Themes

Cold War commitments

The Royal Marines formed part of the landing force for the defence of NATO’s Northern and Southern flanks.

The force would be able to deploy at a moment’s notice to an alliance country threatened by Soviet or Warsaw Pact Forces in order to deter invasion. If this deterrent failed the force and other NATO allies would then aid the alliance country.

The Northern Flank was of great importance for NATO as it was the only place where the borders of Russia and the NATO area met.

The Russians would have to secure this area during any general offensive against the West to ensure the return of their submarines and ships of the Northern Fleet.

A Section Patrol from 42 Commando on exercises in Norway 1989. (RMM)

Article highlights

• Cold War commitments

• Building a role

• Mountain and Arctic Warfare

   

Follow the links to find out more about -

• Commando carriers and assault ships - Fearless and Intrepid

• The Korean War

• Northern Flank

• Southern Flank

• Flying Marines - the Suez Canal Raid