Richard Van der Horst (honour sword winner) rose to become a Lt Col and commanding officer of the SBS. He was widely expected to be fast tracked to General and command of all UK special forces. Tragically he died in a diving training accident in Norway in 2005.
Thank you for letting us know about Richards's tragic death. There was definitely something very special about this young man, even in his acceptance of the honour sword he showed a confidence and attention to detail that suggested he would rise to great heights in The British armed forces.
It is not uncommon - in fact I'd say it's very common - for those who really take to the service (be it army/navy whatever) to die young. I guess this is not exclusive to the UK or any other country. We all have our own stories about 'the soldiers soldier'.
The second group arriving in the 30 miler still in formation, in step while at the jog. No, they didnt arrive first, they arrived cohesive and still ready to fight. Bloody marvellous.
16:45 As a South African, I could hardly believe my ears when I heard a British military band play Sarie Marais, an Afrikaans folk song dating back to the Anglo-Boer War. But reading with Wiki article on it, I see it actually became the anthem of the Royal Marines. Wow!
What’s impressive is the encouragement for them to reach exacting standards, not just mindless bawling. Also officers doing the 30 miler in 7hrs, an hour less than the Non-coms. Also notice how the Brigadier, joins them, and the OC commanding for the speed endurance - leading from the front. Commando spirit.
He won his race, earned his Beret and then immediately left the Corps: At maximum effort he passed the 30 miles in 7 hours. That was a personal goal he drove himself to accomplish as a gift to himself. He quit the Corps afterwards because perhaps he realized his body was not actually able to perform on the same level as those around him. It was a gift to those who would have depended on him to perform at a level he could not guarantee. Good Job. Well done. We need to know in humility where our capabilities are.
He felt himself he didnt have it in him, but wanted to prove himself he wasn't a quitter, which he did, poor lad just needed a little more self confidence to go the whole way. Hats off to him though!
"Welcome to the brief for the 30 miler". I can imagine that it's an unbelievably tough day out but to get that World famous green beret must be a fantastic feeling.🇬🇧🇺🇸✌✌
John Ross may be a hero for many valiant actions and courageous escapades. But for me, his raising of the age old question "...I'm not sure of the standards at which I should set ferocity for um the level of dirt, how angry are meant to get for one piece of fluff?" he's a genius.
I have been disabled since birth with scoliosis and spinabifida. Despite this, I managed to kick-box, played rugby and cricket until 35. I’m 42 now and body is shot, backs gone, knees gone and pain 24/7. I always think “what if” regarding my back. I have fought it every day 24/7 and it takes a certain disciplined mindset. I think I would have enjoyed a military life.
I’ve got spina bifida as well and I’ve got to say I got chills reading this. You’re an inspiration. If you can do it then I’ll give the active like a fighting chance.
Though you will likely reject it - and I will take no offence if you do - may I offer my sympathy for you being dealt the 'life-hand' that you have been?! ...
@@georgebuller1914 I will graciously accept your sentiments. No, I am not one for sympathy and I have a developed sense of humour about my condition and it is impossible to offend me over it. I understand your sentiment and I get that it is difficult to articulate the proverbial handshake, or arm around the shoulder. Thanks for a well worded an thoughtful comment.
funny that the area which surrounds Mount Doom (aka Mount Ngauruhoe) is the actual training area for the New Zealand Army. My brother loves to tell me stories of waking up on exercise out in the field to his bivvy bag complete covered in a sheet of ice
I think that chap may be Victor Suvorov, an ex GRU Officer who went AWOL during a mission in Europe and sought political asylum in the UK in either the 70's or 80s, you should look him up! Even if it's not him you should still look him up wrote a couple of brilliant books: one about his hot take on the Soviet History and the other a personal biography called Aquarium, how he went from a mechanised infantry officer, to Spetznaz, to GRU.
10:33........... the most difficult of all..... switching the mindset off. As this has been twenty-six years ago, I can only say as a retired, senior non-commissioned officer, that I hope the years have been good to these men; and wish my condolences if they have not. God bless them all...
These days, thick as shite people are more interested in watching crap like the Kardashians, goggle box and other reality TV. We need more documentaries like this to educate people and to try and get the public to understand and bond with the military.
Because it's easier to film hours and hours of fly on the wall footage and then just show it unedited with no commentary - and let the viewer work out what's going on by themselves
3:51 An appearance by the legendary Viktor Suvorov! Suvorov was a former Soviet GRU military intelligence officer who defected to the UK in 1978. His books on Soviet/Russian military doctrine are first class.
Spent the last 33 years since this came on TV thinking that he was just a random actor with a good Russian accent that was hired by CTCRM for that lecture! Thanks for the info!! :)
Suvorov’s real name is Vladimir Bogdanovich Rezun. His book on Spetsnaz contains what are now known to be some significant inaccuracies. However, that’s understandable given that he was never a part of it and made no such claims. Information about the Spetsnaz was among the most guarded secrets in the Soviet Union, as is the case in the Russian Federation and in former Soviet states since they have Spetsnaz formations or modified derivatives.
In 1973 - in the City Centre of Belfast - I had a serious altercation with a large group of off duty paratroopers - several who were drunk . I would have been very badly beaten were it not for the intervention of a young Royal Marine Lieutenant and six of his men . I will NEVER FORGET the blind courage he showed in facing those paratroopers down .
As a retired United States Marine Corps Officer and a Mustang Officer I can only say that our Brother’s in harms way the British Royal Marines will always be remembered for their sacrifices and services to God, Country and King. Semper Fidelis
Colin Young who left at 7:11 did actually go on and work for WH Smith for nearly 20 years. At least it showed that he could apply himself to work. He just hadn’t found his area in the Marines
Dismissed after a 17 year old marine died of alcohol poisoning at a party celebrating getting his beret, Ainsworth was the most senior officer present.
30 miles in 7hrs! damn it's 8hrs for enlisted RT.. This video makes the Tarzan course look easy when it's nails. 22:12 Look at the sleepbag eyes on that chap!
