the influence of drink while on duty— were committed on or off duty, but there is, I think, little doubt that relatively few of them took place on duty. It is clear that, among the very large number of seamen charged, very few cases involved the offence being committed while on duty.

Can my hon. Friend tell us how many of those who were charged on duty were habitual drunkards? The Royal Navy is no different from any other section of the community. There are alcoholics in every walk of life. One could get 20 or 30 or 40 alcoholics in the Royal Navy who would distort completely the statistical returns on drunkenness. How many within the total have been convicted time and again for the same offence? The statistics available are meaningless and I am sure my hon. Friend acknowledges this. Perhaps he can tell us what is the basis of the decision. It is obviously not health or drunkenness. What is it? What is the evidence?

In view of the lack of positive evidence for the Admiralty Board's decision, it is 1665 obvious that the matter cannot be left as it is, with this threat of the abolition of the rum ration. The Admiralty Board and my hon. Friend have a responsibility to publish the facts, if facts indeed exist, upon which the decision has been based. Parliament and the Royal Navy are entitled to know the reasons for the decision.

On Monday 19th January, my hon. Friend was asked what consultations were undertaken before it was decided to abolish the rum issue. He replied that opinions had been sought from a cross-section of officers and men in commands at home and abroad. I challenge him and the Admiralty Board to publish the details of the method and the scope of these so-called consultations, and, above all, to publish uncensored the views expressed among the men.

Is it true that suggestions were made that rum should be issued to men as they came off duty rather than when they were going on duty? Provision is made for such a course in Queen's Regulations. Queen's Regulation 4923, paragraph 4, says: The time at which the spirit ration is to be issued daily is to be decided by the Captain, having regard to the nature of the ship's service, the employment of the ship's company, the climate, and any other relevant circumstances. Thus, there exists within the existing Queen's Regulations power to put in operation the very sound and sensible suggestions which, I am informed, were made during these so-called consultations. What a pity that those suggestions were not adopted.

This is a serious matter, because my hon. Friends will have seen the recent headlines of the newspapers. The headline of the Sun, a few days ago, was—Yo-ho-ho! Rebel Jacks threaten mutiny"— expressing not my views but those of serving seamen in the Royal Navy.

Then that very widely circulated and well-read paper the Daily Mirror, on Monday of this week, with the headline: Rum plea by sailors in black armbands. There was a quotation from a serving seaman, who said: A lot of men are saying they will get out or not sign on for another term when the tot goes. 1666 Then the Evening News of today: 'Our tot won't be sunk without trace' warns crew Rum do' battle in the Royal Navy. These are all indications of the anger and resentment which is building up.

As a sop, my hon. Friend is offering to ease this anger of the lower decks by a minute increase in the volume of beer that might be purchased by a rating. The strict limit of one pint or two 12 oz. cans as laid down in regulations is to be increased. To what? The magnificent sum of three cans—one and a half pints. Even this sop to the anger of the men is limited by Queen's Regulations, because beer can be carried in ships only if stowage space will allow it. The bigger the ship, the more beer. Men doing arduous duty on detached service in small ships may not have any beer at all.

As for the suggestion, put in the delicate words of the official announcement, that as a concession for the loss of the rum seamen C.P.O., P.O. and R.M.N.C.O. will now be allowed to buy small quantities of commercial spirits", I can only say that this will be a constant reminder to the majority of the lower deck of the unfairness and the unscientific foundation upon which the decision to abolish rum has been based.

I now turn to my main point. It may be that the Admiralty Board has all the facts and has carried out a most careful survey based upon scientific evaluation. It may be that one-eighth of a pint of rum mixed with two parts of water, consumed regularly once a day by seamen over the last two or three centuries, can now be shown by their Lordships of the Admiralty Board, beyond any reasonable doubt, to be detrimental to a man's ability to do his duty and to impair his judgment. If this is so for the lower deck, what has my hon. Friend to say about the other side of the coin, the wardroom?

In the officers' wardroom, wine, whisky, brandy, pink gin—spirits in all their varieties and all their alcoholic strengths, will still be available. What a picture this presents of the Navy of the 'seventies: the keen eyed, clear-headed sober, rum-less, seaman, manning the complex machinery and advanced systems in Her Majesty's ships, ready for instant action, capable of clear judgment.

1667 What of the command structure—the ships' officers, the officers on the bridge, the officers in the other nerve centres of command, the officers who will have to take almost instant action on the information supplied by the rumless seamen manning the machinery and the systems? What of their operational efficiency? What of the lives that depend upon their judgment?

If one-eighth of a pint of rum mixed with two parts of water is, in the words of the Admiralty Board,...no longer compatible with the high standard of efficiency required", what does the board have to say about the almost unrestricted availability of strong spirits in the officers' wardroom? Queen's Regulations dealing with the availability of spirits for officers are very short. There is just one paragraph. For lower-deck ratings it extends, of course, into many paragraphs.

The only regulation applying to officers is that a captain may at his discretion limit the amount of liquor consumed by an officer, taking into account the amount that is consumed and matters of that nature—very wide, with no restrictions at all really. It is there, available. That is to say nothing of the officer who may have provided, unknown to the captain, a bottle for himself, and tucked it away in his cabin.

I do not want to give the impression of naval officers staggering about half drunk to discharge their duties. I hold that they, like the British seaman of today, are men of intelligence who know their duty and would not indulge to such an extent as to endanger their own lives and those of their comrades on board. Let us be quite clear, there are not two types of human being in the Navy. If the spirit rum can, as the Admiralty Board claims, impair the operational efficiency of the lower deck, the self-same criterion must apply to alcoholic spirits in the wardroom. Yet the Admiralty Board is not recommending that the Royal Navy should abolish drink. Little wonder that the ordinary serving seaman is outraged by the abolition of the rum issue. He sees it as discrimination—and discrimination at its very worst, because it is discrimination in a fighting service and is based upon the arbitrary division of rank and class.

1668 I defy the Minister to justify this. The date for the abolition of the rum issue is 1st August this year. I implore him to reconsider this matter. So deep is the anger and resentment that there is a real danger that the ghost of the Nore, of Spithead and of Invergordon may once again stalk the Fleet. Once again, loyal and brave men who wish only to serve their country may be driven too far by an Admiralty Board insensitive and blind to the spirit of the lower deck.

Several Hon. Membersrose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Quite a number of hon. Members wish to speak in this important debate. Brief speeches will help.

9.42 p.m.

Dr. Reginald Bennett (Gosport and Fareham)

Speaking as one who cannot claim to suffer the privations inflicted upon the lower deck by the Minister through this new and arbitrary decision of the Admiralty Board, I still must tell the House, in support of the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Well-beloved), who has so ably and movingly set forth his case, that I represent a constituency which, more than any other, has been plunged in gloom and horror by this iniquitous decision. This has put the manning ports and the surrounding district in a state of depression which, I am afraid, must find outlets not only here, but elsewhere.

I cannot understand the rationale for this decision. It is true that it is undesirable for officers or men to be drunk on duty. I have met many liberty boats coming from the shore and it is far more likely to be at that time that the definition of drunkenness is most used. It is not the medical profession, by the way, who make the diagnosis of alleged drunkenness in the Navy: the executive decides. Therefore, this tricky decision has never fallen to my lot.

Mr. Roebuck

For what purposes are rum and other drinks like this prescribed medicinally in the Royal Navy?

Dr. Bennett

In all cases of exhaustion and shock. It is not unknown, when the duty medical officer has been called out to deal with an accident, for him to be suffering from this when seeking to aid his shipmates.

1669 This decision, then—"diagnosis" it might be called if it were not a lay decision—rests with the executive. As the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford has so ably quoted from the Queen's Regulations, the Articles of War, drunkenness means being incapable of performing one's duty by reason of drink. Usually, the duty of someone coming back to the ship is to turn in to his hammock, and it must be a poor fellow who cannot manage that—although it is a gymnastic feat for those who are not used to it.

Surely the administration of one traditional tot of the "purser's bubbly" is not likely to plunge the sailors into the ravages of alcoholism. Even men with a build more similar to that of the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Roebuck) than to mine are not likely to have their blood alcohol raised to an unendurable level, such as would make them incapable of duty, by one tot. He is a crafty citizen who manages to get a second one.

On these questions of efficiency, there is medical evidence which goes far to prove the wrongness of a decision like this. I have always been interested in the arguments that were deployed leading up to the introduction of the breathalyser. They were based on the curve of blood alcohol relative to the ability of the subject being examined to carry out tests.

While the disability arises steeply on a high blood alcohol, there is in the curve a phase, round about 30 mg. in the bloodstream, where the responses become more efficient, quicker and better. This curve has been in physiological textbooks for centuries, even when I studied medicine—[Laughter.]—not quite as far back as the hon. and gallant Member for Kingston upon Hull, East (Commander Pursey), but at least in my time.

Therefore, the argument works the other way and it is, possibly, recognised and known, not only clinically, but in ordinary life, that a small dose of alcohol may improve the performance of the recipient. This therefore makes the abolition of the humble tot all the more inconceivable and incomprehensible. It is an iniquitous decision which certainly has not done anything to commend the discussions which must have gone on in the Admiralty Board.

1670 Furthermore, Queen's Regulation 4923, which as the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford quoted, enables the tot to be issued when a man is coming off duty and not going on duty. That argument in turn, therefore, must fall. I cannot see that there is any excuse for this decision. I must repeat, in supporting the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford, that it is most incongruous that the lower deck should be deprived of their small quantity when the ward room is not touched. This is absolute lunacy.

I would, however, say this, and it is a sobering thought. I have had a suspicion, which has come, perhaps, from various casual observations made by those in office, that there has been an element inside the Admiralty which has long agitated for the abolition of the tot. Even when my party was in power that agitation existed, but it was resisted. It was firmly kept down. It is a terrible thing that the Government have capitulated to the pressure. I am convinced that if we do not watch it, we shall find that this is part of the argument and that the whole Navy will be deprived of all its spirits and drinks on board if this victory goes through unresisted. Therefore, all the ships will become dry, and where will the American Navy be able to go for a little liquid refreshment when it is in port?

I therefore condemn this decision, my constituency condemns it wholeheartedly, and I join the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford and all the others around me who are here to signal their disapproval.

Several Hon. Members rose—

Mr. Speaker

I remind the House that, unfortunately, this debate must end at half-past ten. Brief speeches will help.

9.48 p.m.

Mr. W. A. Wilkins (Bristol, South)

I wish to say a word in support of my hon. Friend Nelson Wellbeloved, Member for Erith and Crayford—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member may mention his hon. Friend's constituency, but not his name.

Mr. Wilkins

I am probably the oldest Navy man in the House and I have some recollections of the issue of rum rations in the Navy. I am not myself a teetotaller, contrary to what many people seem to think, but I have some concern for temperance. There is a vast difference between temperance and being a teetotaller.

I deplore this decision by the Lords of the Admiralty, and I do so on grounds which my hon. Friend disdained. I am still a traditionalist. I believe in many of the old traditions which we have, whether in the Services or in the House or in this country. With experience I am able to say that seven bells is probably the most welcome signal that a sailor serving in the Navy hears. This is a fact. Seven bells had some sort of significance and still has for those who served and who serve in the Royal Navy.

If I thought for one moment that the Lords of the Admiralty could produce evidence to show that there is excessive consumption of Navy rum, what we call grog—it is very diluted and goes to the lower deck, even chief petty officers have neat rum, but not the lower deck—and if the consumption could be shown to impair the efficiency of the crews, I would think there would be some reason why we should support the Board of Admiralty in the proposal which they now make.

However, I never saw this at any time during my service in the Navy. The only time I ever saw a man who was—shall we say?—just a little "under the weather" was on a man's birthday when, by tradition, we would hand him our tots of rum and he, may be, would drink the lot, depending upon his capacity, or he might take only a sip and hand the rest back. On those very odd occasions I have seen a man become the worse for wear as a result of rum. But I have also seen an admiral like that.—[Laughter.] Yes. I report this because I am quite certain that he is dead now.

Those in the Chamber at the moment who have served in the Royal Navy know that on Christmas Day everything is free, everything goes by the board, and the crew and the officers and everyone have what they believe to be a good time, and I have on such an occasion seen a captain—not drunk, perhaps, but very, very merry as a result of the lads having treated him on his day round the ship's divisions.

1672 To be serious about it, I do not think this case has been made. I really do not think so. I cannot see how it can so happen that at any rate any substantial number of a crew can in any way be affected by the rum ration.

My main objection to this proposal, however, is that this issue is a very, very long tradition in the Royal Navy. I think that this proposal is looked upon as being very derogatory. It is something to which the men in the Royal Navy are very much opposed, and I hope that the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy will give us some facts, if he can, which will substantiate what amounts to an allegation that there is proof or evidence of incapacity on the part of men in the Navy to do their appointed jobs.

I admit that we are in a highly automated age in the Services, but we need to have evidence which will convince the House that it is right to take away this ration of rum. I doubt very much whether this evidence will be forthcoming.

9.54 p.m.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles (Winchester)

This is a terrible day—

Mr. Roebuck

Hoist the main brace!

Mr. William Hamlin (Woolwich, West)

Shiver me timbers!

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

Because rum has been issued to the Royal Navy for 200 years and now the issue is to be abolished. Of course, I regret breaking with any old, hallowed tradition in the Royal Navy.

I regret anything that might be thought by the public to reduce the privileges of sailors in the Royal Navy. I agree with the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Wellbeloved) who introduced the debate that they do as good a job of work as anybody in the country and deserve all they can get from an often skin-flint Government. I know that in this view I am joined by a "very hon. Member" who is known to all of us, namely, Mr. Speaker's Train-bearer!

I should like to ask the Under-Secretary to explain when he winds up the debate the basis on which the £2.7 million compensation has been arrived at. Over how long a period was this compensation to be calculated? In particular, 1673 will he say what figure was taken as the value of a tot?

A tot of rum, as many of us in this House know, is equivalent to two doubles, and ashore would cost something like 10s. If only half the ratings in the Navy draw their tots, say, about 36,000 of them, then those sailors will feel that they are losing about £18,000 a day or ail million a year. Yet the Government are offering only £2½ million in compensation. This appears to be a rather good bargain for the Government, at the sailor's expense. May we have from the Under-Secretary the actuarial basis of the value accorded to a tot of rum?

I agree with the tribute which was paid by the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford to the Royal Navy and to the comradeship of sailors. Could one see this comradeship better deployed than when sailors have been ashore and return up the gangway and are inspected by an officer? I myself have carried out this job on many occasions and I have often seen three sailors standing very close together for the benefit of the one in the middle file. I am bound to say that often ray step has accelerated a little as I have passed him. I have given him the benefit of the doubt and I do not think I have ever been let down.

Having said all this, I feel that there are, in fact, good reasons for abolishing the tot in today's modern Navy. A tot is very strong, two doubles of very strong rum. This is about a third of a tumbler of rum and damn good stuff at that. It is arguable that this is not the best diet on which to prepare to mend a radar set or to fly as aircrew in a helicopter or to operate a complicated gas turbine machinery in a modern frigate. Modern ships are much more covered in and ships' companies are much less exposed to the elements than they used to be either in the days of sail, or when they had to man A-gun on the fo'csle on a destroyer in an Atlantic gale.

There are very strong arguments for abolishing the issue of rum in shore establishments: in a shore establishment the problem is when to issue the tot. If it is issued at the traditional time of mid-day the junior ratings are impervious to instruction for the rest of the afternoon. If one gives out the issue at 4 o'clock they jump on their motor cycles 1674 and think that the old machine is terrific and drive away straight under a bus on the sea front. Therefore, there are difficulties involved.

I add one personal view. Throughout the history of the issue of rum there have been a great many tragic cases of fine old petty officers or chief petty officers, torpedo boat coxwains, for example, who have lost their careers, their good conduct badges, their pensions due to some silly unwise pettifogging fiddling over a little bottle of rum for somebody's birthday. I have always been aghast at the strong penalties which had to be applied in such cases. I have seen some tragic situations.

It being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Mr. Dobson.]

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

These tragic cases would not have arisen if there had been no rum.

In conclusion, I am glad that the Government have announced that chiefs and petty officers will be able to buy spirits on board. This is contained in the Admiralty announcement. Furthermore, the issue of beer in ships is the best innovation during my time in the Navy.

Having said this, the important thing for the public to gather from what we are saying is that the best career available for any young man, if he is good enough, is to join the Royal Navy of today, rum or no rum.

10.2 p.m.

Mr. Frank Judd (Portsmouth, West)

It is not often that I have the opportunity to stretch my hand across the waters and to join with the hon. Member for Gosport and Fareham (Dr. Bennett). I agree with him that my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Wellbeloved) made a magnificent speech this evening. In congratulating him I know that I speak not only for myself, but for many who reside permanently or temporarily within my constituency.

It is a real pride and joy for any Member for Portsmouth, West in history to know that he represents the home and centre of the Royal Navy in this country.

1675

Mr. Roebuck

What about the Plymouth area?

Mr. Judd

I join with my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Crayford in drawing to the Minister's attention the grave consternation on the lower deck about this proposal. It may well be that the Minister is convinced that his decision is right. I urge him to recognise that he cannot rest simply on the self-satisfaction of the feeling that he is right. Communication is the essence of good leadership. He has a responsibility to make sure that the man on the lower deck appreciates and understands the arguments which have led the Government to endorse the decision of the Board of Admiralty.

From my own experience, and judging by conversations which I have recently had, I do not believe there are many men on the lower decks who reside in my constituency who even begin to see the justice of this decision. They see it as discriminatory, and the arguments which have been advanced smack of an ancient paternalism which is unbecoming to the Treasury Bench of the present Labour Government.

I make only one observation about the speech of the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles). He said that one of the difficulties was when to issue the tot in a shore station. It may be difficult to know when to issue it, but anyone who has served in the dismal surroundings of so many shore stations, and put up with the deprivations of the physical environment compared with being at sea, knows that, if ever there is a necessity for the tot, it is for the man serving in a shore station even more than in a ship at sea.

We are deeply grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this matter so vigorously. He has our support, and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State will have to work hard to convince us, and, beyond us, the men on the lower deck, that his decision is right.

Several Hon. Members rose—

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. David Owen)rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member for the wardroom will be intervening at 10.15 Mr. Iremonger.

1676

10.5 p.m.

Mr. T. L. Iremonger (Ilford, North)

Hon. Members have said that they hope that the Under-Secretary of State will tell us this and that and produce evidence to support this decision. For my part, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will go back to the Admiralty Board and say that there has never been such a large attendance in an Adjournment debate, that this House will not accept the decision, and that the board will have to change its mind.

I have served in the lower deck and in the wardroom. I am sure that from both point of view this is not a good decision. I have probably more reason to fear the dangers of the tot than many other naval officers. I was officer of the watch during the middle watch in a small vessel which was the leading escort in a convoy in the middle of the war on New Year's Eve. I observed that I was on the right course by the gyro-compass. However, I noticed that the convoy was coming towards us instead of being astern. I never believed in the gyro-compass, but I always believed in the magnetic compass. On confirming my impression by the magnetic compass that we were going in the wrong direction, I sent for the rating in charge of the gyro compass, and he arrived on the bridge in an extremely genial mood.

This was in a small ship in which the rum is served neat. The only reason for watering down rum to make "grog" is that it cannot be kept. In small ships, where it is served neat, it can be kept. This rating was a Scotsman. On New Year's Eve, he took advantage of his store of rum, and very nearly sank us all and some of the convoy as well. Therefore I see the danger in the tradition of "Up Spirits", but, even so, I think that it is well worth it.

I can also see the force of the argument that, in a modern navy, in large ships—which are not ships at all but merely slightly unstable and disagreeable hotels—there is some virtue in not giving rum to ratings who, during the afternoon, have complicated duties to attend to involving the use of sophisticated machinery. All the same, from the point of view of the Royal Navy this is a bad move. The rum ration is more than the drink itself. It is more than a tradition. It is a ritual, and it is very 1677 important for morale that rituals should be maintained. If rum is not issued to ratings, they cannot give "sippers" to their "oppos", and it will have a very bad effect on general morale and relationships between ratings on the lower deck.

I regret this. I think that the duty of a Minister responsible for the Royal Navy is to tell these people in the Admiralty that they cannot get away with it. He is a mar, who represents, through us, the feelings of the ratings in the lower deck. I can see that there are good arguments for the decision, but this is an occasion when the Minister should have said, "This is all very fine, but we will not wear it." He should have told the board that it could not have its way.

There will be much resentment in the lower deck and in the wardroom. I hope, therefore, that the hon. Gentleman will go back and splice the main-brace with the Admiralty Board, or whatever may be appropriate, and say that, on reflection, having taken the mood of the House, he has decided that this will not do.

10.9 p.m.

Mr. Roy Roebuck (Harrow, East)

I am a little disappointed, Mr. Speaker, that you did not introduce me by my rank. You introduced the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles) by his. For your information, I am Leading Aircraftman.

I am all for tradition: there is a good disciplinary reason for keeping tradition in the Armed Forces and in our national life. I was disappointed when the previous Government abandoned the title of First Lord of the Admiralty. No one knows what will come next. It may be that my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General will abolish port for Her Majesty's judges. If that happens, the whole nation will be sunk.

The House has had a great deal of fun about this matter, but there are serious aspects, and it would be a mistake if the debate were conducted in such a manner that my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State was able to escape in a cloud of humour.

I have seen nothing in the public statements which have been made about this decision to indicate any sound and positive reason for it.

1678 The hon. Member for Gosport and Fareham (Dr. Bennett) gave us a most revealing glimpse of history. I hope that it was more accurate than that which we had recently from the right hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Amery). The hon. Member for Gosport and Fareham told us that this decision had been in the pipeline for some time at the Admiralty and that at one time there was a Minister strong enough to resist this kind of nonsense. If so, it is a sad reflection on my hon. Friend, who represents a seafaring constituency. No wonder he has had to bring along the Minister of Defence for Administration who constantly reminds me of that character in Peter Simple, Alderman Ironside, of Sheffield City Council, to support him in this matter. Much support he will get from him.

I was not sure about the course being steered by the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester. He appeared to start out in the right direction, but later changed course and came back to support the Admiralty. His argument was that the provision of this tot of rum would make it dangerous for ratings in a service operational rôle. But this argument was answered previously by the hon. Member for Gosport and Fareham, who said that this ration is given when men come off duty, not before they go on duty.

No evidence has been adduced in the public statement about the harmful effect that this tot of rum is causing, as was pointed out by my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Wellbeloved), who has such a distinguished career as a boy sailor in the Navy.

One thing which has bedevilled the Services, even in modern times, is the rather preposterous class structure. This is not so evident in the Royal Air Force, where men and women tend to rise on merit. But that is not the case in the Navy.

Mr. William Hamling

We all find our own level.

Mr. Roebuck

As my hon. Friend says, we all find our own level. That is not so in the Navy.

What have we here? We have a system whereby an officer can drink a wide variety of spirits and a petty officer can drink a more limited variety of spirits. But what are the men on the 1679 lower deck faced with?—[HON. MEMBERS: "Water."] Water, but also beer—and we all know where the beer comes from. We know that the brewers make large contributions to Conservative Party funds. I ask my hon. Friend to consider whether this is not some kind of plot.

The serious issue is: are we not, on this basis, going back to the old system that we had at the end of the war where we saw notices, so I am told, which said, "Officers and their ladies, N.C.O.s and their wives, other ranks and their women"? We now have a situation of officers and their spirits, N.C.O.s and their spirits, plus creme de menthe, or whatever it is that W.R.N.S. say, and other ranks and their beers. This will not do. This is not the kind of structure which hon. Members on this side of the House seek to see established in the Royal Navy.

I earnestly ask my hon. Friend to take note of the unanimous view on this side of the House and almost the whole of the Opposition, and to show those in the Royal Navy who have come to this decision that it is this House which runs the Services and that it does not want change and will not put up with it. I urge my hon. Friend to withdraw this nonsense and to give back to the men their tot of rum.

10.14 p.m.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Dr. David Owen)

The whole House will agree that my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Cray-ford (Mr. Wellbeloved) has made a most amusing speech. But it has also been a speech of serious content on a serious issue, and I must treat it as such.

We have had a wide-ranging debate, and it has sometimes been difficult to determine the courses that various hon. Members have steered.

I should like to say at the outset that I am only too well aware that the rum issue is a particular naval privilege of long standing and one which is cherished and enjoyed by a great many ratings. I could not hold my position too long without being aware of this. I am also a Plymouthian. I represent the Sutton Division of Plymouth, a constituency with a long and proud naval tradition, so I am well conscious of this matter.

1680 I suggest, however, that certain facts must be faced. The rum issue is the equivalent of slightly more than four single whiskies—a fact which has tended to be glossed over in this debate. There is also an entitlement, introduced only since the war, to purchase a pint of beer a day on top of the rum issue. In this country, it is an offence to drive a car while one's blood alcohol exceeds 80 miligrammes per 100 mililitres of blood, and this level may be reached after four single whiskies or two and a half pints of beer. If, to an individual's naval tot, is added a proportion of another man's tot, which happens all too frequently, or, say, the two cans of beer which he is allowed, my medical advisers express positive misgivings about the results if that individual were faced with a test of his normal skill on which much might depend.

To the hon. Member for Gosport and Fareham (Dr. Bennett), I can say that there is considerable medical evidence, and that a great deal of pressure has come from naval doctors on this issue. In a survey of patients admitted to the British Military Hospital in Singapore, comparing the Army and the Navy, the figures suggest that the Royal Navy has three times the rate of alcoholic casualties. Alcoholic casualties nearly always manifest themselves only over the age of 28. On this basis, it was estimated that there could not be fewer than 300 very heavy drinkers in the Fleet. Because this is in an older age group, it is obviously a higher percentage.

Hon. Members have been fair in admitting that the tasks of the naval rating have changed immensely over the years. It is by no means uncommon for junior ratings to hold responsible positions in the modern Navy, and to be required to maintain and operate extremely expensive and complex missile or fire control systems in our ships. This must be something which we consider when we realise that we are giving an entitlement to drink more than four single whiskies in the middle of the working day.

I suggest also that there is a great difference between a free issue of spirits, which must be drunk at the time of or shortly after the issue, and the right to buy spirits while off duty.

1681 The unanimous advice of the Admiralty Board and, indeed, of practically every naval officer, both medical and non-medical, is that the issue of rum impairs the efficiency and is not compatible with the high standards of efficiency required now that the tasks in our ships are concerned with complex and often delicate machinery on the correct functioning of which many lives may depend. It is on this advice and other facts that the board decided to abolish the rum issue. I believe that the reaction to the decision shows that most people recognise that it is a sensible and timely one. I do not claim that it was or could have been a popular decision, but it is possible to exaggerate the feeling aroused.

We have heard of much anger and resentment at this decision. But there was sensible reporting of the decision in the Press and in subsequent editorial comment. My hon. Friend asked what Plymouth thought. The very influential Western Evening Herald, in Plymouth, supported the decision. The 15 letters which have been received in my Department or by me show that most people accept that this decision probably had to come. In my constituency, I have no wish to go down in history with Admiral Vernon, who watered down the rum, or the Secretary of the U.S. Navy, Josephus Daniels, who made the U.S. navy "dry". I am surprised that some people have almost been advocating the cause of a "dry" Navy.

I am glad that hon. Members have accepted that this decision was not an economy measure. Quite the reverse. The cash value of the savings which we shall make, £2.7 million, will all be paid over to the Sailors' Fund, which should do a great deal to make life in the Navy pleasanter specifically for those men and their dependants who are losing the rum ration.

The hon. and gallant Member for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles) asked how this was calculated. The amount paid over was obtained on a discounted cash flow calculation, involving the discounting of the annual saving at an agreed rate. This results in a figure representing the cash value now of the savings which will be realised in future. Most people who have considered this think that it is a generous supplement. It is well known, for instance, that in the Navy they have not got the reserves. 1682 which can be used for this purpose which the other two Services have.

It is important for the House to bear in mind the extent of the problem. Junior ratings, the men primarily affected—we often hear the expression "the lower deck", but that usually means junior and senior ratings—form 57 per cent. of the Fleet. Of these, less than 30 per cent. in practice take the rum ration either because some of them are under 20 and not eligible, some are living out on shore and some do not like rum. In practice, entitlement of ratings to purchase drinks of any kind applies only to those serving afloat—about four in 10 of the percentage I mentioned. While serving in shore establishments anyone is entitled, officers and men, to buy drink in the mess or the N.A.A.F.I. club besides of course being able to use the facilities of the town in which they are living when they are off duty.

My hon. Friend's main criticism as I understand it is the perpetuation of a distinction between officers and men. I think he is the first to recognise that the measures we have announced are in fact a significant step toward easing the distinction between officers and men. We are in fact easing the regulations for the purchase of spirits to allow men of lower rank than at present to buy them. That is what the new rules mean. Until now, chiefs and petty officers, senior and responsible men upon whom the Navy relies, have not been allowed to buy or drink whisky, gin or vodka on board ship. Many representations have been received to relax the regulations. The only spirit they have been allowed is rum.

From the date of the abolition of the issue this will change and these men will be able to purchase and choose the spirit that they drink. The criticism is that this decision while welcome does not go far enough for it will still result in junior ratings, those below the rank of petty officer, being unable to drink spirits while on board ship. This is quite true but it must be remembered that roughly 40 per cent. of the junior ratings' mess will be under the age of 20 at any one time and not eligible for rum and that a man may, if he is exceptional, be a petty officer by the time he is 22 and that considerable proportions are being promoted petty officers by the time they are 27. I ask the House to remember that a considerable proportion are under 18.

Even so the junior ratings have not been neglected. The amount of beer they are allowed to purchase is to be increased by 50 per cent. This is not such a paltry allowance as has been made out. It is worth pointing out that because petty officers and chief petty officers will be able to buy spirits the priority in respect of the purchase of beer will be given to the ration available for the junior ratings.

Mr. Wellbeloved

That has always been the case.

Dr. Owen

That is true, but it will be always maintained.

The decision to increase the ration of beer to junior ratings was not taken without considering the possibility of allowing them also to buy spirits. I should like the House to look at the many problems, apart from the advisability of making spirits available in messes with such a high proportion of young men. The prime consideration is the limited accommodation available. We have recently decided to increase the amount of accommodation per man—something to which I attach immense importance—but even after this has taken place and it can be done only as new ships are built—the amount of space available will still be severely restricted.

Thus, on very many ships there is nowhere where spirits can reasonably be sold in such a manner as to prevent abuse of the law of the land remembering that a high percentage are under 18 without either taking an excessive amount of time—a period of many hours was calculated—or conducting the sales in a thoroughly difficult atmosphere, for example in the cramped deck space of a frigate or submarine and in a variety of small messes scattered throughout the ship.

I hope my hon. Friend will take this assurance from me that there is no question of adopting moral attitudes over this. The arguments which I have espoused have scrupulously kept aside from that. I am certainly not persuaded that there is any class difference in drinking habits, although the disciplinary. 1684 sanctions against an officer found drunk on duty are much stiffer than those for ratings.

My hon. Friend quoted the most recent figures of drunkenness which I gave him. I do not wish to draw too much from them, but it is clear from the figures that there is a much higher incidence of drunkenness among ratings than among officers. in 1968, there were 3,215 offences recorded in respect of ratings, or 5 per cent., and in that same year only one officer was court-martialled.

I readily accept that few of these offences take place on duty, and I wish that I was in a position to give my hon. Friend the accurate breakdown of statistics for which he asks. In fact, returns of this kind have only recently been instituted in the fleet, and it has been difficult to obtain the figures.

It is not true that there is no effective limitation on the amount of drink which an officer may consume. The captain of every ship is expected to examine his officers' wine bills at regular intervals and to deal with those officers, particularly younger ones, whose bills show signs of excessive drinking. As a further check, when his ship is inspected he is required to provide the inspecting officer with evidence that he has done so.

As a further check, in the case of petty officers and chief officers we are giving the captain similar powers. The stocks held in the mess at any one time are to be equal to an average consumption of four days' supply at three measures a head. There is, thus, no great distinction here, and certainly there is no case to support the charge of discrimination against these men.

Even these rules are not fixed and immutable for all time.

Mr. Wellbeloved

My hon. Friend is putting a persuasive case. Will he give an undertaking that he will place in the Library the sources and results of the investigations which he says have been carried out, so that, by an examination of the facts, we may give careful consideration to the case which he puts?

Dr. Owen

I can give my hon. Friend the references. The medical study which I cited has already been published. I shall look into this, anyhow.

1685 These rules are not fixed and immutable for all time. We shall review their operation and, if they cause difficulties, or if further relaxation is practicable, we shall institute the necessary changes. We keep a constant eye on the question of beer and the progress made by the brewers in their work on concentrated or dehydrated beer. If they can find an acceptable answer, it will ease our stowage problems. We shall then be able to re-examine the size of the beer ration.

It is appropriate, I think, to make another point. The tenor of much of the criticism is such as to suggest that some people visualise the Navy as divided by class—this point was raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Roebuck)—as though the officers are all "middle class" and ratings are "lower class". Nothing could be further from the truth in the Navy of today. Over 25 per cent. of the officers started their career as ratings, a far higher percentage, incidentally, than in either of the other two Services.

I noted that my hon. Friend referred to the Royal Air Force. Far from being a bastion of privilege, the Navy actively encourages men to aspire to and obtain a commission. There is a special scheme to enable young men of ability to attain the educational qualifications which they need to succeed, and many 1686 of these "Upper Yardsmen" now occupy important positions. Moreover, entry to the General List and other branches is in no way limited. It is open to any boy from any school or social class who can qualify. All of us who have over the years had any association with the Service are only too well aware of that.

I ask the House to remember that we are steadily forging a new modern Navy. The new ships are now a reality—nuclear fleet submarines, the new type 42 destroyer, new frigates—all with modern sophisticated equipment. These are not just paper designs, but are actively going down the slipways and joining the modern Navy. In the words of the present First Sea Lord, this is an "instant-response" Navy.

I am satisfied that the daily issue of rum is neither necessary nor appropriate, and that this decision, though unpopular, had to be taken at this time. There are always arguments for postponing unpopular decisions. There are always those who will argue that Ministers should avoid making unpopular decisions. But, if a Minister believes that a decision is right, he should take it, and this is why the Admiralty Board unanimously made this decision.

Question put and agreed to.

Adjourned accordingly at twenty-nine minutes past Ten o'clock.

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11.Mr. MAXTON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reason for the order he has recently issued to officers and men in the Navy which compels them to salute by raising the hand when riding bicycles or driving motor cars?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

The ordinary form of salute, with the hand, has been adopted as more suitable than the form previously in force. The new salute, like the old one, is to be given only if the state of the road and traffic conditions permit.

Mr. MAXTON

May I ask whether before making this order the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Minister of Transport?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

No, Sir; it was not necessary, because the Highway Code laid down by the Minister of Transport requires a movement of the hand for any of the movements requiring signalling.

Mr. MAXTON

Does the First Lord think it is a necessary part of the manipulation of a motor car and bicycle to salute an officer of the Navy?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

Salutes are recognised in the Red Army, subject to the conditions prevailing on the road surface.

Mr. MAXTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that privates in the Red Army when driving in their motor cars never salute?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

The hon. Member knows more about that than I do.

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Forward to LIGHT-WEIGHT STEAM PLANT.

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1970. Friday 30th January. 904 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1970. January. Band of C-in-C Far East Fleet disbanded.

1970. Friday 13th February. 49Je. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1970. Early. 1 Assault Squadron RM. This Squadron was the last of the Assault Squadrons to serve in HMS Anzio which paid off in the early 1970s.(RMHS)

1970. Early. The No 1 Assault Squadron RM. This Squadron was the last of the Assault Squadrons to serve in HMS Anzio which paid off in the early 1970s.

1970.Tuesday 3rd March. 917 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1970. Friday 10th April. 50Je. completed training at the Deal Depot.

1970. Tuesday 9th June. Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade.

1970. Friday 12th June. 910 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1970. Monday 22nd June. 54 Je. Squad commenced training at Deal.

1970. Friday 26th June.921 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1970. June. 911 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1970. July. 914 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1970. Friday 10th July. 921 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1970. Friday 31st July. 915 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1970. Friday 31st July. The day the last rum ration was issued to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. It became known as Black Tot Day' as sailors were unhappy about the loss of the rum ration. There were reports that the day involved sailors throwing tots into the sea and the staging of a mock funeral in a training camp. In place of the rum ration, sailors were allowed to buy three half-pint cans of beer a day and improved recreational facilities. While the rum ration was abolished, the order to 'Splice the Mainbrace', awarding sailors an extra tot of rum for good service, remained as a command which could only be given by the Monarch and is still used to recognise good service.

1970. Saturday 1st August. Daily rum issue abolished in the Royal Navy.

1970. Wednesday 2nd September. Last RM Band detailed for regular service on board a Royal Navy warship embarked in HMS Eagle.

1970. Saturday 3rd October. 54 Je. Squad completed training at Deal.

1970. Thursday 22nd October. 928 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot

1970. Monday 26th October. 929 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1970. Wednesday 28th October. 57Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1970. Monday 9th November. 928 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1970. Friday 4th December. 920 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1970. Saturday 5th December. 929 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1970. 45 Commando assigned to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) for the Northern Flank.

1970's. RN Commando Squadrons 845 and 846 Squadrons. Squadron 845 was flying helicopters in the 1970s and in 1991 846 flew Chinook helicopters in operation 'Haven'.

The two Squadrons each flew 10 Sea King support helicopters in 1997, which were flown by RN crews.

847 Squadron was originally the Air Squadron of 2 Cdo Brigade, moving to RNAS Yeovilton when command of this unit passed to CINCFLEET on 1st September 1995. In 1997 the Squadron flew six Lynx helicopters equipped with anti-tank missiles and eight Gazelle Helicopters primarily for observation work, all with RM crews.(RMHS)

1970s. The SBS roll in Counter Terrorism. The seventies saw a dramatic rise in terrorism throughout the world with politically motivated attacks in the Middle East and Europe. In 1975 Britain resolved to be ready to react to and prevent any acts of terrorism against its interests. The SBS were given the maritime counter terrorism role (MCT), with responsibility for protecting sea ports, ferries, cruise ships and oil platforms. The Special Air Service (SAS) would respond to all other incidents. In the event of very large installations being taken by terrorists, such as nuclear power plants, a combined response of SAS/SBS would be mustered.

1971. 13th January. 59Je. Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1971. January. 924 and 925 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1971. 12th February. 57Je. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1971. Thursday 25th February. 934 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1971. Saturday 6th March. 934 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1971. Thursday 29th April. Headdress to be worn by Fanfare Trumpeters. Instructions from Dept of the CGRM: "Her Majesty has now express a wish that when paraded with a Band in helmets the trumpeters should conform to the dress of the band. Trials carried out at the School of Music have shown that this presents no real difficulty. Having regards to the fact therefore that the trumpets at present used for ceremonial purposes are not the original memorial trumpets the Commandant General has ruled that white helmets are to be worn when the trumpeters parade with a band in his dress."

1971. April. 927 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1971. April. 928 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1971. April. The 59th Independent Commando Squadron RE. Formed as a Field Company in 1900, the Squadron served in both World Wars; and became closely associated with 3 Cdo Brigade when stationed in Singapore between 1968 and 1971. Re-formed at Plymouth in April 1971 as 59th Independent Commando Squadron, as an integral part of Commando Forces, these engineers were mainly employed in mountain and Arctic warfare. They built bridges, ferried troops, lay and/or cleared minefields, as well as other defences. They could build sophisticated field defences, carry out demolitions, and had a number of general tradesmen among the eight officers and 221 soldiers in the Squadron in 1979. All ranks of the Squadron wear the green beret on completing their commando training.(RMHS)

1971. Tuesday 18th May. 4 Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1971. Friday 11th June. 59Je. Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1971. Tuesday 29th June. 7 Squad commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1971. Band of HM RM C-in-C Western Fleet became HM RM C-in-C Fleet.

1971. June. Mr Dom Mintoff was elected Prime Minister of Malta. On 17th June he informed the British Government that he no longer accepted the ten year 1964 Defence and Financial agreement. An advance party of 91 Marines and 120 wives and children had arrived by the end of June. They were to be followed by the main body of 900 men on HMS Bulwark in mid July. An agreement was reached whereby Malta was to receive from the UK £5.25 million a year in rent, and £4.25 million from NATO. However, in December 1971, Mintoff increased his demand for an extra £9.5 million, together with restrictions on the use of the base by other NATO powers and set a dead line of 31 December 1971 for the withdrawal of British Troops. On 29 December 1971, Britain responded to Mintoff's ultimatum by announcing the withdrawal of 3,500 troops and 7,000 dependants from Malta. The deadline was extended until 15 January 1972 to allow for an orderly withdrawal.

1971. June. 929 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1971. July. 932 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1971. Monday 19th July. The 3 Commando Brigade was withdrawn from Singapore. 3 BAS established itself at Coypool, Plymouth on 19th July 1971. 41 Commando and 45 Commando Air Troops were merged into 3 BAS in 1971 and it was reorganised into one anti-tank flight and two utility flights, both equipped with Scouts, plus four reconnaissance flights of Sioux. It was organised into five flights, one for each of the Commando Groups and a fifth for the Commando Brigade HQ. Each flight was named after the battle honour of its affiliated Commando, namely Dieppe Flight for 40 Commando, Kangaw Flight for 42 Commando, Salerno Flight for 41 Commando and Montforterbeek Flight for 45 Commando. The Brigade HQ Flight was named Brunei Flight to commemorate the first time the "Commando Gunners" (29 Cdo RA) went into action to support the Brigade.

1971. July. At the request of the Government of Malta the British Government suspended the planned change over between 41 Commando Group and the 1st/Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, pending discussions between the two governments.

1971. Tuesday 28th September. 66Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1971. Tuesday 26th October. 67Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1971. Thursday 16th December. 6 and 7 Kings Squads passed for duty at Lympstone. Gordon Webster was awarded the Kings Badge.

1971. 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron RM returned to the UK from the Far East and moved into Coypool where the two UK based Commando Air Troops of 41 and 45 Commandos were absorbed into the Squadron.

1971. HMS Albion was part of another withdrawal of British forces, this time in Singapore and the disbandment of the Far East Fleet. Her last two weeks at the Singapore Naval Base were spent storing, embarking 40 Commando Royal Marines and 848 Naval Air Squadron as part of the British withdrawal from the Far East. A farewell parade of all British armed forces represented in Singapore was held at 17:30 on Friday 29th October 1971 at the base in Sembawang, the salute being taken by Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burnett. The ship sailed the next day and, on Sunday 31st October 1971, the ship was one of twenty in a steam past and flypast that marked the handover of the naval base to the ANZUK forces. HMS Albion then headed west. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1971. 41 Commando moved to Malta.

1971. 45 Commando moved to Arbroath in Scotland.

1971 \- 1972. Mike Pinchen a member of 42 Commando Royal Marines served in Armagh.

This article does not attempt to address the political aspects of the campaign in Northern Ireland; it is merely one person's (Mike Pinchen) recollection of a first tour in that troubled province.

In 1970, following recruit training, I joined K Company, 42 Commando at Sembawang, Singapore. Kangaw Barracks formed part of a complex called Fleet Amphibious Forces Base Far East or FAFBFE for short. Following a defence review some years earlier the then government had decided to withdraw the majority of British troops from 'East of Suez'. Therefore 3rd Commando Brigade RM was to withdraw during 1971.42 Cdo left in May 40 Cdo left in November with Brigade HQ and associated units leaving between those dates, (41 Cdo & 45 Cdo were already in UK). The 'powers that be' did not know where to put us Firstly they offered an old FAA camp near Yeovilton. I think the CO flew home to view it and refused to move his unit there. Eventually we were offered Bickliegh, just north of Plymouth). This was only because 41 Cdo were going back to Malta as the Dom Mintoff regime was mucking the UK government about at the time We couldn't move in until they, 41, had moved out and with all our stores at sea we were sent on leave.

When we eventually turned up at Bickliegh the builders were still finishing off the re-building, that was transforming a hutted camp into a modern barracks, and some of 41's rear party were still in occupation. Most of the unit still had their 'jungle heads' on, however the CO had prepared a vigorous agenda that saw us pounding the lanes of Bickliegh Vale, discovering the heights of the Dewerstone, yomping across the length and breadth of Dartmoor and coming to terms with a European role. After a few weeks hard training we travelled up to Otterburm, for a period of battle training, where we experienced the 'delights' of the Northumberland countryside and the Cheviot Hills. The accommodation was a bit crabby, so the first thing we did was spend some time bringing it up to 'Royals' standard. The unit that took over from us was lucky! During our stay the CO had to close the bar due to a bit of rowdyism, so we went ashore in whatever transport we could acquire and headed for Newcastle. Most of us returned in good order, but there were a few who needed the help of the Northumberland Constabulary!

Back at Bickliegh we thought we could handle anything. We were fit, we were switched on, and we were getting bored. Then we were told we were off to Northern Ireland. Great, action at last, well, of sorts anyway. We trained night and day in the then standard IS, (internal security), drills and the new ones that were coming out of the Province 'in the light of expenence'. Plasterdown Camp was turned into an Ulster town and each rifle company took it in turns to be the civilian population. Some of the exercises were quite realistic with people role playing to the extreme. This meant quite a few casualties as M Company bombarded K with rocks and bottles. We didn't take too kindly to this, so we dished out a bit of stick ourselves. The battle continued in the NAFFI back at Bickliegh, and got so bad the CO shut it down.

To the accompaniment of the unit Pipe Band, 42 Commando, Royal Marines left Plymouth by train on 27th October 1971. We journeyed to Liverpool via Bristol, our part of the train being 'dry'. However, at Bristol Temple Meads we stopped alongside another train, the opposite carriage of which happened to be the buffet car. After some negotiating with the buffet staff they sold us as much beer as they could pass across the gap in the time we were stopped. At Liverpool we passed from the train to the ferry terminal carrying our personal weapons, the Liverpool public gazing on in awe. Then someone in the crowd shouted, "Give em stick, Royal" This brought forth plenty of grins from the Marines, who up till then had tried to look hard. By the time we boarded the ferry it was dusk with a light drizzle in the air. The accommodation was a chair, if you were lucky. Those without seats sat on their large packs. The bar was open and about ten deep. Dozens of bottles of beer were passed back to eagerly waiting hands. I don't know who paid for mine, but I didn't. Then someone shouted, "Pongos" Lower deck was cleared and what must have been most of the Commando started jeering at a battalion of soldiers as they marched past along the jetty below.

Someone threw a beer bottle, and then the air rained Carlsberg, as dozens of empty beer bottles fell towards the soldiers below. They broke step and took cover in some dockside sheds. The CO was furious, and quite right to, as we were out of order, but we were young, hot headed and eager to get to it. The CO closed yet another bar!

On our arrival at Belfast we disembarked onto the York dock terminal. There we were detailed off for our respective transport and appropriate destinations. The majority of the unit were destined for Gough Barracks, Armagh City. M Company plus anti-tank and mortar troops and a section of AEs, (Assault Engineers), were sent to Dungannon. We boarded a double-decker bus, 'taken up from trade', a private from the 3L1 being our escort. He had a magazine of ten rounds and we had none! As we travelled through the city centre past the City Hall towards the M1 motorway, I remember the buildings all seeming to be grey, like a nostalgic black and white photo of some English provincial town of the fifties. As we passed the edge of the poorer areas I noticed they looked like slums, the like of which had mostly been demolished on the mainland. I was quite surprised how grubby and run down the place was most of us were uneducated about the Province's history or politics. I didn't know much about Scotland and Wales let alone Ireland!

Our journey to Armagh via Portadown passed without incident and as we turned through the main gate of Gough Barracks we saw 'Four-Two`s carpenters removing the old unit sign 2nd Battalion, The Light Infantry and replacing it with ours. During the evening of our first full day, the IRA tried us out. They bombed a social club sited on the mall in the city centre A wedding reception was taking place at the time and the bride lost a leg. The gathering crowd was very upset and when a Catholic lad started jeering they made to lynch him. This stupid lad was rescued from the snob; he just could not keep his mouth shut, he seemed possessed, and was unable to comprehend that we were actually trying to help him Eventually he was given a dig in the side of the head, which shut him up. We dropped him off in the Druids Villas estate, where I suppose he told everyone that we had duffed him up for no reason. Welcome to Ulster!

'Four-Two's area of operations was mainly in the RUC's K Division, which covered part of the border with the Republic. Several areas were notorious for their Republican sympathy, although many of these people were intimidated into giving support. By contrast there were some, both Catholic and Protestant, who stood up to this intimidation. I can only say I have the utmost respect for these people who lived with this threat every day.

Unfortunately, many of those brave people have been murdered over the years. We carried out a variety of roles, not dissimilar to other units that have served in the Province over the years. One week we would be guarding Armagh City telephone exchange the next we would be patrolling the border south of Keady. Sometimes we would be out for several nights at a time, lying up at night in what the press were later to call 'bandit country'. But bandit country it was not at that time, as we kept patrols regular and vigorous, the idea being to dominate the ground and deny movement to the enemy. However, in this type of operation where the enemy is not apparent a simple solution is not always possible. I did not like the static guard duties, but much preferred being out in the field, although when guarding Armagh Gaol, a riot by the inmates helped suppress the boredom. Snap road blocks were another feature of the tour. Using helicopters, we could be down on the border in minutes, be dropped off, establish a VCP, (vehicle check point), then be picked up and moved on to set another. Occasionally support was given to M Coy at Dungannon, when they had to deal, with what seemed at the time, continuous disturbances at Coal island.

The main Republican areas of Armagh City were Druids Villas and the Dramarge Estate. They always gave us a hot reception when we carved out patrols there, with our vehicles being constantly showered with bottles and bricks. We were not deterred though, as we carried out a series of cordon and searches of this area.

One evening in Armagh City a mobile patrol came under fire from a Bren gun, sited on the other side of the fly-over, that connected the Republican estates to the city centre. One Marine was hit in the knee, the round destroying his patella. The driver caught a round that had ricocheted off the chassis, passed up through the seat and ended up lodged in his bladder. A story going about at the time was that he later 'pissed' the spent round out through his urethra! This story about the round lodging in his bladder etc., is true, but is in fact from a different incident. This has recently been confirmed by the section commander at the time, who received a MID for his actions.

The border country of endless ditches, hedges and small roads is difficult to control. It is difficult to dominate because it has hundreds of crossing points, including roads and other tracks that just cannot be patrolled all the time, although we made great efforts in our particular 'patch'. The northern part of the Republic also offers a sanctuary from which the terrorists emerge to carry out their dastardly deeds, and then withdraw.

In an attempt to reduce the options of terrorists in vehicles, the authorities hit on the idea of' cratering' the minor roads that criss-crossed the border. This was augmented by the placing of concrete anti-tank barriers, (dragon's teeth), to prevent the by-passing of the craters. These roads were also used by local farmers, who took unkindly to this intrusion to their livelihood. So during the night the farmers would fill the craters in and knock the dragon's teeth down before the concrete had 'gone of? So we were tasked to provide escorts for the Royal Engineers, who carried out this work, and then to lay up overnight to prevent the farmers ruining our daily work. A section that was assisting Sappers from Castle Dillon cratering such a road came under fire from terrorists shooting from the other side of the border. The Marines and a Saracen armoured car, manned by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, immediately returned fire. The Browning machine gun on the Saracen ripped the earth up and the impact of the rounds destroyed the terrorist's position. As they broke cover one of the terrorists was hit in the chest, staggered, and then fell while two others were seen to withdraw. We were, of course, not allowed to cross the border and pursue them, and in any case the Irish Army turned up to deal with the situation on their side of this unmarked and meandering border, As Christmas approached there were invitations from local people to join their families for Christmas dinner. After they were vetted, our people were allocated a family at random, or at least that was what I was told. Most of those who went 'ashore' for Christmas nosh had a great time and came back very 'wet', however, most did not include me! Along with an oppo a young lady collected us in a car and drove us out to her parents' house on the outskirts of the city. Her father was a minister in the Presbyterian Free Church. They lived in a detached house and, what appeared to us, led a rather fugal life. The minister's wife met us and offered us a glass of sherry. I looked at Sharky and we raised our eyebrows as well as our glasses. There was no beer, no wine, and not even a top up from the sherry bottle. During the course of conversation our host asked us what religion we were. I answered with the standard C of E, but Sharky said something that brought a stony silence, as he was a Catholic! They seemed unable to comprehend that it didn't bother either Sharky or myself what our religious differences were, in fact I couldn't have cared less and there lies an indicator to what this whole sorry business was about, intolerance. God help us if we got like that on the mainland!

In the early hours, just after Christmas, we were patrolling in two vehicles between Armagh and Blackwater town. We had just passed through the latter when we were ambushed. I was in the leading vehicle, a Land Rover, which also carried the C42 radio and signaller. I remember a loud bang and a flash, then what seemed slow motion, a series of sparks flying off the roof of the armoured 'Pig` following hind, It must have only been a split second, but it seemed ages before I reacted. It was pitch black and we were driving along a country road that had a raised embankment on one side. The terrorists were lucky they caught us, as we had never been this route before. Anyway, I returned fire in the direction of the flashes that came from the top of the bank. At first the driver braked, as if to carry out an anti-ambush drill but we were in a sort of gully, so he put his foot down, and with the other vehicle closing from behind, we drove out of it. I suppose they could have mined the road or set up a 'stop group', but we were in the `killing ground' and had little option. Further on the road turned sharp left, at right angles to their position.

