539 Raiding Squadron (539 RS) is UK Commando Force's integral operational amphibious movement capability, delivering them on to land from water and patrolling waterways. It forms part of 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines. The Squadron are based in the new Royal Marines Tamar complex at the northern end of HMNB Devonport.[1]
| 539 Raiding Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Cap Badge of the Royal Marines | |
| Active | 1984-Present |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch | |
| Type | Marines Commando Light infantry |
| Role | Amphibious support |
| Size | ~ 100 personnel |
| Part of | 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines |
| Garrison/HQ | RM Tamar, Plymouth |
| Nickname(s) | The Royals HM Jollies Bootnecks The Royal Machines |
| Motto(s) | Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea By Land) (Latin) |
| March | Quick - A Life on the Ocean Wave |
| Equipment |
|
| Commanders | |
| Captain-General | King Charles III |
| Commanding Officer | Colonel Richard Maltby |
| Squadron Commander | Major Dan Wake RM |
History
edit
539 Assault Squadron was formed on 2 April 1984 and commissioned as operational on 24 July 1984. This was in direct response to lessons learned during previous winters in north Norway that were then subsequently confirmed during the Falklands Conflict in 1982.[2] More recent operations include Operation Telic. 539 ASRM supported 3 Commando Brigade as it took the Al-Faw Peninsula, carrying out numerous operations such as several landings and the clearing of various waterways. 539 ASRM continued to operate in Iraq, performing security patrols of Iraq's southern ports and water networks until the end of Operation Telic.[3]
In July 2011 the Squadron, as part of the Response Force Task Group (RFTG), took part in the Cougar 11 deployment, including Exercise Omani Cougar and Exercise Somaliland Cougar.[4][5][6]
As of 2017, the Squadron consisted of over 100 personnel and was equipped with a variety of Landing Craft including Rigid Raiders and Landing Craft Vehicle/Personnel. 539 Assault Squadron was named after the famous 539 Assault Flotilla which landed on Gold Beach during the Invasion of Normandy.[7]
On 5 November 2019 the unit was renamed 539 Raiding Squadron and is a Squadron within 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Royal Marines raiders swarm up the Tamar to new £30m home". Navy News. 4 June 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
- ^ "539 Assault Squadron RM". Royal Navy. Archived from the original on March 31, 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
- ^ "539 Assault Squadron". Elite UK Forces. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
- ^ "Royal Navy's Cougar 11 deployment returns". Ministry of Defence. 8 August 2011. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
- ^ "Royal Navy Cougar 11 Force begins exercises off Cyprus". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
- ^ The Response Force Task Group (TRFTG) (PDF). The Royal Navy. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 November 2023.
- ^ "Marines on anniversary parade". BBC. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
- ^ "Royal Marines Assault Group Renamed". Forces Network. 5 November 2019. Retrieved 5 November 2019.