Royal Marines: Behind the Lines: Episode 1 - Fain Would I Climb
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2012
- First transmitted in 1985, this series follows the progress of 25 prospective members of the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre (MAWC), a specialist unit of the Royal Marines. We follow their training as they experience the extreme environments that they will face in combat.
(Copyright)
I'm always fascinated by these older docs and how our accents and expressions change.
I was trained in mountaineering in Scotland by Chris Crystal, former WOII of the MAW Cadre. He was much older than us (we were all in our mid-20's and he in his mid-40's), but he could tab us into the ground in those mountains. I was as fit as a butcher's dog when I showed up. An infantry platoon sergeant and a physical training instructor, but he was "mountain fit", a totally different concept. We got there in the end, but it was a hard road. He was a great guy and I swear he could roll a cigarette on handed in his pocket in a whiteout. He was in his element and he was determined to make that element ours as well or clearly indicate to us that we didn't belong there.
Some are born to it but as one who is himself “not born to it” (my service, branch and discipline is different but I still volunteered to do it), whose achievement is the greater? The man who can do it standing on his head, practically without thinking or the man who has to work and master himself to that same standard?
Was he Scottish?
You wouldve already done your senior Brecon then and that's a hard bastard of a course! (Do booty's do senior Brecon?) I take it you were a booty snek?
Whats a whiteout? snow?
@@AL-PAKA blizzard conditions
I love thees old school documentaries: clear concise commentary, no overly dramatic background music and no trying to get a couple of tears out of anyone.
Absolutely
I think I'm addicted to this series. I've only watched ten times
i watch it every year myself!
I’ve watched it on video with ones that were on the course while they were on the course 😂😂😂
@@mkrbrtsn1 it’s a bloody tough course
I'm on my 2nd viewing
only 10 Daniel? Shame on you!
Superb series this. As far as I am concerned, these lads are full on SF soldiers based on the sheer breadth of their skill set, and the immensely arduous nature of their training. They are outstanding professional soldiers. I was 14-15 yrs old when this was first screened, I was hugely impressed by, and very proud of the Royal Marines- superb, highly motivated, thinking man's soldiers. Some quality walrus tache's going on in this series! *RESPECT to The Royals!*
Yes their Dutch counterparts are immediately classed as Marines Special Operations (nlmarsof) upon completion of ML2 course.
I first met Captain Rod Boswell RM in 1983 whilst we were skydiving at Peterborough. Rod commanded the MAWC during the Falklands War. He was quite a character and told us some of the stories about his time with MAWC and the Marines. Finest bunch of men you could meet, extremely tough, but great guys to serve with.
I served with a Mick Boswell in 40 Commando in the 60s any relation?
@@yomperone No.
Sgt Mcclain had quite possibly the best job in the world. Running up and down cliffs at night unroped and prepared to give someone a very rude awakening at the top. Cracking.
.
Mac McLean, George Mathews, Russ Craig. As a young Bootneck joining 45 Cdo in 86, these were legends. Hard men. Warriors. I was lucky enough to do my novice course with George teaching. We learnt so much. It was intense, strenuous, professional and we loved it. Hard men but fair men.
Russ ended up 45 RSM, George a colonel. I’m 57 as I wrote this. Still in awe and proud to have worked with them. Legends the lot of them.
Best military training series i've ever witnessed.
I love these the men are all have very nice polite all well spoken. They approach everything as a pleasant joke but you know these are tough bastards
so much banter in the MAWC back then - love it.
This is probably my favourite military series ever , and I've seen more than a few!!!! Please make more!!!!
Sgt Maclean, warning these men on the safety procedure for handling a parrot - marvelous!
It's on BBC iPlayer now in November 2023. Watched it the first time round in 1958 and never forgotten it. Brilliant.
The description says it was first transmitted in 1985.
@@jakealcock5905 Lol yeah, well noticed. 1958 - what was I thinking??
It must be difficult to climb down those cliffs at night with such massive balls.
SpidermansSymbiote with no ropes
Great comment
Watching McLean climbing up and down that rock face in the pitch black with no ropes really had my heart going a bit!
13:16 It's great that they did this at the beginning. Really set the tone!
Well worth a watch this series.
Excellent and inspirational series
the sergeant tryna call three ranks before being pushed in
best documentary on the forces around
@ 22:00-ish minutes and in the water between the rocks, I imagine it's like being in a washing machine......only much colder.
