Hundreds of commandos may be brought to the South West in a review of Royal Marines b

[thedrifter]

Marines may be moved
Hundreds of commandos may be brought to the South West in a review of Royal Marines bases.

The news emerged during cold weather warfare training in Norway by 3 Commando Brigade, whose headquarters is at Stonehouse in Plymouth.

Commanders say it would be more convenient for the brigade if all its troops were based in the area.

They are currently in Devon, Somerset and Scotland.

The frontline of the brigade is made up of three units: 40 Commando based near Taunton in Somerset, 42 Commando at Plymouth and 45 Commando at Arbroath, east Scotland.

Brigadier Jim Dutton said: "The troops of 45 Commando are out on a limb in Scotland and that causes us problems.

"It would be much more convenient in every way for the brigade to be in a smaller area. It makes sense for that to be the West Country."

"I think it would be wrong, however, to say that they would be moving soon."

As well as the commandos, the brigade includes combat support elements provided by the Army.

This includes 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.

Brigadier Dutton said: "29 is split three ways with two batteries and headquarters in Plymouth, its naval gunfire battery in Poole and another gun battery supporting 45 Commando in Scotland.

"They have a traditional home at the Citadel in Plymouth.

"But it isn't quite big enough for all the elements living there now. We would have to look at alternative arrangements if they were to be moved."

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Wolsey, who is in charge of 29 Commando is keen on a move.

He said: "One of the most difficult things is having a battery 500 miles away. 45 Commando in Arbroath is really to do with the North Sea's oil rigs and such like."

But he said it was unlikely that they would want to leave the citadel.

He said: "As long as I can remember, there has always been speculation about us moving - but I don't see us moving out."

Meanwhile, 130 Royal Marines have been flown home from the training in Norway suffering from cold weather injuries.

They were brought home just three weeks into a winter survival operation due to last three months.

More than 2,300 Royal Marine, Army and Royal Navy commandos have been taking part in the training where troops have to endure temperatures of around -30C.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/h...on/3511553.stm

Published: 2004/02/23 07:08:09 GMT

© BBC MMIV


Sempers,

Roger

[thedrifter]

Marines 'failed by poor kit'

Matthew Taylor
Monday February 23, 2004
The Guardian

More than 80 Royal Marines have returned from a winter training exercise with frostbite amid allegations that they had been making do with sub-standard sleeping bags.

A further 46 soldiers were brought back from the three month operation in Harstad, Norway, with other injuries.

The Ministry of Defence said the number of soldiers who had returned was higher than usual. But a spokesman insisted that the marines from 3 Commando Brigade, who were provided with a sleeping bag, a Goretex bivvy bag and a roll mat, had "the best equipment in the world".

That claim was dismissed yesterday by Colonel Lars Sundnes, of the Norwegian army, who told the Mail on Sunday that British army equipment was not up to scratch.

Last night the MoD confirmed that some marines had bought their own sleeping bags to help cope with the freezing temperatures, but said that was normal.

The evacuation, out of a total of some 2,300 personnel, comes three weeks into the month-long exercise.

The spokesman said that though it was usually an annual exercise, it had not happened for four years.

Soldiers' kit has hit the headlines in recent times. In December, a National Audit Office report found that frontline forces were left without vital equipment during the Iraq war. Nuclear, chemical and biological weapon protection suits and desert clothing did not reach or fit many troops, it said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/st...153858,00.html


Sempers,

Roger