The young blond man who talks about webbing burns when they are all relaxing by the riverside is Conrad Thorpe. He went into join the SBS and became their CO. He was the CO of the training centre before he retired.
He also represented Kenya in the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Sadly, he had to have an amputation following an ankle injury, but is still going strong, it seems!
A challenge, but at great expense to the British Tax-payer (probably a 5-figure sum in 1987); unacceptable behaviour, although his poor judgement spared a Troop of marines, that would've been under his command (and care)!
He probably decided to quit and life as a marine wasn’t for him, but he also didn’t want to let himself down so he completed the course then left. I can understand him
Raj Maj so you think that your experience allows you to understand their guys personal circumstances. Wow. You’re a real life grade A cretin. Quite rare to meet someone that thick.
I find it ironic (but nevertheless pleasing) that Sarie Marais, one of the great Boer songs from the South African war, 1899-1902, is the signature tune for a programme on the British Royal Marines!
@@phillipvietri8786 yes brother, the Brits learned a fearsome lesson at the hands of the Boers, with their tactics (early camouflage) marksmanship, mobile deployment, and field-craft. They (the Boers) also showed how a guerrilla style of warfare was effective for a small group of highly trained individuals, when faced with a less mobile yet vastly superior group in NUMBERS of combatants. Then the rest became history, as the story goes!
@@TheSOULBRUVVA Thanks for some well-judged comments. Few people recognise the devastating effects of that war, though it lasted only three years. Everyone suffered tremendously. In the end, the British won the war by means of sheer numbers, with blockhouses and barbed wire, concentration camps, exiling captured Boers and a scorched earth policy (Roberts and Kitchener). I would have been on the Boer side in that war. But having been a soldier during the South African Border War, I feel great sympathy for the poor Tommies, forced to fight a war that had little to do with them, far from home and in a very different and hostile environment. South African troops have always been used to marching long distances, but it must have been hard for the Tommies, tramping across the endless veld in those hard, uncomfortable boots they wore then. Part of the early Boer victories, apart from tactics, was their breech-loading Mauser rifles, smokeless powder and trenches. In many ways, the Boer War was the first modern war - and the first khaki war. In fact, the Boers called the British troops, amongst other names, "die kakies" (the khakis)!
@@phillipvietri8786 brother as i read your reply to me, i was reminded of some of those details, some of the minutiae that gets forgotten over time. Concentration camps! I believe they were a British invention, not a lot of people will want that remembered I'm sure! That was also the period when smokeless powder was "If not invented" it was very effectively put to the test, with the Tommie's not being able to see where the counter-fire was coming from, and being blanketed by their own volleys of smoke from their own rifles. The Boers did have a very effective weapon with those dammed Mauser's (breech loading was the way forward before magazines). I didn't know about the Boer song Sarie Marais, im sure i heard it a young man, as the Royal Marines had a training base in Poole Dorset, UK, but what you may not have known and i'm proud to share this with you is, the Sarie Marais was adopted in 1953 by RM Commandos in recognition of the outstanding qualities of the Afrikaner Commandos fighting the British during the 2nd Boer War, in particular at the Battle of Magerstfontein under the command of Veggeneraal 'Koos' De la Rey. It is the official march of the Royal Marines Commandos and is played after the Regimental March on ceremonial occasions. @Inus Bernard
As a U.S. Marine that served over 22 years going from the enlisted ranks to Officer I see the pride that these young Marines feel completing their training. They have much to be proud of and have earned the title of Marine. Many try but few succeed to become a part of this special breed.
@@jeewizz8646 wow. That’s a long time ago. Amazing he’s still in. I was in recruit training. But opted out at around week 22. (Exercise violent entry )
Compare and contrast this with the USMC. It's the difference between red and blue. Both are really good colors, the way training is administered just very different.
September 1987, the same month that I joined the Royal Navy. I left in 2011 and joined the Royal Australian Navy. Still going. I worked with CSgt Mick Eccles (you see him in part one) for a short time in 1994. Top bloke!
@L.A. Commander , the non comm ranks are: Private/Marine L/Cpl Cpl Sgt Staff or Colour Sgt depends on wether infantry or not WO Class 2 (CSM) WO Class 1 (RSM)
12:10 I believe is a young Colonel Thorpe who went on to become a CO in the SBS. After retiring from the Corps, he went to the Congo to combat wildlife poachers. You can see him in the documentary "Guns For Hire".
What an achievement! I think these men would be hard to beat on a battlefield. I don't think I could have done this at their age. My cousin did, in the ranks, and it makes me proud of our family.
That fella who they spoke to that left to go and work in WH Smith was a bit odd, the narrator was absolutely spot on when they said "he's not used to not coming first". It's not for everyone, especially in a unit like the Royal Marines.
As someone who comes from Ireland and broadly from the Republican background I tend to agree with you. You can't put an army into an irregular conflict and except them to adhere to the rule of law, or at least hold them to the same standards.
@@anthonykennedy8043 Totally agree with you there. The English Government will not even admit that attacks on bases on English soil happened. Lads cannot get the correct treatment and left to look like liars. Betrayed by their own Government.
And the sad thing is that it's always the ordinary soldier who gets in trouble. Never the top brass or politicians. It was the same thing with Bloody Sunday, everyone looking for the the right Paratrooper to blame on the murder. When in reality the real culprits are whoever decided to put 1Para (a unit explicitly designed for high intensity combat) in what should have been a police action. There were plenty of other British Army regiments that could have been used more effectively and safely.
@@anthonykennedy8043 I totally agree..I lost a friend over there and held him in my arms while his pupils dilated. I was then Imprisoned for using Gorrila Warfare Tactics on the streets of England, that I had learnt over there. I get no help for Injuries sustained over there nor the Mental Scars. They turned us against the Government. The Politicians have a lot of blood on their hands, especially Blair. Placing a hard line unit was not going to win Hearts and Minds.
