The Middle East 'Depot Commando Training and Holding Unit' came into being mid December 1940 and was formally established at Geneifa beside the Great Bitter Lake under the command of
Major D.W. Melville MC on 25 January 1941.
Its role was to provide training and reinforcements for 50, 51, and 52 Commandos who were all deployed at the time, and also as a Holding Unit for Commandos.