The Royal Marines Commandos

Britain’s Amphibious Elite

De: Mick Trenlow-Symes

Narrado por: Robert Orzechowski

The Royal Marines Commandos: Britain’s Amphibious Elite takes listeners deep inside one of the most formidable and respected fighting forces in the world. For more than 350 years, the Royal Marines have stood at the cutting edge of Britain’s military power, combining the traditions of naval service with the skill and ferocity of elite infantry. From their origins in the 17th century as “soldiers of the sea” to their modern role as expeditionary warriors, the Commandos have embodied adaptability, courage, and a relentless will to overcome.

This book traces their remarkable journey, exploring ten essential aspects of their history, ethos, and capabilities. It begins with the Globe and Laurel, the emblem that symbolises their global reach, their battle honours, and their Royal status. It recounts their defining moment in the Falklands War, where 3 Commando Brigade yomping across East Falkland cemented their reputation for endurance and tactical brilliance. It takes the lsitener into the crucible of Lympstone, where recruits undergo 32 weeks of some of the toughest military training on earth to earn the coveted Green Beret.

But the Commandos are far more than riflemen. Specialisations abound: reconnaissance teams who vanish behind enemy lines, snipers who deliver precision at long range, Mountain Leaders who guide troops through avalanches and blizzards, and communications experts who keep operations connected in the fog of war. Their amphibious role sets them apart, striking from the sea in complex landings that blend naval, air, and infantry power. The book also explores their unique position within the Royal Navy — sailors on land, soldiers at sea — and shows how this integration gives Britain a truly global, mobile force.

At the heart of it all lies the Commando mindset: courage, determination, unselfishness, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity. These values are not slogans but lived realities, binding Marines together in a brotherhood of resilience and humour even in the harshest conditions. The Arctic warfare tradition further proves this ethos. For decades, Marines have trained in Norway, enduring temperatures of -30°C and mastering the art of fighting on skis and sleds. They are NATO’s Cold Weather Warriors, guardians of the northern flank.

The book also sheds light on the Special Boat Service (SBS), the elite within the elite. With roots in the Commando raids of the Second World War, the SBS conducts clandestine maritime operations, counter-terrorism missions, and direct-action raids, drawing heavily from the ranks of the Royal Marines. Equally important, though less understood, is the Royal Marines Band Service. These world-class musicians are also fully trained Marines, serving in ceremonial roles at home and in operational roles on deployment, providing both the public face and the heartbeat of the Corps.

Through history, tradition, and modern relevance, this book shows why the Royal Marines remain indispensable in the 21st century. They are small in number but vast in capability — masters of amphibious warfare, experts in extreme environments, trusted partners to NATO, and rapid responders in crisis, whether in combat or humanitarian relief. Above all, they are defined by an ethos that has stood the test of centuries: to be the first to understand, the first to adapt, and the first to overcome.

The Royal Marines Commandos: Britain’s Amphibious Elite is both a tribute and an exploration — a book for military enthusiasts, historians, and anyone who wants to understand what it truly means to wear the Green Beret.

©2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK (P)2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK

Insightful, Comprehensive, and Engaging

The Royal Marines Commandos brilliantly balances history, operational achievements, and the human stories behind the Green Beret. From Falklands heroics to modern NATO deployments, the book offers a thorough understanding of their global impact, enduring traditions, and the mindset that sets them apart.

Insightful and Engaging Military History

This book is both informative and captivating. It traces the evolution of the Royal Marines from 17th-century naval infantry to modern expeditionary warriors. I enjoyed learning about the Commando ethos—courage, determination, and adaptability—and how it manifests in both combat and training. The chapters on the Special Boat Service and the Band Service offered unique perspectives on the Corps’ versatility. Blending historical detail with operational insight, the book is a compelling tribute to the Marines’ enduring legacy and relevance in today’s global military landscape.

Brilliantly Written History of Britain’s Elite Fig

From the early days of the Royal Marines to their modern global missions, this book tells a story of unmatched adaptability and strength. The author explains complex military concepts in an engaging and accessible way, making it enjoyable even for readers new to military history. The chapters on the Falklands War and amphibious operations are particularly well-written and filled with vivid detail. I also loved learning about the lesser-known aspects, such as the Royal Marines Band Service and their role in humanitarian operations. A deeply informative and inspiring account of Britain’s true amphibious elite.

An In-Depth Look at Britain’s Elite Forces

The Royal Marines Commandos offers an exceptional exploration of one of the world’s most respected military units. From their 17th-century origins to modern operations, this book blends history, training, and personal stories, showing the courage, versatility, and ethos that define the Green Berets.

Captures the Ethos and Global Reach Perfectly

This book successfully captures the spirit, history, and global significance of the Royal Marines. It eloquently explains their core values and how these are forged in the crucible of training. The analysis of their performance in the Falklands War demonstrates their endurance and tactical skill, while the look at their role within NATO underscores their continued relevance. The balance between historical narrative, personal ethos, and modern capability is perfectly struck. An inspiring and highly informative read from start to finish.

A Deep Dive into Courage and Capability

The Royal Marines Commandos provides an extraordinary examination of one of Britain’s most revered fighting forces. The book details every aspect—from rigorous Lympstone training and Arctic exercises to amphibious operations and the elite Special Boat Service. I found the discussions of the Corps’ integration with the Royal Navy and their global reach particularly enlightening. Blathewick balances technical expertise with engaging stories of camaraderie and resilience, offering readers both admiration and insight into what makes these Marines legendary. Highly recommended for military history enthusiasts.

Captures the Ethos and Global Reach Perfectly

This book successfully captures the spirit, history, and global significance of the Royal Marines. It eloquently explains their core values and how these are forged in the crucible of training. The analysis of their performance in the Falklands War demonstrates their endurance and tactical skill, while the look at their role within NATO underscores their continued relevance. The balance between historical narrative, personal ethos, and modern capability is perfectly struck. An inspiring and highly informative read from start to finish.

A Riveting Insight into Britain’s Amphibious Warri

The Royal Marines Commandos: Britain’s Amphibious Elite is an outstanding exploration of one of the world’s most respected fighting forces. The author brilliantly combines history, tradition, and modern relevance to show how the Royal Marines evolved from 17th-century “soldiers of the sea” to elite modern warriors. The detailed look at their training at Lympstone, their role in the Falklands, and their unmatched Arctic warfare expertise is deeply engaging. This book captures the spirit of courage, endurance, and brotherhood that defines the Green Beret. A must-read for anyone interested in military history or the human side of elite warfare.

A Comprehensive Look at Britain’s Elite Warriors

The Royal Marines Commandos: Britain’s Amphibious Elite is an exceptional deep dive into one of the world’s most respected fighting forces. The book covers their 350-year history, intense training at Lympstone, and amphibious operations with remarkable clarity. I particularly appreciated the insights into specialized roles like snipers, Mountain Leaders, and reconnaissance teams. The accounts of the Falklands War and Arctic training exercises highlight both skill and endurance. Whether you’re a military history enthusiast or simply curious about elite forces, this book is a thorough, engaging, and informative read.

A Masterclass in Versatility

What sets this book apart is its detailed exploration of the Royal Marines' incredible versatility. It goes beyond the iconic Green Beret to explain their unique amphibious role, striking from the sea by blending naval and infantry power. The sections on their Arctic warfare training and the various specializations like Mountain Leaders and snipers show a depth of capability I hadn't fully appreciated. The inclusion of the Royal Marines Band Service adds a fascinating layer, highlighting their dual role. A must-read for understanding modern elite forces.