It's courses like these that set our soldiers apart from the rest of the World, courses like these helped our lads trek across the Falklands in shocking conditions and then fight a battle as soon as they got there.🇬🇧🇬🇧✌✌
the ultimate softener?
I love this series, I really do. And it does make you have admiration for the men, and for the process. However, where you get this idea that courses like this aren't done elsewhere in the world is a little unclear. I don't understand the desire to see it as proof of our specialness. It's a matter of historical record that we played a role in the development of modern warfare, but the fact is there are units all over the world that develop super tough soldiers, etc. If you were Israeli, you'd be watching the equivalent vid thinking the same about Israelis. If you were Russian, South African, Pakistani, etc etc. If you were a little more objective, you'd see it was a human thing, not a British thing.
"and that's all there is to it...." AWESOME :D
My Dad got given Julian Thompson's book when he was a young lad, and then my Dad gave it to me when I was young lad, hoping I would be inspired to join up. Such a brilliant book full of interesting history and an insight unparalleled. Say what you want about COs in general, Marine COs deserve respect.
Been years since I read it last, but one thing remains the same; I still want to be a soldier. And hopefully, this very year, I'll get my wish. Then I'll do what these lads did: dig out blind and make the most of it!
Good luck with that young man, I hope it works out well for you!
I served with JulianThompson in 3rd Commando Brigade and did opps with him and 2 Israeli officers,he was just a Lieutenant then,he was a standup guy that went all the way to the top
That Lands End Long Jump - my goodness that is a sorter outer ain't it.
The jump is now taken out of the course. Reason being is it's on day one and it would injure about one in ten. However as a compromise you can now opt to do it on completion of the course. Most of not all want to do it, just for the shear history of it. The original commandos did it from day one, so it is a right of passage. But it is no longer in the official course.
@@StephenButlerOne Health and safety gone mad ! Next it will be nerf guns :-)
@@StephenButlerOne I think it was Baz Gray that took it out and put it at the end. First time he tried he broke his foot and he had to wait another year to become an ML. Makes sense I suppose....
@@StephenButlerOne Did that jump in the cadets when I was 16. Loved it!!!
@@Twirlyhead, I thought they were already banned on health and safety grounds. together with water pistols and pea-shooters!
my FiL talked about going through this course during WW2 as a Royal Marine. he made it sound like a great laugh. then I watched this series with him. he kept pointing out the things that had changed since 1943. I just thought 'I'm scared of heights'!
The start of this vid must be at Durnford Street in Guz. Those lads of MAWC are pretty special. Great memories of Plymouth and those men must be as old as me by now 🤔
Your right 3 Commando Brigade Stonehouse.
I recall watching this when it first aired', thanks for the upload -
Nice sticker on the back of the Captain's motor cycle helmet - at 2:05!
'Look with my hands, where my feet are going to go' says the bloke climbing down an 80ft cliff with no rope in the dark
Remarkable training ethos.
It's so cool that the Bootnecks train Special Operations and units from other countries. Blows my mind that an Aussie SAS was returned to unit for fitness issues too hahah. I'd expect most Special Operations to be the most fit lads in the military.
I don't doubt the Aussie fella is as fit as them, he may have got injured
@@XCILE625 agreed, he may have saw it as a jolly overseas and just didn't want to put the work in
climbing is a different kind of fitness to his sf selection im guessing. He didnt do the selection course so had no idea what he was walking into.
Special forces are still Human. The odd few Once they've passed selection for their unit, might think everything else will be a piece of cake. Thats when they get caught out.
(Combat) mountaineering requires a totally different kind of physical/mental fitness. He also did not attend the selection course.
Very Enjoyable Series.
Awesome men what a achievement to wear that green beret.These lads will be grandads now they where my generation.I am shocked at the tests of nerve they are put through it’s definitely a young super fit man’s game.They are actually special forces so they are trained in all manner of specialist skills.
Do we have enough moustaches?
No, no we don't.
Great! Thanks :)
Remember doing a cadet climbing course at 16 with RM's down at Lands End and doing 'the jump'. As a climber, it was great!!!
You guys are THE BEST! From the British Army to the Royal Marines and Royal Navy- THE BEST! Nothing and no one tougher, but also no one with a better heart. I'm going back to England my favourite country in September. I may meet some Royal Marines as I'll be in their area. I hope so. Much sympathy for the horrendous flooding that is keeping them busy. It hurts when your most beloved place gets struck by something awful like that. I'll take your country over mine (USA) any day rain or shine! Much due respect to you lads
Benny
I like you, you are a smart American.
harrythegreat310
Thank you Harry! You are The Great! Yes, I prefer England/Europe to here. It's much better. All Americans care about is money and greed. I try to live with it, but it's definitely NOT easy to live here!
