Marine polar bear patch

That's a lot of bears! I hope I can one of these to my collection someday! That is an amazing collection! Brig Posted September 2, Posted September 2, Hinrik WD Posted September 2, Thanks guys. What do you think about this set? WWI or possibly theater made? Brig Posted September 3, Posted September 3, Not WW1 but nice theater made Iceland. Posted September 4, Create an account or sign in to comment You need to be a member in order to leave a comment Create an account Sign up for a new account in our community.

Register a new account. Sign in Already have an account? Sign In Now. Go to topic listing. Sign In Sign Up. He was in the 5th Defense Battalion.

Page 12 describes the battalion's arms and deployment. It mentions they had three highly secret radar sets, the first ever employed by Marines in the field.

Dad said they were not allowed to discuss them, not even say the word. When any mention of them was necessary, they were referred to as "the hush-hush". We Cooleys have been engaged in supporting the fight against Naziism for over 76 years. Not stopping now. British Army Polar Bear Patch. It was the patch worn by the British forces the Marines were sent to reinforce. They could attempt an amphibious or airborne attack, they could bomb Allied forces and installations, or they could conduct some limited raids from the sea.

However, the planning board judged that as long as the British Home Fleet maintained superiority in the seas north of Scotland and areas east of Iceland, the Germans would be unable to support any sizable or prolonged offensive against the Iceland base.

The Marine brigade's mission was two-fold: the British division commander designated the 6th Marines Reinforced , as a "mobile force" for use at any point along the winding coastal road leading from Reykjavik to the naval base at Hvalfjordur. The 5th Defense Battalion service as an air defense unit with the mission of protecting the city, the harbor, and the airfield from German attack.

The camps were near the Varma River, which was unique because its waters were hot, with a temperature of about 90 degrees. It was fed from hot spring nearby and afforded the Marines a warm swimming hole. The 2d Battalion was located at Camp Baldurshagi, near the regimental headquarters. This was an attractive camp in a rocky valley with a stream feeding into a nearby river stocked with salmon.

The Icelanders maintained strict fishing rights but the Marines were constantly tempted to cast a line. Relations with the British. British officers frequently asked Marine officers to be guests for supper in their mess. The traditional "mess night" routine was usually followed. At the time it was new to most Marines, but in the years since World War II many Marine officers' messes have learned to enjoy a similar practice. In Iceland, after sufficient drinks at the bar, the officers were piped, fifed, or drummed to the dining table.

They wore formal- or semi-formal dress, and were seated at a long table according to rank, with the senior ranking host and his senior guest at the head. The mess vice president sat at the foot. A good meal of several courses was served, then port wine was passed around in a decanter and all stood for toasts proposed and drunk to the King and then to President Roosevelt. The host usually made a few kind remarks about the Marines and the senior Marine would respond.

If any cigars were available, they were passed around. Then all hands would retreat to the bar for songs, jokes, darts, gambling, and perhaps a bit of roughhouse. It was all very civilized and traditional, typically British.

The British were a happy influence on the Marines who picked up much of their Allies' amusing vernacular, traditional Army songs, and ability to find simple pleasures on foreign duty. The British Army had been serving in "hardship" places worldwide for several centuries. They knew how to make the best of its. Iceland Marines sang British Army songs at Marine club bars for years afterwards.

In late September, the 3d Battalion was moved to Camp Brauterholt, which was on a wet, rugged, rocky peninsula located near the entrance of Hvalfjordur, the long, deep naval base fjord.