No doubt you know the "broad arrow" stamp is the British Ministry of Defence(MOD) and anything and everything of theirs had this stamp. Now the "42" could be the year date(1942), but I suspect could probably be a unit stamp of 42(pronounced Four Two) Commando, Royal Marines.
Fairbairn and Sykes were interesting chaps, both were policemen from Shanghai, who were, of necessity, close quarter fighting experts, trained in coping with the drug dens of that then notorious City. They wrote several very interesting "papers" and training manuals, and I am told, rarely far away from the Commando training areas during WW2.
I can just remember some American Rangers during WW2 training here with our Commandos. The Rangers and many from other countries who trained around here are remembered here at the Commando Memorial. Of interest, live rounds were always used during training and even now we have our Bomb Disposal teams regularly turn up to dispose of some sort of ordinance that has been found. We had them here last week!
The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, right in the centre of their training ground.
Last edited by Jock Scot; 2nd May 12 at 11:47 PM.
" Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.
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