42 Commando

42 Commando
source
Unit name	42 Commando
Dates	1943–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Marines
Type	Commando
Role	Amphibious assault, expeditionary operations
Size	~650 personnel
Command structure	3 Commando Brigade
Garrison	Royal Marines Base (RM) Condor, Stonehouse
Battle honours	See section

42 Commando

42 Commando is a battalion-sized formation of the Royal Marines that forms part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines within the United Kingdom Armed Forces. It has a history of expeditionary operations, amphibious assaults and littoral warfare, serving alongside units such as the Royal Navy, British Army, and multinational forces including the United States Marine Corps, Canadian Armed Forces, and Australian Army. The unit has been deployed in major campaigns from the Second World War era to contemporary operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

History

Formed during the later stages of the Second World War, the unit participated in operations tied to the Italian Campaign, the Aegean Campaign, and Mediterranean actions associated with the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Allied invasion of Italy. Post-war, it saw reorganisation through the early Cold War period and was incorporated into the UK’s rapid reaction posture alongside formations such as 40 Commando, 45 Commando, and Marines Commandos. During the Falklands War era and subsequent decades, the unit adapted to new doctrines influenced by lessons from the Suez Crisis and NATO exercises with forces like the Royal Air Force and United States Navy. In the 21st century 42 Commando deployed elements to operations including Operation Herrick in Afghanistan and Operation Telic in Iraq, reflecting the evolution from classic amphibious raids to integrated counter-insurgency and littoral strike roles.

Organisation and structure

42 Commando is organised into companies and specialist troops similar to other Royal Marines commando units, operating within the command hierarchy of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and ultimately under the Royal Navy's Fleet Command for maritime tasking. Sub-units have included rifle companies, a heavy weapons company, reconnaissance and surveillance elements, and support sections such as logistics, signals, medical, and mortar troops. The formation works closely with joint units like the Fleet Air Arm, Joint Helicopter Command, and allied battlegroups from the United States Marine Corps and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps for expeditionary readiness and combined operations.

Roles and operations

The primary roles encompass amphibious assault, littoral strike, raids, and force protection in expeditionary settings, supporting wider campaigns alongside formations such as 3 Commando Brigade, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, and multinational coalitions including NATO task forces. Tasks range from beachhead seizure and maritime interdiction to stabilisation and mentoring missions with partner forces like the Afghan National Army and Iraqi Security Forces. The unit has also contributed to UK homeland resilience, NATO rapid reaction readiness, and exercises such as Exercise Joint Warrior and Exercise Cold Response.

Training and selection

Personnel are drawn from recruits who complete All Arms Commando Course standards and undergo further infantry and amphibious training within Royal Marines establishments at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) and specialist instruction at locations including Lympstone and RM Poole. Advanced courses include small-unit tactics, close-quarters battle, reconnaissance, sniper, demolitions, and mountain and Arctic warfare curricula practiced alongside units from the French Navy's Commando Marine and the United States Marine Corps to attain interoperability. Continuous professional development features staff courses linked to institutions such as the UK Defence Academy.

Equipment and insignia

The unit employs weaponry and equipment typical of modern commando forces, including variants of the L85A2 and L85A3 family, designated marksman rifles, general-purpose machine guns like the FN MAG, light machine guns such as the FN Minimi, anti-armour weapons like the NLAW and Javelin systems operated in conjunction with allied anti-tank capabilities. Mobility assets include All-Terrain Vehicle platforms, landing craft operated by the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and embarked aviation from the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat and Boeing CH-47 Chinook in joint operations. The cap badge follows Royal Marines insignia traditions with the Globe and Laurel and the motto shared with sister units; unit flashes and tactical insignia are worn according to Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence dress regulations.

Notable deployments and engagements

Notable deployments include participation in Mediterranean operations during the Second World War, Cold War Atlantic and North Sea exercises, and 20th–21st century operational tours to the Falkland Islands, the Balkans during the Yugoslav Wars, peace support to Kosovo Force, combat and training rotations in Iraq under Operation Telic and in Afghanistan under Operation Herrick. The unit has also engaged in counter-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa and maritime security missions in the Gulf of Aden, cooperating with navies such as the Indian Navy and United States Navy carrier strike groups.

Battle honours and awards

Battle honours trace back to campaigns of the Second World War and later recognitions for service in operations aligned with NATO missions and UK expeditionary campaigns. Individual members and sub-units have received decorations including the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, and other campaign medals awarded by the United Kingdom and allied governments in recognition of gallantry and operational service.

Category:Royal Marines units