[Guzzman]

Some information on the insignia of wartime R.N. Commando units which may be of interest.

The Royal Navy Commando was formed in 1941 for beach parties and changed its name to RN Commando in late 1941. In the spring of 1942 the RN Beach Head Commando began to be formed. Each unit was made up of two officers and twenty-two men. One officer was the Beach Master who wore a title BEACHMASTER instead of RN Commando. By 1943 there were twenty-two RN Commando units.

The first shoulder title was ROYAL NAVY, white on black, and in the spring of 1942 was changed to R.N. COMMANDO, white on black in woven and printed examples. This title was worn by members of the RN Commando units until 1945, when they were disbanded. However the title continued to be worn by Royal Navy personnel attached to Royal Marines units who had undergone commando training.

Then on 1st May 1968 shoulder titles lettered COMMANDO were introduced for wear by naval ratings appointed for service with Royal Marines units. These are only worn on RN uniforms while serving with Royal Marines unit.

In addition to the white on black ROYAL NAVY title worn by the original RN Commando units, there was also a ROYAL NAVY title printed in white on blue. This was worn by Combined Operations Pilotage Parties.

Pete