Description
Object description
Commandos on exercises in Kuwait prior to the invasion of Iraq.
Content description
Further scenes on Bubiyan Island: Queen's Dragoon Guards armour is secured onto the deck of LCAC-31; the Marines are assisted by a black US Navy loadmaster. "Jolly Roger" flag flying. High angle view of the fully laden hovercraft. Alongside, LCAC-58 is prepared for loading. Armour is driven off LCAC-31 at the end of the loading exercise; lorries and other support vehicles are now driven on board. Senior Royal Marine officers (including Lieutenant Colonel Dutton) talk with US counterparts as the loading exercises continue. Hovercraft movements. Camp Coyote: under a camouflage net, armourers of 42 Commando repair a number of small arms. II. Ceremony held on 2 March 2003. US Marines of 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) march up in formation and gather at the edge of Camp Coyote, near the Commando Logistic Regiment's location. Members of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines form up alongside; they are ordered to remove their sunglasses. Standing on top of an armoured personnel carrier, Sergeant Major Kinney of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, gives an inspirational address (including anti-French jokes, a reference to France's refusal to take part in the Multi-National Task Force). The men are called to attention as Lieutenant General J T Conway (CO 1st Marine Expeditionary Force) approaches and climbs on board the APC. He addresses the troops, giving a bullish speech and inspirational speech, referring to various topics, including the threat of terrorism, public opinion and the preparation for possible invasion. He also stresses the amount of air support that will back up the ground forces: examples of the air power flies overhead on cue. He stresses that this is not an attack on the Iraqi people, and also stresses that surrendered Iraqi forces were to be treated fairly. "Do your duty to the best of your ability." He also discusses fear, and how it is a a natural battlefield emotion; but "don't let it grab you". He also emphasises the quality of medical assistance that will be available, before blessing the UK and US. After his speech, he holds a ceremony in which a US Marine is given an honourable discharge, and several others are promoted.
Physical description
Beta-SX (Sony)