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Photos of British Army and Royal Marine Cloth Badges in use on Uniforms.
I am completing a book which tells the story of the many cloth badges worn
on battledress, khaki drill and jungle green uniforms by the British Army
and Royal Marines between 1939 and 1967. I'm looking for original clear
photos of such badges being worn - especially from the period 1946 to
1947. If possible I would like to borrow original photos which will
be scanned and returned by Royal Mail Special Delivery within a few days.
I am happy to pay any postage incurred. Scans at 600 dpi are fine for my
purpose if you would prefer not to send originals. If you can help please
contact me on the e-mail link opposite. Many thanks in anticipation. Jon
Mills |
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Combined Operations Badge. On 13 Jan 42
Mountbatten, Chief of the Combined Operations Command,
issued a general invitation for
designs to be submitted for a Combined Operations badge. On 19 Feb 42,
from the many designs sent in, one of several submitted by Lt. D. A.
Grant, R.N.V.R. of H.M.S. Tormentor, a landing craft training base
at Hamble, Southampton, was approved. Together with
his designs he provided notes relating to various images he thought
suitable to represent each of the three services. He could not have
foreseen the use of his design well
into the 21st century in a number of countries worldwide. We
know very little about Lt Grant. If you have any information please let us
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Royal Naval Commando Uniforms. I've just joined Combinedops by
paypal and already I have some questions which you might be able to help
me with. All are about Royal Naval Commando uniforms. Firstly were green
berets worn by ranks and ratings and if so what sort of cap badge was worn
by other ranks? Secondly, did Royal Naval Commandos wear the yellow thread
tombstone Combined Operations insignia on their battledress or was it for
dress uniform? Finally, for those Commandos trained as parachutists, were
the wings worn above or below the combined operations insignia on the
right arm?
Many thanks for any help you can give. Simon Moore |
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Greatstone , Kent - PLUTO Bungalows.
I have started a website for Greatstone in Kent (where I live) at
www.greatstone.net. I am working
on building up the history and wish to add some information on PLUTO
which passed through the area. I have read your page on PLUTO and other
information but can find no specific references to the role that
Greatstone had in the operation. There's plenty about Dungeness but
nothing about Greatstone (as defined by my map at
http://www.greatstone.net/map.htm)
I am told, by a local resident that some of the bungalows in Leonard Road,
Greatstone were somehow involved given that they are known locally as
'PLUTO bungalows.' Were they used to house pumping stations? If so pumping
from where to where? How many were there etc etc. Did the pipelines go
under the sea from Greatstone or from Dungeness? (given that some people
do not differentiate between the two).
I am hoping either you can help me or you know someone who can. Thanks in
anticipation. Peter Faulkner
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Combined
Operations Training Establishments. There is one Training
Establishment which I believe is missing from your list at
http://www.combinedops.com/Training%20EST%20UK.htm During the
spring of 1944 RCNBC "W 1" was posted there for specialist training on
explosive demolition of enemy defences and the locating and disarmament of
concealed enemy booby traps. The location was an estate in the then County
of Cumberland (now Cumbria) in the north west of England. It was near the
coast on the banks of a fast flowing river. Much of the training was
carried out on the beach, from where, on a clear day, the Isle of Man was
visible. Unfortunately I no longer have the name of the establishment.
The personnel accommodation on the estate was quite limited and
therefore the posting assignments were relatively brief with long hours of
condensed training. Any information about this establishment would be very
much appreciated. Bill Newell, Canada (5/08). |
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PLUTO - Pipeline Under the
Ocean. The Vicar of Pear Tree Church in Southampton was recently
advised by a visitor that 'Old School House' in Pear Tree Road (opposite
the church and built by the church before 'state' schools were common) was
the wartime operation headquarters for PLUTO. However, he cannot verify
that this was the case. No doubt the information is held in the National
Archive in Kew but both the vicar and I would be interested to hear from
anyone with information about this. If we can verify this account I'll
add information and photos (courtesy of the vicar) to the website's
PLUTO page.
