42 Commando History

Pronounced as "Four-Two Commando" it’s a battalion sized formation of the British Royal Marines who are a subordinate unit within the 3rd Commando Brigade, the principal Commando formation, under the Operational Command of Commander in Chief Fleet.

Rolled as a Commando light infantry unit, 42 Cdo RM is capable of a wide range of operational tasks. Based at Bickleigh Barracks, near Plymouth. Personnel regularly deploy outside the United Kingdom on operations or training.

Whilst the 3rd Commando Brigade RM is another of the principal cold
weather warfare formation, personnel are capable of operating in a variety of theatres including tropical jungle, desert or mountainous terrain. All personnel will have completed the Commando course at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone in Devon, entitling them to wear the coveted Green Beret, with attached personnel having completed the All-Arms Commando Course.

In 2001 42 commando association was formed so that retired Royal Marines Commandos could meet up and hold a reunion, the reunion is held in the Savoy hotel in Blackpool on the last weekend in June, it’s a great opportunity for members to pull up a sandbag and swing the lantern.