Great video and you show my father Janek Jedwab around 17 minutes in. He and his brother Henryk served in 6 Troop (Polish) of 10 Inter Allied Commando joining in September 1942. Interestingly their journey to Britain from Poland actually started in Cornwall in June 1940 when they were evacuated from France landing in Falmouth as part of Operation Aerial. They went on to fight with the Commandos in North Africa and Italy. After the war my father settled in London and I myself moved to Cornwall nearly 30 years ago. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing the details of your family's incredible journey and service. We owe much to many brave Poles who served the Allied cause well. Much respect. How fitting you now live in Cornwall. I was aware of the Wawel Treasures arriving in Falmouth and being taken by train to the Polish Embassy in London before being shipped out to Canada. They arrived on the ship Chorzow having left Bordeaux on the 15th to escape the advancing Germans. The train, guarded by Polish troops, left Falmouth on the 18th June 1940.
@@PhilsTeleTime Interesting about the Wawel Treasures, I wasn't aware. But also interesting that MOD records show my father mustering with Polish troops in le-Verdon-sur-Mer, Bordeaux on the 13th of June and being listed in Falmouth on the 19th so maybe he sat on one of the crates during the voyage. We'll never know!
Really, I did enjoy that very much. Your chronological juxtaposition, showing the "before and after" of the Radar Station was most appreciated. Very well done work, carry on. Kind regards, Brendan.
In Harlyn Cornwall at the moment and yesterday attended the Armistice day service in Padstow where my cousins live. Their father was billeted there whilst he was training in the Royal Navy Commandos during WW2 and met his wife. His brother was best man and fell in love with the sister, got married and also stayed in Padstow. It was wonderful to holiday there as a little boy and wondered why I couldn't understand them even though they were from Sheffield - it didn't take long to change their accents! I remember my father telling me that the training for landings on Constantine beach claimed a couple of lives of the commandos; they were swept out to sea by the rip currents and I have always been wary whenever I go there body boarding. Thanks for posting this and I will send the link to my cousins
Thanks for sharing the memories. Cornwall does that to people - so many have come and fallen in love with the place (and the people!) and never left. Were the Constantine casualties buried locally or taken home?
My wife's late Grandfather Alec, served from 1929-1951 in the Royal Marines and later in the RM Commando's when they were established alongside the Army Commando's. Whilst not in the footage itself shown above (as far as i can possibly tell?) Alec was one of the men who underwent this arduous and dangerous training in these exact locations and others around the UK. He was subsequently involved in many perilous operations in several theatres throughout the war, including D-Day. To bring things up to date, I served in the Royal Marine Commando's myself from 1986 until 2009. In the late 1990's whilst a Sergeant in 3 Commando Brigade Patrol Troop we also trained at Bosigran, Sennen Cove and other locations around the Devon and Cornwall coast. We used several of the exact areas shown in this video such as Commando Ridge (a notoriously dreaded climb, feared and respected by even the most seasoned and experienced climbers amongst us). We even used some of the exact same equipment that was shown in the video such as the Grip Fast anchoring device and the Roller Haulage gear for bringing men, equipment and casualties up or down a cliff. I do not have words that can express my admiration and respect for the men shown in this excellent video and all those who fought in WW2 alongside them. Reading stories of their exploits and operations as a young boy without a shadow of a doubt inspired me to join the Royal Marines. It was the best decision i ever made and i count myself lucky to have been able to tread in their giant footsteps and experience a little of what they had to go though. Per Mare Per Terram
Thank you for sharing your memories and your comments. I salute you and all who have served to secure and preserve our freedom in whatever generation, whether Alec's or your own. The nation is grateful.
I was there at St.ives, arriving from WW2 evacuation age 5. The Commandos were our heroes and we followed them everywhere.....except up/down those cliffs! A great bunch, always handing out sweets and chewing gum. A time when kids like us could go anywhere, anytime to where interest lay. When they left in 1950, the lifeboat men became our heroes!
the footage of them jumping down and around the cliffs. Well one of those jumps is known as the Lands End Long Jump. The Royal Marines mountain and artic warfare cadre do it as a confidence test for those who wish to take on the Mountain Leader Course. If you fail you are off the course. Today they do it with a rope and harness attached, as you can see here, they are virtually free jumping, tough men indeed
I visited Cornwall a few summers ago, travelling from Canada. I wished I had the chance to see the humble memorial for these men. Alas, time didn't allow for it.