We de-bussed and took up all round defence. The section commander then let off a Very flare in the direction of the terrorist's position and the GPMG was readied to 'get to work' but there were no targets of opportunity, and it would be irresponsible to just blast the area. Meanwhile, the radio operator had sent a Sit-Rep and we were ordered not to penetrate the field until a cordon had been established by other patrols in the area. A sweep of the area revealed the terrorists' position, where a combat jacket and some spent cartridge cases were found, but our birds had flown. Back at Gough Barracks seven bullet marks were found on the 'Pig', which wasn't much considering they were using at least one automatic weapon.

It had been a close shave and, as with most people who have come under fire for the first time, it sort of changes you become of age so to speak, and one becomes a better soldier for the experience.

K Company Was re-deployed to Bessbrook, which at that time was not established as a base. It had an RUC station but little else, so we were housed in a primary school and it took a lot of hard work to establish this as a base of operations. Sangers were built, and the playing field was set up as a ha -pad, with positions to cover take-off and landings. A marquee tent and some pipe work was erected as a shower room, complete with wooden pallets as duck boards. The most amusing part was the ablutions. Designed for infant school children it was now being used by hairy-arsed Boot necks. One could have a conversation, face to face with an oppo, when sifting on the 'throne', because the partitions between the traps were so low. During the time at Bessbrook patrols on the border continued, through Newtown Hamilton and on as far as Forkhill.

42 Cdo completed its first of 14 tours to date, on Tuesday 18th January 1972, being relieved by the Devon & Dorset Regiment, who sadly, within a few weeks, lost three of their people. On the plus side we did not lose anyone, although 5 Marines were wounded On the down side was the thought that people With whom we had made friends were still there, facing intimidation, injury and sometimes death, whilst we were able to go home and forget it; well for a while at least, until the next time, which would not be long in coming.

During 1971 the situation in Northern Ireland was gradually deteriorating, with the number of incidents peaking in 1972 If one breaks down the statistics for those years the average figures for this 'tour' makes grim reading and gives some idea what was going on across the Province at that time.

Killed

British Forces 16.

UDR4 RUC 4.

Civilians 35.

Terrorists 1.

Bombings 420.

Shootings 1548.

Terrorists charged 66.

Weapons found 248. (By Mike Pinchen)

A short explanation of events in Northern Ireland. July 1969. The troubles in Northern Ireland date back to the British conquest of Ireland in the 12th Century. The history between then and the First World War is beyond the scope of this sight, but well documented elsewhere. The current troubles have their roots in the nationalist uprising on Monday 24th April 1916, which was brutally suppressed by the British Army. A guerrilla war followed six years later marked by many atrocities on both sides, but most of Ireland won its independence. The Six north-Eastern Counties with a protestant majority insisted on remained part of the United Kingdom Northern Ireland was divided by its population with the Provisional IRA and other terrorist organizations fighting to unite Northern Ireland with the Irish Republic supported by a large majority of the Catholic population who generally oppose the terrorist tactics. The IRA is opposed by the Protestant Majority in Northern Ireland who support the security measures taken by the British Government. The troubles began in earnest in July 1969 when a civil rights demonstration in Londonderry was broken up with great violence by protestant paramilitary police (the B Specials'). Protestants attacked Catholics throughout the province, and the local militia and police stood by, or actively helped. The British Government intervened, sending the army in to keep order in August 1969. It was welcomed by the Catholics who welcomed the protection from protestant violence. After a period of indecision, the government began correcting the civil rights issues of Northern Ireland but encountered heavy opposition from the Protestant government at Stormont. Edward Heath, the Prime Minister, dissolved the Northern Ireland parliament at Stormont in 1972 and the province has been directly ruled from London ever since, apart from a brief period when a Northern Ireland Assembly was attempted unsuccessfully in 1974. In response, the Catholics developed No Go areas in Londonderry behind barricades. Behind these same barricades the IRA flourished as new members flooded to their ranks as the world-wide recession hit the Northern Ireland industries. (Wikipedia 25.05.18)

1972. Monday 3rd January. Plymouth Band changed title to Band of HM Royal Marines, Commando force.

1972. Tuesday 16th January. 80Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1972. Thursday 1st February. Registered numbers to Computerised Records. RN and RM pay, and records were centralized at HMS Centurion and computerized service numbers were introduced. All prefixes in use were replaced, and 'CH/X' became 'P00', PO/X' became 'R00', 'PLY/X' became '00', 'RM' became 'P0', and 'RMB' became Q0. Later the prefix 'P' was adopted and, using a complicated formula and a suffix letter, new numbers were calculated for all other ranks. At about the same time numbers for officers were introduced (for pay purpose sonly) and their numbers were prefixed 'N'.

1972. Tuesday 22nd February. 20/21 Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1972. February. 62Je. Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1972. Saturday 11th March. 66Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1972. Friday 21st April. 67Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1972. Friday 28th April. 20/21 Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1972. Thursday 18th May. Major Richard Clifford RM, (Sunday 19th May 1946 - Sunday 15th November 2015, age 69). A Special Boats Service officer parachuted into the sea after a bomb scare on board the Queen Elizabeth 2. Earlier he had been told to prepare two men to parachute into the sea. No name or location was given, and Clifford decided to go himself taking Corporal Tom Jones as his number two. They flew by helicopter from Poole to Lyneham to meet the rest of their team, ammunition technical officer Captain Robert Williams and SAS Sergeant Cliff Oliver. Williams had never jumped before and Clifford had brought spare equipment for him. By early afternoon they were airborne in a Hercules transport aircraft and 15 minutes into the flight their mission was revealed to them: to locate and defuse several bombs feared to be hidden and set to go off in a matter of hours aboard Queen Elizabeth 2, the world's best-known trans-Atlantic liner.

As their aircraft was buffeted in turbulent weather, Williams, who was violently sick, was briefed by Clifford on what to do. Jones and Oliver would drop into the sea with the bulk of the equipment, while Clifford would jump with Williams and ensure that he did not drown when they hit the water. Once over QE2 they found every parameter for parachuting into the sea was out of limits. They could not see the ship at 1000 ft range, the cloud base was 300 to 400 ft, the wind was blowing at more than 20 knots, and there were 5 ft waves. The pilot agreed to fly the Hercules in low, so he could sight QE2, then open the throttles and climb very steeply through the cloud to a dropping height. It would be difficult and dangerous, but the Special Forces men agreed to jump "blind" into the ocean.

They hit the water hard, but despite the heavy swell they were quickly picked up by one of QE2's boats. Meanwhile, aboard QE2, her master, Captain William Law, had announced the bomb threat to the astonished passengers and told them a British bomb disposal team had arrived.

Williams now took charge, but before the team started work, Clifford presented Law with a copy of The Daily Telegraph which he had stuffed inside his dry suit. Three suspicious suitcases, which Law's crew had found, were examined and one was blown open, but they contained only books and dirty laundry.

The FBI advised the full evacuation of QE2 during a stop at Cherbourg, but the Cunard company and the ship's master were so satisfied with the work of the Special Forces that it was decided to continue the voyage to Southampton. Later the threat was found to have been a hoax.

All four men were awarded the Queen's Commendation for their courage and determination in the face of unusual and hazardous conditions, and the incident inspired the film Juggernaut (1974), starring Richard Harris and Omar Sharif.

Richard Cormac Clifford was born on Sunday 19th May 1946 in East Africa, where his father was in the Colonial Service, and educated at Stowe. He was commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1966.

His first appointment was as a rifle troop commander in 40 Commando during Confrontation in Borneo, and he then passed the gruelling test to join the Special Forces in 1968.

In 1969-71 he served at HMS Jufair in Bahrain and in the Amphibious Training Unit – he commanded 3rd Special Boat Detachment. He also helped to train members of the Iranian armed forces in Special Forces work. In 1971 Clifford commanded an SBS unit based on Gibraltar.

He was a company commander in 42 Commando in Northern Ireland in 1975, and for the next twenty years Clifford served almost continuously in the SBS

1972. May - June. 41 Commando Visited the USA in HMS Bulwark for exercise Rum Punch with the United States Marine Corps. They returned to Malta on 6th July until their temporary disbandment.

1972. June. HMS Albion carried out demonstrations at sea for officers from the Royal College of Defence Studies and, on Monday 14th June, she headed north for Rosyth where she received a visit from the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Having embarked 45 Command Royal Marines and 848 Naval Air Squadron in the Firth of Forth, she sailed north for exercises in waters around the Orkney Islands. HMS Albion was in Rotterdam from Monday 28th June to Tuesday 4th July 1972 and, on Saturday 8th July, 848 Naval Air Squadron disembarked HMS Albion for the last time, before the ship spent Clyde Week in Greenock. Her last United Kingdom port visit was to Dover, marking the ship's adoption by the Confederation of Cinque Ports. On Tuesday 18th July, she held a Families' Day in Portsmouth before going alongside in the naval base for leave and maintenance. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1972. Sunday 11th June. Army and Marines adopted as Regimental March of the Commando Logistics Regiment.

1972. Saturday 1st July. The Rank of Warrant Officer reintroduced into RN and RM.

1972. Tuesday 11th July. 74Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1972. Wdenesday 26th July. Royal Marine David 'Leonard' Allen aged 22 while serving with 40 Commando in Northern Ireland was killed at the Unity Flats, Unity Place, Belfast.

1972. Wednesday 29th August. 75 Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1972. September. HMS Albion took part in Exercise "Strong Express", then the largest NATO exercise ever staged, in Norwegian waters around Harstad. Her final deployment was to Canada, and she sailed from Portsmouth on Tuesday 10th October 1972, embarking 42 Commando Royal Marines and 845 Naval Air Squadron the next day. She arrived in St John, New Brunswick on Thursday 19th October and landed 42 Commando for exercises ashore with Canadian forces and, two days later, Halifax, Nova Scotia for a nine day visit hosted by HMCS Stadacona. She began her passage along the St Lawrence Seaway on Tuesday 31th October, arriving in Montreal two days later.

With 150 sea cadets embarked, she sailed from Montreal at 08:30 on Tuesday 7th November and arrived in Quebec at 20:30 the same day. Sailing Friday 10th November, she called at St John on Monday 13th November in order to recover 42 Commando, finally departing Canadian waters on Wednesday 15th November and heading East across the North Atlantic. At 08:00 on Wednesday 22nd November, Albion anchored in Plymouth Sound and disembarked 42 Commando and 845 Naval Air Squadron. Sailing from Plymouth the next day, she entered Portsmouth Harbour at 14:30 on Friday 24th November 1972, flying her paying-off pennant, with a fly-past by 845 Naval Air Squadron. The usual activities then began before disposal of the ship: de-ammunitioning, returning equipment, the last ship's company dance (ashore), the wardroom paying-off ball and, daily, an exodus of members of the ship's company. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1972. Sunday 3rd Sept - 20 October. 41 Commando was based on Malta.

1972. Sunday 3rd September. Royal Marine Robert S Cutting from Manchester aged 18, while serving with 29 Commando in the New Lodge area of North Belfast, Northern Ireland was accidentally killed.

1972. Monday 16th October. Royal Marine Anthony Philip David age 27, was fatally wounded in an attack in West Belfast. He died the following day. Marine David was from Bridgend, Glamorgan, Wales, and was serving in 40 Commando.

1972. Monday 16th October. Royal Marine Anthony Philip David who was fatally wounded during an attack in West Belfast. Sadly, he died on the Tuseday 17th October aged 27. Marine David served in 40 Commando, and was from Bridgend, Glamorgan, Wales.

1972. Saturday 28th October. 69 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1972. Wednesday 6th December. Bands permitted to wear green berets on limited occasions eg when performing in Northern Ireland, during military training and when caps are impractical eg in ships. CGR's Advisory Dress Committee file (RM 5/20/277 Pk2).

1972. Thursday 14th December. 74Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1972. HM The Queen approved the design for drum emblazonments to be used by the Royal Marines and the Volunteer Bands of the Royal navy. This followed the Corps representative's discussion with, and approval from, Clarenceux King of arms, Chester Herald (Advisor on Naval Heraldry) and Garter, King of Arms. New design introduced in 1973.

1972. The Commando Logistic Regiment was formed.

1972. The Warrant rank was reintroduced.

1972. The QE2 Liner carrying a sizable Jewish contingent on a cruise to Israel was put under SBS guard. Tensions were high following the Black September terrorist attacks at the Munich Olympics and the QE2 cruise was seen as a tempting target for Arab terrorists. In the end, the cruise went ahead without incident.

1973. Tuesday 16th January. 39Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1973. Saturday 3rd February. 75 Squad completed training at the Deal Depot.

1973. Tuesday 6th February. The first Royal Marines Massed Bands concert in the Royal Albert Hall. This was in aid of the 150th Anniversary Appeal for the Royal Academy of Music. The series later became known as the Mountbatten Festival of Music. Bands of C-in-C Naval Home Command, HMS Ganges and the Royal Marines School of Music took part.

1973. February. 72Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1973. February. 74Je. kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1973. March. 32 - 73Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1973. Sunday 29th April. Marine Grahame Dennis Cox, age 19 was a serving member of 42 Commando was shot while on patrol in North Belfast.

1973. Thursday 8th June. 75 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1973. Tuesday 12th June. Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade.

1973. Saturday 23rd June. 39 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1973. PRORM was integrated with HMS Centurion.

1973. Friday 6th July. 80Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1973. Tuesday 10th July. 86Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1973. Thursday 26th July. While serving with 40 Commando in Northern Ireland Royal Marine John Shaw aged 20 was killed at Unity Place, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

1973. September. The Corps became Honorary Freeman of the Borough and County of the town of Poole

1973. Tuesady 16th October. 55 Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1973. October. 46 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1973. November. 82Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1973. Friday 7th December. 47-48-49Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1973. Friday 14th December. 86Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1973. I was very sorry to read that Portsmouth Division will cease to exist in 1973, and am certain that members and former members of that fine Division will be even more depressed. I suppose it is understandable really when you come to realise that the commitments of the Corps are now more military than nautical. We. of Chatham Division, have experienced this tragedy. for as readers will remember. Chatham Division came under the axe about 1946. I particularly have very happy memories of my old Division. memories which I know are shared by thousands of old Chatham Marines. Not having visited Chatham since I was demobbed in 1945. and having time on my hands, I decided I would re-visit Chatham and have a look round to see what progress had been made with the area once called Chatham Division, Royal Marines. So. for the benefit of older Marines who have not had this opportunity I will attempt to describe the conditions as I saw them. I walked from Chatham Station to the Town Hall at the bottom of Dock Road. not noticing any particular change from when I joined Chatham from Deal over 50 years ago. Looking up Dock Road from the Town Hall, one can get a good view of the Medway as the old Gun Wharf has been removed and, in its place, a really fine promenade has been built stretching about 400 yards. There were a lot of people taking advantage of this site as the sun was shining beautifully. A great improvement after that drab old Gun Wharf. So up the hill to St Mary's Church adjoining the old Barracks.

The old church yard was just the same - in fact much cleaner than when I last saw it—realising of course that as A and B Blocks have been removed, no waste material is being thrown out of the windows into the church yard!

The Parade's the Same So to the Main Barracks. The main parade is accessible to anybody who wishes to wander in. I entered between two half demolished gate pillars, which was the Guard Room Gate. I stood at the end of the parade and it was hard to appreciate that what I was looking at was once Chatham Division RM. The parade ground looked much smaller due to the fact that self-sown greenery was gradually encroaching from the edges of the parade ground. There is not a brick of the old Blocks and offices left. My mind went back to what there was when the Barracks was in commission. A and B Blocks and Guard Room behind me. On my left, all the Company Blocks and Sergeants' Mess. Directly in front of me were the Officers' Mess. Brigade Major's and Adjutants residences, Commandants Office and Staff Office; to my right. WO Mess, Barrack Office and Orderly Room. Further along Dock Road. the residence of the FOGD and other quarters have now all disappeared. In fact looking from the Guard Room 1 could clearly see the entrance to the Dockyard through which we always went for Church Parade. One thing that did please me standing there was that the poplars along the bottom of the parade ground were still growing strongly as if in defiance of what has taken place around them. Naturally, occupying the position 1 held for a number of years. the sight before me was very, very sad, but despite all this destruction, my happy memories of events which had taken place on where I was standing will remain with me forever.

Leaving the Barracks I went through the remains of the Main Gate into the Dock Road. intending to walk up the hill leading to Melville Barracks. No road now, only a pathway to the right which is a continuation of the high pavement on the other side of Dock Road. I walked to the Dockyard Gates. crossed the road and up the narrow pathway which leads to Old Brompton, alongside the Signal School. And to Melville Barracks.

In about the same position where the Signal School was situated, a 15-storey tower block now stands with the remainder of the Melville Barracks area turned into a housing estate. It was good to see that the space had been put to some good. Up the road to the Gun Battery.

Here again all the buildings were gone, including the Married Quarters and the whole area overgrown with weeds and rubbish. Having got so far, I made my way to the Great Lines. Here I found a great change. Hundreds of houses have been built on the lower part of the Lines.

Judging by the occupants they appeared to be married quarters with. I presume. Sappers in residence. After a tedious walk through this community. I came to the Nore Command Cricket Ground. Now here is a place I will never forget as it was here and at the Depot RM that I shared most of my cricketing career during my time in the service. Nothing has changed. The same pavilions and, as usual. the ground in an excellent condition.

I glanced in at the old RM Football Ground, now used by the Army, and it looked in very good condition.

Royal Naval War Memorial As I was strolling across the Cricket Ground. I noticed that there was an extension to the Royal Naval War Memorial erected after the 1914-18 war and I made my way over to it. I found that a large semi-circular wall had been built at the base of the old memorial. a wall about 15 feet high, made of large rectangular blocks of Portland stone. The whole wall was divided into panels with each panel bearing a number of bronze plaques.

On these plaques are the names of the members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who gave their lives in the 1939-45 war. The plaques are numerically marked in years. so it is easy to see the year these men became casualties. A very beautiful memorial for the very gallant men.

As I made my way down the hill in the direction of Chatham Town Hall. I had time to reflect that my visit had been well worthwhile. very disappointed with the present state of the old RM Barracks, but seeing that great memorial on the Lines eased my bitterness somewhat and if any old Chatham Marines are in the district. To see this alone will be worthwhile. I have tried to explain what I have seen, and I sincerely hope that Eastney Barracks is not subjected to the same fate.

1973. HMS Albion was sold for conversion to a heavy lift vessel for North Sea oil exploration. Although the plan collapsed, and instead she was broken up for scrap at Faslane Naval Base. 'Grey Funnel Line' F/B Page.

1974. Tuesday 5th February. Massed Bands Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Royal Marines Museum fund.

1974. February. 50-51Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1974. Friday 22nd March. Marine James Macklin aged 28 was fatally wounded on patrol in North belfast. While serving in 42 Commando. He died on Thursday 28th March 1974.

1974. Wednesday 10th April. 55 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1974.Tuesday 23rd April. The Corps was affiliated to the Church of St Lawrence Jewry, Guildhall.

Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers make an annual award to the Royal Marine who achieves the best results on the Armourers 3 course. Worshipful Company of Plaisterers presented a painting of 55 Canberra at San Carlos to the Corps in 1983. Since 1985 the Commandant General has been an honorary member of the Company during his appointment.

City of London. It is often erroneously believed that the Royal Marines have the Freedom of the City of London. No Regiment has such a distinction. However, from the Corps origins in the Trained Bands of the City of London, they were permitted to recruit from within the city bounds and therefore, along with other selected regiments, are permitted to march through the City 'with drums beating, Colours flying, and bayonets fixed'.

1974. Tuesday 14th May. 98Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1974. May. 56Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1974. May. 87Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1974. May. 203 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. John Davidson was awarded the Kings Badge.

1974. Saturday 20th July. Following the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey, 41 Commando RM embarked in HMS 'Albion' to evacuate British civilians from Kyrenia. They returned to Malta by mid September.

1974. Friday 30th August. 98Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1974. Saturday 28th September. 201Je. Troop commenced training at thr Deal Depot.

1974. Thursday 10th October. 202Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1974. Wednesday 22nd November. 201Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1974. Tuesday 21st November. 66Je. Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone. Roger Brown was awarded the Kings Badge.

1974. November 92Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1974. Friday 6th December. 202Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1974. Corps Strength at that time was 7,770.

1974 \- 1984. The Royal Marines undertook three United Nations tours of duty in Cyprus. The first was in November 1974 when 41 Commando took over the Limassol District from the 2nd Battalion of the Guards Brigade and became the first Commando to wear the light blue berets of the UN when they began the Corps' first six-month tour with the UN forces in Cyprus.

1974 \- 1975. The British Defence Review called for the reduction of the Royal Marines from 7,770 men to 6,865. This diminution was to be achieved by the disbandment of 41 Commando RM of 4 Command Gp. Troops of 41 Commando were to return to England in April 1977, leaving behind a reinforced company of about 200 men

### Chapter 14

1975 - 1999

1975. Tuesday. 4th February. Massed Bands Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Sir Malcolm Sergeant Cancer Fund for children, and Corps Charities.

1975. Friday 14th March. 203 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. John Davidson was awarded the Kings Badge.

1975. Friday 14th March. 98-99 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1975. April. 200 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1975. Friday 23rd May. 73Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Taff Res's was awarded the Kings Badge.

1975. Wednesday 18th June. Royal Marines on the distant granite outcrop of Rockall.

'Fears of Fuel' Shortages In the 1960s and 1970s, many feared that oil supplies would run out. Resource scarcity and the effects of pollution would 'limit growth'. Fritz Schumacher, economist at the National Coal Board feared 'The twilight of the fuel gods will be upon us in the not too distant future.'

In the early 1970s OPEC's attempt to force up oil prices frightened the West. Sourcing other oil supplies became an obsession for Britain and other non-OPEC countries.

So, when he ceremonially pumped ashore the first North Sea oil on 18 June 1975, Britain's Energy Minister called it a day for 'national celebration'.

The UK Government was, however, thinking ahead. That same month, well out of the public gaze, the military landed two Royal Marines on the distant granite outcrop of Rockall, 250 miles into the Atlantic. In full formal uniform, they posed for photographs - not released at the time - standing to attention on the 75 foot high rock next to a sentry box delivered by helicopter.

Britain Stakes its Claim

In May 1985, the reasons for this bizarre action became clear, when Britain announced its Ninth Round of licensing blocks of sea for oil development, including the 'frontier' area of the Atlantic.

Denmark, Ireland and Iceland all protested the Rockall-based claim on the grounds that it contravened Article 121 of the Law of the Sea Convention. (They continue to do so and territorial disputes over the region may end up in the International Court of Justice.) Like dozens of other disputes around the world, it was a resource conflict.

The Diplomatic Correspondent of the Daily Telegraph noted that: 'Far out in the Atlantic west of Rockall, four nations are demonstrating that old style imperialism is still alive and well.' As the newspaper noted, 'Britain's claims for mineral, oil and fishing rights have been challenged by Ireland, Iceland and Denmark.(Author and photo Unknown)

1975. May. 203 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. John Davidson was awarded the Kings Badge.

1975. Friday 4th July. 204 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1975. Friday 25th July. 76Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Alex Grant was awarded the Kings Badge.

1975. August. 77Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Keith Woodworth was awarded the Kings Badge.

1975. September. 78Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1975. October. 208 Troop passed for duty at Lympstone. Trevor Lewton was awarded the Kings Badge.

1975. October - May 1975. 40 / 41 Commandos served with the UN Forces in Cyprus.

1975. November. 209Je. and 80 Kings Squad (amalgamated) passed for duty at Lympstone.

1975. Corps Marches 'A life on the Ocean Waves', 'Sarie Marais' and 'Preobrajensky' in place of 'Globe and Laurel' confirmed.

1976. January. 210 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. Tuesday 13th January. 219Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1976. January. 82Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. February. 211 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. Saturday 6th March. 219Je. completed training ath the Deal Depot.

1976. March. 84 Kings squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. March. 212 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. Tuesday 6th April. 86Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. Tuesday 8th June. Massed Mands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade.

1976. Monday 13th June. 88Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. June. 214 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Mick Richardson was awarded the Kings Badge.

1976. June. 215 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. June. 216 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. July. 90Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. August. 218 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. Tuesday 21st September. 225 Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1976. Wednesday26th October. 226Je. Troop commenced training at the Depot Deal.

1976. Monday 9th November. 227Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1976. Friday 12th November. 92Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. Wednesday 8th December. The Royal Marines received the Freedom of Stanley on the Falkland islands.

1976. Friday 10th Dcemeber. 94Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1976. Tuesday 14th December. 225 Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1976. December. Because of the Royal Marines unique association with the Falkland Islands the Freedom was bestowed on the Corps.

1976. Royal Marine detachments were aboard frigates during the Cod War off Iceland.

1976. Britain began trialling prototypes for the 1980s programme, which aims to create weapons to replace the L (12A) 1 and the Bren gun. SA80 rifles have since been standard issue.

1976.The Freedom scroll of Stanley in the Falkland Islands, bestowed on the Corps.

1976. The QE2 Liner cruise to Israeli again necessitated the protection of the SBS. Members of the unit posed as tourists aboard the liner, their Browning 9mm pistols concealed under their t-shirts. Some SBS wives even joined their husbands on the trip, adding to the mission's cover. As before, the cruise was completed without incident.

1977. Friday 28th January. 221 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1977. Friday 4th February. 226Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1977. Sunday 6th February. Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Silver Jubilee by inspecting 41 Commando on Plymouth Hoe. (Although Salerno Company had left for Malta at the time).

1977. Friday 18th February. 227Je. Troop completed training at the Deal Depot.

1977. April. 97 Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone. Ian Brown was awarded the Kings Badge.

1977. Wednesday 16th March. Admiral of the Fleet, the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, took the salute as 41 Commando RM trooped the Regimental Colour at St Andrew's Barracks. The ceremony marked the beginning of the withdrawal of British Forces from Malta.

1977. Monday 18th April. The main body 41 Commando returned to England leaving Salerno Company Group, which relocated to RAF Luqa.

1977. April. 97 Kings Squad pass for duty at Lympstone. Ian Brown was awarded the Kings Badge.

1977. April. Because of long standing connections going back over 300 years was recognised when the Freedom of Exeter was bestowed on the Corps.

1977. May. 223 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1977. Monday 17th June. 224 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Dan Richmond. Was awarded the Kings Badge.

1977. June. 41 Commando RM which had returned to England for disbandment was reprieved. The Government decided to use it in the infantry role in Northern Ireland. This reduced the need to withdraw troops from BAOR to cover the province.

1977. June. 225 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1977. Saturday 12th August. Royal Marine Neil Bewley aged 19 while serving in 45 Commando was shot whilst on foot patrol in Norglen Road, Turf Lodge, West Belfast.

1977. August. 227 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1977. Monday 12th September. RM Band of Flag Officer Naval Air Command moved from Lee-on-Solent to Yeovilton.

1977. Friday 30th September. Closure of the Depot Royal Marines, Phase 1 training for both adult and junior recruits aspiring to earn the green beret of the Commando Forces having been transferred to Lympstone. (RMHS)

1977. Friday 30th September. 103 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Gordon D'all was awarded the Kings Badge.

1977. Saturday 1st October. The Royal Marines presence in the Deal Barracks assumed the designation Royal Marines Deal and comprised:

41 Commando Royal Marines (reprieved from disbandment and filling most of the accommodation and other facilities vacated by the Depot).

Physical Training Wing (pending relocation to Lympstone; this happened in 1978).

Royal Marines School of Music (with the Principal Director of Music Royal Marines assuming the additional appointment of Commandant of the School). (RMHS)

1977. Saturday 1st October. 229 Troop was the last to pass out at the Depot Deal. The next day the Depot became Royal Marines Deal, and home to 41 Commando Royal Marines, and the Royal Marines School of Music.

1977. Tuesday 11th October. 232 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1977. Monday 14th November. Opperation Burberry (Fire Fighters Strike) commenced.

1977. December. 106 and 107Je. Kings Squads passed for duty at Lympstone.

1977. December. 107Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Ian Thompson was awarded the Kings Badge.

1977. 41 Commando (less Salerno Company) left for Malta.

1977. Another name for the SBS as it was changed to the Special Boat Squadron.

1977. RMRO issued to reinforce the RM Instructions regarding the march Sarie Marais. "In addition, the quick march Sarie Marais may be used to commemorate the derivation of the name Commando, given in 1940 to the newly raised raiding units and the service of a number of South African Officers seconded to the Corps during the Second World War'.

1978. Thursday 9th March. To commemorate 25 years as Captain General, HRH Prince Philip instituted the annual award of the Prince's Badge for the best Musician or Bugler on completion of training, under similar conditions to the King's Badge. This replaced the Commandant General's Certificate of Merit.

1978. Tuesday 30th May. The Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade.

1978. June. 232Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Simon Bustany was awarded the Kings Badge.

1978. Thursday 6th July. Integration of the Buglers Branch, as a separate Section, within the RMBS; Buglers to retain own rank structure and promotion rosters. Transfer to the General Duties branch in accordance with RMI 1747 will continue to be allowed for men at present serving in the Bugler Section. For men enlisting after 1st July 1979, such transfers will only be allowed within 3 months of attaining the age of seventeen and a half or before completion of initial training, whichever is the later. Buglers who prove to be musically unsuitable can transfer at any age. WO and SNCOs will continue to be entitled to become candidates for selection for promotion to officer on the Royal Marines SD list.

1978. Thursday 17th August. Cpl Robert Keith Miller age 22 from Cardiff Wales. While serving with 42 Commando was killed by a car bomb explosion on patrol in the Forkhill area of Northern Ireland. 1978. September. 229Je. Troop commenced training at the Deal Depot.

1978. Saturday 4th November. 41 Commando Assumed London Duties (4th - 30th November). Musical support was provided by the Staff Band of the Royal Marine School of Music under the direction of Major J. Mason and led by WO2 Drum Major D. Buchanan. The Tower of London was included for the first time.

1978. Sunday 2th November. Marine Gary Wheddon aged 19 of 42 Cdo, was killed by a bomb while serving in Operation Banner in in Northern Ireland.

1978. The Deal Barracks. The Inauguration of the Prince's Badge for the best all-round Musician or Bugler completing training each year. This commemorated HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's first 25 years as Captain General Royal Marines. (RMHS)

1978. First 10 man RN Frigate detachment formed.

1979. Friday 30th March. Salerno Company marched from its Lines at RAF Luqa to board the Landing Ship Logistics (LSL) Sir Lancelot which was berthed alongside HMS St Angelo. The last of the Royal Marines left Malta, ending 180 years of the British military presence on the island.

1979. May. 124aJe. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1979. May. Although the Corps had already received the Freedom of Chatham in 1949, on the creation of the new Borough of Medway (which included Chatham), the Royal Marines were admitted as Honorary Freemen.

1979. 42 Commando was deployed to Hong Kong for Internal Security duties.

1979. Friday 3rd August. 126aJe. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1979. Monday 27th August. Earl Mountbatten was assassinated by the IRA.

1979. Monday 1st October. Wearing of Royal Marines Band Service shoulder titles instituted. Review of RMBS ceremonial dress due in May 1980.

1979.Friday 19th October. 130Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1979. Friday 19th October. 224 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1979. With the increase in off-shore oil installations prompted the formation of 'Commachio Company', 300 Royal Marines trained to respond to terrorist incidents amongst North Sea oil fields. The SBS provided a section, 1SBS, to Commachio Company, whilst another stayed at Poole to cover all other MCT responsibilities.

1980. February. Massed Band Concert at the Royal Albert Hall extended to two performances for the first time.

1980. February. 248 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. Monday 3rd March. 133Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. Friday 7th March. 250 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. Friday 21st March. 252 Kings Squad passed for Duty at Lympstone.

1980. April. 135 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. April. 255 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. April. 136Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. May 258 Kings squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. Friday 13th June. 259 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. July. 141Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. (Sparky) Sparks was awarded the Kings Badge.

1980. Friday 1st August. 143Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. Friday 19th September. 144Je. Kings Squad paseds for duty at Lympstone. Harry Bartlett was awarded the Kings Badge.

1980 .Friday 10th October. 147Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1980. The Special Boat Squadron relinquished the North Sea oil rig protection to Comacchio Company.

1980. Comacchio Company formed (and later re-named Fleet Protection Group RM in 2000).

1980. Elements of 42 Commando deployed to Vanuatu in the New Hebrides.

1980.The 3rd Raiding Squadron was deployed to Hong Kong for duties against illegal immigrants.

1980. The SBS relinquished North Sea oil rig protection to Comacchio Company.

1980. Comacchio Company RM/Comacchio Group RM was formed in 1980 with 300 all ranks, this company provided detachments for the defence of naval installations, for Britain's offshore assets in oil rigs and movement of nuclear missiles. The Company took on many of 43RM's traditions including the red and old gold lanyard. It was renamed Comacchio Group on 1st November 1983.

Three troops continued to carry out security duties in support of the RN and the RAF throughout the 1980s.

The Group by this date reporting directly to CG was reorganised in 1992 into three companies for roulement on the west coast of Scotland And in the early 1990s they were deployed annually for two weeks of training in Cyprus. In 1993 a company from the Group visited the USA for some USMC courses on fighting at close quarters and anti-terrorist activities. They have continued to carry out security duties in the 1990s, but one Troop went to Belize in 1990, in 1992. Elements in exercise 'Malayan Warrior' during Jan-Feb 1993. In March 1998 elements were again in America with the USMC.

Miscellaneous. Memorable date: 2nd April battle of Comacchio (in 1945) and was the memorable date of the disbanded 43 Commando RM.(RMHS)

1980's. Special Boat Squadron was renamed the Special Boat Service.

1981. Feruary. 150Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1981. Wednesday 20th May The Disbandment of 41 Commando Royal Marines at Deal (with a march through Deal on Thursday14th May 1981 and final disbandment parade on Wednesday 20th May 1981); this left the Royal Marines School of Music as the sole occupant of the entire Barracks complex. (RMHS)

1981. May. 271 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1981. July. 155Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1981. August. 157Je.Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Saab Chowdry was awarded the Kings Badge.

1981. 41 Commando is disbanded at Deal.

1981.Thursday 16th October. 275 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1981. Saturday 17th October. The Commandant General, Lieutenant General Sir Steuart Pringle was blown up outside his house by a terrorist car bomb.

1981. October - November. 161 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1981. Wednesday 10th December. 276 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1981. The Massed Bands Concert at the Royal Albert Hall renamed 'The Mountbatten Concerts' following his murder.

1981. HRH Crown Prince Harald the King of Norway was appointed Honorary Colonel Royal Marines.

1982. Friday 29th January. 163Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1982. Friday 12th February. 164 Kings Squad passed for Duty at Lympstone.

1982. February. The 'Royal Marines Commando' published by the Central office of information (reprinted in March 1983).

1982. Friday 19th March. The Argentinians land scrap metal salagers along with an escort of troops, planting the Arginian flag on the Falkland Islands. Argentina takes over the Falklands.

1982. Sunday 28th March. The Argentine fleet sets sail under the guise of naval manoeuvres.

1982. Monday 29th March. British Submarines sent to Falklands, while HMS Fort Austin sails from Gibraltar to replenish HMS Endurance.

1982. March. 278Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1982. Wednesday 31st March. British decoders intercept radio message to the Argentinean submarine Sante Fe, which orders her to examine the beaches around Stanley for possible landing sites.

1982. Late March. Thousands of Argentine conscripts lacking basic training are drafted in a hurry and sent to the islands. Argentina accumulates more than 10,000 troops on the Falklands.

1982. After the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands, the Special Boat Service deployed to South Georgia. Their only losses during the Falklands War occurred when the SBS and SAS were operating behind the lines and two members of the SBS were shot by an SAS patrol, who had mistaken them for Argentinians.

1982. Friday 1st April.1982. Naval Party 8901 (NP 8901) was the name given to the Royal Marines Detachment of about troop strength, that had been based on the Falkland Islands since 1966. Their strength was approximately 43 members in each detachment and serving on a one-year rotation. They were all volunteers from within the Royal Marines. The changeover date of each detachment was 1st April, which meant that at the time of the Argentine invasion, there were actually two NP 8901 detachments on the island. A fact that the Argentine intelligence failed to know. This gave the Governor Rex Hunt a total of 67 Royal Marines to defend the Falklands. The outgoing 81 detachment led by Major Gary Noot, and the incoming 82 led by Major Mike Norman. Major Norman, being the senior of the two Majors, was placed in overall command and Major Noott was made military adviser to the Governor.

A small number of Royal Marines had been sent to the island of South Georgia. The force was supposed to act as a trip-wire. As such, they were only lightly armed with small arms, machine guns and a few mortars and anti-tank weapons. They had nothing heavier. Their job was to provide resistance, and act at the discretion of the Governor Rex Hunt. With a total of 67 Royal Marines to defend the Falklands while 12 of Major Noott's troop had already sailed to South Georgia aboard HMS Endurance under the command of Lt. Keith Mills. They had been sent to keep an eye on some Argentineans at Leith.

23 members of the Falklands Islands Volunteer Defence Force also responded in time to help defend Stanley, including Jim Airfield, an ex-Royal Marine Corporal who had moved to the Falklands. He apparently arrived at the Marine barracks at Moody Brook and demanded to be given a weapon saying, "There's no such thing as an ex-Marine". Although the Argentinians had overwhelming force they didn't use it to their advantage, in fact their intelligence was very poor. Believed there was only one party of Royal Marines on the island.

1982. Friday 2nd April. The Argentine invasion of the Falklands having been delayed by 24 hours due to bad weather. The plan involved the capture of the Royal Marines base at Moody Brook. The Royal Marines Garrison under the Command of Major Mike Norman number 68. There are also 11 sailors from HMS Endurance who were armed. About 25 men from the Local Defense Force report for duty. The Argentine attack is launched after 6am. The first attacks are on Moody Brook and Government House. A fire fight brakes out. The outlying sections of Royal Marines fall back to Government House. Firefights brake out over Stanley. The Royal Marines surrender. Only 6 men make it back to Government House, where the Governor Rex Hunt was forced to surrender, at 9.25 he ordered the Marines to lay down their arms facing an overwhelmingly much larger force. About 25 Argentineans were dead, although there were no British casualties. Later the British Marines were flown to Montevideo along with the British Governor.

1982. Friday 2nd April. 3 Commando Brigade spear headed the recapture of the Falkland Islands. Known as 'Operation Corporate' it was a ten week war between Argentina and the United Kingdom, disputing two British Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia. It started when Argentina invaded and occupied the Falkland. A British task force was immediately sent from the UK to recapture them, and given that an amphibious assault would be necessary, the Royal Marines were heavily involved. 3 Commando Brigade was brought to full combat strength that included 40, 42 and 45 Commandos.

1982. Saturday 3rd April. The United Nations Security Council passes Resolution 502 calling for the withdrawal of Argentine troops from the Falkland Islands and the immediate cessation of hostilities.

1982. Saturday 3rd April. The first Royal Air Force transport aircraft was deployed to Ascension Island. While HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible are prepared to sail, as the First British surface ships begin to head south.

1982. Saturday 3rd April. The Argentinean Invasion was condemned by United Nations Security council.

1982. Saturday 3rd April. Argentine troops seize the associated islands of South Georgia and the South Sandwich group (1,000 miles [1,600 km] east of the Falklands) following a short battle in which an Argentine helicopter is forced down and the Argentinean frigate Guerrico is damaged by a Carl Gustav anti tank rocket fired by the Marines in which 4 Argentine troops are killed. General Mario Menendez is proclaimed military governor of the islands. As President Galtieri has predicted, the move proves to be extremely popular. In Buenos Aires, where the unions had a week earlier demonstrated against the government, there are massive outbursts of solidarity in the streets.

1982. Sunday 4th April. The British nuclear submarine HMS Conqueror sails from Faslane.

1982. Monday 5th April. Aircraft carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible sail from Portsmouth. The Task Force will eventually number 13 warships and 4 supply ships. Lord Carrington, the Foreign Secretary, resigns over the invasion and is replaced by Francis Pym.

1982. Friday 9th April. The Canberra sails from Southampton with the 2400 men of 40, 42 and 45 Royal Marine Commandos and 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment.

1982. Sunday 11th April. The British submarines arrive in the South Atlantic, HMS Splendid and HMS Spartan begin patrolling off the Falklands, while HMS Conqueror heads for South Georgia.

1982. Monday 12th April. HMS Conqueror reaches South Georgia. Britain formally announces the introduction of a 200 mile Maritime Exclusion zone around the Falklands. The destroyers HMS Antrim and HMS Plymouth, with the tanker Tidespring acting as a troopship for M Company 42 Royal Marine Commando are designated Task Force 319.9 under Captain B.C. Young and sail from Ascension.

1982. Friday 16th April. The British aircraft carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible reach the Ascension Island.

1982. Sunday 18th April. The Task Force sails from Ascension. HMS Brilliant, HMS Coventry, HMS Glasgow, HMS Sheffield and HMS Arrow are designated Task Unit 317.8.2 and are ordered to head south at top speed in case diplomatic measures cause both sides to halt all military manoeuvres.

1982. Tuesday 20th April. An RAF Victor makes fourteen hour reconnaissance flight from Ascension to South Georgia.

1982. Wednesday 21st April. Task Force 319.9 arrive off South Georgia and 'Operation Paraquet' begins. British helicopters from HMS Antrim and Tidespring land SAS men on the Fortuna glacier for a reconnaissance mission on Leith, whilst SBS men land by Gemini boat and begin observation of Grytviken. The SAS men are subjected to Antarctic weather conditions and request evacuation. In appalling weather conditions two Wessex helicopters crash amazingly with no casualties. The men are safely extracted.

1982. Friday 23rd April. An SAS Boat troop is put ashore by Geminis on South Georgia and begin observing the Argentineans. An SBS party is extracted by helicopter after problems with the ice puncturing their boats. Report reaches the British that an Argentinean submarine is in the area and HMS Plymouth with two tankers sail east to avoid detection, leaving HMS Endurance as the only ship in the area.

1982. Saturday 24th April. The anti submarine Type 22 frigate HMS Brilliant arrives off South Georgia to reinforce the ships already present.

1982. Sunday 25th April. South Georgia is retaken by the Royal Marines. British helicopters locate the Argentinean submarine Sante Fe on the surface and attack. The submarine heads for Grytviken and beaches. As HMS Antrim and HMS Plymouth arrive on the scene a decision to strike immediately is taken and a force composing of SAS, SBS and Royal Marines are put ashore by helicopter whilst the Royal Navy ships open fire with their 4.5 inch guns to persuade the Argentineans to surrender. The commander of the Argentine forces on the island, Captain Largos, signs an unconditional surrender document on board the British HMS Antrim. The notorious Alfredo Astiz, who is at the time, a Lieutenant Commander in charge of a small party based in Stromness surrenders with his company and signs an unconditional surrender document on board the British HMS Plymouth without firing a single shot violating the military code's article 751.

1982. Sunday 25th April. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refuses to answer questions from the press on the operation, saying: "Just rejoice at that news and congratulate our forces and the Marines."

1982. Monday 26th April. HMS Plymouth and HMS Endurance sail round to Leith to accept the surrender. 190 Argentineans taken prisoner. While 2 Para on board the Norland leave Hull bound south heading for the Falklands.

1982. Tuesday 27th April. Argentine warships sail from Puerto Belgrano.

1982. Friday 30th April. The British Nuclear submarine HMS Conqueror detects long range sonar contacts and closes to investigate.

1982. Friday 30th April. The Task Force arrives in the 200 mile exclusion zone surrounding Falklands.

1982. Saturday 1st May. The Main British Task Force enters Maritime Exclusion Zone. An RAF Vulcan Bomber bombs Stanley airfield. HMS Hermes launches the first Sea Harriers, 9 to bomb Stanley airfield, and 3 to bomb Goose Green airstrip. Three British ships HMS Glamorgan, HMS Alacrity and HMS Arrow begin a naval bombardment of Argentine positions around Stanley. Sea Harriers destroy a Mirage, a Dagger and a Canberra. A further Mirage is accidently shot down by Argentinean gunners. No Sea Harriers are lost. HMS Conqueror starts to shadow the Argentine Cruiser General Belgrano.

1982. Saturday 2nd May. The British nuclear submarine HMS Conqueror receives orders to sink the General Belgrano. Launching three torpedoes, the General Belgrano is hit twice and sinks. 320 crewmen die (the single biggest loss of life in the war). British helicopters sink another Argentine patrol vessel Comodoro Somollera.

1982. Saturday 2nd May. Margaret Thatcher faces criticism over the sinking of the General Belgrano because the vessel was outside the 200 mile exclusion zone around the Falklands.

1982. Tuesday 4th May. An Argentine Super Etendard aircraft launch two Exocet air to surface missiles at the British Task Force. The British destroyer HMS Sheffield was destroyed, with 20 men killed, and 24 injured. In a Harrier bombing raid on Goose Green airstrip, one British Harrier plane is shot down by anti-aircraft guns.

1982. Tuesday 4th May. The Sun British newspaper published its infamous 'Gotcha' front page headline about the sinking of the General Belgrano.

1982. Thursday 6th May. Two Sea Harriers are lost in bad weather.

1982. Sunday 9th May. HMS Alacrity shells positions around Stanley. Two Sea Harriers attack the Argentine trawler Narwal. The vessel is then boarded by SBS men, and the crew surrender. HMS Coventry and HMS Broadsword are deployed as a missile trap off Stanley and successfully destroy two Skyhawks and a Puma helicopter.

1982. Monday 10th May. HMS Alacrity sinks the Argentine supply ship Isla de los Estados.

1982. Wednesday 12th May. 5th Brigade consisting of 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, 1st Battalion Welsh guards and 1/7th Duke of Edinburgh's Ghurka Rifles sail from Southampton on board the Queen Elizabeth ll. HMS Glasgow and HMS Brilliant are deployed as the missile trap off Stanley. Three Argentine Skyhawks are shot down by Sea Wolf missiles. HMS Glasgow is hit by a bomb which passes straight through the ship without exploding. A Skyhawk is mistakenly shot down by Argentinean gunners. Formal orders given for landing site to be San Carlos. An SAS team is inserted by canoe onto Pebble Island. The men evacuate the next night by canoe and a raid on the airstrip is prepared.

1982. Wednesday 12th May. RM 3 Commando Brigade Air Sqn. Two Gazelles of C Flight were shot down by Argentine Army small arms fire near Port San Carlos and crashed killing the pilots.

Gazelle number one was, EVANS. Andrew P. Sergeant RM PO25446U.

Gazelle number two was, FRANCI. Kenneth D. Lieutenant RM N023442U and GIFFIN. Brett P. Lance Corporal RM P033537T.

1982. Friday 14th May. 45 SAS men launch a raid on Argentine grass airstrip at Pebble Island, destroying 11 Argentine aircraft. The SAS men are then evacuated by navy helicopters.

1982. Friday 14th May. 14 Argentine airplanes are destroyed in air / sea battle.

1982. Sunday 16th May. Sea Harriers attack two Argentinean supply ships in the Falkland Sound. The 'Bahia Buen Suceso' is forced to beach. The Río Carcarañá is sunk.

1982. Tuesday 18th May. A Sea King Helicopter crashes whilst transferring SAS men to HMS Intrepid, 21 men are lost. Ships intended for the landing form a convoy and sail for San Carlos.

1982. Tuesday 18th May. A peace proposal suggested by the United Nations is rejected by Britain.

1982. Wednesday 19th May. 22 British servicemen killed when a helicopter transporting SAS soldiers ditches in the sea.

1982. Thursday 20th May. A Sea King helicopter from the Task Force crashes in Chile and is then exploded by the crew. The helicopter had infiltrated a SAS team into mainland Argentina to attack Rio Grande airbase and destroy the Super Entenards that were causing losses to the Task Force. 2000 Argentinean Marines start to comb the area hunting for the SAS team. Back in Hereford (UK) the SAS commander decides to abort the mission and the SAS team crosses into Chile possibly suffering some casualties.

1982. Friday 21st May. British landings begin at San Carlos. The Frigate HMS Ardent sunk by Argentine aircraft, killing 22 sailors. Fifteen Argentine aircraft shot down.

1982. Friday 21st May. 3 Commando Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron Royal Marines Landed in San Carlos Water. A Royal Marines Divisional Headquarters was deployed, under Major General Jeremy Moore RM, who was commander of the British land forces during the war. The landing force consisting of 40, 42 and 45 Commandos RM, reinforced by 2nd and 3rd Battalions the Parachute Regiment, embarked in HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid, Landing Ships Logistic and in many ships taken up from trade and sailed 8,000 miles south via Ascension Island. The latter stages of the voyage were conducted in poor weather conditions and under threat of Argentine surface, subsurface and air attack. Sound planning in conjunction with the Naval Task Force Commanders, culminated in a successful unopposed Brigade night landing in the San Carlos region of East Falkland before dawn on 21st May. For the next seven days the landing force was under constant attack as the Argentine Air Force attempted to dislodge it from the beachhead. The choice of this remote, sheltered landing force to withstand the air assault and played a major part in ensuring the successful recapture of the Falkland Islands during the ensuing weeks. the Royal Marine landing craft squadrons from HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid, together with the 1st Raiding Squadron RM, landed 3 Commando Brigade on to 5 separate beaches without loss. After these initial landings the Squadrons continued to off load the logistic shipping in deteriorating weather and under constant air attack. Later all raiding and landing craft were formed into the Task Force Landing Craft Squadron, which subsequently operated on both flanks supporting 3 Commando Brigade and 5 Infantry Brigade in dangerous and testing conditions. The new Squadron also assisted the Commodore Amphibious Warfare in minesweeping duties and Special Forces raiding and insertion tasks. Without this invaluable contribution, before, during and after the main landings, the Falkland Islands Task Force could not have achieved its objective in such a timely manner.

1982. Friday 21st May. SBS men land by helicopter and secure Fanning Head overlooking San Carlos. While the SAS men launch a diversionary attack on Goose Green. HMS Glamorgan shells positions north of Stanley. 2 Para lands at 4:40 am to secure the hills surrounding the anchorage. 40 Commando landed seven minutes later. 45 Commando and 3 Para are landed. By dawn 105mm guns and Rapier air defence systems are flown ashore by helicopter. Scimitars and Scorpions from the Blues and Royals are deployed also. Two British Gazelle helicopters are hit and destroyed and another damaged. SAS troops near Stanley report an Argentinean helicopter dispersal area and RAF GR3 Harriers from HMS Hermes attack the site after first light destroying a Chinook and two Puma helicopters. An RAF GR3 Harrier is shot down near Port Howard. The SAS men destroy a Pucara with a Stinger missile. Argentine air force launch attacks on the San Carlos anchorage. HMS Ardent is hit and sinks. HMS Brilliant and HMS Broadsword are slightly damaged. Argentineans lose approximately 13 aircraft.

1982. 539 ASRM Operations was formed during the 1982 Falklands conflict during which it landed SAS and SBS reconnaissance parties onto the islands, in addition to bringing other forces ashore.

More recent operations include Operation Telic. 539 ASRM supported 3 Cdo Bde as they took the Al Faw Penninsula, carrying out numerous operations such as several landings and the clearing of various waterways. 539 ASRM have continued to operate in Iraq, performing security patrols of Iraq's southern ports and water networks. Read more on 3 Commando Brigade operations in Operation Telic.

1982. Saturday 22nd May. The Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines landing at Ajax Bay.

The Falklands campaign was fought some 8,000 miles from 3 Commando Brigade's base in Plymouth. This stretched the logistic support to its utmost. The Commando Logistic Regiment RM (Lieutenant Colonel I.J. Hellberg RCT) was faced with the problem of supporting an enlarged Brigade spread over more than 30 warships, auxiliaries and merchant ships. The skill, dedication and exceptional devotion of the ordnance, transport, repair and medical elements of the Regiment in adverse weather conditions and often under heavy enemy air attack played a major part in the success of the landing in San Carols Water. During the following three weeks of the campaign, from the beach support area at Ajax Bay where it landed on 22nd May, the Regiment supported a Divisional Headquarters and two brigades, treated 695 casualties, processed 2,000 prisoners of war and dealt with over 8,000 tons of stores, ammunition and equipment. The logistic support provided by the Commando Logistic Regiment RM was a battle-winning factor.

1982. Sunday 23rd May. The British Frigate HMS Antelope is hit by an unexploded bomb, and 10 more Argentinean airplanes are destroyed.

1982. Monday 24th May. HMS Antelope abandoned after bomb detonates while being defused by disposal officer.

1982. Monday 24th May. Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad are hit but the bombs fail to explode.

1982. Tuesday 25th May. HMS Coventry is hit by 3 1000 lb air bombs dropped from Argentine Skyhawks and sunk killing 19. HMS Broadsword is damaged. There were Twelve killed in an Exocet missile attack on a British Merchant Navy vessel the MV Atlantic Conveyor and she sank 3 days later, 12 more British dead.

