10 Cdo / Layforce

Hi,
Can anyone help please.

The war diaries WO 218/167 cover,quote "10 Commando Bn",from the period 1 Dec 1943 to Jan 31 1944.
The sub title states Special Service, Layforce,10 Commando.
On opening the diary, the unit is given as LAYFORCE, the Commanding Officer as Maj P LAYCOCK , 10(IA) Cdo,dated December 1943,and the unit was based at Newhaven.

If the original Layforce ceased in 1941 , why was in re created again.
Are the two Laycocks Peter and Robert related

The diary relates mainly with the HARDTACK and MANACLE operations.

Regards
Graham

Layforce II was the name given to an ad hoc formation of Commandos under command of Major Peter Laycock, then 2 i/c of No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando.

Layforce II included the French Troop from No. 10 (IA) Commando and three Troops from No. 4 Commando. The force carried out deception raids against the coastline of German occupied Europe. The raids, code-named Operation Manacle and Hardtack, were finally abandoned because they encouraged the Germans to reinforce their positions which, in the longer term, could be disadvantageous to the Allies.

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Laycock took over command of No10 (IA) Cdo on 15 May 1943.

Robert & Peter Laycock were cousins.

Nick