In March 1942, Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, proposed the formation of an Intelligence Assault Unit. Me = Dave; historian, educator, rugby fan, FINS
Merseyside, UK
Joined November 2020
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Two weeks today I will be back at @Ltonmuseum presenting a new talk on Ian Fleming’s top secret wartime Commando unit, 30 Commando/AU.
This is a FREE event and tickets are going fast!
@Commando_Ops @authordlewis @militaryhistori @DrHelenFry @okeefehistorian @TrooperAbs @bletchleypark @RoyalMarines @RoyalNavy @TheIanFleming
#WW2 #Bond #secret #commando #RoyalMarines #RoyalNavy #intelligence #militaryhistory
30Commando retweeted
A very happy John Eskdale, 102 year old Commando veteran, with his copy of Behind Enemy Lines. John is a living, walking legend - so many amazing stories, such a privilege to hear them.
30Commando retweeted
#OTD in 1805, the Royal Navy defeated the combined forces of France and Spain at Trafalgar.
The tactical brilliance, professionalism, technology and training which underpinned Adm Lord Nelson’s stunning victory have driven and shaped the Navy ever since.
#TrafalgarDay
30Commando retweeted
For James Bond Day, what about a book on Bond's author.... To simplify horribly, there would be no James Bond had Fleming not led the life he did, but if Bond had not existed, Fleming is someone we should still want to know about.
James Bond Day isn’t only about the films.
In 1942 Ian Fleming created 30 Commando / 30 Assault Unit — intelligence commandos who raced ahead of Allied troops to steal Enigma machines, codebooks, radar secrets, scientists and tech.
Dieppe. North Africa. Sicily. D-Day. Tambach. V-weapon sites.
Those men and those pinches became Bond: the Spektor in *From Russia with Love*, the rockets and Dr Walter in *Moonraker*, the former commando in *Octopussy*, Bond’s wartime skills in *Goldfinger*. Godfrey became M.
Fleming said he extracted the plots from his wartime memories.
Raise a glass to 007 — and to 30AU.
@TheIanFleming @authordlewis @RoyalNavy @RoyalMarines @NatMuseumRN
#JamesBondDay #IanFleming #30AssaultUnit #30Commando #30AU #BondOrigins #WW2 #DDay #FromRussiaWithLove #Moonraker #Octopussy #JamesBond #GlobalJamesBondDay
Back to @Ltonmuseum in November for my next 30AU event.
@Commando_Ops @authordlewis @DrHelenFry @militaryhistori @RoyalMarines @RoyalNavy @TrooperAbs @TheIanFleming
#WW2 #Bond #RoyalMarines #Intelligence #topsecret #IanFleming
Amazing and son moving. Thanknyou all!
Moving ceremony today at La Forest-Landerneau today in presence of their families to honour 3 young Brit Commandos, from 30 Assault Unit lost 82 years ago this month to an IED & the 3 French Resistance fighters enrolled in their ranks. Great support from local French Commando Vets. @poppyscotland @PoppyLegion @IHistorical @authordlewis @PhoneyMajor @30AUcommando @Commando_Ops @GCHQ @RoyalMarinesMus @RoyalMarines
Minutes from a meeting in March 1944 reveal a new weapon designed for 30AU harking back to Henry V's victory.....
@Commando_Ops @authordlewis @militaryhistori @RoyalMarines
#ww2 #Agincourt #secretweapon #Commando #RoyalMarines #RoyalNavy #TopSecret
30Commando retweeted
A sprightly and spirited 102-year old veteran, John Eskdale, with a photo of the Squadron in which he served - during my interview with him last week. Pleased to say I'll be featuring John's incredible wartime story on my Substack page shortly: damienlewisspecialforcesclub…
Johnnis the last surviving veteran of @TheIanFleming 's 30 AU
Just spent a magical day hearing 102-year-old elite forces veteran John tell his spellbinding stories from the war years. John was delighted with his signed, dedicated copy of my new book, BEHIND ENEMY LINES, out 22/10/26. My interview with John, revealing his dramatic and courageous wartime service, will feature on my new Substack page shortly - so do sign up:
damienlewisspecialforcesclub…
30Commando retweeted
…and another #WeHaveWaysFest ends …
This was the first time that the Royal Marines had a presence in the form of @SiBiggs and some of his Royal Marines family; raising awareness about all branches of the @RoyalMarines . A total of 78,000 of them in all theatres of World War II and frequently overlooked by historians (that wouldn’t be you Mr @RDPHistory - as if!!)