1982. Thursday 27th May. The Battle for Goose Green / Darwin began.

1982. Thursday 27th May. 40 Commando Royal Marines while under Argentine bombing attack on San Carlos Water lost was:

MCANDREWS Stephen G. Marine, RM P035645L.

45 Commando at Ajax Bay lost was:

ENEFER Roger Sergeant RM P024439G.

EVANS Kenneth Corporal RM P020436E.

MACKAY Peter B. Marine RM P039338Q.

WILSON David Marine RM P037820V.

(A fifth Marine? died of wounds on 10th June).

Commando Logistic Regiment at Ajax Bay lost was:

DAVISON Colin Marine RM P037269B.

1982. Thursday 27th May. 45 Commando Royal Marines were the target of an Argentine bombing attack lost was:

CALLAN Paul D. Marine RM P041627B.

1982. Friday 28th May. Lt Richard J Nunn DFC, RM N023329F was awarded a posthumous DFC. Flying his scout helicopter in support of 2 Para's Action at Goose Green, enemy aircraft were known to be in the area, and despite the risk he and his crewman flew for most of the day. When a call came in to evacuate casualties from the battle area he did not hesitate to go in. Sadly he was jumped by a powerful Argentine Pucara ground attack aircraft and shot down and killed, his wounded crewman survived. For his Bravery he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Posthumously. Sergeant Belcher was grievously wounded.

1982. Friday 28th May 28. Argentine forces at Goose Green surrendered to 2 Para. Seventeen soldiers from 2 Para killed in two days of fierce fighting, which ended in Argentine surrender with dozens killed and more than 1,000 taken as prisoners of war.

1982. Friday 28th May 28. The Atlantic Conveyor sank. 1982. Sunday 30th May. 45 Commando secures the Douglas settlement, while Mount Kent is captured by 42 Commando and SAS.

1982. Monday 31st May. Mount Kent is taken by British troops. The Falklands' capital of Port Stanley is surrounded.

1982. Tuesday 1st June. Britain declares its terms to end the struggle.

1982. Monday 4th June. Three companies of 45 Commando advanced on Bluff Cove Peak.

1982. Monday 4th June. 3 Commando Brigade including the Band of Commando Forces, with their musical instruments. This band embarked upon the SS Canberra as stretcher bearers but performed a number of duties and roles throughout the Campaign. The RM Band of Flag Officer 3rd Flotilla (FOF3) boarded the educational cruise liner SS Uganda which was converted to a hospital ship.

1982. Tuesday 8th June. The Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade. 1982. Tuesday 8th June. More than 50 British soldiers killed in attacks on landing craft RFA Sir Galahad and RFA Sir Tristram off Fitzroy.

1982. Tuesday 8th June, LCU F4 was attacked by enemy aircraft in Choiseul Sound. During this action Colour Sergeant Johnston and five of his crew were killed. Colour Sergeant Johnston's selfless bravery in the face of extreme danger was in the highest traditions of the Corps.

With the British Army's 5 Brigade separated from their vital communications vehicles back at Goose Green. With the British Army's 5 Brigade separated from their vital communications vehicles back at Goose Green, F4 under the command of C/Sgt Brian Johnston was dispatched poorly. With the British Army's 5 Brigade separated from their vital communications vehicles back at Goose Green, F4 under the command of C/Sgt Brian Johnston was been dispatched in poorly charted waters and under significant threat of air attack. In a remarkable feat of pilotage, in darkness and without modern navigational aids, Brian Johnston reached Goose Green in good order and loaded the vehicles.

In a remarkable feat of pilotage, in darkness and without modern navigational aids, Brian Johnston reached Goose Green in good order and loaded the vehicles under significant threat of air attack.

At approximately 14:00 local time on Wednesday 8th June the ships RFA Sir Tristram and RFA Sir Galahad were badly damaged by a first wave of five A-4Bs Skyhawk aircraft.

At 16:50 a second wave, composed of four A-4Bs Skyhawks hit and sank F4 a Landing Craft Utility from HMS Fearless in Choiseul Sound.

The LCU was ferrying the vehicles of the 5th Brigade's headquarters from Darwin to Bluff Cove. Six Royal Marines went down with the vessel. However, the Sea Harrier combat air patrol was already on scene and responded; three Skyhawks were shot down and their pilots and a fourth damaged.

All but two of LCU F4's crew were killed during this action;1982. Friday 11th June. Co-ordinated attacks on Mount Longdon, Two Sisters and Mount Harriet by British troops.

1982. Friday 11th – 12th June. British destroyer HMS Glamorgan badly damaged in missile attack. British forces take Mount Longdon, Two Sisters and Mount Harriet. Three Falkland civilians killed in British naval bombardment.

1982. Friday 11th – 12th June. The British take Mount Longdon, Two Sisters, Mount Harriet, and Mount Tumbledown.

1982. Friday 11th - 12th June. 45 Commando's Attack on Two Sisters. 45 Commando RM (Lieutenant Colonel A.F. Whitehead) landed at Ajax Bay on the Brigade's right flank. After securing the western side of the beach head, and while ships were being unloaded under Argentine air attack, 45 Commando marched across more than 80 kilometres of rugged terrain in freezing weather and driving rain via Douglas Settlement and Teal Inlet to be in a position on Mount Kent for 3 Commando Brigade's main attack. The Commando's objective was the twin peaks of Two Sisters, the centre of the Brigade's three objectives. Bold reconnaissance between 4th and 9th June had pinpointed enemy positions and fighting patrols, while artillery harassing fire had caused some early casualties to the enemy. A silent approach and a two pronged attack during the night of 11th / 12th June against well equipped and dug-in opposition up the jagged, craggy rock formations culminated in fierce hand-to-hand fighting for the final enemy company positions. About 50 prisoners were captured and 20 enemy either killed or wounded; the remainder had retreated to the east. Thirty-six hours later the Commando advanced swiftly to Sapper Hill, again on foot, and thence into Port Stanley.

The Royal Marines and members of the Parachute Regiment yomped (and tabbed) with their equipment across the island heading for the capital Stanley, covering 56 miles (90 km) in three days while carrying 80 pound (36 kg) loads on their back. During the worse time of the year weather wise. Until then not many civilians had heard the word Yomp, however it's now part of many people's vocabulary.

"45 Commando RM, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Andrew F. Whitehead RM, had their Easter leave cancelled and hastily deployed to the Falklands, travelling in a mix of Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships. Having made a tactical landing at Red Beach, Ajax Bay on 21 May 1982, the men of 45 Cdo RM yomped across East Falkland, via Port San Carlos, New House, Douglas Settlement, Teal Inlet and Mount Kent to take part in the Battle for Port Stanley. They conducted a night attack on the Two Sisters feature over the 11th / 12th June 1982, during which the Commando lost 8 men killed and 17 wounded. The Argentinians surrendered on Monday 14th June 1982. Lieutenant Colonel Whitehead was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The Unit Order of Battle (ORBAT) at the time of the Falklands War was three fighting companies, named X, Y and Z or X-Ray, Yankee and Zulu. Each company, led by a Company Commander, consisted of approx 100 ranks, divided into three 'troops' each led by a Troop Commander. In addition, Support Company (Spt Coy) consisting of Anti-Tank, Mortars, Assault Engineers and Recce Troop. Headquarters Company (HQ Coy) consisting of the Signals Troop, Drivers and Admin/Base Staff were additional support. The Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) of the unit was the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Pat Chapman RM."

1982. Sunday 13th - 14th June. Attacks made on Mount Tumbledown and Wireless Ridge, capturing Argentine positions on mountains overlooking Port Stanley.

1982. Monday 14th June. The large Argentine garrison in Port Stanley is defeated and surrenders, effectively ending the conflict. The Argentine commander Mario Menendez, agrees to "a non-negotiated cease fire with no other condition than the deletion of the word unconditional" from the surrender document which he signs. 9800 Argentine troops lay down their weapons.

1982. Monday 14th June. The Recapture of the Falklands. The Corps was involved in virtually every significant aspect of the South Atlantic campaign, starting on Friday 2nd April when a Naval party 8901 opposed the Argentine assault on the Islands. A company group from 42 Commando RM recaptured South Georgia on 25th April. From 1st May, SB Squadron carried out intelligence-gathering patrols which were critical to the success of the main amphibious landing in San Carlos Water on 21st May. The main landing was planned and executed by 3 Commando Brigade RM (Brigadier J H A Thompson OBE) which had been reinforced by two parachute battalions and other Army subunits. RM detachments served in many ships of the Task Force and manned all landing craft. On 30th May, Major General J.J. Moore OBE MC arrived in San Carlos with his headquarters, based upon HQ Commando Forces RM, and assumed command of all land forces which by then included 5 Infantry Brigade, 3 Commando Brigade RM, however, bore the brunt of the fighting throughout the campaign, commanding most of the battles which led to the surrender of the Argentine forces on 14th June. The professionalism and resilience of the Marines who took part were major factors in the success of this unique amphibious operation conducted at a range of nearly 8000 miles from the UK mounting base. A total of 3520 Royal Marines, approximately 50 percent of the Corps, took part in the campaign. Sadly, there were 27 Marines killed during the conflict that included 2 Officers, 14 NCOs, 11 Marines, and 67 were wounded. The following honours and awards were subsequently conferred upon Royal Marines: 1KCB, 1 CB, 2 DSOs, 6 OBEs, 3 MBEs, 2 DSCs, 5 MCs, 2 DFCs, 10 MMs, 1 DCM, 3 DSMs, 1 DFM and 1 QGM.

The Argentinian force originally occupying Mount Challenger, commanded by Major Ricardo Cordón, consisted of the 4th Infantry Regiment, with the bulk of the defenders drawn from C Company with the 1st Platoon (Sub-Lieutenant Miguel Mosquera) and 2nd Platoon (Sub-Lieutenant Jorge Pérez Grandi) on the northern peak of Two Sisters and the 3rd Platoon (Sub-Lieutenant Marcelo Llambias Pravaz) on the southern peak and the 1st Platoon A Company (Sub-Lieutenant Juan Nazer) and Support Platoon (Second Lieutenant Luis Carlos Martella) on the saddle between the two. Major Óscar Jaimet's B Company of the 6th Regiment (RI 6), acting as the local reserve, occupied the saddle between Two Sisters and Mount Longdon.

During the Battle of the Falkland the Royal Marines lost 27 members (2 Officers, 14 NCOs and 11 Marines).

1982. Tuesday 8th June.

LCU F4 Assault Ship Fearless, sunk by Argentine bombing in Choiseul Sound, lost was:

GRIFFIN Robert D. Marine, RM, P035633L.

JOHNSTON Brian J. Colour Sergeant RM P023116X was awarded a posthumous QGM.

ROTHERHAM Ronald J. Sergeant RM P027686Q.

RUNDLE Anthony J. Marine RM P029758D.

1982. Friday, 11th June 1982.

42 Commando Royal Marines at the Battle for Mount Harriet, in action with the Argentine Army, lost was:

SMITH Jeremy, Corporal RM P036299.J.

WATTS Laurence G. Corporal P032593N.

45 Commando Royal Marines at the Battle for Two Sisters, in action with the Argentine Army.

Three men, including Sgt Leeming on a reconnaissance patrol, were killed by friendly fire just before the main assault on Two Sisters, another Royal Marine was killed by mortar fire early in the attack, believed to be:

FITTON Peter R, Corporal RM P033189P.

LEEMING Robert A. Sergeant RM P025875E).

PHILLIPS Keith Marine P039185R.

UREN Andrew B. Corporal RM P035194P.

1982. Saturday 12th June. 3 Royal Marines from 45 Commando were killed by artillery or mortar fire, believed to be:

MACPHERSON Gordon C. Marine P041923R.

NOWA, Michael J. Marine P03609F.

SPENCER Ian F. Corporal RM P032324V.

2 Names missing, one of them was possibly in a hospital on the 10th June?

1982. Thursday 17th June. The Argentine President Leopoldo Galtieri resigns as leader of the country's military junta.

1982. Sunday 20th June. The British re-occupy the South Sandwich Islands. Britain formally declares an end to hostilities, and the two hundred mile exclusion zone established around the islands during the war is replaced by a Falkland Islands Protection Zone (FIPZ) of 150 miles.

From start to finish, this undeclared Falkland Islands war lasted 72 days, claimed nearly 1000 casualties (236 British and 655 Argentine), many of them conscripts that were drafted by the Argentine junta. The war had a cost of at least 2 billion dollars. From a political point of view, the war helped the re-election of Margaret Thatcher (who was losing popularity before the conflict started) and accelerated the demise of the Argentine dictatorship. Argentine President Leopoldo Galtieri who led the war effort, was quick to resign afterwards, paving the road to the restoration of democracy in Argentina.

1982. Sunday 11th July. Royal Marines Cpl James Gardner died just after the Falkland hostilities ended.

1982. Tuesday 13th July. The Argentine government agrees to end hostilities with Great Britain.

1982. Friday 8th October. Supplement to the London Gazette:

St. James's Palace, London S.W.I 1982. Friday 11th October.

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the Queen's Gallantry Medal to the undermentioned in recognition of gallantry during the operations in the South Atlantic.

Queen's Gallantry Medal.

Acting Colour Sergeant Brian JOHNSTON, Royal Marines, PO23116X.

Medals:

a) Queen´s Gallantry Medal (A C Sergt. Brian Johnston, R.M. PO23116X.)

b) General Service 1962-2007, two clasps, South Arabia, Northern Ireland (RM-23116 B.R. Johnston. Mne. R.M.)

c) South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (ACSGT B R Johnston PO23116X RM)

d) Naval Long Service & G.C., E.II.R. (Sgt. B R Johnston PO23116X RM)

Colour Sergeant Johnston, coxswain of LCU F4, was working in the vicinity of HMS Antelope when her unexploded bomb detonated, starting an immediate fire which caused her crew, already at emergency stations, to be ordered to abandon ship. Without hesitation Colour Sergeant Johnston laid his craft alongside the HMS Antelope and began to fight the fire and take off survivors. At approximately 2200Z he was ordered to stay clear of the ship because of the severity of the fire and the presence of a second unexploded bomb.

1982. Friday 8th October. Acting Sergeant William Christopher O'Brien was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. This was the only occasion that a Royal Marine has ever been awarded the DFM.

1982. Friday 8th October. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointments of the undermentioned as Companions of the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations in the South Atlantic.

The Distinguished Service Order:

Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Francis VAUX Royal Marines. Lieutenant Colonel Vaux commanded 42 Commando Royal Marines. His first major task after the amphibious landing was to move his Commando forward by helicopter at night to the Mount Kent feature which had been secured by the SAS. Once established he swiftly moved men on to Mount Challenger, a key position overlooking Mount Harriet. For the subsequent eleven days 42 Commando under Lieutenant Colonel Vaux's leadership patrolled vigorously to gain information. During this period the Commando endured appalling weather conditions and harassing fire from enemy 155mm, 105mm guns and 120mm mortars. Their morale was never in doubt thanks to the splendid leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Vaux. The subsequent Commando attack on Mount Harriet was planned in great detail and executed with considerable skill to take the enemy in the rear. This attack from an unexpected direction most certainly led to the fall of the strongly held position in very rugged terrain with fewer casualties to 42 Commando than had been expected. The excellent plan, executed with verve and dash by 42 Commando, was the work of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Vau.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Francis WHITEHEAD Royal Marines. Lieutenant Colonel Whitehead commanded 45 Commando Royal Marines. From the start of Operation SUTTON, he showed himself to be a fine Commanding Officer. His meticulous planning and high standard of leadership was demonstrated on the long approach march from Port San Carlos to the Mount Kent positions overlooking Port Stanley. His Commando marched every foot of the way. Despite the extremely unpleasant weather conditions both on the approach march and during the time spent in defensive positions on Mount Kent his Commando's morale and fitness to fight was of the highest order. Their aggressive and effective patrolling contributed to a marked degree to the success of the ensuing Brigades night attack. During the night battle for the Two Sisters feature, which was his Commando's objective, his cool conduct of the battle resulted in the complete success of his part in the operation. Although while in the Forming Up Point his Commando was caught by enemy defensive fire tasks from 105 and I55mm guns, he calmly gave the correct orders to get the attack underway. Undeterred by heavy machine gun fire which caught two of his companies during the final assault up the steep slopes of the mountain, he fought his Commando through and on to their objective. His calm voice on the radio was a tonic to all who heard it. During the following 48 hours after securing their objective the Commando was subjected to harassing fire from 105 and 155mm guns. Their steadiness under the fire is a tribute to the leadership and calmness of their Commanding Officer.

Lieutenant Richard HUTCHINGS Royal Marines. Lieutenant Hutchings 846 Naval Air Squadron made an important contribution to the planning and conduct of operations by the use of his skills as a Combat Survival Instructor. He completed eight operational missions with dogged determination and courage, demonstrating great resilience under trying circumstances. The personal courage over a prolonged period shown by Lieutenant Hutchings was of the highest order.

Military Cross:

Major Charles Peter CAMERON Royal Marines. Major Cameron was the Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron. From the first day of operations his Squadron of Gazelle and Scout helicopters rendered outstanding service in support of the Brigade, often flying in appalling weather conditions by day and night, having to evade Argentine fighters and anti-aircraft fire. During these operations three helicopters were shot down with the loss of four lives. Nonetheless, the Squadron continued to provide extremely valuable support to the ground forces, ferrying urgently needed ammunition and evacuating wounded during the battle for Darwin and Goose Green amongst other actions. Throughout this most demanding period, Major Cameron led his Squadron with humour and compassion both on the ground and in the air. His fine example of courage and determination, in the face of severe losses, was an inspiration to all and his leadership ensured that no call for help went unanswered.

Captain Peter Murray BABBINGTON Royal Marines. On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 42 Command Royal Marines began a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the Mount Harriet feature, five kilometres to the west of Port Stanley. Initially, in getting onto and amongst the rocky crags of Mount Harriet, undetected by the enemy, they achieved brilliant surprise. The enemy, caught off balance, reacted fiercely. Captain Babbington was commanding the leading Company as the fighting erupted. In the midst of a ferocious fire fight, Captain Babbington calmly directed his men and used his tactical and support weapons to maximum devastating effect. His personal courage and cool professionalism were an inspiring example and a crucial factor in defeating the enemy' Lieutenant Clive Idris DYTOR Royal Marines. On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines, launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters, ten kilometres to the West of Port Stanley. Initially, in getting onto Two Sisters undetected, they achieved brilliant surprise. When discovered by the enemy a fierce fight ensued. At the height of the fighting Lieutenant Dytor and his Troop came under a hail of enemy fire. In an act of inspiring leadership, he fought his Troop forward and personally led the assault on a strong enemy machine gun position. His was the culminating feat of a highly successful action.

Lieutenant Christopher Fox Royal Marines. During the night 5th/6th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, Lieutenant Fox led a reconnaissance patrol close to enemy positions on the Two Sisters feature ten kilometers to the West of Port Stanley. Lieutenant Fox established a covert post from which he was able to control accurate fire against the enemy even though attacked by greatly superior forces. Although wounded, he finally withdrew his patrol, intact, to his unit lines. The intelligence gained by Lieutenant Fox was vital to the planning of the subsequently successful attack by 45 Commando Royal Marines on the Two Sisters feature.

Lieutenant David James STEWART Royal Marines. Early in the morning of the 9th June Lieutenant Stewart, 45 Commando led a troop strength fighting patrol to the Two Sisters feature in East Falklands with a mission to harass the enemy and cause him casualties. In bright moonlight and across 1000 metres of open ground Lieutenant Stewart led his patrol undetected into the enemy position. Two enemy sentries were killed and for the next 30 minutes a fierce fire fight ensued. The enemy on the high ground and in position of their choosing were engaged with troop weapons and artillery with great skill, vigour and courage. The returning fire came from several different positions including 3 machine gun posts and artillery. During the withdrawal, Lieutenant Stewart himself gave covering fire to assist his men move across the open ground. There is no doubt that the success of this patrol which killed 7 enemy and sustained no casualties was largely due to the meticulous planning, the exhaustive rehearsals and the outstanding leadership and courage shown by Lieutenant Stewart. The effect on the enemy was shattering and possibly saved many lives of men in his company which attacked the position two days later.

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to the undermentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the operations in the South Atlantic:

Distinguished Flying Cross:

Lieutenant Richard James NUNN Royal Marines. On Friday 28th May 1982 the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment was engaged in fierce fighting to take enemy positions in the area of Port Darwin. From dawn, Lieutenant Nunn, a Scout helicopter pilot, had supported the Battalion flying vital ammunition forward to the front line and had evacuated casualties heedless of enemy ground fire. After flying continuously for three and a half hours, it was learnt that the Commanding Officer and others in Battalion Tactical Headquarters forward had been severely wounded. Lieutenant Nunn was tasked to evacuate these casualties collecting the Battalion Second in Command en route. However, five minutes after taking off, suddenly and without prior warning, two Pucara aircraft appeared from the South and attacked the Scout with rockets and cannon fire. By great flying skill Lieutenant Nunn evaded the first attack but on the second his aircraft was hit and destroyed. Lieutenant Nunn was killed instantly and his aircrewman Sergeant Belcher was grieviously wounded. Lieutenant Nunn displayed exceptional courage, flying skill and complete devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. His achievements that day, supporting the Battalion, were exceptional and were instrumental in the eventual victory.

The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to the undermentioned in recognition of gallantry and distinguished service during operations in the South Atlantic.

Distinguished Flying Cross:

Captain Jeffrey Peter NIBLETT Royal Marines. During the attack on Darwin and Goose Green, Captain Niblett led a section of two Scout helicopters, supplying ammunition and evacuating casualties for two days, often in the thick of battle and under enemy fire. During one mission both Scouts were attacked by Argentine Pucara aircraft. The helicopters evaded the first attack, but one was subsequently shot down. However, with quite exceptional flying skill and superb teamwork with his aircrewman, Captain Niblett evaded three further cannon and rocket attacks, safely completing the mission. He then resolutely continued support and casualty evacuation operations until well after dark. His courage, leadership and flying skills were also demonstrated in an incident when he evacuated a seriously wounded Marine from Mount Challenger, flying in dark and misty conditions over most hazardous terrain. Captain Niblett proved himself an outstanding Flight Commander and pilot. The superb support that his flight as a whole gave to the landing force reflects his exemplary and dedicated service.

Distinguished Conduct Medal: Corporal Julian BURDETT Royal Marines PO36660J. On the night of 11th/ 12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters, ten kilometres to the west of Port Stanley. As Section Commander, Corporal Burdett was leading his Section when they came under heavy fire from enemy Mortars. Two of his men were killed instantly and he himself severely wounded. Despite these setbacks, he continued to encourage and steady his section as they moved forward. Ignoring his wounds Corporal Burdett also continued to pass further important reports of enemy positions. Simultaneously he organised the evacuation of his wounded colleagues until he himself was carried from the scene of the fighting. Despite serious losses, Corporal Burdett's selfless and distinguished leadership inspired his men to continue their advance.

Distinguished Service Medal:

Acting Corporal Aircrewman Michael David LOVE Royal Marines P035079S. Corporal Love of 846 Naval Air Squadron, completed seven operational sorties in very hazardous conditions. He played a vital part in the success of these missions and displayed remarkable skill, bravery and resilience during periods of intense activity. Sadly, he was later killed in a flying accident but his great contribution to the success of the Squadron's operations will always remain a source of inspiration.

Distinguished Service Medal:

Colour Sergeant Michael James FRANCIS Royal Marines P021992F. Colour Sergeant Francis coxswain of LCU Fl, was working in the vicinity of HMS ANTELOPE when her unexploded bomb detonated, resulting in an immediate fire which caused her crew, already at emergency stations, to be ordered to abandon ship. Colour Sergeant Francis took his craft in to help with the close range firefighting before being ordered to withdraw because of the considerable danger to his craft. In a later incident on 8th June he put his craft alongside RFA SIR GALAHAD to start offloading troops to Fitzroy. Whilst alongside there was a sudden and completely unexpected bombing raid on the vessel and her sister ship RFA SIR TRISTRAM by four enemy aircraft. RFA SIR GALAHAD was hit centrally, immediately bursting into flames and billowing black smoke. One bomb fell within 10 feet of LCU Fl. Despite the possibility of a second raid (which developed later), Colour Sergeant Francis stayed alongside and took off a craft load of about 100 survivors, including many very badly wounded. After landing this load Colour Sergeant Francis returned to the area of RFA SIR GALAHAD, by now an inferno, took off the few remaining survivors, helped RFA SIR GALAHAD's life rafts into the shore, and then checked the rest of the area and other life rafts for further survivors. These are two separate actions of calm and selfless bravery, one in the presence of the enemy.

Sergeant William John LESLIE Royal Marines P023234T. During the period 21st-26th May 1982 HMS BROADSWORD was subjected to numerous air attacks. During these attacks two aircraft were shot down by Sea Wolf missiles and two by Bofors gun and small arms fire. Sergeant Leslie trained and oversaw a General Purpose Machine Gun Rifle Battery manned by a mixed group of seamen and marines on the signal deck. His professional expertise with weapons and his steadiness under fire quickly won the confidence of these men, despite their exposed position, and ensured the effectiveness of their fire, leading to the destruction of two enemy aircraft. Although narrowly missed by a 30 mm cannon shell in an early attack, Sergeant Leslie was unperturbed and continued coolly to guide and encourage his men during successive waves of air attacks on and off duty throughout the whole period.

Military Medals:

Sergeant Thomas COLLINGS Royal Marines P029088B. During the Falkland Islands Conflict Sergeant Ceilings, 3 Commando Brigade, participated in several particularly hazardous actions. During these he displayed great personal courage, and, despite the close proximity of Argentine forces, he often provided accurate appraisals of the hostile units which were of great assistance to his Commanding Officer. He also demonstrated physical endurance of the highest order which was a great inspiration to the men of his unit. His professional ability and bravery reflected the finest traditions of the Corps.

Sergeant Michael COLLINS Royal Marines P027813G. On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 42 Commando, Royal Marines planned for a night attack on Mount Harriet. Crucial to success was the need to reconnoitre a route through unmarked minefields. In the days proceeding the attack Sergeant Collins volunteered to lead a patrol to probe and find a route through. During their reconnaissance a mine exploded causing a member of the patrol to lose a leg: he had to be carried back to safety. Undetterred, Sergeant Collins again volunteered to lead a further reconnaissance patrol. Despite detection and coming under heavy enemy fire, by his outstanding leadership and determination the patrol made a vitally important contribution to the overall success of the operation.

Sergeant Joseph Desmond WASSELL Royal Marines. Sergeant Wassell commanded a four man team in the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre. His quiet and steadfast leadership and professionalism led him to be selected for several particularly hazardous missions culminating in an operation in conjunction with Lieutenant Haddow's team on Goat Ridge while it was still in the hands of the enemy. He led his team on a detailed night reconnaissance patrol and then lay up for 24 hours, at times within a few feet of the enemy. He produced a detailed map listing the size and location of the enemy position which was later used to very good effect. Whilst in this area Sergeant Wassell also directed and controlled artillery fire to within 20 metres of his own men, causing considerable damage to the enemy. Two nights later he returned to Goat Ridge and led the 1st Battalion 7th Gurkha Rifles in their move forward to assault Mount William. Sergeant Wassell set an example of courage in the face of the enemy and the elements that was an inspiration to all.

Corporal Michael ECCLES Royal Marines P028263C. On 12th June 'K' Coy was the leading company for a unit night attack against a strongly held Argentine position on Mount Harriet. After surprising the enemy fierce fighting followed at close quarters amongst the rocks in which decisive and inspiring leadership at section level proved critical. Corporal Eccles set an outstanding example in this respect by leading from the front to encourage his section to exploit shock action and successfully overrun the position. This was only achieved, in fact, by a series of assaults against machine gun positions and groups of snipers. Several ranks were wounded, including another section commander, while the troop became even more depleted as increasing numbers of the enemy surrendered and had to be guarded. Corporal Eccles pressed on relentlessly, however, to inflict sufficient casualties for the remainder to abandon further resistance.

Corpora] David HUNT Royal Marines, P035637B. Corporal Hunt was a Section Commander in a Rifle Company of 42 Commando throughout the campaign. His qualities of leadership, determination, professionalism and good humour were outstanding, often in the most arduous and dangerous circumstances. During the attack on Two Sisters, he was the first to spot enemy positions and to give accurate reports which resulted in artillery fire being brought to bear. It was while leading his section that he became wounded and lost the use of his arm. Ignoring his wounds, he continued to lead his men forward until they were successful in their mission.

Corporal Stephen Charles NEWLAND Royal Marines, P030503S. On the night of 11th/ 12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 42 Commando Royal Marines began a silent night attack against strongly defended enemy positions on the Mount Harriet feature, five kilometres to the west of Port Stanley. Initially, in getting onto and amongst the rocky crags of Mount Harriet, they achieved brilliant surprise. Thereafter, a fierce attack erupted, and Corporal Newland's Section were pinned down by enemy machine gun fire from a cliff above. Ignoring the obvious dangers, Corporal Newland scaled the cliff and, single-handed, attacked the enemy with bullet and grenade. Although wounded in both legs he continued to engage the enemy and direct his Section onto their position.

Corporal Harry SIDDALL Royal Marines P027128B. On the morning of 12th June 1982, 45 Commando Group had secured their objective of the Two Sisters hill. It was thought that a possible enemy mortar position was situated at the base of a forward slope in the van of enemy positions on Tumbledown Mount. Corporal Siddall, 'Y Coy' and Bombardier Holt went forward to attempt to identify the base plate positions. Because of difficult terrain and lack of routes Corporal Siddall left his section to his rear in a firm base. From his forward position he heard enemy approaching. When the four man patrol closed he opened fire, killing one man, and capturing the remaining three, one of whom was wounded. Corporal Siddall's sustained qualities of leadership and determination showed a complete indifference to adverse conditions and his personal safety.

Corporal Chrystie Nigel Hanslip WARD Royal Marines P031958E. On 12th June 1982 'K' Coy, 42 Commando, was the leading company for a unit night attack against a strongly held Argentine position on Mount Harriet. Fierce fighting followed at close quarters amongst the rocks in which decisive and inspiring leadership was vital. Corporal Ward set an outstanding example in this respect by leading from the front to encourage his section to exploit shock action and successfully overrun the position. This was only achieved by a series of assaults on machine gun positions and groups of snipers. Several ranks were wounded including another section commander, and the need to guard the increasing numbers of the enemy surrendering depleted the troop still further. Corporal Ward pressed on relentlessly however, to inflict sufficient casualties for the remainder to abandon further resistance.

Acting Corporal Andrew Ronald BISHOP Royal Marines P037457N. On the night of 11th/12th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, 45 Commando Royal Marines, launched a silent night attack against strongly held enemy positions on the craggy hill feature of Two Sisters. Initially, until eventually detected by the enemy, they achieved brilliant surprise. In the fierce fighting that erupted Acting Corporal Bishop's Section Commander was killed by intense fire from an enemy machine gun post. Showing a complete disregard for his own safety, Acting Corporal Bishop rallied his Section and led them forward to assault and take the enemy's position. His clear assessment and determination under fire inspired his colleagues and made a vital contribution to the overall success of the attack.

Marine Gary William MARSHALL Royal Marines P041435J. During the night 8th/9th June 1982, on the Island of East Falkland, Marine Marshall was on patrol in the area of the Two Sisters feature, ten kilometres to the west of Port Stanley. Disregarding his personal safety, Marine Marshall dashed across open moonlit ground through enemy fire to secure a vital position. That done, using his machine gun, he engaged and destroyed the two enemy machine gun posts that had dominated the area. His action was inspiring and enabled his Troop to safely withdraw to secure positions.

Distinguished Flying Medal:

Sergeant William Christopher O'BRIEN Royal Marines PO30684R. During the attack on Darwin and Goose Green Sergeant O'Brien piloted a Gazelle helicopter of M Flight, 3rd Commando Brigade Air Squadron. For two days his helicopter conducted supply and casualty evacuation operations, often under enemy fire. With his Flight Commander he also took part in 17 night flying sorties to evacuate wounded personnel and resupply vital ammunition. At times these sorties necessitated flying forward to company lines in the heat of battle and in appalling weather. The conspicuous gallantry and cool professionalism displayed on all these occasions was superb and Sergeant O'Brien made an outstanding contribution. His expertise and competence as a pilot has been widely admired and recognised.

1982. Monday 11th October. From the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood at St. James's Palace London S.W.I. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the Queen's Gallantry Medal to the undermentioned in recognition of gallantry during the operations in the South Atlantic.

Queen's Gallantry Medal Acting:

Colour Sergeant Brian JOHNSTON Royal Marines PO23116X. Colour Sergeant Johnston, coxswain of LCU F4, was working in the vicinity of HMS ANTELOPE when her unexploded bomb detonated, starting an immediate fire which caused her crew, already at emergency stations, to be ordered to abandon ship. Without hesitation Colour Sergeant Johnston laid his craft alongside the ANTELOPE and began to fight the fire and take off survivors. At approximately 2200Z he was ordered to stay clear of the ship because of the severity of the fire and the presence of a second unexploded bomb. Colour Sergeant Johnston remained alongside until his load was complete. In all LCU F4 rescued over 100 survivors from the ANTELOPE. On 8th June, LCU F4 was attacked by enemy aircraft in Choiseul Sound. During this action Colour Sergeant Johnston and five of his crew were killed. Colour Sergeant Johnston's selfless bravery in the face of extreme danger was in the highest traditions of the Corps.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Queen's Gallantry Medal in recognition of gallantry during the operations in the South Atlantic:

Mention in Dispatches:

Major Peter Ralph LAMB Royal Marines.

Major Michael John NORMAN Royal Marines.

Major David Anthony PENNEFATHER Royal Marines.

Major Rupert Cornelius VAN DER HORST, Royal Marines.

Captain Eugene Joseph O'KANE Royal Marines.

Captain Andrew Robert PILLAR Royal Marines.

Captain Nicholas Ernest POUNDS Royal Marines.

Lieutenant Andrew John EBBENS Royal Marines.

Lieutenant Fraser HADDOW Royal Marines.

Lieutenant Roland Frederick PLAYFORD, Royal Marines.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Robert John BROWN Royal Marines P021729L.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Adrian Spencer ROBINSON Royal Marines P019573Y.

Colour Sergeant Barrie DAVIES Royal Marines P020357M.

Colour Sergeant Everett YOUNG Royal Marines P023189T.

Sergeant Peter BEEVERS Royal Marines P026130T.

Sergeant Edward Lindsay BUCKLEY Royal Marines P025425T.

Sergeant Brian Gordon BURGESS Royal Marines P037926M.

Sergeant Edgar Robert CANDLISH Royal Marines P031726H.

Sergeant Robert Terence COOPER Royal Marines, P027420D.

Sergeant Graham DANCE Royal Marines P041201U.

Sergeant Colin Charles DE LA COUR Q.G.M. Royal Marines P024604K.

Sergeant Brian DOLIVERA Royal Marines P028117H.

Sergeant Andrew Peter EVANS Royal Marines P025446U (Posthumous).

Sergeant Ian David FISK Royal Marine, P028197B.

Sergeant William David Paul LEWIS Royal Marines P028215X.

Sergeant Mitchell MC!NTYRE Royal Marines P022409Q.

Sergeant Henry Frederick NAPIER Royal Marines P025932E.

Sergeant Thomas Arthur SANDS Royal Marines P027627C.

Sergeant William John STOCKS Royal Marines P024265U.

Sergeant Christopher Ralph STONE Royal Marines P026323M.

Sergeant Robert David WRIGHT Royal Marines P027999Q.

Corporal Christopher John Graham BROWN Royal Marines P033816X.

Corporal Gordon COOKE Royal Marines P024499L.

Corporal Thomas William McMAHON Royal Marines P030590A.

Lance Corporal Peter William BOORN Royal Marines P037261V.

Lance Corporal Barry GILBERT Royal Marines P040829B.

Marine Robert BAINBRIDGE Royal Marines P027011B.

Marine Nicholas John BARNETT Royal Marines P038293A.

Marine David Stanley COMBES Royal Marines P037746K.

Marine Garry CUTHELL Royal Marines P036511U.

Marine Leslie DANIELS Royal Marines P038702U.

Marine Stephen DUGGAN Royal Marines P029137R.

Marine Leonard John GOLDSMITH Royal Marines P041637T.

Marine Graham HODKINSON Royal Marines P028769S.

Marine Mark Andrew NEAT Royal Marines P040450H.

Marine Geoffrey NORDASS Royal Marines P038320X.

Marine David Lloyd O'CONNOR Royal Marines P037962R.

Marine Christopher James SCRIVENER Royal Marines P039444L.

Marine John STONESTREET Royal Marines P03SS76L.

Marine Ricky Shaun STRANGE Royal Marines P032274P.

Marine Perry THOMASON Royal Marines P038632D.

Marine Paul Kevin WILSON Royal Marines P040423E.

Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct:

Marine Paul Anthony CRUDEN Royal Marines P040123Y.

1982. The Falklands Conflict. The SBS saw action in the South Atlantic in 1982 when Britain retook the Falklands from the Argentineans. They carried out reconnaissance weeks ahead of the arrival of the main task force, laying up in hides cut into the barren landscape. The SAS were also carrying out similar missions on the islands and there was an unfortunate 'blue on blue' or 'friendly fire' incident when an SBS patrol was mistakenly ambushed by the SAS.

The SBS, along with the SAS and Royal Marines were responsible for retaking South Georgia, which although militarily insignificant, was a great morale boost for both the approaching task force and the British public.

The night before the planned landing of British forces at San Carlos, the SBS cleared Fanning Head, a hill that overlooked San Carlos Bay. The Argentinian defenders were shelled up by Naval Gunfire whilst the SBS assault force were flown in. After calls for the Argentinians to surrender were answered with gunfire, the SBS attacked, killing 12 and taken more prisoners. This was a small but vital operation. The Argentinians on Fanning Head were manning heavy weapons that could have been brought to bear on the landing force.

Another notable incident occurred when a force of SBS assaulted an Argentinean spy trawler that had been shadowing the British fleet. The ship had been damaged by bombs and cannon fire from an earlier attack by Navy Sea Harriers and was listing badly when the assault force arrived in 2 Seaking helicopters. Using techniques developed for maritime counter terrorism, the SBS assault team fast-roped onto the deck and quickly secured the ship without any shots fired. Along with the shaken crew, vital intelligence documents were also retrieved and flown back to the fleet. This was the first air-to-ship storming of a hostile vessel in military history.

Towards the end of the conflict, with British forces closing on the capital, Port Stanley, a joint SBS/SAS mission was launched against Stanley harbor. The plan was to put in a diversionary attack from the sea, to draw Argentinean forces and attention away from the main defensive line. The assault force approached the harbor on rigid raiders, attempting to slip in behind a hospital ship, but were spotted by troops on board the vessel who shone a spotlight onto the teams. Coming under heavy fire from the hospital ship, the SBS/SAS teams were forced to withdraw, managing to escape without serious injury.

1982. After the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands, the SBS was deployed to South Georgia. The only losses to the SBS during the Falklands War occurred when the SBS and SAS were operating behind the lines and two members of the SBS were shot by an SAS patrol, who had mistaken them for Argentinians.

1982. October. 280Je. Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone.

1982. Monday 1st November. At the Deal Barracks. A General List officer (Lieutenant Colonel D Watson RM) was appointed Commandant of the Royal Marines School of Music, thus allowing the new Principal Director of Music Royal Marines (Lieutenant Colonel G A C Hoskins OBE MVO RM; appointed on the same day) to concentrate on the musical aspects of his duties. (RMHS)

1982. 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron moved to RNAS Yeovilton.

1983. Monday 24th January. Amendment to BR2118 Royal Marines Drill: "The practice of Directors of Music marching in front of their bands, when there is insufficient room for them to march on the right flank, Director of Music. The Director of Music will be 2 paces clear of the right flank of the band and in line with the leading ranks of Musicians. When there is insufficient room for the Director of Music to march on the flank he is to take up a position at the rear of the Band. If the Bandmaster is not on Parade, he should take the normal position of the bandmaster. If the bandmaster is on parade he should take up a position 2 paces to the rear of the bandmaster."

1983. Thursday 31st March. The Royal Marine Band of Flag Officers Naval Air Command was disbanded.

1983. Saturday 28th May. Marine Andrew Thomas Gibbons aged 20 of 40 Cdo, was accidentally shot whilst on a foot patrol, Camlough Lake, Armagh Northern Island.

1983. Thursday 11th August. 175 Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone. N.P. Edgeley was awarded the Kings Badge.

1983. Friday 16th September. 284 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1983. Friday 21st October. 285 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1983. Friday 4th November. 177Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1983. Friday 2nd December. 286 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1983. 40 Commando deployed to Cyprus for a United Nations tour of duty.

1983. Royal Marine Band of Flag Officer Naval Air Command was disbanded.

1983. 40 Commando was moved to Taunton.

1983. Major C.J. Nunn RM was the first Royal Marines officer to command an Army Air Corps squadron in Detmold, Germany, and Northern Island from May 1983 to December 1985.

1984. February. The Massed Band Concert at the Royal Albert Hall renamed 'The Mountbatten Festival of Music'.

1984. 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines (539 ASRM). Raised in 1984, as a result of lessons learned during the Falklands Conflict in 1982, 539 Assault Squadron is tasked with providing the capability of integral amphibious movement to the units of 3 Commando Brigade. The Squadron acquired its name from 539 Assault Flotilla which took part in the Invasion of Normandy on 6th June 1944.

The Squadron was formed for the duration of the Falklands campaign where it was employed in the covert landings of Special Forces, supporting advance force operations and assisting in the landing of main formations.

539 is a specialist amphibious unit manned by some 100 highly trained coxswains and crews responsible for the operation of Hovercraft, Rigid Raiders and Inflatable Raiding Craft as well as Vehicle and Personnel Landing Craft. The Squadron is based at Turn chapel just outside Plymouth.

1984. Sunday 1st April. The 539 Assault Squadron was formed as organic unit in 3 Cdo Bde on Sunday 1st April 1984 at the Royal William Yard in Plymouth. Commissioned operational on 24th July 1984.The Squadron had an Amphibious Beach Unit (ABU) with a Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle (BARV) and the ability to lay beach trackway with a specially adapted vehicle.

1988-89 Trials with Slingsby hovercraft.

1989 Squadron reviewed in their craft, when the salute was taken by Maj Gen N. F. Vaux CB, DSO at Plymouth and he presented them with a new ceremonial pennant.

1989-1990 After pre-winter training in Snowdonia mountains and craft training at ATTURM, deployed in Norway in January (later than usual) when the Squadron carried out various training exercises including trials with a new RRC replacement.

1990 LCs off Libya for evacuation if required.

Hovercraft trials.

1991 Caribbean training.

1991 Exercise 'Final Nail' landed YO's and their 'enemy' from the Royal Scots on the beaches of Skye (Inner Hebrides) and experienced Force 10 gale which brought the exercise to an abrupt end. It became Force 12 as the LSL Sir Belvedere sailed back to Plymouth with 539 Sqn aboard.

1993 In June moved to a custom built base on the banks of the Plym River on the site of the old Turn Chappel Wharf. This had 1,000m² of hard standing, 150m of jetty, 900m² of concrete slipway and a careening grid. The workshops and offices were housed in nearby buildings including five of stone and built in the early 19th century by French Prisoners of war. These and other services provided all that the Squadron required to be operational.

1994 By March the Squadron had four hovercraft and the first RRC Mk2s.

1995. The advance party for the winter deployment to Norway in 1995 arrived at Harstad soon after Christmas on the Squadron's 10th deployment to Norway, making recces of sites for various courses. The main body arrived, and the new comers completed the Novice Ski and Survival Course, others completed the Winter Warfare Course (Infantry). LCU C2 fouled her kedge on an underwater electric cable, requiring the aid of the Norwegian Coast Guard Service to extract the 'hook' in a sudden storm.

1996 Exercise 'Purple Star' in America and by the winter several craft had major refits.

1997 The Squadron had: LCUs capable of carrying a battle tank or 100 Marines and their equipment; LCVPs which were each able to carry a Land Rover plus a Light Gun (105–mm) or 30 fully equipped Marines; IRC to carry six Marines; RRC to carry 8 Marines; and four LCAC which were hover craft each able to carry 64 Marines

Memorable dates: 6th June Landings in Normandy (in 1944) and 21st May Landings in San Carlos Water in 1982.(RMHS)

1984.Tuesady 12th June. The Massed Bands Beat Retreat on Horse Guards Parade.

1984. Wednesday 27th June. Her Majesty The Queen and his Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT Captain General Royal Marines visited Royal Marines Poole to homour the Corps. The first occasion on which her majesty had visited the Corps within a Royal Marines establishment other than to present Colours.

1984. Detachments of 3 Commando Brigade Air Defence Troop embarked in ships of the Armilla Patrol.

1984. 539 Assault Squadron formed.

1984. All 10 man Frigate detachments were withdrawn.

1980's When the SBS joined the UKSF Group, it was restructured. Instead of one squadron being tasked with a permanent role the unit adopted the same system of squadron rotation as the SAS. Each Squadron rotates through counter terrorism duties and conventional operations and tasking.

1985. Friday 1st March. 190Je. Kngs Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Simon Ashenden was awarded the Kings Badge.

1985. March. 288 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1985. Monday 1st April. The RM Band of Commando Forces ceased to exist, and HM The Queen approved the transfer of the badge of The Prince of Wales Plumes from this band to the RM Band at the Commando Training Centre, RM. This badge had originally been worn by the Bands of Plymouth Division and then Group but, when the latter was split into Bands for Commando Forces and CTC in 1972, it passed to the Commando Forces Band.

1985. Friday 21st June. 192 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1985.Friday 4th October. 194Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Steve Bates was awarded the Kings Badge.

1985. Friday 8th November. 198Je Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1985. 20 Commando Battery RA. This Battery was formed after trials of Rapier missiles for air defence, to support 3 Cdo Bde, and based at Kirton in Lindsey [Suffolk?]. Before 1985 a series of trials with Rapiers in Norway led by 1985 to the formation of a cadre which by 1987 (Lt, WO + 3 x Sgts) trained RA gunners for mountain warfare and to work Rapier FSB1. Capt M. G. Flanagan (previously RSM of 29 Cdo Rgt RA) joined Cadre as Project Officer and the Cadre became C Troop, deployed in WD89 with 3 x FSB1 fire units. These gunner officers and NCOs passed the Cdo course but not entitled to wear Green Berets officially. Bty Cmdr appointed in Sept 1989 some months before official formation of the Bty in April 1990 as 20 Cdo Bty RA and armed with 24 Javelins as interim measure, as the FSB1s did not work satisfactorily in mountains and cold. In the Spring of 1997 training with Rapier FSB2 but maintained full capacity of 24 x Javelins. To have 10 x FSB2 (an area Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) system. 24 hour all weather capability with engagement range of 7.2 km.

The Battery used Air Defence Command Control and Information Systems (ALES) which automated the rapid passage of weapon control instructions from an Army Corps level to individual fire units (note 3 below). By 1998 the systems was to be carried in BV206s. These were expected to have two Autonomous Link Eleven Systems (ALES) which would receive and display tactical information from NATO Link 11 in AWACS aircraft, providing warning of aircraft at ranges of over 750km. ALES would also provide additional information such as IFF (identifying friend from foe), speed, heading and position of aircraft. The Air Defence Troop (RM) came under command of 20 Cdo Bty as did the Dutch Air Defence Trp (RNLMC AD TP). The AD Troop was expected to be fully converted to Rapier FSB2 by March 1998, a system which may be replaced in AD 2013 by another SHORAD System.(RMHS)

1985 \- 1993. Royal Marines Commandos deploy on operational tours in Belize.

1986. Friday 17th January. RM C-in-C Naval Home Command Band on board HMY Britannia assist as beach, stores, stretcher parties and immigration officers during evacuation of British Nationals from Aden. making several trips into various beaches the Yacht evacuated 1068 men, women and children up to the 24th January.

1986. Friday 25th April. 295Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1986.Friday 30th May. 506 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1986. Tuesday 17th June. 42 Commando RM carried out London Public Duties from 17th July (the third occasion that the Corps had received this honour) In addition to Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and the Tower of London, guard mounting was required at Winsor Castle. Two Bands were needed; the Band of the Royal Marines School of Music, directed by Lieutenant Colonel G. A. C. Hoskins and led by Drum Major D Dawson was in London with the Band of C-in-C Fleet, directed by Captain E. P. Whealing and led by Drum Major Archer, at Windsor Castle.

1986. Friday 18th July. 298Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Simon Brooks was awarded the Kings Badge.

1986. Friday 3rd October. 512 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1986. Thursday 18th December. 518 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Simon Precious was awarded the Kings Badge.

1986. The Royal Marine Commando memorial was unveiled at Lympstone.

1987. The Formation Of M Squadron. The SBS's counter terrorism role was expanded with the amalgamation of 2 existing SBS sections into M squadron which took over the MCT role from Commachio Company.

1987. The SBS are taken under control of UKSF. An organisation comprising the SAS, SBS and 14th Intelligence Company. All 3 services come under control of the Directorate of Special Forces (DSF).

1987. After being renamed again the Special Boat Service, was also reformed along SAS lines, with 16 man troops instead of the traditional sections. About 200 - 250 men make up the SBS at any one time, and once qualified, personnel are known as 'Swimmer Canoeists'. They are experts in swimming, diving, parachuting, navigation, demolition and reconnaissance. at that time there were four active squadrons and a reserve unit.

1987. Friday 13th March. 299 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. The Kings Badge was awarded to Marine L.I. Hawkings.

1987. Friday 27th March. 300Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. The Kings Badge was awarded to Marine D. Abbott.

1987. Tuesday 31st March. Royal Marine Band of Flag Officer 3rd Flotilla (FOF3) was disbanded.

1987.Friday 22nd May. 302Je. Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1987. Friday 3rd July. 526 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. The Kings Badge was awarded to Marine A. Gay.

1987.Monday 26th October. Change of title from RM Deal to Royal Marines School of Music.

1987. Tuesday 13th November. 532 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1987. The Special Boat Service came under command of Director Special Forces.

1987. Special Boat Service became part of the United Kingdom Special Forces Group alongside the Special Air Service and 14 Intelligence Company. During the Gulf War, there was no amphibious role assigned to the SBS, an "area of operations line" was drawn down the middle of Iraq, the SAS would operate west of the line and the SBS to the east. As well as searching for mobile scuds, their area contained a mass of fibre-optic cable that provided Iraq with intelligence, the location of the main junction was 32 miles from Baghdad.

1988. February. Massed Bands concert at the Royal Albert Hall extended to three performances for the first time. This concert was video recorded.

1988. Friday 29th April. 540 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1988. 13th May. 541 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Sommeville was awarded the Kings Badge.

1988.Friday 20th May. 542 Troop Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1988. Friday 3rd June. 543 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1988. Friday 1st July. 545 Troop Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1988. Friday 9th September. 548 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.1988. Friday 16th September. 549 Kings Squad passed for duty at lympstone.

1988. Friday 30th September. 550 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Farthing was awarded the Kings Badge.

1988. The 3rd Raiding Squadron was disbanded in Hong Kong.

1989. Friday 9th March. 579 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1989. Friday 12th May. 562 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1989. Friday 22nd September. An IRA (Irish Republican Army) bomb exploded in the recreation room of the North Barracks at the Royal Marine School of Music in Deal depot killing 11 bands men.

Musician Michael Francis Ball aged 24, flautist, from Ramsgate.

Musician John Andrew Cleatheroe aged 25. Alto-Saxaphone, from Wakefield.

Band Corporal Trevor Edward Davis aged 39. Trombone.

Musician Richard George Fice aged 22. Trumpet, from Cardiff, Wales.

Musician Richard Mark Jones aged 27. Band Corporal David McMillan aged 26. Trumpet.

Musician Christopher Robert Nolan aged 21.

Band Corporal Dean Patrick Pavey aged 31. Bassoon, from Eastbourne.

Musician Mark Timothy Petch aged 24.

Musician Timothy John Reeves aged 24 from Oldham.

Musician Robert Leslie Simmonds aged 34. Clarinet, violin, piano.

A further 21 Bandsmen were injured.

1989. Friday 22nd September. John Bailey RM writes in 2018. 'We Will Remember Them, particularly on the 22nd September RIP'.When I first arrived at Deal in 1961 we were sent to the New Intake Block for two weeks prior to moving to Recruit Company Block by the main parade. The New Intake Block area was, where 28 years later at 0822 on 22 September 1989 the IRA detonated a 15lb bomb in the then recreational centre changing room of the Royal Marines School of Music. The blast destroyed the recreational centre, levelled the three-story accommodation building next to it and caused extensive damage to the rest of the base and nearby civilian homes. The blast was heard several kilometers away, shaking windows in the centre of Deal, and created a large pall of smoke over the town.

The following Royal Marines lost their lives.

Musn Mick Ball, B/Cpl John (Andy) Cleatheroe,

B/Cpl Trevor Davis, Musn Richard Fice,

Musn Richard (Taff) Jones, B/Cpl Dave McMillan,

Musn Chris Nolan, B/Cpl Dean Pavey, Musn Mark Petch,

Musn Tim Reeves and Musn Bob Simmonds

The blast also resulted in the injury of 22 other Royal Marine Band Service members.

