Plymouth-Based Royal Marines Visit Bodrum (Turkey)

Plymouth-based Royal Marines, affectionately known as ‘Bootnecks’, have completed a week-long adventurous training package as part of an annual deployment of the Royal Navy’s very high readiness Response Force Task Group

42 Commando Royal Marines from Bickleigh, near Plymouth, spent a week in Bodrum, Turkey where they took part in a number of activities including diving, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding.

Having deployed on Cougar 13, the Unit will travel through the Mediterranean and on to the Gulf. This deployment comes at the end of a busy period of training for 42 Commando who are currently the Lead Commando Group.

“Our recent exercise in Albania was very challenging, as will be the next longer phase as we return to Albania and continue the difficult and various training packages; a break from training and a relaxed port visit are key to enable a successful deployment,” said Regimental Sergeant Major Matthew Tomlinson CGC MC RM, 46, from Glastonbury, Somerset.

Marine Tristan Bennett, 24, a former pupil of Bedminster Down School in Bristol said that,  “the AT was run by some very experienced guys with a wealth of knowledge and a boat load of patience. We started off with water sports which included windsurfing, sailing and kayaking – some of the lads inevitably drifted a few miles away from the beach!”

Tristan, who works with Commando Logistic Regiment based in Chivenor, Devon added that  “on the last day we geared up for scuba diving in one of the most beautiful and secluded parts of the Turkish coast. We got to see plenty of fish, including an octopus – it was amazing.”

Marine Martin Finneron, 24, a former pupil of Devonport High School in Plymouth added that this was  “an amazing package when you consider it was at no cost to any of us and we were extremely lucky. We were also allowed on shore leave to see the sights that Bodrum had to offer.

“We even got haircuts from a traditional Turkish barber which included hot wax on the face and in the nose, eyebrow threading and burning the ears with a lighter!”

Press Release, October 02, 2013