I also just want to point out that I absolutely hate when republicans try to make out that IRA members killed by British Forces in the conflict are "victims". Take Gibraltar. The SAS preempted an IRA attack and killed three IRA members. In what universe can those IRA members be seen as victims? Because they weren't "on duty" at the time? How many off duty British soldiers did the IRA kill? The hypocrisy is infuriating
Here is one example of a military mindset.., I left the Army (102nd Air Defence Reg RA) in 1990, I was working in a builders merchants and a civilian made a comment that I work from I walk through the gates in the morning until I walk out that night.., I mean he was confused that I just got on and done my job.., incredible.
As you came out of the Army in 1990 I joined the CRE and served 22 years 9 months ending my career as a Captain. Now with all the trades I learnt I work for the Canal & River Trust
@@gazs4731 You will find many experiences within the British army, I left as a full corporal, my father was a provost sergeant and my uncle is the current commander of BATSUB in Belize my father was offered many promotions but didnt want to ride a desk, my uncle (Lt Col Simon Nichols MBE) Irish guards chose to ride a desk, but one thing unites us all is that the British Army showed us the men we were meant to be.
@@formhubfar Well, I chose the CRE for three reasons. First and foremost you're a soldier, second you're an engineer and third you have your trade or trades. Royal Engineers are always needed in the British Army as the British Army can't do their job without RE's. I learnt 13 trades within 6 years and my last and possibly the hardest was diving., which serves me well with the Canal & River Trust. Yes, I agree the British Army make men and good men. I left the army in 2013, but I do miss it and my mates , but we keep in touch. I kept on the frontline so to speak throughout. Being a Captain, isn't easy but I never expected a single one of them to do something I couldn't do (not trades as they are personal qualifications) . We all had total respect for each other.
@@formhubfar I had a Daz (Darren) in my platoon. He was a real grafter and a real sport. Always telling jokes. As for me Gaz or Gary there are many of those about. I remained throughout my career in the CRE with the 25th Group. I'm a proud Sapper.
Never look down on deserving civilians. You are the herd's watch dogs and the civilians welfare is your job. Children should not be looked down upon because they have not done what you have done. By your efforts and sacrifice, they may never have to. And that is a worthy cause.
It's worth noting that back when this doc was made, Sandhurst was (just) still only a 28 week course. It changed to a full year around '88/89. The RM YO course has always been 65 weeks. That's more than double the length, and in all honesty (as someone who passed Pre RCB / RCB but failed POC / AIB, but know people who passed it and got commissioned into the Marines) the prescribed wisdom has always been that with Batch YO's, if they decide at any point during training that you're not up to the required standard, they'll bin you, whereas Sandhurst will always try and drag you through the 3 terms and find a home for you. But that's the difference between joining the Royal Marines versus the REME. No offence btw. Not everyone likes being perpetually cold and wet and dressing up in a tutu by a bonfire.. It takes all sorts, and we need all skills..
The Soviet soldier does not need to be our enemy any more. Marxism has thoroughly rotted our country from within our academia and parliament, all traditional values have gone and our borders have been open for so long that we are set to be a minority in our ancestral homeland by 2066.
Anyone notice that there still seems to be a hint of innocence amongst the chaps? I think that in today's society with Google and 24hr TV that people now seem to have seen it all and know it all. Brilliant documentary from an age when things were 'modern' but without all the tech.
Colin Young... "He's to join a company called W H Smith". It wasn't a terribly well known company in 1989 and didn't become so until they took over John Menzies (remember them?) in the mid-late 90s. Looks like he lived in a nice part of London too. Much cheaper in those days.
WH Smith was very well known in 1989. The commentator was using irony on the play of the word 'company'. BTW, Menzies still exist and provide aviation services.
Stephen Saunders I agree with you, WHS was internationally famous decades ago, I'm not sure when the company was established, but WHS has been definitely a very well known company for a long time.
@@supervhschannel4139i looked him up and he spent a total of nearly 20 years at WH Smith along with time spent at House of Fraser plus managing a Virgin Megastore.
Some of these man will be going to north ireland soon. Its strange too see that the current conflict is totally different and that the marines are going to some warmer places
Tragic loss. Leadership is in short supply. Jim Morris also went on to senior things too, but anyone wearing a green beret has my respect. Growing up locally, as boys we always looked up to them. Chris Terrell did another excellent documentary more recently.
The sad part is that the ones who resign would probably have made good officers in another branch of service. By making it an all or nothing option, the military is losing quality individuals.
To put the thirty mile timed march in context: civilian average walking pace is around 3 miles per hour. For these RM trainees 30 miles in 7 hours is around 4.3 miles per hour in full kit. Bear in mind that the Light Division in the Peninsular War (who were smaller, not as well-fed or healthy, and with worse boots) carried sixty pounds of kit and could march 30 miles for days on end.
While the Light Division in the Peninsula war were undoubtedly great men, your comparison doesn't really hold water. Speed marching 30 miles in 7 hours in full kit is one thing. Marching 30 miles in full kit in 12, 14, 16 hours is quite another. Gruelling yes, but - if dedicated and very fit - sustainable. 30 miles in 7 hours on varied ground with full kit is a serious feat - hence why so many that have passed multiple other PT tests, fail at this point. Undoubtedly, in real combat scenarios, men are able to push themselves further than in training, but that sort of pace, even amongst the ultra-fit, with full kit, is not something you can sustain for 'days on end'. In short, I don't think the calibre of our RM today are less than of the Light Division in 1808. If anything, due to multiple factors including; better training, (PT and otherwise), better diet, better general health, greater size/strength... I think today's RM would have performed even better.
I know a few lads from 137tp (OR not Officers) who were in the field winter 2011-12... blerghhhhh it was the coldest night on record at one point they were out, something like -23C on Woodbury Common (plus windchill) and they were just under ponchos! Quite a few were apparently withdrawn with frostnip and early hypothermia. And the shit thing is it'll be the same for me next winter when I'm in RT...
Se vc não passar no teste físico ou tiver algum problema físico ( machucou , está ferido, ou ficou com doença não mortal ou não desenvolveu um corpo muito forte ) mas passar nos outros testes servirá no serviço de inteligência , estratégia ou administração ou oficinas e reparos ou outro que não exija suas capacidades fisicas plenas. Tem o direito a servir com suas habilidades . E mostrar o que sabe e o que pode fazer.
