Special Boat Section Plaque, Isle of Arran

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Extract from Commando Association newsletter 111 of September 2000.

On Friday 19th May last, at the Ingledene Hotel, Sannox, Arran, a small ceremony was held to unveil a plaque commemorating the forming of the Special Boat Section, otherwise known as the Folboat Section at the Ingledene in December 1940. Dedication of the plaque was made by the Rev. Hugh Gallagher of Whiting Bay and the plaque unveiled by Mrs. Betty Williamson, whose husband Ronnie, although not part of the original unit, was later a member of the SBS.

The inscription on the plaque is:- "Known originally as THE FOLBOAT SECTION, the Special Boat Section was born at Sannox on the Isle of Arran in December 1940. Personnel were recruited from No.8 Commando by Lt. R.J.A. Courtney (later Major) MC., K.R.R.C. and took up quarters at the Ingledene Hotel in Sannox.
Formation of the unit had been authorised earlier in the same year by Admiral Sir Roger Keyes Chief of Combined Operations and Lieutenant Courtney was ordered to proceed accordingly. Its establishment consisted of two officers and twelve men.
On completion of initial training on Arran they were attached to Layforce and sailed to Egypt in company with No's 7, 8 and 11th (Scottish) Commandos from Lamlash on February 1st 1941 on the Commando ships HMS Glengyle, Glenroy and Glenearn.

Almost immediately on arrival in Egypt the SBS went into action and from then until the end of the war with Japan, highly successful operations were executed in all theatres of the conflict. Those who served in the SBS did not seek recognition. Their deeds spoke for them. They wore their Green Beret with pride and they knew the value of their contribution to Victory".

All the arrangements of 19th May were planned and carried out by Walter Marshall (11 Cdo) still resident at Arran, and thanks are due to him for his ceaseless endeavours in ensuring that it was a most successful event. The Association is pleased to have contributed the cost of the plaque now resident at the Ingledene Hotel.

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