Members of Clyde-based 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group have dominated a recent shooting competition pitting the best Royal Marine marksmen.
Altcar Training Area in Merseyside was the venue for this year’s Royal Marines Operational Shooting Competition from May 15 to 26.
Only the sharpest of sharp shooters attended with teams from 30, 42, 43 and 45 Commando units participating along with the Commando Logistics Regiment and 1 Assault Group Royal Marines.
There was even a bit of transatlantic opposition with the United States Marine Corps sending two teams to compete.
Royal Marines from 43 Commando came out on top however, snatching 18 out of 20 trophies up for grabs.
“The team performed above expectation and thoroughly deserved their success,” said Corporal Rayner, the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer responsible for organising the 43 Commando team and a platoon weapons specialist.
“From the first day of practice the team showed one-hundred per cent commitment and concentration.
“When the competition started and the pressure rose, they held their nerve and raised their level even higher.”
The tremendous result is the best 43 Commando has ever achieved, demonstrating the high calibre of marksmanship and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) skills the unit has developed.
The eight man team from HM Naval Base Clyde included three novices and five who have shot in the competition before.
Colonel Jock Fraser MBE, Commanding Officer of 43 Commando congratulated the marine marksmen.
“The team from 43 Commando have delivered a truly outstanding performance this year and I congratulate them all.
“The preparation for the competition and the consistency of their performance against high quality competition has been first rate.”
He continued: “Corporal Rayner and his team have demonstrated the highest standards of marksmanship, teamwork and Commando spirit that is central to the highly specialist work conducted by 43 Commando teams on operations on a daily basis.”
The win included three premier team events: the Marines Section Attack, the Inter Corps Cup and the prestigious Fallen Comrades competition.
Additionally, the eight 43 Commando riflemen were placed in the top ten of the overall rankings, with Corporal Moore winning best overall shot and the unit winning all six of the individual trophies available.
