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Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division gathered in a Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield hangar during a ceremony to case the Commando brigade’s colors before an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, October 17, 2018, at Fort Drum, New York. The casing of the colors is a traditional ceremony symbolizing a unit’s movement into a new theater of operation. The brigade is sending an element of troops on an additional mission to Kosovo for the duration of the deployment.
Royal Marines from 42 Commando Boarding RFA Mounts Bay
Members of 42 Commando Fleet Contingency conducting high vertical assaults on RFA Mounts Bay as part of the Autonomous Advance Force 4.0 trials. 42 Commando Royal Marine’s Fleet Contingency Troop have been conducting high vertical assault drills onto RFA Mounts Bay in Portland Harbour, supported by Offshore Raiding Craft and Coxswains from 47 Commando RM.
The training forms part of the Autonomous Advance Force 4.0 trials, utilising modern communication systems and autonomous capabilities, including mobile ad hoc networking radios MPU5, Ghost drone, which provides a live feed to ground commanders and the MADFOX unmanned surface vessel, used to provide deception and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
Photos: LPhot Joe Cater
Royal Marines held at high-readiness for maritime security operations have pyshed themselves in a vast underground comokex beneath a town in the South West ahead of being deployed to the Mediterranean.
Marines from Juliet Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando work in small teams on Royal Navy warships around the world, ready to react to emergencies and specialist missions, like counter-piracy and boarding operations.
J Company is also the home of the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) – experts in a range of security missions and the UK’s only force trained in opposed boarding operations (known as Level 3 (Opposed)) outside of Special Forces.
The complex of tunnels became a facility for the potential relocation of the government in times of crisis during the 1950s with the threat of nuclear war looming large.
These days, parts of it are a useful training area; a place where the commandos can push themselves in the art of close-quarters combat, testing their well-rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures to quickly assess and deal with threats in even the trickiest of environments.
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Photos: Royal Navy
Een klimoefening op het fort Port au Prince tijdens de Franse commando opleiding op Martinique in 1990.
Collectie: D. Melessen
Voor meer foto's van mariniers zie: www.maritiemdigitaal.nl
Royal Marines from 42 Commando, have been perfecting specialist boarding skills and practicing saving downed aircrew as they operate at the heart of the UK Carrier Strike Group
Photos: Royal Navy
Active trip 2010
This exercise will take place in the provinces of West and East Flanders, Hainaut and Namur, Belgium
The purpose of the exercise, in collaboration with French soldiers from 35 (RAP Parachute Infantry Regiment) and the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, is training in the procedures and techniques for Non-combatant Evacuation Operations ( NEO).
Nearly 1,000 military Belgians, mostly from the 2nd Battalion of Commandos Flawinne and 3 Battalion Paratroopers Tielen, and 150 French soldiers, supported by 4 C-130, will participate in ACTIVE TRIP. They will travel mainly by foot or by using light wheeled vehicles
Main Caption
Belgian airborne units are on alert, with 3 Parachute Battalion from Tielen and 2 Commandos from Flawinne, are about to help Belgian expatriates in the context of Exercise Active Trip.
Led by the Immediate Reaction Capability (IRC - Para-Commando Regiment), this exercise will also see the participation of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The recent security crisis born of the earthquake in Haiti has highlighted the importance of coordination between the FPS Foreign Affairs and Defense during such a crisis. To gain experience in the field, a team composed of staff from both departments will participate actively in the consolidation of expatriates (about 450 civilians), reception and sorting of these before their evacuation by road or by air on board four C-130 Defence Belgian and a French C-160.
Royal Marine Young Officers (RMYOs) on Exercise FINAL NAIL
Royal Marine Young Officers (RMYOs) put their extensive training and skills to the test during final phase training, on Exercise FINAL NAIL conducted in the Argyll forest exercise areas Argyll & Bute Scotland.
