40 Commando

40 Commando
source
Unit name	40 Commando
Dates	1942–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Marines
Type	Commando
Role	Amphibious light infantry
Size	Battalion-sized
Command structure	3 Commando Brigade
Garrison	Stonehouse Barracks
Motto	"For King and Country"

40 Commando

40 Commando is a battalion-sized formation of the Royal Marines raised in 1942 that has served in amphibious, expeditionary and rapid reaction roles across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Atlantic, participating in major campaigns and peacekeeping operations alongside formations such as 3 Commando Brigade, 1st Special Service Brigade, British Expeditionary Force, and NATO forces. The unit has operated in concert with partners including United States Marine Corps, Royal Navy, French Navy, and units of the United States Army and Royal Air Force on operations from the Second World War through the Falklands War, counter-insurgency deployments, and 21st-century expeditionary missions.

History

Raised in 1942 as part of the wartime expansion of British Commandos during the Second World War, the battalion deployed to the Mediterranean Theatre and took part in operations linked to the Sicilian campaign, the Italian Campaign, and raids along the Dalmatian coast that involved coordination with the Yugoslav Partisans and Adriatic Sea naval operations. Post-war, the unit was engaged in operations during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation and the post-colonial troubles in Aden, working alongside elements of the British Army and Royal Air Force Regiment. During the late 20th century, deployments included stabilization and deterrence missions in the Falklands Islands theater, contributions to NATO commitments in Germany and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation response to the Cold War, and operations in Northern Ireland during the Troubles alongside units such as the Royal Ulster Constabulary. In the 21st century, the battalion participated in expeditionary deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and West Africa for crisis response, working with partners including the United States Central Command, European Union, and United Nations missions.

Organisation and structure

Organised on a classic commando Battalion structure within 3 Commando Brigade, the unit contains rifle companies, a manoeuvre support company, reconnaissance and surveillance elements, and logistics and headquarters components compatible with brigade-level operations such as those planned by HQ 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and coordinated with Fleet Headquarters. Command relationships have alternated between direct brigade command and attachment to task forces under operational commanders like those of Task Force 317 and joint force commanders during combined exercises with United States European Command and Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. The battalion routinely integrates specialist platoons drawn from institutions such as the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Royal Marines Armoured Support Group, and communications detachments that liaise with Joint Forces Command and multinational staffs.

Roles and operations

Primarily tasked as an amphibious light infantry force capable of littoral assault, maritime interdiction, and raids, the battalion executes operations including amphibious assaults, evacuation operations, non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO), peace enforcement, and counter-insurgency. It has conducted amphibious landings with Royal Navy task groups and Landing Craft Utility units, maritime boarding with HMS Ocean-class aviation-capable ships, and partnered security operations with Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels and United States Navy carrier strike groups. Operations have ranged from high-intensity combat in the Italian Campaign and Falklands War to stabilization and mentoring missions in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside formations such as 1st Infantry Division (United Kingdom), Task Force Helmand, and multinational Provincial Reconstruction Teams. The battalion also undertakes humanitarian assistance and disaster relief collaborating with agencies like the Department for International Development and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Equipment and training

Equipped for expeditionary littoral warfare, the battalion employs small arms including variants of the L85A2 service rifle, the Minimi light machine gun, and sniper systems similar to the L115A3, supported by anti-armor weapons such as the NLAW and man-portable air-defence systems like the Javelin (missile system), while organic firepower includes mortars and the FV432 family replacement concepts trialled with the Royal Marines Armoured Support Group. For mobility and amphibious insertion it uses Assault Boat systems, LCVP and LCU landing craft, and helicopters from squadrons such as Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm units. Training is centred at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines with the four-month commando course, amphibious skills at Dartmouth (United Kingdom) and cold-weather training in collaboration with units from Norway and Canada at polar facilities, while interoperability exercises occur with US Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune and NATO partner militaries during exercises such as Exercise Joint Warrior and Exercise Cold Response.

Battle honours and notable engagements

The battalion's engagements include participation in World War II Mediterranean operations, actions during the Italian Campaign and coastal raids in the Adriatic Sea, counter-insurgency and security operations during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation and conflicts in Aden, contributions to the Falklands War theater, and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the 2000s. Notable operations saw coordination with formations such as the Yugoslav Partisans, interaction with naval forces like HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible, and coalition actions alongside United States Marine Corps and NATO units. The unit's battle honours reflect service in major amphibious and littoral campaigns, counter-insurgency operations, and expeditionary interventions alongside British and allied forces.

Traditions and insignia

Drawing on Royal Marines traditions, the unit wears the green beret and follows customs observed across 3 Commando Brigade and the Royal Navy-infused Royal Marines culture, with ceremonial links to Stonehouse Barracks and affiliations with civic institutions and regimental associations such as the Royal Marines Association and local civic bodies in Plymouth. Insignia elements reflect commando provenance and are displayed on standards and colours in ceremonies involving senior figures from Ministry of Defence and royal patrons at events like Trooping the Colour and remembrance services held at National Memorial Arboretum.

Category:Royal Marines