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INDEX

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Links to over 100 pages are in alphabetical order. Pages are being added or revised on a regular basis. Entries in black indicate work planned or in progress. Click on a heading below, scroll down or try search.

- Combined Operations Pages -

Background	Biographies	Commandos	D-Day to D +30	Documents & Signals
Home Page	Insignia	Landing Craft	Memorials	Miscellaneous
Notice Boards	Poetry	Post WW2 Ops	Raids & Landings	Re-enactments
Science & Technology	Special Forces	Training	Wartime Memories

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Web Pages - Click on Blue Links to Open

Background

Wolfe's Combined Operation	How Wolfe's raid on Quebec in 1759 unwittingly set the ground rules for successful amphibious Combined Operations.
What is a Combined Operation?	Brief description of a Combined Operation for those new to the subject. The term Joint Forces Operations is used to describe similar operations today.
The Formative Years at COHQ.	-

Biographies
(Short)

Roger Keyes	Churchill's 1st appointment to the post of Director Combined Operations which ended in acrimony just 15 months later in Oct 1941.
Mountbatten	Churchill's 2nd appointment initially as Combined Ops Adviser. Despite his youth he gained the respect and co-operation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Geoffrey Pyke	A wartime Scientific Adviser whose unusual and creative mind knew no bounds. Described variously as a 'One Man Think Tank' and 'not a scientist, but a man of a vivid and uncontrollable imagination, and a totally uninhibited tongue.'

Commandos

No 1 Commando	A brief history of No 1 Commando from its formation in July 1940 to disbandment in 1946.
No 4 Commando	A brief history of No 4 Commando from its formation on 4 March 1941 to disbandment in July 1945.
No 5 Commando	A brief history of No 5 Commando from formation in July 1940 to disbandment in January 1947.
No 9 Commando	A brief history of No 9 Commando from their formation in the summer of 1940 to disbandment in late 1946.
No 11 (Scottish) Commando - The Black Hackle	No 11 (Scottish) Commando was formed in July 1940. Its members were dispersed to other Commando units a little over a year later. However, much of great interest was packed into this period as this 20,000 word history by Graham Lappin describes.
45 (RM) Commando	This account of the early years of 45 Royal Marine Commando draws heavily on the official publication 'The Story of 45 Royal Marine Commando' written by the 45's officers and published privately for members of the unit and their relatives. The book covers the history of the unit from its formation in August 1943 until it returned from Germany in June 1945. The account here concentrates on the amphibious landings on the beaches of Normandy and the immediate aftermath. Intermingled with this account is the story of Marine Bernard Charles Sydney Fenton provided by his son Bernard.
Royal Naval Commando (The Beach Commandos)	Early amphibious raids by Army Commandos between l940 and l942 proved a need for better intelligence on the landing beaches and better control of the movement of men, vehicles and supplies on the beaches during raids and landings.
Royal Air Servicing Commandos	Recruited from RAF service personnel by notices posted at RAF Stations.. 'Volunteers wanted in all trades for units to be formed to service aircraft under hazardous conditions.' ... i.e. on or near the front line!

D-Day and
its Aftermath

Operation Overlord	D Day, June 6 1944! Operation Overlord was the culmination of years of planning and training by Combined Operation planners along with others, notably the USA.
See Landing Craft Below	Most, if not all, accounts of Landing Craft include a description of their role in the Normandy Landings.
Fighter Direction Tenders (FDTs)	The story of the 3 radar, communications and intelligence gathering vessels off the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 - Fighter Direction Tenders (FDTs) 13, 216 & 217.
Diary of a Leading Aircraftsman	These extracts cover the service of LAC Leslie Armitage on board Fighter Direction Tender (FDT) 216 off the American beaches of Utah and Omaha over a 10 day period from June 5 1944.
Mulberry Harbours	The Allies needed secure sheltered harbour facilities within days of the Normandy landings to supply their advancing forces until ports like Cherbourg were captured. How did they erect two harbours, each the size of Dover, in just a few days in wartime, when Dover took 7 years to construct in peacetime?
P.L.U.T.O	The Pipeline Under the Ocean was designed to supply petrol from storage tanks in southern England to the advancing Allied armies in France in the months following D-Day. This page tells the story of the planning, development, testing and installation of the pipelines and of the contribution of PLUTO to the war effort.
Coastal Command's Anti-sub patrols	Coastal Command's Anti-Submarine patrols on the flanks of Combined Operations.
Royal Observer Corp Seaborne Ops	796 talented people of the ROC participated in the D-Day landings. They were, however, not part of the Combined Operations Command but their uniforms comprised aspects of all three services.
Normandy Poems	5 thoughtful poems about aspects of the Normandy landings.
Veterans' Photo Gallery	Photos of veterans taken in recent times mostly at commemoration events.

