Formation badge, Combined Operations, 1944 (c)

Printed cotton drill with dots around the perimeter to indicate location for stitching.

The Combined Operations organisation was set up in 1940 primarily to govern operations undertaken by Commando units. These units were set up to undertake raiding operations to disrupt and harass an enemy. Initially commanded by Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, it was commanded by General Sir Roger Laycock from 1943. The formation was disbanded in 1947, although the badge has been adopted in various guises since then.

The design represented all three services and includes an anchor to represent the Royal Navy, an eagle to represent the Royal Air Force and a Thompson sub-machine gun to represent Army and Royal Marines Commando units.