Friday the 8^th saw the start of the weekend with over 40 Vets meeting at CTCRM to sprint/jog/walk around the Endurance Course.  First of all, meeting someone you haven’t seen for 20 odd years in the car park was an event in its self, let alone doing the Endurance Course.  We drove up to the start of the course, in two 4 Ton Trucks that were brand new in 1982 and sounded like it to; the wives and children of the Vets followed in convoy from the pavilion, intrigued to see what it was that had driven their aging partners to dig out old denims and boots!

At the start the Press and TV had turned up, therefore there was the requirement for a before (you die) photo, this was taken amid comments of, “use a soft effect lens” (Bob Haddow) “take two stone off me” (most of us) and hurry up my knees have failed again (Andy Huxley)! The PTI’s from CTC and RM Poole turned up and there followed the Health & Safety Brief, ‘anyone over 40 here?’, ‘Just a couple, crack on Royal’ and off we went at a blistering pace in the sun….

As we went around the course the camaraderie was reborn in seconds and it was as if people had only been together last month.  Everyone found it amazing that they had ever got round, or through, most of the obstacles with webbing and weapons. The camera crew wanted to make the most of the opportunity and kept sending a few keen souls back so they could film the various tunnels in detail. This was clearly a mistake as this highlighted to the participants that they weren’t on a timed run and could in fact play the fool, which they did!! Full blown dives into Peters Poole, complete high jumps and  full submersion,  arising from the muddy waters like the infamous US Marine Corps recruiting poster from the 80s, except older, fatter and greyer; never let anything get in the way of a good phot opportunity! The water tunnel was completed by everyone, not a single refusal, although there were a few observers and the Mayor of Budleigh Salterton didn’t want to get his chain rusty!  All in all it was a cracking way to start off the weekend and as commented by a Navy PTI watching the antics “The Corps really is just one big boys club isn’t it” – yep,  and there were some big boys playing that day!!

When we had finished the course and everyone was back at RV 3, another photo was taken and then back on the trucks and back to Heart Break Lane. We all got out and fell in, in three ranks and the PTI ran us past the ‘Its only pain’ sign; as we got near the Pavilion some of the lads in training clapped and cheered us in. We then went for a shower back at the Pavilion, however the showers decided not to work so in true Royal fashion of improvise and overcome, the fire hose’s were brought into action, everyone stripped off and hosed each other down. This was a brilliant piece of innovative thinking, particularly as it was outside and just behind Molly as he was being interviewed on camera by the press! Still at least no roll mats were used and they were all shiny and clean.

WO 1 (RSM) G (Both) Botham MBE RM kindly let us use the Mess.  Being an M Company Falklands Vet himself, he was unable to make the full reunion as his son passed out that day from CTCRM.  However he, his son and family met us in the Mess for a couple of hours, which turned out to be quite a gathering.

With phase one, battle preparation, successfully completed it was time to move to phase 2, which was a unit RV prior to crossing the line of departure onto the street! The unit RV was at the Old Fleet Club at 1930, we had briefed the club about how many people were turning up, however, they seemed to think that 1 bar person was sufficient to service all 250 - 300  thirsty dit spinners and designated drivers (wives)! We soon took the place over and filled both bars, It was an amazing few hours as people bumped into someone that they had not seen, in some case for nearly 23 years, and the dit’s and verbal abuse flowed with enthusiasm and wit. There was no air con and the Fleet Club was getting hotter than Osama Bin Ladens travel itinerary.  Therefore the order to “advance” was once again given and the unit, in sub groups, crossed the line of departure and assaulted Union Street, I’m still not sure which was the most dangerous, this or Mt Harriet!  In the ensuing battle it was obvious that confusion would reign, however to combat this,  Bungy had issued a system of RVs which worked well.  The RVs were, in order: The Mount Pleasant, Two Twig’s and the Clipper, some “old Marines “went missing, attempting to seek the Holly Grail of Bootneck Mythology, the infamous Royal Marines School of Dancing (Cascades) only to discover that it is now a gay club, some (Bob Haddow, Bill Boam, Larry, Woody, Jan King and Jock Hugill) took out full membership while they were there.  Fortunately the ERV of “Kentucky Fried Chicken” brought the groups back together.  Much like Harriet the early morning light brought the full effect of the battle into stark reality, Molly, Pete Bourne and Huw Williams (who still can’t speak English) Kebab in hand at 0600, viewed the damage caused during the night, it wasn’t pretty! Thankfully I hadn’t invested in property in Union Street; it is fair to say that the Gaza strip would most likely be a sounder investment!

