The 29th Ranger Battalion was manned by volunteers from the 29th Infantry Division. After completing commando training they were attached to the British Number 4 Commando unit. The 29th Rangers conducted three joint raids on the Norwegian coast and another in Brittany, France. In the fall of 1943, the 29th Rangers were deactivated and the soldiers returned to the 29th Infantry Division when it was determined that they were no longer needed with the pending arrival of the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions from the U.S.
The 29th Rangers, during its raids with the Commandos, wore British battledress uniforms along with US paratrooper boots and US accoutrements. The .30 caliber M1 Garand rifle was the most common weapon used by the Rangers |
