WoD - Thursday 27th September, 2018

Corporal Walker was killed in an explosion that happened near Patrol Base Almas, in Sangin, Helmand province.

He was conducting a joint foot patrol with the Afghan National Army to reassure and improve the security for the local population in the area when the incident took place.

Corporal Stephen Walker RM was born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland on 5 April 1968. He lived in Exmouth with his wife, Leona, and their daughter, Greer, and was also a proud father to his son, Samuel.

He originally joined the Royal Navy on 19 May 1986, qualifying as a cook and serving at HMS Raleigh, HMS Cochrane and on board HMS Cleopatra.

He subsequently transferred to the Royal Marines, entering Recruit Training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines on 12 March 1990, passing for duty on 7 November 1990. During his 20 year career he served across the broad spectrum of Royal Marine Units including; Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, 40 and 45 Commando Royal Marines and the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines as a Recruit Troop Instructor.

He had a widespread background of instructional expertise in areas such as Mortars, Platoon Weapons and Jungle Warfare. He also had considerable operational experience in theatres such as Northern Ireland, southern Turkey and northern Iraq and, most recently, Afghanistan. In 2005, he excelled in his Junior Command Training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, placing in the top three students on his course.

This much deserved promotion gave him the opportunity to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experience to his young marines, something for which he felt extremely passionate about.

Joining 40 Commando Royal Marines in July 2009, he immediately conducted Mission Specific Training for deployment to Afghanistan.

In April 2010, he deployed with Alpha Company, 40 Commando to Op HERRICK 12, employed as a Section Commander based out of Patrol Base ALMAS. His Company had been responsible for providing security, thereby increasing their freedom of movement, to the people of Sangin during his time in Afghanistan.

On the morning of Friday 21 May 2010, Alpha Company was conducting a reassurance patrol, alongside the Afghanistan National Army, near Patrol Base ALMAS. At approximately 0850 hours local time, north of the Patrol Base an explosion occurred. Tragically Corporal Walker was killed in action as a result of the blast.

Moments prior to the explosion, Corporal Walker was heard to say ‘If anything goes off now my wife will never forgive me', tragically demonstrating the famous Commando quality: cheerfulness in the face of adversity.

May he rest in peace, fall out Royal.

Stephen Walker
5 Rounds For Time of:
21 Toes To Bar
5 Front Squats (100/70kg)

Please write completed times to comments…

WoD - Wednesday 26th September, 2018

Marine Jonathan Wigley of Zulu Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, died as a result of injuries sustained on Tuesday 5 December 2006, in southern Helmand, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained while on an Afghan and UK Task Force force operation on the outskirts of the village of Garmsir. The patrol was attempting to dislodge Taliban forces who had been responsible for attacks on the town in recent days.

Marine Wigley was killed in a “blue on blue” or friendly fire incident, ruled by a coroner to have been caused by human error.

Marine Wigley, 21, was engaged in a gun battle with the Taliban in Helmand province when he was hit by gunfire from an American F18 aircraft as he lay in a ditch. He died almost instantly from severe chest wounds.

The coroner said the American jet mistook members of Zulu Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines for insurgent forces, which were situated 430 metres (1,400ft) away. Their positions, near a strip of trees and Taliban compounds, were very similar, he told the inquest.

He said: "Pilot One misidentified the target, in part due to similarities in the tree lines and their proximity to building complexes, and in part due to human factors."

The coroner added that the process of strafing ground targets from a low-flying, fast-moving aircraft was very complex.

The inquest had heard evidence from the American investigation into the death, which described how the pilot made the mistake.

Jonathan Wigley was born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, on 5 July 1985, and joined the Royal Marines in 2002, aged 17. After passing out of training in early 2004, he went direct to 45 Commando Royal Marines.

Before deploying to Afghanistan, Marine Wigley had served in Northern Ireland and with the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines before attempting selection for 45 Commando’s Reconnaissance Troop. He excelled in this, showing immense determination and tenacity to pass the course despite sustaining a broken foot during the selection process. Throughout his service, Marine Wigley’s soldiering skills were of the highest standard.

A keen outdoor enthusiast, Marine Wigley particularly enjoyed hill walking and climbing. Prior to joining the Royal Marines he had been a competitive gymnast, already well-used to the frequent and hard training that he so evidently enjoyed in the Royal Marines. He approached everything he did with impressive dedication, not least his motorcycle test. His bike was his pride and joy as he commuted to and from Arbroath with his friends.

He was a fantastic character to be around and extremely popular among those with whom he served. Above all, Marine Wigley was full of life and a friend to all of the many members of 45 Commando who knew him well. He will be sorely missed by all those who were privileged to serve alongside him.

