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No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando
No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando
No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando
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No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando
Cap Badge of the Royal Marines
Active1 August 1943–1946
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Marines
TypeCommando
RoleCoastal raiding force
Assault Infantry
SizeBattalion
Part of4th Special Service Brigade
NicknameFour Seven
MottoPer Mare Per Terram (By Sea By Land) (Latin)
MarchQuick - A Life on the Ocean Wave
Slow - Preobrajensky
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Lieutenant Colonel CF Phillips
Insignia
Combined Operations Shoulder PatchInsignia of Combined Operations units it is a combination of a red Thompson submachine gun, a pair of wings, an anchor and mortar rounds on a black backing

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando was a battalion size formation in the British Commandos, formed in August 1943 during the Second World War. The Commando was assigned to the 4th Special Service Brigade and served North West Europe and took part in the Normandy Landings, operations around Ostend, Antwerp and the Netherlands before being disbanded in January 1946.

In 2019, 1 Assault Group Royal Marines was renamed 47 Commando (Raiding Group), reviving the name of the original No. 47 Commando that served from 1943–1946.

Background

[edit]

The British Commandos were formed in 1940, by the order of Winston Churchill the British Prime Minister. He called for specially trained troops that would "develop a reign of terror down the enemy coast".[1] At first they were a small force of volunteers who carried out small raids against enemy occupied territory,[2] but by 1943 their role had changed into lightly equipped assault Infantry which specialised in spearheading amphibious landings.[3]

The man selected as the overall commander of the force was Admiral Sir Roger Keyes himself a veteran of the landings at Galipoli and the Zeebrugge raid in the First World War.[4] Initially the Commandos were a British Army formation the first Royal Marine Commando was formed in 1942.[5] The Royal Marine Commandos like all British Commandos went through the six-week intensive commando course at Achnacarry. The course in the Scottish Highlands concentrated on fitness, speed marches, weapons training, map reading, climbing, small boat operations and demolitions both by day and by night.[6]

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando under command of Lieutenant Colonel CF Phillips was formed from the 10th Royal Marine Battalion 1 August 1943, and based in Dorchester.[7] Like all Commandos the men of No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando had to attend the commando course at Achnacarry. They were then assigned to the all Royal Marine 4th Special Service Brigade alongside No. 41, No. 46 No. 48 (Royal Marine) Commandos.[8] In 1943 the commando formation had been standardised, into a small headquarters, five fighting Troops, a Heavy Weapons troop and a signals platoon. The fighting Troops consisted of 65 all ranks divided into two 30 man sections which in turn were divided into three ten man sub sections. The Heavy Weapons Troop was made up of 3 inch Mortar and Vickers machine gun teams.[9]

Operations

[edit]

June 1944

[edit]
men wading ashore from landing craft
Commandos landing on Gold Beach

The first operation No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando was involved in was Operation Neptune the Normandy landings better known as D-Day 6 June 1944. No. 47 landed at Gold Beach at 09:50 hours 6 June near the town of Asnelles. Five of the Landing Craft Assault carrying the Commando ashore were sunk by mines and beach obstacles with the loss of 76 of the 420 men in the Commando. These losses delayed No. 47's advance to their primary objective the port of Port-en-Bessin. Leaving the beaches after noon they fought through La Rosière and dug in around Escures for the night prior to their planned assault on Port-en-Bessin on the 7 June.[10]

The capture of Port-en-Bessin given the codename Operation Aubery was essential for the Allies which was to become the main port for fuel deliveries to Normandy until Cherbourg had been liberated. The assault on Port-en-Bessin began at 16:00 hours 7 June supported by naval gunfire support was captured the next afternoon after fierce fighting. By the 8 June No. 47 now had a strength of 19 officers and 259 other ranks. The brigade was ordered to move into the area of Douvres-la-Délivrande and were then ordered to move east of the Orne River to reinforce the 6th Airborne Division.[11]

On 11 June 4th Special Service Brigade was to take over the area occupied by the 12th Parachute Battalion No. 48 Commando occupied Hauger and No. 47 was held in reserve at Ecarde. Reinforcements from the holding commando in the United Kingdom brought No. 47's strength up to 23 officers and 357 other ranks. The Commando carried out patrolling, digging minefields and erecting barbed wire. On 18 June, NO. 47 handed over to No. 46 Commando and relocated to the Sallenelles to Orne bridge road and held in reserve. They were held in reserve for a week before taking over from No. 46 again.[12]

