US Marine Corps Raider 1942-43

Reviewed by John Prigent

Summary

FirstRead

The Raiders were set up in imitation of the British Commandos, despite opposition, and trained and equipped for a similar role, which they carried out successfully on several Pacific Islands.

Despite their lack of support weapons and transport they were then thrown into the fighting as normal infantry on other islands, and fared less well although fighting with distinction.

By the end of 1943 their separation from the rest of the USMC made little sense, and in February 1944 they were disbanded and reformed as the core of a new 4th Marine Regiment.

Ed Gilbert, a former Marine himself, has given us an excellent account of their history and fighting record, backed up by a good selection of photographs and good colour plates.

Highly Recommended!
 

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review sample