The earliest attempts at exerting some control were undertaken by the Royal Navy manning the landing craft but these proved to be inadequate. As a result specialized 'beach parties' were formed and trained and were first tried during Operation Ironclad to capture the port of Diego Suarez at the northern tip of Madagascar between 5th and 7th May l942. This proved so successful that the Royal Naval Commandos (RNC), sometimes known as 'Beachhead Commandos,' were formed. Their duties included:

Initial Beach Operations: They landed in or ahead of the first wave to clear and mark the beachhead's limits and consolidate it.

Beach Clearance: Ensuring the rapid clearance of Allied personnel and equipment from the beachhead.

Landing Craft Management: Assisting in the correct mooring of landing craft.

Mine and Obstruction Removal: Removing mines and underwater obstructions, and marking safe passage routes for the wounded.

Intelligence Gathering: Providing subsequent waves with important intelligence on enemy defenses and weaknesses.

Supply Management: Establishing ammunition and supply dumps.

Support for Troops: Supporting various troops during their initial advance inland.

POW Supervision: Supervising enemy prisoners of war.

Versatility and Rear-Guard Action: Tackling any necessary tasks and acting as a rear-guard during withdrawals.

The first RNCs were formed during the spring of 1942 from general service, reservists and 'hostilities only' officers and ratings. Each Commando unit came under the command of a Lieutenant-Commander or Commander and comprised three sections e.g. N1, N2, and N3. Each section consisted of two officers (a Beach Master (BM) and Assistant Beach Master (ABM), a Petty Officer and seventeen other ratings of varying rank. Acting rank could be found from time to time. Later, in the light of experience, the structure of the Commandos was changed to ten officers and sixty-five other ranks divided into three parties of twenty-five men each - one BM, three ABMs and twenty-two other ranks. They were responsible for a particular section of beach on a large invasion. Each RN Commando unit could occasionally come under the command of a Principal Beach Master (PBM) with the rank of Captain but this usually only occurred on larger invasions where each unit was spread over many miles.

The school at Ardentinny, known as HMS Armadillo, played a crucial role in preparing the Royal Navy Commandos (RNCs) for their specialized missions. Accommodating between 500 and 600 men, the training facility featured an unusual practice for the times: officers were mixed in with ratings, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The surrounding area, particularly Loch Long, provided an ideal environment for practical training exercises.

Training at HMS Armadillo covered a wide range of skills essential for successful amphibious operations. Trainees engaged in amphibious landing drills, reconnaissance missions, and specialized beach operations. They also received instruction in weapons handling, rock climbing, and navigating assault courses. Crucially, they practiced embarkation and debarkation under simulated battle conditions using various types of landing craft, which was critical for real-life operations. Additionally, route marches and field survival training ensured that the commandos were well-prepared for the physical and psychological demands of warfare.

Many of these foundational skills were further developed at Achnacarry in northern Scotland, a location renowned for its rigorous Commando training. Here, under the guidance of the esteemed Army Commando Officer, Colonel Charles Vaughan, trainees faced some of the most challenging military training available. The site of the famous Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, established in the early 1950s, commemorates the legacy of these training efforts.

Despite the grueling nature of the training at Achnacarry, very few men were RTU'd (returned to unit) for failing to complete the course. The stigma associated with an RTU entry on one's service record was a powerful motivator to persevere. Successful completion of the course earned the RNCs their coveted green beret and the iconic Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) fighting dagger, presented by Colonel Vaughan in special ceremonies. This intense training period was so formative that it inspired their new motto, "IN PRIMO EXULTO" — "First In, Last Out," reflecting their commitment and readiness to lead from the front in all operations.