August 1944

[edit]

On 1 August No. 47 moved to the Le Plein area to take over the positions occupied by No. 3 Commando.[13] On 6 August No. 47 was ordered to relieve the 49th (West Riding) Division brigade west of Troarn. Patrolling led to the liberation of St. Parr and 4th Special Service Brigade moved up to the Dives River and Troarn was liberated. On 19 August No. 47 crossed the Dives River and occupied a position beyond the lead 6th Airborne Division units and on 20 August crossed the tributary of the Dives, at Putot en Auge to occupy a position to the right of No. 46 Commando. Over the night 20/21 August they moved up with No. 41 Commando to carry out a dawn attack on Dozule which was occupied without any resistance. On 22 August No. 47 moved up to Fonts de la Cressonre south west of Pont L'Eveque and again went into reserve. Attacks planned for the 23 and 24 August were called off as the Germans had withdrawn and the brigade advance continued. On 24 August Y Troop was disbanded because of casualties and its remaining men divided between the other Troops and the Commando was transported to the Beuzeville area and received orders to advance towards the Seine River and cut off the retreating Germans. On 26 August Toutainville was liberated and the brigade was then rested until 31 August when they came under command I Corps) and 6th Airborne Division and 1st Special Service Brigade returned to the United Kingdom.[14] The 4th Special Service Brigade was moved by road to the ferry crossing across the Seine River at Duclair crossing the river in assault boats they occupied a line along the Barentin to Le Havre road.[15]

September 1944

[edit]

On 1 September again moving by road the brigade was moved up to Cany Barville and on 2 September occupied Fecamp which cut off the German garrison in Le Havre.[16] The advance continued on 15 September and by the night of 17/18 September No. 47 were in the area North of Dunkirk taking over positions in Ghyvelde from the Canadians. Here they remained until 26 September when they were relieved by 7th Black Watch.[15] After being relieved they moved to Wenduine by the 27 September and prepared for amphibious operations. Training with L.V.T.'s was carried out in the sand dunes between Wenduine and Ostend and the Commando was brought up to full strength. Also a detachment from No. 2 (Dutch) Troop, No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando arrived. The training had been for Operation Infatuate the invasion of the island of Walcheren and at the end of October No. 47 moved to Ostend and embarked in Landing Craft Tanks.[17]

Battle of the Scheldt

[edit]

The Battle of the Scheldt started 1 November 1944, with 4th Special Service Brigade assigned to carry out a seaborne assault on the island of Walcheren. The brigade now comprised No. 41, No. 47, No. 48, No. 10 (Inter-Allied), and No. 4 Commando. The Royal Marine Commandos would assault Westkapelle with No. 47 landing on a small strip of sand to the right of Westkapple, at a breach in the dyke caused by Royal Air Force bombing raids, prior to the attack.[citation needed]

No. 41 Commando landed first and moved North to Domburg, No. 48 Commando went South towards Zoutelande and were followed by No. 47 Commando. No. 47 Commando was split when two of the LCT's carrying them ashore beached on the Northern side of the gap instead of the Southern side. Due to the division of the force No. 47 did not assemble until 19:00 hours south of the Radar station having suffered the loss of 30 men and much of their radio equipment. On 2 November No. 47 passed through No. 48 and took over the advance to the Flushing gap. Meeting slight opposition until they reached the artillery battery W11, and made an unsuccessful attack that evening losing all five of their Troop commanders. Digging in for the night they repulsed a German assault and finally captured the artillery battery and the rest of the island on 3 November. On 10 November they were moved back to Breskens and then to Wenduine.[18]

On 22 December at short notice No. 47 Commando moved to Breda to come under command Brigadier E.T. Boylan and became the I Corps mobile reserve known as Paddy Force. On the 24 December they moved again to Oosterhout and carried out patrols along the Meuse (Maas) under command 1st Polish Armoured Division. On 28 December three Troops from No. 48 Commando came under command for a fortnight. On 30 December the commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel C.F. Phillips was given command of the 116th Royal Marine Brigade a non commando Royal Marine formation. He was replaced as commanding officer by Lieutenant Colonel Donnell.[19]

1945

[edit]