Just one week later the band service marched through Deal with gaps in their ranks to honour their fallen comrades.

A memorial bandstand was constructed at Walmer Green to the memory of those who "only ever wanted to play music".

The former Royal Marine Chapel which was used as a multi-purpose church, concert hall with its end section clearly seen to the left in the picture showing the bombed buildings, was in 2003 destroyed by fire. Today it is the central feature of the Band Service Memorial Garden.

The Massed Bands of the Royal Marines still annually provide a spectacular event on Horse Guards Parade in London, and are a credit to their former friends and colleagues. (by John Bailey RM)

1989. Friday 29th September. The Band of the Royal Marines School of Music marched through the town of Deal to Honour their fallen Comrades, to thank the towns people for their support and as an act of defiance towards the bombers.

1989. Friday 9th March. 579 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1989. Friday 12th May. 563 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1989. Wednesday 25th October The Freedom of the City of Newcastle was bestowed on the Corps. Commemorating 180 years of close association between the Royal Marines and the City.

1989. Friday 1st December. 573 Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1989. Friday 15th December. 574 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1990. Saturday. 22nd September. The Sunday closest to the 22nd September to be the RMBS Memorial Day, as a result of the 1989 Deal Bombing.

1990. Friday 9th March. 579 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1990. Saturday 5th May. 580 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1990. November. 591 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1990. Thursday 2nd August. Desert Storm. Saddam Hussein's army invades oil-rich Kuwait. In the build up to the West's inevitable military response, Saddam's regime took hostage western civilians as so-called 'human shields' in an attempt to deter any attacks by the US-led coalition. Hasty plans were drawn up to rescue these people. The rescue force would most likely have been made up of special operations troops from the US, the UK and possibly France. The SBS would have played a significant role in any rescue. Fortunately, the plans were never put into play as Saddam relented and released all the westerners. It is likely that such an operation would have been a disaster. There was poor intelligence on the locations of the hostages and the disposition of any guarding forces. Saddam had dispersed them around the country and it's unlikely that all or even most of them could have been found and rescued.

With the human shield crisis averted, the SBS was tasked with severing the Iraqi's command and control communications lines, which they did with typical aplomb.

Other tasks included scouting potential amphibious landing sites on the Kuwaiti coastline, exploding demolition charges on the beaches to fool the Iraqis that an amphibious landing was imminent and, as the war came to a close, securing the British Embassy in Kuwait City.

1990. Monday 29th October. RM Band of C-in-C Fleet, deployed on board the recently converted casualty handling Unit, RFA Argus, sail from Plymouth for military service in the Gulf. Casualty handling plus Nuclear, Biological and Chemical decontamination and protection are the main operational areas for this force which, apart from the possibility of Special Forces activity, was the only Royal Marines commitment in the first Iraq War. To 19th March 1991. 1990. Royal Marines were embarked on HM Ships during the Gulf War.

1991. Tuesday 22nd January. 36 SBS operators were inserted by 2 chinook helicopters from No. 7 Squadron RAF, into an area full of Iraqi ground and air forces as well as spies and nomads, they avoided them and destroyed a 40-yard section of a fibre-optic cable with explosives-destroying what was left of the Iraqi communication grid. The SBS carried out one of its most high-profile operations when it liberated the British Embassy in Kuwait, abseiling from helicopters hovering above the embassy. They were also responsible for carrying out diversionary raids along the Kuwaiti coast which in effect diverted a number of Iraqi troops to the SBS area of operations and away from the main thrust of the coalition build up.

1991. January. 549 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1991. February. The Special Boat Service carried out one of its most high-profile operations when it liberated the British Embassy in Kuwait, abseiling from helicopters hovering above the embassy.

1991. Wednesday 17th April. Operation Safe Haven. Around 6' 000 troops took part in "Operation Safe Haven", with the task of safe guarding the people of Northern Iraq from possible persecution and providing humanitarian aid. The troops involved were primarily British but would also include 1000 troops from the Netherlands. It also involved substantial numbers from the RAF and the British Army, but the bulk of the force was provided by 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines (3 Cdo RM), minus 42 Cdo RM (one of the three Commando formations which make up the brigade). An arrangement with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNMC) meant that 400 Dutch Marines were also included in the brigade for the purpose of this deployment (1st battalion RNMC is attached to 3 Cdo brigade for NATO assigned tasks). The British Marines were ideally specialised for this task, being assigned to protect NATO's northern flank (i.e. Norway) and therefore being highly trained mountain troops. The Mountain and Artic Warfare Cadre (M & AW Cadre) is also part of 3 Cdo, the members of which are all Marines who have volunteered for and successfully passed an extremely strenuous course in mountain and arctic operations.

(www.everything2.com/title/Operation+Safe+Haven).

1991. Saturday 1st June. The Royal Marines Band Service ceased to wear the Green Beret.

1991. June. 604 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1991. Friday 12th July. 606 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Simon Hamleton was awarded the Kings Badge.

1991. Wednesday 24th July. For many the Departure of the Royal Marines from Portsmouth' ceremony on 24th July 1991, held in the Guildhall Square, was disappointing as the men - a specially imported King's Squad from CTCRM - marched only from HMS Nelson (the Royal Naval Barracks) and not Eastney (the Royal Marines Barracks).

In fact a ceremonial march out' of RMB Eastney was executed on Sunday 6th May 1973 prior to the 'contraction' and fully reported in the Portsmouth "News" the following day. On that occasion about 400 marines paraded to march out of the barracks and around the surrounding streets 'with Colours unfurled and bayonets fixed'. The salute was taken by the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, our Life Colonel Commandant, who was accompanied by the Commandant General, Lieutenant General Sir Ian Gourley and the Commanding Officer, Colonel A G H Juices, It was a wet dull day similar to that of the 24th July 1991, yet on both

parades the gloom was dispelled by the smartness and bearing of the Marines.

Presumably HMS Nelson was chosen as an assembly point because of convenience and not from any historical significance, for this site has never been a Corps stronghold, although many have been quartered there and now the band of C-in-C Naval Home Command have their home there. Prior to the naval tenancy a previous barracks had been built partly on this ground (Anglesea) in 1847 and belonged to the Army. if the Corps had wanted a symbolic departure point they should have marched instead from the old HMS Vernon, which now, under the auspices of HMS Nelson has reverted to its original name - Gunwharf.

There have been Marines in Portsmouth almost since their formation in various billets - mostly inns! - but since our principal connection there is with the Royal Marine Artillery, for which Eastney Barracks was originally built, I shall concentrate on them.

Following their evolution in 1804 when their Headquarters was based at Chatham and consisted of three Companies, a fourth being established at Woolwich a year later, it was not until 1817 that the RMA appeared on the Portsmouth scene looking for quarters, although some RMA may have called in from ships until 1816. On 6th July that year when the RMA ceased to serve in warships following an Admiralty letter which stated, "No more parties of the RMA shall be allowed to flagships in time of peace and those in ships with Lord Exmouth's Squadron will be sent home as soon as the expedition under his orders terminates."

At the end of that year their strength was increased to eight Companies (Order in Council dated 25th November 1816) and Chatham was becoming too crowded for comfort and training facilities, so, whilst one Company stayed there, and an additional Company despatched to Woolwich, the remainder marched to Fort Monkton (near Haslar Hospital, Gosport) during the first week of June 1817 where one Company immediately embarked in the transport ship Prometheus bound for Plymouth. Within three months of hard work by all concerned the Fort was ready for its purpose as a naval artillery training establishment, and a mortar battery constructed with a ship-gun practice battery on Southsea Common. (by Anthony J Perrett RMHS)

1991. Thursday 8th August. 608 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1991. Thursday 19th December. 616 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1991. HQ Commando Forces and 3 Commando Brigade (less 42 Commando) were deployed to South East Turkey for Operation Safe Haven.

1991. 'Operation Safe Haven'. Apart from the SBS, the Royal Marines had missed out on the Gulf War's 'Operation Granby'. However, during the humanitarian crisis in the Kurdish areas of Northern Iraq, 40 and 45 Commando deployed as part of efforts to protect the Kurds.

1992. Friday 24th January. 617 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1992. Friday 31st January. 618 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1992. Friday 13th March. 621 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1992. Wednesday 1st April. Manpower cuts announced reduced the Royal Marines Band Service to 432 ranks, divided into seven bands.

1992. May - June. The 100th Anniversary Edition of the 'Globe & Laurel', Editor Captain A.G. Newing RM. The magazine was now being produced on Whale Island following the closure of the Eastney Barracks. Holbrook & Son Ltd were still printing the magazine but had now moved to Norway Road in Hilsea.

1992. July. Brigade Patrol Troop of HQ & Signals Squadron. This Troop was to take over the M&AW Cadre's functions. It began a yearlong trial in July 1992. This proved successful and in the summer of 1993 the Patrol Troop was set up with a Recce Troop, the ML Cadre and an Admin section under a small HQ (OC Bde Patrol Tp + 3). The Recce Tp was commanded by a Lt Mountain Leader who had an HQ of 4 men. There were four Sections each commanded by a SNCO with two ML Cpls and three GD Marines. See G & L 1994 p 77 for full details. The Cadre continued to run courses in mountain climbing and cold weather warfare. The Recce Troop deployed to Switzerland in June 1993 for exercise Ice Flip. In January 1994 the whole Patrol Troop deployed to Norway. During this six weeks of training the Recce Troop made eight parachute jumps. The Cadre continued that year for a further three week in Norway. The Recce Troop by 1997 reportedly had six 4 man teams providing medium range reconnaissance for the Cdo Brigade.(RMHS)

1992. Monday 31st August. First women join the Corps as part of New Entry Squad 2/92 to commence training as Musicians and Buglers.

1992. Thursday 31st October. The Eastney Barracks was closed. RM Band of C-in-C Naval Home Command relocated to the re-named Eastney Block, HMS Nelson.

1992. Friday 13th November. 636 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1992. Friday 27th November. 637 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1992. An Alliance was made with the Barbados Defence Force.

1993. Thursday 1st April. Headquarters Royal Marines (HQRM). This Headquarters was formed under the command of the Commandant General and took over the functions of: CG's Department at the MOD; HQ Commando Forces; and HQ Training and Reserve Forces (HQ TRFRM). Initially based in HMS Vernon at Portsmouth, the staff moved to new buildings at HMS Excellent at Whale Island in 1996. Reporting to CG in this Headquarters were in 1997: the commander of 3 Cdo Bde; the commandant of CTC RM; the commandant of RM Poole; the CO of Comacchio Group; the commandant of the RM School of Music; trials unit ATTURM; the director of the RMR; 847 NAS; and the SBS which in 1997 came under a Special Forces HQ for operations but was administered as a unit under command of CG. The Lt Col commanding this HQ staff which included the Personnel Branch RM.(RMHS)

1993. Friday 25th June. 650 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. T.M. Smith was awarded the Kings Badge.

1993. Friday 5th November. 658 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. S.J. Langley was awarded the Kings Badge.

1993. Friday 3rd December. 660 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. M.H. Wood was awarded the Kings Badge.

1993. Only twenty seven Conspicuous Gallantry Medals (originally a naval decoration) were awarded to Royal Marines from its inception in 1854 until it was abolished in 1993. Sergeant Preston's exploits were unusual in that he was awarded a second gallantry medal, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, for the Defence of the Legations. Sergeant James Edward Preston CGM, DCM, RMLI.

1994. January. Rumours had been going around for some time that the SBS and SAS will be merging their process of selection into a joint Special Forces (SF) Selection Course; we can now confirm that this is true. RM and RN volunteers wishing to join the SBS will attend Joint SF Selection in the Brecon Beacons, Brunei and Hereford. There will be two courses per year, under the supervision of a joint SBS/SAS training team. However, prior to the start of selection, there will still be a requirement to attend an aptitude test at RM Poole, which will determine if a man is suitable to operate in the most challenging of environments.

The new two-week aptitude test will comprise:

Boating Phase is for 1 Week.

Students must Pass the Combat Fitness Test (CFT).

1. Pass the SBS Swimming Test:

(a) 600m in 15mins.

(b) Complete RM BST (50m clothed with weapon and belt order)

(c) Complete a length (25m) underwater without diving.

c. Complete all canoe paddles.

d. Complete a three-mile portage with canoe and Bergan.

e. Complete a 20 mile paddle.

2. Diving Phase (1 Week)

Students must:

a. Complete a number of dives.

b. Satisfactorily demonstrate all drills taught.

c. Show confidence and a willingness to dive.

The first week is physically and mentally demanding, however the second week is more relaxed, covering basic diving theory and drills in slow time, with the aim of instilling confidence and assisting those less adaptable.

Aptitude Course Dates.

4/93:5th- 17th Sep 93 2/94:12th - 24th Jun 94.

5/93:14th-26th Nov 93 3/94:28th Aug-10th 5ep 94.

1/94:10th-22th Apr 94 4/94:18th-30th Sep 94.

The Selection Course

The outline sequence is:

1. Brecon's Phase (3 Weeks).

2. Pro-Jungle SOP Training (2 Weeks).

3. Jungle Training Brunei (6 Weeks).

4. Officer Week/Signals Training (1 Week).

5. Support Weapons Training (1 Week).

6. Army Combat Survival Instructor Course (2 Weeks).

The three-weeks Brecon's Phase begins with an initial passing-in phase (including a CFT and a hill walking exercise of 23km with 401b bergan and weapon) and ends with a test week of six hill walking exercises (a total of 180km with bergan and weapon). The interim period before test week includes a series of navigation and physical training exercises including a swimming test. Volunteers should be under no illusion, that preparation for this type of training must focus on achieving bergan fitness coupled with competent navigation.

Continuation Training:

1. Demolitions (2 Weeks).

2. OP Training (1 Week).

3. COB Course (2 Weeks).

4. Individual Skills Courses (8 Weeks).

5. SF Parachute Course (3 Weeks).

During the eight weeks individual training period, men are trained to become SF communicators or medical specialists, whilst the officers undergo language training and attend a SF Commanders Course. On completion of the SF Para course, SBS students spend eight weeks learning the specialist skills of boating and diving, which includes aspects of submarine work, coastal navigation and tactical swimming operations.

SF Selection Course Dates

1/94: 10th Jan 94 2194:13th Jul 94 1/95:23rd Jan 95. Rank and age limitations are shortly due to be increased to Sergeant and an upper age limit of 32. Application for Aptitude Tests will continue to be by C233 Drafting & Course E Request Card to DRORM, or to ADRMOA for officers. The course is well within the capability of most Marines, particularly those with the mental commitment and determination to succeed. Training is demanding but that's the way it has to be. If you are not sure that the SBS is for you, prepare yourself as best you can, give it a go and then let us decide. The rewards are most definitely worth the effort and include: a structured career; job satisfaction; realistic and challenging exercises; extra skills training (languages/free fall para etc); work with other SF units at home and abroad:

Operational employment and extra pay - but you earn it.

Interested? Want to know more? For further advice and guidance contact the Training Squadron at AM Poole. Or put your chit in now.

1994. Friday 25th March. Royal Marine Band C-in-C Fleet disbanded as part of RMBS redundancies and restructuring.

1994. March. 664 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1994. Friday 1st April. Bands renamed. C-in-C Naval Home Command became Portsmouth; Flag Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland became Scotland; Flag Officer Plymouth became Plymouth; Royal Marine Commandos became Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines. Royal Marines School of Music and Britannia Royal Naval College retained their names.

1994. 6th May. 666 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1994. Friday 13th May. 667 Kings squad passed for duty from Lympstone.

1994. Friday 3rd June. 668 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1994. Saturday 23rd July. Lieutenant General Sir Robert Ross, Commandant General, RM presented a copy of the 'Soldiers' Chorus from Gounod's opera Faust to 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, as their official quick march. This was once the quick march of the Royal Marine Artillery.

1994. Monday 3rd October. Operation Vigilant Warrior. When it looked as if Saddam Hussein was about to move again against Kuwait, 45 Commando were airlifted to Kuwait to bolster coalition forces.

1994. Friday 21st October. 673 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1994. Friday 2nd December. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Captain General, visited the Royal Marines School of Music.

1994. Thursday 22nd December. 675 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1995. 'Operation Vigilant Warrior' 45 Commando was deployed to Kuwait to bolster coalition forces. When it looked as if Saddam Hussein was about to move again against Kuwait, 45 Commando were airlifted to Kuwait.

1995. Headquarters Royal Marines was established on Whale Island, Portsmouth.

1995. Sunday 1st January. The White Ensign to be flown in all Royal Marine units.

1995. Wednesday 15th February. The Mountbatten Festival of Music Concert at Royal Albert Hall directed, produced and recorded entirely by RMBS officers and other ranks for the first time. This is now recognised as the largest military band festival in the world.

1995. Monday 3rd April. Lieutenant Colonel Sir F. Vivian Dunn died at the age of eighty six. He succeeded Captain McLean as Corps Director of Music on the 31st March 1953, the title changing to 'Principal Director of Music, Royal Marines on the 1st October 1953, an appointment that he held until December 1968. He is the only military Musician to receive a knighthood.

1995. Friday 26th May. 679 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1995.Friday 1st September. 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron RM was disbanded and immediately recommissioned at RNAS Yeovilton as 847 Naval Air Squadron.

1995. Bosnia. Royal Marines act as a Rapid Reaction Force in Bosnia and lost a Marine.

1995 .3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron was incorporated into Naval Air Command as 847 Naval Air Squadron.

1995. RM provided the Commander and the Operations Staff of the Rapid Reaction Force HQ in Bosnia.

1995. Commando Logistic Regiment was moved to Chivenor.

1995. 42 Commando and elements of the Commando Logistic Regiment were on humanitarian and disaster relief in the West Indies.

1995. The closing down of the Royal Marines Barracks at Eastney ended yet another era of Corps history. Of the original three (later four) Grand Divisions, we have seen the closing of Woolwich Division in 1869 and the Chatham Division in 1950. The Portsmouth Division RMLI at For-ton Barracks, Gosport closed in 1923 on amalgamation of the Light Infantry and Artillery elements of the Corps. Now only Plymouth remains.

The first mention of Marines in the Portsmouth area was Captain Thomas Killigrew's Company in 1667, and in the ensuing 80 years there were often companies embarking and occasionally billeted in the area. But the first permanent garrison was set up in 1755, when an Order in Council of 5th April specified the raising of fifty companies of marines for direct service under the Admiralty to be based at the main naval bases of the fleet, Chatham. Portsmouth and Plymouth, and known as Grand Divisions. The Portsmouth Division had an initial establishment of 2,200 men of whom two thirds were likely to be at sea at any one time. According to a contemporary report these men were to be 'quartered in Inns, Livery Stables Ale-Houses, Victualling Houses and all Houses of persons selling brandy, strong waters, cyder or metheglin. It would have been difficult to devise a better system to encourage drunkenness, indiscipline and desertion Indeed Brigadier James Wolfe, of Quebec fame, whose first commission had been in the Marines, commented 'The condition of the troops that compose this garrison (or rather vagabonds that stroll about in dirty red clothes from one gin shop to another) exceeds all belief. They are dirty, drunken, insolent rascals not improved by the hellish nature of the place where every kind of corruption, immorality and looseness is carried to excess Not the most impressive or auspicious start to the Marines presence in Portsmouth.

By 1802, when the Corps was designated Royal Marines, their total strength was 30,000 men, most of whom were at sea. The Marines took up quarters in Clarence Barracks, Old Portsmouth which had appropriately been built as the King's Cooperage and Brewery. The actual site was behind the present Naval Club between Pembroke Road and Penny Street. It has been suggested that Portsmouth was the first Division to have a band, formed possibly in 1765. Certainly in 1776, the Colonel Commandant applied to the Admiralty for leave to buy a pair of French Horns, ours being nearly worn out. The band then consisted of a mere six musicians who each received sixpence a day in addition to his normal pay.

The first mention of the Royal Marine Artillery in the vicinity of Eastney was an exercise at Fort Cumberland in 1817. The Fort, built by convict labour and completed in 1803, was part of the Duke of Richmond's plan for fortifying the coast. It soon became a focal point for the Royal Marines, and continued to be so for 150 years. In the early days many gruesome stories were told of prisoners trying to escape across the mud flats. On one occasion four escapees seized horses harnessed to the gravel carts. Two tried to swim across to Hayling Island, horses and men being drowned; one was thrown and recaptured; while the fourth forced his mount into the mud endeavouring to cross to Milton Common and the horse was slowly sucked under, the convict being rescued with the aid of ropes.

By 1859 it had been decided that the Royal Marine Artillery should set up home in Fort Cumberland and 16 companies were established. It was also decided to build a permanent barracks for the Royal Marine Artillery and Eastney was the chosen site. A contemporary description says, 'that the Barracks will stand on an extensive piece of ground, and its front have a strong defensive work in line with the sea beach with a Fort at each end - Eastney Fort East and Fort West, each containing two guns in cavalier bastions and seven guns in embrasures A critic of the time commenting on this new barracks which mounted guns of the largest calibre, said 'In case of attack, all shots missing the batteries will plump straight into the barracks? Work on the new barracks started in 1862. A year later the first detachments moved into quarters. (by Captain Derek Oakley MBE (RMHS).

1996. Friday 2nd February. As a result of the Governments 'Front Line First' initiative the proposal to relocate the RMSM from RM Barracks, Deal to HMS Nelson was confirmed in the House of Commons on 25 May 1995. Relocation to be completed by 1st April 1996, concurrent with the final stage of the rationalisation of the RMBS.

1996. Friday 22nd March. Disestablishment of the Royal Marines School of Music at Deal. Beating Retreat Ceremony by the Massed Bands HM Royal Marines, including the Band of HM Marine School of Music, culminated in a final march through Deal. Attended by 6,000 people in pouring rain.

1996. Friday 29th March. HQ Royal Marines Band Service and the Royal Marines School of Music at Deal closed pending relocation to Portsmouth. HQ RMBS operational at HMS Nelson, Portsmouth the next day.

1996. March. 696 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1996. Monday 15th April. Training commenced at RMSM in HMS Nelson. The Royal Naval Detention Quarters were specially modified for the purpose.

1996. Friday 4th October. 695 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1996. Monday 28th October. Offical opening of RMSM in Portsmouth by HRH The Prince Edward.

1996. The Royal Marines School of Music was moved to Portsmouth.

1996 \- 1997. 42 Commando and a detachment from 539 Squadron were deployed to the Congo prepared to evacuate civilians from Kinshasa.

1997. Wednesday 1st January. Musician W.H. Morris awarded the Silver Medal of the Royal Victorian Order in the New Year Honours list. Traditional only awarded to Bandmasters and Colour Sergeants, he was the first Musician to receive this, The Queen's personal award.

1997.Friday 21st February. 702 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1997. Summer. The 9 Assault Squadron RM. The Squadron was at Poole in the summer of 1997 and due to embark in HMS Ocean in March 1998. Their craft was to include four LCVP(5)s.

Miscellaneous. Memorable dates for operational Landing craft Squadrons: 6th June landings in Normandy (in 1944) and 21 May landings in San Carlos Water (in 1982).(RMHS)

1997.Tuesday 1st July. Responsibility for musical training at the Royal Marines School of Music transferred from the Royal Marines Command to the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency under Flag Officer Training and Recruitment.

1997. Friday 25th July. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh opens new Plymouth Band Complex.

1997. September. Links between Royal Marines School of Music and the University of Portsmouth formalised. All courses run by RMSM would be formalised by the University enabling Musicians to gain civilian qualifications. RMSM accredited as a centre for study.

1997. Friday 14th November. 719 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Curtis was awarded the Kings Badge.

1997. Thursday11th December. HMY Britannia Decommissioning Ceremony. Final salute to the ship was paid by the Director of Music and the Drum Major as the Royal Yacht Band, part of the RM Portsmouth Band, marched past the ship playing 'Auld Lang Syne'.

1997. 40 Commando flew to the Congo Republic to protect British interests and 45 Cdo delivered humanitarian aid to Honduras and Nicaragua following a devastating hurricane.

1998. Thursday 1st January. Musician J.Z.L. Wright of HMY Britannia awarded the Silver Medal of the Royal Victorian Order in the New Years Honours List. Only the second and last, Musician to receive this award for service on board the Royal Yacht.

1998. Friday 6th March. 726 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1998. Wednesday 1st April. HM Queen Elizabeth agreed that the RM Portsmouth Band should continue to provide a Royal Band for the Royal Family. The entire Band including Buglers, to wear 'Royal Band' flash at all times and to wear the Traditional Divisional Tunic when on Royal Duty.

1998. 45 Commando was on humanitarian and disaster relief deployed to Honduras and Nicaragua, following a devastating hurricane.

1998. Testing Nuclear Security. SBS teams took part in security exercises involving mock attacks on Britain's nuclear power installations. Controversary arose when accounts of several successful infiltrations of these highly sensitive sites were leaked to the public.

1999. 40 Commando and a detachment from 539 Squadron in the Congo prepared to evacuate British Nationals.

1999. Friday 12th February 745 - 746 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1999. Friday 26th February. 749 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

1999. Wednesday 28th April. B/CSgt Paul A Evans. P035276F of HMS Collingwood died during an accident.

1999. Saturday 28th May. In accordance with RM Officer Rank alignment (DCI Gen 39/99), changes to be made to Royal Marines dress convertions. e.g. Majors no longer wear overalls nor gold leaf on caps.

1999. June. Lieutenant Phil Kelly RM became the first Royal Marine officer to qualify as a Sea Harrier FA2 pilot.

1999. Thursday 1st July. Royal Marine Officer Ranks aligned with the Army Ranks.

1999. Tuesday 20th July. Final Royal Tournament - Tri-Service event led by the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines. To the 2nd August.

1999. Thursday 19th August. Exercise 'Argonaut 99' including Ex Northern Approaches (Turkey) and Ex Bright Star (Egypt). Major deployment involving 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines Commando training Centre band deployed on HMS Ocean. Other Royal Naval ships were HMS Fearless, HMS Edinburgh, HMS Percivale, HMS Bedivere and HMS Galahad. To the 15th December.

1999. September. 20 SBS operators were involved in the Australian led International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) in East Timor. Together with the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and the New Zealand Special Air Service they formed INTERFET's special forces element named Response Force. Response Force departed from Darwin by C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and flew into Dili tasked with securing the airport, a seaport and a heli-port to enable regular forces to land and deploy with the SBS filmed driving a Land Rover Defender out of a Hercules. Response Force was then utilised to perform to a variety of tasks including direct action and special reconnaissance through out East Timor. The British forces withdrew in December 1999, including the SBS. A Sergeant was awarded the Military Cross after his patrol came under fire from pro-Indonesian militia.

### Chapter 15

2000 - 2024

2000. Friday 24th March. 769 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2000. September. The SBS was involved in 'Operation Barras', a hostage rescue operation in Sierra Leone. Men from The Special Boat Service joined their SAS colleagues in a daring rescue mission deep in the jungles of war torn Sierra Leone. The 'West Side Boys', a ragtag group of rebels had captured a group of British soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment. A combined force of SAS & SBS troops put the rebel camp under surveillance and began feeding intelligence back to those planning the rescue. At dawn, mixed fire teams of SAS/SBS operators were flown into the rebel camp by RAF Chinooks. The fire teams fast-roped from the choppers and rushed to their tasks : clearing the various buildings, engaging the rebel troops, securing the hostages and taking the rebel leader into custody. Simultaneously, a force of Paratroopers were flown in to attack the rebel base across the lake from where the SAS/SBS mission was taking place. The fighting was intense, but the mission was a success. All the hostages were rescued, the rebel leader was captured, and all stolen British equipment was retrieved. One SAS trooper was killed in action and several Paras were wounded. These tragic losses aside, 'Operation Barras' was an outstanding success. As is often the case, the British media trumpeted the actions of the SAS while the SBS elements of the operation were hardly mentioned, if at all.

2000. Thursday 19th October. 781 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2000. 42 Commando deployed to Sierra Leone. As part of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) deployed from HMS Ocean to carry out peace keeping operations after relieving the 1 PARA battle group that had been earlier deployed.

2000. HQ 3 Commando Brigade, 45 Commando, the Commando Logistic Regiment and the Royal Marine Band Plymouth were deployed to Kosovo.

2000. Royal Marine National Memorial in London was unveiled.

2000. Comacchio Group was renamed Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines.

2000. Monday 10th - 15th July. The first and only, Royal Military Tattoo - a Tri-Service event held on Horse Guards Parade and led by the Royal Marines Band Service under Lieutenant Colonel Richard Waters.

2000. 'Operation Agricola IV' saw 3 Commando HQ, logistic and signals take control of the Multi-National Brigade in Kosovo. Elements of 45 Commando made up part of the multi-national force.

2000. 45 Commando deployed on operations in Afghanistan.

2000. Operation Agricola IV. 3 Cdo HQ, logistic and signals take control of the Multi-National Brigade (Centre) in Kosovo. Elements of 45 Commando make up part of the multi-national force. Headquarters of Z Company, 45 Commando, in a village north of Pristina.

2000. Sierra Leone. 42 Commando, as part of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) deployed from HMS Ocean to carry out peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone, relieving the 1 PARA battlegroup that had been previously deployed.

An article from the Guardian newspaper read: A Royal Navy taskforce with 500 troops arrived off the Sierra Leone coast yesterday as doubts deepened about the commitment of rebels to a ceasefire signed two days earlier.

The Royal Marines on board HMS Ocean will nearly double the size of British forces in Sierra Leone in what Britain describes as a "show of strength" and commitment. But the government also stresses that the troops will back up UN peacekeepers rather than take on an offensive combat role.

The rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF) called the British soldiers mercenaries and said their presence could threaten the ceasefire. But others see the real threat to the truce as the rebels themselves.

The key test of the RUF's commitment to the ceasefire is straightforward enough. If it gives up control of the diamond fields that have fuelled its brutal nine-year war, the end of the conflict could well be within grasp.

But the timing of the deal - as the British troops arrived ahead of an expected offensive by the Sierra Leone army on diamond areas - raises suspicions that the rebels are again buying time by manipulating a desperate desire for peace.

The optimists note that the RUF now stands little hope of winning outright; its founding leader, Foday Sankoh, has been captured and the rebels' principal backer, the Liberian president, Charles Taylor, is under growing foreign pressure to end the conflict.

And then there is the British presence. Royal Marines are expected to stage an amphibious landing on the beaches of the capital, Freetown, this week, knowing full well that there are plenty of people to report back to the RUF on a revived British commitment.

But sceptics note that the delegation that signed the ceasefire may not represent those who control rebel troops, that the RUF still controls the bulk of the country, and that Mr Taylor has many good financial reasons to keep the war going.

The Sierra Leone government is cautious. It welcomed Friday's ceasefire agreement and the rebels' pledge to demobilise but said that it "wishes to assure the public that as a result of past experience, it has no intention of relaxing its stance".

Sierra Leone has travelled this path before. The Lome peace treaty signed in July 1999 gave the RUF seats in government and a general amnesty for the many atrocities in return for the dismantling of its army. But Mr Sankoh wanted total power and used the peace deal as cover while he planned to seize Freetown - until the intervention of 1,000 British troops in May put the rebels on the defensive.

The latest accord keeps open the possibility that the Lome agreement could be revived and the RUF returned to a power sharing government. But there are many issues to be resolved, including the fate of Mr Sankoh, who faces the prospect of trial before an international court for crimes against humanity.

And there are doubts as to what extent the rebels' representative at the latest peace talks, Colonel Jonathan Kposowa, speaks for the fractured RUF leadership.

If the diamond fields were the key test, then Col Kposowa was keen to lower expectations. After describing the agreement as a "stepping stone" and saying it was no guarantee the war is over, he brushed aside the issue of the diamond mines.

"Instead of finding solutions to the problem, they are telling us about diamond, diamond, diamond. I don't think that's the problem," he said.

The rebels have reason to stall. With the rainy season ending, the Sierra Leone army, under British direction and training, is planning a new offensive. It is still far from being a real army, but troop numbers have grown, and it is being re-equipped with British guns, lorries, radios and uniforms.

Brigadier David Richards, the officer who oversaw the British intervention in May and saw his arguments for an even stronger involvement thwarted by the Foreign Office, has returned to Freetown to coordinate the Sierra Leone army's offensive.

The redeployment of a large British force in Freetown is a recognition that Brig Richard's original strategy against the RUF failed. In May, he laid out a plan to use the Sierra Leone army to attack rebel strongholds, and UN peacekeepers to hold the captured territory as government forces advanced on the diamond fields.

But, although the UN force in Sierra Leone is the largest peacekeeping operation in the world with 13,000 troops, it proved incapable even of playing a reliable backup role. Disagreement between the UN force's Indian commander and senior Nigerian colleagues has ended with the withdrawal of the entire Indian contingent from the operation.

A British brigadier is expected to join the UN command in Freetown this week in an attempt to coordinate the peacekeepers and the government army.

Although Whitehall has said that British troops are in Freetown merely as a "show of strength", it could be that new arrivals will plug a vital gap by providing the logistics, air power and occasional firepower so badly needed if there is to be any prospect of forcing the rebels to give up.( https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/nov/13/sierraleone.westafrica

2001. The Fleet Protection Group was moved from Arbroath to Faslane.

2001. New Colours were presented to 40, 42 and 45 Commandos at Plymouth.

2001. Elements of 40 Commando were deployed on HMS Ocean for operations in Afghanistan.

2001. 3 Commando Brigade Signal Squadron Royal Marines were renamed United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group.

2001. 3 Commando Brigade took part in a large scale exercise, Exercise Saif Sareea 2 (Swift Sword 2), in the Gulf state of Oman, following the terrorist attacks of September 2001. 200 Royal Marines from 40 Commando embarked on board HMS Fearless for potential deployment into Afghanistan.

2001. Command Support Group. Royal Marines Poole renamed 1 Assault Group.

2001. Friday 6th April. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sierra Leone during the period May to September 2000.

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Colour Sergeant Alexander Keith Gibb Royal Marines PD41688W.

2001. Thursday. 12th July. Presentation of Colours to 40, 42 and 45 Commando Royal Marines by The Duke of Edinburgh on Plymouth Hoe. Musical support from the Massed Bands formed from the Royal Marines Bands of Plymouth Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, and Britannia Royal Naval College under the Direction of Lieutenant Coronel R.A. Waters, Principal Director of Music and led by WO1 Bugler A.D. Bridges, the Corps Drum Major, and WO2 Bugler C. Lawton, the Corps Bugle Major.

2001. Wednesday 1st August. "A Sad Legacy of Past Wars Sends A Chilling Warning To The West". Taliban fighters may have a fearsome reputation, but allied troops have nothing to fear, says a

former British Commando who spent a decade with the Moslem forces. Ex-Royal Marine Mike "Bungy" Williams maintains the Afghan soldiers are poorly trained, badly equipped and lacking tactical know-how needed to fight a modern conflict.

"You can forget about anything that has happened in the past in Afghanistan. They don't have

the capability to deal with the kind of warfare we use today," he said. "Their only effective weapon is their knowledge of the terrain and their ability to disappear into the mountains. As long as the Allies approach their mission the right way - using small, specialist units equipped

with the latest satellite technology to get in and out quickly - then there is little that can stop them succeeding."

Mr Williams, a veteran of several conflicts during his career in the Marines, speaks from experience having spent 10 years observing the Taliban at close quarters. Hired to train a Pakistani warlord's private army in 1990, he was soon introduced to the country's Inter Service Intelligence and through them forged links with the Taliban. Issued with a Taliban passport and an ID Card, his military skills meant he was recruited by the government's secret inner circle to provide advice on training and acquiring weapons. On one occasion he was asked to find scrambling equipment, so Osama Bin Laden could use the satellite phone sent to him by his agent in London, Khalid al Fawwas, without American spies eavesdropping on his plans. Such is the extent of Bungy Williams knowledge that senior officers from Britain's crack specialist's units the SAS and the Special Boat Squadron have consulted him to glean invaluable intelligence. He said, "I have advised the Taliban and been recruited by them to purchase weapons. I know what they have got and where they get it from. They have several tanks and armoured vehicles. And while they do have some stocks of ammunition they cannot hold out for any length of time and sustain any action against well supported force. Their communications are almost non-existent. They have got a few hand-held radios and about 14 satellite phones for communication between the Taliban leaders. Their logistics are poor, and they have to use a range of vehicles to move troops, including pick-up trucks. "Their armoury is also limited and mostly made up of a variety of small arms, mortars, and artillery. Much has been made of their having 'Stinger missiles but what has not been reported is the fact the missiles contain a gold element which has been stripped by the Taliban and sold. A Taliban gunsmith told me that most of the missiles remaining were simply used as a visible deterrent and would not function effectively."

Mr Williams said that not only was the Taliban armoury less of a threat than has been suggested the fearsome reputation of its fighters is exaggerated. He said, "Their prowess is hardly worth comparing to the physical aggression and professionalism of the Royal Marines, Paras, SAS or SBS. Against these troops the Taliban would survive only by running into the hills in small groups and carrying out harassment actions.

The days of defeating Kipling's army with guerrilla tactics are gone. The shock troops we have developed from the Second World War who are skilled in mountain warfare will be able to beat them in every department. Sure, they defeated the Soviet forces, but they were supported by our Special Forces and the US, and had modern medical support facilities. This time they are on their own."

Having spent so many years in Afghanistan has given the former Marine an intriguing insight

into the Taliban way of life. He said. Their homes are roughly built with bare, brick walls covered in dust and dirt with a floor of flattened earth and a few windows. They have new personal possessions and usually only a single change of clothes, a long shirt and a baggy pair of trousers. Their prized possession - and which has pride of place in their house - is the AK 47 assault rifle.

This will be stood up against the wall with some form of webbing and ammunition pouches, and the ammunition is stuffed into a rusty magazines and rarely cleaned."

After years of brutal Islamic regime, the Afghan way of life is extraordinary Spartan. Mr Williams said," The TV images showing peasant -like people scratching about in the dust are very accurate representations of life there. Breakfast is a cup of sweet tea with a chapati , Lunch is chick pea and lentil broth, and the same for the evening meal with a chapatti."

For soldiers, their daily sustenance is even more meagre. "A ball of sugar and fat rolled up and hardened off is normally the only food they have. Meat is hardly ever eaten, sanitation is

non-existent and the wood which fuels camp fires is a precious resource. Hot water for tea is

boiled in large oil drums and supported on a frame over an open fire, and milk is always powdered, mixed in a large urn at the start of the day with river water."

The day is mostly one of boredom Mr Williams said. "Hanging out with pals and drinking tea all day, sat on the makeshift bed with your AK 47, is the normal routine. There are no organized periods of sustained training and you are not going to use your valuable ammunition just playing around and shooting at makeshift targets. Every bullet must count, and you have no idea when you will receive any more. Shots are fired only to settle personal grievances, or at a weddings, hunting the wild mountain sheep or the enemy."

But the Allies should not underestimate Afghan ruthlessness. He added. "They have scant

regard for their safety and live only for today. They lack compassion and can be cruel even to their own kin. They are known to pour acid on their own women or to set them alight for even looking at another man. They routinely cripple children at birth to provide them with a regular income as a street beggar. They live by the tribal code of revenge and will carry this on for generations to avenge their grievances."(www.telegraph.co.uk)

2001. Sunday 7th October. Operation Veritas in Afghanistan was the codename for the UK military operations in Afghanistan (later also named Op Herrick and Op Fingal).

40 Commando (40 Cdo), fresh from exercise in Oman, onboard HMS Fearless, acted as a contingency force for initial allied ground operations in Afghanistan.

2001. Sunday 14th October. Oman. Cdo Bde take part in a large scale exercise, Exercise Saif Sareea 2 (Swift Sword 2), in the Gulf state of Oman. Following the terrorist attacks of September 2001, around 200 Royal Marines from 40 Cdo embarked on HMS Fearless for potential deployment into Afghanistan.

Members of the 3rd Brigade of Royal Marines currently on exercises in Oman said they were ready to swap the heat of the desert for the bitter winter of Afghanistan if the order was given.

The Marines from 40 and 45 command are in the Gulf state taking part in Exercise Saif Sareea, along with about 23,000 other members of the British armed forces.

But the escalating campaign in Afghanistan has raised questions over whether the troops in Oman will be deployed to take part in action on the ground.

Lieutenant Colonel David Capewell, Commanding officer of 40 commando unit, said: "It is only natural to think about what is going on in the world and the men in this group are keen to be involved in anything, but Saif Sareea is challenging enough without thinking about other possible operations.

"The current training has brought us right to the peak of performance, so far as operations go we are as good as it gets." (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1598793.stm)

2001. October. The 4 Assault Squadron RM. This Squadron normally served in an LPD manning her Landing Craft and when she was under dockyard overhauls, these crews assisted with training at RM Poole. The Squadron had an Amphibious Beach Unit (ABU) with a Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle (BARV) and the ability to lay beach trackway with a specially adapted vehicle.

1990 Re-embark in HMS Fearless

1991 in Fearless to Sevastopol 6th October 1991 in first visit to a Soviet Block port for 50 years.

1992 In Fearless on exercise with French Assault Ship.

1994 In exercises 'Tartan Surprise' and 'Royal Dawn' in Scotland and April - May that year in exercises 'Resolute Response' and Dynamic Impact'

1995 with Hermes in America on exercise 'Purple Star Caribbean training.

1997 Embarked in HMS Fearless.

6 Assault Squadron RM. This Squadron normally served in an LPD manning her Landing Craft and when she was under dockyard overhauls, these crews assisted with training at RM Poole.

The Squadron had an Amphibious Beach Unit (ABU) with a Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle (BARV) and the ability to lay beach trackway with a specially adapted vehicle.

1981-89 aboard HMS Intrepid at times when she was exercising or deployed as in 'Corporate' 1982 in amphibious roles.

1990 in HMS Intrepid's winter deployment from early January when some men undertook the Novice

Ski and Survival Course with '45 RM' and then a Winter Warfare Course at Krakenes, Harstad. These were followed by NBC trials controlled by scientist from Porton Down. In February landed 45 Commando Group in the Tovik/Grov area. LCVPs operated from a FOB. Later that month landed 1 ACG and all its vehicles in less than 1½ hours. Remained in Intrepid until she returned to Portsmouth in October and Squadron retuned to RM Poole. Disbanded 21 December 1990.(RMHS)

2001. November. C and M squadron SBS had an extensive role in the invasion of Afghanistan at the start of the War in Afghanistan and were involved in the Battle of Tora Bora. The SBS was integrated directly into Task Force Sword - a Black SOF, under direct command of JSOC, this was a so-called hunter-killer force whose primary objective was of capturing or killing senior leadership and HVT within both Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Operators from M squadron (with at least one SEAL attached to them) were tasked with several missions, some with General Dostum's Northern Alliance forces at Mazar-e-Sharif. On Saturday 10th November, C squadron inserted into the recently captured Bagram Airbase, which caused an immediate political quandary with the Northern Alliance leadership which claimed that the British had failed to consult them on it before the deployment. Members of M squadron SBS, were involved in a prison revolt during the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi, members of the SBS along with US and Northern Alliance troops quelled the uprising, however during one CAS mission, a misdirected JDAM bomb wounded 4 SBS operators. In appreciation for the SBS contribution to the battle, the CIA attempted to recognise the operators with US decorations, however due to Military and political bureaucracy, the decorations were never awarded. The SBS continued to work with Task Force Sword and the CIA.

2001. November. Raid On The MV Nisha. UK intelligence services were tipped off that the MV Nisha, a Mauritian cargo ship, headed for a London port, was carrying 'terrorist materials'. Before the ship could reach the UK, a Royal Navy frigate intercepted it, launching SBS teams to board and secure the vessel.

2001. December. C squadron who were on MCT Role and were called in to intercept the MV Nisha while M and Z Squadron were deployed in Afghanistan.

C Squadron. X Squadron. Z Squadron. M Squadron.

SBS Reserve or SBS(R) provided individual reservists to augment the regular SBS, rather than forming independent teams. Only candidates with previous military experience were eligible to enlist. The SBS(R) was based at various locations throughout the United Kingdom, but training was carried out in the South of England.

2001. UK special forces played an active part in the early days of the Global War On Terror. SBS and SAS teams carried out a range of tasks as part of the campaign to oust the Taleban and Al Qaeda from Afghanistan. These tasks included linking up with Northern Alliance forces, coordinating airstrikes with the advance of ground units. UKSF also carried reconnaissance of Al Qaeda hideouts and movements around Tora Bora and assisted in the effort to flush Osama Bin Laden out from his hiding place. A force of 100 SBS operators flew into Bagram airport to pave the way for coalition reinforcements. Later, one team of SBS got drawn into one of the bloodiest actions of the whole campaign as they helped to put down the uprising at the ancient fort of Qala-i-Janghi.

2002. Tuesday 16th April. Operation Ptarmigan. 45 Commando Group deployed to Afghanistan via Bagram Airport. Their first operation, Op Ptarmigan, consisted of clearing high mountain valleys, searching for Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces. 45 Cdo had been chosen for this op due to their expertise in high-altitude warfare.

2002. April-July. Operation Jacana was the codename for a series of operations carried out by 45 Commando Group in Afghanistan. 45 Commando Group consisted of :

45 Cdo

3 Cdo Bde's Brigade Patrol Troop

7 (Sphinx) Commando Battery Royal Artillery

59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers

a detachment from the Commando Logistics Regiment

RAF 27 Squadron (Chinook helicopters)

Operation Jacana also included the following operations : Op Ptarmigan, Op Snipe, Op Condor and Op Buzzard.

2002. Friday 17th May. Operation Snipe. 45 Cdo Group Royal Marines, assisted by Afghani forces, searched an area in the mountainous South East of Afghanistan. Whilst quantities of weapons and explosives were discovered in various cave networks, no major contact with Taliban or Al Qaeda forces occurred.

2002. Friday 17th May. Operation Condor was the name of a major British-led operation in south eastern Afghanistan. The operation began when a patrol of the Australian Special Air Service was ambushed in the mountains of Paktia province. The British 45 Commando then flew in to destroy the guerrilla force that had exposed itself. It followed Operations Snipe, Torii and Anaconda.

2002. Tuesday28th - 29th May to July. The Royal Marines began Operation Buzzard: the aim of the operation was to "prevent freedom of movement of al-Qa'eda and Taliban and to deny them sanctuary from which to operate" according to Royal Marine Lieutenant-Colonel Ben Curry. 45 to 300 British Marines from Taskforce Jacana and local Afghan soldiers were deployed into Khost close to Afghan-Pakistan border, accompanied by several US civil affairs officials on a "hearts and minds" operation; amid fears that al-Qaeda and Taliban forces were plotting terrorist attacks from across the frontier. The Marines conducted patrols in populated and rural areas using a mixture of helicopter, foot and vehicle patrols and setting up checkpoints; this new method was to be "unpredictable, operating in smaller sub-unit attachments operating in an area sometimes covertly and introducing that unpredictability and doubt into the minds of the al-Qaeda and Taliban."

2002. May. 815 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2002. Thursday 6th June. 818 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2002. Friday 19th July. 821 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2002. 45 Commando Group deployed on operations in Afghanistan.

2002. Headquarters United Kingdom Amphibious Force established with the Commandant General as COMUKAMPHIBFOR.

2002. Corps Strength at this time was 6,100.

2002. Tuesday 22nd October. Two hundred RMBS personnel commence training and briefing to cover fire fighters strike which began on the 13th November 2002 and lasted until late January 2003.

2002. Tuesday 29th October. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2001 to Sunday 31st March 2002.

Order of the British Empire. OBE.

To be an Additional Commander of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Allan Pickup Royal Marines.

Member of the British Empire. MBE:

Captain Nigel John Powell Somerville Royal Marines.

2002. Tuesday 29th October. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2001 to 31st March 2002.

Military Cross. MC:

Colour Sergeant Stuart Anthony Brown, Royal Marines P044265X.

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Sergeant Paul McGough Royal Marines P043260W

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service: Major Robert Graham Cundy Royal Marines.

2002. Thursday 7th November. Major-General Derek Pounds passed away at the tender age of 80, and the Corps lost the only General to wear a King's Badge.

Edgar George Derek Pounds was born at Devises, Wiltshire, on Friday, October 13th 1922 (He never regarded this as an unlucky day). He was educated at Reading School. At 17, he presented himself at his local recruiting office, where the only options seem to be the Royal Navy or the Royal Marines. As he pondered. these alternatives, a large man in a blue uniform, whom he later discovered to be a Colour-Sergeant, put a hand on his shoulder and said: `You're a well-built lad. You'd better be a Marine".

In later year, he often cited this encounter as a perfect example of personnel selection and career counselling.

After training with the 384 Squad at Chatham, he was awarded the King's Badge, which he proudly wore even when a general officer. He then qualified in gunnery and served in the Atlantic and in Russian waters in the cruiser HMS Kent, where he was captain of a twin 4" mounting. On being commissioned in 1942 he won the sword of honour for outstanding ability.

In 1944, he married Barbara Evans, then a Third Officer in the WRNS.

Later that year, after training at Achnacarry, he began his long association with the Royal Marines Commandos by joining 45 Cdo RM during the closing stages of the war. With the end of WW2, he served in Hong Kong, where he helped with civil rehabilitation programmes and then in Palestine up to the handover of the Mandate.

In the early days of the Korean War, with a scratch force formed from the detachments of the ships in the British Far East Fleet he led several raids behind the North Korean lines. His involvement in these actions came after a row with several senior American commanders of the United Nations force. General Douglas MacArthur had questioned whether the proposed raids justified the risks involved in such actions and had rudely asked why Admiral Turner Joy USN was "so keen to use Brits". Only after several terse exchanges, in which Joy upheld the quality of the Corps, did MacArthur relent but limited their participation to just 70 men.

Less than a week later (August 1950), Pounds with a team of 12 were practicing night incursions from the US destroyer, USS Diachenko and the submarine, USS Perch.

The following month (September 15th ), "Pounds Force", as it was known, with two platoons of US marines were landed from the frigate HMS Whitesand Bay in a diversionary raid 80 miles south at Kunsan.

They had been told that there would be little or no resistance, but the enemy were waiting, possibly warned by the extreme phosphorescence of the sea that their paddles threw up in a shower of lights as they approached. After a bitter struggle the small force withdrew with heavy casualties, but they had achieved their objective of creating a diversion necessary to allow the US marines stormed ashore at Inchon.

In October, on the 6th-7th, "Pounds Force" again landed and destroyed a railway tunnel just 80 miles south of the Soviet border, the first of a series of such raids against the North Korean railways system which ran along a 120 miles stretch of the coastline. Back on board the American destroyer, USS Horace A Bass, Pound presented each of his men with a miniature bottle of brandy, which they all drank. In a dry USN ship this was tactically understood to have been for medicinal purposes only.

Later, as part of 41 Independent Cdo RM, Pound's troop helped capture Kimpo airfield and took part in operations to recapture Seoul. He was awarded the US Bronze Star; but many felt that had he been under British command, he would have received a DSO.

In 1956 he took part in the Suez landings and in 1957 served in Cyprus against Eoka, for which he was mentioned in dispatches.

After qualifying at the RAF Staff College, Bracknell, he served on the staff of the Commandant General and then became Amphibious Operations Officer aboard Bulwark, our first Commando Carrier.

In the mid-1960's , he commanded 40 Commando in Borneo during the confrontation with Indonesia, then following another period on the staff of the CGRM, as GS01, he went to the Ministry of Defence.

He retired from the service in 1974 and brought a bookshop at Exmouth, Devon; but within the year he was recalled and appointed as Major-General. His final appointment was as Commander, Commando Forces, responsible for the operational command on both NATO flanks (Norway & Turkey) and the development of Arctic warfare. In 1975 he received a CB for his services.

After retiring for a second time in 1976, he became the chief executive of the British Friesian Cattle Society and reorganised its administration, expanded computerisation and worked to safeguard the interests of British dairy farmers by expanding export markets, particularly to South Korea where he was well remembered. Retiring from the leadership of the society in 1987, he kept busy as a cattle steward and council member of the Devon Agricultural. Association.

During his time in the service, he had represented the Corps at rugby, and pistol and rifle shooting.

Amongst the awards he received during his years of service, he prized most, the gold medal given to him in the 1950's by the people of Cheng Chau village in Hong Kong for his work with them.

He passed away on the 7th November and is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their son and daughter. From Tony Cude. RMAQ.

2002. The Caribbean. The SBS have been involved in a series of counter-narcotic operations in The Caribbean. working closely with local and international law enforcement, the unit is understood to have carried out both intelligence-gathering and interception operations.

In the 2003 invasion of Iraq, M Squadron deployed to Jordan as Task Force 7, which was part of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - West (CJSOTF-West) and were earmarked for a heliborne assault on several Iraqi oil facilities that had their own desert airstrips that once captured would be used for special operations forces' staging areas. In northern Iraq in early March, a small reconnaissance team from M Squadron mounted on Honda All-terrain vehicles inserted into Iraq from Jordan, its first mission was to conduct reconnaissance of an Iraqi air base at al-Sahara. The team was compromised by an anti-special forces Fedayeen unit and barely escaped thanks to a U.S. McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle that flew air cover for the team and the bravery of an RAF Chinook that extracted the team under the Fedayeen's 'noses'.

