42 Commando | Royal Marines

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Facts & figures

354

Years of loyal service by the Royal Marines

38

Number of battle honours

6

Number of companies

Current operation

Royal Marines

Global

Previous deployment

Operation Kipion

We have been on patrol in the Gulf since 1980, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to peace and stability.

Our Base

Bickleigh, Devon

Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel J Lewis

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42 Commando's role

42 Commando deliver a combination of capabilities including: high threat capacity-building and training of overseas partnered forces; Ships Force Protection Teams; training to indigenous forces; maritime interdiction and boarding operations; UK resilience and support to the Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers.

Based in Bickleigh, just outside of Plymouth, 42 Commando is made up of specialist teams ready to deploy around the world to deliver Maritime Security, Support and Training to foreign nations and specialist amphibious support across Defence.

Gallery

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Unit history

1942

Formation

The Commandos were formed during the darkest days of the Second World War and as the war progressed, more men were needed for this very specialist role. In 1942 two Royal Marines Commandos were formed;

1943

42 Commando

Soon even more men were needed and No.42 (Royal Marine) Commando was raised in August 1943. After arduous training at Achnacarry, the unit was assigned to the 3rd Special Service Brigade and served in India and Burma taking part in operations in the Arakan and Assam, including a series of amphibious landings down the Burmese coastline.

1945

Hong Kong

At the end of the war ‘42’ was moved to Hong Kong. The unit was involved in operations during the confrontation with Indonesia (Borneo). It was during this tour that the audacious Limbang Raid was conducted by Lima Company. Throughout the following decade it was based in Singapore at HMS Simbang.

1971

Northern Ireland

After returning to the UK, the Commando was deployed to Northern Ireland, the New Hebrides and exercised regularly overseas.

1982

Falklands

In 1982 the unit deployed as part of the Falklands Task Force and played it’s part in the recapture of the Islands, gaining the unit’s memorable date for the assault on Mount Harriet. More recently the Commando has seen operational service in South Georgia, Montserrat, Iraq and Afghanistan.

2003

Operation TELIC

The new millennium saw ‘42’ deploy on Operation TELIC for the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

2006

Operation HERRICK

They served on three tours of Operation HERRICK in Afghanistan, 2006/2007, 2008/2009 and HERRICK 14 in 2011 when the unit carried out it’s last operational tour of Afghanistan.

Will you join us?

From divers to chefs, musicians to engineers, there’s a whole world of career options with the Royal Navy. Join us to be part of something special, protecting our nation’s interests, all over the world.

Royal Marines Commando

Royal Marines Musician

Royal Marines Commando Officer

Royal Marines Reservist

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42 Commando Royal Marines @42_commando 02 Jan 2023

RT @BootneckHistory: L Coy, 42 Commando in Jamaica, 1996. Sent in by a follower. https://t.co/EexDTpbiFG