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#1
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1 Aust Corps Ski School
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 |
#2
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hi matt
how interesting. never knew they existed. love to hear more if you find out any bc |
#3
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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 |
#4
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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 |
#5
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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 |
#6
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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
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Keep the flame lily burning |
#7
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1st Australian Corps Ski School
I am the daughter of Lindsay Salmon. He who was one of six Australians chosen to teach the troops to ski in combat in the Lebanon Mountains during the second world war. They were under the command of Major James Riddell.
I have written a book which is principally my fathers biography - 'The King of Hotham; my father by Gillian Salmon'. I tell the story of the ski troops and some of its members. The son of a New Zealand soldier also attached to this unit is going to re-produce James Riddell's book 'Dog in the Snow' which tells the story of the ski troops. We were looking to connect with anyone who had been a student (or relatives of anybody - as most passed on now) at the ski school. Harriet Tuckey daughter of 'Griffith Pugh' (a British soldier also attached to the school) published her fathers biography 'Everest' just recently. I recognized my father in some of the photos on this page, together with Johnny Abbottsmith the soldier standing next to him. Be keen to contact any members with information about the ski troops. and find out who Pol Air1 grandfather was? I have a photo album that belonged to my father. There are two badges on the front - I am not sure how to post the photo. Gillian Last edited by Drift; 18-01-15 at 03:26 AM. Reason: Had to add more information |
#8
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Feel free to post the pictures of the badges here.
We can probably ID them for you as there are lots of knowledgeable people on this forum. Mick
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Looking for Australian military books? Regimental Books - Australian Unit History specialists Chasing militaria? I recommend: Militaria Online - Australian Militaria Sales |
#9
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hi Gillian
well you've done the hard part and found us and have posted some great info. if you can take a pic of the badges and put them onto your computer you can upload them by scrolling down the page when you reply and click on "manage attachments". another box opens and you will have to search your computer for the pics then select and upload. let us know if you still have problems bc |
#10
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Hi, the identification of the colour patch as that of the Ski School came via the late Dave Allen. The patch in my collection came either from Dave Allen's or Ron Blair's collections. I admit I was never happy with how it looked which is why it is listed in the book as unconfirmed. I have never sighted any official correspondence relating to this patch and having had an opportunity some years ago to go through Dave's correspondence to units and other collectors can confirm there is nothing in that in relation to this patch.
Personally I think the individuals probably continued to wear the patches of the units from which they were seconded for the time the school was operating. |
#11
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1 Aust Corps Ski School
I have attached photo of cover on my fathers photo album. These may not be badges for the Ski School? They could be for a race squad? Have no idea. There is another album that my sister has so will have a look at that. Can't find any photos with badge on uniform. A Front of Album (800x538).jpg
B Inside front cover (800x603).jpg |
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