At the beginning of January No. 47 Commando carried out patrols on both banks of the Meuse (Maas) and were themselves twice ambushed by German patrols doing the same. On 9 January they were moved out of the line for training at Bergen op Zoom for Operation Horse an assault on the island of Kapelsche Veer planned for the night 13/14 January. The assault started at 01:00 hours with Q Troop and No. 5 (Norwegian) Troop, No. 10 (Inter Allied) Commando attacking the right flank supported by armour and artillery from the mainland, while the rest of No. 47 attacked on the left flank. Attacking from both flanks simultaneously under heavy mortar fire caused heavy casualties. By 05:00 hours it became obvious that the objective was too heavily defended for a lightly armed commando unit to capture alone so No. 47 was withdrawn. The island was eventually captured by a Canadian infantry brigade with artillery and armour support.[19]

After their failed assault No. 47 was moved back to Bergen op Zoom on 16 January and then back to Walcheren island on 17 January. Where they took over garrison duties from No. 41 Commando on 18 January. While at Walcheren they received about 100 reinforcements which brought No. 47 almost up to full strength. On 12 March No. 47 moved to North Beveland to relieve No. 4 Commando which was completed by 16 March. No. 47 Commando now were given the task of training the 3rd Battalion of Infantry, Royal Netherlands Army formed from men in the liberated area of the Netherlands. No. 47 Commando were still here when the war in Europe ended 8 May.[20]

On the 20 August No. 47 Commando became the first Royal Marine Commando to have an Army troop. No other Commando had such a mixture of Army and Royal Marine personnel. On the 31 August they moved to Oer-Erkenschwick where they were tasked with the administration of displaced persons. On 2 November No. 47 Commando moved to Warburg and were informed they would be soon returning to the United Kingdom. Leaving Germany on the 27 November they arrived in Haywards Heath on the 28 November where they remained until they were disbanded on 31 January 1946.[21]

Legacy

[edit]

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando together with all the army commandos were disbanded after the Second World War and the commando role was taken over by the Royal Marines.[22] However the present day Parachute Regiment, Special Air Service and Special Boat Service can all trace their origins to the Commandos.[23][24][25]

On 5 November 2019 1 Assault Group Royal Marines (1 AGRM) was renamed 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines, reviving the name of the original Commando.[26]

Battle honours

[edit]

The following Battle honours were awarded to the British Commandos during the Second World War.[8]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando was a battalion-sized unit of the British Army's , formed on 1 August 1943 at Depot Barracks in , , primarily from personnel of the disbanded 10th Battalion, . Under the command of Cecil Farndale Phillips, the unit underwent rigorous commando training at Achnacarry Castle in December 1943, achieving a strength of approximately 420 officers and men organized into five specialized troops (A, B, X, Y, and Q). As part of the , No. 47 Commando participated in key amphibious operations during the Allied invasion of and subsequent campaigns in Northwest . On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the unit landed on Jig Green sector of from , tasked with advancing inland to capture the port of Port-en-Bessin to secure a supply route for the British Second Army; they faced intense German resistance, suffering 118 casualties (48 killed or drowned, 70 wounded) in the ensuing battle from 6–7 June. Following this, the commando fought in operations along the Orne Line, the assaults on and Island, and actions in the Maas and Estuary, contributing to the liberation of occupied territories until the end of hostilities in . After VE Day, No. 47 Commando was redeployed to from May to November 1945 for civil administration duties, assisting with the management of displaced persons camps. The unit returned to the in November 1945 and was formally disbanded on 31 January 1946 at , with survivors reassigned to other Royal Marine formations.

Formation and Preparation

Origins and Establishment

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando was formed on 1 at Depot Barracks in , , as part of the British efforts to expand specialized forces during . The unit was established using personnel from the 10th Royal Marine Battalion as its nucleus, with volunteers selected for their prior experience to form the core of this new formation. Over 50% of the non-commissioned officers and men from the 10th Battalion were rejected during initial screening due to physical or disciplinary reasons, ensuring only the most suitable candidates were retained. The 's role was defined as a coastal raiding force and assault infantry unit within the broader structure of the British Commandos, leveraging the ' expertise in amphibious operations. It was placed under the command of the , alongside other Royal Marine units such as Nos. 41, 46, and 48. emphasized experienced Royal Marines with proven amphibious skills, drawing primarily from the nucleus battalion to build a force capable of leading high-risk landings and raids. Initial leadership was provided by Lieutenant Colonel C. N. S. Smith, who supervised the early organization, with Lieutenant Colonel C. F. Phillips assuming command on 5 1943. The unit's troops were organized under designations inspired by naval —A, B, X, Y, and Q—reflecting the Royal ' maritime heritage. This establishment marked a key step in creating an all-Royal Marine for combined operations in northwest Europe.

