The Royal Marines Division was activated as the Royal Marines expanded during the first days of World War II. Its primary objective was to act as a specialised amphibious assault formation for the United Kingdom, much as the divisions of the United States Marine Corps did for the United States in the campaigns against Japan from 1942 onwards. However, it never saw service in its intended role, being broken up in 1942. Its headquarters controlled the attack on Madagascar, but its infantry battalions were re-roled as Commando units. The Commandos did see action in amphibious assaults from Normandy to Burma.