48 Commando| Royal Navy

48 Commando (Support Group) Royal Marines

A unique blend of equipment support specialists, mobility specialists, medics and logisticians, the 48 Commando draws expertise from across the services to sustain the UK's Commando Force.

The Combat Service Support (CSS) Troop, use pulks to carry supplies during exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER

Role

At the beating heart of the Commando Force, 48 Commando provides the lifeline that keeps the UK's Commando Force operating anywhere in the world.

From the frozen fjords of the High North to the hostile deserts of the Middle East, the Commando unit provides the protected mobility, medical support, engineering support, tactical transport, fuel, ammunition, and supplies that enable Commandos on the frontline to LEAD, FIGHT and WIN - no matter what. Comprised of specialist Royal Marines, Royal Navy and Army Commando personnel, 48 Commando combines technical mastery with the commando ethos, ensuring that whatever the green beret goes, the sustainment to win goes with it.

The Combat Service Support (CSS), vehicle maintenance during exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER.

Capability

48 Commando was formed in 1972, and originally called the Commando Logistic Regiment; it has supported every major deployment undertaken by 3 Commando Brigade and now UKCF sustaining operations from the Falklands to Afghanistan. Highly trained and rapidly deployable, its specialist logisticians, medics, engineers, and transport teams are adaptable, resilient, and capable of enabling Commando Forces to fight and endure in any environment worldwide. CLR continues to evolve, embracing new technologies such as autonomous resupply. These innovative support solutions keep the UK’s elite troops equipped, sustained, and ready for operations.

Crew

Drawn from across the services, 48 Commando personnel undertake on a diverse range of specialist operational tasks under the command of Lt Col Jolyon Simpson RM. Made up of unique squadrons, each plays an integral role in enabling and supporting the Commando Force:

Commando Forces Support Squadron

Provides garrison security, support, and infrastructure services to 48 Commando by enabling and sustaining operations in support of UKCF objectives.

HQ & Training Squadron

Delivers 48 Commando communications and ground mobility fleet management plus all core training, including medical and ground mobility instruction for UKCF. It also forms the core of the Norway Enabler Group responsible for delivering extreme cold weather training to the Commando Force.

Delta Squadron

Provides the Commando Force’s sole tactical transportation capability and supply distribution to sustain operational tempo. It includes a Defence-first, operating heavy unmanned aerial systems for close, last mile resupply tasks.

Workshop Squadron

Delivers vital first-line equipment support to 48 Commando and second-line equipment support to UK Commando Forces maintaining vehicles, weapons, radios, and power generators to keep the Commando Force operationally effective.

Victor Squadron

Delivers critical supply and petroleum operations support, providing fuel storage and distribution, as well as technical materiel management, across 48 Commando and the UK Commando Force.

Medical Squadron

Delivers comprehensive medical support to UKCF including pre hospital treatment, GP led deployed primary healthcare, and consultant led damage control resuscitation/surgery across diverse environments.

Armoured Support Group (ASG)

Delivers the protected mobility capability for the Commando Force in the Viking all-terrain vehicle capable of manoeuvring personnel and their equipment across the littoral seam and into the most challenging terrain.

48 Commando (Support Group) Royal Marines Timeline

1972

Formation of the unit and orgainlly named the Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR), bringing together various elements, including medical, transport, ordnance, and workshops, to create the Brigade’s own specialist logistical support.

1972

On 11 January 1972, CLR holds its inaugural parade at Sonehouse Barracks, Plymouth. During the parade, Lt Gen B. I. S. Gourlay, OBE, MC remarks "Today you find yourselves members of a very special and new team".

1982

Falklands War, CLR delivers forward medical facilities, repair points, fuel distribution, and combat resupply.

1991

Operation Haven, CLR plays a critical role by providing essential combat service support to UK Commando Force in Northern Iraq.

1995

The Regiment relocates its base from RMB Stonehouse in Plymouth to RMB Chivenor in Devon, where it remains today.

2000

Operation Agricola 4, CLR provides essential combat service support, including supplies, transport, and equipment repairs, to UK Commando Force and NATO forces in Kosovo.

2003

Operation Telic, CLR forms the logistic backbone of 3 Cdo Bde during the operation in Iraq, providing beach support, port operations, bulk fuel handling, medical care, and equipment support.

2006 - 2014

Operation Herrick, CLR provides continuous sustainment to forward echelons in Afghanistan. This included both Role 1 and Role 2 care from Medical Squadron and tactical resupply whilst under threat.

2010s

CLR contributes to major multinational exercises, including Black Alligator (combined arms manoevre training in the US), Joint Warrior (UK's largest tri-service exercise) and the Cougar Task Group deployments, integrating with RFA shipping for rapid response operations.

2022 - present

Camp Viking is established in Norway as a permanent forward base for the Commando Force. CLR provides Arctic-specific sustainment, including cold weather maintenance, distributed supply nodes, medical support, and logistic integration.

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