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Displaying 1 - 62 of 62A timeline of Commando Training
The first call for volunteers for ‘Service of a hazardous nature’ was in the early months of 1940 and for the new Independent Companies. Many of these men went onto action in Norway almost immediately with little training. On their return Winston Churchill wanted his own Corps of ‘shock troops’ to start afresh. Lt Col Dudley Clarke, who was then Military Assistant to the Chiefs of the Imperial General Staff, is generally credited with the initial outline plan of their formation. His plan was approved and the name agreed on. Thus the ‘Commandos’ were formed.
'A document on the object of Special Service'
Service in a Commando by Lt Col. Newman
'Boat Training at Bunarkaig'
The Commando Boat Station at Achnacarry was on Loch Lochy at Bunarkaig. A small fleet of various craft was assembled for training in basic seamanship and landing drills. Amongst this armada were whalers, cuters, landing craft, dorries, canoes, rubber dinghies, kapok bridge rafts, and collapsible Goatleys. They were all stored in or moored alongside a little stone boathouse. Instruction began with a short film on the role and functions of Combined Operations, and the various craft used for training and operations.
'Cliff Assaults'
Type: Files
Year of Publishing: 2015
Keywords: commando mountain warfare training, cliff assaults
History
Initially formed at Braemar in Scotland in December 1942 and called the Commmando Snow and Mountain Warfare Training Centre. The Commanding Officer was Squadron Leader Frank Smythe, an accomplished mountaineer. Its role was to train Commandos to fight in high snow covered mountain territory. After 6 months the unit moved to North Wales and assumed a different role including the training of Lovat Scouts as a Mountaineer Battalion.
'Commando Dark Mile training areas'
A good map of the various locations of training described on our archive.
Speed Marches
Trainees were introduced to their first speed march on the 2nd day of the course. A gentle 5 miles around the Dark Mile in under an hour. This first march was followed by other weekly jaunts each followed by an additional task
7 miles under 70 minutes followed by digging a defensive position
9 miles under 90 minutes, followed by firing practice
12 miles in under 130 minutes, followed by a drill parade on the square
'Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre'
Type: Booklet
Year of Publishing: 2019
Keywords: Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre, CMWTC
This document has a brief history of the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre (C.M.W.T.C) and was prepared for a C.M.W.T.C. commemoration dinner on 30 November 1945. If the document does not load immediately in the viewer , refresh this page, or download from above.
'Courses at CTC Inveraray'
Courses for the Special Service Brigade and SCU.
The No 1 Combined Training Centre (CTC) at Inverary was located on the banks of Loch Fyne. The Naval Shore Base, HMS Quebec, was also based at this location.
Training courses took place here for units from both British and Allied Forces. The list below represent only those allocated to the Special Service Brigade, and to the Servicing Commando Units of the RAF.
Source: National Archives DEFE2/1317
Location
Inveraray Scotland
United Kingdom
56° 13' 54.3288" N, 5° 4' 31.476" W
'History and Training 1940 -1945'
Introduction
The following pages, compiled by the Commando Veterans Archive and published on the 10th February 2014, are designed to give the reader an insight into Commando history and training, and of the close association that has developed since then, between serving Commandos, Veterans, and their families, in the many areas such as Lochaber where they trained in WW2, and the places where they train nowadays. This section also includes an hour long film made about their WW2 training.
'Post war Commando School RM'
After the war ended and Achnacarry closed, those Royal Marines selected for specialised Commando training attended the Commando School initially located at Towyn in Wales, then relocated in 1947 to Bickleigh in Plymouth. In 1954 it was moved to the ITC Lympstone.
'Post war History and Training 1946 - present'
The following pages will tell you a little about current Commando training for the Royal Marines, and the All Arms Commando Course for the other Services of today, but first read about the changes the Commandos went through post war.
'View of Commando training in 1973'
Extract from Comando Association newsletter 56 issued March 1973.
A reunion of the CMWTC at St Ives
This is an account of a Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre reunion held at St Ives on the 24-26th September 1993 as outlined in Commando Association Newsletter 98 of March 1994.
ANDERSON, C.
Gunner C. Anderson of St Ives Cornwall served at the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre.
Source
Commando Association newsletter 118 Obituaries issued February 2004.
AUSTEN, Alexander Fred
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Alexander Austen, 1st Special Service Brigade Signal Troop, was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of his exemplary service [1].
Recommendation including Record of Service
1929 enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals.
BAXTER, Richard Fraser
Captain Richard Baxter served in 45RM Commando and during 1945-6 on the staff of the CMWTC.
Post war he was ordained Reverend and was appointed OBE in the 1964 New Years Honours List "for public services in Nyasaland."
Sources
CA Newsletters 38 and 98.
London Gazettes Supp 43200, page 23.
BEATON, J.W.
