Operations in Madagascar and North Africa expanded the commandos' role from short raids and assault tasks into prolonged fighting ashore. The raiding formula of surprise, speed, darkness, and meticulous planning did not provide the firepower or endurance needed against counterattacks and defended positions. Their organization lacked the supporting weapons, vehicles, administrative personnel, replacements, and training needed for conventional battle, forcing units to borrow or capture transport and pull fighters into support duties. Heavy casualties and an inadequate replacement system eventually reduced their combat strength and forced reorganization before the decisive fighting in Tunisia. The example distinguishes elite skill from the firepower and sustainment required for a straight fight.
Chapter · 9:53-14:14
Why commandos struggled in field combat
The British Commandos book explains how lightly equipped raiding units suffered when retained as conventional infantry in Tunisia.