Britain had to - Britain and its Empire were the only unconquered nation fighting Hitler from May 1940 to June 1941. The free world owes them a great deal. Thanks for your comment Dave.
@Leonard Backa Until 15th August 1947 India was part of the Empire so my sentence above is inclusive of the great contribution made. Indeed, units of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps were based here in Cornwall in 1940.
When I see this it makes me feel humble and so so respectful of those men who struck such fear into the enemy that Hitler issued the infamous Commando order that stated that if captured they were to be shot and not treated as prisoners of war. Further to that it went on to say that any German officer failing to implement that order would be regarded as committing an offence and liable to punishment. Unfortunately many brave Commandos were murdered as a result. We owe these people a massive debt. Lest we forget
My grandfather was in the commando’s during ww2 not the marines it was part of SOE originally he joined from the fusiliers he was Army. Number 1 commando
Thanks for sharing. I find the evolution of the Commando from the Independent Companies that saw action in Norway down to the variety of units that were in existence by 1945 fascinating. You can be proud of your grandfather's service.
Phil, this is really well- produced and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for putting it together. Marine Merryweather of 12 Commando, is that him who narrates the section which shows small craft at St Ives from around 7 mins 30 seconds? Again - great work! Neil
Hi Neil. I have no idea who the Commando narrating the scene at St Ives is. Marine Merryweather is the one recalling the training in the Camel Estuary near Padstow later in the video. It is possible they could both be the same person but I have nothing to confirm that is the case. If anyone has any evidence either way please leave a comment. Anyway, thanks for your kind words. Much appreciated.
My late father Jock Hunter was one of the first Commandos attached to Royal Corps of Signals. Posted to St Ives from Glasgow and billeted at Carbis Bay Hotel. Trained here.met my mum and stayed after the war for the rest of his life. I believe his CO whilst training in St Ives was Sir John Hunt. Was part of the RMFVR '54-'58. Member of the climbing club and climbed with all the well known climbers. He was a well respected member of the community which he served as the local Telephone Engineer.
Thank you for sharing. It certainly sounds like he was one of that superb generation that spent a lifetime in service for the benefit of others. You can be rightly proud.
This ought to be shown in the first week at CTCRM. I know it would be well received by new recruits, a brilliant slice of history and makes me even more proud.
+rotorseven I'm sure Commando-Story of the Green Beret from which some of the earlier clips (Spean Bridge/Achnacarry etc) are from would be shown at some point.Anyway, thanks for the compliment.
@@PhilsTeleTime I know this is an old post, but I had to mention that we were shown the Commando-Story of the Green Beret when I started training at Deal as Junior Marine, before moving to Lympstone for the Commando tests and earning my Green Lid (This was back in the 70's). We also did training in and around other areas in Cornwall and North Devon (half the time we didn't know where we were exactly).
The takedown at 7:07, I've never seen that in the WW2 combatives manuals. Does anyone know who taught it and where I might find information on that syllabus?
Very interesting, thank you. Am concerned whether all commandos in the water during the last exercise survived? Alas couldn't read the words at the bottom of the film whenever they showed as the sound bar covered all written words, so don't know if any information was included on those men thrown overboard there? Be good if sad to know.
I have found no information suggesting any lost their lives during the making of the film, but I do not know for certain. Don't know what format you were watching in but the sound bar usually disappears after a few seconds.Thanks for your feedback.
I assume you are talking St Ives. I don't know for sure but it was certainly possible as 3 companies and the HQ Company of 175 Infantry Regiment, 1 Battalion were stationed in St Ives prior to D-Day and would have utilised any available facility. You could try asking at the St Ives Museum and see if they can confirm it.