M Squadron launched a second operation at full strength ("Zero Six Bravo"?) in a mix of land rovers and ATVs into northern Iraq from H-2 Air Base, the objective was to locate, make contact and take the surrender of the Iraqi 5th Army Corps somewhere past Tikrit and to survey and mark viable temporary landing zones for follow-on forces. However, the Squadron was compromised by a goat herder; the SBS drove for several days while unknown to them anti-special forces Fedayeen units followed them. At an overnight position near Mosul the Fedayeen ambushed the Squadron with DShK heavy machine guns and RPGs, the SBS returned fire and began taking fire from a T-72, the Squadron scattered and escaped the well-constructed trap. A number of Land Rovers became bogged down in a nearby wadi, so the troops mined the vehicles and abandoned them - though several did not detonate and were captured and exhibited on Iraqi television. The SBS was now in three distinct groups: one with several operational Land Rovers was being pursued by the Iraqi hunter force, a second mainly equipped with ATVs was hunkered down and trying to arrange extraction, the third with just 2 personnel on an ATV raced for the Syrian border. The first group tried to call in coalition strike aircraft, but the aircraft could not identify friendly forces because the SBS were not equipped with infra-red strobes - although their vehicles did have Blue Force Tracker units, they eventually made it to an emergency rendezvous point and were extracted by an RAF Chinook. The second group was also extracted by an RAF Chinook and the third group made it to Syria and was held there until their release was negotiated, there were no SBS casualties. The incident has since been commended by senior British officials.

2002. Sunday 1st December. Bill Sparks, the last survivor of the 10 British Royal Marines celebrated as the Cockleshell Heroes for their canoe-borne raid on German shipping in occupied France in World War II, passed away in Alfriston, England. He was 80.

On the evening of Monday 7th December 1942, five two-man teams of Royal marines were sent off in canoes, known as cockleshells, from the British submarine Tuna in the Bay of Biscay. Their mission was to paddle along the Gironde River for 75 miles or so, then sneak into the port of Bordeaux and attach mines to the hulls of German cargo ships that had evaded a British blockade. The British had decided against an aerial attack for fear of civilian casualties.

William Edward Sparks, a native of London, was an enlisted man who had served previously on the battlecruiser Renown. But he answered a call for volunteers to undertake an unspecified hazardous mission, hoping to avenge the combat death of a brother in the Royal Navy.

Three of the five canoes were lost en route to Bordeaux, their crewmen having drowned or been captured by the Germans and, eventually, shot.

Mr. Sparks and his canoe-mate, Herbert Hasler, the officer who commanded the raiders, paddled at night and laid up by day, concealing themselves from German sentries and patrol boats. Freezing and soaked, they sustained themselves with tea and rum and took sleeping pills to avoid being caught unawares during their daylight rest periods.

On the night of Friday 11th December 1942 they placed limpet mines -- explosive devices with timers -- on the sides of several German merchant ships at Bordeaux but were almost crushed when they were briefly wedged between ships that had drifted together. The two crewmen of the other surviving marine canoe also laid mines.

When the mines exploded hours later, they flooded four cargo ships and damaged a mine-clearing vessel, according to The Times of London.

After discarding their canoe, Mr. Sparks and Mr. Hasler walked 100 miles to the French village of Ruffec for a rendezvous with Resistance members, who took them to Spain. They were later transferred to Gibraltar, then returned to England. But the two members of the other team were captured in France and shot by the Germans.

King George VI presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Mr. Sparks and the Distinguished Service Order to Mr. Hasler.

Mr. Sparks worked as a bus driver in London after the war, then re-joined Mr. Hasler in 1955 when they provided technical assistance for the movie ''The Cockleshell Heroes,'' starring Jose Ferrer, Victor Meddern, Trevor Howard and Anthony Newley and filmed in England with the cooperation of the Royal Navy. Mr. Sparks also made an American tour to promote the film.

Writing in The New York Times, A. H. Weiler called the movie ''a graphic dramatization of self-effacing men attaining valorous heights.''

At age 61, Mr. Sparks re-enacted his canoe trip on the Gironde to raise money for cancer research.

He later fell on difficult financial times when his government pension was reduced by new tax rules. ''I was told absolutely nothing could be done,'' The Daily Telegraph quoted him as saying at the time. ''How can I feel anything else but bitter and disappointed.''

He subsequently auctioned his eight war medals at Sotheby's in London. The anonymous high bidder placed the medals in Sotheby's vault and instructed that Mr. Sparks be permitted to wear them whenever he wished.

He told of his exploits in ''The Last of the Cockleshell Heroes'' (Leo Cooper, 1992), written with Michael Munn.

Mr. Sparks is survived by his second wife, Irene; three sons; and a daughter. His first wife, Violet, died in 1982.

Mr. Hasler, the only other marine to have survived the mission, later designed yachting equipment and founded the first single-handled trans-Atlantic race in 1960, finishing second to the famed sailor Francis Chichester. He died in 1987.

The Sparks-Hasler escape route through France has become a hiking trail financed by the French regional authorities and contains markers dedicated to the Cockleshell Heroes. Last June, Mr. Sparks made a 60th anniversary visit to it.

''Britain forgets things too quickly,'' he told The Times of London in December 2000, when plans for the trail were under way. ''The French are better at remembering. The French people looked after us very well then, and they are looking after us very well now.''

2003. Friday 7th February. Composite Royal Marines Band to serve on board RFA Argus as casualty handlers and in other roles including musical support. Other members of the RMBS deployed to Iraq to serve as two Decontamination Teams were involved in operations in Umm Qsar and the assault on Basra. Duties extended to armed protection force for battlefield ambulances and convoy escort. Probably the most integrated military involvement of the RMBS since the end of World War II.

2003. Wednesday 19th March. Operation Telic was the codename under which all of the United Kingdom's military operations in Iraq were conducted between the start of the Invasion of Iraq on Wednesday 19th March 2003 and the withdrawal of the last remaining British forces on Sunday 22nd May 2011.

The bulk of the mission ended on Thursday 30th April 2009 but around 150 troops, mainly from the Royal Navy, remained in Iraq until Sunday 22nd May 2011 as part of the Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission. 46,000 troops were deployed at the onset of the invasion and the total cost of war stood at £9.24 billion in 2010.

2003. Thursday 20th - 24th March. The Battle of Al Faw was one of the first battles of the Iraq War. One of the initial objectives of the Coalition campaign in Iraq was to capture the Gas and Oil Platforms ("GOPLATs") in the Al-Faw Peninsula intact before it could be sabotaged or destroyed by the Iraqi military. This would prevent an ecological disaster similar to the 1991 Gulf War and enable a quicker resumption of oil exports which was vital to the rebuilding of Iraq after the war.

The British Royal Marines' 3 Commando Brigade would also capture Umm Qasr at the same time so that its only deep water port in Iraq could be used to bring in humanitarian supplies once the Khawr Abd Allah waterway was cleared by the Mine Counter Measures Task group. The United States Marine Corps placed 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit under the command of 3 Commando Brigade so that the Brigade had the necessary force to capture both targets.

The Background:

The main objective for the coalition was to capture the Khawr Abd Allah waterway, situated on the al-Faw peninsula, this had to be secured and occupied quickly so that it was open for relief vessels to deliver emergency aid and equipment. During the Gulf War, the Iraqi's had mined the waterway and the northern Gulf, coalition commanders suspected they would do the same again, so the coalition despatched minesweepers to clear the areas of mines. The eastern side of the waterway was part of the al-Faw peninsula and Iraqi-occupied, the mine-sweepers were not heavily armed or armoured and would be vulnerable to the Iraqi defenses on both the bank and from the rest of the al-Faw peninsula, the waterway was shallow and its canal's were dry so large warships could not provide an effective defence for the mine-sweepers. So it became necessary to the coalition commanders that the eastern bank of the Khawr Abd Allah waterway and the al-Faw peninsula had to be secured; additionally, the docks at Umm Qasr could only be used safely if the al-Faw peninsula was secured.

Another important objective on the al-Faw peninsula was the Iraqi oil infrastructure, coalition analysis of the major Iraqi southern oilfields, the routes of the pipelines and locations of the pumping-stations revealed that they all culminated in the al-Faw peninsula where 90% of Iraq's oil was exported through the peninsula via two gas and oil platforms just a few miles off the al-faw coast.

The Plan:

The plan for the assault and eventual capture of the al-Faw peninsula was that US Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 3 would make the initial assault on the MMS (monitoring and metering station) and the pipelines that allowed Iraq to export its oil from the southern fields to the Gulf, landing via 8 helicopters. After 30 minutes the Royal Marines would take over whilst the SEALs would depart. The main objective for 800 marines from 40 Commando as part of the brigades objective was to secure the MMS, B and C company and the MSG (Maneuver Support Group) would land by helicopters (that had previously taken in the SEALs), on the eastern bank of the Khawr Abd Allah waterway to secure it and then set up a defensive perimeter around the MMS. An hour later, A and D company would be flown in by Chinook and Sea King helicopters and the rest of 40 commando would then move out and capture the rest of the peninsula and the town of al-Faw. 3 ships from the Royal Navy and 1 from the Royal Australian Navy were assigned to provide fire support, as well as an AC-130.

800+ commandos of 42 Commando, would land via 37 British and US Marine Corps CH-46 helicopters, and north of 40 commando to create a blocking force against Iraqi forces to the north, they would be led in by USMC Cobra's teams of US troops were attached to the Commandos to liaise with US air support. A B-52 bomber would drop 16 JDAM's on Iraqi positions 17 minutes before the SEAL insertion, a flight of A-10s and an AC-130 gunship would also be in support, predator drones provided surveillance. The Royal Marines BRF (Brigade Reconnaissance Force) would also deploy to support 42 commando, a few minutes after 40 commando landed, Royal Marine artillery and British Army self-propelled guns would fire on Iraqi artillery positions on the peninsula.

According to coalition intelligence, The Iraqi 6th Armoured Division equipped with 100 T-55 tanks were stationed to defend the approaches to Basra and could be sent to intervene, some of its units were based on the peninsula itself and were just a few hours away from the coalition objectives, at least 150 aircraft were ready to launch support operations against them.

Thursday 20th March the Assault:

Following days of bad weather, the assault on Al Faw was set for 2200 hours (local time) on 20th March 2003, US gunships and fighter-bombers attacked the known Iraqi positions on the peninsula in a short bombardment prior to the operation. The B-52 arrived on time and they released their bombs on various Iraqi bunkers, trenches and dugouts around the oil facilities on the al-Faw peninsula, 5 minutes later A-10s arrived to destroy any anti aircraft guns or missiles, however they couldn't see their targets due to the dust cloud created from the JDAMs, so they went into a holding pattern until it cleared. The SEALs assault on the MSS and the pipelines was successful, after a brief firefight they killed 1 Iraqi soldier and captured 13 more.

At the same time, air and sea landings secured the gas and oil platforms out at sea. SEAL Teams 8 and 10 captured the Mina Al Bakr Oil Terminal and Polish GROM commandos captured the Khor Al-Amaya Oil Terminal. 32 Iraqi prisoners were also captured. Explosive Ordnance Disposal were then landed on the platforms to search for and remove explosive booby traps and demolition charges.

An AC-130 guided in the CH-53 carrying the commando's from 40 Commando, the helicopter insertion was successful and the Commandos secured the MSS and the pipelines, whilst assaulting buildings at the MSS, the commandos killed 2 Iraqi soldiers. Resistance was light: D company came under sporadic fire from an Iraqi Bunker, two 1000 and 500-pound bombs released from an F-18 as well as 40mm and 105mm shells from an AC-130 destroyed the bunker. the Iraqi POW's captured by the SEALs were given over to the commandos. The MSG moved out to the town of al-Faw to take control of its access points, on the way, they attacked two Iraqi-occupied trenches and a gatehouse, the firefight lasted for an hour eventually securing the position, with the support of the AC-130, the MSG killed 8 Iraqi soldiers and capturing 25. There were still a further 200 Iraqi soldiers in other trenches and they began calling in mortars on the MSS, AC-130 gunfire silenced the mortars and demoralised the Iraqi's; B company was locked in a sporadic firefight with an Iraqi bunker, which they eventually cleared, whilst A company assaulted an Iraqi-occupied trench, bunker and mortar position with AC-130 support, killing the occupants. D company neutralized another Iraqi bunker with naval gun fire; without taking any casualties, 40 Commando took over 200 Iraqi prisoners.

A second assault by 42 Commando followed at 2225 hours. The second assault was preceded by artillery and naval bombardment, the artillery fire came from three British and one US artillery batteries positioned on Bubiyan Island, the naval component from HMS Richmond, HMS Marlborough, HMS Chatham and HMAS Anzac. The Marines were preceded by USMC AH-1 Cobra helicopters gunships and flown in by USMC helicopters to land just north of the town of Al Faw, destroying Iraqi artillery.

The insertion began badly with appalling visibility, worsened by fires and sand. The Headquarters of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force crashed in a US CH-46 Sea Knight as the assault formation turned over the Brigade assembly area, killing the seven Royal Marines, one Royal Navy operator and four US marine Corps aviators aboard. The cloud base dropped even further and the commander of the US Marine Air Wing decided to call off any further landings. A new insertion was planned, using RAF Chinook and Puma helicopters for dawn. The landings finally took place, six hours late and onto insecure landing zones, all the objectives were taken and secured. 42 Commando became the most forward unit in the al-Faw peninsula, they came under fire from a USMC Cobra but no casualties occurred, the commandos and the Cobras assaulted an Iraqi artillery position which could threaten the oil infrastructure and 40 Commando's flank.

Friday 21st March:

NVG view of Royal Marines disembarking on HMS Ark Royal, for operations on the al Faw peninsula.

A few hours after the Commandos landed, a group of Iraqi soldiers approached the commandos position, the commandos machineguns and an AC-130 fired on them killing all but one, who was captured. A company moved out to the town of al-Faw and set up blocking positions to the south east, whilst D company cleared an Iraqi barracks and Bunker, following intelligence received from Iraqi locals, the 105 members of A company moved into the town. Whilst in the waste ground in the eastern part of the town, the commandos were ambushed, they returned fire killing 7 Iraqi's, as they withdrew the commandos came under fire from Iranian border guards. A company halted in the center of town and prepared to continue their attack when it got dark, they attacked a Ba'athist party headquarters killing 7 Fedayeen fighters, 3 commandos became casualties, in the night the rest of the Fedayeen and Iraqi troops surrendered.

42 Commando, engaged and called in artillery on Fedayeen SUV vehicles entering their battle area, destroying 2, as they moved north, J company came under artillery fire they were attacked by a troop of Iraqis and a T-55 tank, Iranian border guards fired on them, the commandos called in British artillery which destroyed the Iraqi tank and troops.

Plans to land British armour by hovercraft were abandoned once Royal Engineers discovered extensive mining of the beaches near Al Faw which posed too great a danger to heavy U.S. Navy hovercraft carrying UK Scimitars. The 12 Scimitars of C Squadron Queen's Dragoon Guards, which had been loaded Hovercraft aboard the USS Rushmore for the landing were instead landing back in Kuwait and finally crossed the waterway north of Umm Qasr twenty-four hours late.

Saturday 22nd March:

Fedayeen Saddam paramilitaries continued scattered fighting around Umm Qasr. Two Royal Navy Sea King helicopters collided, killing 7 people.

Sunday 23rd March:

15 MEU (later relieved by 42 Commando) achieved their main objectives of securing Umm Qasr ahead of schedule, within 48 hours of crossing the Iraqi border. They then pushed north along the west bank of the Khawr Abd Allah waterway encountering stiff resistance from Fedayeen Saddam.

Monday 24th March:

40 Commando were tasked to move up the al-Faw peninsula towards Basra, the operation was codenamed Operation Leah, the 12 scimitars of C squadron QDG linked up with 40 Commando and the BRF with the majority of the force moving along highway 6 whilst others set up observation posts, the highway from Umm Qasr to Basra was guarded by the Iraqi 6th Armoured Division, 18th Infantry Division and the 51st Mechanized Division with 220–250 tanks. The forward observation posts soon detected Iraqi troops and tanks setting up a defensive line north of highway 6, west of the highway, a scimitar came under fire from an Iraqi T-55, the scimitar destroyed it with a mounted anti-tank missile. An Iraqi armoured brigade attempted a counterattack on al Faw, the force was made up of 60 T-55 tanks, a troop of 4 tanks fired on the scimatars so the crews called in A-10s and they destroyed the 4 Iraqi tanks. Throughout the day repeated troops of Iraqi tanks attacked C Squadron's scimitars who called in F-18 and A-10 air support to destroy them, A company boarded 6 sea king helicopters and flew to a forward position to protect 8 battery, 29 Commando, Royal Artillery as it moved its 105mm guns to within firing range of the Iraqi armoured brigades attack. 8th battery artillery guns, the A-10s and the F-18s airstrikes, as well as by 40 commando had destroyed over 20 T-55s, the rest retreated back to Basra. 42 Commando relieved the 15th MEU in Umm Qasr.

With the route to Umm Qasr declared safe and the Al Faw Peninsula largely in Coalition hands, this allowed the British 7th Armoured Brigade to press on to Basrah and US forces to advance on Baghdad without the threat of Iraqi forces near Basrah flanking through Al Faq and attacking Coalition supply lines.

2003. During the invasion of Iraq, M squadron was involved in a fierce firefight, which has since been commended by senior British officials. Sixty Men from M squadron with the call sign Zero Six Bravo travelled 1,000 km (620 m) into Iraq to take the surrender of the Iraqi 5th Corps. The call-sign was engaged in a fierce firefight that saw most of its vehicles destroyed. The SBS squadron escaped by splitting up, two men escaped on quad bikes to Syria. C squadron also had a 3 month tour in early 2003. Corporal Ian Plank, an SBS operator attached to the SAS was killed by Iraqi insurgents during a house-to-house search for a wanted high-ranking Islamist terrorist in an insurgent compound in Ramadi on Friday 31st October 2003, he was the first UKSF combat casualty of the Iraq War. The SBS was also very active as part of Task Force Black, C squadron deployed to Baghdad as part of the task force in 2004, in its four-month deployment it mounted 22 raids. On Saturday 23 July 2005, M squadron, supported by operators from the SAS and US forces carried out Operation Marlborough, killing 3 members of AQI.

2003.12:01am Tuesday 1st April. 'The Royal Marines Storm Basra's Southern Suburbs', by Tim Butcher.

Triumphant Royal Marine commandos yesterday mopped up the final traces of resistance in the south of Basra after the success of the first urban infantry assault of the war by British troops.

Under cover from smoke shells fired by British gunners, troops from Delta Company of 40 Commando renewed the assault at first light, attacking two enemy positions, known by military planners using the operation's James Bond theme as Pussy and Galore.

Attempts by Iraqi troops to flee from the British advance over the Shatt Al-Arab waterway were confounded when two boats crammed with soldiers were attacked by mortars and helicopter-borne missiles.

By midday some sort of normality had returned to the riverside suburb of Abu Al Khasib and Royal Marine foot patrols were already deployed Northern Ireland-style, looking for Saddam loyalists.

They received a warm welcome from the members of the 30,000-strong population, with children and adults giving the thumbs-up, smiling and shouting "Mister, mister, England good".

One surprised Royal Marine said: "We were meant to be giving them food, but they keep coming up to us and giving us stuff."

The success of Operation James may now embolden senior commanders to order a full advance on the heart of Basra, a city believed to be controlled by a desperate pro-Saddam minority.

While there were some Royal Marine casualties from accidents in the battle for Abu Al Khasib, none was caused by enemy fire. Looking at the devastation around the town, that seemed astonishing.

Under plumes of black smoke from two burning oil tankers, more than 10 destroyed Iraqi tanks could be seen in one stretch of road alone.

Each had been stopped in its tracks, its thick steel armour peeled open. There did not appear to be any Iraqi dead inside, but plenty of hastily removed uniforms were strewn here and there.

"It looks like the crews got out before the tanks were actually engaged," Brig Jim Dutton, the commander of 3 Commando Brigade, said.

"That says something I suppose about the level of commitment from the enemy we face."

Reinforced trenches and earthworks had been built to the south of the town where it faces the salty, marsh flats of the Faw peninsula.

But no matter how elaborate the Iraqi tank positions, nothing could stop 600 Royal Marines from 40 Commando advancing on foot in the early hours of Sunday supported by tanks, artillery and air power.

The 105mm light guns of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, had fired an unprecedented barrage ahead of the Royal Marines. Each of the eight guns from 8 Commando Battery fired more than 100 rounds, and their gun pits out on the flats were each surrounded by a small mountain of burnt brass shell cases.

On the roads within the town there were heaps of British spent ammunition cases, each one telling part of the story of the 14-hour battle for Abu Al Khasib. An Iraqi anti-aircraft gun lay destroyed next to a bridge and mortar impact splashes pockmarked the roads.

The Challenger 2 tanks from C Squadron the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards were crucial to the battle. "Plenty of rocket-propelled grenades were fired at our call signs but they simply bounced off the armour," said Capt. Fraser McLeman, 26, from Stratford-upon-Avon, the leader of one of the tank troops.

After the battle, there was a buzz of excitement among the Royal Marines as groups exchanged stories. A physical training instructor sergeant was generally acclaimed after he was hit on his bullet-proof vest by enemy fire. The shot shattered the heavy ceramic plate in his vest, but the sergeant continued to fight and even killed his attacker.

One British armoured vehicle was attacked by 70 rocket-propelled grenades, but it was not destroyed, and its occupants were unhurt.

A Royal Marine told of a grenade glancing off his helmet and another told of how an Iraqi colonel driving a car with a briefcase full of cash refused to stop and was shot dead. "I didn't know what to do with the money, so I gave it to the kids, bundles of the stuff," the Royal Marine said.

For the Iraqis the arrival of the British also appeared to be welcome news. British troops discovered evidence of the brutality of the regime in a police station in the suburb where they found what appeared to be a torture chamber.

"If any proof was needed of the nature of Saddam Hussein's regime then things like this give it," Lt-Col Gordon Messenger, the commanding officer of 40 Commando, said.

Local people were not yet in any mood to discuss the past, but life appeared to be returning to some sort of normality yesterday.

Shops opened, selling bags of spices and nuts, and at least one bakery was producing fresh, unleavened bread in a wood-fired oven.

The Royal Marines now patrolling the streets of the town reported good relations with the local population, who tipped them off on Sunday about an ambush being prepared by Saddam loyalists. Using this information, the British soldiers surprised their ambushers, killing three of them.

For Col Messenger yesterday, there was only a residual sense of pride in the performance of his men. "To the layman the achievements in Abu Al Khasib of these men might sound strange but I know them well and it came as no surprise to me," he said. "Quite simply, they were magnificent."

2003. Sunday 30th March. Major Alexis Ballard aged 33 of 3 Commando Brigade died from none hostile, natural causes. While serving on Operation Telic in Afghanistan.

2003. Sunday 30th March. Marine Christopher R. Maddison age 24 of 9 Assault Squadron was killed while while taking part in Operation Telic in Basra Afghanistan.

2003. Thursday 12th June. RMBS Beat Retreat in the grounds of Buckingham Palace to celebrate Prince Philip's Birthday and his 50th Anniversary as Captain General Royal Marines.

2003. Tuesday 30th September. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Democratic Republic of the Distinguished Service Order Congo during the period Thursday 1st October 2002 to 31st Monday March 2003.

2003. Tuesday 30th September. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. St James's Palace, London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for Watch. the following promotion in and appointments to The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period Tuesday 1st October 2002 to Monday 31st March 2003.

Order of the British Empire. OBE.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Frederick Barry Barnwell Royal Marines Reserve.

Member of the British Empire. MBE.

To be Additional Member of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Colour Sergeant William George Reid Royal Marines P043751N.

Queen's Commendation for Bravery:

Corporal Paul George McIntosh Royal Marines P052283G.

Queen's Commendation for Bravery:

Corporal Paul George McIntosh Royal Marines P052283G.

Order of the British Empire. OBE.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Frederick Barry Barnwell Royal Marines Reserve.

2003. Tuesday 30th September. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for ARMY the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Democratic Republic of the Distinguished Service Order Congo during the period Thursday 1st October 2002 to 31st Monday March 2003.

2003. Friday 31st October. Royal Marine Corporal Ian Plank age 31 from Poole in Dorset was killed during a coalition operation in Iraq, near Mosul and outside the British area of responsibility. News of his death was delayed by several days due to the fear of jeopardising a secret operation targeting terrorist units still loyal to Saddam Hussein in northern Iraq. Royal Marines seconded to the SBS were working under cover with U.S. special services in missions aimed at guerrilla units and at finding Saddam Hussein. Colonel Jerry Heal paid this tribute: "Corporal Plank was an extremely popular and greatly admired member of the Royal Marines, widely respected for his professional excellence, commitment and determination. He was particularly well known for his resilience and robustness under pressure, when his leadership, example and sense of humour were especially valued. He embodied all the personal and professional qualities associated with the Royal Marines and he enriched the lives of those who knew him, both socially and in the work place. His positive outlook, bright disposition and zest for life will be remembered with deep pride and affection by all who knew him, and most of all by his family and those members of the Royal Marines and others with whom he served around the world."

2003. Special exhibition marking the 100th Anniversary of the opening of the Royal Naval School of Music at Eastney Barracks at the Royal Marines Museum. All 32 Silver memorial Bugles were on display, this being only the fourth time that they had been together in their eighty three year history. Visited by HRH Prince Philip, the Captain General Royal Marines.

2003. The Armoured Special Company RM established to develop operating procedures for Viking armoured vehicles.

2003. M Squadron served a 3-month tour in Iraq early in the year. Corporal Ian Plank, an SBS member attached to the SAS was killed by Iraqi insurgents during a house-to-house search for a wanted high-ranking Islamist terrorist in an insurgent compound in Ramadi on Friday 31st October 2003, he was the first UKSF combat casualty of the Iraq War. The SBS was also very active as part of Task Force Black, C squadron deployed to Baghdad as part of the task force in 2004, in its four-month deployment it mounted 22 raids.

2004. Friday 13th February. 856 Troop Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2004. Wednesday 28th April. The Band of HM Royal Marines, Britannia Royal Naval College, given the Freedom of Dartmouth. The first time that a Royal Marines Band had received such an honour.

2004. 40 Commando conducts an operational tour in Iraq.

2004. Athens Olympics. Members of the SBS advised and trained Greek naval special forces in maritime counter terrorism techniques, with focus on protecting Athens's sea ports. It is also believed the SBS advised and assisted in securing the Queen Mary 2 cruise liner and other ships which were in port for the games.

2004. 45 Commando completes its final operational deployment in Northern Ireland.

2004. The Viking enters service with 3 Commando Brigade.

2005. Friday 2nd December. 895 Troop Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone.

2005. COMUKAMPPHIBFOR is deployed to Iraq with his HQ to command Multi-National Division Southeast.

2005. Spring. Afghanistan. The Director of Special Forces re-balanced British special forces deployments so that Afghanistan would be the responsibility of the SBS and Iraq would be the 22nd SAS Regiment's. In Spring 2006, the British military deployed over 4,000 troops to southern Afghanistan and the SBS were assigned to take the lead in supporting the deployment. The SBS were part of Task Force 42/84: the British contingent in the Joint Special Forces command; their deployment with other British special forces units was codenamed Operation Kindle (similar to the SAS and other British SF deployment in Iraq, known as Operation Crichton); the SBS carried out missions all over southern Afghanistan with US Apache helicopters. Along with training and mentoring Afghan Provincial Response Companies, Afghan police tactical units the operated jointly with Coalition SOF, TF 42 conducted operations in direct support of the British Battle Group deployed in Helmand Province and for ISAF SOF Command and operations directly for the Americans in pursuit of high-value targets. The main objective of the SBS (and later on other British special forces units with Afghan forces) was targeting Taliban leaders and drug barons using "Carrot and stick" tactics. On Wednesday 27th June 2006, a 16-man unit from C Squadron and members of the SRR carried out Operation Ilois: an operation that silently captured 4 Taliban leaders in compounds on the outskirts of Sangin, Helmand province. As they returned to their Land Rover vehicles, they were ambushed by an estimated 60-70 Taliban insurgents, with one vehicle disabled by RPG fire, the team took cover in an irrigation ditch and requested assistance while holding off the Taliban force. The Helmand Battle Group had not been informed of the operation until it went wrong; a QRF made up of a platoon of Gurkhas responded but ran into another insurgent ambush; one SBS member was seriously injured in the ambush. After an hour-long gunfight (some sources say three hours. Apache attack helicopters, the Gurkha QRF and the 16-man unit, supported by a U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt and two Harrier GR7s managed to break contact and return to the closest FOB; two of the four Taliban leaders were killed in the firefight while the other two escaped in the chaos. Upon reaching the FOB it was discovered that Captain David Patten, SRR, and Sergeant Paul Bartlett, SBS were missing – one was helping wounded out of a vehicle when he was shot and assumed killed, and the other went missing during the firefight. An RAF Chinook carrying a company from the Parachute Regiment took off to find them, a pair of Apaches spotted the bodies and the Paras recovered them. One SBS member was awarded the MC for his actions in the ambush.

2005. Saturday 23rd July. M squadron, supported by troops from the SAS and US forces carried out 'Operation Marlborough', killing three members of the AQI.

2006. Wednesday 11th January. The Death of Lieutenant Coronel R.A. Waterer, Principle Director of Music 1994 - 2002, at Valley Forge Military Academy, Pennsylvania, where he was Commandant of Cadets.

2006. February. Operation Herrick began in 2002 on the end of Operation Fingal, which saw Britain hand command of the ISAF force to Turkey. At that point, the deployment was scaled back from 2,100 to approximately 300, primarily concerned with security in Kabul, and manning the UK Afghan National Army Training Team (UKANATT). In 2003, the deployment in Kabul was expanded to battalion size when two Provincial Reconstruction Teams were established, along with a rapid reaction force, based around a light role infantry battalion, the Afghanistan Roulement Infantry Battalion (ARIB). In January 2006, the Government announced that, due to the worsening situation in the south of Afghanistan, a brigade sized formation numbering approximately 3,300, Task Force Helmand, would be deployed to Helmand Province.

2006. February. 42 Cdo deploy to Helmand Province as part of NATO efforts to stabilize Afghanistan in the midst of a resurgent Taliban. 42 Cdo were to secure the area around Lashkar Gar whilst infrastructure was installed by RAF and Army engineers for the forthcoming deployment by 16 Air Assault Brigade. The Marines engaged in frequent firefights with the Taliban. By April 16 AA Bde were fully deployed and began efforts to bring security to the region. Aggressive patrols were carried out to try and flush out the Taliban.

2006. Friday 24th March. Ministry of Defence London Whitehall SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards for gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period Friday 1st April to Friday 30th September 2005.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. CGC: Sergeant (Acting Colour Sergeant) Matthew Robert Tomlinson Royal Marines P049020H.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period Friday 1st April to Friday 30th September 2005.

Queen's Commendation:

Additional Members of the Military Division of the Valuable Service.

Major Michael John Tanner Royal Marines.

Corporal Stephen Michael Head Royal Marines P053258F.

2006. Friday 24th March. Ministry of Defence London Whitehall SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period Friday 1st April to Friday 30th September 2005.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Sergeant Thomas Palmer QGM Royal Marines P047880V.

2006. The SBS became the primary UK Special Forces unit in the Afghanistan theatre (the SAS were deployed in strength to Iraq). Supported by the SFSG and SRR, the SBS have carried out a number of operations in the country, with the focus on taking out key Taliban leadership figures and disrupting the lucrative drug trade which finances them.

2006. Friday 5th May. 905 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2006. Tuesday 27th June. Sergeant Paul Bartlett of the Special Boat Service (SBS) aged 35, was killed near Sangin, while on active service in Afghanistan.

2006. Tuesday 27th June. Captain David Patten, SAS (other sources say SRR) and Sergeant Paul Bartlett SBS, age 35 were killed and another serviceman seriously injured in a Taliban ambush in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. They were part of an SBS patrol that had arrested 4 Taliban organisers when they were ambushed by a large Taliban force, their vehicles were destroyed and the team were pursued by at least 70 Taliban insurgents, they were rescued by a platoon of Gurkhas who were supported by US and British aircraft, however in the chaos, Bartlett and Patten became separated from the main group, their bodies were later found. One SBS member was awarded the MC.

2006. Spring. Afghanistan. The British military deployed over 4,000 troops to southern Afghanistan and the SBS were assigned to take the lead in supporting the deployment. The SBS were part of Task Force 84: the British contingent in the Joint Special Forces command; the SBS carried out missions all over southern Afghanistan with US Apache helicopters. The main objective of the SBS (and later other British special forces units with Afghan forces) was targeting Taliban leaders and drug barons using 'Carrot and stick' tactics.

2006. Registered Computerised numbers. The demise of the 'N' (officers) and 'P' (other ranks) system and under Joint Personnel Administration the service numbers of personnel in all three services now universally start with the digit 3 followed by seven further digits.

2006. Saturday 2nd September. Royal Marine Joseph David Windall aged 22. Lost his life while on active service in Afghanistan, following the crash of a RAF Nimrod MR2 aircraft.

2006. September. Two Buglers are deployed to Camp Bastion for duties that include Repatriation Ceremonies.

2006. October 2006 - April 2007. 45 Commando were deployed to Helmand Province, to act as rapid reaction force for the multi-national Provincial Reconstruction Teams and to establish the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT). The OLMT worked closely with indigenous Afghan National Army (ANA) forces, carrying out training tasks and joint operations against the Taliban.

2006. Saturday12th November. Cpl. Ben Nowak aged 27 of 45 Commando, lost his life while serving in Operation Telic. (Op Telic was the code name under which all of the United Nations Military operations in Iraq were conducted between the start of the invasion of Iraq on 19th March 2003 and the withdrawal of the last remaining British Forces on 22nd May 2011. Although the bulk of the mission ended on 30th April 2009.

2006. Tuesday 5th December. Marine Jonathan Wigley aged 21, was killed while serving with Zulu Company 45 Commando on active service in Afghanistan.

2008. Tuesday 12th December. Marine Richard J. Watson (age 23) was killed in action while serving with 42 Commando, in the North of Helmand, Afghanistan.

2006. 3 Commando Brigade is in Norway for Winter Deployment, then Afghanistan (less 40 Commando).

2007. Early January. Operation Clay, M Coy, 42 Cdo fought a hard battle to take control of a hydroelectric dam at Kajaki. The Marines had established a forward operating base (FOB Kajaki) in the area in December. Before the operation to clear the area around Kajaki, the Commandos established further observation posts high in the mountains overlooking the area from where HMG and sniper fire could be brought down on the enemy. M Coy conducted a series of clearances of a number of cave complexes. They later cleared nearby compounds. Engineers built a permanent vehicle checkpoint (PVCP). Over the coming weeks, sporadic Taliban attacks continued to prevent the Dam from operating.

2007. Thursday 4th January - 15th May. RMBS provided the Cyprus Reinforcement Unit of ninety five personnel. Responsible for security at British Sovereign Base Area at Episkopi, Troodos, Olympus and Salt Lake City. Also, able to provide musical support and entertainment to military and civilian population.

2007. Early February. Operation Volcano was carried on from Operation Clay. M Coy, 42 Cdo assaulted and cleared Taliban compounds at Barikju in an attempt to secure the area around the Kajaki dam.

2007. Thursday 5th April. Operation Silver. The Coalition forces including J. Coy 42 Cdo. launched Operation Silver, as part of the wider Operation Achilles, with some 1,000 troops. After giving advance warning of their offensive, they advanced into Sangin, which had been mostly abandoned by the insurgents. The new governor of Helmand Assadullah Wafa, was able to install a new district governor, and ISAF claimed to have pacified the town. The Taliban claim to still control neighbouring areas. Since the end of the siege, the district compound has still come under attack, but the British have built two new forward operating bases a few miles away that draw most of the Taliban attacks away from the town.

2007. Saturday 12th May. An SBS team killed the Taliban leader Mullah Dadullah after JSOC and the ISA tracked him to a compound - where his associates were meeting - near Bahram Chah, Helmand province. The ISA confirmed he was there and an SBS reconnaissance element carried out reconnaissance of the compound which showed that Dadullah was protected 20 insurgents. That night, with the ISA monitoring the target, the majority of C Squadron were inserted by RAF Chinook HC.2 helicopters while Apache helicopters provided cover. The troops stormed the compound and an hour long firefight took place as small groups of Taliban were hunted down and killed. Four SBS personnel were wounded (one seriously). Eventually Dadullah was shot in the chest and head, a brief SSE was conducted, and the assault force was picked up by helicopter.

On Friday 29th July 2007, members of the SBS were carrying out a special mission in Nimruz when they were involved in a firefight with Taliban insurgents, Lance Corporal Michael Jones was killed, and three other members were wounded.

On Monday 24th September 2007, members of C squadron SBS and the Italian SOF unit Col Moschin rescued two Italian intelligence agents who were kidnapped two days before by the Taliban in Herat province near Farah. Col Moschin parachuted onto a drop zone and marched overnight to surround the target compound, while the SBS were standing by in Lynx and Chinook helicopters to provide cut off groups in case the insurgents attempted to escape. A US Predator drone also supported the British and Italians. The insurgents brought the hostages out of the compound and loaded them into vehicles before the Italians were in position to rescue them, but the SBS closed in on the vehicles: aerial snipers using M82A1 antimaterial rifles forced the vehicles to stop. A Chinook dropped off more than a dozen SBS personnel who engaged the Taliban who were disembarking the vehicles. Eight Taliban insurgents were killed, and the hostages were rescued, although one died of gunshot wounds.

2007. Thursday 19th July. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to, and promotion in, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Friday 1st October 2006 to Saturday 31st March 2007:

Distinguished Service Order. DSO. To be Companions:

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew John Holmes Royal Marines.

Brigadier Jeremy Hywel Thomas Royal Marines.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. CGC:

Corporal John Thomas Thompson Royal Marines P055927F.

Military Cross. MC:

Colour Sergeant Hefin Jones Royal Marines P048583J.

Sergeant Jason Layton Royal Marines P048374V.

Sergeant Andrew Peter Miller Royal Marines P048526D.

Sergeant David Albert Montgomery Royal Marines P047665F.

Sergeant Andrew David Pearson Royal Marines P047829N.

Corporal Michael Cowe Royal Marines P060082K.

Corporal Alan Hewitt Royal Marines P056210P.

Corporal Simon Willey Royal Marines P056153P.

Marine Matthew Bispham Royal Marines P064521K.

Marine Daniel Claricoates Royal Marines P062664H.

Marine Ian Paul Danby Royal Marines P062617U.

Marine Daniel Fisher Royal Marines P063328S.

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Major Philip Gadie, Royal Marines.

Major Damien John Huntingford Royal Marines.

Captain Alistair Scott Carns Royal Marines.

Captain Duncan Graham Forbes Royal Marines.

Captain Jason Robert Milne Royal Marines.

Second Lieutenant Richard Sharp Royal Marines.

Corporal Adam Lison Royal Marines P058086L.

Corporal Ashley Oates Royal Marines P053529A.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Robert Daniel Jones Royal Marines.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Steven Shepherd MBE Royal Marines.

Marine Thomas Curry Royal Marines P063705H (killed in action).

Marine Jonathan Paul Hart Royal Marines P060214H.

Marine Alexander Hoole Royal Marines P060269B.

Marine Paul Mayfield Royal Marines P062833B.

Marine Mark Roughsedge Royal Marines P057291P.

Marine Matthew Smith Royal Marines P063286V.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Major Matthew Churchward Royal Marines.

Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Andrew Dewar Royal Marines.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Richard Stickland Royal Marines

Military Cross. MC:

Captain James Knight Royal Marines.

Corporal Terry Robert Knights Royal Marines P051200Y.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Sergeant Wayne Hunt MBE Royal Marines P045908R.

2007. Thursday 19th July. Ministry of Defence Whitehall, London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards for gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period Friday 1st October 2006 to Saturday 31st March 2007.

Military Cross. MC:

Captain James Knight Royal Marines.

Corporal Terry Robert Knights Royal Marines P051200Y.

2007. Thursday 19th July. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2006 to 31st March 2007.

Order of the British Empire. OBE. To be an Additional Officer of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Major Justin William Hedges Royal Marines.

Member of the British Empire. MBE.

To be Ordinary Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Major Oliver Andrew Lee Royal Marines. Major Ewen Murchison Royal Marines.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Martin Charles Reeves Royal Marines.

2007. Thursday 19th July. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the name of the following as having been Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Field during the period Monday 1st October 2006 to Saturday 31st March 2007.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Sergeant Wayne Hunt MBE Royal Marines P045908R.2007.

3 Commando Brigade returns to the UK.

2007. Tuesday 31st July. Operation Banner came to an end after 38 years, the British army's longest continuous campaign, came to a close at midnight after 38 years. The military operation assisted the police in Northern Ireland when the Troubles flared up, in 1969. In total, 763 soldiers would go on to die as a direct result of terrorism in the conflict with republican paramilitaries. Over the period of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, they completed over 69 tours of duty.

2007. Monday 24th September. Members of the SBS and Italian commando's rescued two Italian intelligence officers who were kidnapped by the Taliban in Herat province near Farah Afghanistan, they had been kidnapped 2 days before. The mission was successful the officers were rescued, and 8 or 9 Taliban were killed.

2007. October. 40 Commando deployed as part of 52 Infantry Brigade. 40 Cdo carried out numerous patrols around various villages in Helmand, often working closely with Afghan National Army (ANA) troops.

2007. November. 40 Cdo supported 52 Brigade's pushed towards the Taliban stronghold in Musa Qaleh. Using Viking APCs, the Commandos engaged several Taliban positions, drawing enemy forces away from the town.

2007. Wednesday 12th December. 40 Cdo continued to play a significant role in ANA/ISAF efforts to oust the Taliban from Musa Qaleh which culminated in a successful operation, led by Afghani Troops, with the town declared under friendly control on Wednesday 12th December.

2007. The Royal Marines School of Music no longer under the direct administration control of the Royal Navy, now placed under the control of Commando Training Centre.

2007. Eagle House reintroduced to the Royal Marines School of Music.

2007. Armoured Special company RM (Afghanistan) is formed and remains in theatre to support Army units.

2007. 40 Commando deploys to Afghanistan.

2007. The Corps strength is 6,550.

2007. Wednesday 12th December. 40 Cdo continued to play a significant role in ANA/ISAF efforts to oust the Taliban from Musa Qaleh which culminated in a successful operation, led by Afghani Troops, with the town declared under friendly control on Wednesday 12th December.

2008. Tuesday 8th January. Much of 40 Cdo's activities in the New Year centered around the crucial Kajaki dam. The Marines fought regular battles in continuing efforts to dislodge the Taliban from various compounds surrounding the dam. On Tuesday 8th January, C Coy, 40 Cdo conducted their first amphibious operations in landlocked Afghanistan. Using assault boats, the Marines crossed the reservoir of the Kajaki Dam on a reconnaissance mission. They identified several Taliban positions before withdrawing under the cover of darkness.

2008. Tuesday 15th January. Z Coy, 45 Cdo, supported by the BRF, Light Dragoons, engineers and artillery units, assaulted the Taliban-held Jugroom Fort. 45 Cdo crossed the Helmand river close to the fort, traveling in Viking APCs before debussing to engage the Taliban on foot. A fierce firefight ensued, and the Marines withdrew. Once back across the river, it was discovered that a fellow Marine, Lance Corporal Ford, was missing. A daring rescue mission was launched. Lacking appropriate light helicopter support for the task, the Marines strapped themselves to the wings of 2 Army Air Corps Apache gunships. The 2 WAH-64 helicopters, covered by a third, flew over the battlefield and landed within the walls of the fort. The 4 Commandos, assisted by members of the Apache flight crew, moved out on foot and found Lance Corporal Ford, who had sadly passed away. All members of the rescue force, along with their fallen comrade, were then flown out of the area.

The following is taken from the Guardian newspaper dated Saturday 16th August 2008.

It was hailed as a heroic operation. Four Royal Marines strapped themselves to the sides of two Apache gunships to recover the body of a dead comrade. Dodging Taliban gunfire, the pilots landed allowing the marines to pick up the body of Lance Corporal Mathew Ford before taking it back across the Helmand river to their base.

Yesterday, however, an official report on the circumstances leading to Ford's death revealed he had been killed by one of his own comrades in an operation carried out by poorly trained troops.

A devastating board of inquiry report released by the Ministry of Defence exposed a catalogue of errors. The report revealed how a request for more troops by the commander of 3 Commando Brigade was turned down, and how communications became confused as troops struggled to cope with unfamiliar equipment.

Amid the gun battle, a marine company commander, a major, was relieved of his post, the Guardian has learned.

Ford died on January 15th last year during Operation Glacier, an assault on Jugroom Fort, a Taliban base in Garmser, in the south of Helmand province. The idea, says the board of inquiry, was to show that the Nato-led coalition was "capable of operating anywhere it chose". However, "shortfalls in combat power", identified by the brigade commander whose request to London for more troops was refused, prevented British forces from succeeding, specifically in being able to "take and subsequently hold" ground, the report says.

Training was geared too much towards old-fashioned peacekeeping operations. The commando brigade "was forced to adapt to a fast-moving operational environment quite different to that for which they had trained. lessons were learned the hard way", says the report.

"A lack of mutual understanding was exacerbated by the turnover of key staff," it adds.

As Operation Glacier began, Z Company, from 45 Commando, gathered close to the fort. They attacked shortly after dawn, storming across the river in a convoy of Viking amphibious vehicles. Apache gunships and armoured vehicles. Troops made for the fort walls, jumped out of the armoured track vehicles, and started a ground assault. It was then that things started to go badly wrong.

There was tension and strained relations between the commander and more junior officers in a new force structure "facing a task for which it was not originally designed". The problems were compounded by "a great deal of confusion, exacerbated by the weight of fire from multiple locations".

Amid all this, a machine gunner on one of the Vikings opened fire. "Thinking he had seen a muzzle flash [he] swung his weapon round almost 180 degrees and opened fire in the direction of the flash. Almost immediately the troops ... began shouting at him to stop firing towards the wall, as did his driver."

The board of inquiry notes that the machine gunner's briefing "had been hurried, that he was disorientated and that actions were spontaneous on witnessing what he believed to be enemy fire".

Four marines were evacuated. A head count revealed that the 30-year-old Ford was missing. An Apache pilot reported seeing a heat source by the wall of the fort. Ford was found with wounds to his head and chest.

"In hindsight, it is highly likely that L/Cpl Ford had already - instantaneously - died from his wounds," the report concludes. Both of his wounds, it adds, "were very probably caused by Nato rounds".

His fellow marines and the Apache's army pilots agreed that the quickest and least risky way of getting him out was by strapping him to a helicopter. This, they achieved, as a US plane dropped three bombs to distract the enemy.

The board of inquiry does not explicitly apportion blame and no disciplinary action has been taken.

Major General Jerry Thomas, commander of 3 Commando Brigade at the time, said yesterday: "If I did not think we were ready to deploy and if I did not believe in the ability of my people to conduct this operation successfully, I would not have allowed them to go. Although there was risk in mounting this offensive, the decision was made after a careful judgment, accepting that, while risk can be minimised, it can never be removed entirely.

"While the death of Lance Corporal Ford was a tragic incident, the courage and professionalism of those men that recovered his body was exemplary and in the best traditions of the UK's armed forces.

Bob Ainsworth, the armed forces minister told the BBC: "It is not the case that the brigade involved was under-prepared or under-resourced. There clearly were issues with the preparation of the operation, and the Royal Marines themselves will be looking at that soon."(www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/aug/16/military.afghanistan)

2008. Monday 18th February. Operation Ghartse Dagger. B Coy, 40 Cdo attached units (forming the Mobile Operations Group) took part in an operation to reach the town of Sapwan Kala. Part of the operation involved a feint designed to deceive the Taliban into believing the Marines were about to move to the area around the Kajaki dam. This deception allowed then to enter Sapwan Kala and establish contact with the local population. As the Marines pulled out of the town, the Fire Support Group (FSG), stationed on high ground overlooking the operation, came under Taliban fire and a contact ensued.

2008. Monday18th February. Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Matin and one of his sub-commanders, Mullah Karim Agha, along with several bodyguards were travelling through the desert near Gereshk, Helmand province on motorbikes when they were ambushed and killed by an SBS unit dropped into his path by helicopter.

In February 2009, members of the SBS took part in Operation Diesel, which resulted in the seizure of £50 million of heroin and the killing of at least 20 Taliban insurgents.

On Saturday 29th August 2009, Sergeant Lee Houltram of the SBS was killed by an IED during a Special Forces operation to destroy a bomb factory near Gereshk in Helmand province.

On Wednesday 9th September 2009, an SBS team supported by the SFSG rescued Times journalist Stephen Farrell from a Taliban safe house in Char Dara District, Kunduz Province after he and his Afghan interpreter had been captured by the Taliban while reporting on the Kunduz airstrike. The British special forces were forced to act when intercepted communications of the Taliban leader showed them discussing moving the hostages into Pakistan. They were inserted before dawn by 160th SOAR helicopters directly onto the target building. While the SFSG set up a cordon, the Afghan interpreter was accidentally shot and killed, and two civilians were killed by an explosive breaching charge on the compound. Although an SFSG soldier was killed, Farrell was successfully rescued.

2010. Thursday 1st July. During an operation against insurgents in Haji Wakil, Helmand Province, Corporal Seth Stephens of the SBS was killed during a heavy firefight while clearing a compound, as a result of his actions during that operation, he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

2008. Wednesday 20th February. Corporal Damian Mulvihill of 40 Commando Royal Marines died in Afghanistan. He had been taking part in a joint ISAF/ANA patrol near Sangin. Leading from the front while conducting a clearance patrol, when he was killed by an IED. Corporal Mulvihill is described as a giant of a man, with a fearsome look but a warm heart. He had joined the Royal Marines in 1998 and served in Northern Ireland before deploying to Afghanistan. His C.O. said: "The loss of Corporal Mulvihill is a devastating blow. An outstanding junior leader, he was immensely popular in both his company and the wider Commando unit. A charismatic man, he possessed an irrepressible sense of humour and would always be found with a broad smile on his face, regardless of the challenges or difficulties that he was facing. As a Marine, he epitomised the Commando spirit. A courageous and selfless comrade, his cheerfulness in adversity could be guaranteed, and he always demonstrated the very highest standards of professional competence in everything that he undertook. Corporal Mulvihill played a full and distinguished part in all operations conducted by his company, leading his section of men fearlessly on countless patrols and engagements. He knew and accepted the risks, but he understood completely the value of his work and took tremendous pride in the achievements of the men he commanded. As a friend he was loyal and trusted, as a comrade he was admired and emulated; a man of considerable ability, he will be sadly missed." Damian, from Plymouth, was 32 years old and engaged to be married.

2008. Friday 7th March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall, London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period Sunday 1st April to Tuesday 31st July 2007.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service.

Corporal William David Hayes Royal Marines P053632W.

2008. Friday 7th March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Commended for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at sea during the period Thursday 11th to 25th May 2007.

Queen's Commendation for Bravery:

Sergeant Ian McDougall Royal Marines P050369Y.

2008. Sunday 30th March. Just after 1653 hours local time, Lieutenant John Thontson and Marine David Marsh were conducting a patrol in the vicinity of Kajaki, Helmand Province Afghanistan. When the vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion. Medical treatment was provided prior to both being evacuated to the field Hospital at Camp Bastion. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, both sadly died as a result of their wounds.

2008. Tuesday 8th April. 40 Commando returned to the UK after completing their 6 month tour in Afghanistan.

During the operation, 14 Marines from the base at Norton Fitzwarren in Somerset were killed and 11 were seriously injured.

About 600 Marines had been serving since April in the Sangin area of Helmand Province before it was taken over by US forces in September.

The first set of Marines arrived in Taunton at about 1400 BST.

The rest of the Marines will return over the next week.

Major Duncan Forbes said: "It's a bittersweet day being back here; 21 people from the battle group were killed and 14 of them were Royal Marines.

"Their sacrifice was not made in vain; they did an amazing job every day showing bravery and leadership, which is humbling for us as their leaders to look to.

"It's a sad day for those families who have not got their husbands coming back."

The Marines, part of 3 Brigade, were deployed to Sangin in April under the command of 4 Mechanised Brigade on Operation Herrick 12.

Sangin, a key economic and transport hub in southern Afghanistan, has been the scene of the bloodiest fighting by British troops, accounting for almost a third of the 339 deaths since 2001.

Sgt Andy Hughes from Cotford St Luke, near Taunton, returned earlier after completing his fourth tour in Afghanistan.

He said: "My eyes are still adjusting to the contrast and the colours instead of the browns and yellows of being out in the desert in Afghanistan."

Speaking of their losses, one Marine said: "There have been some really bad days, especially when one of our lads got killed.

"It's hard not to give up. I kind of block it out until we're home safe and then I'll start mourning."

Emma Forbes, who gave birth during her husband's deployment, has been keeping a blog detailing her experience.

