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  #1  
Old 18-04-14, 08:36 PM
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Default No 1 Commando

Here is a nice Commando title and Combined Ops badge from a scrapbook I recently acquired. The veteran was an American who served during the North African landings of 1942 with the No 1 Commando. In the photo Mr. Anderson is in the middle. He had gone overseas to Great Britain in 1942 as a member of the 34th Infantry Division which was part of the U.S. Army National Guard. The 34th N.G. area was Iowa and Minnesota mainly. Mr Anderson was from Minnesota.


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  #2  
Old 19-04-14, 08:32 AM
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Very nice
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  #3  
Old 20-04-14, 12:54 PM
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Thanks Irv,

I have read that a group of soldiers from this division had volunteered for Commando training once arriving in N. Ireland in early 1942. While another group of 34th soldiers volunteered to become part of the U.S. First Ranger Bn. Which was patterned somewhat off the British Commando model.

From looking through additional clippings in the scrapbook Mr Anderson was back with American forces by 1944-1945.
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Last edited by irish; 20-04-14 at 01:04 PM.
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  #4  
Old 20-04-14, 10:26 PM
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Great find!
I've been trying to get an original 34th Inf. Div. WW2 patch for my collection. They were the first American troops to arrive in the European Theater and were based in Northern Ireland. Major Gen. Hartle was O.C. and Capt. William O. Darby was his Aide and was picked to set up the 1st Ranger Bn. and as you said over 50% of the initial draft were men from the 34th.

I would wonder if you man was sent to train with the commandos as part of the set up for the new ranger unit?

Any idea what the badge is on his left arm?

Dave
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  #5  
Old 21-04-14, 01:11 PM
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Hello Dave, I am unable to make out what is worn on the sleeve. If you PM me with your info I should be able to locate you a war vintage 34th patch.

Best
Jack
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  #6  
Old 21-04-14, 09:31 PM
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Hi Jack,

P.M. sent, and thanks!

Regards,

Dave
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  #7  
Old 21-04-14, 10:01 PM
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Hello Irish / Jack,

A great find and a rare set of insignia.

As mentioned in earlier posts he probably was one of the first 'Rangers' to train with the Commandos.

I'm away from my books at the moment but when I get home I'll look Anderson up for you.

Paul
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  #8  
Old 08-01-17, 02:33 PM
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The other 1 Commando thread.
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  #9  
Old 08-01-17, 03:29 PM
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Extremely desirable grouping - Printed red on black titles are much more difficult to get than embroidered red on black ones.

I imagine this is part of the grouping referred to in the thread below:

http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...088#post389088

Great to have the provenance too

Mike
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  #10  
Old 09-01-17, 05:47 PM
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Great post that I'd not spotted before either. See image attached of this combination being worn, supposedly taken at Algiers after the landings on the 8/11/1942. I cannot find the source for this image so I apologise if it breaches any rules or copyright.
Paul
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1 Cdo Algiers after the landings on 8 Nov 1942.jpg (67.4 KB, 41 views)
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Old 09-01-17, 06:26 PM
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I believe that this image first appeared in the Wehrmacht publication named "Signal" and shows British PW. When it first came to light it was suggested that the image also showed a 6 Cdo beret badge - the aluminium VI on a cloth patch - but I have always believed it to be the cover (with V for Victory) of book matches from a US ration pack. I have an example somewhere and will post an image when I find it. Mike
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  #12  
Old 09-01-17, 06:29 PM
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Default Commando PW

Link to the image from Signal:

http://www.warcolorphotos.com/315-co...-in-tunis-1943
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  #13  
Old 09-01-17, 07:24 PM
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Excellent thanks Mike
I think there was also a debate on the injured guy's beret too somewhere
cheers
Paul
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  #14  
Old 09-01-17, 09:17 PM
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Sgt Anderson belonged to Martins Troops as noted on the postal card. This refers to U.S. Lt. and later Captain Mark T. Martin. Mark Martin had been a newspaperman in Des Moines Iowa prior to the war. Martins troop might have been #10 troop from my reading.

Attached is a photo that looks to be from training. Man front row seated on left appears to have his knife between his teeth. Sgt Anderson is second row 2nd from left looking down at whatever is in his hands
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Last edited by irish; 09-01-17 at 09:27 PM.
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  #15  
Old 10-01-17, 02:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Jackson View Post
I believe that this image first appeared in the Wehrmacht publication named "Signal" and shows British PW. When it first came to light it was suggested that the image also showed a 6 Cdo beret badge - the aluminium VI on a cloth patch - but I have always believed it to be the cover (with V for Victory) of book matches from a US ration pack. I have an example somewhere and will post an image when I find it. Mike
Herewith. Made in USA - The Diamond Match Co NYC.

The caption to the photograph in the English language edition of Signal reads:

The Americans in Tunisia. American prisoners are assembled after an engagement. PK. Photograph: Front Correspondent Dr Feitl.

(PK - Propaganda Kompanie)

V-Victory_Book Matches.jpg
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