Catalogue description Ministry of Defence: Amphibious Warfare Establishments and Trial Detachments: Reports

The Amphibious Warfare Experimental Establishment succeeded the Combined Operations Experimental Establishment (COXE) in 1951 as combined operation units were renamed amphibious warfare. It was based in Devon but in turn was disbanded in 1955 as part of the post war rationalisation of amphibious units to be replaced by the Amphibious Experimental Establishment (AXE). Both establishments reported to the Amphibious Warfare Headquarters (AWHQ) based in London which was concerned with policy and training and which operated within the Ministry of Defence rather than for a single service. AWXE, and later AXE, was directed by AWHQ to carry out investigations, experiments and trials on the problems of the assault, follow up, build up and suitability of military and naval equipment used in amphibious warfare and for defence against landings. It provided advice to the Chief of Amphibious Warfare (CAW) who reported directly to the Chiefs of Staff on details of staff requirements and types of equipment required for amphibious warfare.

The Joint Services Amphibious Warfare Centre (JSAWC) was formed at Poole, Dorset in 1957. In 1963 it was amalgamated with the School of Land Air Warfare at Old Sarum, Wiltshire to form the Joint Warfare Establishment. The Amphibious School Royal Marines was also based in Dorset and instructed officers prior to joining amphibious units. It did not report to CAW but received advice on training and technique.