43 Cdo RM

No. 43 Commando or 43 Royal Marine Commando was a unit of Royal Marines British Commandos that served in the Second World War.

Second World War

Formation

The unit was formed in July 1943 after the decision was made to convert the battalions of the Royal Marine Division into commando units. The initial intake of personnel was drawn from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Marines, and following commando training at Achnacarry in Scotland, the unit consisted of about 450 men organised into a headquarters, five infantry troops consisting of three officers and 63 other ranks, along with a heavy weapons troop—armed with Vickers machine guns, 3-inch mortars and 6-pounder anti-tank guns—and a signals platoon.

Along with No. 2, No. 9 and No. 40 (Royal Marine) Commandos they formed the 2nd Special Service Brigade. Throughout the course of 1943–45, No. 43 (Royal Marine) Commando served in Italy, Yugoslavia and Greece.

Victoria Cross

Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during Operation Roast at Lake Comacchio, Italy during the Second World War. Hunter cleared a farmhouse containing three Spandau-machine-guns on his own, firing a Bren Gun from his hip. Hunter then proceeded to draw enemy fire until most of his troop had taken cover. The Commanding Officer, Lt Col Ian Riches RM was also awarded the DSO in this action. He went on to be Commandant General Royal Marines between 1959 and 1962.

Successor

The traditions and colours of the unit were continued by Comacchio Company Royal Marines when it was raised in 1980 at Condor Barracks, Arbroath to protect the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons. It used the name "Comacchio" in honour of the battle at Lake Comacchio. It was renamed to Comacchio Group Royal Marines in 1983. In 2001 it was again renamed to Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines and the unit was moved to HMNB Clyde.