Royal Marine Commando 1950–82 From Korea to the Falklands

by Fowler, Will; Ruggeri, Raffaele

• ISBN13: 9781846033728
• ISBN10: 1846033721
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-04-21
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

One of the most prestigious and versatile units of the British armed forces, the Royal Marine Commandos were a specialized fighting force, serving in many theaters, including the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, East Africa, Cyprus, Suez, Northern Ireland and the Faulklands, and performing a number of roles from counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to conventional combined arms fighting. During the period covered in this account, conscription to the Royal Marines came to an end and the unit became a professional and dedicated force. The author provides a detailed look at the service life of a Royal Marine Commando in a time of great change, exploring the developments that took place in recruitment, training, equipment, weaponry, dress and tactical deployment in the post-World War II period. The elite nature of the Royal Marines is maintained by the toughness of the Commando entry course at Lympstone in Devon - where successful entrants are awarded the distinctive green Commando beret. One major aspect of the course is that squads should work together, supporting the weakest members - a key ethos that is explored in this fascinating story.

Author Biography

Will Fowler has worked in journalism and publishing since 1972, reporting for European, American, Asian and Arabic magazines from Europe, the USA, the Middle East, China and SE Asia. Among his more than 30 published books is the best-selling MAA 133 Battle for the Falklands: Land Forces. A TA soldier for 30 years, he was commissioned from the ranks in 4th Bn Royal Green Jackets, and volunteered for Operation ''Granby'' in the Gulf, 1990-91. In 1993 he graduated from the French Army reserve staff officers course at the ?cole Militaire, Paris. Will is married and lives in Romsey, Hampshire.