No. 3 Commando

No. 3 Commando
Unit name	No. 3 Commando
Dates	1940–1946
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Commando
Role	Amphibious raiding
Size	~450 men
Command structure	Special Service Brigade
Garrison	Various locations in Wales
Battles	Second World War, Dieppe Raid, Operation Husky, Operation Avalanche, Operation Overlord, Battle of the Scheldt, Operation Plunder
Notable commanders	John Durnford-Slater, Peter Young

No. 3 Commando was a battalion-sized British Commando unit of the British Army formed during the Second World War. It was among the first such units raised in 1940 following a directive from Winston Churchill to create a force capable of raiding enemy-occupied Europe. The unit participated in numerous significant operations, including the Dieppe Raid and the Normandy landings, earning a formidable reputation for aggression and skill. It was disbanded in 1946 after the conclusion of hostilities.

History

The unit was formed in July 1940 at the instigation of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who sought a force to take offensive action against Nazi Germany. Its first commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel John Durnford-Slater, who led the unit from its inception. Initially based in Plymouth, the commando later established its main training centre at Achnacarry in the Scottish Highlands, alongside other commando units. Throughout the war, it served as a key component of the Special Service Brigade, conducting raids and spearheading assaults across multiple theatres.

Organisation

Following the standard commando structure, the unit was organized into a headquarters and several fighting troops, each initially consisting of about 60 men. Each troop was further divided into two sections, specializing in skills like demolition or signals. The unit was part of the larger Special Service Brigade, which coordinated the activities of several commando units. Its organization allowed for flexibility and rapid deployment, whether operating independently or as part of a larger invasion force alongside formations like the 1st Special Service Brigade.

Operations

The commando's first major action was the disastrous Dieppe Raid in August 1942, where it suffered heavy casualties attempting to destroy coastal batteries. It saw extensive service in the Mediterranean Theatre, landing in Sicily during Operation Husky and at Salerno in Operation Avalanche. Its most famous operation was on D-Day, where it scaled the cliffs at Sword Beach to attack the Merville Gun Battery. Later campaigns included the Battle of the Scheldt and the crossing of the Rhine during Operation Plunder.

Training and equipment

Recruits underwent a rigorous selection and training regime at the Commando Basic Training Centre in Achnacarry, focusing on physical fitness, weapons training, unarmed combat, and amphibious warfare. Training was designed to foster extreme endurance and initiative. The unit was lightly equipped for speed, typically carrying the Lee–Enfield rifle, Sten gun, and Bren light machine gun. For special missions, they utilized a variety of tools including fighting knives, explosives, and were often transported by the Royal Navy or landing craft.

Notable members

Several members of the unit achieved significant distinction during and after the war. Its first commander, John Durnford-Slater, later rose to command the Special Service Brigade. Major Peter Young became a highly decorated officer and a noted military historian. Sergeant Thomas Peck Hunter was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Rhine crossing. Other notable figures included David Stirling, founder of the Special Air Service, who served briefly with the unit early in the war.

Legacy

Following the end of the Second World War, No. 3 Commando was disbanded in 1946 as part of the general demobilization. Its traditions and expertise directly influenced the post-war formation of the United Kingdom Special Forces, including the modern Royal Marines Commandos. The unit's history is commemorated by museums and associations dedicated to preserving the legacy of the British Commandos. Its audacious operations, particularly on D-Day, remain a staple of military history studies concerning special operations and amphibious warfare.

Category:British Commando units of World War II Category:Military units and formations established in 1940 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1946