British Commandos

Lore & Background

The Commandos were formed after a request from Winston Churchill for specially-trained troops to carry out raids against German-occupied Europe. Volunteers were initially drawn from the British Army, and later from all branches of the British Armed Forces and foreign volunteers. By the end of the war, 25,000 men had passed through the Commando course at Achnacarry. The Commandos served in all theatres of war, from the Arctic Circle to South-East Asia. After the war, most units were disbanded, leaving only the 3 Commando Brigade of the Royal Marines, now known as the UK Commando Force.

Reader's Guide

The Commandos were organized into units of about 450 men, divided into troops and sections. They were under the operational control of Combined Operations Headquarters. The first commando raid, Operation Collar, was conducted on 24/25 June 1940. By November 1940, the units were organized into a Special Service Brigade. In 1943, the formation changed to include a headquarters, five fighting troops, a heavy weapons troop, and a signals platoon.

Did You Know?

• The Commandos were modelled on the tactics of Boer commandos: 'hit sharp and quick – then run to fight another day'.
• No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando included volunteers from France, Belgium, Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, and a troop of enemy aliens.
• The United States Army Rangers and US Marine Corps Raiders were modelled on the Commandos.