2,000 men organised into four "Special Service" Battalions
Part of
British 6th Division
Engagements
Second World War
Bardia raid
Battle of Crete
Syria-Lebanon Campaign
Siege of Tobruk
Twin Pimples raid
Commanders
Notable commanders
Robert Laycock
Military unit
Layforce was an ad hoc military formation of the British Army consisting of a number of commando units during the Second World War. Formed in February 1941 under the command of Colonel Robert Laycock, after whom the force was named, it consisted of approximately 2,000 men and served in the Middle Eastern theatre of operations. Initially tasked with conducting raiding operations to disrupt Axis lines of communication in the Mediterranean it was planned that they would take part in operations to capture the Greek island of Rhodes.
As the strategic situation in the theatre turned against the Allies, however, the commandos were largely diverted from their original role and were used primarily to reinforce regular troops throughout the Mediterranean theatre. Elements of the force saw action in Bardia, Crete, Syria and Tobruk before they were disbanded in August 1941. Afterwards its personnel either returned to their former units or went on to serve with other special forces units raised in the Middle East.
Layforce was an ad hoc military formation of the British Army consisting of a number of commando units during the Second World War. Formed in February...
Robert Laycock, which became part of Force Z (later named "Layforce"). On 1 February 1941, Layforce sailed for the Middle East, in support of the capture of...
Layforce II was the name given to an ad hoc formation of British Commandos during the Second World War. The force was under command of Major Peter Laycock...
The raid was carried out by No. 7 Commando, also known as A Battalion Layforce, together with a small detachment from the Royal Tank Regiment; the raiders...
he volunteered for the No. 8 (Guards) Commando (later named "Layforce"). After Layforce was disbanded, Stirling remained convinced that due to the mechanized...
eight wounded, all of whom were recovered. Layforce was the only big unit in this area to be cut off. Layforce had been sent to Crete by way of Sfakia when...
Service Royal Marines Special Operations Executive British Army Commandos Layforce British Paratroopers United States Marine Raiders US Army Rangers Alamo...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
posted to a commando unit, and, after further training, became a member of "Layforce", under Colonel (later Brigadier) Robert Laycock. In February 1941, the...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
lieutenant-colonel, and appointed leader of the eastern Mediterranean commando force "Layforce", named after him. This combined commando force, which included 8 Commando...
carry out raids in the eastern Mediterranean. This force became known as 'Layforce' after their commander and initially they were drawn from 'A' Troop from...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
Service Brigade Special Air Service Troops Ad hoc Forces: Forfarforce LayforceLayforce II Northforce Timberforce Other Commando forces: Special Air Service...
Bardia raid was planned for the night of 19/20 April, by 'A' Battalion, Layforce to disrupt Axis lines of communication and damage installations and equipment...
formation Layforce were tasked to carry out a campaign of harassment and dislocation against enemy forces in the Mediterranean. At the time that Layforce was...
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