I met a bloke in my cycle club in Exeter who looked quite oldish at 40. It turned out he was a serving marine, working in the stores at Lympstone, filling in until his retirement.
Gortex was not yet in wide circulation in the forces hence there was nothing in a soldiers kit that was water proof, even the waterproofs were crap. Boots were next to fucking useless and soaked up water like a sponge, the clothes were utter shite. The other military kit like the 58 pattern webbing was arse and as much use as a back pocket on a sock.
58 was great for customising for speed marching - we sewed our kidney pouches together, strapped ammunition box liners to the belt and moved the poncho roll above the pouches then clipped it onto the yoke with L2 grenade rings - nothing moved or rattled and I never got a burn. Les Daniels was my section commander and we were bloody lucky to have that wealth of experience at our disposal. He sadly passed away a few years ago. 😩
"30 miles across the moor, from Okehampton down to a place called Crossfersis (?), which is near Buckfastleigh" Those place-names can't get any more British
Dear, Royal Marines: I do need access to all the various contacts! Currently , I am staying in India or Bharat or Hindustan! who themselves do not know whether they are in India or Bharat or Hindustan!
Got to love early 90s sports nutrition approach. “Get that pie down you lad”
I joined the U.S. Army in 1987 and it was "no salt just drink water"........we learned the hard way that electrolytes are essential for performance.
It was late 80’s. And some things don’t change.
Carbs and protein…
Peak athletic nutrition you know. What did Usain Bolt eat before his world record? 🤣
3:35 Using an umbrella as pointing stick, the most British thing I’ve ever seen
I recommend a film called 'A bridge too far' true story featuring a soldier with an umbrella pointing stick :)
We do not point in UK forces. We indicate.
Richard Van der Horst (honour sword winner) rose to become a Lt Col and commanding officer of the SBS. He was widely expected to be fast tracked to General and command of all UK special forces. Tragically he died in a diving training accident in Norway in 2005.
Tragic. All braver men than me ..
Thank you for letting us know about Richards's tragic death. There was definitely something very special about this young man, even in his acceptance of the honour sword he showed a confidence and attention to detail that suggested he would rise to great heights in The British armed forces.
It is not uncommon - in fact I'd say it's very common - for those who really take to the service (be it army/navy whatever) to die young. I guess this is not exclusive to the UK or any other country. We all have our own stories about 'the soldiers soldier'.
Nick B y
Sad.
I worked with a few of these lads.
Some fine men.
RIP Rich. Not forgotten mate.
Cringe
Not cringe
@Tokyodisco1 I'm still game for a tear up you massive honking megaturbo rats window licker. Come and get a beasting
The second group arriving in the 30 miler still in formation, in step while at the jog. No, they didnt arrive first, they arrived cohesive and still ready to fight. Bloody marvellous.
16:45 As a South African, I could hardly believe my ears when I heard a British military band play Sarie Marais, an Afrikaans folk song dating back to the Anglo-Boer War. But reading with Wiki article on it, I see it actually became the anthem of the Royal Marines. Wow!
The Royal Marines has also previously operated an adventure training yacht named Sarie Marais.
Trooper you melted my heart when you let elderly lady stand close and touch your horse. Very respect full young man. She won't forget that. Thankyou
What’s impressive is the encouragement for them to reach exacting standards, not just mindless bawling. Also officers doing the 30 miler in 7hrs, an hour less than the Non-coms. Also notice how the Brigadier, joins them, and the OC commanding for the speed endurance - leading from the front. Commando spirit.
Yes,I Agree
These men should be required to have at least 4 kids each. We need them to have families in the face of demographic decline.
That is not special. My daughter does 100km in 9 hours, and she is in her late 50s.
@@peace-now yeah but does she do it with 35 pounds on her back? Hardly
@@peace-now oh wait. I just realised😂 good one chief
He won his race, earned his Beret and then immediately left the Corps: At maximum effort he passed the 30 miles in 7 hours. That was a personal goal he drove himself to accomplish as a gift to himself. He quit the Corps afterwards because perhaps he realized his body was not actually able to perform on the same level as those around him. It was a gift to those who would have depended on him to perform at a level he could not guarantee. Good Job. Well done. We need to know in humility where our capabilities are.
Well done, that man,...little recognised,...
Who
@@h7283 Andrew colson, he finished 10 minutes late on the last test
He felt himself he didnt have it in him, but wanted to prove himself he wasn't a quitter, which he did, poor lad just needed a little more self confidence to go the whole way. Hats off to him though!
My hardest event on pcoy was the 20miler looks similar except we had two big hills to get up
Respect to Ainsworth for pushing through, even with that ankle injury.
Sums up "commando spirit"
😮
"Welcome to the brief for the 30 miler". I can imagine that it's an unbelievably tough day out but to get that World famous green beret must be a fantastic feeling.🇬🇧🇺🇸✌✌
John Ross may be a hero for many valiant actions and courageous escapades. But for me, his raising of the age old question "...I'm not sure of the standards at which I should set ferocity for um the level of dirt, how angry are meant to get for one piece of fluff?" he's a genius.
The film is a bit dated but the values and warrior ethos is well demonstrated. RM's produce a fine officer. Well done Brits.
I have been disabled since birth with scoliosis and spinabifida. Despite this, I managed to kick-box, played rugby and cricket until 35. I’m 42 now and body is shot, backs gone, knees gone and pain 24/7. I always think “what if” regarding my back. I have fought it every day 24/7 and it takes a certain disciplined mindset. I think I would have enjoyed a military life.
I’ve got spina bifida as well and I’ve got to say I got chills reading this. You’re an inspiration. If you can do it then I’ll give the active like a fighting chance.
Love your story my Brother.How are you keeping now?Thanks for the motivation!!
@@WardMan75 Amazing.Hope you're doing well
Though you will likely reject it - and I will take no offence if you do - may I offer my sympathy for you being dealt the 'life-hand' that you have been?! ...
