Heroes Calendar 2012

Once A Marine Always A Marine

The previous page was: "Napolionic War Marines"

Welcome to information that is the first of its kind. The Heroes Calendar features front line casualties. These guys have already given enough for their country yet they are willing to offer even more.

By briefly sharing their stories with the world in the hope that they can raise some money for Royal Marine Charities and give back a little to the family that always has, and always will be there to support them.

As the months pass and you turn the pages and read the stories of the young men told in their own words. You will notice that not all of their injuries are visible, some injuries were not sustained on the battlefield, some are not injuries but rather illnesses; but why does that make them any different?

Any man or woman who is willing to put on that uniform and lace up those boots to fight for others deserves recognition. No matter how these men became casualties they all now face daily struggles and fight on a daily basis in their own personal battles.

Yet they are all extremely motivated to achieve their goals and to be the best they can be, despite all they face on a daily basis they still want to do everything they can to help others in simulations ... ITS A BOOTNECK WAY!

The money raised from the sale of the calendars will go towards helping some wounded Royal Marines and establish an RMA Trading Company for charity where they will gain paid employment and stay close to the military network for any support and help they may need in the future.

Napolionic War Marines

January

James Magson Wrote

I joined the Royal Marines on the 5th March 2005 and after completing training I was pretty much rolled into pre-deployment training in preparation for my first operational tour of Afghanistan in 2006, and then again in 2007.

After returning from these deployments I was loaded onto a heavy weapons course and subsequently re-deployed back to Afghanistan in September 2008 on Op Herrick 9.

Whilst there, on the 5th October, I was unfortunately injured by an I.E.D. (improvised Explosive Device) which resulted in me sustaining multiple breaks, fractures and lacerations to the whole of my body including the loss of some teeth, and I spent lots of time in hospital during my initial recovery.

At present I am still undertaking intense rehabilitation nearly 3 years on but am optomitic and looking at a future career in the maritime security idustry.

February

Mark Ormrod Wrote

I joined the Royal Marines in February 2001 after finishing my GCEs in 1999 and successfully completing the Potential Royal Marines Course.

After passing out of training in October that same year I worked at CTCRM Lympstone and 1 Assault Group, Poole, on various security details until until I eventually got drafted to the United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group.

In February we were deployed to Iraq for Operation Telic 1 where we were involved in the initial invasion of Iraq. For that deployment I worked as an attached rank working in the field hospitals with the medics.

After returning from Iraq and settling back into the unit we were later deployed on a short 4 week training exercise in Norway. Later I was attached to Air Defence Troop where I took part in various exercises across the world including another trip to Norway.

Shortly after I decided to leave the Royal Marines and re-train as a bodyguard. After two years as a civvy I decided to re-join the Corps where I was drafted to 40 Commando and straight into pre-deployment training for Afghanistan Op Herrick 7.

On Christmas Eve 2007 whilst out on foot patrol, I stood on and detonated an I.E.D. resulting in me eventually losing both my legs above the knee and my right arm above the elbow.

After 1-2 years of gruelling rehabilitation and learning to walk again I made the decision to again leave the Royal Marines and pursue other things where I thought I could be more productive.

I now work full time for the Royal Marines Association as the Welfare & Operations Assistant and get involved as much as I can with helping to raise money for the cause.

I personally have met Mark; what a wonderful person he is. He drove from Plymouth to Clacton-on-Sea, to help us raise money at the Air Show for the 'Royal Marine Charitable Trust Fund' which is recognised as the Corps family fund which helps the wounded Royal Marines, former Royal Marines and their families in any way they can.

Let's face it, the UK is skint and there is no money in the pot. Everybody wants the Government to do more; I believe they themselves want to do more; but they can't give what's not there, so we have to face up to one fact, like it or not, there is no money in the pot!

If you are able to and you would like to help these Heores reach their target you can make a donation by Texting; 'BOOTNECK' to 70300 Texts cost just £3.00 plus your standard network rate. The RMA will recieve the entire £3.00. Thank You.

March

Joe Townsend Writes

My name is Joe Townsend, I am 23 and live in East Sussex. When I was a lad I had always wanted to Join the Royal Marines and at 17 I went down to my local careers office and signed up to join the Corps.

