Martyn Betts A life of Derrin-do

Military Tactics

This section explores the historical military tactics that underpin modern fieldcraft and expedition planning, with a particular focus on the Commandos of the Second World War, special operations units in the Vietnam War, and the small-unit doctrines developed in colonial bush wars. Drawing on Martyn Betts’ work as an outdoor education lecturer, expedition leader, and researcher of historic survival techniques, it connects battlefield practice to real-world navigation, concealment, and sustainment in challenging environments. Each theme is illustrated using carefully staged wargame figures that bring these formations, movements, and decision points to life in an accessible, visual way.

WW2 Commando Tactics

This section will outline the core principles of Commando operations in the Second World War, including raiding doctrine, small-unit leadership, and amphibious insertion techniques. It will highlight how these units balanced stealth, aggression, and improvisation, and how their methods inform modern approaches to expedition planning and risk management.

Vietnam Era Fieldcraft

Here we will examine the fieldcraft developed in the jungles of Vietnam, with attention to patrolling drills, navigation in low-visibility environments, and techniques for living and operating for extended periods in the field. The focus will be on how these practices can be adapted for contemporary outdoor education and long-range trekking.

Colonial Bush Wars

This section will explore the tactics used in colonial bush wars, where small units operated across vast, sparsely populated landscapes. It will consider tracking, counter-tracking, and survival strategies in austere conditions, drawing out lessons that remain relevant for modern expedition leadership and backcountry resilience.