# 41 Commando > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/41_Commando > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/41_Commando.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/41_Commando > Source revision: 1352177339 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) 'B' Commando No. 41 (Royal Marine) Commando Cap Badge of the Royal Marines Active 1943–1945 1950–1951 1960–1981 Country United Kingdom Branch Royal Marines Type Commando Role Coastal raiding force Assault Infantry Size Battalion Part of 4th Special Service Brigade 1943–1945 3 Commando Brigade 1960–1981 Nickname Four One Motto Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea By Land) (Latin) March Quick – A Life on the Ocean Wave Slow – Preobrajensky Commanders Notable commanders Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Burns Drysdale DSO, MBE Insignia Commando Flash Military unit **41 Commando** or **No. 41 (Royal Marine) Commando** was a unit of the [Royal Marines](/source/Royal_Marines) trained as [Commandos](/source/British_Commando) during the [Second World War](/source/World_War_II). As part of the [Special Service Brigade](/source/Special_Service_Brigade) the unit took part in the [Allied invasion of Sicily](/source/Allied_invasion_of_Sicily) and later in 1943 the [Salerno landings](/source/Allied_invasion_of_Italy#Salerno_landings). The unit's other operations included the [Normandy landings](/source/Normandy_landings) in June 1944 et seq, the [Korean War](/source/Korean_War), in Northern Ireland, and in Cyprus (UNFICYP). 41 Commando is particularly notable for having fought beside the American [1st Marine Division](/source/1st_Marine_Division) at the [Battle of Chosin Reservoir](/source/Battle_of_Chosin_Reservoir) during the Korean War, for which 41 Commando received the [Presidential Unit Citation](/source/Presidential_Unit_Citation_(United_States)), the highest U.S. award presented to a military unit, in 1957. 41 Commando was reformed and disbanded several times during its history, most recently in 1981. ## History ### Second World War Troops from 41 Commando advance towards the lighthouse at [Westkapelle, Netherlands](/source/Westkapelle%2C_Netherlands), Nov 1, 1944 [D-Day](/source/Normandy_landings) memorial plaque in Église Saint-Pierre in [Lion-sur-Mer](/source/Lion-sur-Mer), France The early [British Commando](/source/British_Commandos) units in the [Second World War](/source/World_War_II) were all from the [British Army](/source/British_Army) but in February 1942, the [Royal Marines](/source/Royal_Marines) were asked to organise Commando units of their own, and 6,000 men volunteered.[1] 'B' (RM) Commando was raised at [Pembroke Dock](/source/Pembroke_Dock) on 7 October 1942, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel P W O'H Phibbs, from the men of the 8th Royal Marine Battalion. It was the second Royal Marine commando battalion formed after its sister ['A' (RM) Commando](/source/40_Commando). Both commandos were based on the [Isle of Wight](/source/Isle_of_Wight) and soon after the commando was renamed No. 41 (Royal Marine) Commando. It fought with the [Special Service Brigade](/source/Special_Service_Brigade) in the [Allied invasion of Sicily](/source/Allied_invasion_of_Sicily) and later during the [Salerno landings](/source/Allied_invasion_of_Italy#Salerno_landings), where they suffered heavy casualties including two second-in-commands and most of the Troop Commanders. The Unit's Chaplain, the Revd John Wallis RN, was awarded the [DSC](/source/Distinguished_Service_Cross_(United_Kingdom)) for "outstanding courage and devotion to duty shown ... in tending the wounded and bringing in casualties under heavy fire from the Enemy".[2] The Medical Officer, Surg Lt Ernest Davies was also awarded the DSC for bravery and devotion to the wounded. The Unit returned to the [United Kingdom](/source/United_Kingdom) in January 1944, in preparation for the [Normandy landings](/source/Normandy_landings). It was part of the [4th Special Service Brigade](/source/4th_Special_Service_Brigade) and [landed at Normandy](/source/Invasion_of_Normandy) on the west of Sword Beach on 6 June 1944, [D-Day](/source/Normandy_landings), and then took part in the [capture of Douvres Radar Station](/source/Battle_of_Douvres_Radar_Station) on 17 June. It later took part in the [battle of the Scheldt](/source/Battle_of_the_Scheldt) in November 1944. It then served on the [Meuse](/source/Meuse) (*Maas*) for the remainder of the war and then occupation duties in Germany. On 20 January 1946, 41 Commando was disbanded.