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Commando: A History of the Elite British Military Force and Its Operations in World War Two Kindle Edition

by Peter Young (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 111 ratings
An eye-opening introduction to one of the most audacious special operations forces of World War Two, written by a man who led them into battle.

An ideal book for people who enjoyed SAS: Rogue Heroes and Band of Brothers.

In the aftermath of the disastrous Battle of France and evacuation from Dunkirk, Winston Churchill told his military chiefs of staff that “Enterprises must be prepared, with specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down on these coasts, first of all on the ‘butcher-and-bolt’ policy… leaving a trail of German corpses behind them.”

By the end of the month the Commandos had been formed from volunteers and were already implementing their hit-and-run tactics that would make them famous.

Only the best recruits were sent; they had to be young, absolutely fit, able to drive motor vehicles, and unable to be seasick. One of the conditions of service, clearly laid down, was that any many might voluntarily return to his unit after an operation. Few ever asked to do so.

Peter Young, who volunteered shortly after returning from Dunkirk, rose to become commander of the 1st Commando Brigade by the end of the war. In Commando he charts the development of this unique fighting force from its emergence through the course of its major operations, including: Lofoten, Spitzbergen and Vaagso in Norway, the invasion of Italy, the St. Nazaire and Dieppe raids on the French coast, along with numerous other operations.

‘it reads like an adventure story; for that is what the Commandos engaged in — a series of grim adventures from which a high number did not return. Their adventures not only raised the alarm along the occupied coast line — they raised the morale of the Allied sympathisers everywhere, progressively, as the scope and the range of their operations spread from Europe to the Mediterranean coastlines.’ Brigadier Anthony Farrar-Hockley

Peter Young’s Commando should be essential reading for all looking to learn more about this intrepid Second World War fighting force.
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  1. Print length
    104 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 18, 2024
  4. File size
    1.9 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CNPW31HM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books (February 18, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 18, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 104 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 111 ratings

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Peter Young

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
111 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Captain Sternn
    5.0 out of 5 stars From the XO of 3 Commando...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2010
    Peter Young served as the executive-officer under John Durnford-Slater. This is his reminiscence of his time spent in 3 Commando.

    Much of the narrative focuses on the first Commando operations, such as the raids on the Channel Islands, Vaagso, and the Lofotens. There is plenty of commentary regarding other notable Commando missions: Layforce in the Mediterrenean,the St. Nazaire raid, the attempted raid to kill or capture Erwin Rommel in North Africa, ...and the tragic failure at Dieppe, where casualties for the allies were at 60%!

    Although not as detailed as Durnford-Slater's book, Peter Young's work is more of an anecdotal recollection of remarkable units, characters, and their deeds:

    -Dudley Clark: He was not just the first man to conceive of the Commando concept, ...he was the first Commando to be wounded in battle, ...on the very first Commando operation!

    -A testimony to the Commando spirit of adaptation and improvization: during the British evacuation of Crete, a group of Royal Marines actually rigged a makeshift sail on an inoperable LANDING-CRAFT, ...and SAILED it to North Africa to re-join allied forces!

    -Lt.Colonel Vaughan: Commanding-officer of the Achnacarry Commando training center. At least 25,000 men of various Allied nations passed through his institution during his tenure.

    -Lord Lovat and his his excellent combat-leadership at Dieppe: He led his troops from the front, in the manner of a true Scottish Highland Laird!

    Peter Young's Epilogue sums up everything:
    "Decorations, or the lack of them, are far from being a certain guide to the military virtue of an individual. Many a dogged and skilful soldier has gone through much hard fighting without any special recognition beyond campaign stars, which, after all, are awarded to everyone present who is not discharged with ignominy! Nevertheless the number of awards for gallantry is a useful indication of the effectiveness of a unit or formation. Commando soldiers were awarded eight Victoria Crosses, thirty-seven DSOs and in addition nine bars to that award, 162 Military Crosses with thirteen bars, thirty-two Distinguished Conduct Medals, and 21 Military Medals. In an army where honours and awards were not distributed in lavish fashion, this total of 479 speaks for itself."
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  • Dalton C. Rocha
    4.0 out of 5 stars They were very humans
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2007
    I read this book, here in Brazil.This book is about the commandos under british control during World War II.This book has many photos; all of them black & white photos.This book is short, correct and easy to read.The failures of this short book are small.Maps are weak and about resistance Commandos, there's almost nothing in this book.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kangakid
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fast moving.
    Reviewed in Australia on February 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The history of immense courage as England fought back against overwhelming odds. Almost too dispassionate in the telling and really brings home the astonishing bravery of men who must have been aware of the odds against their survival. The generally understated writing is probably a reflection of the author’s own modesty. I would have actually enjoyed more detail, especially the backgrounds of some of the participants, the basis of selection and the training and leadership. A great read.
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  • Nuno
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fair book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Ends in 42 or 43, a little early since the war ended in 45, but is very detailed in North Africa and italy
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  • Neal Ames
    3.0 out of 5 stars A brief snapshot of special forces
    Reviewed in Australia on March 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This brief look at the Commandos of world war two sets the scene for everything that would follow with special forces. In 1940 all they cared about was taking the fight to the invaders. The book looks at their operations in those early years and the "make it up as we go" approach.
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