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Royal Marines’ master the art of urban combat
Royal Marines of 45 Commando used a specialist training camp near Clyde Naval Base to practice the demanding art of urban combat. Green berets of X-Ray Company from RM Condor made use of buildings specifically adapted for house-to-house fighting at Strone Camp, just outside Faslane. 13th March 2012
The men of X-Ray Company, 45 Commando, move in line formation across a road at Strone Camp near Faslane as they show some of the skills learned in Afghanistan.
The Royal Marines from Arbroath are preparing to take over as Britain’s ‘lead commando group’ – a high-readiness contingency force ready to deploy anywhere in the world at any time.
While their Zulu Company comrades were re-learning the art of amphibious warfare in Devon after last year’s six-month tour of duty in Helmand, X-Ray travelled across Scotland to the small camp.
About a mile east of Faslane, just off the Glen Fruin Road, Strone Camp was once home to the Admiralty Hydro Ballistic Research Establishment.
Since the 1980s the disused buildings have been used not for their original purpose, but for modern urban combat training.
The one-time tank building – used to test the hydro-ballistic properties of torpedoes and missiles – has now been converted into a training centre for FIBUA (fighting in a built-up area, known more commonly by troops as FISHing – fighting in someone’s house).
Following their experiences of compound clearance work in Afghanistan, the 45 men are now training for a more complex and industrial urban environment.
Working in groups of between eight and 24, X-Ray Company are practising these skills ahead of a large-scale exercise in early May in Galloway, Scottish Lion.
43 Commando go stalking through the glen
Pictured are Royal Marines from 43 Commando demonstrating their extensive military skills and capabilities while conducting low-level training in and around Glen Fruin, Argyll and Bute, Scotland.
Located at HM Naval Base Clyde, 43 Commando help safeguard the ships and submarines at the Naval Base and those transiting the Firth of Clyde.
Each year the unit conducts dozens of Fleet directed operations around the globe, deploying Fleet Standby Rifle Teams and Maritime Sniper Teams. The 500-strong unit also supports Royal Navy counter-narcotics and counter-piracy missions, boarding and searching suspect ships in hot-spots around the world.
Images by CPOA(Phot) Thomas McDonald
Het 2 Bataljon Commando traint in Tsjechië
Het 2 Bataljon Commando (2 Cdo) is op zondag 1 maart vertrokken naar het militaire oefenterrein van Boletice, in het zuiden van Tsjechië. Daar trainen ze gedurende twee weken om zich voor te bereiden op hun deelname aan de snelle NAVO-reactiemacht (NRF), die in januari 2016 van start gaat.
De snelle reactiemacht van de NAVO bestaat uit land-, lucht- en maritieme componenten en uit Special Forces, die de alliantie over heel de wereld snel kan inzetten.
“We bereiden ons al sinds januari 2015 voor op onze deelname aan de NRF” zegt luitenant-kolonel Vincent Pierard, korpscommandant van het 2 Bataljon Commando “Onze eerste oefening vond plaats in het Nederlandse Amersfoort, waar we een stafoefening hielden.”
Na de training voor de staf van het bataljon is het nu de beurt aan de militairen op het terrein. De eerste week van de trainingsperiode oefenen de paracommando’s van het 2 Cdo op de uitvoering van sectie- en pelotonsaanvallen. Van vrijdag 6 tot zondag 8 maart bleven de militairen non-stop op het terrein tijdens een veldtrainingsoefening. Hierbij kregen ze verschillende scenario’s voorgeschoteld, zoals een explosievenopslagplaats die ze moesten ontruimen of gijzelaars die ze moesten bevrijden. De tweede week werden de compagniecommandanten op de proef gesteld. Van 9 tot 11 maart ontplooiden ze hun compagnieën op de schietstanden met lucht-, genie- en artilleriesteun.
“De komende maanden houden we nog verschillende oefeningen, zodat we klaar zijn voor de grote evaluatieoefening die de NAVO eind september organiseert”, vertelt luitenant-kolonel Pierard. “In november ten slotte nemen we deel aan een laatste oefening voordat onze standby-periode begint. Die zal plaatsvinden in Spanje en alle landen die deelnemen aan de NRF 2016 zullen er aanwezig zijn.”
