Post by WYATT666 on Jul 15, 2011 8:39:10 GMT
Formed in 1942, from A Commando, 40 Commando was the first RM Commando Unit. It saw early action during the raid on Dieppe that year. From 1943 to 1945 the Commando was involved in the Italian Campaign and for its decisive action was awarded the Termoli battle honour.
On 21 May 1982, following the Argentinean invasion of the Falkland Islands the Commandos were among the first troops ashore and secured the beachhead at San Carlos. On return, in 1983, the Commando relocated from Plymouth to Norton Manor Camp near Taunton, Somerset.
In 1991 the Unit undertook its first Norway deployment but found itself undergoing a sudden and dramatic climatic change when, due to the start of the Gulf War, it deployed to Northern Iraq to ensure the security of Kurdish refugees.
In March 2003 a coalition force, under the overall command of the United States, entered Iraq. During Operation TELIC (20 March 2003) 40 Commando, commanded by Lt Col G K Messenger OBE, mounted an amphibious helicopter assault to seize key Iraqi oil infrastructure on the Al Faw peninsula.
In 2007, 40 Commando deployed onto operation HERRICK 7 to Sangin in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Commanded by Lt Col S Birrell they worked to stabilise the country.
In 2009 operation TAURUS took the Unit to the Middle East. This involved, sailing to the Mediterranean and engaging in amphibious operations with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, as well as coalition partners - the Dutch, Americans and Turks before undergoing jungle training in Brunei.
In 2010, 40 Commando returned to Sangin, Afghanistan, as part of Operation HERRICK 12 under the command of Lt Col P James. This historic tour saw the last UK Battle Group leave Sangin after handing over the region to the US Marine Corps.Find out more about
On 21 May 1982, following the Argentinean invasion of the Falkland Islands the Commandos were among the first troops ashore and secured the beachhead at San Carlos. On return, in 1983, the Commando relocated from Plymouth to Norton Manor Camp near Taunton, Somerset.
In 1991 the Unit undertook its first Norway deployment but found itself undergoing a sudden and dramatic climatic change when, due to the start of the Gulf War, it deployed to Northern Iraq to ensure the security of Kurdish refugees.
In March 2003 a coalition force, under the overall command of the United States, entered Iraq. During Operation TELIC (20 March 2003) 40 Commando, commanded by Lt Col G K Messenger OBE, mounted an amphibious helicopter assault to seize key Iraqi oil infrastructure on the Al Faw peninsula.
In 2007, 40 Commando deployed onto operation HERRICK 7 to Sangin in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Commanded by Lt Col S Birrell they worked to stabilise the country.
In 2009 operation TAURUS took the Unit to the Middle East. This involved, sailing to the Mediterranean and engaging in amphibious operations with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, as well as coalition partners - the Dutch, Americans and Turks before undergoing jungle training in Brunei.
In 2010, 40 Commando returned to Sangin, Afghanistan, as part of Operation HERRICK 12 under the command of Lt Col P James. This historic tour saw the last UK Battle Group leave Sangin after handing over the region to the US Marine Corps.Find out more about