On 7 March 1918, His Majesty King George V visited the Depot Royal Marines, at Deal in Kent. On this occasion he inspected Royal Marines Recruit squads, and took the salute of the 4th Battalion at a March Past. Six weeks later the 4th Battalion were to storm ashore on to the Mole in the raid on Zeebrugge, where they won great fame and two Victoria Crosses.
To mark his visit, His Majesty directed that the senior Recruit Squad in Royal Marines training would in future be known as the King's Squad. He also directed that his Royal Cypher, surrounded by a Laurel Wreath, would be known as the King's Badge, and would be awarded to the best all round recruit in the King's Squad, provided that he was worthy of the honour. The badge was to be carried on the left shoulder, and worn in every rank. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was graciously pleased to approve that the custom and privilege of the King's Squad remain unaltered. The King's Badge is not awarded to every squad, and is only presented if a Recruit measures up to the very exacting standards required.
The two documents to the left show where it all began...
click on the document for access to full size documents, which also expand when opened for easy reading.
Different picture of HMS Gambia, looking a little worn in places, and after reading the log the 1941_1942 page, can one be surprised?
Joining Instructions.
Tribute to all Royal Marines 1939-1943, by Winston Churchill. This is a rare item......
Ships Royal Marines Band, Ceremony of the Keys in Gibraltar, probably taken when the Ship was enroute to the East Indies.
The Upper Deck Watch, and Fleet gathers for Action.
Fleet Aircraft form up for attack.
Aircraft diving, hope it is one of ours?????
Fleet Manouvres.
H.M.S Sheffield takes off at 26 Knots!.
Looking down on H.M.S Kenya, from half way up Rock of Gibraltar.
This has to be one of ours.
Lads at Warwick Camp.
Group is all it has on the reverse of this picture, so does anyone recognise themselves or others?
Mr and Mrs Bill Purdy.
Royal Marines Whaler Crew. I suspect that Bill is the coxswain.
HMS Sheffield and HMS Kenya Royal Marines Whaler Crews. I suspect that Bill was moving around from ship to ship at this time, but without access to his Service Certificate, I have no evidence as to why this should happen. Any offers from Members? Kenya Crew in dark shorts.
Bill Purdy accepting the Trophy from Lady Tennant.
Bill Saluting and Accepting the Cock 'O the Fleet Trophy from Lady Tennant. this trophy was a prized possession by Ships Captains.....something for them to boast about.
The arrival of his Son, Garry, is announced by Ships Telegram
And the reply.
This is the King G 'V', so they kept very good company....
Front Cover of Greeting Card, so at this stage in his career, the Gambia had moved to the Royal New Zealand Navy, and Bill along with it.
Inside view of same greeting card.
Airmail letter of the period.
Later version of the one above..
Birthday Card from Garry to his father.
Working Rig, probably while alongside RNZN Ship.
Similar photo, but more detail of the Gun Turrets which look as though it could be the Phoebe or Penelope, Bellazona? Again, any suggestions?
Vice Admiral Tennant addresses the Sports Teams.
Promotion to Corporal is evident, but when and where?
Hanging Pennant final Victory over Japan.
Final shot Certificate, note the picture in the lower left hand pane, looks like the Upperdeck Watch above?
Newspaper cutting, who fired the last shot in WW2?
We know, don't we?
Certificate showing Bill was present at the Surrender of the Japanese Warship Nagato.
Bill who would be near the end of his Service Career when this was taken.
Crossing the Line Ceremony 2nd April 1947, but no evidence as to what Ship this was.
It has been a privilege for me to meet Garry Purdy, who has kindly loaned the above photographs for inclusion in this Site.