[3] ### 41 (Independent) Commando During the [Korean War](/source/Korean_War) 41 Commando was reconstituted as 41 (Independent) Commando following a request from the United Nations Command for more amphibious raiding forces.[4] The "Independent" designation meant that their commander had sole responsibility for their unit and did not have to consult with higher headquarters on operational and logistical matters.[5] On 16 August 1950 219 Royal Marine volunteers were assembled in [RM Bickleigh](/source/RM_Bickleigh), then the Commando School.[6] They were commanded by [Lieutenant Colonel](/source/Lieutenant_Colonel) Douglas B. Drysdale DSO, MBE an experienced World War II Commando veteran who was the Chief Instructor at the Royal Marines Officer school.[7] Marines of 41 Independent Commandos plant demolition charges on a railway line in Korea. The Commandos travelled to Japan in civilian clothes, with most of the civilian clothing issued by the Admiralty. The unit received more volunteers en route from [3 Commando Brigade](/source/3_Commando_Brigade) involved in the [Malayan Emergency](/source/Malayan_Emergency). Arriving in Japan on 15 September 1950, the Commandos were issued American winter uniforms and weapons but retained their [green berets](/source/Green_beret), [battle dress](/source/Battle_dress) and boots. The first mission of the unit was in October where the Commandos embarked on two American [high speed transports](/source/High_speed_transport) the [USS Horace A. Bass (APD-124)](/source/USS_Horace_A._Bass_(APD-124)) and [USS Wantuck (APD-125)](/source/USS_Wantuck_(APD-125)) supported by the destroyer [USS De Haven (DD-727)](/source/USS_De_Haven_(DD-727)), where they executed a series of [raids](/source/Raid_(military)) on the North Korean coast near [Wonsan](/source/Wonsan) to disrupt North Korean transportation facilities.[4] On 10 November 1950, 41 (Independent) Commando joined the United Nations advance in North Korea where they served with the [United States Marine Corps](/source/United_States_Marine_Corps); the second time the two organisations had served together, the first being the [Boxer Rebellion](/source/Boxer_Rebellion). During the [Battle of Chosin Reservoir](/source/Battle_of_Chosin_Reservoir) Lt. Col. Drysdale was given command of a 900-man unit of his own Commando, American, and South Korean forces called [Task Force Drysdale](/source/Battle_of_Chosin_Reservoir#Task_Force_Drysdale). Their hard fighting together with the American Marines and Army led to 41 Independent Commando being awarded the [American Presidential Unit Citation](/source/Presidential_Unit_Citation_(United_States)) that the [1st Marine Division](/source/1st_Marine_Division_(United_States)) earned. However it was not awarded until 1957.[8] The Commando reformed in Japan and in April 1951 were assigned to what eventually became the [1st Commonwealth Division](/source/1st_Commonwealth_Division). They raided the North Korean coast with the [Republic of Korea Marine Corps](/source/Republic_of_Korea_Marine_Corps) until 41 Commando returned to England in December 1951; those who had served less than a year in the commando were drafted into 42 Commando operating in Malaya. They were disbanded on 2 February 1952, the Commando having 31 Marines killed and 17 captured with one Royal Marine [defecting to North Korea](/source/List_of_American_and_British_defectors_in_the_Korean_War), who returned to the UK in 1960.[9] ### Post Korean War In 1960 41 Commando was reformed as part of the United Kingdom's Strategic Reserve. The Commando served in various places throughout the world. These included [East Africa](/source/East_Africa) in 1964,[10] while in 1969 they were the first RM Commando to participate in operations in [Northern Ireland](/source/Operation_BANNER).