Training and Organization

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando underwent intensive training following its formation from selected personnel of the disbanded 10th Battalion, , with initial preparations at Depot Barracks in , , starting in August 1943. Over 50% of the original non-commissioned officers and men were rejected due to physical or disciplinary standards not meeting the elite requirements, emphasizing a rigorous selection process to adapt standard Marine infantry to the specialized role. Training at Dorchester focused on building foundational skills for raiding tactics and beach assaults, including physical conditioning, weapon handling, and small unit maneuvers, before the unit relocated for advanced instruction. In December 1943, the Commando completed the mandatory six-week course at the Commando Basic Training Centre in Achnacarry Castle, , where members earned the distinctive upon passing. This program stressed endurance through speed marches, cliff climbing, map reading, and demolitions, alongside proficiency in small boat operations and tactics for amphibious assaults. Specialized elements incorporated integration with , such as LCAs, to simulate rapid debarkation under fire, preparing the unit for joint operations with Army and naval forces. The training regimen prioritized raiding and assault techniques, fostering versatility for independent actions while coordinating with larger formations like the . Organizationally, No. 47 was structured as a battalion-sized unit of approximately 420 officers and men by mid-1944, comprising a small , signals , administrative section, five fighting troops designated A, B, X, Y, and Q (named after turrets), and a heavy weapons troop. Each fighting troop consisted of about 60-65 men organized into sections for flexibility in raids and assaults, while the heavy weapons troop included teams with two 3-inch mortars and two machine s for . The unit emphasized light, mobile forces capable of combined operations, with elements handling and communications to support amphibious integration. Equipment was tailored for rapid, lightly equipped assaults, featuring Bren light machine guns and submachine guns as primary infantry weapons, supplemented by rifles, grenades, and anti-tank launchers for close-quarters and anti-vehicle roles. The heavy weapons provided , while all personnel carried specialized gear like fighting knives, compasses, and life belts for waterborne operations. This loadout, drawn from standard British allocations, enabled high mobility during beach landings and inland advances, with an emphasis on demolitions and for raiding scenarios. Joint exercises with other units and Allied forces honed these capabilities, simulating Normandy-style amphibious assaults through coordinated maneuvers at coastal sites.

Normandy Campaign

D-Day Landings

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando, part of the 4th Special Service Brigade, landed on Gold Beach in the JIG sector near Asnelles at approximately 0950 hours on 6 June 1944, following the initial assault waves of the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division. The unit's primary objectives were to secure key inland positions west of the beachhead and establish contact with adjacent Allied forces, particularly to bridge the gap between the British and American sectors by advancing toward Port-en-Bessin. The landing occurred amid intense German resistance, with the commandos exposed to , mortar, and small-arms fire from fortified positions along the dunes and cliffs. Five of their 14 (LCAs) were sunk by mines and beach obstacles or enemy action before reaching the shore, resulting in 76 casualties—28 killed or drowned, 21 wounded, and 27 missing—out of a strength of approximately 420 men. Much of their equipment, including all sets and significant ammunition supplies, was lost during the approach, severely hampering communications. Despite these setbacks, the surviving troops regrouped on the and pushed inland, forming defensive lines in coordination with elements of the 50th Infantry Division to consolidate the against counterattacks. Navigation difficulties arose from smoke, poor visibility, and the rising tide concealing obstacles, while enfilading fire from German machine-gun nests on the flanks inflicted additional pressure during the initial advance. By midday, the commandos had moved westward along coastal roads, scavenging replacement gear from the to support their defensive posture.