My personal highlights were our amazing associates with @BuffaloLvt which attracted a lot of attention - notably from @almurray who was ridiculously excited 🤩 and the very lovely @MissAlexjones and family who spent a lot of time with us. Thank you 🙏
All of the children had an excellent time assaulting the Buffalo with grenades (this time it was @SiBiggs getting excited!🤣)
Next year we are introducing minesweeping for our younger guests!
The chaps at @IHistorical had a visit from @authordlewis which made our day!
@SiBiggs did a tour of most of the weaponry on site and generously shared his wealth of experience and historical insights with so many reenactors. What a guy!
Time for a debrief 🍷
30Commando retweeted
Thanks @almurray always a great sport.
The Marines were there!, now we have invaded the @WeHaveWaysPod festival too! What’s not to like…Royal Marines WW2 HQ, we crossed the Rhine in the @BuffaloLvt Buffalo, and went behind the lines with the great lads from 30AU @IHistorical
#imettheroyalmarines
Thanks @almurray for being a good sport!
In fact anyone is welcome at #WeHaveWaysFest to come and meet the Royal Marines, and @SiBiggs will give them a sticker 👍
30Commando retweeted
Special day, special place, special moment @WeHaveWaysPod Fest, joining the 30AU team in action! Love it.
@WeHaveWaysPod Fest Day 2 and we had some special guests join us as well as riding in the iconic vehicle of 30AU, the CT15.
Thank you @authordlewis @MissAlexjones
#VIP #WW2 #RoyalMarines #Commando
30AU on dispaly with the @RoyalMarines at @WeHaveWaysPod Fest telling the story of the #RoyalMarines during WW2.
#WW2 #royalmarines #Commando #RoyalNavy #RNVR #WHWF2026
#OTD - 1943 - Operation Avalanche.
A small detachment of 30 Commando, under Lt. Cmdr. Riley, RNVR, comprising of Lt. Glanville, RNVR, Capt. Martin-Smith and 14 OR's took part in the Allied landings at Salerno, Italy.
Their LST (Landing Ship Tank), LST 363 grounded on a sandbank as it approached the beaches at 6am and the detachment didn't land until 6pm.
#WW2 #Salerno #Italy #Commando #Amphibious #Italy #RoyalNavy #RoyalMarines
3 days to go....30AU will be on display as part of Royal Marines WW2 HQ at @WeHaveWaysPod #WHWF6
@authordlewis @SiBiggs @RoyalMarines
#WW2 #Commando #RoyalMarines #MilitaryHistory #intelligence
30Commando retweeted
Thanks to all of you who donated to help make this WW2 commando veteran's birthday one to remember! At 102 years old John remains a brilliant and inspirational WW2 Commando veteran, with a razor sharp sense of humour. Video shows John receiving his bronze RM statue. Next year he fully intends to be in France, to commemorate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Share widely, to spread the word. Huge thanks!
30Commando retweeted
Amazing! We did it. Thanks to all those who generously donated to make this ww2 commando veterans birthday one to remember!
30Commando retweeted
It’s nearly here!
Come see The Royal Marines WW2HQ at @WeHaveWaysPod come and get your sticker! Www.royalmarineshistory.com also staring @IHistorical @BuffaloLvt @YankyGirltoo
Tickets available here: wehavewaysfest.co.uk/
