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#1
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Commando instructors at Achnacarry
I can remember reading somewhere that the instructing staff at the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry Castle in Scotland during WWII wore a Cameron of Erracht tartan patch without badge on their green berets. James Dunning, in his book, ‘It had to be tough’, says the staff wore their cap badges on a Cameron of Lochiel tartan patch.
Can anyone help with more definite information and sources/photos? Thanks. |
#2
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Jimmy Dunning was correct, but NOT all instructors wore the backing patch.
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#3
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Do you know if there a difference between Cameron of Erracht tartan and that of Cameron of Lochiel or is it essentially the same? |
#4
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I have a green beret give to me by an achnacarry RM instructor. It have just got the RM cap badge. If that helps any.
Regards Irv |
#5
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Tartan
Hi Colin, You can look up the tartans in this index.
https://www.houseoftartan.co.uk/house/tfinder.htm regards John |
#6
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Totally different colours ,although the actual pattern is similar.
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#7
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Different tartans as fellow contributors have stated. |
#8
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It was the Erracht patch that was worn (same as the Cameron Highlanders) - according to the last Lochiel who very kindly showed me round the house and in particular the remaining artwork painted on the walls of what was the mess when I visited about 20 years ago.
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#9
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Didn't someone post a photo of commando training instructors in Scotland with tartan backings a good few years ago now I seem to remember.
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#10
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Thank you to all those who have added their assistance - the Forum is always such a knowledgeable source. Having looked at the tartan chart, I am sure that I saw an illustration of a round patch of the Erracht Regimental tartan being labelled as an Achnacarry instructor’s beret emblem (but, despite racking my pea brain, cannot remember where that was...) This would concur with what Lochiel said to Royal - as he’s the Head of the Cameron Clan presumably he can use any one of the Cameron tartans. It may be that Jimmy Dunning just presumed it was Cameron of Lochiel tartan because he was based at Lochiel’s castle
But..I have now found a thread on the Forum called “Commando pic - Reconnaissance Regiment?” Which shows a letter from Mountbatten quoting the tartan as being Lochiel - I attach the letter for ease of reference. Nothing in the world of badge collecting turns out to be straightforward.... Last edited by Colin S; 21-02-21 at 11:05 PM. |
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