The Massed Bands at RM Deal Practicing before going to States with elements of 3 Cdo Bde RM in 1960.
While performing at Madison Square Garden  NY. An RM Captain Plummeted to his death while abseiling
down a cliff  in "Pin Strips, Bowler hat and umbrella' When his Carabina clip malfunctioned.

A Royal Marines Bulletin 14th March 1960

42 COMMANDO ROYAL MARINES  SAILS IN H.M.S. BULWARK

0n Monday, 14th March, 1960, 42 Commando Royal Marines commanded by Lieutenant -Colonel R. D. Crombie exercised the right and privilege of the Royal Marines, as Honorary Freemen of Plymouth, of marching through the City with Colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed.

The salute was taken by the Lord May of Plymouth, Councillor P. N. Washbourn at 11 a,m. at the City fagstaff, Royal Parade. The Lord Mayor was accompanied by the Commandant General Royal Marines, Lieutenant-General I. H. Riches CB, DSO, and the Major-General Royal Marines, Plymouth, Major-General M. C. Cartwright -Taylor.

42 Commando later embarked in HMS Bulwark, the Commando Carrier, in HM Dockyard Devonport and sailed for the Mediterranean where they will work up with 3rd Commando Brigade Royal Marines and 848 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm prior to going to the Far East.

The embarkation ceremony was witnessed by the First Lord of the Admiralty, The Right Honourable the Lord Carrington, KCMG, MC, who took the salute at the march past.

42 Commando consists of 600 officers and men and was first formed in July 1943, from the 1st Battalion Royal Marines. In the latter months of 1943 the unit sailed for India and saw action against the Japanese in Burma.

Since the war, as part of 3rd Commando Brigade Royal Marines, 42 Commando was employed in internal security duties in Palestine, Hong Kong, Malaya and Egypt. In September, 1954 the unit returned to England and assumed the role of training of Royal Marines Commandos at Bickleigh, near Plymouth.

Since then 42 Commando has moved overseas at short notice on two occasions It reinforced 3rd Commando Brigade in the Suez Landings in November, 1956 and again during the Lebanon Crisis in June, 1958, returning to Bickleigh after each occasion.

Early, in 1959, 42 Commando was relieved of its training role and began preparations for its new role, that of the Commando to be embarked in HMS Bulwark, the Commando Carrier.

AE's from 42 Commando Malaya 1961
Capt Sparks RM Centre

41 Commando in Norway 1963...