No. 5 Troop 2 Commando was initially composed from members of the 1st and 2nd Liverpool Scottish and Queens Own Cameron Highlanders. It was originally known as No.5 (Liverpool Scottish) Troop. Many were Territorial Army and had progressed through the Independent Companies into the Special Service Battalions and then No.2 Cdo. On establishment the OC for 5 Troop was Capt. A. Davidson. As a result of losses, the Troop's strength was topped up with reinforcements from other units mainly Highlanders. So it became known as No.5 (Scottish)Troop. The Troop kept with its traditions and adopted the kilt as its dress. Through the efforts of officers such as the then Lt. Donald Roy, Forbes kilts were purchased. In April 1941 Capt Davidson was injured in a motorcycle crash. Lt Donald Roy was promoted Captain and took charge in October 1941. In April 1942 after the heavy losses at St Nazaire 5 Troop was again reinforced but many of its original Liverpool Scottish men had been captured or killed. Subsequent reinforcements included men from all parts of the UK ( Thanks to Dennis Reeves of the Liverpool Scottish Museum Trust for much of this information)
See also No.2 Cdo. "In Remembrance" album and the album of WW2 photos where there are some pictures of the original No.4 Independent Company many of whom went to 5 Troop.
nb. When viewing troop albums be aware that individuals on occasions moved troops
The officer on the left is possibly Capt. Donald Roy. Also in the photo is Pte. Arthur Ashcroft who was badly wounded and taken POW at St Nazaire. Photo courtesy of Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE
Date: 14/06/2010
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5 Troop No.2 Commando 1942
At Loch Fyne after practice landing from HMS Keren. Open picture for more details and names.
Harold "Aggs" Roberts - 5 Troop No.2 - wounded and pow at St Nazaire. Photos courtesy of Dennis Reeves, Liverpool Scottish Museum and Chesterfield FC for whom he played football
Ken McAllister - 5 troop No.2 ( in centre ). Left is I believe Ron Crippen. Both went onto become Warrant Officers in No.2 Cdo. Open for more details. Photo courtesy of Pete Rogers
Bill Aspey aka "La Aspey" and my father Joe Rogers MM, both of 5 Troop No.2. Who is the man in the middle. Let me know if you recognise him. Photo courtesy of Pete Rogers
5 Troop No.2 Commando. Open album for more details including photos of Vic and his Commando Service Certificate. Courtesy of his daughter Yvonne McCulloch
ERIC BUCKMASTER - 5 troop No. 2 - one of the four sets of brothers who served in Sicily, Italy, Yugoslavia and Albania. Photo courtesy of Eric Buckmaster.
