Iconic 'Yomper' image recreated at Marines base

A MURAL depicting one of the most famous images in the history of the Royal Marines has been unveiled at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.

- WMN REPORTER

Known as 'the Yomper, the picture shows Corporal Peter Robinson heading towards Port Stanley with a Union Flag flying from his radio aerial.

It was taken by the then Petty Officer Pete Holdgate, a former Western Morning News picture editor, who deployed to the Falklands in 1982 as a photographer for 3 Commando Brigade.

It has since become an image symbolising the conflict and the Royal Marines' indomitable fighting spirit.

It is hoped that the mural will inspire, encourage, and motivate current and future trainee Royal Marines during their basic training at Lympstone.

Special guest for the unveiling was Yomper Peter himself who was at Lympstone for the pass out parade of The Kings Squad, 374B Recruit Troop, where his nephew Marine Ryley Jones was presented with his coveted Green Beret in the presence of families and the guest of honour, Lieutenant General Charlie Stickland RM.

Painted by ex-Royal Marine David 'Griff' Griffin, the spectacular mural on the outside wall of the Falklands Hall at Commando's training base, has transformed a blank space.