7th Ballalion RM - 31st Beach Brick

Unit/ Formation: Royal Marines

Location: Sicily

Period/ Conflict: World War II

Year: 1943

Date/s: 10 July 1943

The comparatively small Force 'N' under Captain Lord Ashbourne RN in HMS Keren had sailed from the Middle East as part of Force ‘A’ and had with them the 231st (Malta) Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier R E Urquhart.

7th Ballalion RM - 31st Beach Brick - Operation Husky

This force landed in Nan Sector of the Bark East Assault Area assisted by RN Beach Commando K.

Operation Husky Invasion Map

1st Middle East Beach Brick/Beach Brick 31: 7th RM Battalion formed the nucleus of this unit and was enlarged as Beach brick 31 in 1943.

Landed in Sicily, before reverting to infantry role under XXX Corps on D+7. (7th Battalion, Royal Marines, including companies from 3/10 Baluch and the 31st Beach Brick RAF Component).

7th Bn would be one of the first units to enter Catania, and go on to see operations on the River Dittaino where they would suffer casualties.

Related Royal Marines 'Dits':

• 7th Bn Royal Marines - Operation Husky - River Dittaino

• John Field - RM People "We thought we were immortal.” Operation Husky

• Amphibious Lessons Learned - Operation Husky 10 July 1943

References/ Further Reading: