The new 43 Commando tartan, designed by prestigious company Kinloch Anderson, is available to order from 2 April to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Lake Comacchio.
The 2nd of April is a significant date for the Clyde-based Royal Marines whose predecessor units were Comacchio Group, Comacchio Company and "C" Troop.
On that day in 1945 members of "C" Troop took part in the Battle of Lake Comacchio with Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter VC awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.
Colonel Jock Fraser, Commanding Officer of 43 Commando, said: "As well as the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Lake Comacchio, April 2017 will also see the commemoration of the Battle of Arras one-hundred years ago where another of the unit's predecessors, the Second Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry, fought with such gallantry and at tremendous cost as part of the Royal Naval Division."
To coincide with these important dates the new unit tartan will be available to order for production of kilts, trousers and waistcoats for those serving or who have served in the unit or its predecessors.
Those wishing to order can contact the unit via the Royal Marines Charity or Royal Marines Association to order tartan material, kilts or trousers. Other tartan gifts will also become available over the next few months.
HM Naval Base Clyde also has an accommodation block named after Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter VC in tribute to his "magnificent courage, leadership and cheerfulness" which was an inspiration to his comrades.
Corporal Hunter's citation reads:
"Having advanced within 400 yards of the final objective he realised that his troop had to cross open ground where enemy fire would cause heavy casualties. Corporal Hunter seized the Bren gun and charged across 200 yards of open ground, attracting most of the enemy fire. Showing complete disregard for this fire he alone cleared the enemy position, capturing six Germans."
But the Royal Marine's brave deeds didn't stop there. His troop soon became a target for further enemy fire from the opposite bank of a nearby canal.
"In full view, Corporal Hunter fired and drew most of the enemy fire while the greater part of the troop gained cover. Shouting encouragement to the remainder, he continued firing with great accuracy until finally he was hit and killed. There can be no doubt that Corporal Hunter offered himself as a target in order to save his troop."
