Royal Marines from Plymouth conducted a live-firing demonstration on Salisbury Plain to maintain their combat skills.
Officer commanding Mortar Troop, Captain Luke Wheeler of 42 Commando based at Bickleigh, said: “This exercise was a great opportunity for us to practise the skills and drills which ensure that we are always able to provide effective support to the Unit when called upon.”
“It was also a useful reminder to some other members of the unit, who perhaps do not see mortars in action very often, of exactly what we can do.’’
The current in-service mortar bombs used by the Royal Marines are the 60mm and the 81mm mortar which provide indirect fire on an enemy and can launch smoke, illuminating and high explosive rounds for up to 3 ½ miles.
Marines from 42 Commando are currently deployed around the globe in support of UK government operations both on land and at sea and, along with 40 and 45 Commandos, are one of three elite battalion-sized units which make up the global punch of 3 Commando Brigade, part of the versatile amphibious branch of the Royal Navy.
