Beachhead assault : the story of the Royal Naval Commandos in World War II /David Lee ; foreword by Tony Parsons ; preface by Ken Oakley.

"The Royal Naval Commandos had one of the most dangerous and the most important tasks of any in World War II - they were first on to the invasion beaches and they were the last to leave. Formed in 1941 as the Royal Naval Beach Parties, many lost their lives during Operation Jubilee at Dieppe in 1942. Organised into units from A Commando to the all-Canadian W Commando, they became fully fledged fighting Commandos with their legendary Fairbairn Sykes commando knives. Under their officers who were designated as Beachmasters, the Royal Naval Commandos led the way in on the beaches as part of the Allied landings in Madagascar, North Africa, Pantelleria, Sicily, Salerno, the Volturno River, Anzio, Arakan, Normandy, Elba, Walcheren and Commachio. Their work on the beaches was crucial to the success of the Allied invasions. The story of the Commandos covers their beginnings early in the war and their training - both at their base, HMS Armadillo at Ardentinny in Scotland, and the famous Achnacarry Commando training school - to the invasions they spearheaded. After the War the Royal Naval Commandos were disbanded and their role was given to the Royal Marines. The personal accounts of the Royal Naval Commandos contained in this book tell the remarkable story of a remarkable but little-known group of men, ensuring that their legacy will not be forgotten."--Provided by the publisher.