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I did a bit of digging and uncovered a complex arsenal of British nuclear weapons, secret bases, storage and atomic weapon research facilities. Plus a very interesting and little known elite Royal Marine unit.
The Royal Marines had responsibility for safeguarding the Royal Navy's nuclear assets in transit. As the Navy had by far the largest inventory of nuclear warheads the Royal Marines appear to have gradually taken over exclusive responsibility for 'riding shotgun' on all nuclear weapons in transit.
3 Commando Brigade found this role proved increasingly difficult from an operational point of view. Royal Marine sub-units took it in turn to be on standby and would only be given only a few hours notice to provide personnel at X in full combat kit and drawn ammunition.
This is where it all ties in with the very tongue in cheek and gloriously camp 1979 action movie North Sea Hijack. When the first North Sea platforms came on stream in 1975, the British government feared a terrorist attack from any one of the active terrorist organisations at the time in Europe and the Middle East, including Black September, Bader-Meinhof, Red Brigades, the PLO and the IRA. The Maritime Counter-Terrorist Force was set up in 1975 in conjunction with 5 Special Boat Squadron (SBS). I remember Wargamers' Newsletter running an article back then with b/w photos about a training exercise conducted by the Maritime Counter-Terrorist Force and a ships' company of Royal Marines.
Some joined up thining in top echelons brought about the formation Commachio Company Royal Marines, which became operational at RM Condor, Arbroath on 1 May 1980. Three hundred strong it fell under the command of Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM) in London. I am led to believe Commachio Company RM, also incorporated 5 SBS, and now had full responsibility for the protection of nuclear weapons in both static sites and in transit, and for the provision of reaction forces to counter terrorist incidents on offshore installations or ships at sea.
Commachio Company Marines, went through an intensive training programme concentrating on weapon handling, public control, close quarter battle, vehicle movement and Rules of Engagement. The goal being to ensure each member of the Company could apply varying degrees of force at specific targets but also judge when that force can be applied.
I would need to do more research but it appears that nuclear weapon convoys were commanded by an RAF Squadron Leader with a Flight Lieutenant as executive officer. Ministry of Defence Police drivers (armed?) drove the lorries and RAF motorcycle outriders escorted the convoy and undertook traffic control. There would also be a police presence and staff from the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE).
Cheers
Mark
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A scenario set on an oil rig could be very, very cool; just think of the awesome terrain you can build for it!
ReplyDeleteWell, yes. Critical Mass Games showed how relatively easy it was on their forum, when they were building a rig as a centrepiece of their Kyushu Bay game.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Mark
I see you chaps have been busy while I have been away. Some very interesting articles. Funnily enough my ex wifes brother was a member of Commachio.
ReplyDeleteCommachio Company has now morphed into Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines and provides security escort for the nuclear weapons convoy alongside Ministry of Defence Police.
ReplyDeleteCommachio Company did the UK. IN BAOR it was a roulement task for an Infantry Battalion until taken over by a Royal Pioneer Corps Company founded within 8 Regt RCT. In the UK there were a number of barracks around the country that had permanent stand by facilities for convoys to overnight in should that be necessary. Was a bit of a pain to be Orderly Officer on a night they decided to use you for bed and breakfast. Final point almost nobody, other than the convoy commander knew if the move was real, a training exercise or a dummy move. They were all treated as real.
ReplyDelete