The latest in  Osprey's 'Warrior' series is this one on Royal Marine Commandos. The book covers the time period from Korea to the Falkland Islands in 1982. I found it particularly interesting to read that all Royal Marines, regardless of what their actual job is, were and probably still are, trained to operate and fight as commandos first. Even back 25 years ago, they were an elite group whose numbers were relatively small.

Their training is quite harsh by most standards as the troops never really knew where they were going to be deployed. This has worked out quite well for them as in the time frame of the book, they were often sent to climates as different as the jungles of Borneo, deserts of Aden or the near Antarctic weather of the Falklands. In all cases they have operated as expected. Even their methods of fighting have been different. Korea was a 'standard' war as was the Falklands, while other places, such as Malaya and Northern Ireland were more of a counter-insurgency operation.

This book adds to the growing 'Warrior' Series by looking at the background that led to the use of such units, how the soldiers were enlisted into them, the training they were given, how they led their daily lives, how they looked and the equipment they used and what it was like to be on campaign.

A goodly portion of the book deals with the various engagements undertaken by the Royal Marines in their various campaigns over the years. Each one is quite different from the other and provides for some fascinating reading.

Overall a book that covers an often overlooked group of men, who have been able to perform quite well whenever called upon. A book I know you will enjoy reading.

August 2009

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