1 SAS in Scotland February 1943

John Robertson

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Staff member
This photo received from John Richards ,nephew of Dave Kershaw,captioned unit back in Scotland February 1943 (must be 1944).It is obviously 1 SAS. Can anyone help with IDs.
Looks like John Almonds (tall man at rear)
Fraser McLuskey,Bob Tait and Sgt Chalky White I think at front.
Dave Kershaw front row extreme right.
Charlie Cattell is in there somewhere.
John
 

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What an excellent photo, looks like it was taken at Darvel, Ayrshire ? in one of the disused mills taken over as billets for OR's. Only about 3 or 4 Maroon berets visible, the rest were probably stalwart 1 SAS desert veterans, who took time to convert to maroon?? Maybe best to get in touch with Regimental Journal and see if they can assist with ID? I'll look at what i have here and trawl through some images....

kind regards,

Dave
 
Hi John,

Cracking photo, many thanks for posting it. I think it may be a Sergeants Mess Photo, most appear to be at least Sergeant in rank.

The presence of Jim Almonds in the photo will help date it. He re-joined the unit in Darvel, but I cannot remember the date and I cannot lay my hands on "Gentleman Jim" or I could provide it.

I think Bob Lilley is extreme left, Bill Brough, 2nd left and Graham Rose is 3rd left. Chalky White is 4th from right in front row and I think Charlie Cattell is over his left shoulder.

I also believe Jeff Du Vivier is to Jim Almonds front right hand side.

Best wishes,
Ian
 
Hi Ian,
I think it was Mid-February 44, and he was promoted to Staff-Sergeant on rejoining the Regiment at Darvel, he was then promoted again to WO2 and made SSM of the newly formed D Sqn.Apologies for stealing your thunder, but had Gentleman Jim on my study desk when reading your post, thanks for updating names on the photo.

Kind regards,

David
 
Gentlemen, It has since been estabished that this photograph was taken at Buckingham Palace 1945 at an investiture.My uncle Dave Kershaw is front row 1ST right CSM or WO2. He had written on the back of photo Unit Back in Scotland 1943. A realy good website is SAS originals 1941-1945,join and go to Dave Kershaw all will be revealed ! Would like to PM Killy and other interested parties. John Richards.
 
Hi John,

Many thanks for extra info on the photo.

I have just joined the SAS Originals Forum and have sent you a pm.


Best wishes,

Ian
 
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