The newsletter for all things Royal Marines. Hoofing gear. Former RM owned and operated. Not affiliated with the MOD.

Bristol, England
Joined October 2021
The Lightweight Padded Jacket is now live with RM Classic and 40, 42, 43 and 45 designs. You need a barrier between your sculpted body of twisted steel and the elements as the temperature starts to drop. Multiple colours and sizes. Check out the jackets and coats collection now: bootneckstuff.com/collection…
4
506
Now, this depends. Was it January? Or was it August? Sometimes a tanking is great fun, sometimes it's honking. But less than a week into training I imagine it was pretty honking for them. 😂
2
12
1,122
Elements of 45 Commando nearing the end of their 2 month winter deployment in 2021.
1
4
59
776
Royal Marines Commandos preparing to tactically Insert into Estonia via HMS Albion’s Landing Craft on Exercise Spring Storm 2023. Buddy buddy system in play here, checking each other off to make sure all your kit is squared away.
4
3
67
1,596
A Royal Marines Reserve rank during their recent two week training exercise in Wales.
2
3
55
2,069
Remembering Corporal David (Dave) O’Connor, 40 Commando Royal Marines, and Corporal Channing Day, 3 Medical Regiment. On 24 October 2012, Dave, aged 27 from Havant, Hampshire, and his patrol medic Channing Day, aged 25, were killed by small-arms fire near Char Kutsa in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. They were on patrol with Charlie Company, 40 Commando, heading to train Afghan Local Police. Dave joined the Royal Marines in 2002 and was a veteran of four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Oppos remembered him as one of the best — professional, sharp, dedicated, an inspirational leader and the social heart of his troop. Gone but not forgotten.
19
38
4
344
5,316
Lima Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines carry out operations in the Helmand province of Southern Afghanistan during Op Sond Chara.
3
8
103
1,578
Royal Marine Reserve ranks during their recent two week training exercise.
1
1
1
43
940
Was that a flash? 😄
3
20
990
A member of the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS), with the Oversnow Reconnaissance Vehicle (ORV).
3
5
95
2,121
Battle of Trafalgar – 21 October 1805 On this day in 1805, the Royal Navy under Admiral Lord Nelson smashed the combined French and Spanish fleets off Cape Trafalgar. Taught them a proper lesson. Nelson’s bold decision to break the enemy line in two columns turned a conventional battle into a decisive one. The result: 22 enemy ships captured or destroyed, zero British ships lost, and British naval supremacy secured for the next century. Nelson was hit and killed during the fight, but his last signal still resonates: “England expects that every man will do his duty.” They did. And then some. From the wooden walls of the age of sail to the modern Commando Force, the tradition of professional, aggressive, and decisive sea power has continued. Trafalgar wasn’t luck, it was training, seamanship, leadership, and the will to close with the enemy and win. Happy Trafalgar Day. The Royal Navy has been setting the standard for a very long time.
1
1
6
379
40 Commando Mortar Troop receive orders before firing. Members of 40 and 45 Cdo RM Mortar Troops honing their skills during Ex Cold Response in Norway on February 9th, 2026.
4
7
77
1,282
A Royal Marine LC from 47 Commando (SRT) uses his night vision capabilities to navigate to shore. Royal Marine Commandos launch from RFA Lyme Bay on a two hour transit through Norwegian Fjords with a wind chill reading of minus 10 degrees before conducting a night raid with inflatable raiding craft on a beach, beginning their exercise in Northern Norway at night.
6
70
955
RMR during a recent training package in Wales.
5
8
109
2,925
A beach survey underway by Royal Marines frogmen, most likely from the 1970s.
2
2
66
1,917
IN LOVING MEMORY OF PAUL KAVANAGH 🕊️ A Royal Marine. A Protector. A Leader. A True Professional. A Friend. It is with immense sadness and heavy hearts that we remember Paul Kavanagh, a highly respected Close Protection Operative, a valued colleague and, above all, a friend who will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. Paul was far more than an exceptional security professional. He was a man of remarkable character, unwavering loyalty and integrity, whose enthusiasm, passion and dedication left a lasting impression on those around him. A former Royal Marines Commando, Paul dedicated over two decades of his life to protecting others. From military operations in Iraq and leading maritime security teams in high-risk environments to protecting international dignitaries, professional athletes and families, his career was a testament to his courage, commitment and professionalism. But beyond his remarkable achievements, it was the man behind them who truly made Paul special. A trusted professional, an enthusiastic leader and someone who naturally inspired confidence and respect. Paul possessed qualities that cannot be taught — genuine character, sound judgement, humility and an unwavering commitment to those who placed their trust in him. For those fortunate enough to have worked alongside Paul, he represented the very best of the Close Protection profession. His experience earned respect, but it was his personality, loyalty and the way he treated others that made him truly memorable. His passing is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, colleagues and the wider security community. Those who knew him will understand just how much he will be missed. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Paul’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Paul, your professionalism earned our respect, your character earned our admiration, and your friendship meant more than words can express. Once a Royal Marine, always a Royal Marine. Rest in peace, Paul Kavanagh. Your legacy will live on through the lives you touched and the respect you earned. You will never be forgotten. 🕊️ The above was written by Wesley Grant, but was better than anything I could have written, and I only served with Kavs for a short while in 2006/7, so Wesley kindly let me share his post.
62
90
11
1,068
18,642
Footage of Killer K Coy, 42 Commando during their recent Ex Strike Warrior where they practiced boarding drills and fast roping with German warship FGS Berlin.
1
1
43
1,100
"People on civvy street are a bunch of wankers".... Fair one. 🤣
1
2
9
1,400
Royal from Killer K Coy during the recent Ex Strike Warrior after boarding a ship.
2
4
111
6,534
Royal Marines from 42 Commando K Company conduct boarding drills, including fast roping, with German warship FGS Berlin, which is currently the flagship for NATO's Standing NATO Maritime Group One. Commandos fast roped from an NH90 helicopter from FGS Berlin and a Merlin helicopter from 824 Naval Air Squadron during Exercise Strike Warrior, while Royal Marines also boarded the vessels from sea boats.
2
6
60
1,001