Geoff |
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HMS
Brontosaurus 1945/HMS King Alfred 1942. These group photos include my
dad father and I'd love to hear from anyone in the photos or
anyone who has any information about them. My father was Sub Lt Islwyn
Vaughan RNVR. He served as follows in combined ops; 5th LCP (L) Aug 1942 - Deippe, 520th LCA July 1942 - Point De Hoc, Normandy, Nov 1944 509th Flotilla at E Schelts & Holland Many thanks in anticipation. Rob
Vaughan. (3/07)
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Mississippi River Boats. I'm
seeking information on and photographs of the following two Mississippi
River Boats... the US Northland and the US Southland. They
were, I believe, stationed as a camp overflow, near Inveraray, Loch Fyne,
Scotland during WW11. Several of their sister ships were sunk crossing the
Atlantic to Britain. US contacts state that there were no Mississippi
river boats with these names?
Any information on these boats, or any others known to have made the
crossing to the UK, would be greatly appreciated.
Walt Deas.
Australia.
(3/07)
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| Lest We Forget. My Father served in
WW2 in No 6 Commando.
Just prior to his death he gave me an interesting book called 'Lest We Forget' by Dave Thibodeau, published in Canada, December 2000. My father's name was Vincent Henthorn,
Corporal, who served in North Africa, Italy and was also a POW. To
all his fellow service men I commend you and thank you for a job well done..
Sincerely and with respect, Lindon Vincent Henthorn, St Pete Beach
FL, USA. (11/06) |
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Brookwood Memorial to the
Missing. Captain Giles and Captain Forrester died in action on
Operation Archery - the Vaagso raid and they are commemorated on the
Brookwood Memorial to the Missing. Does this mean that (a) their bodies were
left behind at Vaagso and not buried by the Germans or, if they were buried,
that the graves were later lost or (b) the bodies were recovered and buried
at sea on the voyage home? Any information would be most welcome. Niall
Cherry. (2/06) |
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| Landing Craft on Loch Fyne. Is it possible to obtain the type and designator number of the Landing
Craft based at Lochgair, Loch Fyne during the period January to August 1942 and
their ultimate fates? Also if possible the A/A unit which set up their guns
(3?) just above the beach at Asknish House when exercises were carried
out with troopships anchored in Loch Fyne. As schoolboys we were more
interested in exchanging our white bread and jam pieces for the soldier's
bully beef and wheaten biscuits than taking vessel names and numbers!
Thanks. Lennox Mackenzie.
(12/05) |
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| Military Hospital in Inveraray, Scotland. Does anyone have
information about the Military Hospital in Inveraray? I understand that
initially it was based on two hospital ships anchored off Inveraray and later
transferred to a building in the grounds of Inveraray Castle. Any information
would be gratefully received. Shelley. (9/05)
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| Sherman Tanks Dumped
in Loch Fyne. I'm seeking any information relating to Sherman Tanks
said to have been dumped in Loch Fyne in at least 90 metres of water after HMS
Quebec closed. We have professional deep water cameras and would like to
obtain footage of the tanks, etc. with a view to producing a travel/history
documentary which will add to the history of the area and the Combined
Operations era of WW11. Still photographs of HMS Quebec, Sherman tanks landing
etc, would also be of interest. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Walter Deas. (Readers may be interested to know that should
this video go ahead it will be a follow-up to "Loch Fyne" a travel/history
production. (6/05)
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| PLUTO. Son of Lt Col Howard EVERETT CRE
21st Army HQ E & M (PLUTO) Companies 548 & 796, wishes to contact all Officers
and men under his command before and after pipe line was laid. Please e-mail,
write or phone Dr Christopher Everett with details to 47 Church Lane,
Holybourne, ALTON Hants GU34 4HD tel 01420 549 666.
(6/05) |
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Medal Ribbon with Rosette.
I have a photo of my father, Leslie George Robins, in uniform bearing a
medal ribbon with a rosette upon it. From what I've been told this was only
worn by air crew in the Battle of Britain. My Father, to the best of my
knowledge, served only in the RM. If anyone can help explain this apparent
contradiction I'd be very grateful. Many thanks. Bern Robins. (5/05)
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| The 11th (Scottish)
Commando March. Being a piper in The Scots Guards during the war,
followed by a stint with The Gordon Highlanders, I have many pipe music
books, but unfortunately I can't find the Commandos march. Can you, or a
visitor to your website, help me at all? Thank you very much in
anticipation. Major George Thom, T.D. (rtd.). (4/05)
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| British & American
Forces in WW2. I'm currently doing some research for the BBC. We're
thinking of making a series following two units, one British and one American,
through their experiences in North Africa, Sicily and the Italian campaigns.