Photo's: Daniel Orban
Het 2 Bataljon Commando traint in Tsjechië
Het 2 Bataljon Commando (2 Cdo) is op zondag 1 maart vertrokken naar het militaire oefenterrein van Boletice, in het zuiden van Tsjechië. Daar trainen ze gedurende twee weken om zich voor te bereiden op hun deelname aan de snelle NAVO-reactiemacht (NRF), die in januari 2016 van start gaat.
De snelle reactiemacht van de NAVO bestaat uit land-, lucht- en maritieme componenten en uit Special Forces, die de alliantie over heel de wereld snel kan inzetten.
“We bereiden ons al sinds januari 2015 voor op onze deelname aan de NRF” zegt luitenant-kolonel Vincent Pierard, korpscommandant van het 2 Bataljon Commando “Onze eerste oefening vond plaats in het Nederlandse Amersfoort, waar we een stafoefening hielden.”
Na de training voor de staf van het bataljon is het nu de beurt aan de militairen op het terrein. De eerste week van de trainingsperiode oefenen de paracommando’s van het 2 Cdo op de uitvoering van sectie- en pelotonsaanvallen. Van vrijdag 6 tot zondag 8 maart bleven de militairen non-stop op het terrein tijdens een veldtrainingsoefening. Hierbij kregen ze verschillende scenario’s voorgeschoteld, zoals een explosievenopslagplaats die ze moesten ontruimen of gijzelaars die ze moesten bevrijden. De tweede week werden de compagniecommandanten op de proef gesteld. Van 9 tot 11 maart ontplooiden ze hun compagnieën op de schietstanden met lucht-, genie- en artilleriesteun.
“De komende maanden houden we nog verschillende oefeningen, zodat we klaar zijn voor de grote evaluatieoefening die de NAVO eind september organiseert”, vertelt luitenant-kolonel Pierard. “In november ten slotte nemen we deel aan een laatste oefening voordat onze standby-periode begint. Die zal plaatsvinden in Spanje en alle landen die deelnemen aan de NRF 2016 zullen er aanwezig zijn.”
Photo's: Daniel Orban
Pictured is a patrol by PMT (Police Mentoring Troop) from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jackson, Sangin.
Members of the patrol were carrying small wind up power radios, to give out to locals as a gift to them.
Routine ground domination patrols to provide security for the local people are conducted every day in Afghanistan. There is nothing extraordinary about these patrols but they are absolutely critical to the success of the mission. The Royal Marines of the 40 Commando, working in Sangin, carry out patrols like these to ensure the provision of security to the area and give the local people confidence in the ISAF mission.
This particular patrol left from Forward Operating Base Jackson in Sangin and headed to the outskirts of the District Centre. Once there, the Marines patrolled around compounds using the narrow network of alleyways. They proactively interact and engage with the people, getting to know them and gaining a better understanding of the local area and the needs of the people. This friendly approach helps to identify any issues that the locals have; issues that ISAF or the stability and reconstruction teams will point out to the District Governor so that they can be resolved.
From here the patrol moved through the adjacent fields and countryside, heading towards the Southern Checkpoint.
Sgt Sully O’Sullivan, 34, the troop Sgt who led the patrol said:
“Since the harvest has finished, moving through the fields is preferable to moving through the high walled areas, where you feel channelled. The presence of locals is also a good sign, especially when there are children around; apart from always being pleased to see you it means that the insurgents are less likely to attack.”
The Sothern Checkpoint is manned and run by the Afghan National Police. The patrol dropped into the checkpoint for a well-earned break and to get a de-brief from the Afghan Police Officers on any incidents or problems that had incurred during the day.
After a 20 minute chat, the patrol moved off in the direction of the Sangin Bazaar. They slowly patrolled through the stalls, interacting with shopkeepers, children and customers alike. After 3 hours and covering a distance of 3-4 km with no incidents, the patrol headed back to Forward Operating Base Jackson to rest up before their next patrol.
