One of the most prestigious and versatile units of the British armed forces; the Royal Marine Commandos were a specialized fighting force; serving in many theaters; including the Korean War (1950-1953); the Malayan Emergency (1947-1960); East Africa; Cyprus; Suez; Northern Ireland and the Faulklands; and performing a number of roles from counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to conventional combined arms fighting. During the period covered in this account; conscription to the Royal Marines came to an end and the unit became a professional and dedicated force. The author provides a detailed look at the service life of a Royal Marine Commando in a time of great change; exploring the developments that took place in recruitment; training; equipment; weaponry; dress and tactical deployment in the post-World War II period. The elite nature of the Royal Marines is maintained by the toughness of the Commando entry course at Lympstone in Devon - where successful entrants are awarded the distinctive green Commando beret. One major aspect of the course is that squads should work together; supporting the weakest members - a key ethos that is explored in this fascinating story.
#2564319 in Books 2016-05-17 2016-05-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.56 x .74 x 7.81l; .0 #File Name: 1844863271192 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent reading for students of natureBy KodiakThe book is far better than I expected. He discusses the many places that he visited during his voyage with the Beagle. A substantial percentage of the time (60%?); he actually explored the animal and plant life on the mainland (South America) and on islands; while the Beagle sailed off to other ports. (I have not gotten to his exploits in the Galapagos islands yet). I was inspired to read this book; when I came across an article for Science magazine (?); which rated this book as the best science book ever written. They rated Darwin's On the Origin of the Species as the second best science book ever written. I plan to read that next. I highly recommend The Voyage of the Beagle. It is tantamount to reading a travel book; but with a world-class naturalist as a guide. I particularly enjoyed when he explained how sheep dogs were trained; although it was disturbing to read how horses were broken (brutal) in South America. A very brutal process. But; most of the time; only the stallions were broken for riding; while the mares were kept for breeding; or butchered for dinner. He describes one night; when 50 mares were butchered for their meat. But; this brutality is only one episode in what is otherwise a wonderful description of his adventures as a naturalist.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. You can't tell me he wasn't having funBy Bernie (xyzzy)Remember this says "Journal" and that is what it is. It is his first parson adventures on and off the Beagle. He even includes stories about the people on the ship; the ship's life; and maintenance. He is always going ashore and venturing beyond the ship charter to go where no Englishman has gone before. He makes friends with tyrants and the down trodden. Once; to get an animal to come to him; he lay on his back and waved his arms and legs in the air. Whatever you do; do not turn your back on him. He is always knocking something on the head and taking it back for study. It is fun trying to match the old names for places with the new.1 of 5 people found the following review helpful. round the world discoveryBy G.I.ForbesIt is surprising that it has taken untill May 2016 for this book to be published in the US as it has been available since 2008 in the UK and on .co.uk.The emphasis of the book is on Darwin when in fact the objective of the voyage was round the world discovery of unknown lands.There are 7 chapters covering a)the origins and design of the Beagle b) Robert Fitzroy the captain c) surveying at sea d) officers and crew e) Charles Darwin f) artists and g) the legacy of the Beagle.On pages 38 and 174 denigrates and does not include the works of Alfred Wallace the true discoverer of evolution.The praise heaped on Darwin is not justified.Not recommended.
