Latest batch of Royal Marines small boat and landing craft operators ready for action

During 14 weeks, the commandos focused their energies on becoming landing craftsmen with 47 Commando Royal Marines – the raiding and landing craft operations specialists of the UK Commando Force.

Marines who complete the introductory course act as crew on all craft, and can also command both offshore (ORC) and inshore (IRC) raiding craft.

Passing the second-level course allows them to command the smaller Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel or groups or ORCs/IRCs.

And commandos with the highest qualifications can be put in charge of the large Landing Craft Utility (large enough to move Challenger 2 tanks around). 

Given the integrated nature of all three levels of qualification, the training runs simultaneously, working with other elements of the Corps – including recruits from the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone.

Whilst there is time in the classroom, understandably most of the instruction/training is practical, spread across Barnstable Bay and RM Chivenor, plus the Solent, where the final exercise/assessment in, as well as in and around Plymouth Sound.

Congratulating the landing craftsmen on their achievement as they formally passed out at RM Tamar in HM Naval Base Devonport was the Commander of the UK Commando Forces, Brigadier Jamie Norman.

He joined the outgoing Commanding Officer of 47 Commando (Raiding Group) RM, Colonel William Norcott, in presenting certificates and awards to Royal Marines on their Landing Craft 3, 2 and 1 courses. 

“You are joining the Landing Craft Branch which is central to the Commando Force,” Brig Norman told the successful marines.

“Your future will see you working alongside autonomous and uncrewed systems, as well as using your reconnaissance, surveillance and striking skills from the sea to achieve your mission successes.”

They will now be drafted to the assault and raiding squadrons based in Devonport and across the country where their skills will be employed with a variety of units.

Among those receiving awards for most supportive students from Brig Norman were Marine Morris (LC3 course), Marine Howe (LC2) and Corporal McLeary (LC1) Course. 

And Marine Johnson (LC3) was singled out as the best student, awarded by Master Plaisterer John Telling of 47’s affiliated Livery Company in the City of London.

Proceedings ended with Col Norcott handing over command to his successor Col Karl Gray – a ceremony which involves the passing of the unit trident.