Royal Marine Commandos

Royal Marine Commandos
Unit name	Royal Marine Commandos
Dates	1942–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Special forces/Amphibious warfare
Role	Commando (military) operations, Special reconnaissance
Size	Brigade-level
Garrison	Stonehouse Barracks
Motto	"Per Mare Per Terram"

Royal Marine Commandos are the elite amphibious light infantry units of the United Kingdom's naval service, formed during the Second World War and serving in major 20th century and 21st century conflicts. Renowned for combining Royal Navy seaborne capability with commando-style tactics used in operations such as the Dieppe Raid, Operation Overlord, and the Falklands War, they operate alongside units like the British Army's SAS and SBS and allied forces including the United States Marine Corps and Dutch Korps Mariniers.

History

The commandos concept was initiated after the Second World War precursor actions by raiding formations created under the direction of Winston Churchill during the Second World War; early influences included the Royal Naval Division and Special Operations Executive. Formal commando units consolidated into the Royal Marine Commandos in 1942 and fought in theatres across the European theatre, Mediterranean theatre, and Burma Campaign. Postwar reorganisation linked them to the Amphibious Warfare doctrine and Cold War commitments such as NATO exercises in West Germany and the Norwegian Campaign planning. In 1982 their expeditionary capability was demonstrated in the Falklands War; later operations included deployments to Northern Ireland during The Troubles, the Gulf War (1990–91), Balkans peacekeeping, Iraq War (2003–2011), and operations in Afghanistan. Recent reforms have seen integration with Standing Joint Force Headquarters and multinational cooperation with NATO and the Five Eyes partners.

Organisation and units

Command structure centres on 3 Commando Brigade, a brigade-sized formation headquartered with elements in Plymouth and Devonport. Subunits include battalion-sized 40 Commando, 42 Commando, and 45 Commando (historically including 41 Commando and 43 Commando formations), plus specialist elements such as the Commando Logistic Regiment, Royal Marines Band Service, and reconnaissance troops aligned with 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines. Supporting organisations include Royal Marines Reserve, the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, and training institutions at Lympstone Commando and Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. The brigade embeds detachments for air assault cooperation with Fleet Air Arm squadrons, armoured elements using the Tactical Support Vehicle concept, and close liaison with British Army formation commanders.

Training and selection

Selection begins with a candidate course at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, emphasising endurance marches over terrain such as Dartmoor and amphibious skills using beaches at Bovisand and HMS Raleigh training areas. Physical tests include the Endurance Course, the 9-mile speed march, and the infamous Tarzan Assault Course; candidates wear the historic Green Beret upon passing. Specialist training streams cover Jungle Warfare at tropical schools influenced by the Malayan Emergency experience, cold-weather training in Norway, mountain warfare linked to Royal Marines Mountain Leader Training, and urban operations in partnership with the Police Specialist Firearms Command and SAS liaison. Selection has produced noted graduates who later served in joint operations with US Marine Corps and NATO partners.

Operations and deployments

Operational history spans amphibious assaults like Operation Neptune in Operation Overlord, raids such as the St Nazaire Raid legacy, and assault landings during the Anzio landings. In the postwar era they executed taskings in Korea (as advisors), counter-insurgency operations in Malaya, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping tasks in Northern Ireland and the Balkans, and expeditionary interventions during the Falklands War including the Battle of Mount Tumbledown. In the 21st century deployments included Operation Telic in Iraq, Operation Herrick in Afghanistan, anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa alongside the Royal Navy and European Union Naval Force (Operation Atalanta), and humanitarian relief following natural disasters coordinated with Ministry of Defence and international NGOs.

Equipment and uniform

Lightweight, amphibious-focused equipment includes small arms like the L85A2 and later L85A3 rifles, support weapons such as the General Purpose Machine Gun family, and precision systems like the L115A3 sniper rifle. Mobility is provided by rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), landing craft such as LCVPs and LCUs, and utility vehicles adapted for littoral operations. Aviation support uses Merlin and Wildcat helicopters from Fleet Air Arm squadrons embarked on amphibious assault ships like HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. Dress includes the historic Green Beret, camouflage patterns aligned with British Army uniforms, and ceremonial accouterments inherited from Royal Marines Band Service traditions.

Insignia and traditions

Distinctive insignia include the Royal Marines cap badge, the prisoner motif of the Globe and Laurels, and the motto "Per Mare Per Terram" reflecting amphibious heritage. Ceremonial traditions draw on ties to the Royal Navy and historic marine customs observed at Stonehouse Barracks and during parades at Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade. Battle honours carry names from the Second World War and postwar campaigns; regimental celebrations commemorate events such as Commemoration of Fallen Commandos and unit anniversaries associated with the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge.

Notable personnel and honours

Prominent figures associated with commando history include early wartime leaders linked to raids commemorated alongside names such as Lord Mountbatten and veterans who served in high-profile campaigns connected to Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery-era operations. Decorated members have received awards including the Victoria Cross, George Cross, Military Cross, and Distinguished Service Order for actions in engagements like the Falklands War and Operation Overlord. Several former Royal Marine Commandos have held senior posts within the Ministry of Defence and as defence advisers to NATO commands, while others have authored memoirs and histories preserved in institutions such as the Imperial War Museum.

Category:Royal Marines Category:British military units and formations