British Commandos

British Commandos
Phil Sangwell from United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0 · source
Unit name	British Commandos
Dates	1940–1946
Country	United Kingdom
Type	Special forces
Role	Raiding, reconnaissance, direct action
Size	Varied; brigade and independent units

British Commandos were specialized raiding and assault troops formed during the Second World War to conduct amphibious operations, sabotage, reconnaissance, and irregular warfare. Raised after strategic setbacks in 1940, they influenced Allied special forces doctrine and contributed to campaigns from the English Channel to the Mediterranean, Arctic, and Pacific theatres. Their creation involved figures from the British Isles, coordination with Allied staffs, and adaptation to evolving technology and tactics.

Origins and formation

The Commandos emerged in the aftermath of the Dunkirk evacuation when Winston Churchill urged creation of small, highly trained units to strike back against Nazi Germany. Early advocates included staff officers from the War Office and planners attached to Combined Operations Headquarters, itself influenced by lessons from actions such as the Norwegian Campaign and the Battle of France. Initial units were formed from volunteers across the British Army including personnel from the Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy, with training sites set up at locations such as Achnacarry and coastal bases used for amphibious practice. Political patrons including leaders of the United Kingdom and liaison with Allied partners such as the United States and Free French Forces helped secure resources and cover for early raids.

Organization and training

Commandos were organized as independent companies and later into commando brigades, drawing officers and enlisted men from units like the Coldstream Guards, Parachute Regiment, Royal Fusiliers, and Royal Welch Fusiliers. Training emphasized amphibious assault, close-quarters battle, demolition, and reconnaissance at centers including Achnacarry in the Scottish Highlands and coastal schools near Portsmouth and Largs. Instructors included veterans from units with experience in the Gallipoli Campaign and interwar irregular operations; they taught weapons familiar from the Lee-Enfield and Thompson submachine gun to techniques compatible with landing craft such as the LCVP and Higgins boat. Command structures evolved under commanders working with staff from Combined Operations Headquarters and liaisons to theaters like North Africa, Sicily, and Burma.

Operations and campaigns

Commandos conducted raids, assaults, and reconnaissance across multiple theatres. Early operations included the St Nazaire Raid and the Lofoten Islands raid, while amphibious operations supported larger offensives such as the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Allied invasion of Italy. In the Mediterranean, commando units fought at Salerno and on the Gustav Line, and in northwestern Europe they took part in actions during the Normandy landings and subsequent operations in the Falaise pocket. Arctic raids and operations against German positions involved actions linked to the Norwegian Campaign and interdiction of the German battleship Tirpitz. In the Far East, commandos undertook operations tied to the Burma Campaign and supported forces of the British Indian Army and Chindits. Notable raids and engagements intersected with Allied operations including the Dieppe Raid and coordination with units such as the Special Air Service, Long Range Desert Group, and Royal Marines Commandos.

Equipment, tactics, and insignia

Commandos adopted specialized equipment suitable for amphibious and close-quarters warfare: small arms like the Bren light machine gun and Sten gun, demolition charges used in sabotage, and landing craft including LCM and LCVP. Tactical doctrine emphasized surprise, speed, intelligence-gathering, and cooperation with naval gunfire from vessels such as HMS Hood-class cruisers and destroyers. Camouflage, specialized climbing gear, and raiding boats aided operations in environments from the cliffs of Norway to the bocage of Normandy. Distinctive insignia included the black beret and the dagger-and-wreath emblem adopted in various forms by units including No. 2 Commando and No. 4 Commando, while shoulder titles and battle honors were awarded after actions connected to engagements like St Nazaire and Dieppe Raid.

Notable personnel and units

Prominent officers and men included commanders and veterans who later influenced postwar special operations: figures linked to operations across Europe and Asia had ties to formations such as No. 3 Commando, No. 9 Commando, No. 45 (Royal Marine) Commando, and composite formations like the 1st Special Service Brigade. Individuals who rose to prominence had interacted with institutions including the Admiralty, Headquarters Middle East Command, and liaison officers from the United States Marine Corps and Office of Strategic Services. Units often drew decorated soldiers who received awards such as the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order, and Military Cross for actions tied to raids on targets like the St Nazaire dry dock and interdiction of German coastal batteries.

Legacy and postwar evolution

After 1946, commando experience fed directly into postwar formations and doctrines in the British Armed Forces and influenced Allied special forces such as the Special Air Service and United States Navy SEALs. Veterans shaped training at institutions like the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and contributed to Cold War planning within organizations including NATO. Many wartime commando units were disbanded while elements were reconstituted as peacetime units such as the Royal Marines Commandos and influenced airborne and special operations units in Commonwealth forces including the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and the New Zealand Special Air Service. Commemoration of actions is preserved at memorials related to Dunkirk, St Nazaire, and the Normandy landings, and scholarly analysis appears in works tied to campaigns like Operation Overlord and the Burma Campaign.

Category:Military units and formations of the United Kingdom