Exercise FINAL NAIL represented the culmination of Royal Marines Young Officer (RMYO) training and was the last serial of an arduous 15 month course based at Commando Training Centre Royal
Marines. It was designed to confirm the YOs as fit to command a close combat troop, before their passing out in December 2012. Emphasis was placed on learning to operate within the company context, with trained ranks; Marines from 43 Cdo FPGRM augmenting the YOs to company strength and HQ elements. Use of attached assets added realism and complexity to the exercise; with LCs from 10 Trg Sqn RM manning Inflatable Raiding Craft (IRC) and Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC), and MLs playing the role of BPT for vertical assault elements.
The exercise was spread over four different training areas, each demanding different tactical considerations. The exercise began with a troop amphibious beach assault in Braunton Burrows. The YOs then deployed to the West Coast of Scotland to conduct a company attack onto an airfield and riverine operations in Galloway Forest, before staging amphibious raids on the lochs of Ardgartan Forest. The final attack was a simultaneous company-led attack onto hill-top enemy positions, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Garelochs.
Photographs by CPO(Phot) Tam McDonald - MOD Crown Copyright 2012
Commando Challenge, today the ships company of HMS Ocean sampled life as a Royal Marine in the Commando Challange. This is an improvised assult course on the flight deck while the ship is in transit towards the Suez Canal on her way home from OP Taurus 09.. Images by LA (PHOT) Bernie Henesy HMS Ocean.
Royal Marines from O Squadron, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh have recently conducted an exercise to sharpen their ‘Commando skills’ during a period away from delivering their core nuclear security role in Faslane and RNAD Coulport.
Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is a two-week exercise that aims to strengthen the fundamental conventional skills of the Royal Marines and has also included an amphibious landing and live firing phase. The exercise has taken place in the local area around Faslane and also at the military training area in Kirkcudbright.
“Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is an important part of the O Squadron yearly training programme and aims to revise and strengthen core skills that are utilised by Royal Marines in all types of deployment including by the Troops deployed on Nuclear Security duties in Faslane and Coulport. It also ensures that the Marines from O Squadron remain proficient in the skills they will require as they move to other units within 3 Commando Brigade in the future,” said Capt Josh Roughton RM, Second in Command of O Squadron, 43 Commando who organised the exercise.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland
Its primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, maritime boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed worldwide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.
Royal Marine teams from 43 Commando are currently deployed on counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, and maritime interdiction operations in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. There is also a detachment of cold weather warfare trained Royal Marines from the Unit deployed on the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship.
Photos: L(Phot) Stephen Burke RN
Royal Marines from O Squadron, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh have recently conducted an exercise to sharpen their ‘Commando skills’ during a period away from delivering their core nuclear security role in Faslane and RNAD Coulport.
Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is a two-week exercise that aims to strengthen the fundamental conventional skills of the Royal Marines and has also included an amphibious landing and live firing phase. The exercise has taken place in the local area around Faslane and also at the military training area in Kirkcudbright.
“Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is an important part of the O Squadron yearly training programme and aims to revise and strengthen core skills that are utilised by Royal Marines in all types of deployment including by the Troops deployed on Nuclear Security duties in Faslane and Coulport. It also ensures that the Marines from O Squadron remain proficient in the skills they will require as they move to other units within 3 Commando Brigade in the future,” said Capt Josh Roughton RM, Second in Command of O Squadron, 43 Commando who organised the exercise.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland
Its primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, maritime boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed worldwide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.
Royal Marine teams from 43 Commando are currently deployed on counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, and maritime interdiction operations in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. There is also a detachment of cold weather warfare trained Royal Marines from the Unit deployed on the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship.
Photos: L(Phot) Stephen Burke RN
Soldiers of the 4th Special Service Brigade of British Commandos on the beach during the Battle of the Scheldt, Netherlands, 1944. From the Donald Carson fonds, PR2011.0001/2.
The loyal Captain Argyus and the Senate Commandos. The two in the back were ones that I made from some regular clone troopers (I usually don't paint my figures...) since I wasn't going to buy the Venator Cruiser. I was glad when some cheaper options came along.
Royal Marines held at high-readiness for maritime security operations have pyshed themselves in a vast underground comokex beneath a town in the South West ahead of being deployed to the Mediterranean.
