Abbreviations

1

The Start of War!

The Second World War had its origins as early as 1938 with the invasion of Czechoslovakia, and having had a first taste of combat in the Spanish Civil War, Germany appeared as a powerful threat to the nations of Western Europe in the second half of the 1930s. The government of the Netherlands believed the country could maintain its neutrality as it did in ‘The War to end all Wars’ from 1914 to 1918, but nevertheless its armed forces mobilized as early as 1938, causing confusion among the population; why would one mobilize troops if we were to remain neutral? Belgium, equally believed it could maintain its neutrality, and felt that its natural barrier in the Ardennes and French defences right behind it, would be the most unlikely area for an army to invade. France was confident that its Maginot line of defensive structures consisting of underground tunnel systems and heavy fortifications, would protect it in the East and its armed forces spread from the coast to the German border.

War was declared on Germany after its invasion of Poland, by both the British and French governments, and by March of 1940 more than 300,000 troops of the British Expeditionary Force were stationed in France, mainly along the Franco-Belgian border. Since the Netherlands and Belgium were neutral it was not possible to place British troops in these countries.

All this changed as German forces suddenly and without warning invaded the low countries, with a highly modernized, mechanized army using Blitzkrieg [lightning war] tactics, parachuting troops in at key airfields and bridges in the western parts of the Netherlands and causing confusion at the Dutch-German border, having infiltrated in the Dutch defences.

In all the confusion, British and French troops were rushed to the Belgian-Dutch border and even into the Netherlands, in an attempt to stop the invading forces there. An attempt by the Germans to capture the Dutch Queen Wilhelmina and her Government had failed, as this was prevented by Dutch troops fighting fiercely to defend their country.

Under continued pressure from the Government, the Queen was forced to evacuate to England along with the majority of the Government. Although the invading German forces expected to bring the Netherlands to its knees within hours, it took them five days to do so, after having bombed the city centre of Rotterdam and threatening to do the same with Utrecht. While allied forces were able to hold up invading German troops near the Belgian border, the Germans unexpectedly rushed through the Ardennes into Belgium towards the French border going past the Maginot line. Within weeks all defending forces were pushed back towards the coastline, and as of June of 1940 saw the evacuation of remaining troops from Dunkirk and later also from Le Havre. Men of the British Expeditionary Force, the French, Belgian and even Dutch armies were evacuated to Britain, and now the threat of a German invasion lay at this island’s doorstep. The German plan was to invade Britain using similar Blitz tactics, by dropping airborne troops behind England’s coastal defences thereby taking them out to allow landing craft to disembark their army on the beaches. During the invasion of the Netherlands, the Dutch Army and Air force had disabled so many of the German transport aircraft, that their original plan to parachute down into Britain could not be carried out.

Dutch defensive position against the invading German army, Holland 1940. (Press release photo)

Remnants of German JU52 Troop Transport aircraft shot down over Holland, May 1940.

Mne Fred Wildman, Heavy Weapons:

Like many other youngsters, I left school at the age of 14. Being the eldest of eight children I was expected to contribute to the family income. I embarked on a series of jobs, totalling 15 in all by the time my service with the Royal Marines began.

When the war in 1939 came upon us, households were issued with bomb shelters and gas masks and our worst fears were realized. After a fairly quiet year the bombs started dropping and news bulletins now included reports about Europe being overrun and our troops having to be evacuated from Dunkirk.

Mne. F. G. Wildman CH/X107841, Heavy Weapons Troop.

Cpl Ernie ‘Taffy’ Staphnill, A-Troop:

It’s 1939 and war had broken out. I was working at Hopes & Sons Ltd. as a metal window fitter. Previously I had done 4 Years in the Territorial Army (1934–1938) with the Royal Engineers in Smethwick, which terminated in 1938 and 1 Year in the reserve (1938–1939). Expecting to be called up, Nellie and I decided to get married, and on the 28th October 1939 we did just that. Instead, because I was in a reserved occupation as a metal panel beater, I was directed to Perry Bar Metal Co. in Smethwick to work on Wellington Bombers (1939–1941), making the rear end frames for the gun turrets for two years. While there I did National Fire Service (N.F.S.) duty at the factory twice a week because of the bombing raids on Birmingham and the surrounding area. We did get a direct hit on the factory, hitting the pickling vats filled with acid, but we managed to get things quickly under control.

