Marine Benjamin Vaughan Jones PLY.X.100514

I am researching this gentleman, who was my son's maternal great grandfather, and who is the holder of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. (My reasons for research are explained in my 'Introduction of new members' thread.)
Marine Jones, who was a member of MNBDO 1, was the holder of the DCM, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star and 1939-45 War Medal.
I have his citation for the DCM and it was awarded following his actions on 21 May 1941, south west of Canea, during which he received 4 bullet wounds.
There is also a photograph, date taken unknown, which appears to show him wearing Royal Artillery insignia. I am not ex-military and am confused by a Marine possibly wearing this uniform.
Regarding his unit, I have 23Rd Light A.A. Bty., Royal Marines and also 23 Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, Royal Marines 2 Royal Marines Anti-Aircraft Regiment. (I'm assuming this is 2 ways of saying the same thing).

Service Record is being applied for by my son and I know this will take some time. I would particularly appreciate any help regarding the 'journey' he may have taken to end up "south west of Canea" and what happened during that part of the conflict.

Hopefully, my uploading of photograph and citation will be successful (once it's converted to a jpeg).

Thank you for any help or information.

 

Bit of info from elsewhere on this site.

Tim

 

Thank you Tim

 

There is also this thread:

MNBDO1

Tim

 

Had a quick dig around and found this.

Graham.

 

Thank you Graham. I also found a local newspaper report stating the Royal British Legion had taken up his case as, following his discharge having spent 15 weeks in hospital with 4 bullets to his spine and side, he was declined any pension.
It was reported that the Minister (for Pensions) stated, "that it cannot be certified that your disability is either directly attributable to your service in the forces or materially aggravated by that service. In these circumstances it is not possible to make you any grant in respect of your disablement.”

 

Apologies for the quality, but I have had to take a photo of a photo and then reduce its size. Having looked at a number of badges of insignia (cap and collar) I think these are Royal Artillery (with 'UBIQUE' on scroll). Can anyone confirm or otherwise and also, why would a marine be wearing this uniform.
Thanks

 

Service records are required to see what’s going on - these can only be obtained from the MOD the link I hope is Request records of deceased service personnel

TD

or check out the link in your introduction thread - post 4

 

Thank you TD. My son has only very recently applied for his service record and I'm aware that it may take some time for it to arrive.
Son has now sent me photos in a format that the forum accepts....so here they are. (Be great if someone's relation is in the group pic) (Benjamin Vaughan Jones is Rear, 3rd from right)

 

Now confused. Pictures 1 & 3 look like WW1, certainly pre WW2. In Picture 1 he appears to be wearing spurs as do others in Picture 3.

Tim

 

Sometimes the question can be answered before the service records are received, I personally feel in this case, it’s more prudent to wait rather than shooting off down blind alleys

That’s just my opinion though
TD

 

Hi Tim, I agree that they do appear to be spurs but photos are definitely WW2. I have another of him in uniform with his wife and son (who is my ex father-in-law)....so I know they are not WW1 and I know that BVJ joined up at the very start of WW2 and was placed 'Grade 1' at his medical.
Hopefully someone can solve the mystery.

 

The RM battledress blouse was introduced in 1940 so photos 1 & 3 could be early war. I don't think those are spurs

 

Re RA Cap Badges and Collar Dogs
Whilst the Standard RA badge is the Gun with Ubique etc the Collar dog is a grenade or bomb (call it what you will) the same as for the Royal Engineers who also use the Ubique motto.
However some Regiments in WW2 were different.
67th Field Regiment apparently elected to use the Grenade as their cap badge for all ranks certainly on their berets.
On their KD Hats officers wore the gun

 

Thank you. I think, as TD says above, the service record may help to answer a lot of my questions

 

Fuller explanation

A battle dress blouse was issued from 1937 for the RM however the service jacket was retained for use as a walking out dress, parades etc. With the introduction of the 1940 pattern battledress blouse this began to be used for all occasions.

It's a guess but the 'spurs' may be a form of parade heel which was a plate (not unlike a tap dancer's tap heel) that allowed a smarter sound when coming to attention etc

 

Grateful for the fuller explanation. The 'heel plate' would make more logical sense....however, not being ex-military...all of the possibilities are enlightening to me. Thanks for taking the time.

 

Sorry a bit late for your deadline: '29 Commando Regiment RA' | ͏

 

Apologies got dragged away: RA uniforms borrowed from the cavalry because they rode horses towing guns these traditions carried on in parade dress.
This photo was taken during training in the 1920's or there about.

 

sorry, is this in correct thread?