UK Forces are deployed to Afghanistan in support of the UN authorised, NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission and as part of the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). UK operations in Afghanistan are being conducted under the name Operation HERRICK.
Norton 750 Commando at the 2007 Northpointe Church Car show in Fresno. What a great looking classic bike!
British Corporal Tony Galacki (R), of 40 Commando Royal Marines, carries the newly issued 'Sharpshooter rifle' next to Marine Jon Crookes (L) and Lieutenant Doug Spencer in Afghanistan's Helmand province June 6, 2010. The first new infantry combat rifle introduced to British forces in 20 years, the semi-automatic Sharpshooter fires a larger and longer range 7.62 mm round than the standard weapon (seen at centre). The Ministry of Defence ordered 400 of the rifles from US firm Lewis Machine and Tool as an urgent requirement, in response to longer range small arms battles in Afghanistan. Picture taken June 6, 2010.
Royal Marines’ master the art of urban combat
Royal Marines of 45 Commando used a specialist training camp near Clyde Naval Base to practice the demanding art of urban combat. Green berets of X-Ray Company from RM Condor made use of buildings specifically adapted for house-to-house fighting at Strone Camp, just outside Faslane. 13th March 2012
The men of X-Ray Company, 45 Commando, move in line formation across a road at Strone Camp near Faslane as they show some of the skills learned in Afghanistan.
The Royal Marines from Arbroath are preparing to take over as Britain’s ‘lead commando group’ – a high-readiness contingency force ready to deploy anywhere in the world at any time.
While their Zulu Company comrades were re-learning the art of amphibious warfare in Devon after last year’s six-month tour of duty in Helmand, X-Ray travelled across Scotland to the small camp.
About a mile east of Faslane, just off the Glen Fruin Road, Strone Camp was once home to the Admiralty Hydro Ballistic Research Establishment.
Since the 1980s the disused buildings have been used not for their original purpose, but for modern urban combat training.
The one-time tank building – used to test the hydro-ballistic properties of torpedoes and missiles – has now been converted into a training centre for FIBUA (fighting in a built-up area, known more commonly by troops as FISHing – fighting in someone’s house).
Following their experiences of compound clearance work in Afghanistan, the 45 men are now training for a more complex and industrial urban environment.
Working in groups of between eight and 24, X-Ray Company are practising these skills ahead of a large-scale exercise in early May in Galloway, Scottish Lion.
42 COMMANDO ROYAL MARINES L COMPANY ON PATROL IN NADI-E ALI NORTH, Forward Operational Base Folad, Afganistan, 1 May 2011.
Images taken by LA(Phot) Hillhouse. BRITISH CROWN COPYRIGHT©2010
A 1972 Norton Commando that appeared at the 2016 Art of the Concours held at the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City Missouri.
Pictured is a patrol by PMT (Police Mentoring Troop) from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jackson, Sangin.
Members of the patrol were carrying small wind up power radios, to give out to locals as a gift to them.
Routine ground domination patrols to provide security for the local people are conducted every day in Afghanistan. There is nothing extraordinary about these patrols but they are absolutely critical to the success of the mission. The Royal Marines of the 40 Commando, working in Sangin, carry out patrols like these to ensure the provision of security to the area and give the local people confidence in the ISAF mission.
This particular patrol left from Forward Operating Base Jackson in Sangin and headed to the outskirts of the District Centre. Once there, the Marines patrolled around compounds using the narrow network of alleyways. They proactively interact and engage with the people, getting to know them and gaining a better understanding of the local area and the needs of the people. This friendly approach helps to identify any issues that the locals have; issues that ISAF or the stability and reconstruction teams will point out to the District Governor so that they can be resolved.
From here the patrol moved through the adjacent fields and countryside, heading towards the Southern Checkpoint.
Sgt Sully O’Sullivan, 34, the troop Sgt who led the patrol said:
“Since the harvest has finished, moving through the fields is preferable to moving through the high walled areas, where you feel channelled. The presence of locals is also a good sign, especially when there are children around; apart from always being pleased to see you it means that the insurgents are less likely to attack.”