He leaves behind his parents Clive and Sharon. Rest In Peace Royal, fall out.

Jonathan Wigley
2 Rounds of:
Within 12 minutes:
85 Calorie Row
In the remaining time complete as many rounds as possible of:
5 Handstand Push Ups
12 Kettlebell Swings (32/24kg)
6 Burpees
No rest between rounds, continue the AMRAP on round 2.

Please write completed rounds to the whiteboard…

WoD - Thursday 20th September, 2018

On Wednesday 21 February 2007 Royal Marine Jonathan "Dutchy" Holland, from 45 Commando died as a result of injuries sustained from a mine strike, while on a routine patrol in the Sangin Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Jonathan Holland was born on 15 December 1983. He joined the Royal Marines in 2002. After passing out of Commando Training, Royal Marine Holland joined 45 Commando Royal Marines and at the time of his death he was the longest serving member of Whiskey Company, a fact of which he was extremely proud.

In 2003 he deployed on Operation FRESCO, fighting fires during the firemen’s strike, before deploying on peace-keeping duties to Northern Ireland on Operation BANNER later that year. Following an injury, he became the Company Clerk for a period, during which he took part in exercises in the USA. He worked tremendously hard to regain full fitness and set his heart on deploying with his friends and colleagues to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK in October 2006.

Marine Holland was an exceptional soldier, dedicated to his comrades and entirely at ease in the harsh environments in which he worked and trained. He was superb company; a gregarious, outgoing character, and extremely popular among those with whom he served. Above all, his ability to see the funny side of almost anything was legendary within his Company. Tough but compassionate, in Afghanistan he would often be found up late at night listening to the cares and concerns of the men with whom he lived so closely.

Brought up in Chorley, he was extremely close to his loving family. He adored his fiancee, Hayley, and was giving serious thought to leaving the Marines to spend more time with her and perhaps buying a house together.

Prior to joining the Royal Marines Jonathan had been very keen on martial arts, and still retained his love of the sport within the Corps. He enjoyed reading books on mixed martial arts in his spare time, and would often practice new moves or holds on his mates and brother.

Most of all, Marine Holland was a kind, unselfish man who was always there for those that needed him. He was immensely popular and well respected by all who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.

Jonathan Holland
For time:
4 Rounds of:
7 Overhead Squats (50/35kg)
15 GHD Sit Ups
Rest 1min
83 Wall Balls (20/14lbs)
Rest 1min
2 Rounds of:
21 Pull Ups
7 Overhead Squats (70/50kg)

Please write completed times to the whiteboard…

WoD - Wednesday 19th September, 2018

Marine James Robert Wright was part of Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, serving as part of Combined Force Nad ‘Ali (North). On 5 August 2011 his patrol was involved in a significant engagement with insurgents in the Shpazh Gerebian area of Nad ‘Ali district.

After being pinned down by accurate fire for several hours, the patrol managed to extract themselves back to their base at Checkpoint Kamiabi. The checkpoint then came under attack from small arms fire and underslung grenade launchers. Marine Wright was wounded by a grenade which was fired into the checkpoint. He was extracted to the hospital at Camp Bastion where sadly, despite medical treatment, he later died of his wounds.

Marine James Wright was born on 18 November 1988 in Weymouth, Dorset, where he grew up with his parents, David and Sallie, and younger sister, Katie. He attended Wey Valley School and Weymouth College before joining the Royal Marines in November 2008.

He passed fit for duty in July 2009 and joined Juliet Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, making many close friends and carving a very successful career. He was an immensely proud Juliet Company ‘Jester’ and lived up to the true spirit of the Company; hard working, professional yet socially robust. Before deploying to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 14 he participated in many exercises and adventures including summiting Ben Nevis, conducting amphibious assault training in America on Exercise AURIGA and mastering the slopes during the Navy ski championships in France.

For Marine Wright, being in the Royal Marines was the supreme job and he was looking forward to a long and successful career wearing the coveted Green Beret; he believed “it’s more than just a beret; it’s a state of mind”. Marine Wright had a close family and long-term girlfriend, Shelley, who he cared for deeply, loved and enjoyed spending time with.

James will be sorely missed by his grandparents, father, David, mother Sallie, sister Katie, and partner Shelley, who is expecting their baby. He will be remembered as a loving son, a brother, godfather and friend.

James Robert Wright
Within 8 minutes, complete as many rounds and reps as possible of:
18 Calorie Row
11 Push Jerk (60/40kg)

Please write completed rounds and reps to the whiteboard…