Marines from Juliet Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando work in small teams on Royal Navy warships around the world, ready to react to emergencies and specialist missions, like counter-piracy and boarding operations.
J Company is also the home of the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) – experts in a range of security missions and the UK’s only force trained in opposed boarding operations (known as Level 3 (Opposed)) outside of Special Forces.
The complex of tunnels became a facility for the potential relocation of the government in times of crisis during the 1950s with the threat of nuclear war looming large.
These days, parts of it are a useful training area; a place where the commandos can push themselves in the art of close-quarters combat, testing their well-rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures to quickly assess and deal with threats in even the trickiest of environments.
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Photos: Royal Navy
Royal Marines held at high-readiness for maritime security operations have pyshed themselves in a vast underground comokex beneath a town in the South West ahead of being deployed to the Mediterranean.
Marines from Juliet Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando work in small teams on Royal Navy warships around the world, ready to react to emergencies and specialist missions, like counter-piracy and boarding operations.
J Company is also the home of the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) – experts in a range of security missions and the UK’s only force trained in opposed boarding operations (known as Level 3 (Opposed)) outside of Special Forces.
The complex of tunnels became a facility for the potential relocation of the government in times of crisis during the 1950s with the threat of nuclear war looming large.
These days, parts of it are a useful training area; a place where the commandos can push themselves in the art of close-quarters combat, testing their well-rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures to quickly assess and deal with threats in even the trickiest of environments.
:
:
Photos: Royal Navy
Marines Parachute Into Exercise For First Time In A Decade
In a spectacular display, the 10 personnel of the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) jumped from 600ft into Galloway, Scotland as part of Exercise Joint Warrior.
An element of the Lead Commando Group, SRS are a Pre Landing Force that seek a covert entry into enemy territory ahead of the main force to send back intelligence from the ground.
The first ever parachute insert as part of Exercise Joint Warrior – the team are practising their core capability as the Marines regenerate their amphibious skills as oppose to the land effort used in Afghanistan.
One of the SRS Troop Commanders Captain Matt Hills said:
“As the lead element of the landing force we need to insert, covertly, by a number of different methods including boat, vehicle and parachute.
“It is vital we maintain our parachute capability in order to be as flexible as possible across a broad range of potential reconnaissance tasks.”
SRS come under the command of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group whose role is to collect and understand information on an area prior to the arrival of the main 3 Commando Brigade force elements.
This ranges from finding enemy force dispositions to understanding the topography, key infrastructure and the population.
Commanding Officer of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Middleton MBE said:
“Collecting and analysing key information to enable Lead Commando Group operations is a challenging task that is normally conducted under significant time pressure.
“Exercise Joint Warrior enables us to test our reconnaissance capabilities and our analysis skills in a demanding, contemporary scenario. Using our ability to parachute reconnaissance teams ahead of the main force is key in maximising the time available to collect the information we need.”
The Lead Commando Group are currently on Exercise Joint Warrior and are based on a number of British warships including HMS Bulwark and HMS Illustrious.
The twice-yearly exercise is the largest one yet and involves Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF personnel working alongside forces from the Netherlands, Canada, France, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Germany.
There are more than 30 warships, 40 fixed wing aircraft and 30 helicopters involved in the war games that will see them all being put to the test as part of a Response Force Task Group which can deploy across the globe in the event of rapidly unfolding crises such as Libya in 2011.
More than a dozen Royal Navy ships and submarines are involved in the exercise which will take place off the East and West Coasts of Scotland for the next fortnight.
MOD/Crown Copyright Photographs by PO (Phot)Sean Clee
42 Commando Royal Marines - Exercise Black Alligator
Images show Mortar Troop from 42 Commando Royal Marines illuminating enemy positions in the mountains of the Mojave Desert during the week long final exercise of Black Alligator.