Battle for Port-en-Bessin

Following their successful landing on during the D-Day operations on 6 June 1944, No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando advanced inland toward Port-en-Bessin, a small harbor designated as a critical minor port for Allied fuel supplies. The unit, numbering around 420 men under C. F. Phillips, marched approximately 12 miles cross-country from the Jig sector of to assembly points near La Rosière and Mont Cavalier by nightfall, navigating through hedgerow country while encountering initial German resistance from elements of the 716th Infantry Division. During this approach, the commandos faced heavily fortified positions, including four strongpoints (Widerstandsnester 55-58) equipped with bunkers, trenches, , and extensive minefields along the coastal cliffs rising to about 200 feet. The main assault on Port-en-Bessin, known as Operation Aubery, commenced on 7 June 1944 at 1600 hours, supported by naval gunfire from HMS Emerald and air strikes from Typhoon aircraft. X Troop pushed into the town for intense close-quarters, house-to-house fighting against German defenders from the 1st Company, 726th Grenadier Regiment, while A and B Troops targeted the cliff-top strongpoints on the Eastern and Western Features. The commandos employed stealthy infiltration tactics, with Captain Terence Cousins leading a night patrol up an undefended zig-zag path on the Eastern Feature, enabling a surprise assault that overran bunkers despite heavy small-arms fire and grenade attacks; Cousins was killed during the action and was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches, having been nominated for the Victoria Cross. The flak ships in the harbor were silenced by naval gunfire, preventing further interference. Fighting persisted through the night, with the commandos clearing remaining positions amid superior German numbers—approximately 150 to 300 defenders, including Kriegsmarine personnel. By the early morning of 8 June 1944, No. 47 Commando had secured the port after the German garrison commander surrendered with around 300 troops at 0400 hours, linking up with advancing American forces from . The victory came at a high cost, with total casualties reaching approximately 116, including 46 killed and 68 wounded, reducing the unit's effective strength to about 200 men. Port-en-Bessin was immediately repurposed as a discharge point, handling up to 1,000 tons daily and supporting the broader logistics effort without the need for extensive artificial harbors.

North-West Europe Campaign

Advance Through France

Following the Allied breakout from the Normandy beachhead in late July 1944, No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando, as part of the , joined the exploitation phase against retreating units in northern . By early , the Commando had moved inland to support operations near Troarn in the Orne Valley, relieving positions held by other units on 6 amid heavy shelling and mortar fire that caused several , including the death of Lieutenant Frederick Borne and one other rank from a minefield on 11 . On 16 , a by B Troop led to the occupation of Troarn by the , while A Troop advanced to St. Pair-sur-Mer the following day, capturing six prisoners of war despite encountering destroyed bridges over local watercourses that hindered further progress. These actions involved skirmishes with German rearguards, including booby traps that wounded Wood, as the Commandos pressed forward on foot and limited motor transport to outpace the enemy. On 19 , No. 47 coordinated closely with the 6th Airborne Division to cross the River Dives at 0500 hours using improvised means, advancing to positions behind Le Manoir and continuing the push eastward. By 20 , the unit reached Putot-en-Auge before conducting a night approach march in support of 41 to capture Dozulé, where a navigational error resulted in one other rank killed and one wounded during the liberation on 21 ; the town was entered unopposed as German forces withdrew, leaving it partially ablaze. Further engagements with rearguards included small-scale ambushes and securing key routes, though continuous movement over destroyed terrain and flooded marshes led to significant fatigue among the troops. The advance culminated in late August with rapid motorized transport to the Seine River, where on 31 August the Commando crossed at Duclair using infantry assault boats, bypassing demolished bridges and engaging scattered enemy elements to secure Barentin on the eastern bank. Throughout these operations, the unit captured additional prisoners and faced challenges from defenses, sustaining two casualties (one killed and one wounded) in the Dozulé action, but effectively disrupted German withdrawals in the inland Normandy sector.