The Sothern Checkpoint is manned and run by the Afghan National Police. The patrol dropped into the checkpoint for a well-earned break and to get a de-brief from the Afghan Police Officers on any incidents or problems that had incurred during the day.
After a 20 minute chat, the patrol moved off in the direction of the Sangin Bazaar. They slowly patrolled through the stalls, interacting with shopkeepers, children and customers alike. After 3 hours and covering a distance of 3-4 km with no incidents, the patrol headed back to Forward Operating Base Jackson to rest up before their next patrol.
UK Forces are deployed to Afghanistan in support of the UN authorised, NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission and as part of the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). UK operations in Afghanistan are being conducted under the name Operation HERRICK.
Model: IWI Galil Ace 23 Light Machine Gun
Caliber: 5.56x45/.223
Firing modes: Safe, full-auto burst & single-shot
Country of origin: Israel
Anybody hoping for this gun?
Inspired by Johnny Matrix's Finnish Valmet M78/83 in the 1985 movie Commando with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
& next time, i'll make this in 7.62x39.
Royal Marine Commandos are pictured during a Green Ops exercise conducted over a two day period in various areas around Woodbury Common and Tregantle Ranges in Devon.
Photographer: POA(Phot) Sean Clee
42 Commando Royal Marines J Company went out on Operation Satunki 2. This was an Afgan National Police lead partnered Operation in the area of Ghazni Street, Nadi-e Ali North, Helmand Province, Afganistan. It proved to be a successfull operation as J Company found a number of Improvised Explosive Devices hidden in a large haystack.
Images taken by La(Phot) David Hillhouse. BRITISH CROWN COPYRIGHT©2010
Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, begin setting up tents which function as the brigade's command post in tactical environments during a command post training exercise, November 18, at Fort Drum, New York. This CPX is the second in a series of training events allowing the brigade staff to rehearse, execute and evaluate the collective training tasks essential to the brigade’s mission. Soldiers across the Commando brigade have spent months progressing from individual to collective mission essential tasks as they work toward brigade level certification at the Joint Readiness Training Center. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Paige Behringer)
Lockheed Martin MC-130J Hercules (12-5731) of the 67th Special Operations Squadron, 352nd Special Operations Group, USAFE. RAF Mildenhall, 18th January 2017.
French Marine Commandos taking part in the large scale American Amphibious warfare exercise Bold Alligator 2012
© ECPAD - Tous droits réservés 2010
All these excellent photos are from Ecpad : www.ecpad.fr/
Commando Scorch of my new Delta Squad. Please comment and tell me what you think!
Helmet by Arealight.
Decals by MLDcustoms100
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)
42 Commando Royal Marines J Company went out on Operation Satunki 2. This was an Afgan National Police lead partnered Operation in the area of Ghazni Street, Nadi-e Ali North, Helmand Province, Afganistan. It proved to be a successfull operation as J Company found a number of Improvised Explosive Devices hidden in a large haystack.
Images taken by La(Phot) David Hillhouse. BRITISH CROWN COPYRIGHT©2010
13 février 1911. Naissance d’Albert MARTIN à EURVILLE (Haute-Marne - 52). Fils de Nicolas MARTIN et Marie Magdeleine BREGERE (BREGER ?).
02 septembre 1939. Mobilisation. 2ème classe au 89ème régiment d’Infanterie, 2ème bataillon à SENS (Yonne - 89) Classe 1931.
Recruté à TROYES sous le matricule 181.
1939
« Samedi 09 septembre. Départ de SENS à 11h22 par le train passage à MONTARGIS, GIEN, NEVERS, COSNE, DÔLE, AUXONNE, GRAY, laisser EPINAL sur la gauche, débarquer à MUTZIG dans la nuit après 36 heures de trajet, cantonner à BISCHOFFSHEIM le lundi 11 septembre.