Photos: PO (Phot) Sean Clee MOD Crown copyright 2012
Royal Marines from 42 Commando Boarding RFA Mounts Bay
Members of 42 Commando Fleet Contingency conducting high vertical assaults on RFA Mounts Bay as part of the Autonomous Advance Force 4.0 trials. 42 Commando Royal Marine’s Fleet Contingency Troop have been conducting high vertical assault drills onto RFA Mounts Bay in Portland Harbour, supported by Offshore Raiding Craft and Coxswains from 47 Commando RM.
The training forms part of the Autonomous Advance Force 4.0 trials, utilising modern communication systems and autonomous capabilities, including mobile ad hoc networking radios MPU5, Ghost drone, which provides a live feed to ground commanders and the MADFOX unmanned surface vessel, used to provide deception and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
Photos: LPhot Joe Cater
Hongwell oddly made their Mercedes Actros lorry in two different sizes: one marked as 1/80 but actually close to 1/76 and a slightly smaller one in 1/87. The latter can be used with smaller 1/76 cabs and I think this turntable ladder looks very effective as a typically British Dodge Commando with a Road Transport Images cab.
Royal Marines from O Squadron, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh have recently conducted an exercise to sharpen their ‘Commando skills’ during a period away from delivering their core nuclear security role in Faslane and RNAD Coulport.
Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is a two-week exercise that aims to strengthen the fundamental conventional skills of the Royal Marines and has also included an amphibious landing and live firing phase. The exercise has taken place in the local area around Faslane and also at the military training area in Kirkcudbright.
“Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is an important part of the O Squadron yearly training programme and aims to revise and strengthen core skills that are utilised by Royal Marines in all types of deployment including by the Troops deployed on Nuclear Security duties in Faslane and Coulport. It also ensures that the Marines from O Squadron remain proficient in the skills they will require as they move to other units within 3 Commando Brigade in the future,” said Capt Josh Roughton RM, Second in Command of O Squadron, 43 Commando who organised the exercise.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland
Its primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, maritime boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed worldwide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.
Royal Marine teams from 43 Commando are currently deployed on counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, and maritime interdiction operations in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. There is also a detachment of cold weather warfare trained Royal Marines from the Unit deployed on the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship.
Photos: L(Phot) Stephen Burke RN
A British Royal Marine Commando with Alpha Company, 40 Commando Battle Group looks through a window
during Integrated Training Exercise 1-20 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms,
Calif. Oct. 21, 2019. The Royal Marines took advantage of training areas at MCAGCC while preparing to participate in the Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise as an adversary force in early
November. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cedar M. Barnes)
Royal Marine Young Officers (RMYOs) on Exercise FINAL NAIL
Royal Marine Young Officers (RMYOs) put their extensive training and skills to the test during final phase training, on Exercise FINAL NAIL conducted in the Argyll forest exercise areas Argyll & Bute Scotland.
Exercise FINAL NAIL represented the culmination of Royal Marines Young Officer (RMYO) training and was the last serial of an arduous 15 month course based at Commando Training Centre Royal
Marines. It was designed to confirm the YOs as fit to command a close combat troop, before their passing out in December 2012. Emphasis was placed on learning to operate within the company context, with trained ranks; Marines from 43 Cdo FPGRM augmenting the YOs to company strength and HQ elements. Use of attached assets added realism and complexity to the exercise; with LCs from 10 Trg Sqn RM manning Inflatable Raiding Craft (IRC) and Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC), and MLs playing the role of BPT for vertical assault elements.
The exercise was spread over four different training areas, each demanding different tactical considerations. The exercise began with a troop amphibious beach assault in Braunton Burrows. The YOs then deployed to the West Coast of Scotland to conduct a company attack onto an airfield and riverine operations in Galloway Forest, before staging amphibious raids on the lochs of Ardgartan Forest. The final attack was a simultaneous company-led attack onto hill-top enemy positions, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Garelochs.
