Podcast S3 #046 The Royal Marines Mountain And Arctic Warfare Cadre

“The cadre that I knew in the Falklands set standards of excellence in soldiering skills that were never bettered by anyone, including the SAS and SBS. This professionalism included never making map reading errors, the skilful use of ground, excellent tactics in engagements, dexterity in calling for and adjusting supporting fire, and the ingenious siting of OPs close to the enemy. The cadre performed these and other tasks without hubris of the kind that led others to near, and sometimes actual, disaster, through ignoring advice or as the result of incompetence or second rate soldiering.”
Maj Gen Julian Thompson

POD GUEST

Our guest on this podcast is former Royal Marine and member of the Mountain & Arctic Warfare Cadre Nige Devenish. Nige, whose father was in the RAF, was born in Aden and raised in various locations due to his father’s career and post service job in the pub trade. On leaving school in the early 70s he worked in an office job in London but was unsatisfied with the career path he had chosen. One day in 1973, while passing the Royal Navy recruiting office, Nige came across a poster showcasing the history of the Royal Marines and decided to give it a shot. After undergoing an initial interview and tests he received a letter inviting him to join the Royal Marines much to his father’s disbelief who informed him “You’ve got no chance”. Nigel served 22 years in the Corps considering it the best private members club in the world. Eight of those years were with the Cadre and its successor, the Brigade Patrol Troop (BPT). He was also the last Sergeant Major of the Cadre and the first when it became the Brigade Patrol Troop in the early 90s.

On this episode we discuss the history of the cadre, their role as the Brigade Recce Troop in the Falklands and what their success on operations down south meant for the future of the unit.

THE MOUNTAIN AND ARCTIC WARFARE CADRE DOCUMENTARY

Behind the Lines is a 1985 BBC documentary following the progress of 25 prospective members of the Royal Marines Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre. Set over 7 episodes it gives an interesting insight to training at that time. Currently available on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

THE FALKLANDS WAR

“I think that patrol encapsulated the real merits of the reconnaissance leaders, (and) the intelligence and the surveillance skill set.”
Nige Devenish

On the pod we talked about the cadre’s observation and recce on Goat Ridge between Mount Harriet and Two Sisters held by a Bn of enemy infantry. This patrol provided vital intelligence for the final assault by Royal Marines on the approach to Stanley, the final objective, and in Nige’s opinion epitomised the skills of the cadre. Also discussed are the OPs set up in enemy territory and the raid at Top Malo House and Nige provides a fascinating insight into this small but highly trained unit who contributed significantly to the final British victory.

“The cadre carried out a number of brilliant operations, but to me the piece de resistance was their action at Top Malo House. The outcome was to eliminate the Argentine Special Forces OPs from the high ground overlooking 3 Cdo Bde approach to Mount Kent and its adjoining features, the jumping off place for the Bde’s battles for Stanley. So the Argentines remained unaware of our approach by this route, and the direction of our initial attacks came as a surprise. The Top Malo battle is a demonstration of how a small body of men can have an influence on the course of one phase of a campaign”.
Maj Gen Julian Thompson

Steve Nicholl a member of the Cadre on a subsequent visit to the Falklands with a 66mm shot out of his hands at the time of the firefight at Top Malo House.

*Plaque at the site of the Top Malo House Action*

MORE FALKLANDS WAR PODCASTS

This is the fifth podcast we have recorded on the Falklands war having previously covered 3 Paras battle for Mount Longdon, 148 Bty and naval gunfire, the Royal Marines band and operations by 22 SAS. Links below.