539 Raiding Squadron RM explained

Unit Name:539 Raiding Squadron
Dates:1984-Present
Country: United Kingdom
Branch:
Type:Marines
Commando
Light infantry
Role:Amphibious support
Size:~ 100 personnel
Command Structure:47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines
Garrison:RM Tamar, Plymouth
Nickname:The Royals
HM Jollies
Bootnecks
The Royal Machines
Motto:Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea By Land) (Latin)
March:Quick - A Life on the Ocean Wave
Commander1:King Charles III
Commander1 Label:Captain-General
Commander2:Colonel Richard Maltby
Commander2 Label:Commanding Officer
Commander3:Major Dan Wake RM
Commander3 Label:Squadron Commander
Identification Symbol Label:Commando Flash

539 Raiding Squadron (539 RS) is 3 Commando Brigade'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]

History

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]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Royal Marines raiders swarm up the Tamar to new £30m home. 4 June 2013. Navy News. 17 May 2016.
  2. Web site: 539 Assault Squadron RM . Royal Navy . 28 May 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120331171230/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/The-Royal-Marines/3-Commando-Brigade/539-Assault-Squadron . March 31, 2012 .
  3. Web site: 539 Assault Squadron. Elite UK Forces. 17 May 2016.
  4. Web site: 8 August 2011 . Royal Navy's Cougar 11 deployment returns . 5 November 2019 . Ministry of Defence.
  5. Web site: Royal Navy Cougar 11 Force begins exercises off Cyprus . 2023-11-08 . GOV.UK . en.
  6. Book: The Response Force Task Group (TRFTG) . The Royal Navy . 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231108004539/http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/3f0e149f93794038bc525c17369cdcc1-0x0.pdf . 8 November 2023.
  7. Web site: Marines on anniversary parade. BBC. 14 July 2017.
  8. Web site: Royal Marines Assault Group Renamed. 5 November 2019. Forces Network. 5 November 2019.