Themes
Conflict and Change
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Learning
Jungle Warfare
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The fight for survival
World War Two opened up new theatres of war for the Royal Marines.
Japan entered the war in December 1941 with the attack on the American Navy at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii.
They soon began to advance into the rest of the Far East conquering most of southeast Asia by April the next year.
The first experience of fighting in the Far East for the Royal Marines during the War was as part of 'Force Viper'. This specially recruited Force were engaged in raids on the Japanese in Burma in January 1942.
Commandos also played a decisive role in Burma three years later. 42 and 45 were instrumental in running the Japanese Forces out of the country during the Battle of Kangaw.
During these operations the Royal Marines gained experience in jungle survival.
This experience would prove useful in the many uprisings and campaigns that took place in the vacuum of power left in the Far East after World War Two.
Article highlights
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The fight for survival
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Force Viper
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Commandos in Burma
Follow the links to find out more about -
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Land service - The Armoured Support Regiment, the 11th Btn at Tobruk and the 7th Btn at Sicily
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Commandos and Raiders - Walcheren Raid, the Cockleshell Heroes, Detachment 385
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Jungle Warfare - Force Viper, the Commandos in Burma
