Commando Helicopter Force personnel participate in the highland games

Eight members of the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), led by Sergeant Adam Mason RM, made their way from Somerset to the Braemar Gathering to compete in the 2017 Highland Games Tug of War, in front of Her Majesty the Queen.

Following a break for several years 2016 saw the resumption of the Inter Services Tug of War rivalry between teams from the Royal Navy & Royal Marines, the Army and the Royal Air Force.

The event was a huge success for the participants and the presence of the services was keenly welcomed by event organisers and watching public alike; so much so that the Gathering organisers invited the services (especially the Royal Navy) to participate again this year.

There was an added invitation, for entry into the Games’ traditional Relay Foot Race, for which four members of CHF quickly volunteered (Col Brown RM, Cpl Thorpe, Mne Clarke and Mne Dunbar).

The Commando Helicopter Force are based in the West Country at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

At day’s end The Commando helicopter Force personnel finished 3rd in the Tug of War and 4th in the Relay. Representing the Commando Helicopter Force in front of Her Majesty at such an incredible venue, and as part of such an historical and prestigious event has been a wonderful experience and the West Country can be proud that it has been well represented. 

The Commando Helicopter Force Commanding Officer Colonel Lenny Brown RM (a Glaswegian) attended the event to support his men and also participated in the Relay.

CHF Unit PTI Sgt Mason said, "It was a great day for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to compete at this historic event with excellent support from spectators and competitors."