About two years later (1941–1943) I was transferred to Serk Radiators Ltd. in Birmingham to work on the cowling of the Rolls Royce Merling engine. I stayed there for about 2 Years before being called up. While working there I joined the Home Guard at Bartley Green, Harborne in the 138 Z AA Battery doing two nights a week and one in four weekends. I also spent one weekend on the outskirts of London and one weekend on the outskirts of Liverpool, manning the AA batteries there during the air raids.

All over the country there were many recruitment offices where young men went to sign up, each for their own good reason, some so anxious to join that they lied about their age, some even at the age of 14 or 15. Some wanted to join because of the pay, to have an income in times of crisis, others because they felt the need to defend the country and fight the enemy. Young men wanting to join the Navy ending up joining the Royal Marines, others went straight for the Royal Marines.

Cpl. E. ‘Taffy’ Staphnill 14737675, HQ-Troop.

Cpl Chuck Harris, HQ-Troop (later CQMS):

[I] ... left Leyton Tech 1938 (age 15 years and 6 months). Started my first job as a Post Boy on 17s 6d per week at the Dunlop Rubber Company. Progressed to Trainee Commercial Traveller when I went to work for Mascotte Printing Company in Black Friars Lane off Ludgate Hill.

War started the following year in September 1939. I was living in Ilford with my sister May, mum and dad were down in Oxford as mum was ill. Everyone was issued with I.D. cards. Instructions were to go to the local labour exchange to be allocated work. It was on the cards that, as I was only 16 years and 9 months I would be given factory work. No way! Chatting with my old friend Les Sudder down the pub, led to a job with his dad—J. C. Sudder. Loading fresh fish and potatoes in and out of the warehouse. Alfred Boone, the yard foreman gave me a job with Fred Gammon when I turned 17, so I started my driving career. For 2 years Sudders employed me to drive the lorry all over London delivering fresh fish, potatoes and all products and equipment to do with the fish & chips shop trade and also collected money for these items.

The start of 1941 while I was still living with my sister May, mum died in Oxford. April 1941 I was called up. I went for my medical at Walthamstow. I was asked my preference of service, I wanted Royal Navy. At the interview I was advised to join the Royal Marines.

Sent to Eastney Barracks, Southsea (Next to Portsmouth) for training. Warned not to volunteer for anything, but pulled out as a Driver. Next course was RMTTD (Royal Marine Technical Training Depot) at Southsea. Next course was Driving and Driver Mechanics Course. The following course was Fitter Course, plus Military training. If more money was involved then I did volunteer!

Posted to Dalditch Camp training ground at Woodberry Common, near Exmouth, Devon. Lowest of the low when we did coal detail, dead in the live hole. Then we were on the move.

Posted to Glasgow, where I boarded the Empress of Russia (this was a passenger liner turned into a troop ship). This boat took us via the Irish Sea, past the English Channel, down to the Bay of Biscay, West Coast of Africa, onto Cape of Good Hope. Men were dropped off at many destinations. I was dropped off at Mozambique.

Next boat was the Ramgi, this took us up to Aden. Slight problem with the feet (Athletes foot) meant that I had to remain on board. So was not until went up the Suez Canal that eventually got off with the Long Range Desert Group. We were a mixture of Army, Navy and Royals (combined ops in small way). My job was to teach how to waterproof vehicles, maintenance etc. We were known as ‘Popski Private Army’, our leader being a Belgium, real name Ladinmyre Pernia. I spent 3 months with the group maintaining and driving vehicles. Then it was back to Egypt.

In Alexandria I served with Jack Churchill. Worked with partisans, the Chetniks were our allies at this stage of the war, but they changed sides later. We were in a big Transient Camp in Alexandria, a lot going on. 1942 passed into 1943.

