
Achnacarry Hous was used as Britain's principal Commando training establisment. The Clan Cameron Museum, within the grounds of Achnacarry, has picture of the recruits abseiling down the walls as well as various items of memorabilia. There is also a smaller insignificant version of the Commando Museum at the Spean Bridge Hotel which used to contain a number of interesting exhibits. The Commando Memorial, situated just over a mile from Spean Bridge, is passed on the route of the march. The initial march took place when the volunteers arrived at Spean Bridge Station. It was not unusual for them to be ordered to leave the train on the opposite side to the platform and any man injured jumping down on the track would be RTU'd. Heavy kit would be placed upon the waiting transport and the troops were then force marched to the gates of Achnacarry House carrying their fighting order weighing 36 pounds. The time allowed, to cover the 7 mile route, was 1 hour. Any recruits who failed to achieve this time were about turned and RTU'd by the next train. Prior to arriving at Spean Bridge, the recruits had undergone basic fitness training at Wrexham to ensure that they stood a good chance of completing the march.  |