@@georgebuller1914 I will graciously accept your sentiments. No, I am not one for sympathy and I have a developed sense of humour about my condition and it is impossible to offend me over it. I understand your sentiment and I get that it is difficult to articulate the proverbial handshake, or arm around the shoulder. Thanks for a well worded an thoughtful comment.
Peter Jackson watched the 30-miler section before filming Lord of the Rings.
karmpuscookie Might be. I was joking tho, the helicopter shots of them running over the moors look similar to shots from the LOTR fims.
funny that the area which surrounds Mount Doom (aka Mount Ngauruhoe) is the actual training area for the New Zealand Army. My brother loves to tell me stories of waking up on exercise out in the field to his bivvy bag complete covered in a sheet of ice
Considering the time, I’m surprised they allowed an actual Soviet officer to host a lecture.
I think that chap may be Victor Suvorov, an ex GRU Officer who went AWOL during a mission in Europe and sought political asylum in the UK in either the 70's or 80s, you should look him up! Even if it's not him you should still look him up wrote a couple of brilliant books: one about his hot take on the Soviet History and the other a personal biography called Aquarium, how he went from a mechanised infantry officer, to Spetznaz, to GRU.
Communism was nearly over by this time and with more open leadership, there wasn't an issue.
We had a number of Russians who guest lectured us RAF officer cadets, and later in our careers. All of them "defectors". They earned their living!
Early nineties, cold war had ended.
@@cambs0181 this was 1987
nice to see the lads dressed in the old "Beasting jackets.Hurrah for the Royal Marines .
An excellent documentary I have watched many times.
Great documentary sadly Lt-Col Richard Van der Horst who won the sword of honour was killed in a diving accident in Norway in 2005 Rest in peace
Rip
R.I.P
RIP
God bless the Royal Marines. Cheers men. From a respectful retired US Navy man.
These men demonstrate the corps ethos of cheerfulness in the face of adversity.
10:33........... the most difficult of all..... switching the mindset off. As this has been twenty-six years ago, I can only say as a retired, senior non-commissioned officer, that I hope the years have been good to these men; and wish my condolences if they have not. God bless them all...
If a prospect Officer who had joined the training course from the Corp, would they keep their Green Beret, or would they have to earn a new?
+Josh Funnell In the first episode when they all had black berets there were a couple who wore green.
They keep there green beret from core commission
"Nice big breakfast Sirs, nice big breakfast. No, you wont get no cereal on 30 milers sirs..."
Gotta love this life!
War Vandal s
Pasties en route too! 😂
Amazing documentary! why dont they make them like this anymore :(
IKS Exploration
Because Main Stream Media is run by a bunch of left wing woke wankers with their own agenda.
These days, thick as shite people are more interested in watching crap like the Kardashians, goggle box and other reality TV.
We need more documentaries like this to educate people and to try and get the public to understand and bond with the military.
The training is still the same
@@keegan773 so true!!
Because it's easier to film hours and hours of fly on the wall footage and then just show it unedited with no commentary - and let the viewer work out what's going on by themselves
19 out of 29 is a pretty good pass rate actually.
The presence of the TV crews probably provided more motivation too.
Hi am trying to join the army how can i join
@@zimronhumphrey6918 go on their website
@@zimronhumphrey6918
You do realise the marines are part of the Navy and in no way anything to do with the army.
@@Cheezsoup no I do not know but I am awaiting on a call for assetment
They cheer each other on, they train to carry each other when they're wounded. Great training.
3:51 An appearance by the legendary Viktor Suvorov! Suvorov was a former Soviet GRU military intelligence officer who defected to the UK in 1978. His books on Soviet/Russian military doctrine are first class.
Spent the last 33 years since this came on TV thinking that he was just a random actor with a good Russian accent that was hired by CTCRM for that lecture! Thanks for the info!! :)
Suvorov’s real name is Vladimir Bogdanovich Rezun. His book on Spetsnaz contains what are now known to be some significant inaccuracies. However, that’s understandable given that he was never a part of it and made no such claims. Information about the Spetsnaz was among the most guarded secrets in the Soviet Union, as is the case in the Russian Federation and in former Soviet states since they have Spetsnaz formations or modified derivatives.
The BIG BOSS on the 30 miler . Great to see !
In 1973 - in the City Centre of Belfast - I had a serious
altercation with a large group of off duty paratroopers - several who were drunk . I would have been very badly beaten were it not for the intervention of a young Royal Marine Lieutenant and six of his men . I will NEVER FORGET the blind courage he showed in facing those paratroopers down .
As a retired United States Marine Corps Officer and a Mustang Officer I can only say that our Brother’s in harms way the British Royal Marines will always be remembered for their sacrifices and services to God, Country and King. Semper Fidelis
Colin Young who left at 7:11 did actually go on and work for WH Smith for nearly 20 years. At least it showed that he could apply himself to work. He just hadn’t found his area in the Marines
I hope he went quite far in wh smiths.
Yeah he now works pretty high up as field operations manager of some huge golf industry
@@veryprogamer5108 respect.
Jim Trautman was a top troop boss at 45 , X Ray. A solid officer. 🇬🇧🇬🇧
I'd follow Ainsworth to hell and back. Stirling effort. Lesser men would have given up.
bmused55 unfortunately he was dismissed from the service.
Dismissed after a 17 year old marine died of alcohol poisoning at a party celebrating getting his beret, Ainsworth was the most senior officer present.
ain't that the understatement of the decade! It's people like him who expose why the British armed services are the best.
mat5726 do you know anymore about what happened?
@@jamestears4632 www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/forces-warned-over-drinking-1467743.html
30 miles in 7hrs! damn it's 8hrs for enlisted RT.. This video makes the Tarzan course look easy when it's nails. 22:12 Look at the sleepbag eyes on that chap!
The young blond man who talks about webbing burns when they are all relaxing by the riverside is Conrad Thorpe. He went into join the SBS and became their CO. He was the CO of the training centre before he retired.