In her latest entry, Mrs Forbes said: "This has been a gruelling six months and my prayers are with the families whose loved ones are not coming home.

"I expected to feel simple, childish joy and anticipation as I count down the days and hours (and I do). However, going through a deployment with small children has made me acutely aware of the sacrifice all of the guys make."

After their return home, the Marines will have three weeks off before returning to march through Taunton town centre on Monday 17th November.

(from www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-somerset-11479071).

2008. Friday 25th July. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2007 to Monday 31st March 2008.

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Major Duncan Manning Royal Marines.

Warrant Officer Class 2 David William Layton Royal Marines P045089F.

Corporal Garry Lee Banford Royal Marines P054437L.

Marine Gary Ogden Royal Marines P059473N.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Colonel Gerard Mark Salzano MBE Royal Marines.

Acting Major Peter Lawton MBE Royal Marines.

Acting Colour Sergeant Ian McDougall Royal Marines P050369Y.

Corporal Lee Andrew Houltram Royal Marines P053349X.

2008. Friday 25th July. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2007 to Monday 31st March 2008.

Mention in Despatches:

Major Duncan Manning Royal Marines.

Warrant Officer Class 2 David William Layton Royal Marines P045089F.

Corporal Garry Lee Banford Royal Marines P054437L.

Marine Gary Ogden Royal Marines P059473N.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Colonel Gerard Mark Salzano MBE Royal Marines.

Acting Major Peter Lawton MBE Royal Marines.

Acting Colour Sergeant Ian McDougall Royal Marines P050369Y.

Corporal Lee Andrew Houltram Royal Marines P053349X.

Corporal John Robert Stephenson Royal Marines P048930W.

Marine Matthew Corcoran Royal Marines P062867T.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Steven John Hussey MBE Royal Marines N028488K.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Wayne Anthony Hoyle Royal Marines P045164H.

2008. Friday 25th July. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2007 to Monday 31st March 2008.

Military Cross. MC:

Major Adrian Morley Royal Marines N028540D.

Sergeant Paul Andrew Norris Royal Marines P052669T.

Sergeant Dean Charles Sykes Royal Marines P051224Y.

Corporal Wayne Robert Lloyd Royal Marines P049169S.

Corporal Christopher Steven Wetton Royal Marines P054289T.

Marine Eroni Sikavou Bulabalavu Cinavilakeba Royal Marines P058122K.

Marine Mkhuseli Jones Royal Marines P064011A.

Marine Richard Reginald Withers Royal Marines P057029L.

2008. Friday 25th July. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2007 to Monday 31st March 2008.

Order of the British Empire. MBE.

To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Major Mark Andrew Bowra Royal Marines.

Major Daniel James Edward Cheesman Royal Marine.

2008. Friday 25th July. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following appointments to the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2007 to Monday 31st March 2008.

Distinguished Service Order. DSO. To be Companions:

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Martin Birrell Royal Marines.

2008. Wednesday 12th November. Marine Neil David Dunstan aged 32, was killed by an IED while serving in Afghanistan.

2008. Wednesday 12th November. Marine Robert McKibben aged 32 of UKLFCSG 3 Cdo Bde, lost his life in Afghanistan.

2008. Saturday 27th November. Royal Marines Tony Evans aged 20 and Georgie Sparks aged 19 both of J Coy 42 Commando were killed. They had been conducting a foot patrol to the north-west of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province Afghanistan. Marines Evans and Sparks had moved on to the roof of a compound when, at around 0900 hours, there was an attack by insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and they were badly wounded. Both received immediate medical attention and were moved to a secure location before being put on a helicopter to be transferred back to Camp Bastion. However, both sadly died from their injuries during the flight.

2008. Friday 12th December. Corporal Marc Birch age 26 of 6 Troop X-Ray Company, 45 Commando.

2008. Friday 12th December. Marine Damien Davies aged 27 of Commando Logistics, was killed in action while serving in 45 Commando in Afghanistan.

2008. Friday 12th December. L/Cpl Steven Fellows aged 26 of Whiskey Company 45 Commando was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan.

2008. Friday 12th December 2008. Sergeant John Henry Manuel aged 38 of X-Ray Company HQ, was killed in action while on Operation 'Frankton'

2009. February. Members of the SBS took part in Operation Diesel, which resulted in the seizure of £50 million of heroin and the killing of at least 20 Taliban insurgents.

2009. Friday 6th March. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Tuesday 1st April to Tuesday 30th September 2008.

Order of the British Empire. MBE.

To be an Additional Member of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Major Sven Christopher Hanson Royal Marines N029350D.

Military Cross. MC:

Acting Lance Corporal Stephen Burns Royal Marines P056221X.

Mention in Despatches.MID:

Colour Sergeant Benn Adam Soutine Royal Marines P047807V.

Corporal John Robert Stephenson Royal Marines P048930W.

Marine Matthew Corcoran Royal Marines P062867T.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Steven John Hussey MBE Royal Marines N028488K.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Wayne Anthony Hoyle Royal Marines P045164H.

2009. Monday 23rd February. Afghanistan: Royal Marine Michael 'Mick' Laski aged 21 of 45 Commando passed away. Yankee Company was conducting a foot patrol to provide security to the local Afghanistan community when they were engaged by heavy and accurate enemy fire. Caught in open ground during this initial exchange, Marine Laski was struck by an enemy bullet whilst the patrol fought back to regain the initiative. In spite of every effort by his colleagues, and his own trademark determination, he never regained consciousness. Michael Laski, 21, was born in Liverpool on 11th May 1987. After completing Royal Marines Commando recruit training in September 2006, he joined 45 Commando Royal Marines and was immediately deployed with the unit on Operation HERRICK 5 to Afghanistan. Returning to the unit in early 2008 after successfully completing his Royal Marines Signals Specialisation course, his dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism ensured that he immediately stood out from his peers. The epitome of a Royal Marine, his desire to be right at the heart of Commando unit life manifested itself in his single-minded determination and desire to return to a close combat company. Confident in his abilities, his relentless drive and tenacity and the continual pestering of the Signal Troop Sergeant Major saw him joining Yankee Company in time for operations in the Upper Sangin Valley in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 9. Marine Laski was a dependable, brave and selfless man. He loved his job and was exceptionally good at it. His spirit and tenacity in the face of adversity and danger were unswerving and his sense of humour and love for life was apparent in everything he did. He was an exceptional Commando, and he was blessed with a truly engaging personality that endeared him to all. Hugely popular within the company, his natural and infectious sense of humour always meant that he was at the centre of company banter. Marine Laski was a ferociously loyal Royal Marine, dedicated to his friends and to the Corps, and that is how he will best be remembered. His loss will be felt deeply by all. Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris Royal Marines, Commanding Officer, 45 Commando Group, said: Marine Mick Laski was a Royal Marine Commando through and through. Bright, quick-witted, incredibly determined and extremely brave he always sought out every opportunity to operate as close to the front line as possible. "As a signaller in Yankee Company he was invariably on the shoulder of his Company Commander in the thick of the fighting ensuring communications whatever the circumstance. This was his second operational deployment to Afghanistan, and his commitment and bravery in the face of the enemy has been a continual example to us all. "His loss is a heavy blow to Signals Troop and 45 Commando, and we will all miss his loyalty, humour and friendship. The whole of 45 Commando Group joins me in sending my deepest condolences to his father and brothers as they begin to come to terms with these devastating events."

2009. Friday 6th March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1 The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st April to 30th September 2008:

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Steven John Hussey MBE Royal Marines N028488K.

Queen's Commendation for Bravery:

Sergeant Mark Sheraton Royal Marines P053138C.

2009. Wednesday 20th May. A Ceremonial Farewell to Dartmouth following the announcement of the disbandment of the Band of HM RM Britannia Royal Naval College. One of the outcomes of the Lean Review was that changes to the structure and the size of the five Royal Marines Bands were required. As a result, and commensurate with the need to deploy RMBS personnel as Medical Support to 3 Commando Bde. in Afghanistan, the decision was taken to remove the RM Band from Britannia Royal Naval College and, upon completion of the Afghanistan deployment, to form HM RM Band Collingwood at the shore establishment of HMS Collingwood.

2009. Wednesday 27th May. L/Cpl Robert Richards R.M. aged 24 of ASG died while serving in Afghanistan.

2009. Tuesday 16th June. The Band of HM Royal Marines Collingwood, formed under Major J. Burcham.

2009. Saturday 29th August. Royal Marine Sergeant Lee Andrew (Andy) Houltram age 33 a member of the Special Boat Service (SBS), died while on active service in Gereshk, Helmand Province Afghanistan. Sgt Houltram was part of a team dropped by helicopter behind enemy lines into Gereshk, to destroy known bomb factories. After uncovering IEDs and rocket-propelled grenades hidden in a mosque, Sgt Houltram and his team - all wearing night vision goggles and body armour - were making their way across a footbridge over a river to other compounds when the device was triggered. Sgt Houltram from Cowie in Stirlingshire, suffered fatal injuries in the blast and six other members of his team were also injured.

2009. Wednesday 9th September. An SBS team supported by the SFSG rescued Times Journalist Stephen Farrell after he was captured by the Taliban in Kunduz Province.

2009. Thursday 10th September. 980 Kings Squad passed for duty from Lympstone.

2009. September. The SBS rescued a British journalist from Taliban kidnappers near Kunduz, Afghanistan

2009. Friday 11th September. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following promotions in and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Thursday 1st October 2008 to Tuesday 31st March 2009. Order of the British Empire. OBE. To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order: Lieutenant Colonel Alan Litster MBE Royal Marines N028222V.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Richard Stickland Royal Marines N028196P.

Member of the British Empire MBE.

To be Additional members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin John Cheeseman Royal Marines P046175L.

Major Adam Timothy Stephen Crawford Royal Marines N029091C.

Major Tristan Harris Royal Marines N028505Q.

Major Ross Walker Preston Royal Marines N029108K.

2009. Friday 11th September. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve a Bar and the following appointments to the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Thursday 1st October 2008 to Tuesday 31st March 2009.

Bar to Distinguished Service Order. DSO.

Brigadier Gordon Kenneth Messenger DSO OBE Royal Marines N027960S.

Distinguished Service Order. DSO. To be Companions:

Lieutenant Colonel James Andrew John Morris Royal Marines N028223M.

2009. Friday 11th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Thursday 1st October 2008 to Tuesday 31st March 2009.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. CGC:

Major Richard John Cantrill Royal Marines N029210Q.

Sergeant Noel Gerard Connolly Royal Marines P047206T.

Sergeant Andrew Leaver Royal Marines P051736R.

Marine James Malone Royal Marines 30008326.

Marine Steven Nethery Royal Marines P063177B.

Military Cross. MC:

Marine Samuel Alexander Royal Marines P065042N.

Corporal John Ballance Royal Marines P060508L.

Corporal Richard Bateman Royal Marines P052775P.

2009. Friday 11th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Thursday 1st October 2008 to Tuesday 31st March 2009:

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Major Nigel John Powell Somerville MBE Royal Marines N029204N.

Major Andrew Patrick Leonard Watkins Royal Marines N029144P.

Sergeant James Ian Melhuish, Royal Marines P054681M.

Acting Sergeant Jason Paul Walker Royal Marines P051075Q.

Corporal Russell Howard Coles Royal Marines P056941M.

Corporal Samuel Joseph McCormick Royal Marines P057559F.

Corporal Scott Muir Royal Marines P056589N.

Corporal Scott Muir Royal Marines P056589N.

Corporal Mathew Silcock Royal Marines P062690U.

Corporal Andrew Watt Royal Marines P055489A.

Corporal Thomas Webster Royal Marines P059916A.

Corporal Edward James Winslow Royal Marines P060566H.

Acting Corporal Adam Mabrouk Royal Marines P060784W.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Adrian Webb Royal Marines P048900U.

Lance Corporal Steven Daniel Fyfe Royal Marines P904085J.

Marine David George Middlemas Royal Marines 30024308.

Marine Iain Andrew Penros Royal Marines P062839Y.

Marine Mark Adams Royal Marines P054173K.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Colonel Andrew Thomas Westenberg Maynard Royal Marines N028149B.

Major Julian Graham Wilson Royal Marines N029050X.

Sergeant Derrin Mark Canterbury Royal Marines P052382J.

Sergeant James Horrocks Royal Marines P051971R.

Acting Warrant Officer Class 2 Garry Mason Royal Marines P048477N.

Corporal Elvet Llewellyn Williams Royal Marines P056321R.

2009. Friday 11th September. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointment to the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Iraq during the period Thursday 1st October 2008 to Tuesday 31st March 2009.

Order of St Michael and St George. CMG:

To be an Ordinary Member of the Third Class, or Companion, of the said Most Distinguished Order:

Major General Andrew Salmon OBE Royal Marines N025777X.

2009. Friday 11th September. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following promotions in and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period Thursday 1st October 2008 to Tuesday 31st March 2009.

Order of the British Empire. OBE.

To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Colonel David Christopher Michael King Royal Marines N028282A.

Colonel Peter George David Taylor Royal Marines N028051U.

Lieutenant Colonel Colin David Ward Royal Marines.

2009. Thursday 10th September. 980 Kings Squad pass for duty at Lympstone.

2009. Friday 11th September. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Dispatches, commended for bravery or commended for valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Iraq during the period of Wednesday 1st October 2008 to Tuesday 31st March 2009:

Order of St Michael and St George:

To be an Ordinary Member of the Third Class, or Companion, of the said most Distinguished order:

Major General Andrew Salmon OBE Royal Marines N025777X.

Queen's Commendation for Bravery:

Corporal Gregory Llewellyn Royal Marines P058989B.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew John Andrew Jackson Royal Marines N029098X.

Mentioned in Dispatches. MID:

Marine Lee Tyers, Royal Marines, P062749X.

2009. Monday 28th September. The specially formed RM Band of Commando Logistic Regiment arrived in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, as an operational unit within 3 Commando Brigade RM, during Operation 'Herrick 9'. Pre-deployment training had commenced in March 2008. Deployed was to Camp Bastion and to Forward Operating Bases. Duties include MT Troop, Ambulance Troop, Combat Logistic Patrols and Musical support.

2009. Friday 30th October. 984 Troop Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Harrison was awarded the Kings Badge.

2009. November. SBS Rescue Op Bungled. A mission to rescue 2 Britons held by pirates fails when the SBS team arrive too late.

2009. The Royal Marines Police is a unit of the Royal Navy Police (since 2009). It is organised as a troop within UK Landing Forces Command Support Group, the HQ support unit of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, based at Stonehouse Barracks, Portsmouth. RM Police may be attached to other units, as required.

The RM Police Troop provides garrison policing services; law enforcement, crime prevention and general security advice to the command. A Special Investigation Branch (SIB) section investigates serious crime. In military operations, the RM Police Troop supports all phases of operations including co-ordinating vehicle movements out of a beachhead, marking main supply routes and escorting convoys. It also provides close protection for the Brigade Commander (Royal Marines Police personnel are eligible to take the close protection courses run by the Royal Military Police).

All Royal Marines Police are trained commandos, and have completed a posting to a Rifle Troop before applying to join the RM Police Troop. Officers and Marines of the Royal Marines Police are not sworn is as constables and have no powers in relation to civil law enforcement.

The original RM Police Troop. was part of HQ and Signals Squadron and normally deployed with the Squadron, but from time to time men were detached for special duties with other units. On Brigade operations the RM police provided the Brigadier's bodyguard, co-ordinated vehicle movements, sign posting routes into and out of beachheads and other combat areas. 1988 saw the detachment assisting with security at HM Prison Alma, Dettingen.

In 2009 the RM Police was absorbed into the Royal Navy Police, although it still exists as a distinct unit.(RMHS)

2009. Brigadier M J D Noble Commanded Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton, from July 2009 to May 2011. Tuesday 2nd May 1911. Lieutenant Eugene Louis Gerrard RMLI became the first Royal Marines Officer to qualify as a pilot.(RMHS)

2010. Marines in 40 Commando began using the Sharpshooter rifle in Afghanistan.

2010. Friday 19th February. 991 Troop Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Salisbury was awarded the Kings Badge.

2010. Friday 19th March. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. St. James's Palace, London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following promotions in and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Wednesday 1st April 2009 to Wednesday 30th September 2009.

Order of the British Empire. OBE.

(Military Division) Royal Navy CBE to be an Additional Commander of the Military Division of th said Most Excellent Order:

Brigadier David Arthur Hook Royal Marines N028857Q.

Sergeant Paul Andrew Norris MC Royal Marines P052669T.

2010. Friday 19th March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Wednesday 1st April 2009 to Wednesday 30th September 2009.

Military Cross. MC:

Sergeant Shane David Fisher Royal Marines P05366P.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Matthew Robert Tomlinson CGC Royal Marines P049020H.

2010. Friday 19th March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Wednesday 1st April 2009 to Wednesday 30th September 2009.

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Corporal David Ashley Brackstone Royal Marines P051455E.

Corporal Spencer James Brooks Royal Marines P058316U.

Sergeant Lee Andrew Houltram Royal Marines P053349X (killed in action).

2010. Friday 19th March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period Wednesday 1st April 2009 to Wednesday 30th September2009.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Brigadier Rupert Paul Stearns Royal Marines N025868Q.

2010. April. One Bugler deployed to Afghanistan with 40 Commando RM. Apart from the Vigil and Ramp ceremonies for 40 Commando RM, and eventually 4 Mech Bne. He was also responsible, with on other, for deploying all 40 Commando RM Cheshire Regiment stores requirements from Camp bastion via Chinook under slung loads.

2010. Wednesday 26th May. Cpl Stephen Curley R.M. aged 26 of 40 Cdo. died while serving in Afghanistan.

2010. Tuesday 1st June. The Memorial Day Commemoration for the men of the Royal Marine bands of the School of Music who were killed during the two World Wars was re-instituted. The fanfare to Comrades Sleeping subtitled "The Spirit of Joy and Thanks giving for Victory and Meditation for those who gave their lives in its cause", composed by Leon Young, was played by a Fanfare team from the Royal Marines School of Music under the direction of Corps Bandmaster WO1 T. Hodge. Ceremony took place on the School parade with all Students and Staff assembled. The Dedication was read by the Director of Music (training) Major A. Thornhill RM.

2010. Wednesday 2nd June. Marine Anthony Dean Hotine, from Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Marine Hotine was killed during the early morning as a result of an explosion which occurred when Alpha Company was conducting a joint reassurance patrol with the Afghan National Army in the area around Patrol Base Jamil, in the Sangin district of Helmand province.

To reassure the local population in Sangin and to create a sufficiently secure environment for the Afghan Government to deliver vital services to their people, Alpha Company have been conducting numerous patrols partnered with the Afghan National Army over the last two months.

In the last few weeks, Alpha Company conducted a successful operation against an IED factory where a large number of IED components were discovered.

The consent from the local nationals around Patrol Base Jamil has improved significantly, with IEDs being routinely pointed out by the Afghans during security patrols undertaken by Alpha Company.

Marine Anthony Dean Hotine was 21 years old; he was born in Torquay and lived in Warminster with his parents and younger brothers, Callum and Kieren. He started Royal Marines Recruit Training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines on 25th June 2007, passing for duty on 7th March 2008.

On completion of training he attended the Defence School of Transport, Leconfield, where he gained his full range of driving licences, including his HGV driver qualification.

Drafted to Yankee Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, in May 2008, he deployed on his first operational tour to Sangin, Afghanistan, on Operation HERRICK 9. Having gained invaluable operational experience he specialised as a Signaller (Class 3) in July 2009, coming in the top third of his course.

Known as 'Tino' to friends, in November 2009 Marine Hotine joined Command Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, and immediately began Mission Specific Training for his second deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan, on Op HERRICK 12. He deployed in April 2010 as part of Alpha Company and was based out of Patrol Base Jamil.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul James, Commanding Officer, 40 Commando Group, Combined Force Sangin, said:

Marine Anthony Hotine was a brilliant young man who was at the height of his profession: bright, selfless, dedicated and keen-spirited, he was an outstanding Marine. Having previously served in Sangin a little over a year ago, he wanted to return next year for his third deployment - he was one of the most loyally committed men I have ever met.

An ambitious character who always had a plan, he strove for greatness, both in his life and in his work, and invariably achieved it. He had an infectious wit, a sharp mind and a big and generous heart.

He sadly died on patrol in southern Sangin doing the job he loved, alongside the Marines he so passionately cared for and with the friends who so loved him in return. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all in 40 Commando. Marine Tino Hotine was, and always will be, a Royal Marine Commando.

(www.gov.uk/government/fatalities/marine-anthony-dean-hotine-killed-in-afghanistan)

2010. Thursday 1st July. Royal Marine Corporal Seth Stephens SBS aged 42, was Killed in Afghanistan. Stephens was posthumously awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his bravery after rescuing comrades from the Special Boat Service who were pinned down by heavy fire.

In his citation for the award, that is second only to the Victoria Cross, the court heard that the former Royal Marine had "almost certainly saved the lives of his comrades" after exposing himself to enemy fire during a substantial gun battle.

An inquest heard that Cpl Stephens was part of a large British and Afghan special forces raid on a Taliban headquarters in Helmand province.

In the during the early hours of July 1st, 2010 Chinooks carrying the teams landed near Haji Wakil village in the Bahram Chah area at 2am and quickly came under determined enemy resistance.

After more than five hours of heavy fighting the SBS force found "progress extremely difficult" as they fought their way through an orchard coming under fire from all sides. On his own initiative Cpl Stephens used a ladder to climb a 9ft compound wall and began to fire down onto enemy positions that were attacking the men stranded in the orchard.

"In adopting this position, he would have been acutely aware of his own vulnerability," an inquest learnt.

An SBS Marine who followed him into the compound was shot and wounded by an insurgent firing over a 7ft wall close to Cpl Stephens. The fellow Marine tried to warn him of the threat as the gunman had a clear line of sight onto Cpl Stephens. Between 15 and 30 seconds later Cpl Stephens was shot in the back of the head in the exposed area between his helmet and body armour.

It is not known how many enemy were killed although Lt Col Freddie Kemp, from the MoD's inquest unit, later said it was a "significant firefight but we came out on top".

Sheriff Payne, the coroner, said: "Cpl Stephens made a conscious decision to move to provide more effective covering fire.

"He was in a very exposed position under accurate fire at increased risk to himself.

"That single act of selfless bravery almost certainly saved the lives of his comrades."

2010. Thursday 8th July. Royal Marine David Charles Hart aged 23 of 40 Commando, on the eve of his 24th birthday, was fatally wounded.

David Charles passed out for duty as a Royal Marines Commando on 16th October 2009, having been awarded The Commando Medal.

(The Commando Medal is awarded to the man who, throughout training, shows, to an outstanding degree, the qualities of the Commando Spirit. These are defined as:

Determination, Courage, Cheerfulness and Unselfishness.)

On completion of recruit training he was drafted to 40 Commando Royal Marines, based in Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton.

Joining Charlie Company in October 2009 he immediately conducted Mission Specific Training for an operational tour with 40 Commando in Afghanistan. Qualifying as a combat medic, and singled out as an impressive and mature individual, he was quickly selected to become part of the newly formed Police Mentoring Team. In April 2010 he deployed to Afghanistan and was based at Forward Operating Base Sabit Qadam and Patrol Base Sangin Tufann. During the early evening of Thursday 8th July 2010, Charlie Company was conducting a joint reassurance patrol with the local Afghan Army. At 1825 hours local, west of patrol base Sangin Tufann, an explosion occurred, fatally wounding Marine Hart.

2010. Friday 16th July. Royal Marine Jonathan Crookes aged 26 of 40 Commando was killed. Johnathan had joined the Royal Marines Reserve, Birmingham Detachment, during September 2005 passing for duty as a Royal Marines Commando in November 2006. He was awarded the Commando Dagger for the best all-round recruit in training. Outside of the Royal Marines he was studying for a degree in international relations and worked as a tree surgeon and labourer.

Volunteering for an operational tour to Afghanistan, he was drafted to 40 Commando Royal Marines in May 2007. Shortly after, he deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan, on Op Herrick 7. In September 2009 he was once again mobilised to join 40 Commando Royal Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

Joining Charlie Company, he immediately conducted Mission Specific Training (MST) for Op Herrick 12. In April 2010 he deployed to Afghanistan and was based at Forward Operating Base Sabit Qadam.

During the early evening of Friday 16th July 2010, Charlie Company was conducting a local reassurance patrol. At 1839hrs local time an explosion occurred. Tragically Marine Crookes was killed in action as a result of the blast.

Comrades dragged him back to his patrol base where medical treatment was given, and he was stabilised. The inquest at Hertfordshire Coroner's Court heard the ongoing firefight meant it was too dangerous for a helicopter to land, so he was taken by quad-bike to a forward operating base. From there he was flown by a US helicopter to the Camp Bastion field hospital, but his condition deteriorated during the flight and he was pronounced dead soon after arrival. Mr Thomas told Marine Harrison's family: "He was a brave man. He was serving his country and he was serving it well.

2010. Friday 30th July. 101 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2010. Thursday 23rd September. Captain Carl Manley aged 41 died while on active service of an undiagnosed medical condition at Bagram Airhead in Afghanistan this day in 2012.

2010. Friday 24th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2009 to Wednesday 31st March 2010. Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. CGC:

Corporal Robert Turner Royal Marines P053814G.

Military Cross. MC:

Major Nigel John Powell Somerville MBE Royal Marines N029204N.

Acting Sergeant Richard Edward Wiseman Royal Marines P054464P.

2010. Friday 24th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery, Commended for Bravery in the Air or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2009 to Wednesday 31st March 2010.

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Marine Tobias Gutteridge Royal Marines P065066N.

Queen's Commendation for Bravery:

Lance Corporal George Burgess Royal Marines P060621A.

2010. Friday 24th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. Decoration Conferred by the President of the United States of America. The Queen has been graciously pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following award which has been conferred on the undermentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during Coalition operations in Afghanistan.

Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer).

Lieutenant General Sir James Dutton KCB CBE Royal Marines N022005F.

Bronze Star Medal:

Major J. P. Hill Royal Marines N029253J.

Colonel R. J. Pulvertaft Royal Marines N028134C.

2010. Thursday 30th September. Central Chancery of the orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotion in and appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period Tuesday 1st October 2002 to Monday 31st March 2003.

Member of the British Empire. MBE:

To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Colour Sergeant William George Reid Royal Marines P043751N.

2010. Thursday 30th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period Tuesday 1st October 2002 to Monday 31st March 2003.

Queen's Commendation for Bravery:

Corporal Paul George McIntosh Royal Marines P052283G.

2010. Thursday 30th September. Central Chancery of the orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the period Tuesday 1st October 2002 to Monday 31st March 2003.Order of the British Empire. OBE. To be Ordinary Officers of the Military Division of the said Ministry of Defence Most Excellent Order.

Order of the British Empire:

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Frederick Barry Barnwell Royal Marines Reserve.

2010. Thursday 30th September. Central Chancery of the orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sierra Leone during the period May to September 2000 (To be dated 6th April 2001).

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Colour Sergeant Alexander Keith Gibb Royal Marines PD41688W.

2010. Thursday 30th September. Central Chancery of the orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2001 to Sunday 31st March 2002 (To be dated 29th October 2002).

Order of the British Empire. CBE:

To be an Additional Commander of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Allan Pickup Royal Marines.

Captain Nigel John Powell Somerville Royal Marines.

Military Cross. MC:

Colour Sergeant Stuart Anthony Brown, Royal Marines P044265X.

2010. Thursday 30th September. Central Chancery of the orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1.The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Monday 1st October 2001 to Sunday 31st March 2002 (To be dated 29 October 2002).

Mention in Despatches. MID:

Sergeant Paul McGough Royal Marines P043260W.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Major Robert Graham Cundy Royal Marines.

2010. New Entry Military training syllabus expanded to include six weeks at the Commando Training Centre.2011

2010. HM Royal Marine Band of Commando Training Centre RM, undertake training in preparation for 2011 deployment to Afghanistan as part of Commando Logistic Regiment's Medical Support Squadron.

2010. December. Troop 1/10 complete the first extended military training syllabus.

2011. Tuesday 27th February. During theLibyan Civil War, the BBC reported that C Squadron assisted in the evacuation of 150 oil workers in three flights by RAF C-130 Hercules from an airfield near Zella to Valletta.

2011. Tuesday 25th March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards for gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Thursday 1st April 2010 to Thursday 30th September 2010.

Order of the British Empire. OBE:

Major Philip Mark Totten Royal Marines N029309N.

Staff Sergeant Paul George McIntosh Royal Marines P02283G.

Distinguished Service Order DSO. To be Companion:

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Melvyn James Royal Marines N028434H.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. CGC:

Corporal Seth Vincent Scott Stephens Royal Marines P999732L (killed in action).

Marine Mark Anthony Jackson Royal Marines 30060425.

Military Cross. MC:

Lieutenant Jack Anrude Royal Marines P903592A.

Colour Sergeant Brian Bridger Royal Marines P051960H.

Corporal Billy George Murphy Royal Marines P060325K.

Marine Lewis Lockwood Royal Marines 30004758.

George Medal. GM.

Marine Ryan Shelley Royal Marines P61442J.

Mentioned in Despatches. MID.

Captain Johnathan James Phelps Royal Marines 25213288.

Corporal Toni Galacki Royal marines P059094Q.

Warrant officer Class 2 Paul William Ryan Royal Marines P045870P.

Corporal Darren William George Simpson Royal Marines P055815M.

Marine Alexander Charles George Tostevin Royal Marine 30063068.

Queens Commendation for Valuable Service.

Sergeant Duncan Gillhooly Royal Marines P053478C.

2011. Thursday 12th May. 108 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Best Recruit was Marine Lort.

2011. Friday 27th May. Marine Sam Alexander MC aged 28 of 42 Cdo. died while serving in Afghanistan.

2011. Friday 27th May. Lt Ollie Richard Augustin R.M. aged 23 of 42 Cdo. died while serving in Afghanistan.

2011. Sunday 5th June. Lance Corporal Martin Gill age 22, serving in K Company 42 Commando was fatally wounded by smalls fire while on a foot patrol in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was an hour into his patrol when, when it was fired upon from a nearby compound.

2011. Thursday 7th July. Royal Marine helicopter winch man Sergeant Anthony (Tony) Russell (42), saved the lives of two stranded yachtsmen, and was awarded the George Medal for his bravery on the 25th March 2013 and was later awarded the George Medal for bravery. The award read:

During the night the yacht 'Andriette' was 110 miles offshore foundering in heavy seas with no steerage and an unserviceable engine. In extreme conditions of heavy rain squalls, high winds and mountainous seas the yacht was pitching and rolling in state 7 seas. The stricken yacht was 110 miles south east of Culdrose (approx. 80nm south east of the Isles of Scilly). Stranded and foundering and beyond the reach of other rescue assets, a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from 771 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose was scrambled to assist the yacht. Whilst the yacht was moving violently and unpredictably Sgt Russell volunteered to conduct a conventional rescue in full knowledge of the hazards he would face. Winched down in complete darkness, immediately engulfed in waves and losing communications, with gritty determination he hauled himself into the life raft and secured the first survivor. Dragged back under the water he was winched up to the relative safety of the helicopter. The life raft now capsized due to the heavy swell and pitching seas, the remaining survivor was lost from sight. With little regard for his own safety he was courageously winched back down despite the buffering waves was able to swim to the inverted life raft, diving under it and surfacing in an air pocket. At this point Tony was unsighted by the helicopter crew and was without communications with them, at this point, the crew decided to attempt to winch him using the winch wire, causing the life raft to flip over, fortuitously with the survivor inside. At this point he was entangled in ropes which he managed to cut free, swim back to the survivor and place him in a strop and complete the rescue. When recounting his daredevil rescue, Tony said: "It was an extremely difficult and tense rescue, the whole crew onboard the helicopter worked well as a team in what was technically an extremely difficult rescue. "At this point my training and professionalism just kicked in, I was their last chance, their last hope."

2011. July. The SBS carried out a Somalia Surveillance Ops. Commandos carry out covert operations along the Somali coast as part of counter-piracy operations.

2011. Friday 27th July. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Lieutenant Oliver Richard Augustin (23) and Marine Samuel Giles William Alexander MC (28), both serving with Juliet Company 42 Commando Royal Marines on active service, were killed in Afghanistan. Lieutenant Augustin and Marine Alexander were killed by an improvised explosive device whilst on patrol in the Loy Mandeh area of the Nad 'Ali district in Helmand province. The patrol, which was led by Lieutenant Augustin, was tasked to disrupt insurgent activity in their perceived rear area and provide depth to the Clear, Hold, Build Operation occurring to the north in Loy Mandeh Kalay further to expand the influence of the Government of Afghanistan.

During 2009 Marine Alexander had been awarded the Military Cross by the Queen for his bravery in charging down a group of insurgents to draw fire away from an injured colleague. Having used all the ammunition in his machine gun, he continued his assault with his 9mm pistol until that too was empty, forcing the enemy to retreat. The citation for his award said he carried out his brave actions "despite being completely exposed to heavy and accurate enemy fire".

2011. Friday 5th August. Royal Marine James Wright aged 22 was Killed on active service while on active service in Afghanistan. Marine James Wright was part of Juliet Company, 42 Commando, serving as part of Combined Force Nad 'Ali (North). On 5th August his patrol was involved in a significant engagement with insurgents in the Shpazh Gerebian area of Nad 'Ali district. After being pinned down by accurate fire for several hours, the patrol managed to extract themselves back to their base at Checkpoint Kamiabi. The checkpoint then came under attack from small arms fire and underslung grenade launchers. Marine Wright was wounded by a grenade which was fired into the checkpoint. He was extracted to the hospital at Camp Bastion where sadly, despite medical treatment, he later died of his wounds.

Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Murchison Royal Marines, Commanding Officer, 42 Commando Royal Marines and Coalition Force Nad 'Ali (North), said: "Marine James Wright was an impressive young man with an insatiable appetite for life. A spirited and passionate character, he loved his job, his fellow Marines and his family and leaves behind a massive void in the lives of all those who knew him.

An extremely bright prospect, he was renowned for his cheerfulness, no matter how dire the situation, and indefatigable loyalty and commitment to his profession. Tonight, as I sat with the tight-knit group of Marines with whom he has been working for the past four months in an austere combat outpost, the grief was palpable - a clear indication of the high regard in which he was held within Juliet Company and more broadly across 42 Commando - but so too was the resolve to continue with the challenging task in hand; exactly as he would have wanted, and in honour of his memory.

Marine Wright has selflessly given his life in the service of his country and for the good of the Afghan people. Time and again he has displayed considerable courage, inner strength and physical robustness whilst taking the fight to the enemy; in doing so he has upheld the finest traditions of the Royal Marines. His personal contribution during what has been a demanding operational tour has been both extraordinary and humbling; he was a true Bootneck, a warrior and a consummate professional.

2011. Thursday 15th September. In the Helmand Province, Afghanistan there was an incident that involved the killing, of an injured Taliban insurgent by Royal Marines. Three Royal Marines, known during their trial as Marines A, B, and C, were anonymously tried by court-martial. On 8th November 2013, Marines B and C were acquitted, but Marine A was found guilty of the murder of the Afghan combatant, in contravention of section 42 of the Armed Forces Act 2006. This made him the first British soldier to be convicted of a battlefield murder whilst serving abroad since the Second World War.

On Monday 5th December, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas and two other High Court judges lifted the existing anonymity order on Marine A, allowing him to be named as Sergeant Alexander Wayne Blackman. On Tuesday 6th December, Sergeant Blackman was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of ten years and dismissed with disgrace from the British Armed Forces. On Thursday 22nd May 2014, the Courts Martial Appeal Court reduced his minimum term to eight years. In March 2017, the conviction for murder was overturned and reduced to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Sergeant Blackman was released from prison on Friday 28th April 2017, but his dismissal from the Marines remained in place.

On Thursday 19th December 2013, the anonymity order on Marines B and C was also lifted by the Court, and they were named as Corporal Christopher Glyn Watson and Marine Jack Alexander Hammond.

On Wednesday 28th October 2015, the Ministry of Defence banned a large number of serving soldiers from attending a rally in support of Sergeant Blackman, saying that the event was a "political protest". However, lawyers representing the rally organisers stated that was not the case, rather, the event was "a show of support to one of our fellow Royal Marines and not a 'political protest'". A related online government petition raised over 100,000 signatures calling for Sergeant Blackman's immediate release stating that the soldier had been condemned for defending his country. Within hours of the MoD's decision Michael Fallon, Minister for Defence, put out a government statement saying that the UK would maintain military operations in Afghanistan for the foreseeable future.

he incident took place in Helmand Province during Operation Herrick 14, part of the British effort in the War in Afghanistan. Sergeant Blackman, of 42 Commando, Royal Marines, was part of a Marine patrol that came across an Afghan fighter in a field wounded by Apache Helicopter gunfire. Sergeant Blackman ordered the Afghan to be moved out of sight of the British Persistent Ground Surveillance System, a camera attached to a balloon above British Forward Operating Base Shazad, Helmand, covering the area Sergeant Blackman's patrol had been sent to. Video evidence played at the Marines' subsequent trial shows some of the patrol dragging the man across the field and then kicking him. Sergeant Blackman ordered Marine B and C to stop administering first aid to the insurgent and eventually shot the man in the chest with a 9 mm pistol, saying: "Shuffle off this mortal coil, you cunt. It's nothing you wouldn't do to us."He then added: "I just broke the Geneva Convention."

After the 15th September incident, Sergeant Blackman continued with his tour of duty, leaving Helmand Province in late October 2011. On Saturday 13th October 2012, at the decision of the Service Prosecution Authority, Marines A–E were charged with the murder of the unnamed Afghan insurgent. The lead came after British civilian police discovered suspicious video footage on a serviceman's laptop. Marines D and E had charges against them dropped on Tuesday 5th February 2013. Marines A, B and C first appeared in court in August 2013, where they entered a not-guilty plea. The military trial of Marines A, B and C, protected from view in court behind a screen because of an anonymity order, began on Wednesday 23th October 2013, and lasted two weeks. Their court-martial board (equivalent to a jury in the civilian justice system) was seven members strong, instead of the five used for less serious cases.

The verdict (Friday 8th November 2013) and sentence (Friday 6th December 2013) were both delivered at the Military Court Centre in Bulford, Wiltshire. The judge advocate (the civilian judge heading the panel at a court-martial) was Judge Advocate General Jeff Blackett. The verdict carried with it a mandatory life sentence, so it was only in the judge advocate's and court-martial board's power to decide on the minimum sentence once the board had found Blackman guilty. He was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison. On Thursday 22nd May 2014, at the Courts Martial Appeal Court, its most senior judge, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, upheld the life sentence, but reduced Blackman's minimum term to 8 years.

In December 2016 Blackman was denied bail pending a second appeal due to be heard by the Court Martial Appeal Court (CMAC). On Wednesday 15th March 2017, the CMAC reduced the conviction to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. UK newspaper The Guardian reported that, outside court Blackman's wife, Claire, who has led the campaign to free the former sergeant, said she was delighted by the result saying it 'much better reflected the circumstances that [her] husband found himself in during that terrible tour of Afghanistan'. On Tuesday 28th March 2017, Blackman was given a 7-year sentence for manslaughter with diminished responsibility. However, due to time served he was released from Erlestoke Prison at 12.18am on Friday 28th April 2017.

2011. Monday 19th September. Royal Marine David Fairbrother aged 24 of Kilo Company 42 Commando was on active service and killed. Marine Fairbrother was deployed as part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj in support of an Afghan National Army (ANA) patrol into the village of Old Khorgajat in Afghanistan.

Just under two hours into the patrol they were engaged with small arms fire from close range and Marine Fairbrother was fatally wounded. Despite the best efforts of his colleagues to administer first aid, Marine Fairbrother died of his wounds.

David was born on 23th February 1987 and grew up in Blackburn with his mother, Julie, and sisters, Ruth and Emily. He attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School where he completed three A-levels in Geography, Geology and Classical Civilisation before studying a BSc degree in Geography at Leeds University.

Marine Fairbrother joined the Royal Marines on Monday 2nd November 2009 and was passed fit for duty on Friday 10th September 2010. He was drafted to 42 Commando Royal Marines where he joined Kilo Company, 'The Black Knights', and immediately began pre-deployment training for Operation Herrick 14.

He enthusiastically immersed himself in training and qualified as a Team Medic; a responsibility which he assumed with characteristic diligence and professionalism. His sharp mind and strong soldiering skills made him a natural choice for training as a member of an All Arms Search Team, seeing him conduct numerous compound clearances at significant risk in order to ensure the safety of his comrades.

2011. Friday 30th September. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Friday 1st October 2010 to Thursday 31st March 2011.

Order of the British Empire. OBE:

To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Simon O'Herlihy, Royal Marines, N029112E.

2011. Friday 30th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Friday 1st October 2010 to Thursday 31st March 2011.

Military Cross. MC:

Captain Alistair Scott Carns, Royal Marines N029561Y.

Marine John Matthew Watson Royal Marines P054799D.

2011. Friday 30th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery, Commended for Bravery in the Air or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Friday 1st October 2010 to Thursday 31st March 2011:

Mention in Despatches:

Marine Dexter Bogle Royal Marines P065095Y.

Corporal Michael Robert Waker Royal Marines P056489U.

2011. Friday 30th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Commended for Bravery, Commended for Bravery in the Air, or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period Friday 1st October 2010 to Thursday 31st March 2011.

Queen's Commendation for Bravery:

Colour Sergeant Wayne Barfoot Royal Marines P062415A.

2011. Friday 25th November. 131 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2012. Thursday 8th March. A small Special Boat Service (SBS) team, attempted to rescue two hostages, Chris McManus (British) and Franco Lamolinara (Italian), being held in Nigeria by members of the Boko Haram terrorist organisation loyal to al-Qaeda. The two hostages were killed before or during the rescue attempt. All the hostage takers were reportedly killed.

2012. 23rd March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Friday 1st April 2011 to Friday 30th September 2011.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. CGC:

Corporal Simon Wright-Hider Royal Marines P063295W.

Military Cross. MC:

Corporal Paul Anthony Vice Royal Marines P057946N.

Marine Mark George Williams Royal Marines 30031388.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service.

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Stovin-Bradford Royal Marines N028494M.

Sergeant Alexander James MacNeil Farrant Royal Marines P056850U.

Corporal Lewis William Frisby Royal Marines P061016X.

Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Peter May MBE Royal Marines N028329D.

Major Matthew Charles Parker Royal Marines N029436K.

Sergeant Mark Ian Ramsey Royal Marines P057347T.

Sergeant Matthew Gerard Weites Royal Marines P046560L.

Sergeant Adam Whittle Royal Marines P060134Y.

2012. Wednesday 23rd March. Central Chancery of the orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period Friday 1st April 2011 to Friday 30th September 2011.

Member of the British Empire. MBE.

To be Ordinary Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Lieutenant Colonel Leonard Anthony Brown Royal Marines N028958A.

2012. 23rd March. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period Friday 1st April 2011 to Friday 30th September 2011.

Queen's Gallantry Medal:

Acting Colour Sergeant Adrian Thomas Lister Royal Marines P051203X.

2012. Monday 26th March. Sgt. Luke Taylor age 33, and L/Cpl Michael Foley AGC, were shot and killed at the main entrance to Laskar Gah Main operating base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

2012. Sunday 15th April 2012, during the Taliban attack on Kabul, SBS members cleared Taliban militants from a central location overlooking foreign embassies. A heavily armed insurgent suicide squad occupied a six-story, half-built tower block, and began firing small arms and RPGs on nearby buildings including the British and German embassies. SBS operators and Afghan troops fought a close quarters battle for eight-and-a-half hours to eventually clear the militants from the structure. The mission to end the siege is thought to have been one of the most decorated actions of Britain's involvement in Afghanistan, with several gallantry awards given to the participants. A combat assault dog, a Belgian Malinois known as Mali, received the Dickin Medal for his actions during the battle. Despite being badly injured by grenade shrapnel, Mali stayed by the side of his handler and continued to find safe routes for the British and Afghan troops as they fought their way up the tower floor-by-floor, preventing the operators from suffering major casualties.

On Monday 23rd December. Captain Richard Holloway was serving with the SBS when he was killed by Taliban small arms fire while conducting an operation to suppress the Taliban in a joint SBS-Afghan forces raid (with air support) on Taliban insurgents in a valley east of Kabul ahead of the Afghanistan elections.

2012. July - August 2012. SBS Protect Olympic Games. Elements of the Special Boat Service were deployed to protect Olympic sailing events on the south coast of England.

2012. Friday 21st September. 139 Kings Squad pass for duty at Lympstone. Marine Thornton was awarded the Best Marine.

2012. Friday 28th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Saturday 1st October 2011 to Saturday 31st March 2012.

Military Cross. MC:

Corporal Christopher Terrence Downey Royal Marines P053586F.

Lance Corporal Hamish Robertson Hame Renton Royal Marines P057830E.

2012. Friday 28th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Mentioned in Despatches, Commended for Bravery or Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period Saturday 1st October 2011 to Saturday 31st March 2012.

Mention in Despatches:

Acting Lance Corporal Christopher Raymond Casey Royal Marines P063005D.

Major Simon Milward Rogers Royal Marines N029442M.

2012. Friday 28th September. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood St James's Palace London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period Saturday 1st October 2011 to Saturday 31st March 2012.

Member of the British Empire. MBE.

To be Ordinary Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Sergeant Ruairi Dwyer Royal Marines P054571B.

2012. Friday 28th September. Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1. The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period Saturday 1st October 2011 to Saturday 31st March 2012.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service:

Captain Nils Thomas Dingwall Royal Marines N029687A.

Major Adam Thomas Whitmarsh Royal Marines N029505K.

2012. Friday 28th September. Decorations Conferred by the President of the United states of America. The Queen has been graciously pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following awards which have been conferred on the under mentioned in recognition of meritorious, gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Bronze Star Medal:

Major Martin Thomas Twist Royal Marines N029045M.

2012. Friday 28th September. Decorations Conferred by the President of the United states of America. The Queen has been graciously pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following awards which have been conferred on the under mentioned in recognition of meritorious, gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Iraq:

Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (Bronze "V"):

Marine Daniel Holder Royal Marines Reserve 30010145.

2012. September – April 2013. This list recognises service on operations in Afghanistan and national operations during September 2012 to April 2013.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE):

Brigadier Robert Andrew Magowan MBE Royal Marines.

Distinguished Service Order. DSO:

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew John Andrew Jackson Royal Marines.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. CGC:

Lieutenant (now Acting Captain) Owen Edward Davis Royal Marines.

Bar to the Military Cross. MC:

Corporal John Matthew Watson MC Royal Marines.

Military Cross. MC:

Sergeant Samuel Joseph McCormick Royal Marines.

Acting Lance Corporal Harry Thomas Robinson Royal Marines.

Marine Craig Andrew Buchanan Royal Marines.

Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service. QCVS:

Major General David Arnold Hook CBE Royal Marines.

Major Michael John Scanlon Royal Marines.

Captain William Goodman Royal Marines.

Captain Thomas James Limb Royal Marines.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Jeremy Hall OBE Royal Marines.

Acting Lance Corporal Thomas Harrison Royal Marines.

Member of the Order of the British Empire. MBE:

Acting Colour Sergeant Francis Stuart William McMurry Royal Marines.

2012. Wednesday 24th October. Corporal David O'Connor from Hampshire and 27 years old. While serving in 40 Commando Royal Marines, and Corporal Channing Day, from 3 Medical Regiment, were participating in a patrol to conduct low level training with the Afghan Local Police when they came under fire near the village of Char Kutsa, and both were fatally injured.

Corporal O'Connor, was considered to be an outstanding Marine, inspirational leader and excellent soldier. Captain Steve Taylor said: "More than anyone in the Company, Corporal O'Connor embodied the history and ethos of everything we stand for: utterly professional and exceptionally sharp when it counted and the social epicentre of the Troop. His ability to both inspire and reduce you to tears of laughter within the same conversation was irreplaceable and we will forever miss that unmistakable smile. He was a brother to many in the Troop who he took under his wing and guided through patrols with steadfast bravery and upstanding responsibility. His moral reserves were never drained, even in the worst of situations and his commitment to his brothers in arms was unwavering. We were privileged to have served alongside him - a true Royal Marines Commando and a true friend."

Corporal Day is described as much-loved, a "quirky girl" who played mother hen to the younger medics. Major Paul Sandle RAMC paid this tribute: "Corporal Day was a very experienced Combat Medical Technician who had already served operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Channing had recently been promoted to the rank of Corporal and was enjoying the opportunity to lead the junior medics of 3/5 Troop who were working alongside 40 Commando Royal Marines as part of Transition Support Unit Nahr-e Seraj. Channing's strong character, good nature and unique sense of humour were invaluable in contributing to the efforts of the Squadron. She was never one to shy away from a challenge and would fully immerse herself in the task at hand, fully embracing the role of a close support medic." Channing, who grew up in Newtownards, Co. Down, was 25 years old.

2012. Wednesday 31st October. Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter and Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar, 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles (attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines) were killed in Afghanistan. They were based in Checkpoint Prrang, in the southern area of the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province, participating in a meeting with members of the Afghan Uniform Police inside the checkpoint when they were shot and killed by a man wearing an Afghan police uniform who had been attending the meeting.

Lieutenant Drummond-Baxter gained a BSc degree in Psychology and while at university was a member of his local Army Reserves Regiment, The Honourable Artillery Company. He worked for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for two years then joined the army, qualifying as an Infantry Platoon Commander and Jungle Operations Instructor. Major Dave Pack said: "Edward was an outstanding officer; trustworthy, honest and exceptionally competent. He saw it as a privilege to command his Gurkhas. His robust and proactive nature combined with irrepressible cheerfulness made him perfectly suited to the austere conditions in which he was working. Brilliant with the locals, fearless on patrol, he operated with a calm confidence that gave us utter faith in him. He was inspirational, a shining example of what a Gurkha officer should be; professional, brave and selfless." Edward, from Peterborough, was 29 years old.

Lance Corporal Kunwar was on his third operational tour of Afghanistan. He joined the army in 2005, also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, then moved with 1 RGR to Brunei where he conducted extensive jungle training and qualified as a sniper. Lieutenant Colonel Matt Jackson said: "Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar epitomised everything that a Gurkha should be; he was dedicated, professional and brave. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan and he was continuing to excel in everything that he did, but especially in his role as a sniper, where his fieldcraft skills were beyond reproach. It is clear that he thrived on the challenges that operations bring and enjoyed using the skills that he worked so hard to gain; he was never found wanting. He demonstrated the highest qualities of a Gurkha soldier and his legacy lives on in Delhi Company." Siddhanta, from Nepal, was 28 years old.

2012. October. Marine Buchanan was part of an 8-man team tasked to patrol to an Afghan police station in order to conduct low-level training in an area which, apart from one recent attack, was assessed as being safe.

It was about 3 in the afternoon and on the way we passed a checkpoint that we visited often," said Marine Buchanan. "We knew most of the Afghan Uniform Police there, but on this day we could just tell that the atmospherics were different, that sixth sense when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

But the patrol wasn't overly worried at that point so they pushed on. They had gone only a few hundred metres more when 2 individuals dressed in civilian clothing approached them from the rear.

Then, in a small field surrounded by high walls and hedge lines, the patrol was suddenly engaged by one of the men, who turned out to be a rogue member of the Afghan Uniform Police wearing civilian clothing. He approached firing prolonged and very accurate bursts of automatic fire at a range of only 15 to 20 metres.

There were rounds all over the place. It was very confusing, you couldn't really see where your mates or the attackers were because of the dust that was kicking up from the rounds," said Marine Buchanan.

I then went for cover, and, as I did, I could see the patrol rear man and the second to rear, who was a female medic, were on the ground – so straight away I knew that something was up. My mate who was stood next to me got shot in the leg and in the chest of his Osprey [body armour].

Unfortunately the 2 patrol members at the rear had been fatally wounded, but the man standing next to Marine Buchanan was saved by his body armour.

At first, Marine Buchanan was unable to return fire for risk of shooting his colleagues and quickly became the only uninjured person that stood between the gunman and the rest of his patrol. Moving towards the gunman, choosing to put himself between the gunman and his fellow marines, Marine Buchanan restrained himself from opening fire until he could be sure that his rounds would only hit the gunman:

When the attack happened I couldn't get off a clear shot because there was dust everywhere from the rounds the attackers were firing, and I was afraid one of my rounds might hit one of my colleagues. It was a really tough decision to make knowing you could potentially get a shot off but it wasn't worth the gamble.

Training kicks in massively. The last thing you want is to go down as the bloke who shot one of your mates. It's every Service soldier's worst nightmare. So you just have to stay as calm as possible and wait for that opportunity when you can get a shot off.

Then as the gunman continued to approach him firing on automatic, Marine Buchanan successfully completed the task in hand, and 'ceased his antics'.

Although radio reports suggested there might still be another gunman nearby, Marine Buchanan immediately attended to the injured marine, administering first aid until the Medical Emergency Response Team arrived. Marine Buchanan's quick thinking and bravery saved lives and prevented a difficult situation from escalating.

His citation says: "His exemplary gallantry is an inspiration to others."