Some of those poor sods in the swamped boat at 29:00 must surely have drowned, if not many of them. Completely covered in surging waves, sucked back and forth against the rocks, wearing those serge uniforms and army boots, they don't look as if they've got a chance, and the change from cheery to grim music is the only indication ofr their fate.
I saw the same footage on a different channel. I think 2 men drowned, one is either commemorated or buried at Brookwood Cemetery. They might not have been recovered. Very sad.
Quote: "We start with some clips from the 1945 film "Commando - the Story of the Green Beret" that show the troops arriving at Spean Bridge and Achnacarry for training in the Highlands of Scotland. The action then shifts to...."
Hi Phil, My late dad features in one of the clips. Can you tell me what year the blowing up of the Hor radar station with satchel rucksacks of explosives was filmed ?
I believe that was done in 1945. The film it was taken from "Commando - the story of the Green Beret" was 'released' to the Admiralty in October 1945. Hope that helps.
Thanks for sharing. Back then £12.50 would have been a lot. My father married in 1954 earning £7 a week on which he was paying a mortgage, starting a family and living. Britain owes your father's generation a great deal for the freedom and peace we have today.
@@PhilsTeleTime It's a mute point and is not meant to detract from what is, in my opinion, an excellent documentary. But when I'm looking at a plan view of a coastline, top of the page is North, bottom South, right East and left , West. Am I missing something here?
When you look at this plan of the coastline south is at the top of the page. It's purely an illustrative diagram not a map with a compass point. Anyway, as you say, I think the two 1940s information films these segments are taken from are among the best produced.
Phil, I wasn't criticising the work at all, Like you, I think it is excellent and, as someone who has an interest in military history, I certainly learnt a lot of new material. I was merely making an observation.
When I was i Nod in Training we used to abseil off of cliffs and because of the extreme heat caused by the friction of the rope we would be told to put our one pair of spare socks over our hands....I laugh when I think about that now. I call the grip on the rope Death grip..........No matter what I was not letting go.
poncy middle class actor trying to do a cockney accent ruins it a bit for me. - Riff-raff were not allowed anywhere near film but were expected to risk their lives for the country while being patronised like this.
My grandad was in the 43 RM Commandos. Grew up with the best stories of his life. Missed very dearly
My Dad was in 5th Commandos after Dunkirk. He was based in Falmouth.
Great video and you show my father Janek Jedwab around 17 minutes in. He and his brother Henryk served in 6 Troop (Polish) of 10 Inter Allied Commando joining in September 1942. Interestingly their journey to Britain from Poland actually started in Cornwall in June 1940 when they were evacuated from France landing in Falmouth as part of Operation Aerial. They went on to fight with the Commandos in North Africa and Italy. After the war my father settled in London and I myself moved to Cornwall nearly 30 years ago. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing the details of your family's incredible journey and service. We owe much to many brave Poles who served the Allied cause well. Much respect. How fitting you now live in Cornwall.
I was aware of the Wawel Treasures arriving in Falmouth and being taken by train to the Polish Embassy in London before being shipped out to Canada. They arrived on the ship Chorzow having left Bordeaux on the 15th to escape the advancing Germans. The train, guarded by Polish troops, left Falmouth on the 18th June 1940.
@@PhilsTeleTime Interesting about the Wawel Treasures, I wasn't aware. But also interesting that MOD records show my father mustering with Polish troops in le-Verdon-sur-Mer, Bordeaux on the 13th of June and being listed in Falmouth on the 19th so maybe he sat on one of the crates during the voyage. We'll never know!
I’m proud to be half polish .my father was in action ,including Montecassino .It was a long war for Poland and now glory to Ukraine
Really, I did enjoy that very much. Your chronological juxtaposition, showing the "before and after" of the Radar Station was most appreciated. Very well done work, carry on. Kind regards, Brendan.
Great video. My Grandad was a no4 Commando during WW2. This was a great insight to the training he would have gone through. 👍
Thanks for sharing. You can rightly be proud of your Grandad.
Thanks uploader. Great vid.
Brave men indeed!
Thank you to each and everyone of them who did their bit to ensure that we could live free from oppression.
Excelente video, saludos desde chile . Cómo realizan el cruce con la tirolesa?
