The Squadron
131 Independent Commando Squadron was first raised in 1947 as an airborne engineer regiment, with a strength of over 1,000 trained parachute engineers. Since 1978 the unit has been an independent squadron of Commando-trained soldiers providing engineering support to the Royal Marines.
As a Commando unit the majority of personnel have completed the Territorial Army All Arms Commando Course, run by the Royal Marines at Lympstone. This demanding course is the foundation for all further training.
As an engineer unit the Squadron trains for a variety of tasks from demolitions to construction. The unit has its own chefs, clerks and mechanics to sustain personnel and equipment.
The unit frequently deploys on tasks with, or to support, the Regular Forces in both the UK and abroad. In recent years the Squadron has deployed personnel on exercises and operations with 3 Commando Brigade units to Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, the USA, Norway, France, Malawi, the Falkland Islands, Jordan, Romania and Egypt .
131 Squadron has sent teams to the annual Exercise Cambrian Patrol competition held at the Sennybridge Training Area and has won the Courage Trophy competition a record five times (1977, 1978, 1992, 1993 and 1994). Over the last 15 years the unit has also built up a strong cross-country skiing pedigree, with a fantastic record in the UK Land Command and National Cross-Country Ski Championships.
Read more about this topic: 131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers
Famous quotes containing the word squadron:
“Well gentlemen, this is it. This is what we’ve been waiting for. Tonight your target is Tokyo. And you’re gonna play ‘em the Star Spangled Banner with two-ton bombs. All you’ve got to do is to remember what you’ve learned and follow your squadron leaders. They’ll get you in, and they’ll get you out. Any questions? All right that’s all. Good luck to you. Give ‘em hell.”
—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)