In 1960 seventy-four commandos from 2 Commando Company left Point Lonsdale at 6pm on February 17 to cross The Rip in an exercise raid on the Portsea officer school. Shortly after departing, a strong tide caught the raiding party and pushed them out to sea through The Rip, where 10-metre waves capsized many of the kayaks and amphibious vehicles. Many of the men were picked up by larger rescue boats, only to be overturned once again in the heavy seas. Warrant Officer George Drakopolous and the driver of his amphibious DUKW, Private Eddie Meyer, both drowned as their vehicle sank. Eight of the commandos were rescued in Bass Strait after being picked up by an Italian ship, the Toscana. Commando Roger Wood helped others board the Toscana safely but was washed off a rope ladder by a monster wave and into the sea. His body was never found. It remains one of Australia's least-known peacetime military tragedies.One of the later disasters around the Rip between Points Nepean and Lonsdale. The 'Queenscliffe' lifeboat turned out to search for survivors without success Paddles from a Mk3 foldaboat used in ill fated commando training exercise in 1960the rip disaster, kayaks, oars

Refer to CMF Service of Barry John Maggs Cat 5697.This is a folder with numerous clear document pockets, a black cover and a black plastic spine. Inside are Army documents, newspaper cuttings, course reports, black and white soldier photos of training, abseling from Harbour Bridge, Certificate, Compressed Air Diving, Association Newsletters and Newspaper Adverts for Army Reserve.commando training, cmf

Sergeant ‘Mac’ McDermott, left, from 3 Commando Brigade and Sgt Len Holmes, Special Boat Squadron, were attached to 1 and 2 Commando Companies in the mid 1950s to conduct specialist training and provide support for the development of the newly raised Commando unitsMcDermott and Holmes were crucial in providing specialist training for the newly raised Commando units, that had almost no Commando experience within their own ranks.Black and white rectangular glossy photographSergeant ‘Mac’ McDermott, left, and Sgt Len Holmessergeant mac mcdermott - sgt len holmes - special boat squadron - 2 commando company - specialist training - commando units

This type of boot was used by Commandos for cliff assault training during the 1950sThese climbing boots were issued to Pte. J. Trainor for cliff assaults and climbing during the mid 1950s early 60s.Boots AB fitted with climbing studs & cleats - circa 1950s. Black leatherclimbing, commando, cliff assault

Photos of abseiling training in preparation for abseiling down the Gas and Fuel buildings in Flinders St with Ron Barassi in August 1989 - see 00508 and 01409. The event was for Legacy Week 1989. Details of the event said Ron Barassi abseils for Legacy joined by Carol Shaw and Legatee Peter Heeney. Media team watching them were Fox's Wally Weissel and Ken Kavanagh and Triple M's Andy McLean. Aided by Williamstown Commando Company with training at Nidrie Quarry.A record of a promotional event.Colour photo x 4 of training for an abseiling event.legacy promotion, legacy week

A photo of Ron Barassi training in preparation for abseiling down the Gas and Fuel buildings in Flinders St in August 1989 for Legacy week - see 00508. Aided by Williamstown Commando Company with training at Nidrie Quarry. Ron Barassi was a Legacy boy after his father died in Tobruk. He donated a lot of time and was involved with Legacy in many ways over the years. Including being personality of the year in 1989 and his photo featured on the presidents highlight report in 1989.A record of a promotional event involving Ron Barassi.Black and white photo of Ron Barassi training for an abseiling event.legacy promotion, ron barassi

Photos of abseiling down the Gas and Fuel building that were on the corner of Flinders St and Swanston St. It was an event for Legacy Week 1989. See also the training that occurred prior to the event - photos 00486 and 01409. Ron Barassi abseils for Legacy joined by staff member Carol Shaw and Legatee Peter Heeney. A label states it "was a Legacy versus Radio personalities abseiling challenge". Media team was Fox's Wally (Paul) Weissel and Ken Cavanagh and Triple M's Andy McClean. Aided by Williamstown Commando Company with training at Nidrie Quarry. Ron Barassi participated in many events for Legacy over the years, he had been a young Legatee after his father was killed in action at Tobruk in World War II, aged 27. Two photos also featured in the President's Highlights Report in 1989.A record of some important personalities giving their time to promote Legacy in 1989.Colour photo x 13 of a junior legatee and Ron Barassi abseiling.legacy promotion, ron barassi, legacy week

