Port Commando RE ?

[sailorbear]

Hi all. Can anyone tell me anything about this badge (and yes I know it's a reproduction) It is advertised as a WW2 "Port Commando RE" patch. Only having ever had contact with the modern 59 Independant Commando RE I know nothing of WW2 Royal Engineer Commando formations, so did this badge exist and what was the Port Commando RE, where was it based and where did it serve? The company that produces this also produces a GHQ Liasion Regiment (Phantom) white "P" on a black square patch, so this is meant to be a different unit insignia?

Any info gratefully recieved

Regards Tony

[wright241]

Originally Posted by sailorbear

Hi all. Can anyone tell me anything about this badge (and yes I know it's a reproduction) It is advertised as a WW2 "Port Commando RE" patch. Only having ever had contact with the modern 59 Independant Commando RE I know nothing of WW2 Royal Engineer Commando formations, so did this badge exist and what was the Port Commando RE, where was it based and where did it serve? The company that produces this also produces a GHQ Liasion Regiment (Phantom) white "P" on a black square patch, so this is meant to be a different unit insignia?

Any info gratefully recieved

Regards Tony

I believe that the 'P' on a black square was the 'Phantom' brigade patch.
I also believe that David Niven was in this unit during the war.
If this is incorrect, undoubtedly someone will point me in the right direction.

[sailorbear]

Originally Posted by wright241

I believe that the 'P' on a black square was the 'Phantom' brigade patch.
I also believe that David Niven was in this unit during the war.
If this is incorrect, undoubtedly someone will point me in the right direction.

Hi, thanks for your reply, yes you are right the white "P" on a black square was the insgnia of "Phantom" or the GHQ Liasion Regiment (I dont think they were ever a brigade?) they were originally No 1 GHQ Reconnaissance Unit but changed to the GHQ Liasion Regiment after the formation of the Reconnaissance Corps and chose the code name "Phantom" for themselves! apart from the white "P" patch the only regimental marks were the black armoured corps beret worm with the individuals previous unit cap badge. David Niven was indeed a member of the unit and commanded A squadron.

back to my orginal question , the Port Commando RE badge, it differs from the phantom badge in that it is a light yellow "P" on a black or navy circle, (see attached images for comparison) the main point of my question was did anyone have any informaton on this particular badge as apart from the modern 59 Commando RE I know nothing of wartime engineer commandos and would lke to know if the badge was ever actually worn and was it a Commando unt? Hopefully somebody wll know.

all replies gratefully recieved

Regards Tony