Lance Sergeant Beaton served at Achnacarry.
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 45 issued Sept. 1967.
"L/Sgt. (later Drum Major) J. W. Beaton (C.B.T.C.) (now a member of the A.A. Road Staff in Inverness-shire) still pops round occasionally to the old domain at Achnacarry. Although the place has greatly changed and the old assault landing beach is overgrown with heather and bog myrtle a few landmarks remain, and the telegraph."
Sources
BELLRINGER, Roy
Lance Sergeant Roy Bellringer served with 1 troop and took part in the raid at St Nazaire. He was on board ML 446 and was evacuated back to the UK. In July 1942 he was part of the No 2 Commando Boxing Team. We have numerous photos in the gallery of him both before and after St Nazaire, and in an image of the boxing team.
BERRISFORD, Peter John
Peter John Berrisford was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa whilst a Sergeant in No 6 Commando [1]. He was noted as having spent four days alone on Djebel El Azzag (Green Hill) after the aborted attack on 30th November 1942. During that time he lay by himself on the plateau observing the location of the German machine gun positions, returning to the Commando on 3rd December 1942 at Sedjenane [2].
BISSELL, SSgt. Transcript of a speech.
Stanley Bissell joined the Metropolitan Police on the 1st March 1926. In 1930 & 1934 he won silver medal at the British Empire Games middleweight freestyle wrestling events in Canada and London. He was then posted as self defence instructor at the Metropolitan Police Training Centre at Peel House. He attended the Army School of Physical Training to assist him in this new Police role.
BISSELL, Stanley
Stan 'Sonnie' Bissell joined the Metropolitan Police on the 1st March 1926. In 1930 & 1934 he won silver medal at the British Empire Games middleweight freestyle wrestling events in Canada and London. He was then posted as self defence instructor at the Metropolitan Police Training Centre at Peel House. He attended the Army School of Physical Training to assist him in this new Police role.
CHAPLIN, C.F.
Former Lance Sergeant C. F. Chaplin of the Commando Basic Training Centre (C.B.T.C.), died in 1956. [Source: Commando Association newsletter 23].
COCKCRAFT, William Gordon La Trobe
Major William Cockcraft was second in command of the Commando Depot at Achnacarry, later renamed the Commando Basic Training Centre [1].
Commando Assocation newsletter obituaries listed his details as "Major W.G.T. Cockcraft (CBTC) from Hartley Wintney, Hants." [2].
COTTON MINCHIN, Douglas James Maurice
Captain Douglas Cotton Minchin was missing reported presumed killed after his patrol prior to the planned attack at Lake Comacchio, Italy, came under fire.
He had earlier served with 12 Commando on the Lofoten raid, and had also been Chief Instructor at the Commando Basic Training Centre.
DALLEN, Arthur Lambert
Arthur Dallen, former RSM at the Commando Basic Training Centre, and for many years a Senior Prison Warder, was shot dead by terrorists in Nicosia, Cyprus [1]. He was a Senior Warder at "K" Camp, Central Prison, Nicosia [2].
Source
[1] Obituary in Commando Association newsletter 28 issued March 1959.
[2] Commando Association newsletter 24 issued March 1957.
[Middle name] London Gazette Issue 41552, page 103.
DENTON, Harry
Sergeant Harry Denton, 'B' troop, died during operations at Pont L'Eveque, Normandy.
He also served for a period leading up to D Day on the staff of the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre at St. Ives.
DICKS, George
Sergeant George Dicks was an instructor at the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre. He was awarded the B.E.M. (Military Division) on the 1st January 1946.
Sources
Reunion at St Ives document below.
London Gazettes Supp. 37412, page 310.
Notes
His rank shown as in LG entry. Shown elsewhere as CSM.
DUNNING, James Edwin
James Dunning was one of the original volunteers for No. 4 Commando. Promoted Troop Sergeant Major he took part in the Lofoten Islands and Dieppe raids before being commissioned Second Lieutenant on the 22nd May 1943. He then served as an instructor at the Commando Basic Training Centre. After recuperating from a spinal injury in a night parachute descent he was appointed Adjutant at the Commando Cliff Climbing Centre in St Ives.
EASTON, Norman Kidston
Captain Norman Easton, CMWTC, 1 Commando Bde. HQ, and 46RM Commando 'X' Troop [1], was awarded the M.C. in recognition of gallant and distinguished service [2].
He was an instructor at the CMWTC and, along with others, had been attached to 46RM Commando for operations on 'D' Day. Whilst most returned shortly after, Capt. Easton remained with them as a Troop Commander until 'D+50' when ordered to return. He later rejoined them for operations in Holland [CMWTC History].
EVISON, Leslie John
The death of Sergeant Leslie 'Jack' Evison of Peterborough, Cambs., was announced in Commando Association newsletter 112 issued March 2001. He served at the Commando Basic Training Centre.
