The Royal Marines Commandos

The Royal Marines Commandos: Britain’s Amphibious Elite takes listeners deep inside one of the most formidable and respected fighting forces in the world. For more than 350 years, the Royal Marines have stood at the cutting edge of Britain’s military power, combining the traditions of naval service with the skill and ferocity of elite infantry. From their origins in the 17th century as “soldiers of the sea” to their modern role as expeditionary warriors, the Commandos have embodied adaptability, courage, and a relentless will to overcome.

This book traces their remarkable journey, exploring ten essential aspects of their history, ethos, and capabilities. It begins with the Globe and Laurel, the emblem that symbolises their global reach, their battle honours, and their Royal status. It recounts their defining moment in the Falklands War, where 3 Commando Brigade yomping across East Falkland cemented their reputation for endurance and tactical brilliance. It takes the lsitener into the crucible of Lympstone, where recruits undergo 32 weeks of some of the toughest military training on earth to earn the coveted Green Beret.

But the Commandos are far more than riflemen. Specialisations abound: reconnaissance teams who vanish behind enemy lines, snipers who deliver precision at long range, Mountain Leaders who guide troops through avalanches and blizzards, and communications experts who keep operations connected in the fog of war. Their amphibious role sets them apart, striking from the sea in complex landings that blend naval, air, and infantry power. The book also explores their unique position within the Royal Navy — sailors on land, soldiers at sea — and shows how this integration gives Britain a truly global, mobile force.

At the heart of it all lies the Commando mindset: courage, determination, unselfishness, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity. These values are not slogans but lived realities, binding Marines together in a brotherhood of resilience and humour even in the harshest conditions. The Arctic warfare tradition further proves this ethos. For decades, Marines have trained in Norway, enduring temperatures of -30°C and mastering the art of fighting on skis and sleds. They are NATO’s Cold Weather Warriors, guardians of the northern flank.

The book also sheds light on the Special Boat Service (SBS), the elite within the elite. With roots in the Commando raids of the Second World War, the SBS conducts clandestine maritime operations, counter-terrorism missions, and direct-action raids, drawing heavily from the ranks of the Royal Marines. Equally important, though less understood, is the Royal Marines Band Service. These world-class musicians are also fully trained Marines, serving in ceremonial roles at home and in operational roles on deployment, providing both the public face and the heartbeat of the Corps.

Through history, tradition, and modern relevance, this book shows why the Royal Marines remain indispensable in the 21st century. They are small in number but vast in capability — masters of amphibious warfare, experts in extreme environments, trusted partners to NATO, and rapid responders in crisis, whether in combat or humanitarian relief. Above all, they are defined by an ethos that has stood the test of centuries: to be the first to understand, the first to adapt, and the first to overcome.

The Royal Marines Commandos: Britain’s Amphibious Elite is both a tribute and an exploration — a book for military enthusiasts, historians, and anyone who wants to understand what it truly means to wear the Green Beret.