Quote:
Originally Posted by zorgon
Some more thoughts if I may. In my limited experience, it seems that there are two variants of the RSR beret cloth badge representing the two locations where the training bases were located and the patches most likely made (Cairo and the Middle East and later around Bari, Italy).
I believe the RSR was conceived and formed in Cairo and neighbouring Katatba with initial training, including the para training jumps done in or near Palestine. Many of the Officers from the initial group were recruited from South African forces. Harry did recall that the cigarette ration received in Bari was often supplemented by the South African influence and C to C (Cape to Cairo) cigarettes were provided to the RSR group in Italy. Smokers remember these things I guess.
Gage, one of the initial Officers in the RSR records that the first parachute course consisted of 80 officers and men and was conducted at Ramid David near Nazareth in late 1943. (Greek Adventure, Jack Gage, Published by Unie Volkspers (1950). Gage mentions training consisted of 7 jumps and Harry recalled this was the same in Bari too. While a Hudson aircraft was reported to be used during the first training jumps in Ramid David, Harry says they used whatever was available around Bari which included a Manchester and a Lancaster (where they jumped from the bomb-bay, not through the door) and also a very noisy Italian aircraft (Marchetti maybe?).
The variations in the both the para qualification and cap badges may also be a reflection of where the soldiers took their initial RSR training. I don’t think there are any absolutes given the era, circumstances and even how some men would move between Operational groups.
|
My Grandad(Sgt Robert Parkes) served in the RSR and I have spent years researching them. He did his para training in Italy and according to No4 PTS War Diary he did his jumps from a Wellington although it mentioned that most courses/jumps were from Dakotas. Really interesting reading all of these posts and I know the chap who gave his beret to the IWM and he is still around(98 years old). Also, I have the Raiding Forces history which I copied at Kew and it explains that the HQ Raiding Forces was part of the original 1 SAS as was the SBS/GSR and that it's "Brigade Motto" was "Who Dares Wins". The brigade insignia on the cover of the history is the SAS cap badge and wings. I might have some specific info about Harry in my records and will have a look for any one who is interested.