On being told about the award Marine Buchanan said:

I was called into the colonel's office, and initially I thought 'oh God, what have I done wrong?' I couldn't believe I was getting it. And if I hadn't got it I wouldn't have felt hard done by or that I'd drawn the short stick. I'd have thought nothing about it and just carried on. It's massively humbling.

2012. Friday 14th December. 144 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2012. 43 Commando was again reformed and was officially titled 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines. It is the largest in the Corps and is responsible for protecting the nation's nuclear deterrent as well as taking the fight to modern-day pirates in specialist boarding teams.

2013. Thursday 8th August. 149 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2013. Monday 20th May. 152 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2013. Friday 31st May. 153 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine J. Hall was awarded the Kings Badge.

2013. Tuesday 30th July. 157 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2013. Thursday 8th August. 149 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine C. Penn was awarded the Kings Badge.

2013. Monday 7th October. Captain Owen Davis RM 25 received one of the country's highest awards for gallantry. The 'Conspicuous Gallantry Cross' for his work living and fighting alongside a band of Afghan police militiamen. Captain Owen was likened to that of 'Lawrence of Arabia' for immersing himself in an Afghan police unit to live and fight alongside them. Having learnt fluent Pashto, he grew a long beard and bonded with his Afghan militiamen comrades over poetry and cricket. He fought alongside them almost daily, against local Taliban insurgents, and was nearly killed when a grenade landed at his feet during the storming of one compound. The 'Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is second only to the Victoria Cross as a gallantry award. It is intended to recognise his willingness to remain so perilously exposed for so long, and his bravery when confronted by the enemy.

2013. Wednesday 30th October. Royal Navy concluded its bilateral exercise with Omani forces. The Royal Navy's Response Force Task Group (RFTG), while deployed on Cougar 13, successfully completed a six day exercise, Omani Cougar, with the Royal Omani Armed Forces. The maritime exercise tested the full integration of the Royal Navy and Royal Navy of Oman by conducting conventional maritime warfare serials, as well as amphibious training with Royal Marines from 42 Commando together with the Omani Coastal Regiment.

The exercise concluded with a large maritime and amphibious demonstration to high profile Service Chiefs from both countries including: General Sir Richard Barrons (Commander Joint Force Command) and Lieutenant General Simon Mayall (Defence Senior Advisor Middle East), as well as His Excellency Jaime Bowden (Her Majesty's Ambassador to Oman). Lieutenant General Al Nabhani (Chief of Staff Sultan's Armed Forces) and Rear Admiral Al Raisi (Chief of Royal Navy of Oman), were also present to witness the culmination of hard work from their Services.

2013. Friday 6th December. 164 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Martin J. Knight was awarded the Kings Badge.

2013. Thursday 19th December. 165 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Basset Smith was awarded the Kings Badge.

2013. Sunday 23rd December. Captain Richard Holloway was serving with the SBS when he was killed by two Taliban bullets while conducting an operation to suppress the Taliban in a joint SBS-Afghan forces raid (with air support) on Taliban insurgents in a valley east of Kabul ahead of the Afghanistan elections.

2014. January. 166 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Andy Tout was awarded the Kings Badge.

2014. Friday 28th February. 169 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2014. Friday 14th March. 170 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2014. Thursday 20th March. Operation Silica was part of 3 Cdo Bde's tour of Afghanistan included Op Silica, in which K Coy, 42 Cdo relived 2 Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at the town of Now Zad.

2014. Monday 2nd June. Roy 'Rocky' Russell Po/x120785. (2nd July 1925 - 20th June 2014)

Roy joined the Corps as HO and on completion of training became a Landing Craft rating. Later and during the war Roy was to do his commando training and was awarded the Green Beret. However such were the times that before he could be presented with his beret he was drafted. At the end of hostilities Roy returned to Hong Kong where he had grown up as a child. He joined the Hong Kong police force and rose to the rank of Detective Chief Inspector. On retiring from the police he, with his family, moved to Brisbane Australia. In 1995 Roy returned on holiday to the UK with his eldest daughter, Mildred. Unbeknownst to Roy Mildred had contacted the Corps to see if it was possible for him to be presented with his Green Beret. After the appropriate checks had been carried out Mildred was told to have Roy at the gates of ITCRM at a given date and time. Much to Roys surprise the guard was turned out and he received a very snappy salute. He was escorted to the parade ground still unaware as to what was happening. A company parade was being held where in front of the parade Roy was finally presented with his Green Beret by the Commanding Officer. Roy was a long-time member of the RMAQ where he served as Treasurer for eight years. Roy was one of the old school gentlemen, quiet and private. He will be missed by all those who knew him. (Author Unknown RMAQ)

2014. Friday 6th June. 174 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2014. Friday 20th June. 175 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2014. Friday 4th July. 176 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine Martin Astley was awarded the Kings Badge

2014. Friday 18th July. 177 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2014. Friday 1st August. 178 Kings Squad passe for duty at Lympstone. Marine Martin J. Knight was awarded the Kings Badge.

2014. Friday 3rd October. 180 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Martin Lawes was awarded the Kings Badge.

2015. Friday 2nd January. 932 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2015. Friday 6th February. 187 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2015. Friday 10th April. 'Alan Ivan Ryman (Po/x 104167) Crossed Over The Bar.' Alan was born in Putney, England on the 13th December 1922, and, as he said himself, "grew up in the boring suburbs of London." He was the youngest of 4 children to Ivan and Winifred Ryman. He left school at fifteen to become a clerk in a London shipping company. On the outbreak of World War 2 he joined the Home Guard. As Alan's birthday approached, in December 1940 he wanted to enlist in the Royal Navy because as a child he'd always been fascinated by ships. He told his father of his plans and the response was you don't want to join the navy you'll muck your hands up with tar.

I think his father must have thought that Alan was joining up into a fleet of sailing ships under nelson. He then volunteered for the Royal Marines at 18, being the fourth generation of Rymans to serve as a marine. Alan's father had been in the Royal Marines as had his grandfather and two uncles. As a child Alan had visited Eastney Barracks and thought that the corps was a splendid regiment.

Alan called in at the recruiting office opposite reading railway station one day on his way to work in Basingstoke. There he met a sergeant of marines who took his name and address and told him he would be contacted at a later date. Alan was somewhat underwhelmed at this but waited and eventually the call did come for him to report for his medical at reading recruiting depot on 25th June 1941.

He approached this with some trepidation as when he was 11 he had suffered with rheumatic fever which had left him with a heart murmur. Anyway all was well, and it was either ignored or not picked up. That day there was another lad there Tom Shackleton and they travelled to Eastney barracks together to join 97 ho (hostilities only) squad with 28 other recruits. Alan was given the number po/x 104167.

The training was to be of six months duration in which time they would learn drills on the parade ground, gymnastics, field craft, small weapons and naval gunnery. Six weeks into his training he was teamed up with his mate tom again who was an ex brickie and a giant of a man to box. Alan got the pummelling of his life and tom told him afterwards that he had gone easy on him.

Before joining ship, he responded to the call for volunteers for aircrew in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. He passed the exams and interview and became a pilot but not before he had finished his training as a marine. He gained his wings on 18th December 1942. He was drafted to HMS indefatigable 820 naval air squadron.

He saw active service in the Far East and Pacific in 1944 - 45 on the HMS Indefatigable. During this period Alan met his future wife Thea when the Indefatigable was in Sydney for repairs. After the war Alan returned to England, was discharged from the navy and began flying as a career.

Thea arrived from Australia as a war bride in 1946 and two years later the family, now including Martin, arrived back in Australia, settling in Brighton. The family grew with the births of Jeremy and Derek. Alan had a 33 year career with Trans Australia Airlines as a pilot, starting with DC3s in Western Queensland, finishing his career as a Senior Captain, flying Boeing 727s. Alan loved flying and only the retirement age of 60 made him stop.

One of his great passions was the night sky and he was proud of the fact that he held a navigator's certificate. Alan had many other interests during his life and devoted time and energy to the interests of his sons, including Scouts, orchid growing, sailing, beekeeping and surfing to name a few.

On retirement he gave his time to many organisations including the Maritime Museum, the Royal Marines Association, the RSL, The Retired Pilots Association and many more. He and Thea travelled the world but there was nothing Alan loved more than an early morning surf at Dicky Beach, Caloundra, or a cuppa in the Australian bush. He took great pride in the achievements of his grandchildren and he saw the future in them and his great grandchildren.

Alan and Theo lived out their final years at Azure Blue at Redcliffe, where a sea breeze would waft through his window. When Thea passed away nearly two years ago, Alan missed her greatly and spent his remaining days quietly reflecting. Martin, Jeremy and their families would like to thank you for attending today to celebrate Alan's life.

May a fair wind and a following sea be with Alan.

2015. Thursday 23rd April. Jack Henry Eaves RM a survivor of the D-Day Landings on Tuesday 6th June 1944. Was presented with the French 'Ordre National De La Legion D'Honneur" As was many other Royal Marines and other British Service Men.

2015. Thursday 6th August. 198 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2015. Friday 20th November. 203 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2016. Friday 15th January. 205 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2016. Friday 12th February. 207 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone. Marine B. Dobson was awarded the Kings Badge.

2016. Monday 1st February. The trained strength of the Royal Marines was Officers 770, Marines 6,170. All totals are rounded in accordance with the Defence Statistics rounding policy, therefore totals may not equal the sum of their parts. All numbers are rounded to the nearest 10 with numbers ending in 5 rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to avoid bias. These figures were published on 10th March 2016.

2016. Friday 27th July. 223 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2016. Saturday 10th December. Gilbert Rex Howe (Gilly) passed away on this day age 87.

Gilly joined Royal Marines at Deal in 1946, after infantry and advanced field training at Dalditch and Bickleigh he moved to Eastney for gunnery training and thence to Chatham for Kings Squad pass out.

Gilly then joined HMS Sheffield in 1947 for North Atlantic and West Indies cruise, and experienced gunboat diplomacy against Guatemalans in Belize. He then joined 40 Cdo in 1948 in Malta and travelled with them to Hong Kong and then to Malaya for the Emergency. Gilly was awarded DCM on operations in Malaya.

He then returned to Royal Marines Barracks, Stonehouse in 1951 for involvement in the London Lord Mayors Show and the Cenotaph commemorations. In 1952 he was drafted to HMS Vanguard as Corporal of the Gangway for Home Fleet visits to Holland and the Arctic Circle.

Later the same year to RMB Eastney for the SC3 course, Aldershot/Abingdon for parachute training and, on completion back to Eastney as Boat Team Cpl and qualified as SC2 in 1953 he was then drafted to HMS Royal Prince in Krefeld, Germany, for duties with the Rhine Squadron. He then returned to Poole in 1956 and was Promoted to Sgt and served as an instructor and as Sgt Major, 2 SBS.

He was then drafted to 42 Cdo in 1962 completing tours in Borneo during the confrontations. Gilly was founder of the combat tracker teams using dogs and Iban tribesmen. He was awarded the MM during confrontation as part of a combat tracker team engagement.

Returning to the UK in 1964 and fulfilled both training and operational roles including detachments to Gibraltar during Spanish 'sabre rattling' and border closure.

Whilst at Poole he became deeply involved in revolutionary CQB techniques and long range pistol shooting, and was instrumental in refining techniques for the take down of terrorist strongholds on oil platforms and ships at sea. He was awarded the BEM and MSM during this period.

CSgt Howe left the Corps in 1978. Gilly is something of a legend among his SBS peers, and deservedly so. His ideas and exemplary leadership have influenced many who have worked with or come after him.

As a mark of respect the SBSA flag was lowered to half mast.

C/Sgt Gilbert Rex Howe DCM MM BEM, joined the Corps 1946.

Distinguished Conduct Medal for Malaya London Gazette 12.6.51. Presented at Buckingham Palace, King George VI 14.11.51.

Military Medal for Borneo London Gazette 17.11.64. Presented at Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth II March 1965.

British Empire Medal 1976 Presented by CGRM Sir Peter Whitely.

Meritorious Service Medal, presented January 1977 by Maj. Gen. P.L. Spurgeon.

LS&GC Medal 1962 and clasp 1977.

He also knocked off a considerable 3 Hours and 12 Minutes for the Devizes - Westminster canoe event with Marine Tandy.

From Rover a moderator of the site.

https://www.royalmarines.uk/threads/gilbert-rex-howe-dcm-mm-bem-msm.96716/

Author of website Terry Aspinall. One of my Aunts and family knew Gilly well, although sadly during my time in the Corps we never rubbed shoulders.

2017. May - June. The 125th Anniversary Edition of the 'Globe & Laurel' Editor Major G.E. Adcock RM. The magazine is still popular with the Corps family as it has been and is looking forward to the future in the launch of a digital edition and a healthy following on several social media platforms. The current team are working hard to ensure the legacy of those who have gone before us continues long into the corps future .

2018. Monday 11th June. John Gilbert served in the Royal Marines from 1961 - 1984. John was one of the first RM NCO Pilots and retired as the Squadron Sergeant Major of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron (3BAS) the rank of WO2

COMMANDANT GENERAL ROYAL MARINES COMMENDATION

MR JOHN GILBERT

Mr John Gilbert served in the Corps from 1961 to 1984. Joining as a junior Marine, he was one of the first RM NCO pilots and retired as the Squadron Sergeant Major of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron (3BAS) in the rank of W02. Some 33 years after retirement, he is still active in the affairs of the Corps.

He attended Army Pilot training in 1969 and continued flying until 1980 when, for his last tour in the Corps, he became the Sergeant Major of 3 BAS, with Peter Cameron (his first flight commander) now his Squadron Commander. This appointment coincided with one of the most auspicious and difficult periods in the short history of 3 BAS, including Operation CORPORATE and subsequent relocation to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. For the Falkland's Campaign, he selflessly refused the offer to return to flying duties, which many others craved, because he felt that there was a need for someone with his background and experience to support his Squadron Commander. He was right and, with 3 BAS aircrew suffering, proportionately, some of the highest casualty rates of the campaign, he played a leading role in the pastoral care of those who had been injured, as well as the next of kin of those who had been lost.

Retiring from the MOD Police in 2003, he took up the role of '3 BAS Sergeant Major (retired)' working with Peter Cameron to keep the 3 BAS community feeling connected and supported. He has been instrumental in the planning and execution of reunions of 3 BAS 'old comrades' most notably at the 2007 Cenotaph remembrance of the Falklands Campaign, in 2011 at the 100th anniversary of RM involvement in RN Aviation and in 2017 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Falklands Campaign. During the planning of the latter, the event became increasingly expanded, not only to embrace all previous members of RM aviation (including the Commando Air Troops and Commando Air OP Troops, which preceded 3 BAS, as well as those who have served in its successor, 847 Naval Air Squadron), but also 656 Squadron Army Air Corps, some 50 of whom served under command of 3 Commando Brigade in the Campaign. The organisation of an event on this scale and complexity was enormous, but he cheerfully and willingly bore the brunt of this work and delivered an event which was recognised by all who attended as simply superb.

An active member of the Royal Marines Historical Society; he has supported Mick Reece in the production of a book on Flying Marines and he is now currently writing a piece on Junior Marines marking a return to his own, very substantial, roots.

His contribution to both the RM aviation community and the wider Corps' family has been exemplary; he has consistently shown commitment, professionalism and care both in service and in retirement. His whole career is noteworthy but, in particular, for his services in retirement to the RM aviation community.

Mr John Gilbert is awarded a Commandant General Royal Marines Commendation.

C R Stickland OBE

Major General

Commandant General Royal Marines 11th June 2018.

2018. Friday 13th July. 253 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2018. Friday 27th July. 769 Kings Squad passed for duty at Lympstone.

2018. Sunday 29th July. Rod Spinks RM had set up an Royal Marine Museum at Languard Fort Felixstowe, that was named the G10 room. Having been designed to display any Royal Marine data, information and memorabilia to the public. While any money raised from entrance fees etc was used to assist Royal Marine charities. For his effort on this day he received the following message from the Royal Marine Historical Society.

Dear Rod, With great pleasure I am writing as the Chairman of the Royal Marines Historical Society to congratulate and inform you that our Council has unanimously voted to award you our RMHS Historical Award for 2018. The award is in recognition of your outstanding work in creating the 'G 10' room in Landguard Fort, thus both promoting the history of the Corps and ensuring the Corps is also kept well and truly in the public's eye.

The Royal Marines Historical Society Award was introduced in 2006 to recognise significant work by a non-member of the Society that promotes the history of the Royal Marines. There is no doubt that you have met our criteria in spades.

It is our custom that our President, Major General Julian Thompson, presents the RMHS and other Society awards at our Annual General Meeting which this year will be held at the Royal Marines Museum, Eastney on Saturday 27 October. Naturally, we do hope that you would be able to join us in person to receive your award but appreciate that geography may handicap such an arrangement and we may have to make alternative arrangements.

Meanwhile, once again please accept my congratulations.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Reece

### Chapter 16

Earl Herbert Horatio Kitchener of Khartoum

### Numbering System

The Numbering System of RNVR 'Kitchener's Army' Recruits.

The 2500 Army transfers to the RNVR were split into three groups: KW's, KX's & KP's.

Approx. 1015 men were numbered KW/1 to KW/1015. 'K' = 'Kitchener'; 'W' denotes those intended for the four battalions of the 1st RN Brigade, RND (officially transferred 7/9/14).

Approx. 1002 men were numbered KP/1 to KP/1002. 'K' = Kitchener; but 'P' was for 'Crystal Palace,' the RND Depot where this batch were re-enrolled from Kitchener's Army 10/9/14.

Approx. 516 men were numbered KX/31 to KX/566. 'K' = 'Kitchener'; 'X' denotes those intended for the four battalions of the 2nd RN Brigade, RND (officially transferred 7/9/14).

An anomaly occurs in the 'KX' numbering system. 20 Bandsmen from Dundee, were enlisted with 'ZX' numbers, supplanting the 'KX' number blocks ZX/5 to ZX/25. Other men were also slotted in with 'ZX' prefixes supplanting the 'KX' (ZX/1 to ZX/4, ZX/26 to ZX 30, & ZX/519 to ZX539).

Kitchener's Marines. An explanation & justification of the title.

Strictly speaking, the 2500 Army transfers to the RNVR were not Marines. They were nominally Seamen or Sailors within the RND & Navy. However, the British Newspapers insisted on referring to individuals as 'Marines' due to their employment as a mobile Naval force at Antwerp & later at Gallipoli. In essence, they fulfilled the criteria of 'Marine.' They were employed & brigaded with the true 'Royal Marines' in the RND for the whole of the war.

Kitchener's Royal Marines.

A further 600 men from 'Kitchener's Army' were transferred to the Royal Marine Light Infantry 16/9/14. The RMLI had just opened Short-service enlistment (men intended exclusively for the RM Brigade in the RND) & required a 'jump-start' to bolster their numbers. It was arranged for 600 Army Reservists/Recruits to be transferred to the RMLI. Most of the 600, had served only one day 'With the Colours' & had then been sent home to the 'Army Reserve.'

The 600 RMLI transfers were all volunteers; as were all members of the armed services before 1916. These men provided a powerful reinforcement for the RM Bde. when they joined their respective Battalions in November 1914. A very high proportion were Miners or Labourers, extremely fit & strong, the result of a life of hard manual work. It was no doubt realised that such men would be a great asset to the battalions, despite their comparative lack of discipline & somewhat unruly nature. The survival of an infantry battalion was known to depend upon its ability to entrench a position with the greatest speed & efficiency. In practice, this was proven time & again in Gallipoli & France, where digging absorbed so much of their time.

Numbering of RMLI 'Kitchener's Army' Recruits.

The 600 RMLI transfers came from two regiments: 200 from the KOYLI & 400 from the Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regt. (best known as The Sherwood Foresters). The 200 KOYLI recruits were transferred to the Plymouth Division RMLI & the 400 Sherwood Foresters were divided equally between Chatham & Portsmouth Divisions RMLI. Plymouth's regimental numbering system for their Short-service recruits began quite simply at PLY/1/S. This is also the case for Chatham and Portsmouth, beginning at PO/1/S and CH/1/S. Plymouth had already enlisted 11 volunteers for Short-service when their 200 KOYLI's arrived; therefore, they occupied the number blocks PLY/12/S to PLY/211/S inclusive. Portsmouth had enlisted 30 men prior to their 200 allocation, so they were numbered PO/31/S to PO/230/S. Chatham numbered their 'Kitchener's Men' CH/1/S to CH/200/S.

The first of five awards of the Victoria Cross to Royal Marines 1914-18 was to an ex-Sherwood Forester, PO/229/S L/Cpl. Walter Richard Parker, Portsmouth Bn, 3rd RM Bde, RND, for his gallantry at ANZAC Beachhead, Gallipoli in May 1915. Further to this, the number and quality of the other gallantry awards to men amongst the 600 speaks volumes for their fine performance during the war:

PLY/66/S Pte. Glynwr Davies DCM (ex-KOYLI) (DCM: 2RM, Gavrelle 28/4/17).

PLY/191/S Pte. George Smith DSM (ex-KOYLI) (DSM: 8th Corps Mining Coy. Gallipoli).

PO/167/S Pte. Shadrach Hillsley DSM (ex-Sherwood Foresters) (DSM: Portsmouth Bn. RMLI).

PLY/48/S Cpl. Thos.Wm. Elliott MM & Bar. (ex-KOYLI) (MM: 2RM, Miraumont 17/2/17, Bar: Gavrelle 28/4/17).

PO/182/S Cpl. A. Meese MM & Bar. (ex-Sherwood Foresters) (MM: 2RM, Aveluy Wood 1918, Bar: 1919).

PLY/144/S A/Sgt. J. Carter MM (ex-KOYLI) (MM: 2RM, March Retreat & Aveluy Wood 1918).

PLY/159/S Pte. Thos. Jones MM (ex-KOYLI) (MM: 2RM, Aveluy Wood, April 1918).

CH/73/S Pte. Ephraim Booth MM (ex-Sherwood Foresters) (MM: 1RM, Gavrelle 28/4/17).

PO/64/S Pte. Reuben Walter Booth MM (ex-Sherwood Foresters) (MM: 2RM, Passchendaele 26/10/17).

PO/76/S Sgt. Cecil Scott MM (ex-Sherwood Foresters) (MM: 2RM, Welch Ridge 1917. KIA 6/4/18).

PO/105/S Cpl. Wm. Marsden MM (ex-Sherwood Foresters) (MM: 2RM, Gavrelle Mid-1917. KIA 16/9/17)

PO/155/S Sgt. W.T. Todd MM (ex-Sherwood Foresters) (MM: 2RM, Welch Ridge 1917).

Barnsley's 'Kitchener Marines'Army Recruits transferred to RNVR 7/9/14. ('Kitchener W'

No. Series)

K.W/4 A/AB Martin EGAN ex-12689 York & Lancs. b. Athenry, Galway 15/3/1885. Pit Sinker at Ryehill Colliery, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-4/2/16. Hood Bn. 3/6/17-16/10/17 Gassed, Inv. to UK. Deserted in UK 23/1/18.

K.W/5 AB.HG Thomas Edward JOHNSON ex-14302 York. & Lancs. b. Darfield, Barnsley. Miner at Colonel Mitchell Colliery. H/A: 4 Kent Row, Wombwell. Drake Bn. POW Germany 21/8/18.

K.W/6 OS Albert POGMORE ex-13411 York & Lancs. b. Wombwell, 11/5/1889. Labourer at Steele, Peach & Toyer, Rotherham. NOK: Friend, Mrs Gilbey, 7 Phoenix Sq, Masboro, Rotherham. Discharged Medically Unserviceable 17/2/15.

K.W/21 AB Thomas WHITTAKER ex-4083 York. & Lancs. b. Burnley, Lancs. Miner at Carlton Colliery. H/A: 136 Brighton St., Grimethorpe, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn.

K.W/25 LS John Lakin RODGERS ex-York & Lancs. (enl: 2/9/14) b. Hoyland Common, Barnsley 6/9/1889. Wife, Rose, 18 Church Lane, Bramley, Nr. Rotherham. Drake Bn. MEF 1/3/15-23/2/16 to UK Leave. Drake Bn. BEF 6/6/16-24/4/17 GSW Buttock & R.arm, Inv. to UK 2/5/17. Drake Bn. BEF 12/5/18-26/5/18 KIA.

K.W/38 AB James BYRNE ex-14045 York & Lancs. b. Hoyland Common, Barnsley 6/2/1895. Driver/Miner at Cadeby Colliery Co, Denaby Main, Nr Rotherham. Mother, Mary Jane Farmery, 16 Stratford Terrace, Denaby Main, Rotherham. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-12/6/16 to DHQ RND for duty as MFP. Drake Bn. 18/11/16-4/2/17 GSW L. Leg, Inv. to UK.

K.W/39 AB Thomas QUINN ex-12745 Pte. York & Lancs. b. 15/12/1879. Miner at Monkton Colliery, Royston, Barnsley. Wife, Mrs E.A. Quinn, C/O Mrs Jackson, Bird Dealer, Market St., Barnsley. Drake Bn. MEF 1/3/15-26/2/16 to UK Leave. Drake Bn. 6/6/16-8/1/19 to UK demob.

K.W/43 OS Ephraim PARKER ex-14220 York & Lancs. b. Woolley, Barnsley 10/6/1889. Wife, Henrietta, 83 Balby St, Denaby Main. Miner at Denaby & Cadeby Colliery Co, Denaby Main. Discharged Medically Unserviceable 3/3/15.

K.W/45 AB Ezra Major HITCHEN ex-13275 York. & Lancs. b. Smithies, Barnsley. Brickyard Labourer, John Wright. NOK & H/A: Father, George, 86 Park St., Wombwell. 'C' Coy. No.4 Platoon, Collingwood Bn. transferred to Anson Bn. 8/6/15. KIA 28/4/17.

K.W/49 AB John Charles HUNT ex-13276 KOYLI Miner at Sheepbridge Colliery Co. Nr. Doncaster. H/A: 43 Smithies Lane, Barnsley. 'C' Coy. No.3 Platoon Collingwood Bn. BW Chest, Cape Helles 4/6/15. Later served with Howe & Drake Bn. POW Germany 25/3/18.

K.W/50 AB Robert SMETHHURST ex-12838 KOYLI Miner at Monckton Main. H/A: 15 Cutts Buildings, Royston, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. France/Belgium 1914. Hood Bn. POW 24/3/18.

K.W/56 AB Ernest TOWNEND ex-12938 York. & Lancs. b. Heckmondwicke. Collier with Rob Royd Colliery Co. Benbow Bn. Internee at Antwerp Oct. 1914. H/A: 20 New St, Dodworth, Barnsley.

K.W/58 AB John HALEY b. 25/9/1883. H/A: 4 Railway Terrace, Carlton, Barnsley. Collier at Grimethorpe Colliery. Benbow Bn. Internee Antwerp.

K.W/79 AB Ernest COOPER ex-York & Lancs. b. Barnsley 1/9/1888. Miner. NOK & H/A: Wife, Sarah, 19 George St, Highgate, Rotherham - later - 86 Heelis St., Barnsley. Benbow Bn. Internee Antwerp.

K.W/91 AB James COOKE ex-KOYLI. b. Monk Bretton, Barnsley 6/10/1882. Miner. NOK & H/A: Wife, Sarah, 25 George St., Highgate, Rotherham (Parents at High St., Great Houghton). Benbow Bn. Internee Antwerp.

K.W/108 AB Samuel SAYES ex-13354 York. & Lancs.Miner at Houghton Main, Darfield. NOK: Mother, Emily, Ellwood, New Coleford, Gloucester. Nelson Bn. MEF 1/3/15-27/6/15 Died of Enteric Fever aboard HS "Dunluce Castle" in Mudros Harbour.

K.W/113 AB Thomas SHERIDAN ex-15953 York. & Lancs. Miner with Hoyland Silkstone Colliery Co. H/A: 29 Brickyard, Jump. Hood Bn. Bullet Wnd. Back 6/5/15. Discharged Medically Unfit 3/5/16.

K.W/139 AB James AUSTIN ex-12864 York. & Lancs. Collier at Carlton Main. H/A: 11 Worsley St., Cudworth. Hood Bn. GSW Head 6/5/15. Discharged to RNAS Constructional Corps 15/6/16. See RN Roll (F.18407 AM1) alias Jas. JONES.

K.W/160 AB Thomas Casson WATSON ex-York. & Lancs.H/A: 6 Hough Lane, Wombwell. Farm Labourer at Prospect Farm, Wombwell. Hood Bn. 1/3/15-7/5/15 GSW Head. Anson Bn. BEF 17/4/17-25/8/17 to UK Sick.

K.W/175 AB Thomas CROFT ex-York. & Lancs. b. 6/4/1884. H/A: 27 Waltham St., Barnsley, later 24 Tower St., Barnsley. Benbow Bn. Internee Holland. Escaped, reported at Crystal Palace 19/7/15. RUN 31/8/15. Re-entered Crystal Palace 15/9/15. 8/10/15 returned to Holland for Internment. Repatriated 19/11/18.

K.W/183 AB William CONNICK ex-York. & Lancs.Miner at Grimethorpe Colliery. H/A: 62 Lunn View, Cudworth. Nelson Bn. KIA 6/6/15.

K.W/224 AB William HILTON ex-17656 KOYLI H/A: 8 Whitecross Farm, Low Cudworth, Nr. Barnsley. Miner with Mr Gill. Nelson Bn. 1/3/15-13/7/15 wnd. Discharged unserviceable 16/9/15.

K.W/230 AB Frank NELL ex-York. & Lancs. (4/9/14) b. Barnsley 4/8/1885. Miner at Wharncliffe Woodmoor Colliery.NOK: Step-sister, Emma Bushby, 8 Back Waltham St., Barnsley. Nelson Bn. KIA 13/7/15.

K.W/240 PO James Arthur TINDALL MM ex-York & Lancs. (2/9/14). b. Barnsley 1882. Married at Barnsley. NOK: Wife, Ellen, Barnsley Rd, Highgate, Rotherham. Miner at Hickleton Main, Thurnscoe, but formerly at Church Lane Colliery, Dodworth. Nelson Bn. 1/3/15-July 1915 Inv.to UK GSW Thigh & R. Finger. Nelson Bn. 21/3/17-9/2/18 transferred to Drake Bn. Gassed 12/3/18, Inv. to UK 29/3/18. MM 20/11/17 (Passchendaele).

K.W/249 AB Charles Henry FROST b. 23/6/1886. Collier at Houghton Main. NOK & H/A: Brother, Robert John, 21 Tingle Bridge, Hemmingfield. 8/9/14 Joined Benbow Bn. (no overseas service). 2/11/14 Discharged to Crystal Palace. 25/1/15 Joined Hood Bn (no overseas service). 8/5/15 Sentenced to 21 days detention. 20/8/15 Sentenced to 21 days detention. 2/10/15 Sentenced to 28 days Hard Labour. 24/2/16 Sentenced to 7 days cells at Crystal Palace. 6/3/16 RUN. 17/3/16 Recovered from Desertion. 25/4/16 Sentenced to 14 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour at Bodmin Prison. Discharged, Services no longer required 8/5/16.

K.W/257 AB Charles HATTERSLEY ex-13977 York & Lancs. (brother of Fred, see below) b. Stocksbridge, Sheffield 28/10/1885. Miner at Strafford Colliery Co. NOK & H/A: Wife, Betty, 22 New St., Dodworth. 9/7/18: 3 Toffy's Yard, Dodworth, Barnsley. Nelson Bn. 1/3/15- 7/9/15. Hawke Bn. 23/1/17-30/6/18 Gassed. 28/1/19 Discharged Invalided.

K.W/272 A/LS Fred HATTERSLEY ex-14429 York & Lancs. (brother of Charles, above) b. Thurgoland, Penistone, Yorks. 8/4/1893. Collier (Trammer) at Rob Royd Colliery, Dodworth. NOK & H/A: Parents: Wm. & Elizabeth, 15 Silver St., Nr. Dodworth, Barnsley. Nelson Bn. 1/3/15-24/2/16 & 6/6/16-13/11/16 Missing, KIA.

K.W/310 AB Moses CROSSLEY ex-13161 York. & Lancs. b. Hunslett, Leeds 9/5/1880.

H/A: 37 Central St., Hoyland Common. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-1/9/15 & 12/12/16-13/1/18 & 27/5/18-21/8/18 Missing, POW. Repatriated 27/11/18.

K.W/344 AB James Walter CHARLESWORTH MM ex-12727 York. & Lancs. b. Monk Bretton 20/3/1894. Miner at Woodmoor Colliery.

H/A: 200 Burton Rd., Monk Bretton. Hawke Bn. 1/3/15-24/12/15 SW L.Arm, Inv. to UK. Hawke Bn. 31/7/16-19/3/18 Gassed, Inv. to UK. 1/6/17 Awarded MM (4th Supp. LG 9/7/17 page 6827) Gavrelle. Hawke Bn. BEF 19/9/18-27/9/18 SW Side & Arm, Inv. to UK. Demob. 5/6/19. Died 12/1/1928 at Home address, 14 Waltham St., Barnsley, from (i) Cardiac Dilatation (ii) Mitral Disease.

K.W/345 AB Charles WHITEHEAD ex-KOYLI (3/9/14). b. Denaby, Yorks. 24/9/1895. Miner at Grimethorpe Colliery. NOK & H/A: Mother, E., 222 Burton Rd., Monk Bretton, Nr. Barnsley. 'A' Coy. 16th Section, Hawke Bn. MEF 30/5/15-20/6/15 Missing, later reptd. by LZ/1335 AB A.R. Booth "Died in my arms."

K.W/361 AB Raymond BANNER ex-12845 York. & Lancs. b. Hoyland 17/8/1887. Miner at Silkstone Colliery. H/A: 84 Wombwell Rd., Platts Common, Nr. Barnsley. Hawke Bn. 1/3/15-10/11/18 Inv. to UK sprained ankle. Demob. 3/1/19.

K.W/371 OS Alfred DUNN Discharged to Pontefract 23/10/14 & re-entered York & Lancs. as Pte. 12723. b. 24/4/1884. NOK: wife, Emma, 228 Burton Rd., Monk Bretton.

K.W/373 LS Horace HOLDWORTH ex-12814 KOYLI (31/8/14). b. Barnsley 22/4/1889. Miner. H/A: 53 Old Mill Lane, Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-1/9/15 Inv. to UK Dysentery. Drake Bn. 24/11/17-21/8/18 POW Repatriated 29/11/18.

K.W/374 OS George LANE ex-15087 KOYLI b. Darlington, Durham 3/2/1888. Stoker at Barnsley Gas Works. H/A: 47 Thomas St., Barnsley. Discharged medically unfit 10/3/15.

K.W/392 LS Charles DAWES ex-12571 York. & Lancs. b. Wigan, Lancs. 3/1/1895. Labourer with John Allen Contractor, Cudworth. H/A: 16 Charity St., Monk Bretton. Hawke Bn. 30/5/15-5/7/15 wounded. Inv. to UK 15/2/16 Pyrexia.

K.W/411 AB.HG Arthur MALKIN MM ex-12739 York & Lancs. b. Littleworth, Barnsley 26/11/1895. Miner at Monk Bretton Colliery. Anson Bn. MM Passchendale. KIA 1/10/18. NOK & H/A: Mother: Catherine, 182 Burton Rd., Monk Bretton, Nr. Barnsley.

K.W/416 AB Jonas ATKINSON ex-15759 KOYLI b. Old Town, Barnsley 24/1/1890 Miner at Wharncliffe Pit, Barnsley. Hawke Bn. KIA 19/6/15. NOK: Mother: Jemima, 3 Wood St., Barnsley, later: 3 Court, 2 House, Wood St., Barnsley.

K.W/424 AB Arthur BALDWIN MM ex-York. & Lancs. b. Cudworth 30/8/1894. H/A: 196 Burton Rd., Monk Bretton. Miner at Grimethorpe Pit. Hawke Bn. 1/3/15-22/8/15 & 29/2/16-29/12/18. 22/2/17 Awarded the MM (5th Supp. LG 26/3/17 page 2990).

K.W/426 AB John NORRIS ex-13196 York. & Lancs. b. Birkdale, Lancs. 13/1/1892. Miner at Messrs. Silkstone Pit, Barnsley. 'A' Coy. Drake Bn. KIA 30/8/15NOK: Mother: Emma, 61 Chapel St., Hoyland Common, Barnsley.

K.W/434 AB Percy GAMWELL ex-12807 Pte. KOYLI (1/9/14) b. Wadsworth, Doncaster 1/12/1892. H/A: 15 Queen St., Darfield. Trammer at Houghton Main8/9/14 Joined Hawke Bn. 'D' Coy. 2/11/14: To Crystal Palace. 11/12/14: Drafted to Deal. 19/3/15: 4 days detention. 26/4/15: S.C. to OC Armed Escorts, Deal. June 1915: Attd. Armed Escorts, Ramsgate. 31/3/16 Drafted from Armed Guards, "Victory 6" to HMS "Ceto."

K.W/437 AB Charles ROWBOTTOM ex-12849 York. & Lancs. b. Hoyland 4/10/1892. H/A: 9 Kayes St., Hoyland Common. Miner at Rockingham Colliery. NOK: Father, Ernest, 27 Short St., Hoyland Common, Nr. Barnsley. 'B' Coy. Drake Bn. MEF 1/3/15-6/6/15 KIA.

K.W/441 AB Thomas STEEL ex-15954 York. & Lancs. Brother of K.W/739 AB Godfrey Steel. b. 12/7/1882. H/A & NOK: Sister, Cissie, 12 Royston Hill, Hoyland. A Miner at Hoyland Silkstone. Hawke Bn. 'A' Coy, 8th Section MEF 30/5/15-18/1/19 to UK Demob.

K.W/443 LS Walter CARR ex-13782 York. & Lancs. b. 5/10/1886. H/A: 1 Milton Foundry, Hoyland. Miner at Hoyland Silkstone. Served with Hawke Bn. in France & Belgium 1914 & Gallipoli 1915. GSW R. Wrist Cape Helles 30/12/15. 9/6/17 Demobilised to Civil Employment at Hoyland Colliery Co.

K.W/448 AB George MOWER ex-13071 KOYLI b. Barnsley 7 March 1890. Labourer, Bobbin Works. H/A & NOK: Parents, George & Stepmother, Florence, 161 Sheffield Rd., Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-13/11/16 DOW.

K.W/459 AB John SUMMERS b. 27/7/1885. Miner at Mitchells Main. Wife: Amy, 26 Blythe St., Wombwell, later: 1 School St., Wombwell. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-12/5/15, 8/6/15-7/8/15, 16/5/16-13/11/16 & 7/5/17-12/3/18 Gassed, Inv. to UK 16/3/18. Demob. 31/1/18.

K.W/466 AB James Herbert FLATTERS ex-13193 York. & Lancs. b. Brightside, Sheffield 29/10/1887. Miner at Barrow Colliery. NOK: Wife, Florence, 22 Edmunds Main, Worsboro' Dale, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. KIA Cape Helles 4/12/15.

K.W/491 AB Clarence HARGREAVES ex-14300 York. & Lancs. b. Leeds 17/2/1894. H/A: 7 Kent Row, Wombwell. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-25/8/15 & 30/10/15-4/2/17. 63rd Divisional Employment Coy. RND BEF 30/1/18-12/12/18 to UK Demob.

K.W/496 OS John Willie BANNISTER ex-York & Lancs. (31/8/14) b. Wombwell 8/4/1888. Miner at Wombwell Main Colliery. H/A: 46 Hawson St., Wombwell. Discharged Medically Unfit 17/2/15.

K.W/497 AB John WELDON ex-12698 York. & Lancs. b. Wombwell 12/3/1889. Miner at Houghton Main. H/A: 67 Elliotts Terrace, New Scarboro. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-27/8/15. Howe Bn. 11/12/16-15/3/18 transferred to Drake Bn. until 29/6/18 Bronchitis. Inv. to UK 20/9/18.

K.W/503 AB Francis Alfred STEVENSON ex-KOYLI (30/8/14). A Miner. b. Eastwood 28/3/1886. Add: 24 Calvern St., Dalton Brook, Rotherham, Yorks. NoK: Wife, Elizabeth, 16 Millmoor Terrace, Low Valley, Wombwell, Nr. Barnsley, later of: 1 Keel Yard, Stairfoot, Barnsley. Drake Bn. 'A' Coy 8/9/14-3/2/19 to UK Demob.

K.W/510 OS Frank ALLEN ex-York & Lancs. (31/8/14). b. Wombwell 18/12/1881. Miner. Discharged 17/2/15 Medically Unfit. H/A & NOK: Wife, Bridget, 61 Mary's Place, New Scarboro, Wombwell, later - Elliotts Terrace, Wombwell.

K.W/514 AB Arthur DENNIS ex-13446 York. & Lancs. b. Barnsley 26/3/1891. Miner at Darfield Main Colliery, Wombwell. H/A: 70 George St, Low Valley, Wombwell. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-6/5/15, 15/6/15-1/9/15 & 23/12/15-30/12/17 POW. Repat. 13/12/18.

K.W/520 AB Arthur Smalley DUKE ex-13851 York. & Lancs. (see below K.W/521 AB Levi Driver RNVR) b. Wombwell 1/9/1894. Miner at Mitchells Main Colliery, Wombwell. H/A: 59 Summer Lane, Wombwell. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-18/10/15. Howe Bn. 26/11/16-17/2/17 GSW R. Forearm, R. Leg & R. Foot, Inv. to UK. 20/7/18 Discharged from RN Hosp. Chatham "Unserviceable"

K.W/521 AB Levi DRIVER ex-13249 York. & Lancs. b. Sheffield 20/7/1894. Glass Blower at Rylands Glass Works, Barnsley. Brother of R/6583 AB Ernest Driver RNVR, Anson Battn. Brother of 4737063 Pte. William Driver, 2nd Y&L Regt. 10/2/1920 to 20/1/1927.H/A & NOK: Mother, Annie, Park St., Howarth Buildings, Wombwell, later, wife Beatrice May, 43 Summer St., Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-3/4/18 ICT L. Ankle. Demobilised 7/2/19.

Photos (below) show the Company Roll Book, which originally belonged to Po/J/7170 LS George Sowter RN of the 13th Section, 12th Platoon, 'C' Company, Drake Bn. & was 'taken over' by Levi after Sowter was KIA 15/7/15.

Cpmpany Roll listing:

1: A. Maynard Sto.T. Sto.Act.Ser.RN. Good alround. K/22121 Stoker 2nd Class Alfred Jack MOIGNARD RNHome address in Jersey, Channel Islands. Drake Bn. C/635 17/9/14-26/7/15 transferred to Sea-Service.

2: W. Flight AB. Business. Good alround. C.Z/378 AB. HG William FLIGHT RNVRA Grocer. NoK & H/A: Father, James, 41 Kirk St., Lochee, Dundee. Drake Bn. C/973 3/11/14-23/1/19 to UK Demob. Brother of C.Z/6344 AB Peter FLIGHT RNVR, Hawke Bn.

3: J. Dyball AB. Engineer. Hard worker. Good Hand. K.P/357 AB(HG) Joseph Henry DYBALL RNVR, KIA Drake Bn. 13/11/16. Drake Bn. C/1314 3/11/14.Next-of-Kin & home address: Father, Joseph, 18 Portrack St., Stockton-on-Tees.

4: L. Driver AB. Glass Blower. Hard worker rather mischiefous(sic).

5: J. Calder AB. Farmer. Good soldier. Hard worker. C.Z/629 AB John CALDER RNVRNoK & H/A: Parents, George & Lizzie, Deershill, Millbrex, Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire. Drake Bn. C/971 3/11/14. 25/8/18 GSW R.arm, Inv. to UK 26/8/18; Demob. 23/1/19.

6: A. Hoult OS. Pit. Good worker. Fair alround. K.W/566 AB Albert HOULT RNVR NoK & H/A: Mother, Elizabeth, 67 Clifton St., Denaby Main, Yorkshire, later: 27 New St., Mexboro, Nr. Rotherham. Drake Bn. 8/9/14-17/7/15 PUO, Inv. to UK 17/9/15 ; Demob to Civil Employment 16/3/17 ; Discharged Invalided at Sick Qtrs. Rotherham 2/10/17 Shrapnal injury left ankle joint ; Re-enlisted in the York & Lancs Regt. 18/6/19 for 3 years No.52694.

7: J. Robinson OS. Engineer. (Fitter) V. good Hand (quiet). K.W/606 AB James ROBINSON RNVR, KIA 63rd MG Bn. 27/3/18. Home address: 4 Cliff St., Castleford, Yorks. Next-of-Kin: Brother, Christopher, Middle Lane, Ilkley Lane, Nr. Leeds, later: Father, John, Middle Row, Methley Junction, Leeds, later: Wife, Elizabeth, 103 Lisson Grove, Marylebone, London NW1, later (1920): 46 Danbrook Rd., Streatham, London SW16, later (1929): 22 Cunliffe St., Streatham. ; Drake Bn.8/9/14-5/8/15 Dysentery, to UK for Sea-service 29/3/16 ; Draft for BEF 24/1/17, posted to 190th Brigade MG Company 21/3/17, joined 63rd MG Bn. 1/3/18-27/3/18 DD.

8: C. McLaren AB. Business. F.G. (inclined to be sulky). C.Z/377 AB Charles MacLAREN RNVR NoK & H/A: Father, James, 45 Kirk St., Lochee, Dundee. Drake C/980 3/11/14-21/9/15 Diahorrea, rejoined Drake 12/2/16-27/3/16 to UK for Sea-service. 9/7/15 14 days No.10, Refused to obey order given by LS Sowter.

9: A. Duke OS. Pit. V.G. Hand. Very willing. K.W/520 AB Arthur Smalley DUKE RNVR (Barnsley man, see above).

K.W/538 AB William McCORMACK ex-12800 KOYLI b. Ayre, Ayreshire 11/10/1889. A Collier at Monckton Colliery. H/A: 5 The Avenue, Royston, Nr. Barnsley. NOK: Sister, Mrs. Porteous, 15 Cutts Buildings, off Midland Rd, Royston, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-6/8/15, 5/9/15-23/4/17 & 14/3/18-26/8/18 GSW L. Foot, Inv. to UK 12/9/18.

K.W/549 AB John William DYSON ex-York & Lancs. (enl: 3/9/14). b. Dodworth 11/3/1889. A Miner at Barrow Colliery. H/A: 48 Corporation St, Barnsley. NOK: Sister, Sarah Duerdon, 9 Albion Terrace, Grace St, Barnsley. Drake Bn. MEF 1/3/15-10/10/15 & 16/4/16-23/4/17 KIA.

K.W/554 OS Joseph HANSON b. Rawmarsh, Rotherham 1/3/1885. A Collier at Barrow Colliery, Worsboro. H/A: 2 Parkinson Court, Worsboro' Dale. NOK: Father, Samuel, 26 Walton St, Barnsley. 8/9/14 Joined Drake Bn. 4/11/14 Absent over leave 15 hours & disobedience: 21 days detention. 24/11/4 Rejoined Drake Bn. from detention. 29/12/14 Breaking out & remaining absent 116 hours: 9 days in cells & forfeits 30 days pay. 6/1/15 On Nominal Roll 'A' Coy. Drake Bn, 4th Platoon, 16th Section. Discharged 26/2/15 Services no longer Req'd.

K.W/557 LS William LEATHER MM & Bar. b. Wortley, Sheffield 9/1/1891. A Collier at Mitchell Main Colliery Co. H/A & NOK: Father, William, 20 Darfield Main, Wombwell. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-25/3/18 POW. MM-Miraumont. Bar to MM-Gavrelle.

K.W/584 AB George WOODHOUSE ex-13185 Pte. York. & Lancs. (enlisted 4/9/14). b. Barnsley 1/1/1892. A Miner at Barrow Colliery, Barnsley. H/A: 50 King St., Barnsley. NOK: Father: Joe, 36 Highstone Rd., Worsbro' Common, Barnsley. Joined Drake Bn. 'E' Coy. 8/9/14 (no service at Antwerp). Discharged to Crystal Palace Depot 19/12/14. Joined 'A' Coy. 1st Platoon, Anson Bn 23/2/15. 25/4/15 Took part in landing operations from HMT "River Clyde" at 'V' Beach & was wounded by shrapnel in the L. forearm & hand. 5/5/15 Admitted to Cottonera Military Hospital, Malta. Returned to duty with Anson Bn. 25/5/15. KIA on the terrible "4th of June 1915" Third Battle of Krithia.

Barnsley Chronicle, front page, 26/6/15.

A local victim in the Dardanelles is Able-Seaman George Woodhouse at the early age of 22 years. His home was at 36 Highstone Road, Worsboro' Common, where his parents now reside. George was a miner at the Barrow Colliery, and shortly after war broke out he enlisted in the Royal Naval Division and went in training, first at the Crystal Palace and then in Scotland. He was one of the first party who landed in the Dardanelles, and on April 25th he was wounded, but recovered sufficiently to be able to rejoin the fighting line on May 25th. News came to his father this week that George had been killed in action on June 18th. In the Worsboro' district the deceased was well-known and was exceedingly popular with his workmates, all of whom deplore his death.

Mr. Woodhouse, senr., (who works at the Mount Vernon Colliery) received the following message from Mr. A. James Balfour: "The King commands me to assure you of the true sympathy of his Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow."

The official intimation of Able-Seaman Woodhouse's death was received by his father from the Record Office, Royal Naval Division, London, and this message read as follows: " Dear Sir, - I deeply regret to inform you that a telegram from Alexandria has been received here to-day reporting that your son, Able-Seaman George Woodhouse, 584, who was serving in the Anson Battalion, 2nd R.N. Brigade, R.N. Division, was killed in action near the Dardanelles. Any further information received shall be posted to you at once."

It is a pathetic coincidence that the Able-Seaman's brother, Joe Woodhouse, has been wounded twice while in action in France with the Royal Field Artillery, of which he was called up as a reserve when war broke out. He was first wounded at Mons, and he has seen some desperate fighting. He has almost recovered from his injuries and has been spending a few days at home. He hopes to return to his regiment this week-end.

K.W/592 AB George Edward SEED ex-York. & Lancs. (1/9/14). b. Barnsley 16/12/1885. NOK: Mother, Mrs Mary Hudson, 55 St. John's Rd., Eastwood View, Rotherham. Drake Bn. KIA 27/8/16.

K.W/593 PO Albert RENNISON ex-14015 York. & Lancs. b. Worsboro Common 22/4/1887. A Miner at Barrow Pit. H/A: 60 Joseph St., Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-8/11/15, 10/1/16-4/10/16, 10/7/17-13/3/18 & 13/8/18-27/1/19 to UK Demob.

K.W/596 LS John Henry HIBBERT ex-13052 York. & Lancs. b. Cudworth 17/7/1891. A Miner at Carlton Main Colliery. H/A: 41 Hastings St, Grimethorpe, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-15/7/15, 11/1/16-4/2/17, 24/6/17-12/3/18 & 14/10/18-8/1/19 to UK Demob.

K.W/603 AB William LONG ex-12729 York. & Lancs. b. Salford, Lancs. 28/8/1886. A Stoker at Gas Works, Wombwell. NOK: Wife: Annie, 44 Milton St., Wombwell. 'A' Coy. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-28/7/15, 25/3/17-15/10/17 & 15/6/18-8/11/18 KIA.

K.W/635 LS Arnold LEACH b. 6/10/1894. H/A: 7 Regent St., Hoyland Common, Nr. Barnsley. A Miner at Newton Chambers Ltd., Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. 'A' Coy. No.1 Platoon, transferred to Hood Bn. 8/6/15. Hood Bn. 8/6/15-6/8/15 & 15/9/15-26/12/15. Anson Bn. 26/11/16-20/2/17 & 25/1/18-21/8/18 BW R. Knee, Inv. to UK 25/8/18.

K.W/642 AB Alf MORLEY ex-12857 York. & Lancs. b. Rotherham 10/10/1891. A Miner at Round Green Colliery, Barnsley. H/A: 20 Upper Belmont Terrace, Harvey St., Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. 'A' Coy. No.1 Platoon, transferred to Hood Bn. 8/6/15. Hood Bn. 8/6/15-6/10/16 to UK for release to Mining.

K.W/643 PO Frederick KENNEDY ex-14988 KOYLI (enl: 31/8/14). Brother of K.P/191 AB Samuel KENNEDYb. Hoyland 28/6/1886. A Collier at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery Co. H/A: 10 Milner St., Platts Common. NOK, Mother, Henrietta, 6 Milner St., Platts Common. Collingwood Bn. France/Belgium 1914. 2/11/14 Discharged to Crystal Palace Depot (Maintenance Unit).

K.W/652 AB Herbert HUNT ex-13256 York. & Lancs. b. Thornley, Durham Nov. 1894. A Miner. NOK: Father, John, Caxton St., Barnsley. Hood Bn. 1/3/15-6/5/15 missing, later rept'd. wnd. GSW R. Foot - Inv. to UK 12/5/15. 25/6/15 Advised in Report of Survey from Haslar Hosp. that rating has been discharged unfit for further service through injuries: GSW R. foot, loss of 2nd, 3rd & 4th toes.