Then leave. I agree than the United Kingdom is a lovely nation with a strong and proud military tradition. that being said if its so bad here in the United States then leave. Don't make grand statements about Americans being greedy. But you probably lack the intestinal fortitude to expatriate.
Thank you Benjamin, you will always be welcome in our 'green and pleasant land.' I can never understand why a fellow compatriot (skye cooper) in this case should be so hurt as to say what he did. You are both welcome, we value our relationship with our brothers and sisters States side. Let's face it without each other neither of our countries would exist as we know them today . The last time I looked at the declaration of independence 80% have English names and ancestors some like Robert Morris born in Liverpool and Button Gwinnett born in Gloucester, the rest have Scottish, Welsh and Irish names. Also without America's help in WW2 we would not be the free country we are today.
Benjamin Blake Mitchner the Royal Marines commandos where created by the Scotsmen of Scotland before the regiment before used to be called marine commandos you should go to Scotland as that’s where they were born
I've been climbing for a few decades now. Now and then a few newbies come along, only to find that they're terrified of heights. No matter how big, strong, fit and fast, someone always panics. Even at relatively low heights.
Any advice for someone looking to overcome a moderate fear of heights?
Made me laugh when they slagged off the Australian SAS guy..
Bet he was popular when he went home!
I Chocked on my brew, sir.
Believe it or not but exactly the same thing happened when I did my Cliff climbing at Plymouth an Australian SAS was RTU as physically unfit
Had my heart set on being an ML until injury.
Arctic warfare training was agony and awesome at the same time
I saw Petra when I was in HMS CAMPBELTOWN and we stopped off in Aqaba. It was nice.
@@georgemorley1029 it's an amazing place
@@trumpstinyhands I’d like to go back there and also take longer look in Malta too. That was interesting. Lots of cultural influences. Just like Petra. Greek, Nabatean, Arabic, moorish, etc.
@@georgemorley1029 Malta is on my list. I did see Gibraltar with the Corp. First up is Reykjavik though, the blue lagoon and northern lights are calling me.
I really enjoy iraq and Syria but haven't been able to go back for 18 months with rona doing the rounds
Great time 1970s to 90s. I'm sure the lads and lassies in the military carry on the tradition.
Balls of steel.
Be safe out there people. Love to all
12:47 "Any questions?" Yes, could you demonstrate that one more time? I think I missed it. Several of them would be bottling it around that time for sure!
top geezers...marines are the best!
Diff. Bless 'em.
Captain John Lear was my company commander at CTCRM in 1990 (he was a Major then)
And in overall charge of the All Arms course I did in 1991, although I only saw him a couple of times.
Damn.that all looks very tough
Elite Hardcore warriors.
That ending really caught me off guard
Watching this series again . The start is and the ending they got a 200 mile march in Norway. I just want to k kw if training is still tjis hard , looks brutal, plus that cliff jump, they still do that ? Or has health and safety changed all this? Excellent doc. They just seem older and harder back then. And possibly better equipped?? I think we spent more then. I guess we were actually seriously prepping for Russia??!??
promotion to the rank of falcon has induced a sense of security.
Did some things with Julian and 2 Israeli Officers when he was a Lieutenant in Brigade HQ back in the day just the four of us ,glad he listened to me and got to the top😂😂
I’m happy With it Sargeant McLean👍
Royal Marine Mountain and Artic Warfare Cadre are technically special forces for sure.
Make no mistake mountain leaders are top banana, SF like SAS or SBS are specialist roles, usually made from experienced soldiers with tested and tried mindsets. As for ML's, Mountain Leaders do the toughest course in the world bar none. The survival side alone is the pinnacle of human ability and resilience, a ML would have no bother doing any official SF courses in or outside the UK. For that matter an 'ordinary' British RM Commando would certainly be expected to perform very well in any SF role and we admire ML's because we know what they do. I'm a former RM but I ain't biased, there's only so much a human body and mind can handle and I've been at the edge of what I thought was possible that leaves me with a clear cut certainty.
Billy Beak i think it was in this episode that a marine officer from the SBS was part of the ML intake .