[11] In 1971 they were stationed in [Malta](/source/Malta)[11] and in 1974 together with 40 Commando they took part in [United Nations](/source/United_Nations) operations in [Cyprus](/source/Cyprus) following the [Turkish invasion](/source/Turkish_invasion_of_Cyprus).[11] In 1977 they left Malta and reformed in Royal Marines Barracks [Deal, Kent](/source/Deal%2C_Kent). Besides two tours in NI (1978 - Springfield/Falls Rd; and 1980 - South Armargh) [12], the unit carried out [public duties](/source/Public_duties) in [London](/source/London) in 1979 and served as part of the [United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus](/source/United_Nations_Peacekeeping_Force_in_Cyprus). In 1981 41 Commando Royal Marines disbanded again.[11][13] ## Battle honours The following [Battle honours](/source/Battle_honour) were awarded to the British Commandos during the Second World War.[14] - [Adriatic](/source/Dodecanese_Campaign) - [Alethangyaw](/source/Burma_Campaign) - [Aller](/source/Operation_Plunder) - [Anzio](/source/Operation_Shingle) - [Argenta Gap](/source/Battle_of_the_Argenta_Gap) - [Burma 1943–45](/source/Burma_Campaign) - [Crete](/source/Battle_of_Crete) - [Dieppe](/source/Dieppe_Raid) - [Dives Crossing](/source/Operation_Overlord) - [Djebel Choucha](/source/Tunisian_Campaign) - [Flushing](/source/Battle_of_the_Scheldt) - [Greece 1944–45](/source/Dodecanese_Campaign) - [Italy 1943–45](/source/Italian_Campaign_(World_War_II)) - [Kangaw](/source/Battle_of_Hill_170) - [Landing at Porto San Venere](/source/Italian_Campaign_(World_War_II)) - [Landing in Sicily](/source/Allied_invasion_of_Sicily) - [Leese](/source/Operation_Plunder) - [Litani](/source/Operation_Litani) - [Madagascar](/source/Battle_of_Madagascar) - [Middle East 1941, 1942, 1944](/source/Mediterranean%2C_Middle_East_and_African_theatres_of_World_War_II) - [Monte Ornito](/source/Operation_Shingle) - [Myebon](/source/Burma_Campaign) - [Normandy Landing](/source/Normandy_Landing) - [North Africa 1941–43](/source/North_African_Campaign) - [North-West Europe 1942, 1944–1945](/source/North-West_Europe_1944-45) - [Norway 1941](/source/Operation_Claymore) - [Pursuit to Messina](/source/Allied_invasion_of_Sicily) - [Rhine](/source/Operation_Varsity) - [St. Nazaire](/source/Operation_Chariot) - [Salerno](/source/Allied_invasion_of_Italy) - [Sedjenane 1](/source/Tunisia_Campaign) - [Sicily 1943](/source/Allied_invasion_of_Sicily) - [Steamroller Farm](/source/Tunisian_Campaign) - [Syria 1941](/source/Syria-Lebanon_Campaign) - [Termoli](/source/Battle_of_Termoli) - [Vaagso](/source/Operation_Archery) - [Valli di Comacchio](/source/Operation_Roast) - [Westkapelle](/source/Battle_of_the_Scheldt) ## Award in Korean War - [Presidential Unit Citation](/source/Presidential_Unit_Citation_(United_States)) ## References **Notes** 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Haskew, pp.48–49 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Wallis, Canon John, *With God's Blessing and a Green Beret*, 1994, Firebird Books, Poole; pp 57,67 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Moremann, p.93 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_4-1) Van Der Bijl, p.47 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Daugherty III, Leo J. *Train Wreckers and Ghost Killers: Allied Marines in the Korean War* 2003 History and Museums Division, Headquarters U.S.M.C. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Royal Marines"](https://web.archive.org/web/20081025220320/http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6633). Archived from [the original](http://www.royalmarines.mod.uk/server/show/nav.6633) on 25 October 2008. Retrieved 27 November 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** p.837 *Proceedings* United States Naval Institute 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Britain's Sheet Anchor, Old Brothers in Arms: The 41 Independent Commando at Chosin"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115302/https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/britains-sheet-anchor-old-brothers-arms-41-independent-commando-chosin-november-2001#sthash.3sHu5toN.dpuf). November 2001. Archived from [the