Simon F

A front view with paras boarding the aircraft.

A couple of shots of an aircraft before jump. I am presuming the significance of this is that it is either his first live drop or his final jump for qualification. The number 2501 feature on these the back of the next couple of pics so possibly the aircraft number?

Capturing a jump from the training tower.

Presumably a family member Note the hanger but no para badge. This is dated August 1960, so yet to complete jump training.

Claude in his finest dress. Note the G.I.B.P.O.M hanger over his breast pocket.

The original photo.

This is an nice piece, recording, I suppose, the final stage of his parachute training. The back reads " Pau (B.P.) Stage de saut Samedi 17 sept.60. This piece is as large as a TR award doc, so about A5.

I picked these pictures up from evilbay a while ago now, there are 56 in all and very interestingly record the life of a French soldier. They are all to a Colonial Para by the name of Claude SOMNY, from 1960 through to about 1961. I believe that he became an NCO during this period with G.I.B.P.O.M, later known as 1e R.P.I.Ma. I understand that this was the training unit for the R.P.I.Ma. I think they are a nice representative group recording the life of a Paratrooper and worthy of further research. Any useful insights/information on these will be greatly received.. First up Claude.

It is called "Carry On Yomping" I have a copy of that also, but I think all the best bits went into the first one.

This one speaks for itself! :lol:

One of my favourites, referring to transport on civilian shipping taken up in trade.

Another dig at the Navy's navigation techniques :rolleyes:

A dig at the traveling arrangements for the lads..

I don't know if anybody will remember this book. It was printed in 1982 and is a series of cartoons that were produced by 3 Royal Marine SNCOs. I picked a copy up when it was first published and still find it as amusing today as I did then. Being a little too young to have taken part in the conflict (by 3 years) I don't think I appreciated the humour as fully as I do now, I think the forces necessarily has an 'odd' sense of humour and I love the ability that comes with inter unit/service rivalry to poke fun at each other and ourselves in times of crisis. I am not sure whether anything has ever been published about recent conflicts and perhaps someone may be able to fill me in on that. I am not certain that this kind of humour would be well received by the general public today, perhaps due to differing attitudes/generations or perhaps just good taste?!

Perhaps these links may cast some more light on the subject? http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Pers-Warrant%20Rank.htm http://www.royalnavalmuseum.org/info_sheets_nav_rankings.htm http://www.godfreydykes.info/THE%20ROYAL%2...0PART%20ONE.htm

Nick, I am not sure if you would have come across this site but here is a very interesting link to the RNPS? http://www.harry-tates.org.uk/index.htm

I love the comment in the diary that mentions the ship conducting steam trials, achieving 28 knots and that there is paint left on the funnels, he obviously had a great sense of humour. That is nearly as fast as some of our modern day frigates. I have had no joy with locating references to the medal yet, but I have not yet exhausted all my avenues..

I am slowly reading through these very interesting pages and concentrating on some of the fine detail. It is very interesting that he mentions facts, the size of his messing arrangement, etc. I also like the comment about camouflaging the ship and the CO being very pleased. This is a very nice find and quite the gem of information. I shall have a scout about to see if I can dig up some details of the medal you have shown, if you have not discovered it all ready?

This is an absolutely cracking piece of RM history I for one would be interested in seeing reading/seeing more pages from the diary if it is not too much trouble, thanks :lol:

Some interesting info here. http://www.thefreemason.com/cnm/templates/...05&zoneid=3 Most Military Lodges were ones holding a warrant known as a "travelling" or "ambulatory" warrant permitting meetings to be held under proper conditions wherever the Regiment or Unit happened to be stationed, whether that posting was temporary or not. Membership of a Military Lodge was primarily restricted to members of the same Regiment or Unit, and the consent of the Commanding Officer was essential before a lodge could be formed. Warrants were normally issued to an officer, in most cases the Commanding Officer, and were carried by the unit at all times. The warrant, records and regalia were usually carried in a portable chest. The Grand Lodges of both England and Ireland would not permit Military Lodges (quote) "on any pretence to initiate into Masonry any inhabitant or sojourner in any town or place at which the Unit is stationed or passing through" (unquote). And In the same year the G.L. of England issued its first military warrant to the 57th British Foot Regiment. By 1813 there were 141 English Military Lodges (116 under the Antients and 25 under the Moderns) while 190 were granted by the G.L. of Ireland and 21 by the G.L. of Scotland. The Royal Navy had 3 lodges warranted to ships, HMS Vanguard in 1760 (became a shore/stationary lodge in 1768 and is now London Lodge #108) and HMS Prince and HMS Canceaux in 1762.

Seems the 'Andrew' wasn't/isn't the only branch of service at it! Perhaps the contacts page here may be able to give you some more information, if you have the handshake weighed off?! http://www.militarymasons.co.uk/

Concur with dodgy , you are welcome to Plymouth anytime

Well, the news story speaks for itself http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10...ied-age-85.html RIP Ted Briggs

Spot on Eddie, well done!

Close to the date. Clue: July