Mardi 12 septembre. Départ de BISCHOFFSHEIM à 3 heures du matin, passage à OBERNAI, arrivé à BOURGHEIM après une marche d’environ 10 heures. (BARR, OERVILLERS, VALFF ( ?), GOSCVILLER)
Vendredi 30 septembre. Départ de VIVERSHEIM (WEYERSHEIM ?) en autocars à 18 heures, pour une destination inconnue, arrivé aux environs de BITCHE dans la nuit au bruit du canon cantonné à REYERSVILLER.
Samedi 1er octobre. Départ de REYERSVILLER à 18h30, cantonné à EGUELSHARDT après une marche de 15 heures sous la pluie battante.
03 octobre. Départ d’EGUELSHARDT à 20h30, cantonné à 3h30 du matin à FROESCHWILLER.
07 octobre. Départ de FROESCHWILLER à 20h30, cantonné à 2h00. OBERKUTZENHAUSEN, PECHELBRONN, LOBSANN.
Mardi 24 octobre. Départ d’OBERKUTZENHAUSEN, cantonné à SOULTZ-SOUS-FORÊTS.
Mercredi 1er novembre. Départ de SOULTZ-SOUS-FORÊTS, cantonné à RETSCHWILLER.
Samedi 11 novembre. Départ de RETSCHWILLER arrivé à ROTT après une longue marche. Monter en première ligne le lendemain au col du pigeonnier.
Dimanche 19 novembre. Nous sommes relevés de première ligne, nous descendons à GUNSTETT après une marche de 20 kms.
Jeudi 30 novembre. Départ de GUNSTETT à 4h30 tantôt, cantonner à WEITBRUCH après 25 kms de marche (inoubliable).
Dimanche 10 décembre. Quitter la 7ème compagnie pour entrer à l’état major du 2ème bataillon. »
1940
« Mardi 23 janvier. Départ de WEITBRUCH. 2h00 après midi pour aller en permission 10 jours. »
Janvier 1940. Après cette permission, il repart en Alsace.
Mai 1940. Début mai, 1940, les allemands attaquent par la Belgique, en contournant la la ligne MAGINOT. Les armées sont déplacées et remontées sur le Nord.
06 juin 1940. AM est fait prisonnier à ESTREES-SUR-NOYES (Somme vers AMIENS).
Passage à AIX-LA-CHAPELLE (à vérifier).
AM est dirigé sur la Prusse Orientale, sur le Stalag VIII C SAGAN (commando en culture dans une ferme) et Stalag VIII A GORLITZ (commando dans une verrerie), matricule 43 959 C. AM travaille au four puis dans la maison comme homme de main.
15 avril 1942. AM s’évade une première fois de la verrerie de PENZIG (LAUSITZ) avec l’aide de Christina STOPPA (19 ans). Celle-ci voulait aller chez des amis à Metz. Elle a procuré à AM des vêtements civils par l’intermédiaire d’une amie qui avait un frère de la même taille qu’AM. Le père de Christina est sur le front Russe, Christina Stoppa à une sœur, Barbara, plus jeune.
16 avril 1942. Repris à FRANCFORT.
16 avril 1942 au 20 avril 1942. Prison civile de FRANCFORT.
20 avril 1942 au 08 mai 1942. Envoyé au Stalag XII A en baraque disciplinaire.
08 mai 1942. Départ pour RAWA-RUSKA. Voyage par le train en wagons fermés. Arrivée le 15 mai 1942.
15 mai 1942 au 15 décembre 1942. Interné à RAWA-RUSKA (Stalag 325). De juin 1942 à décembre 1942, AM est allé à TARNOPOL (commando).
15 décembre 1942. Retour en Allemagne à STARGARD (Poméranie) au Stalag II D pour son jugement.
27 mars 1943. Deuxième évasion de STARGARD (Poméranie). Voyage effectué enfermé dans un wagon de pommes de terre à destination de CREIL (inscriptions portées sur le train dont il a eu connaissance dès le début). Saute du train à VILLEMOMBLE (région parisienne 93). Roule le long du talus et arrive dans le jardin d’une maison. Un homme fait brûler des branchages. Il lui donne des habits civils et fait brûler ceux de prisonnier d’AM.
14 avril 1943. Se fait délivrer à LIMOGES un certificat de nationalité.