In Harlyn Cornwall at the moment and yesterday attended the Armistice day service in Padstow where my cousins live. Their father was billeted there whilst he was training in the Royal Navy Commandos during WW2 and met his wife. His brother was best man and fell in love with the sister, got married and also stayed in Padstow. It was wonderful to holiday there as a little boy and wondered why I couldn't understand them even though they were from Sheffield - it didn't take long to change their accents!
I remember my father telling me that the training for landings on Constantine beach claimed a couple of lives of the commandos; they were swept out to sea by the rip currents and I have always been wary whenever I go there body boarding.
Thanks for posting this and I will send the link to my cousins
Thanks for sharing the memories. Cornwall does that to people - so many have come and fallen in love with the place (and the people!) and never left.
Were the Constantine casualties buried locally or taken home?
My wife's late Grandfather Alec, served from 1929-1951 in the Royal Marines and later in the RM Commando's when they were established alongside the Army Commando's. Whilst not in the footage itself shown above (as far as i can possibly tell?) Alec was one of the men who underwent this arduous and dangerous training in these exact locations and others around the UK. He was subsequently involved in many perilous operations in several theatres throughout the war, including D-Day.
To bring things up to date, I served in the Royal Marine Commando's myself from 1986 until 2009. In the late 1990's whilst a Sergeant in 3 Commando Brigade Patrol Troop we also trained at Bosigran, Sennen Cove and other locations around the Devon and Cornwall coast. We used several of the exact areas shown in this video such as Commando Ridge (a notoriously dreaded climb, feared and respected by even the most seasoned and experienced climbers amongst us). We even used some of the exact same equipment that was shown in the video such as the Grip Fast anchoring device and the Roller Haulage gear for bringing men, equipment and casualties up or down a cliff.
I do not have words that can express my admiration and respect for the men shown in this excellent video and all those who fought in WW2 alongside them. Reading stories of their exploits and operations as a young boy without a shadow of a doubt inspired me to join the Royal Marines. It was the best decision i ever made and i count myself lucky to have been able to tread in their giant footsteps and experience a little of what they had to go though.
Per Mare Per Terram
Thank you for sharing your memories and your comments.
I salute you and all who have served to secure and preserve our freedom in whatever generation, whether Alec's or your own. The nation is grateful.
Huge respect
I joined February 1986, 514 troop, passed out with 516 troop, awarded the Commando Medal, brothers for life.
Really good production thank you. Before long it will be reproduced with logos such as Critical Past and the like plastered all over it. Well done Sir
I've seen the video of the crew foundering in very rough waters numerous times. I've often wondered if they survived the exercise.
I was there at St.ives, arriving from WW2 evacuation age 5. The Commandos were our heroes and we followed them everywhere.....except up/down those cliffs! A great bunch, always handing out sweets and chewing gum. A time when kids like us could go anywhere, anytime to where interest lay. When they left in 1950, the lifeboat men became our heroes!
What fantastic memories. Thanks for sharing.
the footage of them jumping down and around the cliffs. Well one of those jumps is known as the Lands End Long Jump. The Royal Marines mountain and artic warfare cadre do it as a confidence test for those who wish to take on the Mountain Leader Course. If you fail you are off the course. Today they do it with a rope and harness attached, as you can see here, they are virtually free jumping, tough men indeed
Also trained in Shanklin Isle of Wight there is a memorial at the chine 😎
Well done Phil, this is an important part of Cornish history which you have presented extremely well.
Cornishpastyman1 Thank you for your kind words. I thoroughly agree it is important that the story of Cornwall's contribution in WW2 is told.
Thank you very much Phil, I will.
I visited Cornwall a few summers ago, travelling from Canada. I wished I had the chance to see the humble memorial for these men. Alas, time didn't allow for it.
So much to see and so little time. I know the problem. I hope this video was a small compensation. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Fabulous video
From these tough men came US rangers/ udt / delta ect... Thankyou England for leading the way
Britain had to - Britain and its Empire were the only unconquered nation fighting Hitler from May 1940 to June 1941. The free world owes them a great deal.
Thanks for your comment Dave.
