Layforce

Layforce
Active	1941
Country
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Ad hoc (Commando)
Role	Amphibious warfare Artillery observer Close-quarters combat Coastal raiding Desert warfare Direct action Irregular warfare Long-range penetration Mountain warfare Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Special reconnaissance Urban warfare
Size	2,000 men organised into four "Special Service" Battalions
Part of	British 6th Division
Engagements	Second World War Bardia raid Battle of Crete Syria-Lebanon Campaign Siege of Tobruk Twin Pimples raid
Commanders
Notable commanders	Robert Laycock

Layforce was an ad hoc military formation of the British Army consisting of a number of commando units during the Second World War. Formed in February 1941 under the command of Colonel Robert Laycock, after whom the force was named, it consisted of approximately 2,000 men and served in the Middle Eastern theatre of operations. Initially tasked with conducting raiding operations to disrupt Axis lines of communication in the Mediterranean it was planned that they would take part in operations to capture the Greek island of Rhodes.

As the strategic situation in the theatre turned against the Allies, however, the commandos were largely diverted from their original role and were used primarily to reinforce regular troops throughout the Mediterranean theatre. Elements of the force saw action in Bardia, Crete, Syria and Tobruk before they were disbanded in August 1941. Afterwards its personnel either returned to their former units or went on to serve with other special forces units raised in the Middle East.