20 avril 1943. AM perçoit « rappel de solde du 1.6.40 au 20.4.43, 10 jours supplémentaire de solde, 5 jours de vivres. »
21 avril 1943. Se fait démobiliser à LIMOGES. Il perçoit «1 costume civil, 1 jersey, 1 chemise, 1 caleçon, 1 mouchoir, 1 paire de chaussures, 1 paire de chaussettes. » Le 22 avril 1943, il touche « la somme de 885 francs dont 431 francs au titre de l’habillement ». AM perçoit aussi ce jour-là 2614 francs de « prime de démobilisation »
25 juin 1957. Reçoit un avis favorable à l’attribution du titre d’ « Interné Résistant ». Carte numéro 121614479.
17 juillet 1957. « Certificat de validation des services, campagnes et blessures des déportés et internés de la résistance ». Il est établi qu’AM est interné résistant du 15.5.1942 au 15.12.1942 (soit 7 mois et 1 jour de campagne simple). Est compté comme service militaire actif la période du 15 mai 1942 au 15 décembre 1942.
23 juillet 1957. Lettre d’accompagnement du « Certificat de validation des services, campagnes et blessures des déportés et internés de la résistance ».
29 septembre 1961. Obtention de la Croix du Combattant Volontaire.
20 novembre 1961. Arrêté - J.O du 23 décembre 1961. Citation à l’ordre du régiment. Obtention de la Médaille des Evadés au titre de la Guerre 1939-1945, obtention de la Croix de Guerre avec Etoile de Bronze.
15 juin 1962. Extrait du livret militaire :
Détail des services et mutations diverses :
« Incorporé à compter du 15 avril 1932 au 4ème R.I. Arrivé au corps le 22 avril 1932, envoyé en congé le 31 mars 1933 en attendant son passage dans la disponibilité qui aura lieu le 29 avril 1933. Certificat de bonne conduite …… ( ?). Affecté au Centre Mobilisateur d’Infanterie n°83. Rappelé à l’activité le 2 septembre 1939 au Dépôt d’Infanterie n°83. Affecté au 89ème Régiment d’Infanterie. Arrive au corps le 3 septembre 1939. Aux armes le 9 septembre 1939. Fait prisonnier à Estrées sur Noyes (Somme) le 6 juin 1940. Interné au Stalag VII C et II D. N° matricule 43.959. Evadé et démobilisé le 21.4.1943 par le centre de Démobilisation de LIMOGES. Se retire provisoirement à LIMOGES, 32. Faubourg Montjovis. Rattaché à la classe PA2R de Mobilisation comme père e 2 enfants vivants le 28.10.1952 (art 58 loi du 31.3.1928). Interné du 15.5.1942 au 15.12.1942 (certificat de validation « C » Modèle « 2 » n°46.036 PM/6K du SEFA terre DPMAT en date du 17.7.1957). Dégagé de toute obligation militaire le 15 avril 1960. »
Campagnes :
« Intérieur CS du 2.9.39 au 8.9.39
Aux armées CD du 9.9.39 au 5.6.40
Captivité CS du 6.6.40 au 14.5.42
Internement CS du 15.5.42 au 15.12.42
Captivité CS du 16.12.42 au 20.4.43 »
Blessures, Citations, Décorations, etc.
« Croix du Combattant Volontaire 1939-1945 par décision n°2.009 du 29 septembre 1961 n° d’inscription 32.778.
Médaille des Evadés avec attribution d’une citaton à l’ordre du Régiment par arrêté du 20 novembre 1961 .B.O.DM.R du 23 décembre (faute !! novembre en réalité) 1961. Motif : Prisonnier de guerre en Allemagne a réussi après une première tentative infructueuses suivi d’un internement à RAWA-RUSKA à s’évader de STARGARD (poméranie) fin mars 1943 et à regagner la France. »
29 juillet 1964. Obtention au J.O de la Médaille Militaire.
Carte d’Interné Résistant : dossier instruit par la direction interdépartementale des anciens combattants et victimes de la guerre à Dijon.
Stalag XII A - Limbourg / Lahn
Commando de Tarnopol. De là il entendait le canon de Kiev. (420 kms ! A vérifier).
