Royal Marines tackle freezing fjords of Norway

RECONNAISSANCE MISSION AHEAD OF NATO OPERATION

- By HERALD REPORTER

Royal Marine Commandos from Shore Reconnaissance Troop raid a beach at last light

(LPHOT HUTCHINS)

SPECIALIST Royal Marines have carried out discreet reconnaissance missions in the freezing fjords of Northern Norway ahead of a major NATO Arctic operation.

The Shore Reconnaissance Troop (SRT) from the expert Commando Force Boat Operators branch are trained to insert and covertly study complicated coastal areas and decide the best place to conduct large-scale landings.

This is known as advance force operations - essentially going ahead of the main part of an allied spearhead to pave the way for follow on forces by securing beaches, taking out enemy positions and creating a foothold.