Saturday started with a 1030 pick up at the Bus Station in the old “Bickliegh Bomber” to bring back memories of how we used to get ashore. Once at the camp the registration began, this was reminiscent of queuing up on Fearless for a whippy 99 cone in the NAAFI deck, however although slightly painful it was essential to create a unit database for further reunions.  Name tags were also given in order to avoid a day of overusing the “mate” word,  because although the feature are familiar and you may have got drunk in toga together many times , the name still escapes you! This was then followed by a buffet lunch and drinks in the Sgts Mess. Unfortunately trying to move them from the bar to the parade was more difficult than getting 5 pounds out of Nev Weston!

We formed up outside L Company lines in Company files behind the Royal Marines Band from CTCRM. The Unit DL Cpl John Coombstried in vain to get everyone to shut up and right dress, then the order came, right turn, by the left quick march, the band roused the spirits and it was amazing how well old duffers can actually march if the have to! 

Watching from the edge of the Parade Ground in the sunshine as we moved onto the parade square were the Guests of Honour:-

Maj Gen Sir Jeremy Moore KCB OBE MC*

Maj General J H Thompson CB OBE

Maj Gen N F Vaux CB DSO 

LtCol M Holmes RM

Capt D Chisnall BEM RM (Former RSM)

WO1 RSM S Brooks RM

Mrs Suzann Watts

Miss  Laura Watts

LtCol RD Watts OBE RM (Rtd)

Suki Cameron (London Falklands Representative in London)

It was an amazing site when you looked at the 200 plus ranks on parade. Many said that they weren’t old enough (TK stand fast) yet to wear jacket, corps tie, beret and medals, however, it was clear all but a couple made the effort and that many a man keeps his faithful first Green lid somewhere for prosperity!   With the Unit on Parade the General’s and Maj Guy Sheridan Rtd (Unit 2 i/c) each reviewed a rank and presented each man (if he didn’t already have one ) with an MOD veterans badge.   Clearly enjoying chatting with the lads this took longer than expected and the combination of the “Assault on Union Street” with the blistering sun was soon taking its toll on the ancient warriors of 42 Cdo, where was that damn cloud when you needed it?  Once the badges had all been presented the unit Marched past under the direction of Maj General Vaux and the salute was taken by Maj Gen Sir Jeremy Moore.

This part of the day was followed by a family service of remembrance in the glade, conduicted by the Rev Dave Devenney (L Coy Falklands Vet). Wreaths were laid for all Royal Marines lost in the Falklands and then Cpl Lofty Watts, LCpl Jeremy Smith of 42 Cdo RM. Also a wreath was laid by the veterans to also remember the 4 members of the unit who were killed in action on recent Operations in AFG; finally Miss Suki Cameron also laid a wreath on behalf of the Falkland Islands. The last post was played, which was followed by a few moments to reflect upon friends and colleagues, who had given their lives in the line of duty and that had left loved ones behind. 

We all then moved to the Gym for firstly a speech from Maj Gen Nick Vaux, the CO in 1982, who reflected on the units achievements in 1982 and in particular how daring, yet successful the units attack was on Mount Harriet.  This was more for the benefit of wives and now grown up children, who no doubt have no clue as to the part their husbands or father played in this unique part of Corps history or indeed the battle of Harstad, Norway,1983!  He also read out an open letter of gratitude, written to all members of the unit from the Right Honourable Lady Margaret Thatcher.  This was then followed by a presentation from the current CO, Lt Col Matt Holmes, on the unit’s activities in AFG.  The vets and families watches and listened with great interest, and some jealousy,  to the brief and video footage of contacts and some direct two way conversations with the Bin Laden boys, not so new on the block anymore!  It was clear from this that the heritage of the unit was in excellent hands and the new generation of RM Commando are just as good if not better.  Also some recruitment was achieved as certainly I’m in trouble with my sister in law as two of her sons have decided that the corps is the way ahead.  She thought the footage of live rounds and contacts would scare them off, however the eldest simply described it as “interesting” which we all know translates in the Corps as “give me a piece of that” – what will I spend my bonus on!!! 