After passing out of training I joined Delta Company, 40 Commando based in Taunton. Within four days of being there I was deployed on exercise to Sierra Leone.

Being on board ship for three months I got to know my Troop and my role in it pretty fast. Returning from Sierr Leone the 'beat up' for Afghanistan started and specific training for deployment commenced. The training saw us travelling around again with exercises in Denmark and Poland with a lot of time spent on the ranges.

40 Commando deployed to Afghanistan in September 2007. Delta Company spent the first couple of months in Nowzad before moving onto 'Forward Operating Base' Gibraltar.

On 8th February 2008, while on foot patrol, I stood on an I.E.D. that was buried underground and lost both my legs above the knee and suffered numerous injuries.

After five and a half months in Selly Oak hospital I eventually got down to DMRC Headley Court where I started the rehabiliation process of learning to walk with prosthetic legs.

Progress was very slow at first with a lot of setbacks including stints back in hospital for further bouts of surgery. After two years of being at Headley Court I had finished with further surgery for the time being and started to make progress on the prosthetic legs.

After a lot of issues with the fitting of these due to the nature of my injuries I eventually started to be able to wear the limbs for longer each day and for the past nine months now I have given up the wheel chair and remained on prosthetic legs full time.

Currently I am training to complete the 2011 Ironman UK in Bolton to raise money for Service Charities. I will be swimming 2.4 miles, hand cycling 112 miles and pushing a marathon in a racing chair within the cut-off times.

My aspirations are now to get into sport with the aim of achieving Paralympic level and possibly compete in 2016.

April

Matt Abbott writes

I am Corporal Matt Abbott. I joined the Royal Marines in 2003 and after passing training I joined 40 Commando in Taunton where I was deployed on Op Telic 4 in Iraq.

After returning from Iraq I underwent training as a mortarman and then Joined 42 Commando in Plymouth where I completed two challenging tours in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and artic warfare training in Norway.

I was unfortunately injured in 2009 while serving with 45 Commando in Scotland as a Mortar Fire Controller attached to Yankee Company on my third tour of Helmand.

I have spent the last two challenging years at Headley Court and in Hasler Company. Unfortunately due to my injuries, I will be leaving the Royal Marines and will be working eventually as part of my brother's company.

May

Ronnie Ronald Wrote

I am Roni, I joined the Corps in 2001 following completeion of sixth form. I grew up in a Royal Marines family, although it was not thrust upon me. But it was what I had always dreamed about and in July 2001 I stepped off the train at Lympstone!

I would say that I have had quite a fortunate career with the Marines with the jobs I have had and places I have visited. Unfortunately though, at the start of 2008 I began to notice I wasn't 100%.

Following my Junior Command Course I paid my GP a visit over Easter leave and was diagnosed with having a brain tumour. In May 2008 I had major brain surgery to remove the said tumour which put me back to day one meaning I had to learn to walk, talk and do everything that we do in our childhood, all over again, winner!

I am still making improvements even three years on and I hope I continue to do so, so that I can return to my career with the Royal Marines.

I am a keen sportsman and if returning to my career with the Marines is not possible I am hoping I can start a new one within rowing.

June

Joe Zippy Zipfel Writes

I joined the Royal Marines in 2001 and once I had completed the gruelling 32 weeks training I was drafted to 42 Commando where I was fortunate enough to spend the first five years of my career.

I then went on to join Armoured Support Company based in Bovington which later went on to became the Armoured Support Group.

I completed a tour of Iraq in 2003 and three tours of Afghanistan taking part in Op Herrick 5, 7 and 9. On 21st December, whilst deployed on Op Herrick 9, I was tasked as top cover in a Vicking in charge of leading a convoy and 42 Commando's Recce Troop.

During the convoy I was injured by an I.E.D. resulting in numerous varied injuries. I am now part of Hasler Company based in Plymouth and going through continual rehabilitation until I am back to 100%.

Don't forget, if you are able to and you would like to help these Heores reach their target you can make a donation by Texting; 'BOOTNECK' to 70300 Texts cost just £3.00 plus your standard network rate. The RMA will recieve the entire £3.00 "Do It Now" Thank You.