@@chrisholland7367 as an ex bootneck i can swear even though SF are totally respected the MLs are the best soldier's in the world
Royal Marine Mountain and Artic Warfare Cadre are Gods - They train SAS and other special forces.
British commandos seem to have that indelible swagger and gentleman's touch.
I’m so absolutely “ it’s AwAy!
15 paras disliked this video
5:52 still very true to this day
that man climbing without ropes must struggle to walk with the weight of his balls
Aye Aye
Bet the Aussie sas were not happy about their review
Same type of lads as WW2 Commandos. Best of British.
They went on to be officers best of the best
Cac anh huan luyen rat kho em rat thuong cac anh hay can than day khong bi gay chan tay
The berets look a lot baggier than the current ones...
Good OP
All The Other Runners out sir And Too Safes Too Steady Sir
Time Enough Sir Climb
Hi from Dark Mice.
And Many Days Happy Hunting👍
acceptable casualty rates. reason US military has more than necessary casualties in combat. any injury results in safety stand downs and briefs on how accidents should never happen.
7:57 does the registration number spell F(U)CK ABBY? I can easily imagine that one of the instructors got himself a personalized number.
O
Saw an Australian SAS sent home due to poor physical condition also
sad to see the OC passed away with Cancer
Is this the same location the WWll SAS first practised on? It looks like the old footage
Yep
Who else knows which unit the jock marine has come from at 17.20. Easy one for some.
Tough as nails.
That Captain appeared as a Major at Lympstone in a muti-part documentary following some recruits that was broadcast in 1994. I've never seen it on UA-cam though.
It is on UA-cam actually
He is a Kings Badge man so he must have come through the ranks, from memory his name is Maj Lear.
Bert NL if you can share the link I’d owe you one...
@@markgilmour1169 how do you know he was a king badge awardee? Is it on his uniform?
Thanks.
@@nathaniliescu4597 I'm nearly sure I saw him wearing one on his uniform in Lympstone
Royal British and Dutch marines.
Jules must've picked up his Maj Gen shortly after the Falklands then?
Em thich con chim vet nay
Spotted POMA Edwards tending to one of the “biffs”. Legend !👍👍
“ Oh What Serendipity Merlins Close Commados”
I’m on tracks
Correction Special operations capable soldiers/Special forces really belongs to the SAS certain other specialist support groups affiliated to the regiment under a brigade umbrella.A ex para called me out for stating he nor none of his former comrades ever considered themselves special forces and he was correct.Special forces is SAS but the Paras are top notch elite soldiers some may not consider themselves elite but if I was a enemy soldier facing them I would run like fuck simple as.Great documentary series any man who gets the green beret earns it.
SBS are also classed as Tier 1 Special Forces.
@@kevindevlin7025 So are the SRR.
Imagine this lot in a bar fight .cor blimey get out quick
Ahoy Thre
The name of Perry is Go!
John Lear Rip....
To be in recce troop, do you need to be a ML first?
Yes exactly. Then you are designated to either Brigade Patrol Troop, HMS Protector or Special Forces Support Group.
This is the ML2 course, recce tp do the ML3 course which is much shorter
no you dont. each unit does , or at least it used to have its own recce troop; the aptitude was held in house
8:07 Steven Gerrard.
Great men, one question why don't people have moustaches now?
Thomas Edgerley It's probably due to cleanliness.
It's been coming back, along with old-school barbers and chest expanders.
What Utter Bollocks
Only benders and pilots sport the upper lip "knob brush".
Carl Nordgren 😂😂😂
Ye let yer mascot kick the bucket,? fuckin never!onya peregrine!
Australian SAS didn't want to. They are normally mental strong and focused.
Extremely hard hard men
We did our night climb on the Friday night before returning to Lympstone the next day BUT nobody said we couldn’t go ashore before we fell in for the climb that night so we all went ashore and got shitfaced (drunk)and the NCO s went apeshit and cancelled the transport to the train station the next morning and double time marched us with FSMO(all our gear) to Plymouth rail station, I don’t think The Plymouth public had ever seen such a sight
Down now
No talking at 32.05 .ill go hungry im not eating worms!
Em nhan duoc doi mat va cai mieng chi khac mat hoi dai hon trong anh nhung thoi vi anh ay luc ket ban anh ay khong cho em xem mat ngoai doi thuong thanh ra bay gio moi kho vay tren tkitok co 12 nguoi gia mao nhung em doi chieu anh anh nam khong dung em loai bo ngay