He also represented Kenya in the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Sadly, he had to have an amputation following an ankle injury, but is still going strong, it seems!
very intresting,a bit of a blast from the past . 87- 93...45 cmd Arbroath..checking out a old troop officer since passed.....good guy , sad loss.
this is the coolest thing ive ever seen in real life
My guy is in a helluva a lot of pain. I feel for him but admire him at the same time.
Ah, to be young again.........
That was great. Good luck to all of them !
Think they have probably retired now...
A great preparation for life, with such training and conditioning you discover the person you really are,not the person you think you are !
The guy who resigned after getting his beret probably just wanted a challenge
A challenge, but at great expense to the British Tax-payer (probably a 5-figure sum in 1987); unacceptable behaviour, although his poor judgement spared a Troop of marines, that would've been under his command (and care)!
Fucking disgrace
He probably decided to quit and life as a marine wasn’t for him, but he also didn’t want to let himself down so he completed the course then left. I can understand him
Raj Maj since you have no idea of the circumstances, motives or detail your comment is idiotic and infantile.
Raj Maj so you think that your experience allows you to understand their guys personal circumstances. Wow. You’re a real life grade A cretin. Quite rare to meet someone that thick.
I find it ironic (but nevertheless pleasing) that Sarie Marais, one of the great Boer songs from the South African war, 1899-1902, is the signature tune for a programme on the British Royal Marines!
@Raj Maj Thanks. Nice comment.
@@phillipvietri8786 yes brother, the Brits learned a fearsome lesson at the hands of the Boers, with their tactics (early camouflage) marksmanship, mobile deployment, and field-craft. They (the Boers) also showed how a guerrilla style of warfare was effective for a small group of highly trained individuals, when faced with a less mobile yet vastly superior group in NUMBERS of combatants. Then the rest became history, as the story goes!
@@TheSOULBRUVVA Thanks for some well-judged comments. Few people recognise the devastating effects of that war, though it lasted only three years. Everyone suffered tremendously. In the end, the British won the war by means of sheer numbers, with blockhouses and barbed wire, concentration camps, exiling captured Boers and a scorched earth policy (Roberts and Kitchener). I would have been on the Boer side in that war. But having been a soldier during the South African Border War, I feel great sympathy for the poor Tommies, forced to fight a war that had little to do with them, far from home and in a very different and hostile environment. South African troops have always been used to marching long distances, but it must have been hard for the Tommies, tramping across the endless veld in those hard, uncomfortable boots they wore then. Part of the early Boer victories, apart from tactics, was their breech-loading Mauser rifles, smokeless powder and trenches. In many ways, the Boer War was the first modern war - and the first khaki war. In fact, the Boers called the British troops, amongst other names, "die kakies" (the khakis)!
@@phillipvietri8786 brother as i read your reply to me, i was reminded of some of those details, some of the minutiae that gets forgotten over time. Concentration camps! I believe they were a British invention, not a lot of people will want that remembered I'm sure! That was also the period when smokeless powder was "If not invented" it was very effectively put to the test, with the Tommie's not being able to see where the counter-fire was coming from, and being blanketed by their own volleys of smoke from their own rifles. The Boers did have a very effective weapon with those dammed Mauser's (breech loading was the way forward before magazines).
I didn't know about the Boer song Sarie Marais, im sure i heard it a young man, as the Royal Marines had a training base in Poole Dorset, UK, but what you may not have known and i'm proud to share this with you is, the Sarie Marais was adopted in 1953 by RM Commandos in recognition of the outstanding qualities of the Afrikaner Commandos fighting the British during the 2nd Boer War, in particular at the Battle of Magerstfontein under the command of Veggeneraal 'Koos' De la Rey.
It is the official march of the Royal Marines Commandos and is played after the Regimental March on ceremonial occasions.
@Inus Bernard
Absolutely inspiring!
Brilliant show.
As a U.S. Marine that served over 22 years going from the enlisted ranks to Officer I see the pride that these young Marines feel completing their training. They have much to be proud of and have earned the title of Marine. Many try but few succeed to become a part of this special breed.
Richard Poulin Jr Well said Sir!
Richard Poulin Jr except that the US marines are nothing like the Royal Marines
Well said mate, our 2 Countries and our Armed Forces have formed a fantastic friendship and our bond is unshakeable. 🇬🇧🇺🇸✌✌
One of these guys was my commanding officer at 45 cdo, hes still serving
Really. Wow that’s a long time. How old is this documentary ?
@@jimmybaldwin737 1984
Major lister
@@jeewizz8646 wow. That’s a long time ago. Amazing he’s still in. I was in recruit training. But opted out at around week 22. (Exercise violent entry )
@@jimmybaldwin737 yeh he made it to brig i think. Al lister you can google him.
Compare and contrast this with the USMC. It's the difference between red and blue. Both are really good colors, the way training is administered just very different.
Hard Times is my favorite Dickens book by a country mile.
September 1987, the same month that I joined the Royal Navy. I left in 2011 and joined the Royal Australian Navy. Still going.
I worked with CSgt Mick Eccles (you see him in part one) for a short time in 1994. Top bloke!
What exactly is a color sergeant? Is that just below a sergeant major?
@Ryan Thank you Ryan for the info. So where does the Sergeant Major rank fit in then?
@@LA_Commander Immediately below Regimental Sergeant Major
@L.A. Commander , the non comm ranks are:
Private/Marine
L/Cpl
Cpl
Sgt
Staff or Colour Sgt depends on wether infantry or not
WO Class 2 (CSM)
WO Class 1 (RSM)
It would be amazing if they could do a follow up so we can see how they got on
12:10 I believe is a young Colonel Thorpe who went on to become a CO in the SBS. After retiring from the Corps, he went to the Congo to combat wildlife poachers. You can see him in the documentary "Guns For Hire".
What an achievement! I think these men would be hard to beat on a battlefield. I don't think I could have done this at their age. My cousin did, in the ranks, and it makes me proud of our family.
Hardcore......!
And that is a gross understatement.
Goodness me, these guys are making mission-impossible training look hard!
That fella who they spoke to that left to go and work in WH Smith was a bit odd, the narrator was absolutely spot on when they said "he's not used to not coming first".