FREEMAN, Vallance Geoffrey Allen
The death of Sergeant Vallance Freeman of Paignton Devon, was announced in Commando Association newsletter 112 issued March 2001. He served at the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre.
FRICKLETON, Alex
Company Sergeant Major (Instructor) Alex Frickleton was the head of the Physical Training Team of Sgt's Bissell [more....] and Bellringer [more....] at the Commando Depot [more....].
GAGE, Tony
Sergeant Tony Gage, GM, [1] served on the staff at Achnacarry [2].
Citation for the George Medal
GARRAWAY, John Harry
Lance Sergeant John Garraway was on the staff of the Commando Basic Training Centre and also later at the Holding Operational Commando. Post war he emigrated with his family to Canada in 1957.
Sources
His daughter Tess Garraway.
Commando Association newsletter 111.
CVA Gallery.
GARRETT, Albert Charles
Lance Sergeant Albert Garrett served on the staff at the Commando Basic Training Centre from 9th August 1943 - 24th Feb.1945.
Sources
Commando Association newsletter 107.
His daughter Maggie Waller.
GILCHRIST, Donald Johnston
Donald Gilchrist was serving as a Captain in the Cameronians when he volunteered for the Commandos. After acceptance he went to Achnacarry in February/March 1942 and successfully completed his Officer Training after which he was retained there as an Instructor. Achnacarry had just opened as the new Commando Depot, later renamed the Commando Basic Training Centre, and staff were needed to assist with the initial intakes.
GOMM, Arthur George
Sergeant Arthur Gomm is recorded as dying due to the explosion of a demolition charge whilst attached to the CBTC as an instructor at Achnacarry.
Sources:
HANSEN, Watson Victor
Private Watson Hansen served in the Commando Pipe Band and Demonstration Troop at Achnacarry. Post war he resided in Kirkdale, Liverpool.
Sources
Commando Association newsletters 55 and Obituaries of 67.
HARDEY, Ronald Graham Kennell
Captain Ronald Hardey, 2 troop, was awarded the MC for his gallantry and leadership during operations on D Day at Normandy. (London Gazettes Supp. 36679, page 4046.)
-
In 1945 he served at the CBTC. He is shown in a photo entitled "Commando Basic Training Centre - Officers Mess - 1945." (CVA Gallery).
ION, Derek Thomas
Sergeant Derek Ion served with No 3 Commando and on the staff at the Commando Basic Training Centre.
KOMROWER, Arthur George
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Arthur Komrower was appointed D.S.O. [1] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst temporarily commanding No. 3 Commando during operations at Termoli, Italy, between 4 -6 October 1943 [2]. This was during Lt. Col. Peter Young's short period of illness with malaria [3].
LEES, Brian
Brian Lees served as a Lieutenant in No 2 Commando and is included in pictures in our gallery of the officers at Gibraltar in 1943. At some stage after that he is posted to the staff at the Commando Basic Training Centre and is included in a 1945 photo of the Officers there.
Post war he settled in the 50's in Illinois, America, and is referred to as Doctor Brian Lees in Commando Association Newsletter 26 of March 1958. His death was announced in a later newsletter which additionally showed the fact he had served in the CBTC (CA Newsletter 56).LIDBETTER, Arthur Percy James
Private Arthur Lidbetter served on the staff at Achnacarry. He was a member of their demonstration troop.
Sources
Commando Association newsletters 71 and Obituaries of newsletter 100.
MAGENNIS, William
Fusilier Bill Magennis served in the Pipe Band at Achnacarry.
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 40 issued March 1965
Now Pipe Major of the lst Bn. Black Watch (R.H.R.) of Canada and stationed at Camp Gagetown, New Brunswick is ex Fus. Bill Magennis who served in the Commando Pipe Band at Achnacarry.
MCCARTHY, Peter Francis
Sergeant Peter McCarthy was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe [1].
He is also named as serving at the CMWTC and attached at some stage to 46RM Commando. [2].
Sources
[1] London Gazettes Supp. 35729, page 4328.
[2] Nom. Roll for 46RM Cdo 6th Jun 44 -May45.
MILNE, Alan John Mitchell
Lieutenant Alan Milne served in No. 3 Commando, and on the staff of the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry. He was blinded in the River Aller crossing, Germany, April 1945 [1].
Born at Marlow in 1922 and educated at the Dragon School, Oxford, and Uppingham. He enlisted in the Army immediately on leaving school in 1939 and served first in the Royal Artillery and then in the Commandos. It was when leading a bridgehead commando in Germany in the spring of 1945 that he was hit by a sniper's bullet which blinded him [2].
MURCUTT, Frederick George Halls
Frederick Murcutt was awarded the MC for his gallantry whilst a Lieutenant serving in Tunisia. He went on to serve with 2 Commando Brigade.
