42 Commando Royal Marines

42 Commando Royal Marines
source
Unit name	42 Commando
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Marines
Type	Commando
Role	Specialised amphibious and littoral warfare
Size	Commando (approx. 600–700)
Garrison	Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth
Motto	Per Mare Per Terram
Colors	Royal Marine blue
Notable commanders	Sir John Hackett, Lord Mountbatten, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Vaux

42 Commando Royal Marines

42 Commando Royal Marines is a United Kingdom Royal Marines commando unit specialising in amphibious, littoral and interdiction operations. Formed during the Second World War, the unit has served across Europe, Asia and the Atlantic, participating in major operations such as the Allied invasion of Sicily, the Battle of Monte Cassino campaigns and post‑war Cold War deterrence. Today it operates from Bickleigh Barracks near Plymouth as part of 3 Commando Brigade within United Kingdom Special Forces-tasked structures and NATO expeditionary forces.

History

Raised in 1943 under the expansion of British Commandos during World War II, 42 Commando took part in Mediterranean operations including the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign, operating alongside units such as 2nd Special Service Brigade and the British Eighth Army. Post‑war the unit was reconstituted in the Cold War era, contributing to garrison duties in Malta, training exchanges with the United States Marine Corps and deployments in response to crises in Cyprus and the Suez Crisis. During the late 20th century 42 Commando was engaged in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, and later elements were deployed to the Balkans during the Bosnian War and Kosovo War as part of NATO stabilization efforts. In the 21st century 42 Commando served on operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, counter‑piracy patrols off Somalia and maritime security tasks in the Gulf of Aden, often embedded within multinational task groups such as Combined Task Force 151 and working alongside the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and United States Navy.

Role and Organisation

42 Commando functions as an amphibious commando unit within 3 Commando Brigade, specialising in littoral strike, maritime interdiction, forward reconnaissance and shipborne force protection. Its organisation mirrors commando structures with rifle companies, heavy weapons detachments and specialist platoons including reconnaissance, mortars and machine guns. Command relationships place it under commanders who have led formations such as 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and operational taskings from NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe or national deployers. The unit routinely trains for interoperability with formations like the United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Royal Netherlands Navy, French Navy and German Navy amphibious elements.

Operational Deployments

Operational history spans amphibious assaults in World War II to counter‑insurgency and maritime security in the 21st century. During WWII the unit fought in campaigns against the German Wehrmacht and Fascist Italy forces, later participating in Cold War rapid reaction tasks in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. Deployments in the post‑Cold War era included peace enforcement in the Balkans under SFOR and KFOR mandates, counter‑terrorism and training missions in Sierra Leone during the 1997–1998 Sierra Leone Civil War, and expeditionary tours to Iraq during Operation Telic and to Afghanistan during Operation Herrick. Maritime operations have seen boarding actions in the Gulf of Aden against piracy, security detachments aboard Royal Navy warships and cooperation in multinational exercises such as Exercise Joint Warrior and Exercise Cold Response.

Training and Selection

Selection for 42 Commando follows the Royal Marines' rigorous assessment process starting with the Potential Royal Marines Course and culminating in the 32‑week Commando Course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Devonport. Candidates complete endurance marches across terrain such as the Dartmoor ranges, small‑unit tactics, amphibious assault training from HMS Albion and HMS Ocean type platforms, and specialist courses in close quarter battle, reconnaissance and signals. Ongoing unit training includes live‑fire exercises at ranges like Castlemartin and littoral operations at facilities such as Maritime Warfare School sites, as well as joint exercises with allies including NATO partners and the United States Navy SEALs where interoperability and doctrine exchange occur.

Equipment and Weapons

Standard infantry and specialist equipment includes the L85A2/L85A3 service rifle family, support weapons such as the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), the L7A2 GPMG derivative, the 9mm Heckler & Koch MP5 for close quarter tasks, and anti‑armor systems like the Javelin (missile) and the NLAW. Marine platforms and transport assets associated with 42 Commando operations include Landing Platform Dock vessels, Landing Craft Utility and fast raiding craft including RHIBs. Personal kit comprises amphibious clothing systems, night vision devices from suppliers used by UK Special Forces, and communications suites compatible with NATO datalinks and the Bowman (British Army communications system) network.

Insignia and Traditions

42 Commando maintains traditions rooted in Royal Marine and commando heritage. The unit wears the famous green beret and the contested brass badge of the Royal Marines while adopting the commando dagger emblem associated with No. 1 Commando lineage. Ceremonial practices reflect ties to naval traditions from bases such as Plymouth and to historic battle honours earned in campaigns like Sicily and the Italian Campaign. Annual events include commemoration at memorials such as the Royal Marines Memorial and participation in national ceremonies alongside units like the Parachute Regiment and Royal Navy fleets.

Notable Personnel and Honors

Notable figures associated with the unit or its commanders include senior officers who later served in NATO or held titles such as Sir John Hackett and admirals who coordinated amphibious operations such as Lord Mountbatten. Individual members have received decorations including the Distinguished Service Order, the Military Cross and the Queen's Gallantry Medal for actions during amphibious assaults, counter‑insurgency and maritime interdiction. The unit’s battle honours and regimental awards reflect engagements from the Second World War to modern expeditionary campaigns, with recognitions cited in official honours list announcements and defence dispatches.

Category:Royal Marines