@Leonard Backa Until 15th August 1947 India was part of the Empire so my sentence above is inclusive of the great contribution made. Indeed, units of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps were based here in Cornwall in 1940.
Rangers from mid 1700s
The Rangers came from the green mountain boys starting in the late 1600s in New England.
@@5jump I was talking about US ARMY RANGERS STARTED BY COL ..DARBY he copied the British comando style
When I see this it makes me feel humble and so so respectful of those men who struck such fear into the enemy that Hitler issued the infamous Commando order that stated that if captured they were to be shot and not treated as prisoners of war. Further to that it went on to say that any German officer failing to implement that order would be regarded as committing an offence and liable to punishment. Unfortunately many brave Commandos were murdered as a result.
We owe these people a massive debt.
Lest we forget
HI PHIL, WHERE THE HELL WOULD WE ALL BE IF IT WASN'T FOR YOUR GREAT VIDEOS..THANK YOU SO MUCH MATE
Very interesting, informative. Really enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
My grandfather was in the commando’s during ww2 not the marines it was part of SOE originally he joined from the fusiliers he was Army. Number 1 commando
Thanks for sharing. I find the evolution of the Commando from the Independent Companies that saw action in Norway down to the variety of units that were in existence by 1945 fascinating. You can be proud of your grandfather's service.
exactly, my father was in 47 RM Commando in 1943 and he went to Achnacarry for his training
I think the Royal Marines took the whole thing over later on.
I enjoyed that, i thought it was very good, top marks !
Superb. Brilliant video... great work!
Amazing video... Great
Damn that rock jumping part. Fearless I tell yeah. I wouldn't be able to my legs would lock up.
Phil, this is really well- produced and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for putting it together.
Marine Merryweather of 12 Commando, is that him who narrates the section which shows small craft at St Ives from around 7 mins 30 seconds?
Again - great work!
Neil
Hi Neil. I have no idea who the Commando narrating the scene at St Ives is. Marine Merryweather is the one recalling the training in the Camel Estuary near Padstow later in the video. It is possible they could both be the same person but I have nothing to confirm that is the case. If anyone has any evidence either way please leave a comment. Anyway, thanks for your kind words. Much appreciated.
My late father Jock Hunter was one of the first Commandos attached to Royal Corps of Signals. Posted to St Ives from Glasgow and billeted at Carbis Bay Hotel. Trained here.met my mum and stayed after the war for the rest of his life.
I believe his CO whilst training in St Ives was Sir John Hunt.
Was part of the RMFVR '54-'58. Member of the climbing club and climbed with all the well known climbers. He was a well respected member of the community which he served as the local Telephone Engineer.
Thank you for sharing. It certainly sounds like he was one of that superb generation that spent a lifetime in service for the benefit of others. You can be rightly proud.
This ought to be shown in the first week at CTCRM.
I know it would be well received by new recruits, a brilliant slice of history and makes me even more proud.
+rotorseven I'm sure Commando-Story of the Green Beret from which some of the earlier clips (Spean Bridge/Achnacarry etc) are from would be shown at some point.Anyway, thanks for the compliment.
@@PhilsTeleTime I know this is an old post, but I had to mention that we were shown the Commando-Story of the Green Beret when I started training at Deal as Junior Marine, before moving to Lympstone for the Commando tests and earning my Green Lid (This was back in the 70's).
We also did training in and around other areas in Cornwall and North Devon (half the time we didn't know where we were exactly).
@@Bootneck-RMC - A Royal Marine always knows where he is - even if he doesn't. 😎
Definately
The takedown at 7:07, I've never seen that in the WW2 combatives manuals. Does anyone know who taught it and where I might find information on that syllabus?
Fairborn and Sykes ‘Get Tough’
The real and original Green Berets 🇬🇧
Very interesting, thank you. Am concerned whether all commandos in the water during the last exercise survived? Alas couldn't read the words at the bottom of the film whenever they showed as the sound bar covered all written words, so don't know if any information was included on those men thrown overboard there? Be good if sad to know.
