OFFICIAL Commando News Magazine Edition 15 2023

can be negotiated by going in stern first,
paddling through the breakers, and
backwards in between. Heavy surfs will
smash the canoes to bits.
(v) Portage of canoes. This represents an
unpleasant necessity in training. After many
trials the method described in Appendix I, A
have been devised and have now been
adopted as the best.
(vi) Unarmed Combat. An ability to take on any
comer with a good chance of success should be
the aim of every man in the service. To go into
a fight for life armed with the belief that you are
probably able to beat your opponent, as strong
as he is, that does not turn into over-confidence,
is to be armed with a very powerful weapon.
Confidence in the efficiency of unarmed combat
training will supply that belief, and the obvious
practical advantage of holds and counters
supplies that confidence. The high degree of
ability instilled into the ratings in this branch of
their training cannot be overestimated whether
from the point of view of physical ability, or from
morale, or from the psychological effect on their
*attitude to going into action. Aggressiveness,
quickness, and a carelessness of being hurt are
provided by this training.
The system of training in unarmed combat
which is taught at the Frankston school is based
mainly on Ju-Jitsu, with the addition of military
disarming tricks.
(vii) Knife Combat. Unfortunately, there has been
no instructor in knife combat available for
training X Camp in this type of warfare, so
common sense and a knowledge of anatomy
has supplied the want. The heart has been the
point of aim of all premeditated blows, for
sudden and silent despatch. Other vulnerable
parts such as the head, the neck, and main
arteries, have also received necessary attention.
Four types of knives are used: the stiletto, the
knuckle-duster knife, and the 'parang' or jungle
knife. The fourth is a sheath-knife for normal
seamanship purposes but? it has half the upper
edge sharpened for offensive use if needed.
The stiletto has an elongated diamond crosssection,
and tapers gradually in plan and
elevation. Its two tine edges are sharpened to a
cutting edge. The steel is specially toughened.
The knuckle-duster knife in of hardened steel
and takes a very fine edge slightly hollow
ground. The upper edge is sharpened to half
way. The handle is of heavy alloy. The weapon
would break a jaw in the punch, would crumb
the skull with its butt, whilst the damage
inherent in the blade needs no elaboration*
The 'parang' is of hardened steel taking a fine
edge. Its use is mainly domestic as a jungle
knife, but as an offensive or defensive weapon it
can be very formidable. A hit or slash with the
‘parang' would dismember a hand or arm, or
cleave right through the skull, whilst a hit on the
side or back of the neck would kill instantly.
Arthur ‘Joe’ Jones, armed with a knife honing his attack
skills at camp X.
Source. Deadly Secrets, p124
(viii) Explosives. Grenades, Limpet mines and
gelignite need no elaboration.
(ix) Demolition of Small Ships. No training has yet
been undergone in this subject.
(x) Small Ships Engines. This is a matter for
general study by the whole operational party,
and for more intensive attention by the
engineers, but has not yet been touched on.
The purpose is to aid the party in any necessary
piratical warfare. It may be necessary to change
the ship several times during a protracted
operation, and chance may throw out any type
of motor or steam ship for the exchange. A
steaming party for a captured merchant ship
may have to be supplied from ‘X’ operational
ship.
(xi) The Blackjack. A homemade blackjack 12
inches long of 2/3 inch bore rubber filled with
load shot, plugged with wood both ends, and
having a rawhide wrist loop is a very formidable
weapon. It forms part of ‘X’ Camp's equipment.
Training in its use is unnecessary.
28 COMMANDO ~ The Magazine of the Australian Commando Association ~ Edition 15 I 2023