A shot in the dark again, I am looking to find the unit of Royal Marines on HMS Ramillies, during the invasion of Madagascar May 1942. Can any one assist as to where I may find this info,- if available? Regards James
Battle Summaries 1943 - Op Ironclad May 1942: Captain M price RM (Ramillies) http://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Battle_Summary_No_15_and_16.pdf http://www.combinedops.com/MADAGASCAR.htm
The publication I quoted is no good then, it just says marines, which is a shame as the orbat is quite good otherwise.
If It had been a RM Commando Unit it would have been 42 RM Commando (who fought with 5 Commando in Far East) - but this is not so. Royal Navy Commando - Beach Party Able were used. Of course MARINES were a very mixed bunch and some would have been used in their traditional role on board Ramillies eg firing the major guns. Just sent the book "England's Last War with France" (by Brian Smith, I think) back to the library - he has an excellent account of the battle for Madagascar - maybe there is more information.
The only other RM Commando unit in the Far East was 44 RM and it definitely was not them - I have the War Diary
The Royal Marine Detachment (50 all ranks) from HMS Ramilles under Captain Martin Price landed near Diego Suarez from the destroyer HMS Anthony May 6th, 1942.
Captain Martin Price DSO - as in Battle Summary Serial #3 above includes the battle map of Price's attack: Colonel M price DSO Gazetted OBE (Mil) 1 June 1953. http://www.modern-day-commando.com/Madagascar.html
Thanks very much friends, and to you Wills for the info posted. Looking at Peccavi's post, appears to confirm some of my thoughts.Again thanks very much everyone. James