No. 8 (Guards) Commando
| No. 8 (Guards) Commando | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1940–1941 |
| Country |
 United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Type | Commando |
| Role | Raiding |
| Size | ~ 500 officers and men |
| Part of | Layforce |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Robert Laycock |
| Insignia | |
| Combined Operations Shoulder Patch |
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No. 8 (Guards) Commando was a unit of the British Commandos and part of the British Army during the Second World War. The Commando was formed in June 1940 primarily from members of the Brigade of Guards. It was one of the units selected to be sent to the Middle East as part of Layforce. On arrival they became known as 'B' Battalion in an attempt at deception, not wanting the Axis forces to know there was a commando formation in the theatre of war. The commando participated in the Battle of Crete and around Tobruk before being disbanded in late 1941. After this, many of its personnel went on to serve in other commando units formed in the area, including the Special Air Service.
Raised in June 1940 by Robert Laycock it was formed mainly from volunteers in the London district and included men from the Household Cavalry, Foot Guards, Somerset Light Infantry, Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery and the Royal Marines. In October 1940, as part of a reorganisation of the Commando formations, the unit was amalgamated with No. 3 Commando into a single special service battalion known as the 4th Special Service Battalion, under Laycock's command. As a part of this organisation, the unit’s name was changed to 'B' Special Service Company.
In January 1941 the special service battalion organisation was disbanded and the commando designation was readopted. As a result, No. 8 (Guards) Commando were split from No. 3 Commando and raised back up to battalion strength.
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