Formation and Structure

The first RNCs were formed in the spring of 1942 from general service, reservists, and 'hostilities only' officers and ratings. Initially, each Commando unit was led by a Lieutenant-Commander or Commander and consisted of three sections (e.g., N1, N2, and N3). Each section included:

Two officers (a Beach Master (BM) and an Assistant Beach Master (ABM))

A Petty Officer

Seventeen other ratings of varying ranks

Occasionally, acting ranks were used. Based on operational experience, the structure was later modified to include:

Ten officers

Sixty-five other ranks

Divided into three parties of twenty-five men each, with one BM, three ABMs, and twenty-two other ranks

Command and Deployment

Each RN Commando unit was typically responsible for a specific section of a beach during large invasions. In extensive operations where units were spread over many miles, they could fall under the command of a Principal Beach Master (PBM), usually holding the rank of Captain. This arrangement ensured effective coordination and management across expansive invasion fronts.

The Royal Naval Commandos played an essential role in the success of subsequent amphibious operations, thanks to their specialized training and versatile skill set, honed through early experiences and adapted structures.

In August 1942, during Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid, members of the Royal Navy Commandos (RNCs) from Units C and D participated in a significant and tragic operation. Each of the raid's beaches had a Beach Master (BM) and beach party assigned to manage the landings. However, many of these units were unable to reach their designated beaches due to intense German gunfire, resulting in heavy casualties and numerous soldiers being taken as prisoners of war. Despite the operation's failures and high cost, these experiences highlighted the importance of Combined Operations and the critical role of the RN Beach Parties in future amphibious assaults.

One notable story from these commandos was that of "Albert RN," a tale demonstrating their bravery and resilience, but that's a separate and equally fascinating narrative.

The Dieppe Raid's shortcomings revealed several critical lessons. The need for improved coordination and specialized training for such complex operations became evident. As a result, a specialized training school for Beach Parties was established at Ardentinny on the Clyde estuary in Scotland, aimed at preparing these units for their essential roles in future amphibious landings.

This shift in approach came under the broader strategic vision of Lord Louis Mountbatten, who took command of Combined Operations in October 1941, succeeding Roger Keyes. Under Mountbatten's leadership, the motto "United We Conquer" epitomized the ethos of Combined Operations, and the RN Commandos were integral to the various successful operations undertaken by this renowned wartime organization.

Due to their critical role in the logistic chain, the Royal Navy Commandos found themselves involved in every critical landing and major river crossing, from Normandy all the way to the Far East. Their resourcefulness and training meant they also found themselves clearing harbors and assisting partisans. Here is a list of just some of their major operations:

Operation Jubilee (Dieppe Raid, 1942): The Allied raid on the German-occupied port of Dieppe in France. RNBC units were involved in coordinating the landing operations and managing the difficult withdrawal.

Operation Torch (1942): The Allied invasion of French North Africa. RNBC units played a crucial role in the landings at Algeria and Morocco.

Operation Husky (1943): The Allied invasion of Sicily. RNBC units were involved in securing and organizing the beaches for the landing of troops and equipment.

Operation Avalanche (1943): The Allied invasion of mainland Italy at Salerno. Beach commandos facilitated the landings and managed beach operations under heavy enemy fire.

Operation Shingle (1944): The Allied amphibious landing at Anzio, Italy. RNBC units were integral in the successful establishment and maintenance of the beachhead.

Operation Overlord (D-Day, 1944): The Allied invasion of Normandy, France. RNBC units were critical in the landings at several beaches, including Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches.

Operation Dragoon (1944): The Allied invasion of Southern France. Beach commandos ensured the smooth landing and logistical support of troops along the French Riviera.

Operation Infatuate (1944): The assault on the island of Walcheren, part of the Battle of the Scheldt in the Netherlands. RNBC units supported the amphibious landings and beach operations.

Operation Plunder (1945): The Allied crossing of the Rhine River in Germany. RNBC units played a key role in the coordination and execution of the river crossing operations.

Operation Zipper (1945): The planned but never fully executed British amphibious assault to recapture Malaya from Japanese occupation. RNBC units were prepared to facilitate the landings.