Operations in Belgium and Netherlands

Following the rapid advance through northern France, No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando reached the Seine River area as a staging point for further operations in late August 1944. In mid-September 1944, the Commando was deployed north of Dunkirk in the Ghyvelde sector, just across the French-Belgian border, to assume defensive positions previously held by Canadian forces. From 17-18 September, the unit occupied and held forward positions to secure the coastal flank against potential German counterattacks from the besieged Dunkirk garrison and to monitor V-1 launch sites in the vicinity. This role involved patrolling the dunes and establishing observation posts amid ongoing German rocket activity, though no major engagements occurred during this static phase. The unit was relieved by the 7th Black Watch on 26 September, having maintained vigilance without significant incident. Relocating into Belgium on 27 September, No. 47 Commando established billets in Wenduine, near Oostende, where it focused on intensive preparations for amphibious assaults. Training emphasized mock operations in the local sand-dunes to simulate Dutch coastal , incorporating Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) maneuvers, flamethrower drills, signal exercises, and coordinated troop actions with Flail tanks for obstacle clearance. Drivers received instruction on Weasels, with 20 vehicles allocated to the unit for enhanced mobility across soft ground. By late October, the Commando shifted to a concentration area in De Haan, conducting final briefings on 30 October while pre-loading stores, ammunition, and equipment into LVTs and Weasels for embarkation at Oostende on 31 October. Throughout these months, the unit underwent logistical reinforcement to offset casualties from the campaign, integrating new recruits and restoring operational strength to approximately 400 men. During occupation duties in Belgian coastal towns, billeted among welcoming local populations, fostering brief but positive interactions that included shared resources and from civilians supportive of the Allied liberation efforts. Minor skirmishes arose in patrols approaching the Estuary, where small German outposts were engaged and cleared to secure approach routes, though these actions remained limited in scale.

Battle of the Scheldt

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando played a pivotal role in , the amphibious assault on Island launched on 1 November 1944 to secure the estuary and open the for Allied use. As part of the , the commando landed behind No. 48 (RM) Commando at Westkapelle, utilizing landing craft tanks (LCTs) equipped with amphibious vehicles like Weasels and Buffalos to navigate the flooded terrain resulting from prior RAF bombings that breached the island's dikes in . These breaches had flooded much of the low-lying island, transforming it into a waterlogged defensive barrier but also enabling faster advances by amphibious forces. The landings at Westkapelle and Breskens faced immediate resistance from German coastal defenses, including and machine-gun fire, as the commandos pushed inland under heavy naval and air bombardment. On 1 November, No. 47 secured initial positions amid the chaos of breached dikes, where water levels complicated maneuvers but hampered German movements. By the following day, intense fighting ensued from 1 to 3 November, with troops clearing fortified gun emplacements and bunkers south of Zoutelande, including the neutralization of Battery W 11—a key site—despite encounters with anti-tank ditches, "Dragon's Teeth" obstacles, and relentless mortar barrages. The commandos advanced southeast, capturing Zoutelande on 2 November and taking approximately 150 German prisoners, while enduring significant opposition from entrenched positions. Key actions included assaults on Vlissingen (Flushing) and Middelburg, where No. 47 Commando employed landing craft to cross flooded areas and link up with No. 4 Commando advancing from the south. Under heavy fire, they pushed through the dyke west of Flushing, securing the area by 3 November and contributing to the rapid collapse of organized German resistance on the island. These operations were coordinated with Canadian forces from the 2nd Infantry Division, who provided artillery support from the south bank of the Scheldt, and elements of the Polish 1st Armoured Division in the broader estuary clearance. Casualties were heavy for No. 47 Commando, with significant losses inflicted by mines, machine guns, and mortars during the advances; the as a whole suffered 103 killed, 325 wounded, and 68 missing by 8 . Despite these costs, the commando's efforts ensured the successful capture of by 3 , effectively eliminating the last major German stronghold blocking the . Strategically, the operation opened Antwerp to Allied shipping, with minesweeping completed between 3 and 25 November and the first convoy arriving on 28 November, allowing over 10,000 tons of supplies to be unloaded by 1 December and bolstering the Allied advance into .

Final Operations and Disbandment

1945 Campaigns

Following the successful conclusion of the in late 1944, No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando shifted focus to operations in the amid the Allied advance into . In early 1945, the unit participated in Operation Horse, a failed on the German-held of Kapelsche Veer in the Oude Maas River on the night of 13-14 January. Under Polish command, 'Q' Troop of No. 47 Commando, supported by No. 5 Troop from the Norwegian contingent of 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando, launched a diversionary attack on the right flank and a main on the left, crossing the icy river despite challenging conditions. The troops encountered intense enemy mortar and small-arms fire from entrenched German paratroopers, leading to heavy fighting that lasted 8-10 hours before withdrawal at 0530 hours. Casualties totaled 49, including the death of Captain B.L. Stickings, who advanced gallantly into an enemy position, as well as Greenhalgh and Williams killed, and Ian Adam and Tye wounded. After the repulse at Kapelsche Veer, No. 47 Commando transitioned to garrison duties on the Beveland Peninsula, relieving in North Beveland starting on 12 March 1945, with the move completed by 16 March. In this front-line position, the unit conducted coastal operations and night patrols to secure the area against remaining German forces on nearby Schouwen Island, maintaining vigilance in the static winter defenses along the Maas. As the war drew to a close, No. 47 remained positioned in North Beveland on 8 May 1945, where the unit marked VE Day amid the relief of Germany's surrender. On 7-8 May, as part of their final operational effort under Operation Magnet, the commandos invested Schouwen Island to accept the capitulation of German troops there. With hostilities ended, the unit shifted to occupation roles, including the disarmament and processing of surrendering German forces in the region, facilitating the stabilization of liberated Dutch territories.

