Spean Bridge

Památník Commandos

Autor: Ivo Kocum, 02.10.2015
Umístění: Spean Bridge, Skotsko, Highlands, přibližně 1.6 km severozápadně od obce
Nápis:
UNITED WE CONQUER

IN MEMORY OF
THE OFFICERS AND
MEN OF
THE COMMANDOS
WHO DIED IN THE
SECOND WORLD WAR
1939-1945
THIS COUNTRY WAS
THEIR TRAINING
GROUND


THE COMMANDOS 1940-45
In the summer of 1940 when Britain´s fortunes in World War II
were at their lowest ebb and an enemy invasion was threatened
Winston Churchill boldly ordered the raising of an elite force to raid
the enemy-held coastline of Europe and regain the initiative.
The new units, which initially consisted of volunteers from the
regiments and corps of the British Army, were called "Commandos".

Within weeks they were in action in Europe later in the Middle East
and the Far East. During the next five years they fought in every
theatre of war with such succes that the word "Commando" became
feared by the enemy - yet respected by friendly forces.

In 1942 the Commando Basic Training Centre was established in the
Scottish Highlans at Achnacarry. There potential Commando
soldiers (who by then came from not only British Army but also
the Royal Marines and the Allied Armies) underwent their tough
and purposeful training. Only those who succesfully completed all
the course were accepted and privileged to wear the famous Green
Beret. This distinctive head-dress was acknowledged as the hallmark
of the highest standats of military training, self-discipline, physical
endurance, initiative, bravery and courage, whilst under their simple
motto "United We Conquer" a comradeship beyind literary
description was born, fostered and flourished.

For their valour in action the Commandos earned thirty-eigth battle
honours and many awards, including eight Victoria Crosses, but
many made the supreme sacrifice, no fewer than 1700 Commando
soldiers lost their lives and others were seriously wounded. It was a
record that promted Winston Chruchill to pay the following tribibute
to the Commandos. "We may feel sure that nothing of whoch we
have any knowledge or record has ever been done by mortal men,
which surpasses their feats of arms. Truly we may say of them,
when shall their glory fade?"
Poznámka:

Pár metrů od památníku je pietní místo pro britské vojáky, kteří padli v bojových operacích.

The area around Spean Bridge was used for training commandos from Britain and the US as well as

France, the Netherlands, Norway, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Belgium during World War Two.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-32412486


Souřadnice: N56°53'31.42'' W4°55'17.62'' - přibližná pozice dle adresy
Pomník přidal: Ivo Kocum
Příprava dat: Martin Brynych