Ideally we'd like to cover the British and the Americans working together, but
it seems that the troops hardly ever mixed at all. I was wondering whether
this might be slightly different when it comes to Combined Ops. I know that
'combined ops' refers to amphibious missions - but do you know whether in the
special forces, paratroopers/commandos, there was some sort of cooperation?
Thank you in anticipation. Alex Stevenson. (4/05) |
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US
Memorial to 1st Engineer Special Brigade.
The inscription reads; In proud memory of our dead. 1st Engineer Special
Brigade. H Hour 6.30 hr D Day 6th June 1944. The location is likely
to be a Normandy
beach. It is known that some memorials were constructed during, or shortly
after, WW2 as per this explanation by
CHARLES B. MacDONALD, a former deputy chief historian at the US Army's Center
of Military History.
Soon after the end of the war, veterans
of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade, which incurred the heaviest losses in
Exercise Tiger, did just that, erecting a monument
on Omaha Beach to their dead, presumably to include those who died at Utah
Beach and those who died in preparation for D-Day.
If you know anything about it please get in touch.
(2/05)
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'GRB' No 9 Commando,
Sorrento. I bought a little wooden box at a car boot sale. On
the inside of the lid, inlaid into the wood, is a Combined Operations
insignia with the inscription '9 Commando, 14 August 1944, Sorrento.' At the
top are the initials G.R.B. I would really like to find out more
information about the soldier concerned. Can anyone help or offer advice?
Shaun. (1/05)
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PLUTO, Arromanches & 60th Field Co Royal Engineers. My father was a
corporal, later sergeant, with the 6oth Field Co RE. He died 7 years ago. He
was a plumber heating engineer after the war and I now run the company he
founded. He told me he trained with PLUTO on the Isle of Wight and then was
posted to Normandy, l suppose arriving on D6 as planned, and helped set up the
valve and pipe-work on land. He always said he was posted to Arromanches,
which does not figure in your excellent article re PLUTO; could this be
correct and if you are not sure could you direct me to a web site which may
assist further. l am visiting Normandy in March and would like to see where he
worked. Many thanks for your excellent article. Regards, Peter Griffiths.
(1/05) |
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HMS Runic [Operation PLUTO]. I am trying
to find some photos of the ship my father served in while working on Operation
PLUTO. I believe it was one of the inshore barges. (11/04)
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The Vera Radcliffe - Mulberry block ship.
I have found your site to be very helpful. It is nice to see the British
contribution being highlighted. I am particularly interested to find
information about a block ship, the Vera Radcliffe, sunk I believe as part of
Gooseberry sector 4 near Courselles. My father, Donald Morrison, was an
engineer on board this ship while it was being placed and scuttled. He also
served in the British Merchant Marine through most of the war on the Atlantic
and Russian convoys, including PQ17. He was injured during the scuttling of
the Vera Radcliffe. (11/04)
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LCT (E) 399 - Tracing
My Grandfathers footsteps. My grandfather was a motor mechanic on
board LCT(E) 399. I’m trying to trace what he did during the war. My
grandmother has memories of him being based on the Isle of Wight and made
frequent visits home. She remembers him having to leave suddenly to be part of
a rescue mission but he never went into any more detail. His service record
doesn’t go into any detail so if anyone can tell me where I may find anything
I will be very grateful. (11/04)
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Empire Broadsword 1944.
I'm a French diver looking for any information, pictures, veterans, anything
really about the Empire Broadsword which sank on Omaha on July 2nd 1944. Every
contact will be warmly welcomed. (11/04)
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The Commando Association.
