'42 Commando RM'
Formed in August 1943 from the disbanded 1st RM Battalion, the Commando saw service in India and Burma. 42 RM Commando took part in the Battle of Kangaw on the 31st January 1945.
Redesignated 42 Commando RM early in 1946, having been 42 RM Commando (Light) since August 1945. Postwar, the Commando operated across the Globe with combat operations in Malaya, Suez, Borneo and Brunei, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
42 Commando Royal Marines have been based at Bickleigh Barracks just outside Plymouth, Devon, since the 16th September 1971.
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'Limbang Hostage Rescue'
Date commenced:
Wednesday, December 12, 1962
Units:
In December 1962 a revolt broke out in Brunei, North Borneo, and 42 Commando, in Singapore at the time, was flown to Labuan and given the task of clearing Brunei Bay.
'L' Company was detached to try to release eight European hostages, including a district officer, from the town of Limbang, which was held by a strong force of rebels.
Assaulting from river craft, 'L' Company secured Limbang and released the hostages in 20 minutes. In that short time five Royal Marines died (see names below) and six were wounded. Four members of the Sarawak Constabulary also died and twenty rebels were killed in the engagement.
A Memorial at Limbang was unveiled on the 3rd August 1963. It is located on the riverfront opposite the police station [view in gallery....].
Sources
[Image] The funeral of Marine Gerald 'Scouse' Kierans officiated by Father O'Connor with members of 'L' Company [more photos in gallery....].
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