Royal Marines unleash fire and fury on combat exercises

Royal Marines practised taking down enemy positions on challenging combat exercises in the Brecon Beacons.

Marines from Taunton-based 40 Commando were joined by comrades from 45 Commando and 29 Commando Royal Artillery at the Sennybridge Training Area in Wales, stretching their legs on live firing training.

With machine guns laying down fire support, Charlie Company of 40 Commando advanced quickly on the enemy during day and night troop attacks across the vast Sennybridge area – the third largest range in the UK spanning an area the size of Bristol.

While Charlie moved forward, mortar troops of 40 Commando and 45 Commando rained down a hail of steel and fire throughout the valley from their Viking armoured vehicles, while 29 Commando used their 105mm light guns to pummel nearby targets.

 “The vast expanses of Sennybridge Training Area are perfect for live firing,” said Lieutenant Simon Williams of 40 Commando.

“Live-fire packages are important for maintaining the important skills associated with all Royal Marines’ specialisations.

“The undulating terrain of the Brecon Beacons added a physical challenge to the commandos as they operated.

“As would be expected in South Wales; the weather was typically varied, too – with days of hot summer sun followed by autumnal downpours, neither of which fazed the Royal Marines.”