Photographs by CPO(Phot) Tam McDonald - MOD Crown Copyright 2012
TAUNTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 16: Royal Marines from 40 Commando are presented with their campaign medals following a six-month deployment in Sangin, Afghanistan at Norton Camp Barracks in the presence of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on November 16, 2010 in Taunton, England. During their deployment to Afghanistan, 14 marines were killed and 11 were seriously injured. About 600 marines from the base at Norton Fitzwarren in Somerset had been serving since April 2010 in the Sangin area of Helmand Province before it was taken over by US forces in September.
Royal Marines held at high-readiness for maritime security operations have pyshed themselves in a vast underground comokex beneath a town in the South West ahead of being deployed to the Mediterranean.
Marines from Juliet Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando work in small teams on Royal Navy warships around the world, ready to react to emergencies and specialist missions, like counter-piracy and boarding operations.
J Company is also the home of the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) – experts in a range of security missions and the UK’s only force trained in opposed boarding operations (known as Level 3 (Opposed)) outside of Special Forces.
The complex of tunnels became a facility for the potential relocation of the government in times of crisis during the 1950s with the threat of nuclear war looming large.
These days, parts of it are a useful training area; a place where the commandos can push themselves in the art of close-quarters combat, testing their well-rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures to quickly assess and deal with threats in even the trickiest of environments.
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Photos: Royal Navy
French Air Force Commandos from CPA10 (Commando parachutiste de l'air 10) during winter warfare training – January 2013
Marines Parachute Into Exercise For First Time In A Decade
In a spectacular display, the 10 personnel of the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) jumped from 600ft into Galloway, Scotland as part of Exercise Joint Warrior.
An element of the Lead Commando Group, SRS are a Pre Landing Force that seek a covert entry into enemy territory ahead of the main force to send back intelligence from the ground.
The first ever parachute insert as part of Exercise Joint Warrior – the team are practising their core capability as the Marines regenerate their amphibious skills as oppose to the land effort used in Afghanistan.
One of the SRS Troop Commanders Captain Matt Hills said:
“As the lead element of the landing force we need to insert, covertly, by a number of different methods including boat, vehicle and parachute.
“It is vital we maintain our parachute capability in order to be as flexible as possible across a broad range of potential reconnaissance tasks.”
SRS come under the command of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group whose role is to collect and understand information on an area prior to the arrival of the main 3 Commando Brigade force elements.
This ranges from finding enemy force dispositions to understanding the topography, key infrastructure and the population.
Commanding Officer of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Middleton MBE said:
“Collecting and analysing key information to enable Lead Commando Group operations is a challenging task that is normally conducted under significant time pressure.
“Exercise Joint Warrior enables us to test our reconnaissance capabilities and our analysis skills in a demanding, contemporary scenario. Using our ability to parachute reconnaissance teams ahead of the main force is key in maximising the time available to collect the information we need.”
The Lead Commando Group are currently on Exercise Joint Warrior and are based on a number of British warships including HMS Bulwark and HMS Illustrious.
The twice-yearly exercise is the largest one yet and involves Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF personnel working alongside forces from the Netherlands, Canada, France, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Germany.
There are more than 30 warships, 40 fixed wing aircraft and 30 helicopters involved in the war games that will see them all being put to the test as part of a Response Force Task Group which can deploy across the globe in the event of rapidly unfolding crises such as Libya in 2011.
More than a dozen Royal Navy ships and submarines are involved in the exercise which will take place off the East and West Coasts of Scotland for the next fortnight.
MOD/Crown Copyright Photographs by PO (Phot)Sean Clee
Miniature warriors from Families across 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, assembled to face Soldiers of the 41st Engineer Battalion during the Commando brigade's second "Nerf Wars" match held inside a makeshift battlefield configured throughout the Magrath Sports Complex basketball court, April 10, 2019, at Fort Drum, New York. Foam darts littered the gym floor during the "just for fun" event as opposing forces fueled by popcorn and cotton candy engaged in a play firefight.
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Paige Behringer)
Got to this location early to avoid the coaches and large numbers of visitors. Amazing location with Ben Nevis over looking it, but was chosen as this was where many soldiers did their training.
Very moving experience walking around here.
Alpha Company 40 Commando Royal Marines on operations in Nahr-e Saraj, Central Helmand.
