From Tom Busby
Visitors to the website will be pleased to learn that we've just reprinted "Haste to the Battle", the story of Four-Eight's history from its days as 7th Battalion, Royal Marine Division and its tragic action during the invasion of Sicily, to its transformation as a Royal Marine Commando during the winter and spring of 1944.  The story is told by Lt. Col. J L Moulton who formed and trained the unit in preparation for the invasion on D-Day as part of 4th Special Service Brigade.

From landing and securing its D-Day objectives, the Commando and parent Brigade eventually joined “the pursuit” of the retreating enemy though France, and Belgium and into the Netherlands. Here the Commando trained for the most dangerous and most important assaults in North-West Europe in WWII;  the capture of the island of Walcheren and its heavy coastal batteries and the opening of the River Scheldt to allow war materiel and food into the Port of Antwerp at a critical time during the war.

In the book, Colonel Moulton talks intimately of his officers and NCO’s, of their personalities, their actions and reactions to military and other situations.  A family bonded by war.

The book. originally printed in 1963, has been reprinted with a larger page size (“Royal” quite by chance), a modern font style, clearer photos and a striking colour cover.  Details on price and how to order copies can be obtained by emailing [email protected]