Behind the lines

[El Prez]

I remember the original prog and the follow up, but cannot remember the name of the ML Boss. He used to play rugby for the Corps and Navy, a complete Capt Hurricane creature, met him once or twice and always wonder what ordinary humans made of him.

[sneaky beaky]

Hi folks,
Bootneck - the name Smudge Smith does ring a bell, but it would, wouldn't it!! I can't say I know him. You have to remember I did leave a few years ago!
It strikes me as amazing , that when they do a TV programme about any forces, they are all "Behind Enemy Lines". When I was current ML's were called CL's, (Cliff Leaders). Their role was to scale any cliffs and lead Commando units up them.
I can't see this as a "Behind Enemy Lines " type of operation.
Now I don't profess to know much about the exact current role of ML's - but surely it is in someway similar?
Please don't think of this as sour grapes but I think the SBS would do the "Behind Enemy Lines" bit.
Having said that - All the ML guys I ever met were good. Pity they couldn't transfer to the SBS. They would have been perfect.
Sneaky

[bootneck]

Hi folks,
Bootneck - the name Smudge Smith does ring a bell, but it would, wouldn't it!!
Sneaky

Sneaky, I`ll bet you know, Knocker White, Sharky Ward, Pusser Hill, Buster Brown

[matthewl]

RSM Russ "look at my cool tash" Craig recently had his leaving run at 45 its in the messes (p46) Jan04 Globe & Laurel ...
Lt Smith went on to be Lt. Col and was CO (then MAWC) spent a while down at CTC recently did the 30 miler with YO Batch '03...
Matt...

[Andy O'Pray]

I have not seen the programme and living in Canada I won't see it for another decade, if at all. For the benefit of the younger members it may be beneficial if they knew of the brief history from Cliff Leader (CL) to Mountain Leader (ML). My version may be somewhat lacking in complete accuracy, but having some involvement and in the absence of someone more knowledgeable here goes.

Back in the early 60's and after several successful helicopter assaults, it was realised that the assaults by sea and going up cliffs were beginning to lack in importance. It was also recognised that there was an important task for in unit intelligence gathering, recce troops. This was an ideal place for the CL's. Using the MMG troop as the nucleus, as the MMG's were slated for redundancy, with the addition of CL's, sigs and PW's, voila, we had a recce troop. Many of the requirements of the recce troop required the expertise of the CL's, therefore, they were essential to the troop. During the Radfan that same expertise was required to get the unit onto the high Jebels, often rope assisted climbs.

On appointment to the Northern flank of NATO there was a requirement for Arctic, mountain and ski instructors. Who better than the CL's, hence the birth of the Mountan and Arctic Warfare Cadre, thereafter the CL's became Mountain Leaders (ML's). Their tasks have now progressed from there and they are now very specialised troops with specific jobs within the brigade.

Having spent numerous years in various recce troops I became closely associated with many of the CL's, some of whom were good oppos, who eventually became ML's. Now they are only names talked about around the bar. A damn fine bunch of men.

Aye - Andy.

[El Prez]

they are only names talked about around the bar

'Tosh MacDonald. Last seen on a N Sea platform.
"What are you up to 'Tosh?"
"Money for old rope son!"

[Andy O'Pray]

One of the first recce sections. L/Cpl Andy O'Pray, Mne Tosh MacDonald and Mne Don Macleod. Need I say anymore. On return from a 3 day OP with individual panoramic drawings. Tp C/Sgt exclaims. "Are you sure that you 3 C#@$s were in the same country".

Aye Andy

[Dogwatch]

ML Boss was Captain Lear RM if I'm not mistaken, never met him, believe he made Major, shown in the program riding his Superbike across the parade ground at Stonehouse.

[El Prez]

That's him, thank you.
Big bugger, must have had a special bike made.

[sneaky beaky]

Bootneck - Yes I knew them all - along with Pinky White: Dusty Miller etc. etc.
Andy,
Your first recce section sounds like a good bunch of Scottish boys.!! Were no Sassenachs allowed?!!
Sneaky

[El Prez]

SB, when I joined M flight at 45 it was compulsory to become a paid up member of the SNP. My cries of "F*****g Jocks!" went unheeded by the Boss, who thought it was just the lads at play with the new boy.

[Andy O'Pray]

It just happened that way Sneaky. The Tp C/Sgt was a CL and knew MacDonald and MacLeod well. He probably figured that puting us altogether we wouldn't need a translator, unless we tried to talk to another section.

Aye - Andy.

[Gunny]

Although I'm retired now, I was a Company Mountain Leader with the USMC and was always impressed with the Royal Marines I came in contact with. My Regiment had a RM officer on exchange and when at the ML course there was an RM Colour Sergeant who was an instructor. I also became friends with a RNLMC Sergeant who was on exchange with a different Regiment. All were extremely professional and impressive.

Their stories of their adventures and training were intriguing, especially of the Royal Marines Mountain Leader "Two's Course". I'm always on the lookout for information concerning the RM ML course and training and would appreciate any information in whatever format available.

Semper Fidelis,
Gy