Preparation for invasion 11^th July 1943. The landing was on Sicily, although a body had been dispatched, dressed in gear on the pretext that there would be an invasion of Sardinia. This proved to save many lives and the day before when I landed on the 10th July 1943 with my Breakdown Vehicle in readiness for the Invasion, there was not much resistance. But I did manage to get injured, with shrapnel lodged in the femur, so had to come home by a Canadian Hospital Boat (top notch). I did change to a British Boat at Gibraltar, (pig sty compared to Canadian boat). Journey ended with me in hospital at Newton Abbot.

Sent to Wales to Recuperate—RM-Div.6 Signals, At Trecwn, Nr. Fish guard. Met my Lovely Wife at a Dance the first Saturday night that I arrived there. That was in August 1943. By December we got engaged.

Cpl. C. J. ‘Chuck’ Harris PO/X111981t, HQ-Troop (later CQMS).

Cpl Ken ‘Pixie’ Parker, Y-Troop:

Early 1942 at the tender age of 16 I was working for Georges Brewery in Bristol. A nice place to work but with one precaution; no smoking allowed on the premises with instant dismissal if caught. But what we did do was to slip over to the toilets for a crafty cig with a lookout to make sure no foreman was about.

One day 5 of us went over for a crafty fag with a watcher, but unfortunately a foreman caught us and I was the only one showing my cigarette and was taken up in front of the works manager and instant dismissed and marched off the premises. Wondering what to say to my mother I walked along Victoria Street and came along the recruiting office, and though I did not want to be directed to a job I didn’t like, so I went in. First to the Navy desk and asked what my chances were to join, but the Chief Petty Officer said as I was not yet 17 (I was only two months away from 17), but he said ‘See that man over there, he will see to you!’ When I looked across I saw this CSgt resplendent in his Blues. I went across and after the interview he said ‘Go home and get your parents to sign this form and bring it back to me and you will be OK’.

The next thing was to think of what to say to my mother being a widow with two girls at home, which I thought up as I went along. On reaching home the first thing my mother said was ‘What are you doing home at this time of day? What’s wrong?’ I said ‘I have some bad news and some good news; the bad news is I lost my job for smoking.’ All hell was let loose, after a short period she calmed down and said ‘What’s the good?’ I told her I had another job but before I could tell her what it was she had to sign this form. Without looking at it she signed and when I had put the form in my pocket she said ‘OK where is it?’ I then told her I had joined the Royal Marines. She went ballistic and tried to get the form, but couldn’t. After a while she calmed down and said it would serve me right and not to blame her if I did not like it. Three weeks later I had my medical and the following month aged 17. I received my call up papers and proceeded to Lympstone. I do not regret one minute of it.

Cpl. K. ‘Pixie’ Parker PLY/X113045, Y-Troop.

Mne Fred Wildman, Heavy Weapons:

On reaching the age of 18 in 1940, I started making enquiries about joining the forces and doing something towards the threat of being invaded.

I quite liked the idea of being in the navy, but when I arrived at the recruiting depot, the sergeant in charge pursed his lips and said ‘you could have to wait months to get in there. Now, if you want some sea service and fancy a smashing blue uniform, then why don’t join the Royal Marines? Could get you in with them sooner. I thought about it for a few seconds and said ‘OK then, I’ll give it a go’. Needless to say, the nearest I got to the blue uniform was watching the Royal Marine bandsmen and the only sea service was in Landing Craft. Nevertheless, I never regretted joining the ‘Royals’ which I did on April 1st 1941.

I was sent travel vouchers to go to a training depot at Exmouth in Devon. Fortunately, I met up with a number of other recruits on the train and by the time we got to Exmouth, we numbered around 30. We spent six weeks being trained and constantly being told what a privilege it was to be Royal Marine. At the end of this spell, we became part of the 10th battalion Royal Marines.

As part of ‘A’ Company, I was involved in manoeuvres all over Britain and it began to dawn on us that nobody had much idea of what we should be doing. There were various manoeuvres mixed in with helping farmers pick their crops etc. Eventually, some system emerged of a proper programme of training.

A Heavy Weapon Company was formed consisting of 3-inch mortars and Vickers machine guns and I was fortunately allowed to join it.

As the war dragged on, from this point our training took on a sharper edge and everything we did we could see the sense behind it all.

