WHAT MANNER OF MEN ARE THESE WHO WEAR THE MAROON RED BERET? (Back to top)
They are firstly, all volunteers and are then toughened by hard physical training.  As a result they have that infectious optimism and that offensive eagerness which comes from physical well being.  They have jumped from the air and by doing so have conquered fear.

Their duty lies in the van of the battle; they are proud of this honour and have never failed in any task. They have the highest standards in all things whether it be skill in Battle or smartness in the execution of all peacetime duties. They have shown themselves to be as tenacious and determined in defence as they are courageous in the attack.

They are, in fact, men apart -- every man an Emperor.

Field Marshall The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

THE EMBLEM OF THE AIRBORNE FORCES (Back to top)
The Emblem of the airborne forces is Bellerophon mounted on the winged horse Pegasus. The first recorded instance of an airborne warrior, his exploits are recounted in Greek Mythology, where he is chiefly famous for slaying the fire-breathing monster Chimaera. Mounted on Pegasus, with spear in hand, Bellerophon rode into the air, swooped down upon the monster and destroyed it.

This emblem was chosen for the British Airborne Forces by the late Lieutenant General Sir Frederick("Boy") Browning GCVO, KBE, CB, DSO, DL, when he was appointed to raise Airborne Forces in 1941. The embelm was designed in May,1942, by Major Edward Seago, to be worn on the arms of all Airborne soldiers.

"GREEN LIGHT WARNING ORDER" (Back to top)
"You are about to carry out a parachute descent. When the green light is displayed you will be ordered to jump by the PJI/ALM. Failure to do so consitutes disobeying an order and disiplinary action may be taken against you. In the event of a green light failing to operate, the No1 will be dispatched on orders of the PJI/ALM. You are to follow in your stick order and carry out a parachute descent. Failure to do so consitutes disobeying an order and disiplinary action may be taken against you".

The Airborne Prayer (Back to top)

May the defence of the most high be above and beneath, around and within us, in our going out and our coming in, in our rising up and in our going down, all our days and all our nights, unitl the dawn when the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings for the peoples of the world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Commando Memorial (back to Top)

The Commando Memorial is located at Spean Bridge, the closest village to Achnacarry, the basic training centre for a great many wartime Commandos. The spectacular monument stands on an elevated site facing towards the western end of Scotland's Great Glen and overlooking the River Spean and Ben Nevis.
The design, submitted by Mr Scott Sutherland, an art teacher in the Collage of Art, Dundee, was selected in October 1949 by the Memorial Committee. From selection, it took a further two years to prepare the master sculpture in clay and plaster before the final casting in bronze. The finished monument depicts three, 9ft 4in. high, World War Two Commandos standing shoulder to shoulder. The Bronzes are mounted onto a granite base measuring an additional 8ft. giving an overall height of about 17ft.
The memorial is dedicated to the 1,700 Commandos who died in the 1939-45 war. It was formally unveiled on the 27th Sepember 1952 by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother to a large crowd of ex-Commando's, their families and onlookers. Following the unveiling Lord Lovat, the wartime Commando leader, made an emotional address remembering the dead, and paying tribute to the sacrifice they made for their country. Following Lovat's address the ceremony concluded with the playing of the lament, "The Flowers o' the Forest" by a lone piper, standing at the base of the memorial.

The bronze tablet mounted on the front face of the granite base states:

IN MEMORY OF
THE OFFICERS AND
MEN OF
THE COMMANDOS
WHO DIED IN THE
SECOND WORLD WAR
1939 1945
THIS COUNTRY WAS
THEIR TRAINING
GROUND

The Beginning (Back to Top)

During the 1939-1945 War, Commandos were organised into four Brigades, each of which was made up of Army Commando units and Royal Marine units. In Oct0ber 1945, Parliament decided Army Commandos were to be disbanded and that their task would pass exclusively to the Royal 'Marines, as they were fully qualified by their long tradition and history to carry out the special role.

Whilst the Army Commando units were disbanded, there remained a requirement for specialist support to the new Commando Brigade. A Brigade Ordnance Officer and staff of one Sergeant and one Corporal were three of twelve Army ranks in Headquarters 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, July 1964 this small RAOC detachment was enlarged by the formation of the Ordnance Field Park (OFP). It boasted three Officers and thirty eight Other Ranks. These places were filled only after earning the coveted green Beret.

On 11th January 1972 the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines was formed; primarily as a command and control function for the Brigade Maintenance Area. Its first Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Colonel RW Thornton RA0C. Thus was born the Commando Ordnance Squadron which remained in existence through the establishment of the Royal Logistic Corps and into the renamed Logistic Support Squadron. All members past and present can be proud of providing the vital 2nd Line Logistic Support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.

During this time a fierce sense of comradeship, pride and competitiveness has flourished amongst all Army Commandos and is now the backbone of a unique family bond. This Commando Spirit will be carried forward.

The 7 Naval Toasts (Back to top)
The Royal Navy has a number of specific toasts which are used on each day of the week. It is the job of the newest officer or midshipman to propose them. Traditionally they are given no help and should they forget then they should buy drinks for all those present

Monday - Our ships at sea.
Tuesday - Our Men.
Wednesday - Ourselves.
Thursday - A bloddy war and a sickly season.
Friday - A willing Foe and Sea Room.
Saturday - Sweethearts and Wivws (may they never meet).
Sunday - Absent friends.