Documents and Signals

Genesis of Combined Ops [Churchill]	-
Infamous Commando Order [Hitler]	As a result of an unfortunate incident on the island of Sark a number of German soldiers were shot with their hands tied behind their backs. This apparent execution by a Commando raiding party incensed Hitler who shortly afterwards issued his infamous Commando Order.
Western Front Preparations [Hitler]	Hitler's Directive 51 - preparations for the anticipated invasion from the west. This ordered the transfer of men and materials from the eastern front because the greater, and more immediate threat, was in the west.
The Gratitude of a Nation [Churchill]	An expression of a Nation's gratitude for the role of Combined Operations in planning and training for the amphibious aspects of D-Day.

Insignia

Insignia Design & Development	A copy of an article entitled 'The Combined Operations Badge, 1942-1946' by Terry Carney based on research carried out at the National Archive, Kew, London. Includes many drawings of early design ideas.
Insignia Specimens	Around 40 original cloth badges from WW2 and modern versions used by joint forces at home and abroad.
Insignia in Use	Old photos, tattoo, ship's funnel, scaled model, Christmas card, Commando certificate etc - all clearly show the ubiquitous Combined Operations Insignia in use.

Landing Craft

Explanatory Note	LCTs [Landing Craft Tank] were generally medium sized landing craft which carried troops, tanks, lorries, equipment and supplies directly onto the enemy held beaches. LSTs [Landing Ship Tank] performed a similar role but were much larger and often carried small Landing Craft Assault (LCAs) to the landing area before lowering them into the water for their final approach to the beaches under their own power.
HM LCT 318	Dieppe, North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Normandy. After such an illustrious wartime service the end came from an unexpected source.
HMLCT(4) 749	This landing craft was amongst the first to land on the Normandy beaches. It carried especially adapted tanks with their Royal Engineer crews. They had the unenviable and hazardous job of clearing the landing beaches of obstacles in advance of the troops.
HM LCT 795	Having survived the dangers of D-Day and the rigours of the Channel ferry service in subsequent months, 795 avoided a watery grave... but just.
HM LCT 821	From training and over-wintering in the cold waters around Scotland's northern shores to undertaking running repairs while stranded on a Normandy beach, this account has its fair share of hardship and danger.
HM LCT 980	Normandy and Walcheren and an ignominious end on the Thames.
HM LCT 1171 and HM LCH 75	1171 survived the Normandy landings but broke her back, split in two and sank on a routine return trip to UK shores. 75 was a HQ vessel fitted out for Far East Service. The atomic bombs halted her journey in the Middle East. A remarkable trip to the USA followed to return this US owned vessel to its owners.
HM LCT 2304	D-Day. Two views of the same events from the perspectives of a British Navy landing craft crew and their 'cargo' of US Army soldiers.
HM LCT 2331	- ditto -
HM LST427	A Photo Gallery of 49 rare photographs of 427 in action off Sicily, Italy and Normandy.
HM LCF	Landing Craft Flack bristled with gun turrets and provided anti aircraft cover for other vessels off enemy beaches. On first seeing his craft the author mistook her for 'local bomb damage! A light-hearted and humorous style belies the very dangerous situations he found himself in and the death and destruction he witnessed.
HM LCF 7	The author faced death on many occasions and witnessed much carnage. But, as he walked down LCF7s gangplank for the last time with the thanks of the Captain and his fellow officers ringing in his ears, he gave the customs officer a deferential wink and stepped ashore with a heavy heart.
HM LBK 6	His Majesty's Landing Barge Kitchen 6, a Normandy veteran, bows out.
Landing Craft Support Squadron	LCGs, LCFs and LCRs were grouped together to soften up entrenched enemy positions on landing beaches prior to major landings and to provide continued support as the Allied armies moved inland.
LCA, LCM & LCI (L)	Canadian Kendal Kidder trained and served on different types of small landing craft; Landing Craft Assault (LCA) Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM) Landing Craft Infantry Large LCI (L). Their purpose and functions are described on the web page.
LCS(M)s of the 524 LCA Flotilla	LCS(M)s were manned by Royal Marines. Their primary task was to assist in the establishment of beachheads for the oncoming waves of regular troops about to land. Until the beaches and their environs were cleared of the enemy the Royal Marines were exposed to heavy fire.
LST HMS Misoa	Taken from the shallow waters of Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo in South America. Misoa saw service in from N Africa, Pantellaria, Sicily, Italy and Normandy.
HM LST Thruster	A photo gallery of the ship, its crew and supporting war ships taken by a crew member.
HMS Royal Ulsterman	An ex English Channel Ferry used to carry tanks, lorries, men and equipment directly onto the beaches. Saw action off North Africa, Pantellaria, Sicily, Italy and Normandy.
HMS Empire Battleaxe	The 'Empire' ships were built to carry eighteen LCAs [Landing Craft Assault] and to accommodate about one thousand troops. The LCAs were lowered over the side with troops and their light equipment already on board. Interestingly, US procedures lowered the LCAs empty with troops going over the side of the mother ship using scrambling nets.
D-Day Landings	A general overview of the role of landing craft off the 5 landing beaches of Normandy. Includes many of the above plus Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) [LCT(A)], Landing Craft Tank (High Explosives) [LCT (HE)], Landing Craft Tank (Rocket) [LCT(R)], Landing Craft Assault Mortars [LCA(HR)]. Also includes individual harrowing stories.
D-Day Assault Convoy G6	A routine enquiry about RN Able Seaman Norman Kenwood, recorded lost at sea on June 6th 1944 from Landing Craft Assault 591 (LCA 591) led the LST and Landing Craft Association into uncharted waters. The end result of was a correction to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission's records.
Landing Craft Operator	Canadian Lloyd Evans packed more experience of life into just a few years than most young people manage in a lifetime... even today. Although there were times of rest and relaxation always present was the next unknown mission with moments of great danger.
Operation Tige r	The Disaster in Lyme Bay. A pre D-Day landing craft training exercise which was to culminate in the loss of 749 American lives.
New LCAs	The handover of 6 new LCAs by Elliotts of Reading to the Royal Navy (Photos).
US LST 28	The story of a United States Landing Ship Tank and a crew member.
US LCT (R)	A first hand account of the use and deployment of United States Landing Craft Tank (Rocket) vessels in WW2 as told by a Group Commander. These craft were most effective in launching hundreds of explosive projectiles onto enemy held beaches just minutes ahead of Allied troops landing. Timing and accuracy were of the essence.

