48 ROYAL MARINE COMMANDO was the last Commando to be formed. Originally a Royal Marine battalion trained for beach-head defence and administration, it took this role in the Sicily landings. Within days it was rushed forward to mount an ill-conceived attack against a combined German and Italian force suffering casualties, failure and implied discredit. But after months of rear area duties it was hurriedly shipped home and given four months to recover its morale and to prepare itself mentally and physically, as a Commando in the forefront of the Normandy invasion.
General Moulton tells how the unit was reorganised and trained, how it met near disaster on the Normandy beaches, yet succeeded its allotted tasks. As beach and coastal defences were overcome the enemy was pursued and France and Belgium were liberated. Learning from its experience the unit was rebuilt and eventually engaged in the bloody but vital assault on Walcheren, opening up the port Antwerp to Allied forces and the relief of occupied Holland.
The author tells the story vividly and frankly, praising and blaming with some of the rough justice of the front line. He tells of his own mistakes, of his problems and perplexities, of pride, sorrow and laughter. His officers and men appear as they did to him, with their strengths and weaknesses, earning his affection and respect. This is how men feel and act in battle: this is how it feels to command a fighting unit.
“Colonel Moulton’s book is a fascinating read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. First published by Cassell in 1963, this second edition was reprinted as a not-for-profit publication in November 2024 at the time of the 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the landings at Walcheren.
It is primarily aimed at family, friends and supporters of 48 Royal Marine Commando and those wanting to add to their knowledge of this exceptional fighting unit“
Tom Busby
The book is now available as a paperback and you can order your copy here. The book is £12.50 (plus £3.50 p&p) – £16.00.
If you would like to order more than one book or would like to request international shipping please drop us an email for a postal quote, info@hastetothebattle.org.uk
Major-General J. L. Moulton retired from the Royal Marines in 1961 after thirty-seven years’ service, which included service at sea with the Royal Navy, five years as a pilot with the Fleet Air Arm, a wartime secondment to the Army, and the command of Commando brigades in war and peace. His last appointment was, appropriately, that of Chief of Amphibious Warfare. Of these years, the one of which he has the most vivid memories is that as Commanding Officer of 48 Royal Marine Commando in Normandy and in Holland from 1944 to 1945. He describes this period in Haste to the Battle.