I am researching my father's No4 Commando history. His name is Arthur
Bickerstaff and he is the 8th listed on the Union Jack flag posted elsewhere
on your site. I am reading a book called the Fighting Fourth about No4
Commando and most of its source material comes from The Commando
Association. Do you have contact details for this Association as I can't find
it on the NET. Many Thanks. (11/04) |
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Walcharen Veterans. My name is Lt Col
Matthew Tresidder RE from the Royal Military College of Science (RMCS),
Shrivenham. In June 05 I will be leading a visit by the staff at RMCS to study
the operations at Walcheren Island. I would be delighted to hear from anyone
who took part in the operation who would be interested in accompanying us (at
no expense) to give us the benefit of their experiences. We will be
accompanied by the historian Richard Holmes but your perspectives on the
operations from a first hand experience would be invaluable. Please drop me a
note by email or call on 01793 785674. I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks. (11/04) |
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Project Plough & Geoffrey Pyke. I was
wondering if there are any veterans of Combined Ops who might have worked with
Pyke or on the Plough Project? I realize that they would have had to be very
young at the time, but I assume there are some veterans of the COHQ still
around. Any information in this matter would be greatly appreciated. John
Nadler. (10/04) |
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LST 200. I found your site (which is so
interesting) as I am trying to find any information of what 'action' and where
L200 went during WW11. My father in law served on it, and since his death my
husband is trying to find out more detailed information about her. I have
details of where she was built (USA) and came here under
'lend-lease' and that she was returned to the USA and struck from the Navy
list April 46 and then converted for merchant service. Thanks in
advance, this means a lot to my husband and his mother. (10/04) |
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Which Flotilla - D-Day +2?
I am trying to find out what flotilla my dad would have been in. He was a
coxswain on LCAs (Royal Marines). He took the Canadians in on D-Day +2 and his
name was Frank Mustow. Any info would be a great help. Thanks. Dave Mustow.
(10/04) |
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Badges Insignia etc.
Whereabouts can you get badges etc for Combined Ops? I was on Combined
Operations with the Merchant Navy at Inveraray. I signed Comb Ops Merchant
Navy Order 1943. Its a wee while ago noo! Nostalgia! Faithfully. O,S. Ramsay
Millen (Please confirm e-mail address - messages to you are bouncing).
(9/04)
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No 10 (I.A.) Commando - No 5
Troop. I am trying to find information about the uniform worn by the
Norwegian No 5 troop of the No.10 (I.A) Commando... insignia. beret and other.
Can anyone help me please or suggest where I might look? Kind regards, Tommy
Larsen, Tromsoe, Norway. (9/04) |
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HMS Robertson & HMS Roseneath. I am trying
to get information about Navy land bases H.M.S. Robertson & H.M.S.
Roseneath.
My father, a Royal Marine, was posted to H.M.S. Copra September 1943 and
trained as a coxswain... later promoted Corporal/acting Sergeant. He took part
in the D Day landings, was posted to Robertson in 1946 and Roseneath in
1947.Any information as to their location and function would be appreciated.
Farther was POX3395 Corporal Maurice Vowell. Service from 22 August 1938 to 21
August 1950 Died 20 April 2000. Thanks! Doug Vowell. (9/04)
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USA troops in Fochriw S Wales 1944. I
am researching the history of the village of Fochriw re. the training camp
there during and after the 2nd WW. I know American troops were stationed there
and also a munitions and petrol depot in 1941 - the 219 Petrol depot manned by
the RASC. The local old colliery feeder pond was also used as a pontoon
bridging camp in the early 1950's. I would appreciate any information you or
visitors to your website may have. Many thanks in anticipation. (8/04)
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HMS Daffodil. Are there any survivors of HMS
Daffodil (Train Ferry No.3) that sank off Dieppe 1945 who knew my father AB
Charles Edser (Bob). (8/04) |
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Medical during Normandy
Landings. I need to gather information on the medical assets and
formations deployed during the Normandy landings. Unfortunately I have a very
short time scale and there seems to be very little information around, I would
be grateful if anyone could point me at a website or any other source that
could assist. Any help appreciated. Many thanks.
(8/04) |
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Naval Combined Operations
Badge. In WW2 my father
served in the Royal Navy and I'm looking for a
Combined Ops badge he described which had a rope entwined around the anchor.
Even a photo or drawing of the badge would be of interest. Thank you in
anticipation.
(8/04)
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WW2 French Medal. My father was in REME
from 1939 to 1945 including Dunkirk with the 5th Regiment attached to the
guards unit and he was awarded some medals but unfortunately they were stolen.
