British commandos are among the most celebrated soldiers of the Second World
War. Their daring, ingenuity and bravery have given rise to an almost legendary
reputation that makes it difficult to appreciate fully their role and their true
value as fighting men. Stephen Bull, in this in-depth study of commando tactics
and history, seeks to dispel the myths and the misunderstandings that surround
them, and he places these elite troops of 70 years ago in the context of their
times. He also demonstrates that the idea of the commando took time to develop –
and that commando operations were far from always successful. Commando tactics –
amphibious, mountain, close quarter – were forged through the often-painful
experience of raids and combined operations. And commando tactics and
organization remained in a state of flux throughout the war as new situations
and challenges arose. Stephen Bull’s vivid account will be essential reading for
anyone who is interested in commando fighting techniques and the early history
of special forces.
