Title:OPERATION TELIC, IRAQ, 2003: PREPARATIONS IN KUWAIT FOR THE POSSIBLE INVASION OF IRAQ, FEBRUARY-MARCH 2003 (COMBAT CAMERA TEAM TAPE) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BFM 371
Other titles:COLLECTION OF ROYAL MARINES TAPES [Allocated Title]
Summary: Several sequences detailing preparations for Operation Telic.
Description: Members of 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines training at Bubiyan Island off the coast of Kuwait, 27 February 2003. Troop and vehicle movements: Scimitars and other CVR(T)s are reversed from a beach onto a large US Navy LCAC hovercraft. US adviser talks with the men. The vehicles are then driven off, to be replaced by others (Land Rovers, equipment transporters). US Navy LCAC hovercraft. Another LCAC moves past. Further vehicle movements are rehearsed (Combat Engineer Tractors). Scenes on board small Royal Marines hovercraft travelling across the sand and onto the water: details of the hovercraft's capabilities are given by British officer. Close-up of pilot at work; he gives details of his job. Further views of US Navy hovercraft in action.
Helicopter rehearsal, 1 March 2003. Soldiers (British and American ?) gather in the desert ready to be picked up. US Marines helicopter lands, followed by several more. Night shots (image intensifier) of Super Stallion helicopter and personnel, both in the desert and on board. Men board second helicopter with its rotors turning.
Night rehearsal by J Company, 42 Commando, 11 March 2003. Personnel in the desert walking with full kit, some carry anti-tank missiles; shot with image intensifier. Daylight: they take up positions in the desert and advance behind a ridge. Other soldiers hide behind a series of man-made hillocks. Further image intensifier footage: sniper trains his rifle, troops cross the desert towards the camera, quad bike and trailer carry supplies. Daylight again: troops of 42 Commando assemble behind a ridge for an open air church service.
Further rehearsals: NBC drill in a tent, Marines wear gas masks; weapons drill. Image intensifier footage as Marines gather in the desert at night; they relax prior to exercises. Gun on a WMIK Land Rover is cleaned. US Marines elicopters and vehicles in the background. Military music plays: panning shot of gathered (US ?) Marines. Cobra helicopter flies overhead. Marines put on their backpacks and prepare to board (Super Stallion) helicopter.
Alternative Title:COLLECTION OF ROYAL MARINES TAPES [Allocated Title]
Production Details: Royal Marines Video Production Unit (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: British Army (regiment/service)
Royal Navy, Royal Marines, 3 Commando (regiment/service)
Royal Navy, Royal Marines, 40 Commando (regiment/service)
Keywords: Bubiyan Island, Kuwait (geography)
Iraq War, 2003 (event)
Iraq 2003-2009 (theme)
Royal Marines (theme)