Showing 578 items
matching commandos
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Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Plaque - Unit Plaque, RAA plaque Commandos
... RAA plaque Commandos ...RAA Commando plaque mounted on wooden board'Strike swift' Commando -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Newspaper - "Rip" rescue of Army Commandos, Rescue of Army Commandos at the Rip, 1960
... Rescue of Army Commandos at the Rip ...Army Commando rescue at the RipArmy staff rescued at the RipNewspaper articles about the Army Commandos rescue at the "Rip".Reverse - " nil "historical references -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, United Kingdom, UK War Office -Amphibious Warfare Handbook No.10a-The Organisation Employment and Training of Commandos 1951
... Organisation Employment and Training of Commandos 1951...Commandos ...A training publication used by training staff and cadre during the formation of the Australian post-war commando companies.AN A4 80 page Marked as "Confidential' and number 6078commandos, special operations, special forces, australian military -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Cameos of Commandos: Stories of Australian commandos in New Guinea and Australia, 1971
... Cameos of Commandos: Stories of Australian commandos in New ...The detailed history of the Australian Independent Commando Companies.‘This Padre is able to tell of some exciting experiences that he encountered with the men as the sharp end troops with Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Divisions of 2nd A.I.F.’ Includes Roll of Honour Hard Cover with Dust Jacket – 309 pagesworld war ii, australian commando, independent companies, special forces -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Booklet, Double Diamond - Australian Commandos at Wilsons Promontory
... Double Diamond - Australian Commandos at Wilsons Promontory ...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. -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Uniform - Para smock
... commandos ...Paratrooper smock jacket similar to ones worn by commandos in Rip Disaster on 17 February 1960Para smock jacket as worn by commandossmock, paratroopers, commandos, uniform, rip disaster -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Uniform - Uniform, commando
... Commandos ...Equipment similar to that worn by commandos involved in Rip Disaster. 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. Swept out to sea through The Rip as they crossed the bay from Point Lonsdale, George ''Taffy'' Drakopoulos and Eddie Meyer drowned before they could be rescued. Another man, Roger Wood, selflessly helped his fellow commandos up a rope ladder to safety from a Zodiac inflatable, only to be flung off the end into an angry sea somewhere beyond The Rip. The three dead men were all from Melbourne, all aged around 20.Lifeboat Queenscliff assisted in the search for the lost commandos in February 1960Army commando webbing belt and pair of gaiterswebbing, uniform, commandos, rip disaster -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Uniform - Beret
... commandos ...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 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, The Surprising Battalion – Australian Commandos in China
... The Surprising Battalion – Australian Commandos in China ...The detailed account of Australian Commandos in China during World War Two. This, the story of Australia’s first Commandos, is an epic of the war. Here is hardship and adventure, pathos and humour, suffering and excitement. It tells of the men who went to Malaya with the 22nd Brigade, then sailed to Burma to train under Britain’s finest Commando leaders. Escaping from the Japanese, they journeyed the length of the tortuous Burma Road, crossing China almost to the coast. Here they trained the Surprising Battalions, some of China’s crack guerrillas, and operated with them in war torn provinces. The became famous as the “Lost Legion of the AIF” – the boys of Mission 204. After almost a year of guerrilla existence, the survivors were withdrawn to Kunming and flew to India. They were allocated to Brigadier Orde Wingate’s force but were recalled whilst on leave and returned to Australia after two years in the tropics.Hard cover first edition world war ii, ww2, australian commando, australian special forces, australian special operations, world war ii australian operations in china -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Film, Australian Commando Association et al, Double Diamond Commandos, 2019
... Double Diamond Commandos ...A 2019 produced history of the initial training at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria of Australian and New Zealand Independent Companies later renamed Commandos and their activities during WW2 and post war development. Tidal River is the birth place of Australian and New Zealand Commandos and later Special Operations personnel.Short documentary film ww2, world war 2, independent company, commando, australian special forces, tidal river, wilsons promontory -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Plaster, John L, Secret commandos: Behind Enemy Lines with the Elite Warriors of SOG
... Secret commandos: Behind Enemy Lines with the Elite...Commandos ...SOG played an important role furing our operations against the communist enemy in Vietnam.SOG played an important role furing our operations against the communist enemy in Vietnam.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - commando operations - united states, sog, ho chi, ho chi minh trail, commandos, communist -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
History - 2/6 Independent Company, The Purple Devils, Syd Trigellis-Smith