The program shows training places such as Georges Heights, Holdsworthy, Broken Ridge, RAAF Williamstown. Activities such as Home Trg, Basic Infantry, Parachute Trg, Amphibious Raids, Climbing, Driving, Coxswains.This is a single sheet of cardboard when folded make a pocket size 'Booklet'. The printing is in green ink. the front has the Boomerang & Dagger symbol of Commando's. The C.O. was Major P. T. Johnston. The address of Unit was Georges Heights, Mosman, NSW. The rear page is a basic summary of joining the CMF.cmf, commando trg

An interesting 40 page book telling the story in poetry of the 2/2nd Australian Independent Company from training in Australian to active service in Timor. Soft Cover without Dust Jacket – 40 pagesww2, commando, east timor, 2/2/nd independent company

An account of the operations of The Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB) better known as ‘Z’ Special Unit. Now a scarce and highly sought after title. The author’s personal experiences with Australian Special Forces (Services Reconnaissance Department) which involved guerrilla soldiering with the head-hunters of Japanese held Borneo during World War 2. Z Special Unit an administrative support unit of (also known as Special Operations Australia (SOA) or the Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)) was a joint Allied special forces unit formed during the Second World War to operate behind Japanese lines in South East Asia. Predominantly Australian, SRD was a specialist reconnaissance and sabotage unit that included British, Dutch, New Zealand, Timorese and Indonesian members, predominantly operating on Borneo and the islands of the former Netherlands East Indies. The unit carried out a total of 81 covert operations in the South West Pacific theatre, with parties inserted by parachute or submarine to provide intelligence and conduct guerrilla warfare. The best known of these missions were Operation Jaywick and Operation RIMAU, both of which involved raids on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour; the latter of which resulted in the deaths of twenty-three commandos either in action or by execution after capture. Although the unit was disbanded after the war, many of the training techniques and operational procedures employed were later used during the formation of other Australian Army special forces units and they remain a model for guerrilla operations to this day.Hard Cover with Dust Jacket – 608 pagesInscribed by author-Bob Long AK223 SEMUT 1 Borneo 1945

The history of the No. 2 Independent Commando Company and 2/2 Commando Squadron during World War II – scarce as a 1st edition dated 1986. Having completed its training at Foster, on Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, the 2nd Independent Company was raised and travelled north to Katherine, in the Northern Territory. However, following Japan’s entry into the war, as with the other independent companies that were sent to the islands off Australia, the 2nd was sent to Timor, where it joined the 2/40th Battalion and the rest of Sparrow Force. Sparrow Force divided itself between west Timor, part of the Netherlands East Indies, and east Timor, which belonged to Portugal. The 2/40th Battalion defended the capital of west Timor, Koepang, and the airfield at Penfui. Most of the independent company moved to the airfield at Dili, in east Timor, and the nearby mountains. Portugal was opposed to the stationing of a Dutch or Australian garrison in case this provoked the Japanese, but despite this opposition, on 17 December 1941, elements of the 2nd Independent Company and Dutch troops landed near Dili. On 20 February 1942 the Japanese invaded the island, attacking east and west Timor simultaneously. The 2/40th Battalion held out for three days, but were overrun and were killed or captured. Similarly, the 2nd could not hold the airfield and were also driven back. But they were not captured and instead retreated to the mountains where they conducted a very successful and pursued a guerrilla war against the Japanese which lasted for over a year. Following the capture of Timor, the 2nd occupation the company was listed as “missing”, the company’s signallers were able to build a wireless transmitter, nicknamed ‘Winnie the War Winner’, and on 18/19 April were able to contact Darwin. At the end of May RAN vessels began landing supplies for the Australians on the south coast of east Timor. These supply runs were very dangerous but they allowed the Australians on Timor to continue fighting. In September the guerillas were reinforced with the 2/4th Independent Company. However, this could not go on indefinitely. In August the Japanese lunched a major offensive against the guerrillas and Japanese reprisals against the civilian population of east Timor reduced their support for the Australians. The 2nd (now named the 2/2nd Independent Company) and 2/4th were withdrawn in December and January 1943 respectively. Although the 2/2nd Independent Company is best known for its time on Timor, it also saw extensive service in New Guinea and New Britain. The independent company reformed at the army’s training centre at Canungra, Queensland, where it was reinforced and reequipped. The company then moved to the Atherton Tableland, where it briefly became part of the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. Due to this reorganisation, in October, the 2/2nd Independent Company was renamed the 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. When this happened though, the 2/2nd was back in action. In June 1943 the 2/2nd sailed from Townsville for Port Moresby and was subsequently flown to Bena Bena, in the Bismark Range in New Guinea’s highlands. Here they supported the 2/7th Independent Company in patrolling the Ramu River area. In the second week of July the 2/2nd moved into position, with its headquarters at Bena Bena and with its platoons’ occupying neighbouring positions. By the end of the month their patrols were skirmishing with the Japanese. The 2/2nd remained in New Guinea until October 1944. After 90 days leave, the squadron reformed at Strathpine in Queensland before sailing to New Britain in April 1945. The 2/2nd landed at Jacquinot Bay on 17 April. The squadron then moved to Wide Bay, in order to support the 13th Brigade of the 5th Division, and was based at Lamarien. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or transferred to other units. For those who were left, they returned to Australia and in early 1946 the 2/2nd Commando Squadron was disbanded. Includes Nominal Roll Soft Cover without Dust Jacket – 270 pages