He has replaced 3 but still missing is a medal issued by the French
government. He is 85years old and in good health living in Canada. Can anyone
help by giving us information about this medal especially its name. He
remembers it as being bigger than average. (8/04)
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American WW11 Hospitals in
England. Can anyone please help? I need information/identification of
the hospital near Tavistock, Devon and the Odstock Hospital near Salisbury,
Wiltshire. I would also like to contact anyone who was a patient in either
hospital, or who was a medic. Thank you, Iris. (7/04)
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Tanker Convoy TM-1. I am
researching Tanker Convoy TM-1; 9 tankers from Trinidad to Gib, 7 sunk by U
Boats, sailed T'dad 28 Dec 1942, 2 survivors arrived Gib 14 Jan 1943. Vessels
carrying much needed fuel oil for Op Torch. My brother in law was on Tanker
Cliona one of the 2 to get through. He says when they arrived at Gib the whole
harbour was full of ships from carrier "Illustrious" down, and then one night
they all sailed and the harbour was empty. I assumed they were there for Op
Torch but that took place in Nov. Does anyone know why they were there and
where they went? Tony Sweeting. (6/04)
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HMS Iris & HMS
Daffodil. My father was at Inveraray with the RN and talked of the
Iris and Daffodil. Does anyone have photo's of these vessels? I am also trying
to get a photo of the Empire Arquebus that he was on in D-Day, he took landing
craft assault to gold beach. He was also at Sicily and Salerno with landing
craft, the ship was the Duchess of Bedford which he says went via the cape and
the Suez. (6/04) |
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Practice landings at
Gortenfern Beach, Kentra. For many years I have been visiting
Gortenfern Beach near Kentra on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in Scotland. Over a
period of 30+ years I have discovered countless spent rounds, mortar fragments
and shells, and other bits and pieces. Can anyone tell me what units took part
in these operations, which seemed to have taken place in February 1944. I'd
like to hear from anyone who took part or can provide info on what took place
(objectives etc) and on what beaches in the area. And were they based in
Dorlin House? I can provide contemporary photos, from 1990 on, of the area. Thanking anyone
in advance. David Firth. (6/04)
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Fort Southwick,
Portsmouth. Can anyone confirm or deny that the underground
headquarters (ughq) at Fort Southwick Portsmouth was used by combined ops. The
ughq was purpose built for use as a command and control centre for operation
Overlord but I have heard that combined Ops used it first. Bob Hunt
www.portsdown-tunnels.org.uk
& E-mAil
(Also on research page).
(6/04)
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Book entitled Op.
Jubilee? Does anyone have any information on a book entitled Op.
jubilee? Sorry, no other details other than a British Publication. Many
thanks. G N Heal. (6/04)
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Stolen War Medals. My
father served and fought in WWII in 1939. His name is Henry J Shearing and he
was a merchant Seaman. He received many metals which have been stolen and I
would like to have them replaced. Mr. S. Shearing. Newfoundland.
(6/04) |
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Re-enactor Information. I am looking
for information regarding personnel needed for any of the re-enacted events
that I am told are planned.... American, Ranger, or British, etc. Thank you.
Dave. (5/04) |
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LCT 980.
We were
all young
kids. Now
I'm 78 and
it's
possible
that some
of the
crew are
still
alive....
Chesh,
Egghead,
Scouse,
the Cox,
Mech,
"Bunts"
and the
stokers
might
still be
able to
"check in"
as would
our
replacement
"Jimmy"
who was a
very fine
man also.
I believe
his name
was
Urqhuart(?).
If anybody
would like
to contact
me
regarding
LCT 980, I
would be
very happy
to hear
from them.
(Wireman)
Denis
Garrod (4/04)
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LCA 591
I am
researching
for my
father who
lost his
brother
Norman
Kenwood in
WW2. In
particular
I am
seeking
any
information
on LCA 591
upon which
my uncle
served. He
was
declared
missing
presumed
killed on
6 June
1944.
Thank you
in
anticipation.
(4/04)
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F-Troop No
4 Commando.
My father
served
with No4
Commando
at
Walcheren
and D-Day
landing.
Several
years back
he died
and left
me two
flags. I
am
wondering
if anyone
knows
anything
about
them. One
flag is a
union jack
with what
I believe
to be
possibly
most of No
4 Commando
signatures
-
including
Lovat's.
The other
is a
German
swastika
with the
epaulets
of German
officers
sewn in a
circle
around the
swastika.
- Can
anyone
shed light
on these
two old
and
unusual
flags?
Click on
thumbnails
to
enlarge.
(4/04)
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