Messages posted by: hockhamlain

Dear Vic! I am honoured to have known him, a perfect Gentleman who always had the time for the younger people, appreciated and encouraged us with a true Commando spirit, a man the like of which I shall never meet again,he was an inspiration, Both myself and Bev and all my family are deeply saddened, God Bless you old friend.
Ron and Bev

Thanks John,
I know Harry very well, and I was with him last Friday at Molly Ralph's funeral, didn't think to ask him then. But I imagine we'll see him at Alrewas. Thanks for taking the trouble to reply good old Commando spirit.
Regards Ron

Thanks John,
for the information, would you know what part Heavy Weapons played in the defensive Square if any.
Regards, Ron

ref Question.. 2/5/07
Has nobody got any answers for me ref the questuons put on 2/5/07
Regards Ron

Hi All,
An interest I have, is in the various different weapons used in the various theatres, could we perhaps spotlight some of these and ask some of the actual users to pass on information ref spec etc: and perhaps where and when they were used. I have also read about the box formation is it possible for a description of this and how it was set up and put into use, also I dont understand the make up of a Troop, and what part the various Troops would play, in the make up of a Commando Regiment, an explanation into some of these items would be greatly appreciated.
Regards, Hockhamlain

The collectors forum, brilliant idea, wish we had got one a few years back I have bought some real rubbish under the name of Commando,
Regards Hockhamlain

Hello NIC
These shoulder titles are proving to be a bit of a poser. I was told by an old No5. Vet, that the really early shoulder badges for No5. were in fact the V. Commando, Gold stitch on a dark green background, and were later changed to the numeral 5 Commando in red stitch on a dark blue or maybe black background, I have trouble with telling dark blue from black!
I was also told that the combined ops badge was later dropped, in favour of the fighting knife badge, so they would have worn their shoulder badges with the fighting knife badge underneath, we will find out I,m sure.
Regards Ron

Hello All
Question for you! I have seen a medal its a similar shape to the V.C. a square cross, with the Commando knife in the middle and an inscription "For Commando Service" this is mounted on the usual dark green ribbon, can anyone throw some light on, what, why and where.
Thanks, Ron

Hello NIC
The V Force badge is very similar, the difference being it is a cap badge, the knives are crossed in the same way but the V is lower down and actually sits across the 2 handles just below the hand gaurds, the badge I have is of black metal, I dont know if this an original or a replica. I think also the V Force were made up from local people to carry out geurilla actions, once again hope this is of some help.
Regards Ron

Hello NIC,
As far as I know there was no No5. Cap badge. they continued to wear the badge of the regiment they joined the Commando's from. There was a 5 Commando badge which was/is 2 stilleto's crossed at the handles to form a V, then the Roman numeral V or 5 was placed between the 2 blades, this was normally on the usual dark green background with the knives and the numeral stitched in gold. Hope this is correct, it will soon be put right if not you can rely on that. All the best.
Ron

In addition to your advise ref collecting, I have collected the F/S knife for a while now, not much of a nose to them! and I must be honest and say I have bought some outstanding rubbish which wouldn't look out of place in some of the high street discount shops. There are a lot of dealers who claim to be selling the genuine F/S and once bought it is quite obvious to the purchaser that these are indeed rubbish. The genuine article will have a price tag which reflects its collectability, be aware of the knives on e.bay, count the rings round the handles on the 3rd Issue there should be approx 27 ribs, there are some that only have 16, these are a cheap foreign copy and not recommended. If you are setting out to start collecting buy the books first and read up all you can, if you are lucky anough as I am to get first hand advice then, that can also be very useful. My knowledge is of 3 types of original F/S being, types 1st Issue(very Expensive) the 2nd Issue approx 2nd WW, and the 3rd Issue,2nd WW up to present day, there are also variants of these Issues, there are also display knives of various qualities. I wish you all good hunting, and please be aware I am in no way claiming to be an expert, just passing on some tips they may help you spend wisely and not be fooled as I have been. Regards. Hockhamlain.

Can anyone tell me if the lady, "Elizabeth Boardman" can be contacted with reference to her superb poem, I have a few questions I should like to ask her,
Regards, Hockhamlain

A message of encouragement for all you folks searching for information with reference to your Fathers or even Grandfathers. Dont give up searching for information, and friends of your fathers, or Grandfathers my story is possibly unique, In Fort William at the gathering in 2005, I was in the Hotel bar talking to a vet when my youngest son asked me to go through to the lounge, which I did, there he introduced me to another Gent who told me he knew my Dad, and not only that, they were best mates also, Imagine, I dont know if you can, the moment was pure emotion, It turned out the Gent only lived half an hour from where I lived, we have since become good pals and I am the recipient of many a good story, so dont give up and you may be as lucky as I am.

Ron

Hello Chris,
I have just found your request for info ref No5. Commando, my father was also in No5. he was in Burma, I have a Diary of movements for No5 in Burma, if you would like a copy please supply your details and I will post you a copy.
e.mail. [email protected].
Regards Ron

Are there any members who are collecting Commando memorabelia, some of us newer members would be glad of any advice relating to such items, maybe we could start our own collectors advice forum, as we are not always sure of what is worth collecting and what isn't
Regards,hockhamlain