D Day British Army No3 Commando Gold Beach Normandy 1944

No.3 Army Commando Soldier Normandy 1944

No3 Commando were formed in July 1940 from Volunteers for Commando Service, No3 Commando took part in the raids on the Lofotens Islands, Vasgo and Dieppe.In 1943 No.3 Commando fought in Sicily and Italy before returning to Britain for the landings in Normandy, the Rhine Crossing and the pursuit to the Elbe.

The No3 Army Commando landed on Gold beach with actions fought at many of the critical battles on D-Day The bridge crossing of the river Orne and the capture of the Merville Battery to the flank of the landing beaches.

The Commando would have been issued standard 1937 webbing now Blancoed No3 Green and  wool Battledress he would also be equipped with specialist and easily recognisable equipment First of all was the Commando Bergen on his back full of his kit needed to operate behind enemy lines, the Toggle rope wrapped around his body to be used once connected together with others to form a climbing rope. The Famous Commando dagger is fixed to his left leg just in case its needed quickly, rubber soled boots make it easier and quieter for climbing Cliffs .The Lightweight Gas masks were newly issued before D-Day which were carried by every soldier and would be either wearing a commando woollen cap or the Commando Green Beret together with his combined Operations patches and No3 Commando shoulder titles on his BD jacket.