Post-War Disbandment

Following the end of hostilities in on 8 May 1945, No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando was redeployed to as part of occupation forces from May to November 1945 before being posted back to the in November 1945. The unit, reduced to just over a hundred strong by this point, was formally disbanded on 31 January 1946 at , . The process aligned with the broader release scheme, which prioritized personnel based on age and service length, providing each man with a equivalent to one week's pay per year of service, a demobilization suit, and priority reinstatement to pre-war civilian employment. Surviving personnel from No. 47 were dispersed, with many transferring to other Royal Marine units such as those in the restructured 3 Commando Brigade, while others returned to civilian life; the Royal Marine Commandos as a whole underwent rapid reduction, with units merging temporarily as numbers declined before full disbandment. Unit traditions were preserved through the archiving of records by early veterans' groups and initial commemorative activities, ensuring the history of No. 47 Commando's service was documented for posterity. Throughout its wartime operations from 1943 to 1945, No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando incurred a total of 113 fatalities. A breakdown by major engagements reveals 54 during the campaign in 1944 (including D-Day landings, Battle of Port-en-Bessin, and Sannerville/Troarn), 25 during the Walcheren phase of the Battle of the Scheldt in October-November 1944, 7 at Kapelsche Veer in January 1945, and 27 in other North-West Europe operations. The surviving equipment, including small arms and support weapons, was transferred to Royal Marines storage depots for redistribution to peacetime units, while personnel integrated into the Corps' ongoing amphibious and commando roles.

Legacy and Honours

Battle Honours

No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando was awarded several battle honours for its distinguished service during the Second World War, reflecting its key contributions to operations in North-West Europe. These include 1944, Port-en-Bessin, , , Walcheren Causeway, Maas, and . The honours were granted based on the unit's involvement in major engagements, such as the assault on Port-en-Bessin following the D-Day landings and the amphibious operations during the , including the capture of in . In line with conventions, these awards recognize collective participation in approved battles where the unit played a pivotal role in achieving strategic objectives. The battle honours for British Commando units, including No. 47, were formally approved by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1957 following submissions by the Association and gazetted in Army Order 113, List No. 11. Post-war, these honours were emblazoned on the standards and colours carried by surviving Royal Marine units, symbolizing the legacy of the disbanded formations like No. 47. Compared to other Commando units, No. 47's honours align closely with the 38 awarded collectively to the British Commandos, though specific entitlements varied by operational involvement; for instance, units focused on or the Mediterranean earned distinct honours like or Adriatic, whereas No. 47's emphasized North-West campaigns.

Modern Revival and Commemoration

In 2019, the revived the name of No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando by redesignating 1 Assault Group Royal Marines as 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines, a specialist unit focused on littoral manoeuvre, amphibious raiding, and surface manoeuvre support for global operations. This revival honors the original unit's legacy in while adapting to modern requirements, including the development of raiding craft and integration into Littoral Response Groups. Commemorative events for No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando continue annually, particularly marking D-Day landings and the , with active involvement from veteran associations such as the 47 Royal Marine Commando Association and the Royal Marines Association. In 2024, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, personnel from the modern 47 Commando participated in reenactments and memorial walks on , , retracing the original unit's path to Port-en-Bessin. Similarly, the 80th anniversary of the (Operation Infatuate) in October-November 2024 included trips and ceremonies organized by the Royal Marines Charity, drawing members to battle sites in the . These events extended into 2025, with the 81st D-Day anniversary featuring a ceremonial landing by 47 Commando on beaches, welcomed by local communities. Exhibits and memorials preserve the unit's history at key sites, including the National Museum of the in , which features displays on operations from , alongside a dedicated tablet to the fallen of No. 47 in the liberation campaigns. On , preserved battlefields host memorials such as the one at Dishoek honoring the 34 members killed during the assault on Battery W11, serving as focal points for pilgrimages and educational visits. The unit's legacy extends to cultural representations, notably in books like From Omaha to the : The Story of 47 Royal Marine Commando by John Forfar (2014), which draws on veteran accounts to detail campaigns from to the . References to No. 47 Commando appear in documentaries, such as those produced by the Imperial War Museums and archives, highlighting amphibious assaults in educational films and online content. While individual veterans' stories and recent archaeological efforts at sites like Port-en-Bessin remain less documented in public sources, associations continue to archive personal narratives for preservation.

