539 Raiding Squadron RM

539 Raiding Squadron (539 RS) is 3 Commando Brigade's integral operational amphibious movement capability, delivering them on to land from water and patrolling waterways. It forms part of 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines. The Squadron are based in the new Royal Marines Tamar complex at the northern end of HMNB Devonport.[1]

539 Raiding Squadron
Cap Badge of the Royal Marines
Active1984-Present
Country United Kingdom
BranchNaval Service
TypeMarines
Commando
Light infantry
RoleAmphibious support
Size~ 100 personnel
Part of47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines
Garrison/HQRM Tamar, Plymouth
Nickname(s)The Royals
HM Jollies
Bootnecks
The Royal Machines
Motto(s)Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea By Land) (Latin)
MarchQuick - A Life on the Ocean Wave
Equipment
  • Landing Craft Utility
  • Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel
  • Commando Raiding Craft
  • Offshore Raiding Craft
  • Inflatable Raiding Craft
Commanders
Captain-GeneralKing Charles III
Commanding OfficerColonel Richard Maltby
Squadron CommanderMajor Dan Wake RM

History
A 539 Assault Squadron Landing Craft Air Cushioned (hovercraft) during the 2003 Iraq War

539 Assault Squadron was formed on 2 April 1984 and commissioned as operational on 24 July 1984. This was in direct response to lessons learned during the Falklands Conflict in 1982.[2] More recent operations include Operation Telic. 539 ASRM supported 3 Commando Brigade as it took the Al-Faw Peninsula, carrying out numerous operations such as several landings and the clearing of various waterways. 539 ASRM continued to operate in Iraq, performing security patrols of Iraq's southern ports and water networks until the end of Operation Telic.[3]

In July 2011 a landing craft from RFA Cardigan Bay landed two Vikings and Royal Marines of 539 Assault Squadron in Somaliland. They penetrated several miles of insecure territory to meet up with an important clan chief and take him back to Cardigan Bay for a meeting with MI6 and Foreign Office officials. This was part of Exercise Somaliland Cougar, an operation to train Somali coastguards in anti-piracy techniques and to establish relationships with tribal leaders.[4]

As of 2017, the Squadron consisted of over 100 personnel and was equipped with a variety of Landing Craft including Rigid Raiders and Landing Craft Vehicle/Personnel. 539 Assault Squadron was named after the famous 539 Assault Flotilla which landed on Gold Beach during the Invasion of Normandy.[5]

On 5 November 2019 the unit was renamed 539 Raiding Squadron and is a Squadron within 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines.[6]

References
  1. "Royal Marines raiders swarm up the Tamar to new £30m home". Navy News. 4 June 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  2. "539 Assault Squadron RM". Royal Navy. Archived from the original on March 31, 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  3. "539 Assault Squadron". Elite UK Forces. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  4. "Royal Navy's Cougar 11 deployment returns". Ministry of Defence. 8 August 2011. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
  5. "Marines on anniversary parade". BBC. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  6. "Royal Marines Assault Group Renamed". Forces Network. 5 November 2019. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
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