2020 - 80th anniversary of the formation of the Commandos

Does anyone know of any events, CVA or other, large or small, being planned for next year which is the 80th anniversary of the formation of the first Commando units raised from volunteers from all sections of the Field Army ? If so place the details here.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 21/03/2019 19:13:47

The significance of this anniversary should be recognised. It was those first volunteers to the Army Commandos raised in 1940 that went onto form the first Parachute unit, and also many would go into the new L Detachment SAS, and the new SBS and 2 SBS. Many of the first Folbot operations were by those early Army Commandos. Achnacarry did not become the Commando Basic Training Centre until Feb/March 1942, the same time as the formation of the first Royal Marine Commando unit. By this time those first Army Commandos raised in 1940 and trained at numerous places across the UK with specialist training at places such as STC Lochailort, CTC Inveraray, etc., had taken part in the great raids at Vaagso and St Nazaire, and many others such as Litani River and the rearguard action on Crete.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 21/03/2019 10:46:02

I'm very interested in hearing more about any plans.
Dad joined that year and took part in Operation Menace and the Lofoten Islands.
Please keep us all informed! :)

Recruiting for the Commandos began in 1940 when a call was made for volunteers from certain formations that were still in Britain at the time. It was also decided that the Divisional Independent Companies that had been originally raised from Territorial Army Divisions would be disbanded and used to raise the new Commando units along with other men who had seen service in Norway and elsewhere. Subsequent recruiting for the Commandos was also conducted in the various theatres of war and among foreign nationals joining the Allies. Initially, each 'Commando' was to consist of a headquarters plus ten troops of 50 men each, including three officers; this changed in 1941 to six troops of 65 men per Commando, including a Heavy Weapons Troop. Each Commando unit was initially responsible for the selection and training of its own officers and men. Commando soldiers received extra pay from which they had to find their own accommodation whenever they were in Britain. They trained in physical fitness, survival, orienteering, close-quarter combat, silent killing, signalling, amphibious and cliff assault, motor vehicle operation, weapons (including the use of captured enemy small-arms) and demolition. Many officers, NCOs and trainee instructors initially attended various courses at the all forces Special Training Centre at Lochailort in Scotland. Also in the Scottish Highlands, Combined Operations established a substantial all forces amphibious training centre at Inveraray, and in 1942 a specific Commando Training Centre at Achnacarry near Spean Bridge. All field training was conducted with live ammunition.
In memory of all who have stood up and were and still are willing to sacrifice their all for our freedom.
Kevin

Hopefully today's Army Commandos may want to celebrate the event. The first C.O. of 29 Commando Regiment was one of those early Army Commandos of WW2.

http://www.commandoveterans.org/DenisOFlaherty3Commando

It is good to see that the Royal Marines have in their 2020 Events calendar for July 3-5 an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the formation of the first Commando units, initially Army Commandos until the first Royal Marine Commando was raised in 1942. They have it listed as

Commando 80 Spean Bridge Gathering & Parade, Fort William.

I have no more details at present. If you know of other events please post here.