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Subject: Royal Naval Commandos/Royal Naval Division
Iano    11/21/2004 4:19:16 PM
Hello, can anyone tell me about the RN Cdo? A friend tells me that they were disbanded after the second war with the beach parties, and theres no call for them because the Army now provides the support units in 3 Cdo Bde. But I'm sure I've seen photos of sailors wearing a RN Cdo flash which were modern day. If anyone has any information it would be appreciated. Also any good links on the Royal Naval Division? I was a little confused to see headstones with the rank of Able Seaman, Petty Officer etc at Tyne Cot cemetry in Belgium from the first war. I gather these were naval reservists who couldnt find posts at sea and fought on land instead. Also does anyone know if its possible to get on one of these RN Cdo courses, or a parachuting one, without actually being in a role for which you need those courses to qualify? An example, in Uzbekistan all these Americans had airborne wings, but they were USAF MPs who'd just gone and done the course for the hell of it, not paratroopers, so I don't know if the British forces allow similar things or if you have to be going for a job within 3 Cdo Bde/16 AA Bde to get a place on a course? Thanks all.
 
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owain    RE:Royal Naval Commandos/Royal Naval Division   12/15/2004 4:30:41 AM
Try this link link
 
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S.C.P    RE:Royal Naval Commandos/Royal Naval Division   12/21/2004 11:30:50 AM
The Royal Naval Commandos were basically Royal Marines taking on the tasks on board ships, during WW2. Usually they were the ones firing the Guns on battle ships,cruisers destroyers etc. I believe they wore navy blue berets and although operating the weponary of the Ships they were still referd to as the Marines. Also the Royal Marines of the time which fought on land and wore (the originals) of course the Green Berets. Both Groups called Royal Marines just one on land and one at sea. Now its just the green berets on land known as the Royal Marine Commandos. They are part of the Royal Navy and take orders from the Navy, not the Army. No Marines are used to run Navy ships these days,I think that ended after WW2.
 
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Iano    RE:Royal Naval Commandos/Royal Naval Division   12/21/2004 2:43:24 PM
Oh right, I thought the Royal Naval Commandos were the sailors who went ashore, not the marines who went afloat. You know, during amphibious landings, jobs like surf recce, beachmasters, naval gunfire observers, underwater demolition teams, etc. I know marines do go to sea for things like boarding parties, security etc, that was their original job as ships sharpshooters in the day of sail, but I didnt know they would be doing what the OMs do today? Ian
 
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Winnie.    RE:Royal Naval Commandos/Royal Naval Division   10/1/2005 7:34:28 PM
The Royal Naval Commando is someone who joined the Royal Navy and applied and passed his 8 week course at Lympstone Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. This course is called the All Arms Commando Course (AACC). As i mention it is an 8 week course being beasted by the Royal Marines and passing the Commando Tests that are needed to be passed in order for a Royal Marine to pass out. (Pass out being the passing in of the individual into the service). Any force can apply for this course, Army, Navy, or RAF. Once you pass this 8 week course, you get to wear the conveted 'Green beret' that Royal Marines wear so proudly after their 32 Weeks basic training. However they do not get the cap badge, they wear the cap badge of their primary service (ie. Royal Navy). Also gaining flashes showing you are a Commando. (ie. Royal Naval Commando). After passing this course you then are intitled to work with the Royal Marines serving in a Unit with the Marines. Hope that clears things up for ya! and yes i am British as you can probably tell from my spelling of some words! Royal All The Way!
 
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neutralizer    RE:Royal Naval Commandos/Royal Naval Division   10/27/2005 5:07:18 AM
There seems to be a bit of confusion and ignorance here. I think the original question, in referring to 'RN Commandos' was actually meaning 'Naval Beach Commando'. 8 of these landed on D-Day 1944, basically 1 per 'sub-beach', ie SWORD beach was divided into Queen and Roger, Beach Cdo F landed at the former, and R at the later. A Beach Cdo comprised 11 offrs, 6 POs and 67 ratings. My understanding of the role, possibly wrong, is that they controlled the run-in of landing craft after the first wave or so. Not to be confused with the Armd SP Btys RM or the SS Bdes of Army and RM Cdos who were amongst the first ashore. I think they became part of the Beach Sub-Area, basically there was one of these per divisional landing front, and each comprised a couple of Beach Groups. They were quite large, a couple of inf bns aqssorted RE coys, asorted RASC coys, stacks of med units (CCS, FDSs, FSTs, FSUs, etc), lots of labout coys, MPs, REME recovery, etc. My understanding is that Naval Beach Cdos were all disbanded with the other beach-centric units at the end of WW2.
 
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neutralizer    RE:Royal Naval Commandos/Royal Naval Division   10/28/2005 4:43:34 AM
In WW1 the RN Division first served at Gallipoli in 1915. Its bns were mostly named after famous admirals. It was then moved to France, properly known as 63 Div. There was no RN Div in WW1. A RM Div was formed but gradually broken up and never sent into action as a formation. In modern times some sailors have served in various units in 3 Cdo Bde. The longest serving instance of RN in army units is probably the Bombardment Units formed in WW2 to control naval gunfire against shore targets and provide liaison officers aboard bombarding ship. This units were mixed RA and RN, the RN being telegraphists. These units survive today as 148 Obsn Bty RA.
 
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