Additionally there were briefs on the SAMA, Vets Agency, British Legion and RMA.  On completion of the gym there were stances around the parade ground displaying the kit of today and yesteryear, or more specifically 1982.   These included the Viking, BV 206, various weapons, including some of the Argentine Weapons taken from the Falklands, mortars Arctic and general desert equipment stances.   At each stance there were Mnes from L Coy that had come back from POTL early to help us with the weekend. They and the vets really enjoyed this as they got to hear about our dits , and we got to listen to them about AFG from a Mne’s perspective.  It was quickly evident that although the kit and weapons have changed beyond recognition, the same old drips haven’t, that said, neither has the professional bearing, determination, grit and humour of the average bootneck.  One of the Vets asked a Mne from L Coy what he had been up to on POTL, he replied “actually I’ve just come back from Bangkok”, “did you practice safe sex”? The vet asked “of course I did, I kept my pussers socks on”!

On the Arctic stance, WO 2 Shep Sheppard RM had the original 50 .Cal machine gun used by the then Sgt Josh Sheild to fire the unit into Harriet, now a famous picture in the Corps museum. Now the Mayor of Budleigh Salterton, it was too much of a good chance not to re-enact the scene wearing his chains of office, maybe they will hang them side by side

After the stances it was back to the bar and a few well earned wets. At the Mess Molly and his children opened the Macpherson PRI shop and sold over £1000 worth of stock, including orders for the reunion tie and polo shirts. The best selling item was the hot pink t-shirts with “Go Commando” on the front from the PRI shop at CTC.  We only had a limited number which caused a bit of a fight but I’m glad to say that Jim Robson, Tony “Big Vern” Veal, Rich Everett (now LtCol) managed to secure one each and looked lovely in them!   At 1930 the Corps of Drums started and we all made our way to the balcony and Patio area. After a superb display, which as it happens was the first time a lot of people present had seen this tradition; the unit was presented with a framed 42 Cdo reunion emblem, signed by all those present as a thank you to the current unit, from Maj General Nick Vaux.  Molly was just announcing to the gathered masses,  that as there was only one, there undoubtedly would be some discussion as to where it would hang in the unit.  In true RSM style,  RSM Si Brooks seized the moment, confidently strode up to the General grasped the picture, shook his hand and thanked him kindly for his presentation to the Mess, at the same time he winked at Molly and said that’s already been decided; where would we be without the good old Royal Marines RSM?! All was not lost however, and it was decided that the letter from Baroness Thatcher would hang in the Officers Mess as a memento of the event.

The evening was rounded off with a hot buffet, many bottles of port and numerous dits, true, embellished and completely untrue.  Frank O’Neil (Tp Sgt 3 Tp K Coy) was holding Dit court as normal, a lengthy rendition of how he flooded Plymouth when he was in charge of the reservoir, had everyone in tears of laughter. The Bickleigh Bomber delivered three loads of drunk, yet happy, veterans and their families back to Plymouth in the wee hours.  A couple of individuals struggled to make it to the pick up point and in fact fell asleep in transit on the astro turf. There’s nothing like being shaken by the wandering guard at 0600, chilly, soaked in dew with a face indented from the marks caused by lying face down on spiky plastic stuff!! It would be unfair to name names and I’m sure Jock Hugill and Steve Kempton wouldn’t want that either – oops!

The last to leave the bar were Jan King, Molly and Bungy, we brought a bottle of Port at 0430 and gave ourselves a pat on the back for an excellent weekend. Roll on the 30^th…….

There are too many people to name who helped us in one way or another, and we would undoubtedly miss someone out, so if you did help, then please accept our sincerest thanks for what you did.  We would like to specifically thank 42 Commando and in particular L Coy, for what they did, having just returned from operations it would have been easy to ignore this, they didn’t and supported it 110%.  Gents, everyone who was there felt as though they are still part of the 42 Commando family, mainly because of your hard work. The reputation of the unit is in safe and trusted hands, we thank you for your efforts and all wish luck with forthcoming operations – again!

WO 2 Bungy Williams RM with no Help from Molly