Scottish Lion readies 45 Commando for front line
More than 750 Royal Marines and supporting units, together with three warships and Sea King and Chinook helicopters, have waged war in and around Galloway Forest Park in a week-long exercise to prepare 45 Commando for front line duties.
The Arbroath-based Royal Marines are now the nation's 'Lead Commando Group', ready to deploy around the globe if required, having successfully completed Exercise Scottish Lion.
Fresh from taking part in one of the biggest war games exercises in Europe this year, Joint Warrior, 45 Commando were thrust immediately into Scottish Lion, which saw the entire unit - more than 750 troops - put ashore south of Stranraer.
Scottish Lion covered ground from the ranges of West Freugh in the west to the ruins of 16th century Edingham Castle, near Dalbeattie, more than 40 miles (64km) to the east.
Pictured: British Army Commando from 7 (Sphinx) Commando Battery , 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
HMS Albion’s embarked royal Marines from X Coy 45 Cdo RM operating in Estonia in the main amphibious element of Exercise Spring Storm 2023.
Royal Marines conduct beach raid in Estonia during NATO exercise.
Around 100 marines from 45 Commando conducted an exercise to stage an amphibious raid at a beach in Estonia, as part of a major NATO exercise Members of 45 Commando deployed from the Royal Navy amphibious assault ship, HMS Albion, under the cover of darkness on Saturday.
The commandos manoeuvred their Inflatable Raiding Craft, which can travel at speeds of up to 20knots, through the waves to close in on the beach at Kaberneeme, on the north coast of Estonia.
The beach raid is just the latest in a series of planned scenarios the UK Armed Forces are exercising as part of a 14,000-strong deployment from 11 NATO countries for Exercise Spring Storm.
The beach raid scenario saw 45 Commando facing off against Estonia’s Armed Forces, with an Estonian naval missile unit acting as the marines’ target.
Photo: LPhot Bill Spurr
Nice straight '72 Norton 750. For Sale for NZ$8700 o.n.o. Good price for such a clean straight Commando. Cost you half as much as that again, to build one that nice.
Commandos set their sights on close-combat training
Royal Marines of 40 Commando honed their day and night-fighting skills with a week of intense training in mock towns in Kent. The Norton Manor-based commandos practised close quarters battle on special ranges at Lydd and Hythe, trying out an enhanced rifle sight to improve their already-impressive marksmanship.
Royal Marines of 40 Commando stand guard at the façade of a house on the ranges at Lydd and Hythe in Kent as Exercise Hawk – a week of close-combat training – draws to a close.
The commandos decamped from their base at Norton Manor in Somerset to the two training areas on the Channel.
The ranges at Lydd, about five miles west of Dungeness, have been used by troops for more than 150 years, while those at Hythe, a dozen miles to the east, are two centuries old and are dominated by a couple of Martello towers and Grand Redoubt, built to keep Napoleon at bay.
Some 200 years later, the ranges are in use almost daily – and have been adapted to meet the demands of today’s Armed Forces, with a mock modern-day housing estate, complete with roads, roundabouts and cars, built at both, while the Lydd ranges are strewn with wrecked old armoured vehicles.
40 Commando made full use of their week in Kent, from the annual combat marksmanship test to compound clearance and defending forward operating bases.
There was also the opportunity for the Royals to let loose with heavy weapons and each company carried out nighttime live firing.
And for the first time 40 tested the new ELCAN sight – there’s a small red cross for the aiming point – which is easier to use and better in the dark than the existing sights; troops still need to understand its capability, how to mount it on SA80 rifles and how to zero it – all of which was done in Kent.
For close quarters battle (also known as close combat or, in old parlance, hand-to-hand fighting), a separate sight is fitted on top of the ELCAN sight to allow the commandos to rapidly engage their targets.
As well as live firing, the Norton Manor men also used ‘simunition’ – simulated ammunition, which possesses the dynamics of the real thing, minus the lethality – to add an extra layer of realism to Exercise Hawk.
