Two Royal Marines Commandoes sit in the rear of a Viking armoured vehicle during a simulated roadblock while taking part in exercise ‘Final Nail’ on the Salisbury plains. This annual 10-day exercise is designed to encompass all the skills learned during their 15 months of training and is the last for the Royal Marines Young Officers before their passing out parade and deployment. Being formed in 1943 and based at Bickleigh Barracks near Plymouth, 42 Commando has a long history. They have been deployed into numerous theatres of conflict throughout the last century, from India and Burma during World War II, Borneo in the 1960’s, Northern Ireland and the Falkland islands in the 80’s to the more recent conflicts of today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

British and Dutch Royal Marines advance after a smoke grenade is deployed to cover thier movements in a base assault during exercise Final Nail. This annual 10-day exercise is designed to encompass all the skills learned during their 15 months of training and is the last for the Royal Marines Young Officers before their passing out parade and deployment.

Royal Marines of 42 Commando prepare for a patrol at FOB Imber on exercise Final Nail. This annual 10-day exercise is designed to encompass all the skills learned during their 15 months of training and is the last for the Royal Marines Young Officers before their passing out parade and deployment.