thumb|250px|Security of nuclear weapons at [[Faslane, HM Naval Base Clyde, is part of the Group's responsibilities]]

The 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (43 Cdo FP Gp RM), formerly Comacchio Company Royal Marines (1980–1983), Comacchio Group Royal Marines (1983–2001) and Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (2001–2012), is a 550-man unit of the Royal Marines responsible for

preventing unauthorised access to the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent.

The unit, based at HM Naval Base Clyde, is part of United Kingdom Commando Force (UKCF).

It inherited the traditions and battle honours of the Second World War No. 43 (Royal Marine) Commandos.

History

Second World War

Early Commando units were all from the British Army. In February 1942, the Royal Marines were asked to organize commando units of their own, and 6,000 men volunteered.

In July 1943, 43 Commando was formed, after the conversion of the battalions of the Royal Marine Division into commando units. The initial intake of personnel was drawn from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Marines. Following commando training at Achnacarry in Scotland, the unit consisted of about 450 men organized into a headquarters, five infantry marines 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, 43 Commando formed the 2nd Special Service Brigade. In 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 MG42 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, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Riches RM, was awarded the DSO in this action. He went on to be Commandant General Royal Marines between 1959 and 1962.

Re-formed

In 1961, 43 Commando RM was reformed at Stonehouse Barracks "as a further contribution to the forces available for seaborne operations". The unit was disbanded again in 1968. On its formation, Comacchio Company took on the colours and traditions of the then-defunct 43 Commando.

In November 1983, the Comacchio Company RM became Comacchio Group RM.

In 2016, elements of the unit began using the Colt Canada C8 carbine instead of the standard L85A2.

Commandos from 43 Commando regularly train with other forces both inside the UK and other nations including the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Tasks and organisation

The primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, naval boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed world-wide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.

  • HQ headquarters squadron
  • O Rifle Squadron
  • R Rifle Squadron

See also

  • Royal Navy
  • British Armed Forces
  • Nuclear weapons and the United Kingdom
  • Marine Corps Security Force Regiment

References

  • Official Website