11th Battalion R.M

Discussions on all aspects of the The United Kingdom & its Empire and Commonwealth during the Inter-War era and Second World War. Hosted by Andy H
Post Reply
User avatar
David W
Member
Posts: 3516
Joined: 28 Mar 2004, 02:30
Location: Devon, England

11th Battalion R.M

#1

Post by David W » 20 May 2007, 12:02

The 11th Battalion of the Royal Marines appears in some O.o.B for North Africa in late 1941 & early 1942. Can anyone tell me if they saw any action?

Were they just 2 Companies strong?
Any special equipment?
Any heavy weapons?

User avatar
David W
Member
Posts: 3516
Joined: 28 Mar 2004, 02:30
Location: Devon, England

#2

Post by David W » 02 Jun 2007, 02:22

Has anyone got anything to say about this 'rare' unit?


daveh
Member
Posts: 1439
Joined: 11 Feb 2003, 19:14
Location: uk

#3

Post by daveh » 05 Jun 2007, 15:04

In

1) British and Commonwealth Armies 1939 - 1943 M Bevis
2) British and Commonwealth Armies 1939 - 1945 Supplement Volume 1 M Bevis

There are the following brief references to 11th Bn Royal Marines:

(1) p.78 Royal Marine Naval Base Defence Organisation 1 6.40 - 2.41, Britain
Included 11th Royal Marine Bn. Which had
“A total of 427 men and 20 MG in 3 Companies, each including a HQ and 3 platoons, including a support platoon.”

(1) p. 77 11th Royal Marine Bn.
“Crete and Tobruk raids 4.42 - 10.42
Organisation as a typical infantry battalion with rifles and some Bren LMG.”

(2) p. 82 Ceylon Garrison
11th Royal Marine Bn.
“420 men, 1942 - 1943
Bn HQ (1 rifle section)
1 Firepower Platoon: 4 x 7 man rifle sections, 8 Bren LMG
4 Rifle Companies, each:
Co. HQ ( 1 8 man rifle sec, 1 Boys)
3 platoons each 4 x 7man sections, 1 2” mortar, 1 Boys, 2 Lewis MG.”

The above suggests the heaviest weapon was likely to be a 2" mortar and that it had at least 3 companies. However I have no further details for the organisation, equipment or for when it moved to N Africa.
I hope this helps.

User avatar
David W
Member
Posts: 3516
Joined: 28 Mar 2004, 02:30
Location: Devon, England

#4

Post by David W » 05 Jun 2007, 16:25

Yes Dave, that's a great help.

Thanks. :)

Post Reply

Return to “The United Kingdom & its Empire and Commonwealth 1919-45”