Commandos: The Inside Story of Britain's Most Elite Fighting Force

Bounty Books, 2005. New book, 280 pages, some shelf wear to jacket. "From now on, all men operating against German Troops in so-called Commando raids are to be annihilated, even if they offer themselves as prisoners" Adolf Hitler, 18 October 1942. This important edict was Hitler's furious response to British raiding parties attacking German troops and installations in the early stages of World War II. At the heart of these missions were the Commandos, Britain's first special forces, formed in June 1940 after Churchill asked his chiefs of staff to 'propose me measures for a vigorous, enterprising and ceaseless offensive for the whole of the German-occupied coastline.' Within the month, the first commandos were in training, initially with Army volunteers and later with additional companies recruited from the Royal Marines. They were the swashbuckling officers into what became some of the most daring and legendary, if at times foolhardy, exploits of the 1939-45 war. It was the commando units of the Royal Marines which carried on those traditions after the war, engaging in virtually evert military scenario involving British troops from 1945 to the present day, including Korea, Suez, the post-colonial wars, and later the Falklands, the Gulf War, Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone. Their training is uniquely challenging and those who pass through it are awarded the coveted Green Beret, the distinctive hallmark of the Commandos ethos.. Hard Cover. As New/Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.