Corporal/Company Sergeant Major “Ossie” Moon
Officially listed as S/Major CSM 'Ossie' Moon, he served as the Instructor in survival techniques and “living off the land”, teaching the fundamentals of finding shelter, sourcing food, and cooking in the field—crucial skills for commando operations.
Served as Company Sergeant Major and was known as the “head cook” of the Commando Basic Training Centre. He was solely responsible for instructing survival techniques—especially fieldcraft, bivouac construction, foraging, and improvised firemaking
Survival & “Me‑and‑My‑Pal” Exercises
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Ossie organized 36‑hour cross‑country survival marches—these exercises spanned Loch Arkaig and nearby highlands, simulating real-life stress and compulsory resourcefulness. One trainee would lead shelter-building while the partner foraged and cooked, reinforcing reliance and teamwork.
All-Weather Fieldcraft
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Training took place year-round and in all weather, with recruits wearing standard-issue uniforms. Moon coached them on concealing shelters against rain, wind, and cold, using camouflage and low-profile techniques—critical for survival behind enemy lines.
Covered Terrain & Methods
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Exercises included methods for sourcing animal and plant food, preparing meals on improvised stoves or fires, and selecting natural materials for shelters—even in rugged terrains. All along Loch Arkaig’s banks, trainees learned to use natural cover for concealment and protection.