The Royal Marines were originally formed under the auspices of the Royal Navy to guard its sailing ships from harm. They are proud of their history and origins but the Navy heritage is fading. John Parker's new book charts how the units have moved away from their nautical beginnings to develop, over time, into the most versatile force in the British military, containing one of their most elite brigades. This history deals with events associated with the Royal Marines and subsequently in their commando role, starring in all of the major conflicts in which the UK became embroiled, including Italy, Malaysia, Cyprus, the Borneo confrontation with Indonesia, and more recently, Afghanistan.