Title:SCENES AT FOB INKERMAN, JANUARY 2009 (TAPE 4) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BFM 295
Other titles:COLLECTION OF ROYAL MARINES TAPES [Allocated Title]
Summary: Operations of Y Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, at Forward Operating Base Inkerman in the Upper Sangin Valley during Operation Ghartse Palang.
Description: Members of 8 Troop on patrol in the Mazak area: they advance through compounds, and take up firing positions overlooking the valley (early part of this section is heavily pixellated). Troop leader surveys the area with binocular-style laser rangefinder (LRF) and makes a radio check; grid references are read out. Troop continues patrol; a search uncovers a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). Sergeant talks to local man; explosives dog plays with his handler. Further weapons, ammunition and explosives are found.
(Section of tape between 22 mins and 41 mins contains no discernible image.)
Marines take up positions in a ditch (the bridge mentioned in the shotsheet is little more than a culvert). OC of 8 Troop gives a situation report. Troops, in position on a rooftop, come under attack from Taliban small arms fire (SAF) and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG); they return fire with their rifles (some with underslung grenade launchers) and 81mm mortars. Smoke rises from the distance as the fighting lulls; OC 8 Troop explains the situation (the Taliban are being observed retreating); 8 Troop stands by. Brief intermittent firing can be heard in the distance.
ROYAL MARINES VIDEO PRODUCTION UNIT SHOTSHEET
The following has been copied, without amendment, from RMVPU electronic shotsheets:
00.00 BARS
00:30 Picture pixilated
01:19 Early morning- 8 troop move into a compound
01:57 Troop taking up firing positions
05:40 AC with LRF, speaks on net
10:03 Troop patrols away from camera
11:10 AC and sunrise
11:35 Troop Sgt on net
13:55 Troop searches maize – RPG find
14:45 Troop Sgt talks to LN
15:08 Biting dog plays with handler
15:50 Troop Sgt talks to LN
16:35 Weapon finds
18:50 Troop patrols twds camera
21:57 AK + mags find
22:19 GASH
41:15 8 troop in ditch fire positions
42:40 Patrol crosses bridge
43:27 8 troop OC piece to camera
44:00 Troops take up fire positions on rooftops
45:28 Troops on rooftops caontacted with SAF and RPG – return fire with UGL, SAF and Lazen
47:18 Troops watch and shoot – mortar stomp
49:40 Taleban firing point after stomp
49:55 OC 8 troop piece to camera
50:37 Royal on roof top
51:05 8 Troop in ditch – contact in distance
56:24 TAPE ENDS
Alternative Title:COLLECTION OF ROYAL MARINES TAPES [Allocated Title]
