Special Operations.Com
1 Commando Regiment
History
The term Commando is derived from
the South African Dutch word used by the Boers in
identifying their various irregular sized raiding
forces employed against the British during the South
African wars.
In late 1940, the Australian Government
accepted the offer of Great Britain to send a Military
Mission to 
Australia
to assist in the training of specialised Army Units.
No 104 Military Mission initiated the task of organisation
and training of the Independent Companies for guerilla
warfare. A training school was established
in February 1941 at Wilson's Promontory. By
1 October 1941, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Independent (Commando)
Companies had been formed and trained.
Eventually 12 Independent Companies were raised and
trained. They achieved an enviable record
on active service with operations generally centred
in the New Guinea Theatre. These
men were recognised by the distinctive diamond colour
patch they wore on their service dress.
The Commando Companies also draw
upon the distinguished achievements of other special
force units such as Z and M Special Forces who were
responsible for raids on Singapore harbour and coastal
surveillance.
While the success of the Independent
Companies, M and Z Special Unit was to confirm the
effectiveness of unconventional warfare, the special
units were disbanded on the cessation of hostilities.
However in time, the Department of Army determined
the skills acquired should be retained and raised
the Citizens Military Force (CMF) Commando Companies.
Formation of the
Regiment.
The formation of the 1st Commando
Regiment occurred on the following dates:
Allied Units. 2 Commando
Company - 45 Commando Royal Marines.
Unit Motto.
Strike Swiftly.
Unit March.
Cockleshell Heroes.
Embellishments.
The Unit badge was designed by a
foundation member, R. E. Nordhoff. It
consists of a boomerang which symbolises Australia
and the motto 'Strike Swiftly'. The fighting
knife is the standard issue pattern design for the
Royal Marine Commandos. The Unit head
dress is the distinctive Green Beret which originated
with the British Army Commandos. The coveted
Green Beret is awarded after the successful completion
of a number of demanding courses.
The parachute wings
worn by the members of the Regiment.
