Hi Folks,
Well, it was quite the incredible Remembrance weekend, and remember it we most certainly will!
As Commando D Living History Group was invited by the Commando Veterans Association (CVA) to present a demonstration of WW2 close combat over Remembrance weekend, it was time to pack all our troubles in our old kit bag and head North to the original Highland training grounds, and to meet the "Old and Bold"!
Mike, Dave and I arrived in Fort William on Friday night at the Alexandra Hotel, to meet with Kenny (a medic with the Paras) and many others that fast became firm new friends. The gathering there was organised by the CVA and we met with many of the veterans who had trained at Achnacarry or Lochailort themselves and went on to seen action in various Commando units on the front lines throughout WW2.
To stand in the presence of any men who served in this War was something, but to hear tales of landing at Sword Beach on D-Day was something else! Friday night was a good one, and with a speed march first thing in the morning, we probably took a bit more beer than was wise (well, it gives us that surly edge to push all the harder Wink
Saturday morning, we`re up early, kitted up in full battledress, webbing, backpack and SMLE rifles to do our 7 mile speed march from Spean Bridge train station to Achnacarry House. We had organised this one as a sponsored event and like any march we have and shall yet do along the traditional training route, the only way to honour the original boys is to make it in full kit.
The four of us meet up at the station along with a family of 10 who have marched the same route for years, and we all head off together. After eyes right and salute at the Commando memorial, the four of us crack on a bit faster. It was a cold day, but dry at least and good weather for it.
A little over half way, we decide to step it up a bit, so we all pushed it on at a good pace.
The one moment that made the whole run worthwhile and that we shall always remember was meeting a minibus full of veterans travelling back from Achnacarry as we were running in kit along the road, when the bus stopped, side door opened and as we passed it, were greeted with the heady sounds of the old boys cheering us on and waving their green berets from inside!
March done, we head back post haste to the hotel for the demo.
This was a demonstration of WW2 Fairbairn/Sykes close combat and weapons use to a packed room full of original veterans as well as many serving Commandos and their wives and families. In front of what was by far our most eagle-eyed and potentially fiercest critics yet, we got on with the job.
Some 30 minutes later, we ended to a great round of applause and then announced our earlier speed march efforts and presented the CVA with a cheque for £237.50, which was also well received.
We were very relieved to see many nodding heads, smiles and knowing looks throughout the demo, and moreso to hear comments afterwards such as "What you boys did there was exactly what we did at Achnacarry!"
Very humbling stuff.
Saturday evening in the bar, Mike and I brought out one of my self-made reproduction 2nd pattern FS Commando knifes as well as a couple of original 3rd patterns to compare alongside a rare original 1st patt. that belonged to the owner`s father, who served in 2 Cdo.
On Sunday, there was a Remembrance parade and service in Fort William town square, followed by an afternoon parade and service at the Commando memorial, Spean Bridge. We were present at both, and laid a wreath on behalf of our group at the Spean memorial (poppy wreath with the Cdo. D logo, group name and "We Will Remember Them")
Sunday evening was an entertaining one, with even more stories and great banter streaming from Commando veterans of WW2, Falklands and Afghanistan.
On Monday morning/afternoon, we had a great opportunity and spent over 3hrs listening to amazing front line stories from a couple of remarkable veterans of 6 Cdo.
To see the two old boys wave us goodbye at the Hotel window was a genuinely touching way for us to depart Fort William.
We were deeply humbled and thankful for what this weekend has given us, which was a rare connection with the original Commando`s who trained in the Highlands and served in legendary actions.
We heard a great many stories, some hilarious, some sad and others of outstanding bravery.
It has given us all a far greater and deeper understanding and respect for those hardy boys that trained like no others to earn the green beret and make the Commando name legend in itself.
It has also fostered a far deeper personal respect for us all with regard to our own military family connections, knowing that our own fathers, grandfathers and other direct relations of our own bloodlines have served with various forces to preserve our unique genetic histories.
For us, this was a weekend of deep respect and real remembrance, and we know that we shall not look upon a medal or hear the last post in the same way ever again.
Kenny has summed up some of our experience and posted a couple of photos here -
http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=47705 And a few more photos and comments on the CVA website -
http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/15/493.page All the best,
Macdonald
Subject: A Weekend to Remember! 
Wed 12 Nov 2008, 12:00