“40 Commando had plenty of time to practise close quarters skills and the simunition added a realistic dimension to the training,” explained Lt Dougal Loadman.
Pictured: British Army Commando from 7 (Sphinx) Commando Battery , 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
HMS Albion’s embarked royal Marines from X Coy 45 Cdo RM operating in Estonia in the main amphibious element of Exercise Spring Storm 2023.
Royal Marines conduct beach raid in Estonia during NATO exercise.
Around 100 marines from 45 Commando conducted an exercise to stage an amphibious raid at a beach in Estonia, as part of a major NATO exercise Members of 45 Commando deployed from the Royal Navy amphibious assault ship, HMS Albion, under the cover of darkness on Saturday.
The commandos manoeuvred their Inflatable Raiding Craft, which can travel at speeds of up to 20knots, through the waves to close in on the beach at Kaberneeme, on the north coast of Estonia.
The beach raid is just the latest in a series of planned scenarios the UK Armed Forces are exercising as part of a 14,000-strong deployment from 11 NATO countries for Exercise Spring Storm.
The beach raid scenario saw 45 Commando facing off against Estonia’s Armed Forces, with an Estonian naval missile unit acting as the marines’ target.
Photo: LPhot Bill Spurr
Lima Company 42 Commando Royal Marines - Exercise Black Alligator
Images captured show a dawn raid by Lima Company 42 Commando Royal Marines on to objective Ruby. The mission saw the commando’s clear enemy from buildings and the surrounding terrain. The attack was part of 42 Commando's week long final exercise of Black Alligator. 26th to 30th November 2012
Photos: PO (Phot) Sean Clee MOD Crown copyright 2012
This former Royal Marine has a Navy Long Service Medal, Korea Medal 1950-1953, United Nations Medal with Korea bar, Coronation Medal 1953 and I think but stand to be corrected an Arabian Service Medal?
Above these are two Presidential Unit citations from the USA and Korea. Presumably his unit had worked closely alongside the Americans during an operation.
42 Commando Royal Marines J Company went out on Operation Satunki 2. This was an Afgan National Police lead partnered Operation in the area of Ghazni Street, Nadi-e Ali North, Helmand Province, Afganistan. It proved to be a successfull operation as J Company found a number of Improvised Explosive Devices hidden in a large haystack.
Images taken by La(Phot) David Hillhouse. BRITISH CROWN COPYRIGHT©2010
42 COMMANDO ROYAL MARINES L COMPANY ON PATROL IN NADI-E ALI NORTH, Forward Operational Base Folad, Afganistan, 1 May 2011.
Images taken by LA(Phot) Hillhouse. BRITISH CROWN COPYRIGHT©2010
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division took on a month-long training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center, in Fort Polk, Louisiana.
The JRTC visual information team and 2BCT PAO compiled photos from rotation.
42 Commando Royal Marines J Company went out on Operation Satunki 2. This was an Afgan National Police lead partnered Operation in the area of Ghazni Street, Nadi-e Ali North, Helmand Province, Afganistan. It proved to be a successfull operation as J Company found a number of Improvised Explosive Devices hidden in a large haystack.
Images taken by La(Phot) David Hillhouse. BRITISH CROWN COPYRIGHT©2010
This is one of my military commando customs. I think it's one of my best too. It's got quit a few BA weapons, but it's still got that original LEGO touch.
French Marine Commandos taking part in the large scale American Amphibious warfare exercise Bold Alligator 2012
© ECPAD - Tous droits réservés 2010
All these excellent photos are from Ecpad : www.ecpad.fr/
British Corporal Tony Galacki (R), of 40 Commando Royal Marines, carries the newly issued 'Sharpshooter rifle' next to Marine Ross Williamson in Afghanistan's Helmand province June 6, 2010. The first new infantry combat rifle introduced to British forces in 20 years, the semi-automatic Sharpshooter fires a larger and longer range 7.62 mm round than the standard weapon. The Ministry of Defence ordered 400 of the rifles from US firm Lewis Machine and Tool as an urgent requirement, in response to longer range small arms battles in Afghanistan. Picture taken June 6, 2010.
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)