Arctic specialists from The Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines and 24 Commando Royal Engineers, based at Royal Marines Barracks Chivenor, have been called in to provide emergency supplies to isolated communities in Cumbria.
The challenge was given to 3 Commando Brigade yesterday, after Cumbria County Council requested military assistance to reach 150 properties that have been cut off for 5 days.
The aim of this mission is to resupply food, fuel and medication to those in vital need.
Even the Arctic trained snow and ice drivers from The Commando Logistic Regiment are unable to drive through the snowdrifts that are blocking the roads, so a Chinook from RAF Odiham has be used to fly in the supplies, and the troops to deliver it.
Warrant Officer 2 Simon Bridgeman RM, who is currently leading the team that are out on the ground said: "The experience and training gained through years of deploying to Norway has been really valuable for all of the taskings that have been set for us."
He added: "We know how to survive and operate in these extreme conditions, it is brilliant to be able to put them to use to help those members of the public that need us."
Lt Col Dave Nicholson RM, the Commanding Officer of CLR RM, commented: "as part of the Royal Navy’s Very High Readiness Brigade, we are used to being on standby for national emergencies, and this includes support to local communities when required.
"Royal Marine Commandos train to operate in some of the most challenging environments in the world, particularly in the extreme cold of the Arctic, and we are always delighted to be able to use this training in support of members of the public."
In addition to the tasks in Cumbria, over 40 Royal Marines Commandos and Commando Engineers from Chivenor Barracks Royal Marines have been deployed over the weekend with their specialist vehicles throughout Devon, undertaking a variety of tasks to assist the emergency services.
Viking Squadron personnel, who were returning from exercise in Wales, helped push lorries and cars out of Magor Services near Newport.
Further personnel and Winterised and Waterproofed General Service Land Rovers remain on standby to assist if they are required.
Although this weather is extraordinary for the UK, the Royal Marines have completed cold weather environment deployments for decades, and thrive in this arduous environment.
Most recently, 3 Commando Brigade personnel, including scores from the Commando Logistic Regiment and 24 Commando Royal Engineers battled extreme weather of a different nature, delivering relief and critical lifesaving support to the Caribbean population as the front line of Op RUMAN.