It's not for everyone, especially in a unit like the Royal Marines.
3:45 "THEY HAVE NOT PASSED THE WINNOWING TESTS OF THEIR FATHERS AND GRANDFATHERS, BUT THEY ARE TRUE TO THE HEROIC TRADITIONS OF OUR ARMY, OUR PEOPLE."
Sadly, HMS Intrepid was scrapped in 2008 at a dry dock in Liverpool : (
RIP Colonel Van Der Horst sword of honour
When that Car at checkpoint drove off, the Court Martial of Lee Klegg came to mind.
From a British War Veteran
As someone who comes from Ireland and broadly from the Republican background I tend to agree with you.
You can't put an army into an irregular conflict and except them to adhere to the rule of law, or at least hold them to the same standards.
@@anthonykennedy8043 Totally agree with you there. The English Government will not even admit that attacks on bases on English soil happened. Lads cannot get the correct treatment and left to look like liars. Betrayed by their own Government.
And the sad thing is that it's always the ordinary soldier who gets in trouble. Never the top brass or politicians.
It was the same thing with Bloody Sunday, everyone looking for the the right Paratrooper to blame on the murder. When in reality the real culprits are whoever decided to put 1Para (a unit explicitly designed for high intensity combat) in what should have been a police action. There were plenty of other British Army regiments that could have been used more effectively and safely.
@@anthonykennedy8043 I totally agree..I lost a friend over there and held him in my arms while his pupils dilated. I was then Imprisoned for using Gorrila Warfare Tactics on the streets of England, that I had learnt over there. I get no help for Injuries sustained over there nor the Mental Scars. They turned us against the Government.
The Politicians have a lot of blood on their hands, especially Blair. Placing a hard line unit was not going to win Hearts and Minds.
I also just want to point out that I absolutely hate when republicans try to make out that IRA members killed by British Forces in the conflict are "victims".
Take Gibraltar. The SAS preempted an IRA attack and killed three IRA members. In what universe can those IRA members be seen as victims? Because they weren't "on duty" at the time? How many off duty British soldiers did the IRA kill?
The hypocrisy is infuriating
Gentlemen, I take my hat off to you. Well done lads!
They are all quite eloquent.
Officers and gentlemen.
Here is one example of a military mindset.., I left the Army (102nd Air Defence Reg RA) in 1990, I was working in a builders merchants and a civilian made a comment that I work from I walk through the gates in the morning until I walk out that night.., I mean he was confused that I just got on and done my job.., incredible.
As you came out of the Army in 1990 I joined the CRE and served 22 years 9 months ending my career as a Captain. Now with all the trades I learnt I work for the Canal & River Trust
@@gazs4731 You will find many experiences within the British army, I left as a full corporal, my father was a provost sergeant and my uncle is the current commander of BATSUB in Belize my father was offered many promotions but didnt want to ride a desk, my uncle (Lt Col Simon Nichols MBE) Irish guards chose to ride a desk, but one thing unites us all is that the British Army showed us the men we were meant to be.
@@gazs4731 My dad had mates called Daz and Barney.
@@formhubfar Well, I chose the CRE for three reasons. First and foremost you're a soldier, second you're an engineer and third you have your trade or trades. Royal Engineers are always needed in the British Army as the British Army can't do their job without RE's. I learnt 13 trades within 6 years and my last and possibly the hardest was diving., which serves me well with the Canal & River Trust. Yes, I agree the British Army make men and good men. I left the army in 2013, but I do miss it and my mates , but we keep in touch. I kept on the frontline so to speak throughout. Being a Captain, isn't easy but I never expected a single one of them to do something I couldn't do (not trades as they are personal qualifications) . We all had total respect for each other.
@@formhubfar I had a Daz (Darren) in my platoon. He was a real grafter and a real sport. Always telling jokes. As for me Gaz or Gary there are many of those about. I remained throughout my career in the CRE with the 25th Group. I'm a proud Sapper.
The toughest thing in the world is the busby... but not as tough as a blue beret, they create peace
The discipline application of extreme violence 😅😅😅 I absolutely 💯 love ❤️ that line. I'm going to steal it.
42-50: So sad that this young man died so young! RIP...
Gotta love the Russian guest lecturer.
Yeah must be a story there.
Never look down on deserving civilians. You are the herd's watch dogs and the civilians welfare is your job. Children should not be looked down upon because they have not done what you have done. By your efforts and sacrifice, they may never have to. And that is a worthy cause.
This changes the way I am determined.
It's worth noting that back when this doc was made, Sandhurst was (just) still only a 28 week course. It changed to a full year around '88/89. The RM YO course has always been 65 weeks. That's more than double the length, and in all honesty (as someone who passed Pre RCB / RCB but failed POC / AIB, but know people who passed it and got commissioned into the Marines) the prescribed wisdom has always been that with Batch YO's, if they decide at any point during training that you're not up to the required standard, they'll bin you, whereas Sandhurst will always try and drag you through the 3 terms and find a home for you. But that's the difference between joining the Royal Marines versus the REME. No offence btw. Not everyone likes being perpetually cold and wet and dressing up in a tutu by a bonfire.. It takes all sorts, and we need all skills..
Sandhurst was a two year course until the nineties. Graduates competed a one year course. It is now forty four weeks.
Soviet Soldiers as our enemy?
goodness the cold war was greatxD
how times have changed TCK, brilliant though all the same .
The Soviet soldier does not need to be our enemy any more.
Marxism has thoroughly rotted our country from within our academia and parliament, all traditional values have gone and our borders have been open for so long that we are set to be a minority in our ancestral homeland by 2066.
Now our enemies are invading us via UNHCR.
@@revolutionaryspirit4491 So the conservative party are marxists, since they have been in charge of the country for the last nine years!
@@punchinonhysteria
love to see what they are like now.
Bener-bener sekolah tinggi pembentukan perwira marinir inggris ini ... classy school memang ... ayo mana suaranya penonton dari konoha ?!😅😂
Thank You so much
Anyone notice that there still seems to be a hint of innocence amongst the chaps? I think that in today's society with Google and 24hr TV that people now seem to have seen it all and know it all.
