41 Independent Commando RM, Korea 1950-1952, by Lt Col Peter Thomas
Book published by the Royal Marines Historical Society. 79 pages. Slim paperback (N4837)
From the rear side cover: 41 independent Commando RM, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel DB Drysdale, was formed in August 1950, two months after North Korea's invasion of South Korea, which the United Nations General Assembly voted to oppose. The British Pacific fleet was committed to the UN and, as part of this, the Royal Marines were to provide a small raiding force to operate against communist lines of communication in Korea. As 3 Commando Brigade RM was already heavily committed to the anti-terrorist campaign in Malaya 41 Independent Commando RM was formed to provide this raiding force.
After some initial independent raids 41 Independent Commando was placed under command of the 1st US Marine Division following the Inchon landings. The outstanding bravery of this small 300 man unit, which suffered 93 casualities in the operations against overwhelming odds in the Chosin Resovoir area, has become legendary.... From April to December 1951 the small unit carried out a number of lesser known successful raids along the north-eastern coast, which resulted in the diversion of considerable enemy forces from the main battle area. The unit was finally withdrawn in December 1951 and disbanded at Stonehouse Barracks on 22 February 1952.
In all 41 Independent Commando RM suffered 31 killed in action or died in captivity, and the last of the 19 surviving POWs were not repatriated until mid 1954. Illustrated throughout with several black and white photographs, chapters include:
Background and formation
Early Raids
Attachment to the First US Marine Division
The Advance to the Sea
The Sorye Dong Raid
Wonsan Harbour and Further raids
Disbandment and Conclusions
Several appendices, detailing raiding techniques, organisation of 41 Commando, Command and Control, Roll of Honour, Honours and Awards, POW's, and more!
The condition of the book is generally very good. The covers are clean and bright, the spine is tight and intact, and all pages are clean, intact, unblemished and tightly bound.