Sgt Albert Thompson, Q-Troop:

Called up.

Went to Manchester for Medical, asked to join Navy, but so did everybody else, joined the Marines instead. Received papers with a Rail warrant for Exmouth, Devon. I think the farthest I’d been before was Alderley Edge.

Arrived at Exmouth. Picked up by a lorry and taken to Exton Barracks, a place being specially built for conscripts to do their initial six weeks training. The first thing they put down was the barrack square which in the marines is a sacred place, unless you were ordered to, you walked on it at your peril.

Did six weeks initial training, square bashing in other words. After six weeks we were marching out of Exton Barracks, saw Johnny Aston in his civies, queuing up to be issued with his uniform, his name was Laurence John, we called him Lum, he lived on North Rd. Couldn’t speak to him while we were marching out, never saw him again believe he got a good job as a PTI in Plymouth?

They carted us up on to Exmoor, Dolditéh common I think the area was called, there were Bell tents all bundled up, placed in rows they detailed seven or eight men to each one told us to watch out for adders as they were poisonous then said we had to erect the tent that is where we were billeted for the next few weeks.

They gave us a weekend leave while we were there. A Geordy lad in our tent was going home he sat at the door of the tent singing to himself and saying ‘amn gormen yam’ that’s what it sounded like anyway. From Exmoor we went to Fishguard in Wales where they had us doing all sorts of work.

They were short of Dockers in the port so we went unloading boats that were coming in from Eire for which we got paid but we didn’t see any of the money it went in to the R.M. Benevolent Fund.

We also went to some of the farms picking Flax, they use every part of this plant, the tops and roots are fed to the animals and the stalks are sent to a factory and made into cloth, some kind of linen I think.

It was at Fishguard that I got made up to L/Cpl and I got the stripe through lying to a General. It came about through me always being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

When a unit goes into a camp one of the first things to be sorted out is the guard for the gate. This usually consists of a NCO and around six men and is taken in turn by each company.

With ours being a new unit still being formed there was not enough Officers or NCOs so they put marines in charge of the guard for the time being.

This particular day it was our turn and they picked me as guard Cdr, wrong place at the wrong time again. The guard lasts for 24 hrs with the men doing 2 hrs on and 1 hrs off and it was going very well until the General Officer commanding the area decided to pay a surprise visit, bad habit of mine being in the wrong place. You turn the guard out for a General, so the ... on the gate shouted ‘guard turn out’ we turned out and formed up I saluted him and he decided to inspect the guard, while he was walking round he was asking questions about the training we were doing, were we doing aircraft recognition and so on, this was a bit dodgy with doing dock and farm work, we were not doing any of these things, on the spur of the moment I decided to tell him we were doing this training when he asked and even pointed out the places where we did them.

When the guard was over and was summoned to the adjutant’s office, I thought I was going to get caned for lying but it was just the opposite they said I’d handled the questions very well. Gave me a stripe and sent me on a NCOs course.

Moved to Tenby, and got down to some serious training marches and shooting on the ranges at Manorbier just up the coast, went on a 3 day hike did 20 odd miles, sore feet and blisters, no wonder the Welsh dogs have short legs walking up and down all those hills.

Nice place Tenby, miles and miles of sandy beaches stayed in a boarding house on the seafront but slept on the floor on palliasses. Managed to get a trip on an air-sea rescue launch where it was going flat-out it felt as though it was going to take off, enjoyed it.

After a few weeks in Tenby we moved to a hutted camp on the south coast and it was here that the powers that be decided we should become commandos, it was a volunteer job. There is an old saying the forces never volunteer for anything, but nobody seems to take any notice of it. So when they asked, the majority volunteered and those that didn’t were posted to other jobs, I think a lot went as landing craft crews.

A. Thompson PLY/X103123, Q-Troop.

Cpl. W. J. ‘Bill’ Marshall PLY/X111256, Y-Troop (later Sergeant).

Cpl Bill Marshall, Y-Troop (later Sgt):

I joined the Marines in Exton Devon, 513 Squad G Company (PLY/X111256) for six weeks training. My next move was to NCO course at Deal. Then I volunteered for Commando Training at Achnacarry Castle Scotland.