During the Second World War, the Allies realised the need for the landing zone of an amphibious assault to be organised for the efficient passage of follow on forces. The British formed such units from all three services – the Royal Navy (Commandos), British Army and the Royal Air Force, with the Army component comprising Infantry, Engineers, Ordnance, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Medical and Service Corps.
Shoulder insignia worn by beach groups
Military Police dispatch riders of No.5 or 6 Beach group greet French Civilians
Men of 84 Field Coy RE (foreground) on Sword
Beach Group troops look out from Queen beach, Sword, littered with beached landing craft and wrecked vehicles and equipment, 7 June 1944
The Royal Naval Commandos, also known as RN Beachhead Commandos, were a commando formation of the Royal Navy which served during the Second World War. The first units were raised in 1942 and by the end of the war, 22 company-sized units had been raised to carry out various tasks associated with establishing, maintaining and controlling beachheads during amphibious operations. The Beach Commando's principal duty was "the quick and safe turnaround of all boats on the beaches"
A beach party from the Royal Naval Commandos at Normandy, 13 June 1944
Chief of Combined Operations visit of Inspection, 6 March 1943, at HMS Armadillo and HMS Pasco, Lord Louis Mountbatten Chief of Combined Operations inspects units of his command at Armadillo
British commandos