Historical Maritime Society
Royal Naval Commandos
Their task was to ensure the efficient and secure landing of all craft and personnel. This commenced with the assault waves and continued for the useful life of the beach. In the case of Gold Beach this would be many weeks. The first party of R.N. Commandos arrived on Gold Beach 5 minutes before H Hour, guiding each vessel individually to shore using a system of flags, torch signals and loudhailers
As the assault progressed R.N. Commandos also ensured the safe embarkation of wounded and prisoners of war. R.N. Commandos were a constituent element of the combined navy, army and air force group known as the 'Beach Brick'. The 9 th Beach Brick established its headquarters in Ver-sur-Mer in a building known as Gold Inn.