The 2/6th Commando Squadron (Australia) was one of 12 independent companies or commando squadrons raised by the Australian Army during WW2. The 2/6th served in four major campaigns - Kokoda, Buna, Markham-Ramu and Borneo and was involved in the Battle of Kaiapit. Late in the WW2 hostilities 2/6th Commando Squadron was at Balikpapan and attached to 25th Brigade to provide support to the Brigade - reconnaissance patrols, fighting patrols, ambushes and humanitarian assistance to local inhabitants. The 2/6th Commando Squadron was disbanded in 1946. The Sword returned to Australia with a member of 2/6th Commando Squadron VX132826 W G H Burrell. The Book Purple Devils was written by Syd Trigellis Smith in his retirement, he had served during WW2 with 2/2 Field Regiment in New Guinea.VX132826 W G H Burrell served with the AIF during WW2 in New Guinea and posted to 2/6th Commando Squadron and was on Borneo and at Balikpapan. George Burrell was able to being back the sword at the end of hostilities. The Book the Purple Devils is the 2/6th Commando Squadron history as interpreted by Syd Trigellis Smith.Book Purple Devils by Syd Trigellis, Smith, a Japanise Sword - steel blade encased in a leather scabbard and the military history of VX132826 W G H Burrell who served with 2/6 th Commando Squadron.The Book - Purple Devils, a History of 2/6 Australian Commando Squadron, ISBN 064607125-4. vx132826 w g h burrell, ww2, new guinea, 2/6th commando sqn, gunto sword, purple devils -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Plaque Royal Marine Commando Gibraltar, Royal Marine Commando Gibraltar
The word Gibraltar refers to the Great Siege of Gibraltar by French and Spanish forces, from 1779 to 1783, in support of the American Revolution. It was awarded in 1827 by George IV as a special distinction for the services of four of the old Army Marine regiments (Queen's Own Marines, 1st Marines, 2nd Marines, 3rd Marines) in holding that fortress against determined assaults, despite extreme privation. There are no other battle honours displayed on the colours of the four battalion-sized units of the current Corps. The Latin motto "Per Mare Per Terram" translates into English as "By Sea By Land" describing how the Royal Marines both attack and defend. The fouled anchor, incorporated into the emblem in 1747, is the badge of the Lord High Admiral and shows that the Corps is part of the Naval Service. Per Mare Per Terram ("By Sea By Land"), the motto of the Marines, is believed to have been used for the first time in 1775.Wooden Plaque Royal Marine Commando Gibraltar Royal Marine Commando Gibraltar -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Shooting Stick, Featherwate
... commandos ...Presented to Major Phillip Bennett in Feb 1961 on his retirement from Two Commando Company Governor of Tasmania and Chief of Defence ForceOf significance to the Two Commando Company as part of their historyShooting stick, aluminium pole with folding leather seat on top and spike at base.Embossed at base of seat "MADE IN ENGLAND" and also pinned under the seat base the Commando emblemmilitary, tasmania, shooting stick, portable seat, melbourne cup, two commando company, commandos, defence force, phillip bennett, knight, the last australian knight -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Badge, Commando Skydivers Cloth badge
The patch badge was worn on shirts by members of the 2 Commando Company Sky Divers, one of Victoria's and Australia's earliest Skydiving clubs. Formed in 1961 by Warren Hutchings within 2 Commando Company, members jumped under the auspices of the Army and RAAF.One of the few military sponsored clubs, it was a pioneer in Australian skydiving before the advent of the Australian Parachute Federation.Circular cloth sew-on badge, black and white with stiched-on parachutist with red and white striped canopy; gold stitched border.2 Commando Company Skydivers2 commando company - sky divers - early skydiving club - warren hutchings - australian skydiving- australian parachute federation -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Print, Commando Golden Jubilee commemorative print, Late 2004
The print depicts the evolution from WW2 Commandos to present-day post-WW2 Commandos, to 2005. The print celebrates the formation of the post-WW2 Commandos and their 50th anniversary in 2005.Framed print, showing WW2 and post-WW2 Commandos and the original post-WW2 'Strike Swiftly' beret badge. Limited edition print 12/100.2 commando company- 1st commando regiment- golden jubilee- 50th anniversary- commemorative print- post-ww2 commandos -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Double Diamonds. Australian Commandos in the Pacific War 1941-45
... Double Diamonds. Australian Commandos in the Pacific War ... -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book - 6th Div, Shawn OLeary, To The Green Fields Beyond:The story of the 6th Division Cavalry Commandos
... Cavalry Commandos ...The comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollnon-fictionThe comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollww2, australian commandos, australian special forces, world war 2 -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, James D Ladd, INSIDE THE COMMANDOS
... INSIDE THE COMMANDOS ...non-fiction -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Banner Books, Coomalie Charlie's commandos : 31 Squadron RAAF Beaufighters at Darwin 1942-43, 1996
... Coomalie Charlie's commandos : 31 Squadron RAAF ...A history of No31 Beaufighter Squadron at Coomalie CreekIndex, bib, ill, maps, p.140.non-fictionA history of No31 Beaufighter Squadron at Coomalie Creek world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - australia, royal australian air force - 31 squadron - history -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Plaster, John L, SOG: The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam, 1997
... SOG: The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam. ...This book is dedicated to all of SOG's secret warriors, and especially to the SOG men caputured but never released.This book is dedicated to all of SOG's secret warriors, and especially to the SOG men caputured but never released.united states. military assistance command, vietnam. studies and observations group, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- commando operations -- united states, sog, sog warriers -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Conboy, Kenneth and Andrade, Dale, Spies and Commandos: How America Lost the Secret War in North Vietnam. (Copy 2), 2000
... Spies and Commandos: How America Lost the Secret War in ...A major work that goes beyond what is in any of the other books that touch on these aspects of the Vietnam WarA major work that goes beyond what is in any of the other books that touch on these aspects of the Vietnam War 1961-1975 -- military intelligence -- united states, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 -- commando operations -- vietnam (democratic republic) -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Conboy, Kenneth and Andrade, Dale, Spies and Commandos: How America Lost the Secret War in North Vietnam. (Copy 1), 2000
... Spies and Commandos: How America Lost the Secret War in ...A major work that goes beyond what is in any other books that touch on these aspects of the Vietnam warA major work that goes beyond what is in any other books that touch on these aspects of the Vietnam war 1961-1975 -- military intelligence -- united states, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 -- commando operations -- vietnam (democratic republic) -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Booklet, Pitt Street Commandos
... Pitt Street Commandos ...The wartime memoirs of Laurie Hill from joining the Army to discharge from the Army.Green front cover with clear plastic over that. Bound together with black binder. White square label on clear front with name of book title and author. documents, biography -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Photograph, Inaugural march of M& Z Commando Association members at The Australian Commando Memorial at Tidal River 16 November 1964
The WW2 Commando memorial cairn was unveiled at Tidal River on 15 November 1964 by the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria Lieutenant General Sir Edmund Herring. Former WW2 Commandos march under their Association banner to the cairn for the dedication ceremony.This was the first dedication of a significant WW2 Commando memorial. The Victorian Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Edmund Herring, unveiled the Commemorative Cairn that has become the de facto national Commando memorial.Rectangular colour glossy print photograph of former WW2 Commandos marching at Tidal River.From Don Bergmanww2, world war ii, australian commandos, independent companies, australian commando association, tidal river, wilsons promontory national park -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Uniform - Brassard
A brassard is a fabric armband holding any fabric badges, unit logos or rank insignia and is worn over fatigues or army tunics.Similar to ones worn by commandos involved in Rip disaster of 1960Army commando jungle green brassard with badge, unit logo and stripes"Commando" in white on red background badge; White parachute on blue wings on green base paratrooper badge; 2 khaki chevrons corporal stripes brassard, commando -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet - 1 COMMANDO ASSOC. REGISTER 1977, 1977
... COMMANDOS ...This booklet lists ex members of 1Commando, spouses and contact details.This is a "local" made booklet. Hard white cardboard cover with Badge of Commando's on front "STRIKE SWIFTLY" . Word are in black ink - "1 COMMANDO ASSOCIATION REGISTER 1977" . Inside are 41 glossy pages with black printing. The booklet is bound with two staples.cmf, commandos, sydney -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Medal - WW2 Mother's badge- William Alsop 2/10 Commando Squadron, AMOR, circa 1945
This badge/broach was issued to the mother of William Donald Alsop - 2/10 Commando SquadronThis badge/broach has historic significance through its connection to William Donald Alsop and World War Two. It displays strong provenance because we have a Deed of Gift.Silver broach issued to mother of William Donald Alsop - 2/10th Commando Squadron Reverse side of broach - A294636 / AMOR / Sydneyworld war ii, ww2, commando -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Photograph, CAMS Cause
Cameron Stewart Baird, VC, MG was a soldier in the Australian Army who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest award in the Australian honours system. Cameron enlisted on 4/1/2000 and was posted to the 4th Battalion (Commando) RAR now known as the 2nd Commando Regiment. He was deployed on 7 operations including Operation TANAGER - Timor Leste in 2001 Operation BASTILLE and FALCONER - Iraq in 2003. Cameron resigned from the ADF in 2004 re enlisting in 2006 and again posted to 2nd Commando Regiment. In 2007 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and deployed on Operation SLIPPER - Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry. In 2008 he was promoted to Corporal and deployed again on Operation SLIPPER in 2009 2011 and 2013. He was killed in action on 22 June 2013 and was posthumously awarded the VC for his actions in the Khod Valley Uruzgan province AfghanistanCorporal Baird is the 100th Australian to receive a VC since the award was first created by Queen Victoria in 1856. Brown timber frame and dark green mount containing photograph of soldier alongside poem with image of Victoria Cross medal in backgroundCAMS Cause - Commando for Lifecameron baird, victoria cross, medal for gallantry -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Functional object - Paddles
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