When Lloyd Campbell joined the AIF, he was underage and went to the Middle East with 2/17 Battalion. Later in New Guinea he made a major career change and volunteered for an unknown unit and special operations. What he had joined was the SRD – known as Z-Special Unit. Z Special Unit—also known as Special Operations Executive (SOE), Special Operations Australia (SOA) or the Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)—was a joint Allied special forces unit formed during the Second World War to operate behind Japanese lines in South East Asia. Predominantly Australian, Z Special Unit was a specialist reconnaissance and sabotage unit that included British, Dutch, New Zealand, Timorese and Indonesian members, predominantly operating on Borneo and the islands of the former Netherlands East Indies. The unit carried out a total of 81 covert operations in the South West Pacific theatre, with parties inserted by parachute or submarine to provide intelligence and conduct guerrilla warfare. The best known of these missions were Operation Jaywick and Operation Rimau, both of which involved raids on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour; the latter of which resulted in the deaths of 23 commandos either in action or by execution after capture. Although the unit was disbanded after the war, many of the training techniques and operational procedures employed were later used during the formation of other Australian Army special forces units and they remain a model for guerrilla operations to this day. pp. 274, illusts, maps ww2, the australian special operations, special forces, z special unit

Acquired in Fort Worth, Scotland in August 2019.Allied Memorial to World War II commandos in locations where commando training was undertaken.A4 size framed paintingPrinted by Mark Leggett

Popularly known today as Z Special Unit, or by the wartime cover names of Inter-Allied Services Department (ISD) and Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD), Special Operations Australia (SOA) was the Special Operations component of the US-led Allied Intelligence Bureau in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War. The first in a set of five, Volume 1 – Organization tells the story of the establishment, organisation and function of SOA from its earliest days as a direct offshoot of the British Special Operations Executive, until the organisation’s disbandment after a long, brutal and bloody conflict. Introduced by clandestine operations and espionage writer C.A. Brown, Volume 1 tells the story of the establishment of SOA and its fight for survival as a British-oriented Special Ops organisation under American command, while giving the Imperial Japanese invaders a bloody nose all the way from New Guinea to Indochina. Covering in detail the major personalities, departments, directorates, training and operational bases of SOA, Volume 1.Soft cover with 200 pagesaustralian commandos, special operations, special forces, world war ii

This Para Smock was worn by 'Dutchy' Holland (MBE) as a RAAF Warrant Officer PJI during his time at PTS Williamstown. The badges were collected by him from para units and para training units world wide.WW2 Dennison Parachute Smock owned by 'Warrant Officer 'Dutchy' Holland RAAF PJI with numerous parachute qualification and unit badges.Brass plaque on wooden display-hanger reads: RAAF Warrant Officer PDS (Dutchy) Holland, MBE . This Parachute Jump Smock was worn by him as a Parachute Jump Instructor during his time at the RAAF Parachute Training School, Williamtown, NSW. The badges were collected by him from units world wide.parachute training, badges, world war 2, memorabilia