Captain Murcutt MC and Sgt Booth were the last demolition team on the training staff at the Commando Basic Training Centre. Post war they set up a boat hire company called 'The Green Beret Craft Operating Company Ltd." (Commando Association Newsletter 2 of 1946).
Additional Information and Sources:
MURPHY, Dennis Eric
Dennis Murphy was serving as a Guardsman in the 1st Bn of the Irish Guards in 1938 when he was awarded the Military Medal for his " conspicuous gallantry during an engagement with an armed band in the vicinity of Deir Bejjala o the 18th August 1938", Recommended by the Officer Commanding British Forces in Palestine and Trans-Jordan. A copy of his citation is in the National Archives ref WO373/92/125.
PARKINSON-CUMINE, Ralph Nicholas
Captain Ralph Parkinson-Cumine MC, 'B' troop, was reported missing presumed killed during operations in Korea.
PROCTOR, John David
Second Lieutenant John Proctor received his commission into the Camerons (1st Liverpool Scottish) on the 10th February 1940. He later volunteered for the Independent Companies joining No 4 Ind.Coy. In February 1941 he joined No. 2 Commando as a Lieutenant in 5 troop.
RICHARDSON, Sydney
Lieutenant Sydney Richardson died during operations at Flushing whilst attached to HQ 4 Special Service (Commando) Brigade
ROWE, Edward George
Sergeant Edward Rowe died during operations at Rots and Le Hamel.
SAVILL, Gerald Peter
Captain Gerald Savill served on the staff at the Commando Basic Training Centre. Post war he was a member of the Commando Association and is listed on their Lost Legion 10 pamphlet (members they had lost contact with), his last known address being Heswall, Cheshire.
SIMPSON, John Denys Stenhouse
Captain John Simpson, RE, was attached to 46 RM Commando at the time of his death which is recorded on a document in our gallery relating to the Commando Mountain Warfare Training Centre at St Ives as "died on active service."
Sources
CWGC
CVA Gallery as above.
SMITH, Roy
CSMI Roy Smith, from Topsham, Devon, served at the Commando Basic Training Centre.
Source
Commando Association newsletter 118 obituaries issued Feb 2004.
SUTTLING, Leonard
Lance Sergeant Leonard Suttling served as an instructor at Achnacarry in 1942/3, and was on the weapon training staff at the Holding Operational Commando at Wrexham in 1944/5. Later promoted Company Sergeant Major.
Extract from Commando Association newsletter 61 of Sept 1975, ".........our blind comrade ex CSM Len Suttling of Grays, Essex. He. was L/Sgt. instructor in '42/'43 at Achnacarry, a Sgt. on the weapon training staff at HOC Wrexham '44/'45, and also went on the climbing course at St. Ives. "
TEWKESBURY, E.F.
Served as a Boating Instructor at Achnacarry. Post war was a Police Sergeant in Ipswich.
Source: Commando Association newsletter 32 issued 1961.
THOMAS, D.C.
Lieut. Thomas was from Maclear in the Transkei, South Africa. The South African Legion website records him as attached to the RM Commandos, 4th Special Service Bde., during the allied landings at Normandy, and that he recieved shrapnel wounds to his leg.
He was awarded the MC for "gallant and distinguished services in operations in North West Europe." (Source: London Gazettes Supp. 36846, page 5809, and Supp. 36895, page 417.)
THOMAS, James
Private Jim Thomas, R.A.O.C., was one of the permanent staff at Achnacarry.
Source
Commando Association newsletter 76 issued March 1983.
TURNEY, William James
William James Turney enlisted as a Private into the 6th Beds and Herts Bn., TA on the 29th January 1940 and was quickly promoted Acting Lance Corporal. He volunteered for the Independent Companies (Ind. Coy.) and on the 26th April 1940 was attached to No 3 Ind. Coy. Having reverted to Private in order to get into the Ind. Coy. he was quickly promoted to Lance Corporal on the 1st May. On the 4th May he along with the whole of No 3 Ind. Coy. sailed with Scissors Force to join the expeditionary force in Norway (Operation Avonmouth).
VAUGHAN, Charles Edward (Lt Col)
Charles Edward Vaughan, born 1893, was originally attached to No.7 and No.4 Commando before taking up his role as the Commandant of the newly formed Commando Depot (CBTC) at Achnacarry.
WALBRIDGE, Percival Norman
Captain Percival Walbridge served as a Weapons Training Officer at STC Lochailort and the Commando Basic Training Centre.
There is reference in the London Gazettes to his promotion on the 18th Jan. 1941 from a Warrant Officer class 2 at the Small Arms School to Lieutenant Somerset LI.
[Source: LG 11Feb 1941; Supp 35075; Page 891].
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