I have found no information suggesting any lost their lives during the making of the film, but I do not know for certain. Don't know what format you were watching in but the sound bar usually disappears after a few seconds.Thanks for your feedback.
My father done this R I P some man so proud of him
Anyone else notice the use of fantasia lol... which was still huge at the time.
These rare old movies.
😸
Were there ever American jeeps kept at The Malakoff garage in WWII. Thank you.
I assume you are talking St Ives. I don't know for sure but it was certainly possible as 3 companies and the HQ Company of 175 Infantry Regiment, 1 Battalion were stationed in St Ives prior to D-Day and would have utilised any available facility. You could try asking at the St Ives Museum and see if they can confirm it.
Trés bon documentaire.
Merci monsieur.
Really really good, thanks for posting
Some of those poor sods in the swamped boat at 29:00 must surely have drowned, if not many of them. Completely covered in surging waves, sucked back and forth against the rocks, wearing those serge uniforms and army boots, they don't look as if they've got a chance, and the change from cheery to grim music is the only indication ofr their fate.
I saw the same footage on a different channel. I think 2 men drowned, one is either commemorated or buried at Brookwood Cemetery. They might not have been recovered. Very sad.
That’s not Cornwall that is Achnacarry in Scotland
Quote: "We start with some clips from the 1945 film "Commando - the Story of the Green Beret" that show the troops arriving at Spean Bridge and Achnacarry for training in the Highlands of Scotland.
The action then shifts to...."
Hi Phil, My late dad features in one of the clips. Can you tell me what year the blowing up of the Hor radar station with satchel rucksacks of explosives was filmed ?
I believe that was done in 1945. The film it was taken from "Commando - the story of the Green Beret" was 'released' to the Admiralty in October 1945. Hope that helps.
thanks
I couldnt do this even if I was 18 again!
N.a. m8 1250 was in 92 went up t 40 a wk died 95 but it worked out that in total he lost 45 a wk
Good job m8
My father trained in Cornwall so proud of him Britain even gave him 12 50 a wk pension for fight in in 3 wars
Thanks for sharing. Back then £12.50 would have been a lot. My father married in 1954 earning £7 a week on which he was paying a mortgage, starting a family and living. Britain owes your father's generation a great deal for the freedom and peace we have today.
About 20.45 ish, he says further West whilst indicating going East?? Has anyone else picked-up on this?
Except for the fact you are looking at the north coast of Cornwall so west is to the right. He is perfectly correct for the location.
@@PhilsTeleTime It's a mute point and is not meant to detract from what is, in my opinion, an excellent documentary. But when I'm looking at a plan view of a coastline, top of the page is North, bottom South, right East and left , West. Am I missing something here?
When you look at this plan of the coastline south is at the top of the page. It's purely an illustrative diagram not a map with a compass point.
Anyway, as you say, I think the two 1940s information films these segments are taken from are among the best produced.
Phil, I wasn't criticising the work at all, Like you, I think it is excellent and, as someone who has an interest in military history, I certainly learnt a lot of new material. I was merely making an observation.
Fully understood Stan. Glad it was of interest.
When I was i Nod in Training we used to abseil off of cliffs and because of the extreme heat caused by the friction of the rope we would be told to put our one pair of spare socks over our hands....I laugh when I think about that now. I call the grip on the rope Death grip..........No matter what I was not letting go.
I don't how they managed in those wool itchy combat uniforms back then in WW2
To see what remains of Hor Point radar station today watch ruclips.net/video/6dm9J3z2Bz8/видео.html
Hi, do you own the rights to this footage? I wish to use it in a film.
Long live braves
Watching this hoping I may see my uncle, I was told he trained the commando units during WWII.
Let us know if you spot him Richard. Good luck.
Remember , and to be knew in Britanny ;-)
Many thanks ......ping the Boots!!! THE ISH!!!!!
Nyc
marines!
First commandos were Army.
Nope
poncy middle class actor trying to do a cockney accent ruins it a bit for me. - Riff-raff were not allowed anywhere near film but were expected to risk their lives for the country while being patronised like this.
great vid though, well put together, I'll look on these places differently from now.
❤
They got destroyed by the Italian commandos in Tobruk anyway