Brilliant documentary from an age when things were 'modern' but without all the tech.
Colin Young... "He's to join a company called W H Smith". It wasn't a terribly well known company in 1989 and didn't become so until they took over John Menzies (remember them?) in the mid-late 90s.
Looks like he lived in a nice part of London too. Much cheaper in those days.
WH Smith was very well known in 1989. The commentator was using irony on the play of the word 'company'. BTW, Menzies still exist and provide aviation services.
W H Smith founded 1792. Nobody's heard of them eh? You must be a Jock.
Stephen Saunders I agree with you, WHS was internationally famous decades ago, I'm not sure when the company was established, but WHS has been definitely a very well known company for a long time.
@@supervhschannel4139i looked him up and he spent a total of nearly 20 years at WH Smith along with time spent at House of Fraser plus managing a Virgin Megastore.
Respect for you too
I worked (all too briefly) with a former Royal Marine. He ALWAYS held the SBS in total AWE!
The Royal Marines Commandos are the bravest of the brave.
Some of these man will be going to north ireland soon. Its strange too see that the current conflict is totally different and that the marines are going to some warmer places
Did you mean Northern Ireland?
Ainthworth is a chad. Here is your crown king.
VDH (aka van de flip flop to 45.SP Coy) .a superb leader, officer, warrior. Still missed. RIP Boss.
Tragic loss. Leadership is in short supply. Jim Morris also went on to senior things too, but anyone wearing a green beret has my respect. Growing up locally, as boys we always looked up to them. Chris Terrell did another excellent documentary more recently.
@@simonhellier7281 Jim Morris is an outstanding Marine
Hummmmmmm Só ( Militar P.I.N.K ) adooooro...
The sad part is that the ones who resign would probably have made good officers in another branch of service. By making it an all or nothing option, the military is losing quality individuals.
To put the thirty mile timed march in context: civilian average walking pace is around 3 miles per hour. For these RM trainees 30 miles in 7 hours is around 4.3 miles per hour in full kit.
Bear in mind that the Light Division in the Peninsular War (who were smaller, not as well-fed or healthy, and with worse boots) carried sixty pounds of kit and could march 30 miles for days on end.
While the Light Division in the Peninsula war were undoubtedly great men, your comparison doesn't really hold water.
Speed marching 30 miles in 7 hours in full kit is one thing. Marching 30 miles in full kit in 12, 14, 16 hours is quite another. Gruelling yes, but - if dedicated and very fit - sustainable.
30 miles in 7 hours on varied ground with full kit is a serious feat - hence why so many that have passed multiple other PT tests, fail at this point.
Undoubtedly, in real combat scenarios, men are able to push themselves further than in training, but that sort of pace, even amongst the ultra-fit, with full kit, is not something you can sustain for 'days on end'.
In short, I don't think the calibre of our RM today are less than of the Light Division in 1808. If anything, due to multiple factors including; better training, (PT and otherwise), better diet, better general health, greater size/strength... I think today's RM would have performed even better.
@@mickeybee The only comparison I made was between civilian walking pace and speed marching in full kit. Apart from that, I agree with you.
@philipr1567 yes, there is a lot of over-egging the argument, and false authority here
26:17 yeah my misses keeps telling me that too 😂
LMFAO! I’m glad I saw this cheeky af comment
Just in case anyone was wondering, this aired in 1989
Jim Trotman another good lad.
I know a few lads from 137tp (OR not Officers) who were in the field winter 2011-12... blerghhhhh it was the coldest night on record at one point they were out, something like -23C on Woodbury Common (plus windchill) and they were just under ponchos! Quite a few were apparently withdrawn with frostnip and early hypothermia.
And the shit thing is it'll be the same for me next winter when I'm in RT...
Richtigify how did you get on? Did you get where you wanted to be?
respect
Falando Sério : Tem coisa + Linda de Ver do que BBS D.I.S.C.I.P.L.I.N.A.D.O.S.! por isso que EU adooooro Meus Jovens ( Militares P.I.N.K )
Se vc não passar no teste físico ou tiver algum problema físico ( machucou , está ferido, ou ficou com doença não mortal ou não desenvolveu um corpo muito forte ) mas passar nos outros testes servirá no serviço de inteligência , estratégia ou administração ou oficinas e reparos ou outro que não exija suas capacidades fisicas plenas. Tem o direito a servir com suas habilidades . E mostrar o que sabe e o que pode fazer.
I met a bloke in my cycle club in Exeter who looked quite oldish at 40. It turned out he was a serving marine, working in the stores at Lympstone, filling in until his retirement.
i ran this course, then did it next day for a laugh. focus focus then its not an issue
Long training period seems to be to ensure that any mask adopted has time to drop so that honest assessment to be obtained by training staff
Gortex was not yet in wide circulation in the forces hence there was nothing in a soldiers kit that was water proof, even the waterproofs were crap. Boots were next to fucking useless and soaked up water like a sponge, the clothes were utter shite. The other military kit like the 58 pattern webbing was arse and as much use as a back pocket on a sock.
58 was great for customising for speed marching - we sewed our kidney pouches together, strapped ammunition box liners to the belt and moved the poncho roll above the pouches then clipped it onto the yoke with L2 grenade rings - nothing moved or rattled and I never got a burn.
Les Daniels was my section commander and we were bloody lucky to have that wealth of experience at our disposal.
He sadly passed away a few years ago. 😩
back pocket on a sock 😂
"30 miles across the moor, from Okehampton down to a place called Crossfersis (?), which is near Buckfastleigh" Those place-names can't get any more British
Cross Furzes.
7:25 nice jumper
This doc makes it look more gruelling than the others.. they still have that wall with the rope? I appreciate the ruggedness of it.
Dear, Royal Marines: I do need access to all the various contacts! Currently , I am staying in India or Bharat or Hindustan! who themselves do not know whether they are in India or Bharat or Hindustan!
The Best of the best 🇬🇧