This was the "Order of service" for the inaugural unveiling of the WW2 Commando Cairn at Tidal River, Victoria. Lt General Sir Edmund Herring, Lt Governor of Victoria addressed the assembly, 2 Commando Company soldiers were the Guard of Honour, and the 4/19 PWLH Regt band played. This was the first official memorial to WW2 Commandos, located at Wilsons Promontory where the Commando units were first trained. A memorial ceremony is held in November each year since 1964. Honour rolls of WW2 and post-WW2 Commandos who died in battle or training were added in 2011.2 sheet quarto (four sides) white semi-glossy paper with black type and logo. Order of service.Niltidal river wilsons promontory commando memorial cairn ww2 honour rolls post-ww2 national

A publication to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the WW2 Commando memorial at Tidal River on Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, where the first Commando units trained. Wilsons Promontory is regarded as the birthplace of the Australian and New Zealand WW2 Commandos.An annual service is conducted each November at the Tidal River WW2 Commando memorial. Since almost all of the WW2 Commando veterans have passed, the annual service is now conducted by the post-WW2 Australian Commando Association Victoria. The WW2 Commando Association disbanded in 2010. The booklet recognises the raising of the Commandos and their training at Wilsons Promontory, and their continued recognition by the annual memorial service.Booklet , 175 mm by 245 mm, staple bound, 30 pages, full colour cover and centre pages.

non-fictionThe detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded.

Ill, maps, p.208.non-fictionYomping was revealed by the journalist Charles Laurence in 1982 as the word which the Royal Marines used to describe carrying heavy loads long distances on foot. Given the intense public interest in the dramatic events then unfolding in the South Atlantic, it caught on and is now in common usage.The Yompers is the first account to be written by a company commander who fought in the Falklands War. Called to action from their beds early on 2 April 1982, the author along with the rest of 45 Commando Royal Marines, sailed 8,000 miles to play a key role in the recovery of the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation. Lacking helicopters and short of food, they yomped in appalling weather carrying overloaded rucksacks, across ground which threatened to break legs and ankles at every step. Despite extreme hardship, their morale and training ensured they remained a cohesive fighting-fit body of men.falklands war 1982, great britain - royal marines - commando 45

Ill, maps, p.159.non-fictionThe origins, training and actions of the Commando Brigadeworld war 1939 – 1945 – secret operations – britain, commando forces - britain

Index, ill, p.240.non-fictionSpecial Forces deploys an impressive blend of authoritative text and dramatic photographs to reveal the equalities and skills of the special forces soldier at every stage of their selection, training, and operational life. Detailed attention is also given to weapons, combat equipment, and methods of transport, while over 25 historical special forces operation features describe combat missions undertaken between 1960 and the present day.special forces - operations - 20th century, commando troops

Ill, p.380.non-fictionBased on his diaries, this is a frank account of how Mason came first in French Foreign Legion basic training, trained other Legionnaires, went to Africa, did sniper, commando and medic's training and took part in two operations, both in the Republic of Djibouti, where a civil war nearly crippled the nation. It tells of his daily life in the Legion, in the training regiment, in Africa and with the Legion's Parachute Regiment. But more than this, David's gripping account reveals his disillusionment, frustration and disappointments, and how the Legion today is not what it seems.soldiers - australia - biography, france - military history

On the evening of February 17, 1960, 74 peacetime commandos in army boats set off on a training exercise from Point Lonsdale to Point Nepean, simulating a raid. The weather was calm at Point Lonsdale on a midweek evening 50 years ago, but 50 years ago weather forecasts were not yet reliable. By nightfall a massive storm came through and all hell broke loose. Soon, three young Victorians were dead and more than 70 others were rescued from huge seas in Bass Strait.Green commando beret similar to ones worn by commandos involved in Rip Disaster of 1960Commando beret (green) with unit insigniaUnit insignia: "Strike Swiftly"commandos, beret