References

  1. https://www.commandoveterans.org/book/export/html/903
  2. https://www.royalmarineshistory.com/post/formation-of-no-47-royal-marine-commando
  3. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/dday/
  4. https://www.normandy1944.info/stories/jack-pinder
  5. https://www.pegasusarchive.org/normandy/order_4SSB.htm
  6. https://www.commandoveterans.org/47RMCommando
  7. https://www.combatarchives.com/post/operation-aubery-the-attack-on-port-en-bessin
  8. https://www.lonesentry.com/articles/ttt08/commandos.html
  9. https://www.pegasusarchive.org/normandy/war_47cdo.htm
  10. https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Admin-Hist/147.5-ComNavEu/ComNavEu-9.html
  11. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a78d775ed915d07d35b2d91/ww2_dday.pdf
  12. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2024/03/14/norman-rose-royal-marines-47-commando-gold-beach-d-day/
  13. https://www.commandoveterans.org/Battle_for_Port_en_Bessin
  14. https://www.royalmarineshistory.com/post/2019/06/07/47-cdo-rm-battle-of-port-en-bessin-7-8-june-1944-it-is-doubtful-whether-in-their-long
  15. https://www.dday-overlord.com/en/battle-of-normandy/cities/port-en-bessin
  16. https://www.commandoveterans.org/47RMCdoROH
  17. https://erenow.org/ww/47-royal-marine-commando-story-1943-1946/13.php
  18. https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/commandos-WW2
  19. https://ww2history.eu/the-history/army-groups/21-army-group/independent-brigades-21-army-groups/4-special-service-brigade-uk/no-47-royal-marine-commando/593-no-47-royal-marine-commando-north-of-dunkirk-day-10.html
  20. https://www.royalmarineshistory.com/post/47-cdo-training-for-operation-infatuate
  21. https://www.combinedops.com/Walcheren.htm
  22. https://www.royalmarineshistory.com/post/2019/11/01/operation-infatuate-the-battle-of-walcheren
  23. https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/Canada/CA/Victory/Victory-16.html
  24. https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/battle-of-the-scheldt-estuary/
  25. https://www.royalmarineshistory.com/post/47-commando-final-operations-in-holland
  26. https://www.royalmarineshistory.com/post/2020/01/16/assault-on-the-island-of-kapelsche-veer
  27. https://terrycopp.com/2017/05/18/the-battle-for-kapelsche-veer/
  28. https://www.47commando.org.uk/pages/Disbandment.htm
  29. https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/stories/troops-returning-to-a-changed-uk
  30. https://kids.kiddle.co/Demobilisation_of_the_British_Armed_Forces_after_the_Second_World_War
  31. https://www.commandoveterans.org/book/export/html/964
  32. https://www.royalmarineshistory.com/royal-marines-references-resources
  33. https://www.commandoveterans.org/battle_honours
  34. https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/organisation/units-and-squadrons/commando-brigade/47-commando
  35. https://www.joint-forces.com/uk-news/27453-royal-marines-47-commando-name-revived
  36. https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2024/june/06/060624-royal-marines-mark-dday-80
  37. https://rma-trmc.org/events/rma-walcheren-trip/
  38. https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2025/june/06/20250606-warm-welcome-on-the-normandy-beach-as-47-commando-mark-dday-81st-anniversary
  39. https://www.nmrn.org.uk/royal-marines-experience-museum
  40. https://memorialsinportsmouth.co.uk/rm-museum/47_commando.htm
  41. https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/617/Memorial-47th-Royal-Marines-Commando-Dishoek.htm
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