Marines In Beach Blunder
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  1. #1

    Cool Marines In Beach Blunder

    MARINES IN BEACH BLUNDER
    Nov 17 2005
    Brit troops storm wrong hotel
    By Tomparry

    BRITISH commandos sparked panic among holidaymakers when they stormed a hotel by mistake.

    The Royal Marines went the wrong way during an amphibious landing exercise in Senegal, west Africa, and ended up in a beachfront complex.

    Guests - many of them elderly French tourists - suddenly found themselves surrounded by nearly 100 soldiers from the elite 40 Commando battalion.

    The Marines quickly realised their mistake and retreated to the real rendezvous point, which was another hotel further down the beach.

    It happened near the Senegalese capital Dakar during a month-long multinational military operation called Exercise Green Osprey.

    A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "On Monday night, troops from 40 Commando conducted a beach landing exercise.

    "A reconnaissance point to act as a control centre for an evacuation plan had been agreed.

    "It appears they were on the right beach but got the wrong hotel. It was a genuine mistake.

    "As soon as they realised their error, they apologised."

    The practice landings have been taking place in the tropical Fatick region, south of Dakar.

    Before the exercise, Senegalese Major Felix Prosper Basse said: "The British will be able to demonstrate their potential to operate in the region and also show their capability for providing stability in west Africa.'

    A British contingent of 800 men, as well as American, French, Dutch and Italian troops, have been training local soldiers to help keep peace in the region.

    MS Westminster sailed to Senegal last month to provide support for Marines from 40 and 45 Commando during exercises.

    British inshore attack craft spearheaded the practice amphibious landings.

    It's not the first time the Marines have got it wrong. In 2002, 20 commandos accidentally invaded Spain in a mock amphibious attack.

    They thought they were coming ashore on Gibraltar

    Ellie


  2. #2
    Marine Free Member Rob Parry's Avatar
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    Guests - many of them elderly French tourists - suddenly found themselves surrounded by nearly 100 soldiers from the elite 40 Commando battalion.

    Ellie that should read......."Guests, many of them elderly French FEMALE tourists.......etc"
    Now do you understand, no mistake, pure chivalry, checking out the territory prior to the run ashore that night.
    Time spent on reconnaissance is time well spent.


  3. #3
    yellowwing
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    In 2002, 20 commandos accidentally invaded Spain in a mock amphibious attack. They thought they were coming ashore on Gibraltar.
    Those Stout Lads should have pushed on and over run France! You would have been welcome to use my VISA card for petrol.


  4. #4
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    A friend of ours is a 45 Commando - I can assure you all that the "welcome home" party at Lymphstone will be unique......and ugly .
    Many maps of the world have already been purchased, if that gives you some idea.

    Of course, the navigational error will be laid upon the members of the Royal Navy who supplied the transportation for them.

    Nothing the Royals like more than ragging on each other or their SBS units (Special Boat services), unless it is the SAS. Guess they have to settle this itme.


  5. #5
    Whilst serving onboard HMS Fearless in 1978 we were detached from the Ship in the Greek Islands. Four LCM's and Four LCVP's.

    One day it was decided that we would "Hit" a beach and have a Banyan (BBQ). So there we were hitting this beach on some little island when it was sussed out that the beach was in fact occupied........................By a few dozen Nudists!:lick:

    Naked men and woman running around like headless chickens trying to find a towel to cover themselves with. And a gaggle of Bootnecks going "Corrrrrrr!!! Cop a load of the jugs on that one!" Happy Days!:glasses:

    Steve Evans


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