1 Aust Corps Ski School

[POL_AIR_1]

Hi All,
In the past few days I have found out that my grandfather was attached to the 1 Aust Corps Ski School in Lebanon during 1941-42.

I would love to talk with anyone that may have photographs of the Australians at the school or any documents etc. Please contact me.....

I believe my grandfather may be the gentleman closest to the camera in the below photo

1942-01. SYRIA. - LEBANON. AUST. MOTORCYCLE PATROL IN TRAINING FOR DESPATCH RIDING DUTIES IN THE SNOW COUNTRY.
7TH DIVISION TRAINING PATROL, 2/33 BN.


Here is some information from the AWM website:
The Australian Corps Ski School was established in the Lebanese mountains of Syria at the end of 1941. The intention was to train Australian troops serving on garrison duty in that country to serve as ski troops, giving them greater mobility in the otherwise almost impassable conditions of the Syrian winter. The school was placed under the command of NX34963 Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) Robert Watkin Savage, a signals officer who was also an accomplished skier and bush walker. A staff of ten, including some of Australia's best skiers, as well as foreigners such as British Olympic competitor Major James Riddell, were brought together to provide expert tuition. Two courses, each of about 50 students, were trained, approximately half being judged competent at the end of their course. The entry of Japan into the war, and changing priorities in North Africa, meant that the Australian ski experiment was short lived. After only three months, the school was closed, and its staff returned to their units. Uniform worn by staff and pupils was sourced locally within Syria, and comprised white canvas trousers and pullover jacket, which were worn over the normal Australian woollen service dress. A white cotton peaked cap and mittens were also supplied. Clothing was waterproofed using a copper sulphate solution which gave the white clothing a characteristic pale blue-green tint.
Regards,
Matt

[badgecollector]

hi matt
how interesting. never knew they existed.
love to hear more if you find out any
bc

[POL_AIR_1]

Hi BC,
I came across a good link from the AWM.
It is from the 9 Div war diary.

http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/rec...-1-12-14-1.pdf

Here are also some more photos (again from the AWM).










Regards,
Matt

[badgecollector]

Wow Matt
This info blows me away. Fantastic! Never knew about them.
I have seen a couple of British army ski badges pre and post www2. I believe they were unit made so unofficial? Wonder if this unit ever had a badge or patch or more plausible, a colour patch made?
BC

[POL_AIR_1]

Hi BC,
I have seen some photos where the AIF wore a "Rising Sun" badge on the front of their white caps.
I am hoping that maybe slick_mick may know some more about any formation patches etc??
I am most likely wrong, but I dont believe that they had anything different because their uniforms and equipment were sourced locally and the "whites" were worn over the top of their woolen uniform.
The photo on the motorbikes doesn't appear to have any colour patches on the shoulder.

Although the AIF only stayed at the school for 3 months, apparently it continued for other allied countries past Feb '42. For these countries their supplies were sourced from the UK & US.

There is an 8 min video on Youtube taken by VX3921 Captain (later Major) Roderick Frank Arthur Strang.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNjClWszXso
Regards,
Matt

[johnG]

Another question for Slick Mick.

With the magnificent ski slopes which I am told now exist in the Australian Alps, then no doubt skiing is something members of the military take part in, but is there a modern equivalent of that WW2 unit, or training courses held ?

johnG

[slick_mick]

Hi John,

No mate - we don't have any ski troops these days unless they are part of an Army ski team.

Though some specialised alpine training may be available to some soldiers.

Regards,

Mick

[rockape560]

hi all,

a very interesting thread and a interesting video.was that a riseing sun badge at appox 7.15 on the video.

philip

[POL_AIR_1]

Hi Philip,
Yeah mate, it is.
Cheers,
MS

[Mike Jackson]

This is a link to the War Diary of the Ski School - it makes fascinating reading, but no mention of a colour patch.

http://203.6.144.13/collection/recor...-1-12-14-1.pdf

[John L]

Glyde shows a colour patch , white square on a blue square and the gray backing. He does state that it is unconfirmed at the time his book was printed, 1999

[slick_mick]

Phil @ www.colourpatch.com.au may know.

Send him an email and see what he says.

email: colourpatch@hotmail.com

Mick

[POL_AIR_1]

Originally Posted by slick_mick

Phil @ www.colourpatch.com.au may know.

Send him an email and see what he says.

Mick

Cheers Mick,
I have flicked him an email.
Regards,
Matt

[POL_AIR_1]

Originally Posted by John L

Glyde shows a colour patch , white square on a blue square and the gray backing. He does state that it is unconfirmed at the time his book was printed, 1999

Hi John,
Thanks for the info.
Any chance of a scan/picture at all please?
Cheers,
Matt

[badgecollector]

Originally Posted by John L

Glyde shows a colour patch , white square on a blue square and the gray backing. He does state that it is unconfirmed at the time his book was printed, 1999

hi Matt
here it is.
thanks john, should have looked at glydes book first. better off emailing keith glyde than anyone else as he is the expert on these.
Aust. Ski School, 1942; not yet confirmed. raised in lebanon in november 1941 to train ski companies for the 1st Aust Corps and the 3 Divisions. he also states it was closed down before this was completed
bc