Memorials & Commemorations

Combined Ops Memorial	Information about the memorial including its location in the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Donating & Fundraising	See progress to date on our donations wall, details of fundraising events and how to donate by cheque and electronically by Paypal.
Memorial Sponsorships	Promote your company or organisation by sponsoring a memorial plaque or web page and thereby add to the memorial fund.
Memorials and Plaques	See a diverse range of existing Combined Operations memorials and plaques world-wide.
Roll of Honour	Family and friends of veterans who died in action or training while serving in the Combined Operations Command are welcome to add veteran's details to this page in the way of a personal tribute.
They Also Served	Family and friends of veterans who served in the Combined Operations Command are welcome to add veteran's details to this page in the way of a personal tribute. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who served the Allied cause in Combined Operations and who were fortunate to return home after the conflict.

Miscellaneous

Mountbatten's Kilfinan Egg!	Read how the great man obtained a much coveted hen's egg on a visit to Argyll.
ROC - Royal Observer Corp	Although not part of Combined Operations The Royal Observer Corp provided vital early identification of approaching enemy ships and planes for Allied gunners.
HDML 1301	The role of Harbour Defence Motor Launch 1301 in Operation Brassard, the invasion of Elba.
HMS COPRA	The name of HMS COPRA is often used in pay records and even grave stones. The significance of the term is explained here.

Notice Boards

Operations and Units.	Appeals for information about specific operations, Commando and other units.
Veterans.	Appeals for information about individual Combined Operations veterans.
Other.	Appeals for information of a general nature.

Poetry

Normandy	5 thoughtful poems about aspects of the Normandy landings.
Commando Memorial	In memory of the 1,700 Commandos who died in action.

Post WW2 Combined Operations

Suez	The Suez landing was the first Combined Operation to use helicopters. One Regimental Signaller with the Royal Artillery remembers.
Training in Germany 1947 - 1950	A photo gallery of 24 photos. All the photos were taken on Combined Operations manoeuvres at Ekernforde in Schleswick Holstein in northern Germany in early 1948.

Raids and Landings

Raids & Landings	21 raids & landings in chronological order from Operation Catapult at Mers-el-Kebir on 4/7/40 to Operation Infatuate at Walcheren 1-8 November 1944.
Landing Craft	All the landing craft operations listed above were involved in raids and landings. Just click on the link opposite to see the web pages concerned.
Operation Starkey	The invasion that never was. The war years are littered with stories of deception designed to confuse the enemy. Systematic bombing of selected targets over several weeks in late August and early September 1943 and an invasion armada of empty ships were the key elements.
Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF)	They specialised in "pinprick" raids on the coast of Northern France and the Channel Islands. They were designed to demoralise German troops as well as tying up enemy resources that would otherwise be used more effectively on other fronts.

