Amphibious Ambassadors and Vertical Envelopment

Abstract

British forces had played a key part in the development of amphibious equipment and techniques before, during and after the Second World War. It was therefore natural that Britain’s friends and allies were keen to learn from their experience. Following the war Britain provided training and education in the field of amphibious warfare to a number of European and Commonwealth forces. However, in this field the priority for Britain remained the maintenance of a close relationship with the United States and in particular with the United States Marine Corps. Liaison with other nations was only allowed on the basis that it would not prejudice this all-important relationship. The Americans appear to have valued this relationship as much as their British counterparts.