Photographs by L(Phot) Rhys Oleary – MOD/Crown Copyright 2013
Royal Marines from M Coy hone their skills during Royal Marine Boarding Course
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The Marines of M Coy, 42 Commando RM, have been consolidating their tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) on the final exercise of the RM Boarding Course at Bovington Training Area, Dorset.
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The arduous 8-week course will qualify the Commandos to take the mantle as the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) and will see them being held at a high state of readiness for potential deployments to key areas of national interest.
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Image: POPhot Paul Hall
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Royal Marines held at high-readiness for maritime security operations have pyshed themselves in a vast underground comokex beneath a town in the South West ahead of being deployed to the Mediterranean.
Marines from Juliet Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando work in small teams on Royal Navy warships around the world, ready to react to emergencies and specialist missions, like counter-piracy and boarding operations.
J Company is also the home of the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) – experts in a range of security missions and the UK’s only force trained in opposed boarding operations (known as Level 3 (Opposed)) outside of Special Forces.
The complex of tunnels became a facility for the potential relocation of the government in times of crisis during the 1950s with the threat of nuclear war looming large.
These days, parts of it are a useful training area; a place where the commandos can push themselves in the art of close-quarters combat, testing their well-rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures to quickly assess and deal with threats in even the trickiest of environments.
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Photos: Royal Navy
Norton Commando 928cc Norcil Mk III - 1975
Norton Commando
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Norton Commando was the last twin piston-engined motorcycle produced by the Norton Motorcycle company. Their last production bikes used a twin-rotor Wankel engine.
During the ten years it was in production it was popular all over the world. In the United Kingdom it won the MCN "Machine of the Year" competition for five successive years from 1968-1972.[1]
Some regard it as the British Motorcycle Industry's swansong, selling well from its introduction in 1967 through the end of the British bike industry as a commercial concern in the mid 1970s.[2]
[edit] Background
The origins of the Norton Commando can be traced back to the late 1940s when the 497 cc Norton Model 7 Twin, designed by Bert Hopwood and initially an export only model. The twin cylinder design evolved into the 650 cc Norton Dominator and 750 cc Norton Atlas before being launched as the 750 cc Commando in 1967.[3]
[edit] Isolastic system
The revolutionary part of the Commando, compared to earlier Norton models, was the frame developed by former Rolls Royce engineer Dr. Stefan Bauer. He believed the classic Norton Featherbed frame design went against all engineering principles, so Bauer designed his frame around a single 2.25-inch (57 mm) top tube. He tried to free the Commando from classic twin vibration problems, which had severely increased as the volume of the basic engine design expanded from the 500 cc of Edward Turner's 1938 Triumph Speed Twin. Bauer, with Norton Villiers Chief Engineer Bernard Hooper and assistant Bob Trigg, decided that the engine, gearbox and swing-arm assembly were to be bolted together and isolated from the frame by special rubber mountings.[4] This eliminated the extreme vibration problems that were apparent in other models in the range, as it effectively separated the driver from the engine. Named the Isolastic anti-vibration system, the system's patent document listed Hooper as the lead inventor.[2] Although the Isolastic system did reduce vibration, maintaining the required free play in the engine mountings at the correct level was crucial to its success. Too little play brought the vibration back; too much, and the result was "interesting" handling.
[edit] Models
[edit] Mk1 750 cc
The Norton Commando was introduced in 1967 at the Earls Court Show. The first production machines completed in April 1968 had bending frame problems, removed with the introduction of a new frame in January 1969. The original model, called the 'Fastback' was joined by the production racer 'S Type' which had a high level left-side exhaust and a 2.5 gallon petrol tank.
Production of the machine was initially complex and located across different parts of England, with the engines produced in Wolverhampton, frames in Manchester, while components and final assembly was at Burrage Grove, Plumstead. In late 1968 Plumstead works was subject to a Greater London Council compulsory purchase order, and closed in July 1969. With assistance of a Government subsidy, the assembly line was moved to North Way, Andover; with the Test Department in an aircraft hangar on Thruxton Airfield. Frame manufacturing was transferred to Wolverhampton, where a second production line produced about 80 complete machines each week. Components and complete engines and gearboxes were also shipped overnight, from Wolverhampton to the Andover assembly line.