Re-enactment Societies

No 3 Commando	The No 3 Commando Re-enactment Group is based in the south west of Scotland. It has an educational bias in addition to participating in re-enactment (living history) events and displays. The group aims to inform and educate people of all ages about one of the most critical periods in our history - the Second World War.
No 10 Inter Allied (IA) Commando.	Click on the link to visit their website in Holland.
Scottish Military Re-enactment Society	SMRS is based in the south and east of Scotland. Units within SMRS include: a Combined Operations Section in particular the Small Scale Raiding Force, the Special Operations Executive, Airborne (British and American), Infantry, Royal Navy, Home Guard and the Auxiliary Territorial Service.
Commemorative Commando March	A number of Commando re-enactment groups come together for the Annual Commemorative Commando March from Achnacarry to Spean Bridge.

Science and Technology

Fighter Direction Tenders (FDTs)	The story of the 3 radar, communications and intelligence gathering vessels off the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 - Fighter Direction Tenders (FDTs) 13, 216 & 217.
Mulberry Harbours	The Allies needed secure sheltered harbour facilities within days of the Normandy landings to supply their advancing forces until ports like Cherbourg were captured. How did they erect two harbours, each the size of Dover, in just a few days in wartime, when Dover took 7 years to construct in peacetime?
PLUTO	The Pipeline Under the Ocean was designed to supply petrol from storage tanks in southern England to the advancing Allied armies in France in the months following D-Day. This page tells the story of the planning, development, testing and installation of the pipelines and of the contribution of PLUTO to the war effort.
PLUTO Manufacture	Many companies were involved in the manufacture of machines which, in turn, would manufacture the pipeline. This page provides information on some of the major players.
PLUTO Salvaged	The recovery of PLUTO from the depths of the English Channel was the mother of all salvage operations - dangerous, arduous and huge! There were 21 pipelines and after two years work almost 800 miles were recovered for recycling.
Ice Ships in the Rockies!	The improbable but true story of a top secret WW2 project to build ships from a mixture of ice and sawdust. Behold ye among the heathen, and regard and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told to you. So reads a biblical quotation from the book of Habakkuk ... a name adopted by the top secret project to build ice ships.

Special Units/Forces

574 FSS	It's likely that Field Security Section of 3 Special Service Brigade did not operate directly under the Combined Operations Command. However, where 574's activities involved amphibious landings, or raids, Commando support was often provided... as in the case of the main 'snatching' operation described on this page.
SSRF	The Small Scale Raiding Force specialised in "pinprick" raids on the coast of Northern France and the Channel Islands. They were designed to demoralise German troops as well as tying up enemy resources that would otherwise be used more effectively on other fronts.
COPPs	Combined Operations Assault Pilotage Parties. They risked their lives to gather information about proposed landing beaches and in-shore waters usually under the noses of enemy coastal defences including land and sea patrols.

Training

UK Training Establishments	Combined Operations training in WW2 was primarily concerned with preparing allied forces for the amphibious invasion of mainland Europe. There were 45 separate establishments listed, mainly in the west of Scotland and the south of England, all of which served to fill particular training needs.
No 1 Combined Training Centre	Around 250,000 personnel passed through the portals of the training centre from 1940 to 1944. At any one time up to 15,000 service personnel were billeted in the area. The impact on the small community of 500 can only be imagined!
HMS Brontosaurus	This page provides information about HMS Brontosaurus, Castle Toward, Dunoon, Argyll, otherwise known as the No 2 Combined Training Centre and CTC Castle Toward (pronounced as in coward). The centre was located at Toward Point 6mls south of Dunoon on the Clyde. Includes many photos.
516 Combined Operations Squadron	RAF air support for Combined Operations training in amphibious landings was provided by 516 Sqd. Both the training and the squadron were located at Dundonald, Ayrshire in the south west of Scotland.
1st Canadian Corps	This account of Combined Operations training at the No 1 CTC Inveraray is presented in two parts; the first a report from official Canadian war records and the second the personal recollections of a Canadian war artist.
Small Landing Craft	One Canadian volunteer's training in small landing craft operations. Thousands of landing craft of many different kinds, together with a well trained force of Navy personnel to operate them, were essential for any major seaborne landing against entrenched enemy positions.

Wartime Memories

Combined Operations Pilot	516 Combined Ops Squadron was attached to Combined Operations to provide air support during amphibious training exercises, calibration of radar etc. These are the memories of New Zealander, Doug Shears.
US Ranger to British Commando	How the war of 20 year old USA citizen G W McCurdy was changed by a late night in a Belfast city pub!
Inveraray in Wartime	In the early to mid 1940s Inveraray played host to thousands of men undergoing Combined Operations training in amphibious landing techniques.
Occupation of Walcheren	Jan H. Wigard of Walcheren, Holland was a small boy when he lived through the trauma of the German occupation. This is his story.