The idea of Commando units came from the use of agile, determined, and skilled fighters by the Dutch Republics in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). Commando sappers enable the Commando Brigade to live, move and fight. Well-trained and highly mobile, they were to carry on the war against the Axis after the evacuation from Dunkirk. The first commando operations were small, but later they grew in complexity and size. Army Commandos  – Although today we associate the name ‘Commando’ with the Royal Marines, the first Commando units were established by the British Army in response to Churchill’s instruction. Our commando sappers are the Royal Engineer soldiers and officers who provide combat engineering solutions to the very high readiness forces of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. The Commandos In 1940, the British established a new raiding and reconnaissance force.