The production racer, featuring an OHV tuned engine, front disk brake and was finished in bright yellow - known as the 'Yellow Peril'. In March to June 1970 the updated S called the 'Roadster' had the 750 cc OHV engine, low-level exhaust, upward angled silencers with reverse cones. September 1970 saw the introduction of the classic 'Fastback Mk2', which had alloy levers with modified stands and chain guards. The ‘Street Scrambler’ and the ‘Hi Rider’ were launched in May 1971, with the ‘Fastback Long Range’ with increased petrol tank capacity from July 1971.
The ‘Combat’ engine was introduced in January 1972 saw the appearance of the ‘Mk4 Fastback’, updated ‘Roadster’ and the ‘750 Interstate’. The ‘Combat’ delivered 65 brake horsepower (48 kW) at 6500 rpm with a 10:1 compression ratio, but the stressed 750 cc twin proved extremely unreliable, with main bearing failures and broken pistons common.
The 'Combat' engine combined with quality control problems gave the company a bad reputation, which was highly covered in the press. By the middle of 1972 BSA Triumph group were in serious financial trouble. The UK Government decided to bail the company out with a financial rescue package, providing it would agree to merge with Norton Villiers. Norton Villiers Triumph was duly formed and the new company got off to a shaky start.
The last of the 750 series, the MkV was produced from November 1972 to mid-1973 as a 1973 model and featured improved crank bearings and the standard grind camshaft. Compression was reduced to 9.4:1.
[edit] Police
The police were showing a lot of interest in the Commando and so Neale Shilton was recruited from Triumph to produce a Commando to police specifications. The end result was the 'Interpol' machine, which sold well to police forces, both at home and abroad. The machine was powered by a 750 cc. O.H.V. engine and included panniers, top box, fairing, and had fittings for a radio and auxiliary equipment.
[edit] Mk2 850 cc
In January 1973 the ‘Mk.5 Fastback’ was launched and the ‘Long Range’ was discontinued, foreshadowing the first 850 cc machines launched in April 1973. The ‘Roadster’, ‘Hi Rider’ and the ‘Interstate’ all began to use a new 828 cc. engine, which had similar power to the 750 cc models but were less stressed.
1973 also saw the start of development on a new machine with a monocoque pressed steel frame, that also included a 500 cc twin, stepped piston engine called the 'Wulf'. However, as the Norton Villiers Triumph company was again in serious financial problems, development of the 'Wulf' was dropped in favour of the rotary Wankel type engine inherited from BSA.
In late 1973 redundancy notices were issued at Andover, followed by a sit-in at the works. The Conservative Government withdrew the subsidy in early 1974, restored by the Labour party post the general election. NVT resultantly decided to concentrate production of the Commando at Wolverhampton and Small Heath, causing unrest at Meriden which resulted in a workers’ sit in and stopping production at Small Heath. By the end of 1974 NVT had lost over £3 million.
However, the company still managed to produce new Commando models, with 1974 seeing the release of the Roadster based ‘JPN Replica’ and the ‘Mk.2a Interstate’.
[edit] Mk3 850 cc
The 850 cc MK3 Commando was launched in March 1975 and for the first time was fitted with an "electric starter" - better described as electric "assister", as it would soon drain the battery.[5] The range of models was reduced to just two machines, the ‘Mk.3 Interstate’ and the ‘Roadster’, both with a left side gear change, right foot brake and rear disk brake to comply with United States vehicle regulations. The specification remained unchanged until October 1977 when the last machines were made, although few 'Roadster's were made in the end due to the higher cash sales value of the Interstate.
In 1975 the Industry Minister recalled a loan for £4 million and refused to renew the company’s export credits. The company then went into receivership and redundancies were announced for all of the staff at the various sites. At Wolverhampton an action committee was formed in an effort to continue production and develop the ‘Wulf’ engine - but the works was closed anyway.