original](https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/britains-sheet-anchor-old-brothers-arms-41-independent-commando-chosin-november-2001#sthash.3sHu5toN.dpuf) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** *The Royal Marines 1939–93* 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Fowler, p.6 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-fow7_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-fow7_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-fow7_11-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-fow7_11-3) Fowler, p.7 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Information regarding Op BANNER Tour Dates"](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61a643fad3bf7f054f43e15c/Information_regarding_tour_dates_of_the_Army_and_Navy_on_Op._BANNER_.pdf) (PDF). 15 June 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** serving member of 41 Cdo RM 1980/81. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Moreman, p.94 **Bibliography** - van der Bijl, Nick (2006). *No. 10 Inter-Allied Commando 1942–45*. Osprey Publishing. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-84176-999-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-84176-999-1). - Fowler, Will (2009). *Royal Marine Commando 1950–82: From Korea to the Falklands*. Osprey Publishing. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84603-372-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84603-372-8). - Hayhurst Fred (2001). *Green Berets in Korea – the story of 41 Independent Commando – Royal Marines*. Vanguard Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-903489-12-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-903489-12-1). - Moreman, Timothy Robert (2006). *British Commandos 1940–46*. Osprey Publishing. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-84176-986-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-84176-986-X). ## External links - ["Britain's Sheet Anchor, Old Brothers in Arms: The 41 Independent Commando at Chosin (November 2001)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115302/https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/britains-sheet-anchor-old-brothers-arms-41-independent-commando-chosin-november-2001). *Marine Corps Association and Foundation*. Archived from [the original](https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/britains-sheet-anchor-old-brothers-arms-41-independent-commando-chosin-november-2001) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2015. v t e Commando-sized units of the Royal Marines Current units 30 Commando IX Group 40 Commando 42 Commando 43 Commando FPGRM 45 Commando 47 Commando Raiding Group Former units 30 Commando 41 Commando 44 Commando 46 Commando 47 Commando 48 Commando v t e British Commando units of the Second World War British Army No. 1 Commando No. 2 Commando No. 3 Commando No. 4 Commando No. 5 Commando No. 6 Commando No. 7 Commando No. 8 (Guards) Commando No. 9 Commando No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando No. 11 (Scottish) Commando No. 12 Commando No. 14 (Arctic) Commando No. 50 Commando No. 51 Commando No. 52 Commando No. 62 Commando (Small Scale Raiding Force) Middle East Commando Royal Marine No. 40 (Royal Marine) Commando No. 41 (Royal Marine) Commando No. 42 (Royal Marine) Commando No. 43 (Royal Marine) Commando No. 44 (Royal Marine) Commando No. 45 (Royal Marine) Commando No. 46 (Royal Marine) Commando No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando No. 48 (Royal Marine) Commando Royal Navy Royal Naval Commandos British commando frogmen Royal Air Force Royal Air Force Commandos Joint service No. 30 Commando Brigades (list) Special Service Brigade 1st Special Service Brigade 2nd Special Service Brigade 3rd Special Service Brigade 4th Special Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad-hoc forces Forfarforce Layforce Layforce II Northforce Timberforce Other commando forces Special Air Service Special Boat Section Special Raiding Squadron No. 1 Demolition Squadron Long Range Desert Group Special Interrogation Group --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [41 Commando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/41_Commando) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/41_Commando?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.