K.W/654 LS William HOLDSWORTH ex-12768 York. & Lancs. b. Wakefield 14/9/1891. A Miner at Houghton Main Colliery. H/A: 27 Industry Rd., Stairfoot, Nr. Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. 'A' Coy. No.1 Platoon, transferred to Hood Bn. 8/6/15. Hood Bn. 8/6/15-18/9/15 & 30/10/15-4/8/16. Hawke Bn. 6/11/16-13/11/16 & 27/9/17-3/12/18 to UK demob.

K.W/655 AB Ernest WATSON ex-12760 York. & Lancs. b. London 23/2/1894. A Miner at Monk Bretton Colliery. H/A & NOK: Mother: Jane, 34 Albion Rd., Stairfoot, Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. 'A' Coy. 1st Platoon MEF 30/5/15-4/6/15 KIA.

K.W/661 AB Frederick ALCOCK ex-13037 York. & Lancs. b. Barnsley 8/3/1891. A Miner at Barnsley Main Colliery Co. H/A: 14 Belmont Terrace, off Harvey St., Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. 'A' Coy. No.1 Platoon, transferred to Hood Bn. 8/6/15. Hood Bn. 8/6/15-14/8/15. Hood Bn. 25/11/16-5/6/17 to Hosp. Gastritis, Inv. to UK 14/6/17.

K.W/662 AB Cecil HOLD ex-13044 York. & Lancs. b. St. Mary's, Barnsley 13/1/1895. A Painter at E. Wadsworth, Royston. H/A & NOK: Father John, 17 Sackville St., Barnsley. 8/9/14 Joined Collinwood Bn. (no overseas service). 15/12/14 Drafted to Deal for Sea Service in Armed Merchant Ships (Armed Escorts, Ramsgate). 26/3/15 4 days detention. 10/7/15 From Depot to Sheerness, for duty as Telephone Operator. (HMS Wildfire, HM Naval Centre, Sheerness).

K.W/676 AB Percy Joseph Gordon LINACRE ex-12869 Y&L. b. Green Oak, Sheffield 27/5/1895. A Blacksmith with Samuel Johnsons. H/A: 1 Old Police Station, Old Mill, Barnsley - later: Rock Crescent, Monk Bretton. 'A' Coy. Hawke Bn. Internee Holland 9/10/14.

K.W/686 AB James CUNNIFF ex-2272 KOYLI Special Reservist. b. Wolverhampton 6/3/1879. A Miner at Barnsley Main Colliery Co. H/A: 4 Ebor St., Barnsley. Hawke Bn. Internee Holland 9/10/14. Repatriated 28/11/18.

K.W/693 AB Tom NEWSOME ex-12809 KOYLI b. Barnsley 15/3/1881. A Miner at Barnsley Main Colliery. Wife, Martha, 14 Belmont Terrace, off Harvey St., Barnsley. Hawke Bn. Internee Holland 9/10/14. Admitted to RN Hosp. Chatham whilst on leave from Holland: Fractured Tibia & Fibula. Remained in UK & discharged invalided 20/12/18.

K.W/704 AB Albert TAYLOR ex-12812 Pte. KOYLI, enlisted at Barnsley 31/8/14. b. Holmfirth, Huddersfield 15/4/1881. A Miner at Barnsley Main Colliery Co. Wife: Ellen (nee Stead), 31 Heelis St., Barnsley. Married at Denaby Main 10/9/1901 8/9/14 Transferred to RNVR for RND. Hawke Bn. at Walmer 8/9/14. 3/10/14 To Antwerp with Hawke Bn. RND. 9/10/14 Taken POW & Interned at Doeberitz. 6/12/18 Arrived at Naval Base, Repatriated POW proceeding to Ripon by Naval Train 7/12/18. 16/2/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.

K.W/719 AB David BOWLEY ex-12835 York. & Lancs. b. Tankersley 7/1/1890. A Miner. H/A: 49 Allott St., Hoyland Common. NOK: Father, James, Prospect Tavern, Hoyland. Hawke Bn. POW Antwerp 9/10/14. Repat. 13/12/18.

K.W/720 AB George Henry LANE ex-12730 York. & Lancs. b. Monk Bretton 6/4/1884. A Miner. H/A: 2 Charity St., Monk Bretton. NOK: Wife, Ada, 193 Victoria Terrace, Pontefract Rd, Cudworth. Hawke Bn. Internee Holland 9/10/14.

K.W/732 AB Albert MOORE ex-York. & Lancs. b. Hoyland 10/3/1888. A Miner at Earl Fitzwilliam Colliery. H/A & NOK: Father, Chas, 27 Brook St., Hoyland, Barnsley. Hawke Bn. POW Antwerp 9/10/14. Repatriated 9/1/19.

K.W/739 AB Godfrey STEEL ex-15952 York. & Lancs. Brother of K.W/441 AB Thomas Steel. b. Hoyland 24/4/1890. A Miner at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery. H/A & NOK: Father, Chas, 12 Royston Hill, Hoyland, Barnsley. Hawke Bn. POW Antwerp 9/10/14. Interned in Switzerland 27/11/17-6/12/18 Lung Catarrah. Repat. 7/12/18.

K.W/741 AB William Henry WILLIAMSON ex-12688 York. & Lancs. b. Chesterfield, Derby 9/10/1889. A Miner at Brailey Colliery. H/A: 59 Bow St., Cudworth - later wife, Ada, 19 Grace St., Monk Bretton. Hawke Bn. Internee Antwerp 9/10/14.

K.W/809 AB James SIMPSON Father, William, 28 Wood View, Birdwell, Barnsley; Wife, Trijntje, 55 Smithies Lane, Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. Internee Antwerp 9/10/14.

K.W/813 AB Thomas SMITH Wife, 103 Margate St., Grimethorpe, later of: 13 Eveline St., Cudworth, Nr. Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. POW Antwerp 9/10/14.

K.W/836 AB Sydney SINFIELD Brother of PLY/663/S Pte. Ben Sinfield RMLI. Mother, Martha, 12 Queens Cottages, Jump, Nr. Barnsley. (Father, Benjamin) Collingwood Bn. Internee Antwerp 9/10/14.

K.W/857 AB John COTTERILL ex-15236 KOYLI b. Platts Common 3/10/1891. A Miner. H/A & NOK: Mother, Elizabeth, 57 Hawshaw Lane, Hoyland, Nr. Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. Internee Antwerp 9/10/14.

K.W/928 AB Joseph HYDE ex-York. & Lancs. b. Barnsley 6/10/1888. A Collier. H/A & NOK: Father, James, 24 Herbert St., Kingston Place, Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. Internee Antwerp 9/10/14.

K.W/936 AB Percy HUSSELBEE D/A: 9 Somerset St., Cudworth, Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. at Antwerp.

K.W/938 AB Thomas Edwin Kaye WILKINSON ex-15957 York. & Lancs. b. Worsboro 3/5/1892. A Miner. H/A & NOK: Father, Thomas, 8 Royston Hill, Hoyland Nether, Barnsley. Collingwood Bn. Internee Holland 9/10/14.

K.W/944 OS William EMERY ex-12832 Pte. KOYLI 31/8/14. b. Cudworth, Barnsley 1894. A Miner. NoK & H/A: Father, Edward, 61 Sidcup Rd., Cudworth, Barnsley. 8/9/14 Hawke Bn. 10/10/14 Disc. MU.

K.W/953 AB Ernest WALKER ex-KOYLI b. Hoyland 30/8/1887. A Miner. NOK: Father, George, 36 Princes St, Barnsley. H/A: 23 Lockwood Rd., Goldthorpe, Nr. Rotherham. Collingwood Bn. POW Antwerp 9/10/14. Repat. 13/12/18.

K.W/1002 AB Joseph THOMPSON Collingwood Bn. Antwerp POW 9/10/14. Mother, Mrs. Ellen Thompson, Curnageltha, Callow, Foxford, Co-Mayo. D/A: 8 Brook St., Hoyland, Barnsley.

Barnsley's 'Kitchener Marines'Army Recruits re-enrolled at Crystal Palace 10/9/14. (KP/No. Series)

K.P/7 AB Joseph HOPWOOD ex-15035 York. & Lancs. b. Low Valley, Wombwell 29/11/1888. Wife: Mabel, 26 Packman Rd, West Melton, Nr. Rotherham. 'A' Coy. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-30/6/15 KIA Cape Helles.

K.P/8 OS Arthur STENTON ex-14980 York & Lancs. b. Hemmingfield, Barnsley 3/2/1884. A Miner at Earl Fitzwilliam Elsecar Colliery Co. H/A & NOK: Parents, Nehimiah & Fanny, 5 New St, Hemmingfield. 3/11/14 Joined Drake Bn. 12/11/14 Disc. Medically Unfit.

K.P/14 AB Bernard BROWN ex-14971 York & Lancs. b. Hoyland, Barnsley 4/4/1887. H/A & NOK: Wife, Alice, 35 King St., Thurnscoe East, Nr. Rotherham. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-27/7/18. 12/1/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.

K.P/16 OS George Robert FROST ex-14915 York. & Lancs. b. Broomhill, Barnsley 24/5/1880. A Miner at Cortonwood Colliery Co. H/A & NOK: Wife, Mary Jane, 14 Princes St, West Melton, Nr. Rotherham. 3/11/14 Joined Drake Bn. 6/1/15 On Nominal Roll 'A' Coy. Drake Bn. 25/2/15 Trans to CP Depot. 17/3/15 Discharged from Drake Bn. as Medically Unfit (Chronic Rheumatism).

K.P/38 AB Joseph AINLEY ex-14919 Y&Lancs. b. Morley, Leeds 17/3/1892. A Miner at Hoyland Silkstone Coal & Coke Co. Nr. Barnsley. H/A & NOK: Stepfather John & mother Mary Ann Whitehouse, 58 Chapel St., Hoyland Common. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-30/1/19 to UK Demob.

K.P/41 AB George Henry DAVIS ex-15014 Y&Lancs. b. Lawly Bank, Salop 7/12/1882. A Miner at Houghton Main Colliery Nr. Barnsley. H/A & NOK: Father, John, The Green, Great Houghton, Nr. Barnsley. Anson Bn. 1/3/15-5/7/15 KIA Cape Helles.

K.P/42 AB Edward PICTON ex-14383 Y&Lancs. b. Chapel on le Frith, Derby 10/6/1890. A Miner at Hickleton Main Colliery, Rotherham. NOK: Sister, Elizabeth Ann Pearson, 18 Broomhill, Nr. Wombwell. H/A & Sister's: Nellie, 24 Beevor St., Goldthorpe, Nr. Rotherham. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-13/5/15 GSW L. Foot, rejoined Drake Bn. 13/9/15-29/9/16 PUO, Inv. to UK.

K.P/44 PO Thomas PICTON MM ex-15013 Y&L. b. Diggle, Uppermill, York 8/8/1894. A Miner at Hickleton Main Colliery, Rotherham. Brother to the above, same NOK & H/A details. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-22/8/15, 24/5/17-13/8/17 & 8/4/18-3/3/19 to UK Demob. MM 1918.

K.P/46 PO George WEBSTER ex-15007 York & Lancs. b. Wakefield 13/5/1884. A Miner at Houghton Main Colliery Nr. Barnsley. H/A & NOK: Stepfather, Thos. Henry & mother, Fanny White, High St., Great Houghton, Nr. Barnsley. Anson Bn. 1/3/15-26/2/16, 6/6/16-10/9/16 & 11/12/16-25/3/18 Missing, POW.

K.P/49 A/PO Albert Clifford ROWSON ex-14918 York. & Lancs. b. Mexboro, Nr. Rotherham 12/12/1892. A Weigh Clerk at Hoyland Silkstone Coal & Coke Co. Nr. Barnsley. H/A: 244 West Bank, Hoyland, Nr. Barnsley. NOK: Father, Thos, 198 Wath Rd., Mexboro, Nr. Rotherham. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-28/10/15 & 29/2/16-29/3/16. Demobbed 18/2/19.

K.P/90 AB Charles RAWSON ex-15008 York. & Lancs. b. Worsboro', Barnsley 11/2/1891. A Miner at Wombwell Main Colliery. H/A & NOK: Father, Chas, 54 Cemetery Rd., Hemmingfield, Barnsley. Anson Bn. 13/1/5-18/1/19 to UK Demob.

K.P/100 AB James LYTH ex-16738 KOYLI b. Macclesfield, Cheshire 29/7/1890. A Miner. Husband of Ada Lyth, of 125 South St., Highfield, Nr. Doncaster, later of 15 Cricket View, Ardsley, Nr. Barnsley. "A" Coy. Anson 22/10/14-26/2/16 to UK Leave. Anson 6/6/16-19/7/16 posted to 188th TMB, KIA 13/11/16.

K.P/134 A/AB(HG) Ormonde MERRY ex-16419 KOYLI b. Hoyland, Barnsley 9/10/1889. A Miner at Bullcraghillam Colliery, Doncaster. H/A: 24 New Village, Carcroft, Doncaster. NOK: Father, Wm., 6 Sale St., Hoyland Common, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-3/10/15 & 12/12/16-23/4/17 Wounded & Missing, later rept'd. DOW.

K.P/187 LS Charles YATES DSM ex-14384 Y&L b. Burnhope, Durham 11/7/1894. A Miner at Grimethorpe Colliery, Great Houghton. H/A & NOK: Mother, Annie, 9 Farmers Buildings, Sandhill, Great Houghton, later, wife Rose, 62 Gipsy Hill, Upper Norwood, SE19. 'A' Coy. 13th Section, Hawke Bn. MEF 30/5/15-19/9/15 Inv. to UK. Nelson Bn. BEF 25/11/16-6/5/17 DOW.

K.P/188 AB William Henry FLETCHER ex-15065 Y&Lancs. b. Darfield, Barnsley 27/2/1892. A Miner at Brierley Colliery, Nr. Barnsley. H/A & NOK: Wife, Margaret Hannah, Listers Row, Great Houghton. 3/11/14 Joined Drake Bn. 8/1/15 On Nominal Roll 'B' Coy. Drake Bn. 7/4/15 To Govt. Hosp. Port Said - Vaccinia (Cowpox). 14/5/15 Emb. HMT "Franconia" at Alex. to rejoin Bn. 9/7/15 SW upper R.arm, comp. Fract. R. humerus, Inv. to UK. 16/12/15 Discharged Medically Unserviceable: Advised in Repot of Survey from Haslar Hosp. that rating has been discharged "Unserviceable" suffering from Compound fracture of right Humerus with ankylosis (abnormal consolidation & immobility of the bones of a joint). Refuses Operation. Attributable. "Drake" (The injury alone unfits this man for further service, either in the Reserves or in any other rating.) In action. H/A in March 1918: 4 Carlton St., South Kirkby, Nr. Wakefield.

K.P/189 AB Joe WILLIAMSON ex-14979 York. & Lancs. b. Halifax 20/11/1891. A Miner at Houghton Main Colliery. H/A & NOK: Father, Dick, Gregorys Buildings, Great Houghton. Hawke Bn. 1/3/15-5/7/15 BW Face, Discharged Unserviceable 25/11/15.

K.P/190 AB Lawrence ILLINGSWORTH ex-14973 York. & Lancs. Brother of RMA/336/S Bdr. Theodore ILLINGSWORTH. b. Hoyland, Barnsley 7/4/1894. A Miner at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, Nr. Barnsley. H/A & NOK: Parents, Albert & Edith, 4 Milner St., Platts Common, Nr. BarnsleyAnson Bn. 1/3/15-19/5/15 DOW at Cape Helles.

K.P/191 AB Samuel KENNEDY ex-14932 Y&Lancs. rother of K.W/643 PO Fred'k KENNEDY. b. West Melton, Wath 15/3/1896. A Miner at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, Barnsley. H/A & NOK: Mother, Henrietta, 6 Milner St., Platts Common, Barnsley. 'B' Coy. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-9/5/15 BW R.arm. 11/4/16 Transferred to RNR as: 5356/TS Engineman.

K.P/192 AB Edward EVANS ex-14976 York & Lancs. b. Glamorgan, Wales 1/8/1891. A Fireman at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, Barnsley. H/A & NOK (no relation): John Joy, 10 Barnsley Rd., Platts Common, Barnsley. Anson Bn. 1/3/15-7/8/15 & 28/10/18-10/11/18 SW Legs.

K.P/193 AB John Thomas SYKES ex-3/2356 KOYLI (Special Reservist) b. Baraugh Green, Barnsley 30/1/1892. A Miner at Mitchells Main Colliery, Wombwell. H/A & NOK: Wife, Ann, 10 Industry Rd., Stairfoot, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-10/4/15 & 5/7/15-5/8/15. Later transferred to RN as: J.69451 AB RN.

K.P/197 AB Ellis Thomas CARRINGTON ex-14356 York. & Lancs. b. Platts Common, Barnsley 5/7/1895. A Miner at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, Nr. Barnsley. H/A: 2 Low Blacker Hill, Nr. Barnsley. NOK: Father, Ellis Thomas, 17 Silver St., Platts Common, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-26/6/15 DOW (BW Head) aboard HS "Somali."

K.P/199 AB William GILLOTT ex-14972 York. & Lancs. Brother of RMA/318/S Gnr. Fred GILLOTT. b. Hoyland 25/5/1893. A Miner at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, Nr. Barnsley. H/A & NOK: Wife, Louisa, Hawkcrofts Yard, Platts Common, Nr. Barnsley (later: 7 Hagues Yard, Platts Common, Nr. Barnsley) Anson Bn. MEF 1/3/15-4/6/15 Missing KIA.

K.P/200 AB Harry BOOTH ex-14641 Y&Lancs. b. Tunstead, Backup, Lancs. 30/8/1880. A Miner at Hoyland Silkstone Colliery, Barnsley. H/A: 10 Barnsley Rd., Platts Common, Nr. Barnsley. Anson Bn. 1/3/15-13/12/15, 1/1/16-10/12/17 & 22/7/18-28/9/18 SW Head & R. Shldr. 20/1/19 Surveyed at Aldershot, disability loss left eye, GSW Head, Degree of Disability 50%. Attributable. 17/2/19 Disc. Invalided from 63rd Divl. Reserves - GSW multiple

K.P/218 AB James Henry STANLEY ex-13963 York & Lancs. (enl: 31/8/14). b. Leeds 24/1/1881. A Hairdresser, own employer. NOK: Wife, Lily, 39 Commercial St. Barnsley. Anson Bn. MEF 24/7/15-27/12/15 KIA.

K.P/259 AB George Francis SENIOR ex-14198 Y&L b. Jump, Barnsley 31/3/1895. A Miner at Canklow Main Colliery Nr. Rotherham. NOK & H/A: Parents, Frank & Emily, 169 St. Ann's Rd., Rotherham. Hood Bn. at Antwerp 1914. Hood Bn. 1/3/15-4/6/15 BW L. Leg. Hood Bn. 3/8/15-20/1/17 SW L. Forearm & Thigh, Inv. to UK 25/2/17 GSW amputation R. Leg.

K.P/260 AB Frank McGURK ex-15128 York. & Lancs. b. Barnsley 22/7/1884. Butcher (own employer) H/A & NOK: Father, Patrick, 20 Grove St. Barnsley. Drake Bn. DOW 7/1/16 aboard HS "Assaye" (GSW Hip & Legs).

K.P/305 AB George Arthur HUTCHINSON ex-14543 Y&L b. Hoyland Common 11/10/1894. A Storeman with John Brown & Co. Rotherham. NOK & H/A: Father: George Harrison, 10 Park Lane, Thybergh, Rotherham. 'A' Coy. Hawke Bn. MEF 30/5/15-18/6/15 KIA.

K.P/334 PO Arthur TWIBEY ex-15187 York & Lancs. b. Barnsley 6/11/1892. A Miner at Barnsley Main Colliery. Wife, Gertrude, 62 Carlton Terrace, Carlton, Barnsley & Father: John, Vaal Terrace, Stairfoot, Barnsley. 'C' Coy. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-7/6/15, 9/6/15-22/9/15, 12/2/16-29/8/16, 26/11/16-28/2/17 & 8/5/17-10/6/17 KIA.

K.P/336 AB Bernard BROWNBRIDGE ex-15113 Y&L b. Barnsley 7/11/1895. A Miner at Brierley Colliery Nr. Barnsley. H/A & NOK: Parents, James Wm. & Alice, 2 Victor Terrace, Doncaster Rd., Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-13/6/15, 30/6/15-8/9/15 & 15/9/16-4/2/17 wounded & missing, assumed dead.

K.P/351 A/LS Fred HAIGH ex-14240 York & Lancs. b. Royston, Barnsley 12/10/1894. A Miner at Carly Main Colliery Nr. Rotherham. NOK & H/A: Wife Jane Elizabeth, 1 Adwick St., Denaby Main, Nr. Rotherham. Drake Bn. 30/12/17 POW. Repat: 14/12/18.

K.P/414 AB Robert HOLGATE ex-York & Lancs. b.21/5/1884. A Miner. Wife: Annie, 14 Methley St., Cudworth, Nr. Barnsley. Drake Bn. 1/3/15-9/5/15 GSW Legs; Hawke Bn. 14/12/16-14/2/17 to UK sick.

K.P/469 AB John William BLOWERS ex-13603 KOYLI b. Eccleshall, Sheffield 9/9/1888. A Miner at Carlton Main Colliery, Cudworth. NOK & H/A: Wife, Mary Elizabeth, 169 Victoria Terrace, Pontefract Rd., Cudworth. Drake Bn. Gallipoli.

K.P/477 AB James Henry BUCKINGHAM MM ex-15117 York & Lancs. (3/9/14) b. Darfield 18/4/1888. A Miner at Brierley Colliery, Hemsworth. NOK: Wife, Mary Elizabeth, 70 Top St., Hemsworth, Yorks. Anson Bn. 1/3/15-Feb.16 & 23/1/17-27/9/18 GSW L. Thigh, Inv. to UK. MM 24/9/18 (LG 11/2/19). Demobbed: Dec.1918.

K.P/479 AB Christopher MURRAY b. 15/2/1886 Miner at Grimethorpe Colliery Nr. Barnsley. H/A: 61 Margate St, Grimethorpe. NOK: Aunt: Mrs Hemmingway, 76 Margate St, Grimethorpe (was brother, David, add. Unknown). Drake Bn. 1/3/15-30/8/15. RND Engrs. 31/8/15-22/10/15. Nelson Bn. 21/3/17-24/4/17 DOW.

K.P/1015 OS Harry TURNBULL b. Wombwell 1889. H/A: 1 Pearsons Field, Wombwell, Barnsley.Howe Bn. C/326 3/11/14-23/2/15 disc. to C.P. 27/2/15 Discharged MU

Miscellaneous Barnsley RND ratings.

(list incomplete).

S/2698 SPO John ROGERSON DSM MiD RNR NOK: Wife, Mrs. Rogerson, Jacques Rd., Cliffe Bridge, Nr. Barnsley. Anson Bn. at Antwerp 1914 & Gallipoli 1915. DSM Anson Bn. 7/5/15. During operations south of Achi Baba, performed valuable work in making a reconnaissance under fire. 12/6/15 Mentioned in Despatch of GOC in C. MEF (LG 3/8/15). 14/5/15 To Hosp. Cape Helles - Rupture serious. 13/8/15 Inv. to UK per HS "Orsova."

Ch/SS/100428(RFR/B/5543) Sto.1 George SANDERSON RN Wife, Nellie, Greenfoot Cottages, Greenfoot Lane, Oldtown, Barnsley. Howe Bn. France & Belgium 1914. Howe Bn. MEF 1/3/15-4/6/15 KIA.

Po/SS/106111(RFR/B/5680) A/PO John BREWSTER RN Drake Bn. Died of wounds 4/6/15 (Shot in the back of the head 3/6/15). Son of Tom and Ann Brewster. Husband of Nellie Brewster, of 39 New Street, Darfield, near Barnsley, Yorkshire (later of Denaby Main, Yorks.).

Ch/SS/107593(RFR/B/9975) Sto.1 John Leonard MILNES RN b. Penistone, Yorks. 6/7/1885; Brother, Walter, Ivy Cottage, Darton, Nr. Barnsley. Died in the Sheffield District between March & June 1922Enlisted 11/8/1908; Enrolled RFR 10/8/1913. Hood Bn. A/194 17/9/14-4/6/15 BW L. thigh, rejoined Hood Bn. 13/10/15-2/11/15 Jaundice & Dysentery, Invalided to UK 25/11/15; To RN Barracks Chatham 24/2/16 ; Demob. 13/12/19 ; HMS Pembroke II 8/4/21-4/6/21.

L.Z/2422 AB George LOCKWOOD RNVRA Miner. b. 24/7/1894. H/A & NoK: Mother, Sarah, 9 Rodney St., Barnsley. Enl: 28/6/15 - 1st Depot Bn. C.P. 20/10/15 14 days detention. 18/11/15 Drafted to 3rd Reserve Bn. B'ford. 2/12/15 Believed identical with 14797 Pte. Geo. Lockwood, enl: 4/9/14 York & Lancs & rept'd as transferred to RND. 17/12/15 From OC 3rd Res.Bn. reporting that this man has confessed of being a deserter from the York & Lancs. Regt. & that the OC the Depot of that Regt. has been requested to send an escort for him. 21/12/15 Claimed by Army as a Deserter from Connaught Rangers Regt. 29/12/15 Pending enquiries as to which unit claims him.

T.Z/3146 OS James HILLYARD RNVRb. 13/10/1894; A Miner; H/A & NoK: Father, John, 31 Copper St., Barnsley. Enl: 5/1/15. 2/5/15 RUN, deserted from 5th Bn. C.P. Depot.

T.Z/3780 PO Frank ADSETTS RNVRb.18/8/1894. A Clerk at the Labour Exchange Divisional Office, Doncaster. Father, George, 53 Sheffield Rd., Birdwell, Barnsley. Howe Bn. BEF France 5/12/16-20/2/17 Trench Fever, Inv. to UK 7/3/17. Demobilised Jan. 1919.

T.Z/4756 AB Frank GUEST RNVRb. 4/4/1897. A Lamp Cleaner. Father: Luke, Pit Row, Hemingfield, Barnsley. Hood Bn. MEF & BEF 26/10/15-13/11/16 GSW L.leg, Inv. to UK 16/11/16. Rejoined Hood Bn. BEF 15/6/17-24/3/18 Missing, POW. Died of Septicaemia at Amersoort Hosp, Holland 5/12/18.

T.Z/5496 AB Jonas BELL RNVRb. 15/6/1896. A Miner. H/A on enl: 32 Joseph St., Barnsley. NoK: Grandmother, Mrs. Mary Taylor, 21 Howard St., Worsbro Common, Barnsley; later: Wife, Alice Bell, 7 The Polygon, Old Town, Clapham, SW. Add. on Disc: 21 Howard St., Worsbro Common, Barnsley. Enl: 22/6/15. Nelson Bn. 21/10/15-9/8/16 GSW L. buttock, rejoined Nelson Bn. 4/9/16-12/11/16 Ulcer R. foot, rejoined Nelson Bn. 16/11/16-22/1/17 Trench Foot, Inv. to UK 28/1/17. Nelson Bn. 19/6/17-8/1/18 Trench Foot, Inv. to UK 15/1/18. Drake Bn. 28/7/18-3/9/18 GSW L. forearm, Inv. to UK 9/9/18. Demob. 30/12/18.

T.Z/5645 AB Fred LISTER RNVRA Groom. b. 8/10/1891. 5' 1 ½" Chest: 31" Fair complexion. Hair: Light. Eyes: Blue. H/A & NOK: Stepmother, Mrs. Lily Lister, 42 Agnes Rd, Barnsley; later: 102 Bridge St, Barnsley. Enlisted 30/6/15 to CP Depot. Oct. 1915: Drafted to Hood Bn. MEF. 2/12/15 Posted to Hood Bn. 18/11/16 To Hosp. - PUO. 14/12/16 From BD to Hood Bn. 3/9/18 Wounded - GSW Side. 15/9/18 Rejoined Hood Bn. (1/10/18 Barnsley Absent voters list: 1st Platoon, 'C' Coy. Hood Bn. RND) 8/10/18 Wounded - GSW L.ear slight. 21/11/18 Rejoined Hood Bn. 24/1/18 Demobilised at Clipstone.

T.Z/5766 LS Fred PLOWMAN RNVR128 Reform Row, Elsecar, Barnsley. Nelson Bn. (Signaller) 28/2/16-28/2/18 to 7th Ent. Bn., joined Hawke Bn. 15/3/18-21/3/18 GSW Arm & Chest. T.Z/6468 PO William REDMILE RNVRA Miner. H/A & NOK: Mother, Matilda, 71 Queen St., Grimethorpe, Barnsley, Yorks.Enl: 6/8/15. Anson Bn. 6/1/18-8/2/18 PUO, rejoined Anson 6/6/18-28/9/18 GSW Knees, amputation L. thigh, Inv. to UK 3/10/18.16/7/20 Surveyed at Queen Mary's Hosp. Roehampton, GSW R. knee & L. thigh, amputation L. thigh. Wears artificial limb & support for R. knee.

T.Z/6712 OS Harry LEE RNVR. Unemployed. b. 14/1/1892. NOK & H/A: Mother, Mary E., 16 Elm St., Wombwell, Barnsley. Enlisted: 10/8/15. 16/8/15 Attd. 4th (Depot) Bn. C.P. 3/9/15 "RUN" 23/9/15 Re-entered. 25/9/15 Sentenced to 21 days H.L. 27/10/15 "RUN"15/11/15 Re-entered. 26/11/15 Sentenced to 42 days Dentention, Portsmouth. 27/1/16 Disc. from C.P. "Med. Unfit."

T.Z/7810 AB John MARTIN RNVRA Drayman. b. 8/3/1880. H/A & NoK: Mother, Mrs. Annie Martin, 21 Tindle Bridge, Wombwell, Nr. Barnsley. Enl: 23/10/15. 30/10/15 attd. 4th Depot Bn. C.P. 1/1/16 RUN. 13/1/16 Re-entered. 20/1/16 21 days Detention. 4/3/16 42 days HL at Bodmin. 20/4/16 RUN. 1/5/16 Re-entered. 19/5/16 90 days IHL at Bodmin. 26/8/16 'A' Reserve. Bn. B'ford. 6/2/17 Disc. to re-enl. in the Labour Coys. Devonshire Regt. No.103222. 17/6/18 Trans. to KOYLI 38529. T.Z/8042 OS John Willie ROBINSON RNVR b.1/10/1891. A Motor Driver. NoK & H/A: Mother, Lucy, 37 Cemetery Rd., Barnsley. Enlisted 29/10/15. 5/11/15 Discharged from C.P. Not finally approved on Medical Grounds (Defective vision 6/36 both, & Miners Nystagmus).

T.Z/9243 AB Edgar DALBY RNVR A Clerk. b.16/10/897. NOK & H/A: Mother, Eliza Annie, 7 Brunswick Terrace, Ardsley, Barnsley; later: 7 Doncaster Rd., Ardsley. Enlisted: 4/12/15. 2/1/17 Drafted to Howe Bn. BEF from 'A' Res. Bn. B'ford (Signaller). 24/1/17 Joined Howe Bn. 7/3/18 Posted to 63rd MG Bn. from Howe Bn. 23/3/18 Missing. 9/5/18 Letter rec'd from NOK enclosing Postcard from Rating stating POW at Kriegsgefangenen-Kommandanteur Wahn, Limberg a/Lahn. 4/12/18 Repatriated, arrived in London & adm. to The King George Hosp. Stamford St, SE1. 13/3/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.

T.Z/9244 AB Arthur WRIGHT RNVRb. 27/1/1893. H/A: 21 St. Leonards Place, Barnsley Rd., Wombwell. Brother: 22 Edward St., Darfield, Barnsley. 189th Bde. MG Coy. RND 18/11/16-15/5/17; MG Base Depot 16/5/17-6/8/17 posted to 223rd MG Coy. RND. To 46th CCS 7/11/17. Died of Appendicular Abdominal Colic at 46th CCS Belgium, 8.30pm 16/11/17.

T.Z/9245 AB Samuel JACKSON RNVRMotor Driver. b. 18/12/1892. H/A & NoK: Mother, Mary Ann, 37 Station Rd., Wombwell, Barnsley; later, Father, Samuel, Railway Hotel, Wombwell, Barnsley. Enl: 22/1/16. Drake Bn. 26/11/16-5/3/17 Pleurisy, Inv. to UK 13/3/17. Drake Bn. 23/8/17-12/3/18 Gassed, Inv. to UK 20/3/18; Demob. 14/2/19.

T.Z/9246 AB Walter HECKINGBOTTOM RNVRA Motor Mechanic. b. 7/8/1890. NoK & H/A: Mother, Mrs. Eliza Heckingbottom, 122 Doncaster Rd., Darfield, Barnsley. Enl: 21/1/16. May 1916 attd. 2nd Drake Bn., HQ Staff. 31/7/16 Trans. to Divl. Train for duty. 10/10/16 Trans. to RM Divl. Train as a Farrier: Deal/2645/S Pte. RM.

Barnsley men (conscripts) to RNVR 'R' No. Series. (list incomplete). (Men transferred from the Army Recruitment Depots to RNVR for RND service from May 1916).

R/4754 AB William WESTWOOD Mother, Phoebe, 6 Wakefield Rd., Smithies, Barnsley. Anson Bn. 21/11/17-13/1/18 Trench Foot, Inv. to UK 28/1/18. Anson Bn. 11/7/18-21/8/18 POW.

R/4755 AB Samuel CLARKE Son of Samuel Clarke, 18 Highfield Place, Wakefield Rd., Monk Bretton, Barnsley, Yorks. Anson Bn. 21/11/17-8/10/18 GSW R. forearm.

R/4763 AB Herbert TURTON b. Carlton, Barnsley 14/10/1894. Father: James, Craigs Pit Yard, Smithies, Barnsley. Hood Bn. BEF 24/3/18-21/8/18 Wounded & Missing, KIA.

R/4805 AB Harry TURNER Mother, Mary Ann, Jubilee Cottages, Sheffield Rd., Hoyland Common, Barnsley. Howe draft 12/11/17, joined Howe Bn. 25/11/17-30/12/17 Trench Fever, Inv. to UK 2/1/18. Hawke draft 16/7/18, joined Hawke Bn. 23/8/18-22/10/18 ICT L. foot, rejoined Hawke Bn. 16/12/18-18/2/19 to UK Demob.

R/4990 AB Richard BETTLEY Mother, Mrs Mary Ann Jackson, 20 Dransfield Row, Royston, Nr. Barnsley.

R/5119 AB Joseph SEMLEY Wife, Mary, 128 High St., Worbro' Dale, Nr. Barnsley, Yorks. Anson Bn. 25/11/17-8/10/18 GSW L.leg, rejoined Anson Bn. 18/11/18-22/1/19 to UK Demob. 24/1/19.

R/5121 AB Henry WADE H/A: 2 Oakwell St., Barnsley. Anson Bn. RND.

R/5376 AB Alfred LAWRENCE Wife, Mrs M. Lawrence, 3 Wharf St., Barnsley, later of: 174 Old Mill Lane. Hawke 24/11/17-21/12/17 Ulcer L.leg, Inv. to UK 24/1/18 (B2) ; Divl. Emp. Coy. 1/7/18-26/12/18.

R/5440 AB Wilfred LINDLEY b. Mapplewell 29/9/1898. Trammer in Mine. NOK: Mother, Amy, Carr Green, Mapplewell. Formerly 18625 Pte. 6/6th York & Lancs. Enlisted 28/5/15 discharged Under-Age. Served 120 days with the Colours. Joined Howe Bn. 5/1/18. Transferred (attached) to 1st RM Bn. 11/2/18. Missing 24/3/18, POW. 22/11/18 Repat. arrived at Hull.

R/5441 AB Oliver CHAMBERS b. Barnsley 19/6/1895. A Coal Miner. H/A & NOK: Parents, John & Sophia, 8 Wentworth St., Birdwell, Nr. Barnsley. Attested at Barnsley 20/7/17 for Army Reserve, to Pontefract & enrolled in RNVR for service with RND, to 2nd Res. Bn. Blandford. Joined Howe Bn. 5/1/18. Transferred (attached) to 1st RM Bn. 11/2/18. Missing 24/3/18. 24/4/18 Rept'd POW at Langensalza, Thuringen, Germany. 17/12/18 Repat. arrived at Hull. 17/4/19 Demob. at N. Camp Ripon.

R/5564 AB Sidney ALDRIDGE Wife, Mrs. N. Aldridge, 73 Fitzwilliam St., Hoyland Common, Barnsley, Yorks. D/A: 53 Haigs Buildings, Bruntcliffe, Leeds. Hawke Bn. 1/1/18-17/3/18 Gassed, Inv. to UK 27/3/18. Demob. 30/12/18.

R/5599 LS Fred Victor HEYWOOD b. 1/8/1897. NOK: Mother, Harriett, 4 Freeman St, Barnsley. 15/11/15 Army Reserve. 9/7/17 Mobilised. 27/7/17 Joined 3rd Res. Bn. Joined Anson Bn. 1/1/18 To 150th FA - Trench Feet mild. Rejoined Anson Bn. 25/2/18-9/6/18 - Debility severe. 23/6/18 Invalided to UK - Influenza. 13/1/19 Demobilised at Clipstone. 29/3/19 Paid War Gratuity £8. 5/8/19 Re-enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers No.98988. 7/7/20 Re-enlisted in RE as No.602793.

R/5849 AB William Henry MOXON b. 14/6/1898. NOK: Mother, Mrs. M. Moxon, 11 Livingstone Terrace, off Silver St., Barnsley. Entered in Army Reserve (RNVR for RND) & mobilised 7/8/17. 11/12/17 Drafted to Howe Bn. BEF. 13/1/18 To 150th FA - Trench Feet sev. 15/3/18 Joined Hood Bn. 24/3/18 Posted 'Missing'. 14/6/18 Rept'd POW at Kriegsgefangenen-Stammlagers, Limburg a/Lahn. Germany. 27/11/18 Repat. arrived Hull. 12/4/19 (pm) Demobilised at Dispersal Station Ripon.

R/6570 AB George TAYLOR b. 9/8/1895. NOK: Father, George, 31 Bradbury Rd, Wombwell, Nr. Barnsley. 9/4/18 Mobilised to RNVR for RND. 13/8/18 Drafted to Anson Bn. BEF. Joined Anson Bn. 23/8/18-22/12/18 - Influ. & Anaemia mild. 26/1/19 Inv. to UK - Influenza. 9/2/19 Demobilised from Dispersal Hosp. Keighley.

R/6572 OS Charles HURD b. 21/1/1897; NoK: Mother, Mary Elizabeth Frampton, 1 Parpoint Cottages, Ardsley, Nr. Barnsley. 11/4/18 Reported to 2nd Res. Bn. Aldershot p.m.; Enrollment Cancelled 17/4/18.

R/6573 AB Ernest BURGIN b. 14/4/1895. NOK: Mother, Maria, 86 Cherry Tree St., Elsecar, Nr. Barnsley. 9/4/18 Mobilised to RNVR for RND. 6/8/18 Entrained Aldershot from 2nd Res. Bn. for Hood Bn. BEF. Joined Hood Bn. 23/8/18-22/1/19 Emb. for UK Demob. 24/1/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.

R/6574 AB Albert Ernest DANE b. 8/3/1898. NOK: Wife, Lily Victoria, 41 Snape Hill, Darfield, Nr. Barnsley. 9/4/18 Mobilised to RNVR for RND. 6/8/18 Entrained Aldershot from 2nd Res. Bn. for Hood Bn. BEF. Joined Hood Bn. 23/8/18-22/1/19 Emb. for UK Demob. 24/1/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.

R/6575 AB Albert CARTER b. 4/10/1897. NOK: Mother, Rosina, 2 New Hall Lane, Ardsley, Barnsley. 10/1/16 Attested for Army Res. 9/4/18 Mobilised, RNVR for RND. 6/8/18 Entrained Aldershot from 2nd Res. Bn. for Hood Bn. BEF. Joined Hood Bn. 23/8/18-8/10/18 - GSW L.arm, mild. 21/10/18 Inv. to UK per HS "Princess Elizabeth" SW L.arm & Shldr. 30/12/18 Demobilised at North Camp, Ripon.

R/6576 AB Harry STEER b. 21/11/1895. NOK: Mother, Lucy, 5 Cobcar Lane, Elsecar, Nr. Barnsley. 9/4/18 Mobilised to RNVR for RND. 6/8/18 Entrained Aldershot from 2nd Res. Bn. for Hood Bn. BEF. Joined Hood Bn. 23/8/18-20/10/18 - Influenza mild. 26/10/18 Disc. to duty from 12th SH & rejoined Hood Bn. same date. 27/1/19 Emb. for UK Demob. 28/1/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.

R/6577 AB(HG) John Gilbert DODSON b. 22/1/1899. NOK: Father, Jos, 126 Church St., Elsecar, Nr. Barnsley. 9/4/18 Mobilised to RNVR for RND. 23/8/18 Joined Anson Bn. 10/11/18 GSW R. Leg Severe, 26/11/18 Inv. to UK. 10/4/19 Proceeded on 28 days demob. Furlough; date of disc. ending 8/5/19.

R/6579 AB Arnold TAYLOR b.6/8/1897. NOK: Father, Tom Wm., 52 George St., Hoyland, Nr. Barnsley. 11/12/15 Entered in Army Reserve. 9/4/18 Mobilised to RNVR for RND. 13/8/18 Drafted to Anson Bn. BEF. 23/8/18 Joined Anson Bn. 27/9/18 GSW L. Thigh, 1/10/18 Inv. to UK. 24/1/19 Demobilised from Dispersal Hosp. Stoke-on-Trent.

R/6581 AB James VICKERS Miner. b.13/1/1899. NOK: Father, John Wm., 27 Millhouses, Milton, Hoyland, Nr. Barnsley. 9/4/18 Mobilised from Army Reserve to RNVR for RND. 13/8/18 Drafted to Anson Bn. BEF. 23/8/18 Joined Anson Bn. 23/9/18 Eating Iron Ration without permission: 7 days FP No.1 & to pay for new Iron Ration. 10/12/18 Demobilised to UK: Miner. 16/12/18 Demobilised at North Camp Ripon.

R/6582 AB Peter BROWNSWORD b.6/3/1898. NOK: Father, Philip, 2 New St., Grimethorpe, Barnsley. 10/4/18 Mobilised from Army Reserve, RNVR for RND. 3/9/18 Drafted from 2nd Res. Bn. Aldershot to Anson Bn. BEF. 8/9/18 Joined Anson Bn. 6/10/18 Inf. of Gums mild. 6/11/18 Rejoined Anson Bn. 22/1/19 Emb. for UK Demob. 24/1/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.

R/6583 AB Ernest DRIVER Brother of K.W/521 AB Levi Driver RNVR. b. 12/12/1898. NOK: Father, Mellor, Howarth Buildings, Park St., Wombwell, Nr. Barnsley. 10/4/18 Mobilised from Army Reserve, RNVR for RND. 13/8/18 Drafted to Anson Bn. BEF. 23/8/18 Joined Anson Bn. 21/9/18 Losing by neglect Iron Ration: Fined 7 days pay & to pay for new Iron Ration. 27/9/18 - GSW Elbow & L. Foot Mild. 4/11/18 Rejoined Anson Bn. from BD. 22/1/19 To Clipstone for demob. Demobilised 29/1/19 at Clipstone.

R/6585 AB Walter HUSCROFT b. 21/7/1896. NOK: Father, Joe, Est. Office, Hill Top, Smithies, Nr. Barnsley. 9/4/18 Mobilised from Army Reserve to RNVR for RND. 13/8/18 Drafted to Anson Bn. BEF. 23/8/18 Joined Anson Bn. 25/8/18 - GSW contusion, back, 30/8/18 Inv. to UK & adm. Fort Pitt Mil. Hosp. Chatham. 29/11/18 Entrained with draft from 2nd Res. Bn. for Anson Bn. BEF. 8/12/18 Joined Anson Bn. 22/1/19 Emb. for Clipstone & demob. 24/1/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.

R/6592 AB Albert CRUNKHORN NoK: Father, Frederick, "Oakdene" Brierley, Nr. Barnsley. Anson Bn. 23/8/18-25/8/18 GSW L. loin, Frac. Ileum. Disc. Inv. 11/3/19.

R/6593 AB Lewis WATTS NoK: Father, Samuel Watts, 16 Victoria St., Darfield, Nr. Barnsley. Anson 23/8/18-29/9/18 SW L.leg, Inv. to UK 6/9/18. Demob. 17/1/19.

/6595 AB Luther ROWLEYb. Brierly, Barnsley 5/6/1895. NOK: Wife: Ada, Upton Beacon, Nr. Pontefract; later: Crosshill, Brierly, Barnsley. 19/2/16 Attested to Army Reserve. 10/4/18 Mobilised to RNVR for RND. 13/8/18 Drafted to Anson Bn. BEF. 23/8/18 Joined Anson Bn. 2/9/18 - GSW Forehead mild. 25/9/18 Rejoined Anson Bn. 1/10/18 KIA.

R/6607 AB Bernard TUNNICLIFFE b. 11/4/1899. NoK: Brother, Wm., 238 Barnsley Rd., Cudworth, Nr. Barnsley. Mobilised 12/4/18. Anson Bn. 23/8/18-25/8/18 GSW L. knee, amputation, Inv. to UK 20/9/18. Disc. Inv. 9/8/19. D/A: 94 Margate St., Grimethorpe, Barnsley.

R/6792 AB John HEMMINGFIELD b. 26/9/1897. NOK: Father, Joseph, 6 Windmill Yard, Shambles St., Barnsley. (Absent voters list 1/10/18: 6 House, 5 Court, Shambles St, Barnsley). 8/5/18 Mobilised. 17/9/18 Drafted from 2nd Res. Bn. Aldershot to Hood Bn. BEF. 2/10/18 Joined Hood Bn. 5/2/19 Emb. For UK Demob. 8/2/19 Demobilised at Clipstone.
Other Books by this Author

**'Almost Total Recall'** an Autobiography by Terry Aspinall. Who grew up in Stowmarket and the Teddy Boy gangs of Ipswich? Later to serve in the Royal Marines Commandos and saw active service in Borneo. Was involved in Hang Gliding during its early days of development in the UK. Played in several Rock N Roll bands around the world, before immigrating to New Zealand and a few years later to Australia.

**'Correcting History'** the invention of the Modern Hang Glider seems to have been shrouded in mystery and incorrect information for many years. It is only now with the luxury of hindsight, very fast computers, IT media and our constant quest for more and more information, that the story has been slowly unravelled. I'm not sure if it would have been possible fifteen or twenty years ago, as earlier hang gliding historians found out at their cost. As they had published articles and although read by many, nobody seemed to have picked up on what they were saying or did not care.

'Royal Marines Historical Time Line' Volume One. Third Edition 1664 to 1849. Trying to record every single day of the Corps 354 year history. This volume covers the years from 1664 to 1849.

'Royal Marines Historical Time Line' Volume Two. Third Edition 1850 to 2024. Trying to record every single day of the Corps 354 year history. This volume covers the years from 18500 to 2024.

**'My personal Bucket' List'** In June (2018) I will be 75 years old, and I have just been asked by a close friend if I have completed or at least made a 'Bucket List'. The truth is I had never thought about it. In fact, until it came out as a film a couple of years ago, I had no idea what a 'Bucket List' was. After a little research I have concluded that the term 'Bucket List', is a list of all the goals you would like to achieve, dreams you want to fulfil and life experiences you desire to experience before you die. Having already experienced a lot of travel during the 60's, 70's and 80's, I have no further plans of places of interesting that I would like to visit. Instead I have concluded that as of now, I would like my 'Bucket List' to comprise of some of my personal Achievements.Coincidence. Right Place Wrong Time. Having served in the Royal Navy, Police force, and currently working for MI5. Dave Slater finds himself found guilty of murder. A crime he did not commit. A couple of years later and after his release from prison, he is once again accused of committing another murder. Is it a Coincidence or just bad luck? Being in the Right Place at the Wrong Time.

**'Royal Marines 350 Years'** is a brief history of the Royal Marines that were formed way back at 11.58 am on Tuesday 28th October 1664 by King Charles II. It describes some of its history up to the present day. Along with its traditions that have moulded Royal Marines into what has always been one of the finest fighting military forces in the world. Those that they fought in battle were so impressed with their courage and skill that their countries formed their own version of the Marines. To copy is the best form of flattery, a way to acknowledge just how great the Royal Marines were respected. Once A Marine Always a Marine.

**'Landguard Fort' Royal Marines Museum'**. Royal Marine museum is within the Landguard Fort complex situated at the southern end of Felixstowe (Suffolk). It is the last place a foreign invading force landed and was defeated on the British main land. It was also the very first battle that the Royal Marines fought on land, having been formed only three years earlier during 1664.

**'The British Hang Gliding History'** is an updated history of how the Hang Glider was invented in Australia during 1963, and of how it arrived in the UK to be manufactured and flown for the first time during 1972. This book is a shortened version of the successful website of the same name www.british-hang-gliding-history.com there are working hyperlinks to the BHGA early Hang Gliding magazine 'Wings' and the BMAA early Microlight magazine 'Front Line'.

**'Transfer Music from iPod to Computer'** This is just a short easy to follow free article that I'm sure will help many people to move their music collections from their iPod and iPads to their computers. I do not use legal or illegal software that usually bring loads of other rubbish into your computers. It will only take you a few minutes to learn and a couple of hours to move folders and files around on your computer.

**'An Easy Guide to Self-Publish Your E-book'** this short book will enable you to self-publish your work in E-book format with Smashwords.com. Its valuable information that can get you started on a literary career. It's short, basic, and very easy to follow. It covers the so-called tricks of the trade and mistakes that I learnt along the way. Explaining to the reader a rough idea of what will or won't be accepted with their publication.

**'Aldeburgh'** **Photo Memories 2014** is a collection of photos that were taken during a short holiday stay in the town during September 2014. It's my way of being able to remember the trip and to also allow my friends and family to enjoy what Aldeburgh offers. My wife grew up in Aldeburgh and could not believe the changes that had taken place over the past thirty years. People who keep this E-book record will be able to use it in the future as further changes take place as the town changes and grow.

'Birkdale Road' A photo album capturing the different colours that are annually displayed and enhance the Birkdale Road just east of Brisbane Australia. As with most countries one can usually tell the time of year by the vegetation that nature displays all around us. I get a great sense of pleasure looking at the different colours that enhanced the Birkdale road, and of their constant changes that take place during the different seasons.

**'The Fabulous Spawlszoff Brothers'** a fictitious story, that is based on actual funny events that the author has experienced during his 50 years in the music industry.

**'Johnny Morris and the Convertibles'** is a fictitious story that is based on actual events that the author has experienced during his 50 years in the music industry.

**'Chasing Shadows'** this novel is about Englishman Michael J. Thompson. Who joined the Australian Army, so he could serve in Vietnam during 1968. There were only a very few British who got to fight in this theatre of war and Michael was one of them. Michael had his own ideas of jungle training and fighting that he had learnt in other theatres of war. Where they had worked well and saved many lives. He always wanted to help others survive in a hostile environment. Where your next step could kill you if you walked into a bobby trap or ambush. His ideas on cross border patrols where later to be adopted by other western countries. However, his special teams were at their best on information gathering patrols. His golden rule was 'To see but not be seen and eat nothing red'.

**'The Kansas Rascal'** Ten years after his wife died, Australian Bradley Newman is living a lonely life. Never being able to accept her death has made it hard for him to find another partner. His love of music and magic has been his saving grace. Accepting that he will never find that special person that could replace her. After his son sets him up with a computer he becomes excited at the prospect of learning a new technology. Then by chance during 1998 while on line he meets a girl from America and falls in love with her. However, he has not the courage to tell her of his feeling. He secretly flies to America to meet up with her but walks into a lot of trouble that he did not see coming. Feelings of love can sometimes blind the beholder.

**'The Autumn Reunion'** A fictitious story of a school reunion that tempted James through the painful journey of having to choose one girlfriend above another.

**'The Adventures of Henri and Charlie'** is a very young children's short story about the authors pet Peach Face Parrot and Canary that escape from their cages and are taken on a wild ride, with no hope of returning to the security of their own cages back home. In this story, the birds talk to each other.

**'Matthew Returns'** Matthew has been discharged from the British Army after serving 22 years. He returns to Suffolk and the small countryside town of Stowmarket, in which he grew up. At first, he finds it hard to settle back into the life he once knew. Finding it hard to obtain employment with skills he had picked up while serving in the Army. However, a shock awaits him when it comes to finding himself a girlfriend.

**'Unexpected'** John is in a great relationship with his partner until the day she disappears. His friends and the locals turn against him, thinking that he has done something wrong. Luckily, he befriends somebody who takes him for who he is. However, he is in for a shock and an ending that he did not expect.

**'One of A Kind'** Chris Lawler was born into a military orientated house hold and his Officer Father forces him to join the Army that leads to the SAS. He goes on to Join the French Foreign Legion. To later find himself in Vietnam and later Angola. Eventually joining the Royal Marines and serving in Northern Ireland.