NVT was saved when the Small Heath/Meriden part of the company was subsidised by Industry Secretary Tony Benn as Industry Secretary, but this did not include Commando production. Ironically, the new company bought the gates from the now demolished Wolverhampton Tong Castle works, and erected them at the works entrance in Marston Road, Small Heath.[6]
[edit] Racing
Right from the beginning the Commando took part in racing events.
After successes in 1969 by dealer entered machines like Paul Smart's second and Mick Andrew's 4th places in the Isle of Man TT Production class and a win in the Hutchinson 100 Production Class by Mick Andrew on the Gus Kuhn entered Commando and 4th by Peter Williams' Arter Bros machine, the company decided to produce a racing model - hence the developed S and "Yellow Peril" models.
In partnership with John Player Special cigarettes from the early 1970s, Norton went factory racing.[7] Early entries were based on the Commando, and in 1973 Peter Williams won the 1973 Formula 750 Isle of Man TT, with Mick Grant second.
Racing continued until the collapse of Norton Villiers into BSA Triumph in 1973, and did not return until the Rotary engine Nortons of the 1980s.
[edit] Commando revival
In light of its "last of the classic British twins" tag, and the fact that many of the trade marks were disputed and patents expired, a number of new Norton companies began to emerge. These were based on production of new parts sourced from various manufacturers, and the legal battle over the Norton name between Germany (whose Norton was based on the Rotax 650 cc engine that powers the smaller BMW motorcycles), Canada and North America. Many used the Commando name for their lead model, or included the prospect of a Commando twin at a later date.
However, the most interesting development for original Commando fans was the development of re-manufactured original motorcycles. These mainly came from Norvil in the UK and two companies in the United States, Colorado Norton Works and Kenny Dreer's Vintage Rebuilds based in Portland, Oregon. From 1995 onwards Vintage Rebuilds began restoring vintage British and Italian motorcycles, with Dreer showing a "new" Commando based Norton VR880 Sprint Special in 1999 with newly cast and manufactured parts, but using a bored out 880 cc twin engine with some modern developments. Kenny Dreer progressed from restoring and upgrading Norton Commandos to producing whole machines. He modernised the design and in the early 2000s went into series production of the Commando 961 SS, which combined traditional Norton cafe racer styling with new technology including carbon fibre wheels to reduce weight and a chro-moly tubular steel frame.[8] Dreer was forced to suspend production in April 2006 following funding problems.[9]
[edit] New Commando in production
On 19th March 2010 Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd shipped the first new Norton Commando for over 30 years. As of mid April 2010 the Company was shipping 5 - 10 new machines per week. [10]
The ownership of the Norton brand passed into the hands of UK businessman and owner of Norton Racing Ltd. Stuart Garner who has formed Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd.. The Company has three models in the new range, a limited edition (200 unit) Commando 961 SE which has sold out, a Cafe Racer and a Sport model, all of which commenced shipping during April 2010. The new Norton has appeared in road tests in the British Motor Cycle News with favourable comments.
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division gathered in a Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield hangar during a ceremony to case the Commando brigade’s colors before an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, October 17, 2018, at Fort Drum, New York. The casing of the colors is a traditional ceremony symbolizing a unit’s movement into a new theater of operation. The brigade is sending an element of troops on an additional mission to Kosovo for the duration of the deployment.
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An enemy position is destroyed by a simulated air attack during the Commando Assault onto Sazan Island.
Royal Marines launch amphibious raid on abandoned submarine base
As dawn broke over an abandoned former Cold War submarine base a series of explosions announced the arrival of the Royal Marines as they began a full scale amphibious attack.
As part of Exercise Albanian Lion, the Marines landed on the shores of Sazan island and, amid a scenario based around smugglers, social unrest and the rise of terrorist groups, the Commandos attacked the hostile nation from the sea by climbing cliff faces in darkness to surprise the enemy.
Photos by PO(Phot) Sean Clee