July

Vince Manley Wrote

I joined the Royal Marines on 17th September 1987 at the age of 17. After finishing training I was drafted to 42 Commando (K Comany) where I took part in artic warfare training and was chosen to represent the Corps as a boxer.

I left 42 Commando in 1992 and joined Commachio Group (Fleet Protection Group RM) in Scotland where I stayed until 1995 and then decided I wanted to leave the military and pursue a career in domestic close protection.

Shortly after I joined the Royal Marines Reserve unit in Newcastle (RMR Tyne) until I eventually decided to rejoin the Royal Marines full time in November 1997 and went back to 42 Commando, but this time with Lima Company.

After being promoted and returning from South Armagh (1998) I completed Recce selection where I was placed in the top three and went on to become parachute trained.

After other winter deployments, operational tours including Sierra Leone, Iraq, and then the successful completion of the Junior Command Course, I chose to continue a career in close protection and attend a course in May 2005.

In August I was taken on board by a close protection company and whilst working in Dawaniva, South of Bagdad, I was injured and lost one leg above the knee and one below. I also sustained damage to one of my arms.

I have been fortunate enough to be involved with lots of worthwhile charities and organisations since being injured and have continued to take part in adventurous training and rehabilitation all over the world.

August

John White Has Written

I joined Royal Marines young officer training on 4th September 2002 at the age of 19. After successful completion of training I was drafted to the Commando Logistics Regiment and then 45 Commando before making the decision to specialise as a Mountain Leader.

After completing the course I served with Joint Force Harrier and Brigade Recce Force befor coming Commanding Officer Recce Troop, 40 Commando. On the 3rd March 2010 I was deployed on Op Herrick 12 (Afghanistan) with the men of 40 Commando.

On the morning 15th June at around 0500 whilst out on the ground on a foot patrol in Sangin I stepped on a pressure plate I.E.D. which resulted in me losing both my legs above the knee and one of my arms above the elbow.

I still take part in the activities I enjoyed before my injuries and am hoping now to settle in the South West and undertake a big project where I am going to build my own home.

September

Nigel Lithgow Wrote

I joined the Royal Marines in 1990 straight from school aged 16. Passing out in 1991 I was drafted to 42 Commando in Plymouth where I remained for seven years. After a short spell in Lima Company and Anti-Tank Troop I passed Recce selection where I spent the remaining time in the unit.

Tree tours in Northern Ireland and regular exercises in Norway and the Mediterranean kept me busy. I then spent a year in 45 Commando in Scotland and then back down South on promotion and the long task of becoming a Mountain Leader.

On successfully becoming a ML I spent four years in the Brigade Patrol Troop which saw deployments to Kosovo and the beginning of the Afghanistan campaign. I also completed courses to become a jungle warfare instructor and tracker.

Promotion to Sergeant took me back to 42 Commando and Afghanistan where Juliet Company was tasked with providing force protection to the engineers building the now massive Camp Bastion. I then spent two years out of Brigade at RAF Brize Norton teaching roping from helicopters.

I returned to Brigade Patrol Troop, which forms the base of the larger Brigade Reconnaissance Force, in 2008. The Troop deployed on Op Herrick 9 and I was injured on 12th November 2008.

The Jackal vehicle I was in hit a large I.E.D. and two of my Marines were killed instantly, and an Afghan soldier who was with us later died in hospital after we were airlifted back to Camp Bastion.

I sustained severe internal injuries which led to my heart stopping due to lack of blood. I was revived after 9.5 minutes and after further surgery I was flown back to Britain on my 35th birthday.

I have been undergoing rehabilitation for the past two years and am currently serving in Hasler Company. I am married to Louise and we have a daughter aged five and a son who is one year old who both look after me and keep me on my toes.

October

Johnny Linaker Writes

I joined the Royal Marines in 2006 at the age of 17. After successful completion of training I was sent stright out to serve in a fighting unit.

On 4th December 2008, whilst serving with 45 Commando in Afghanistan I was involved in an I.E.D. strike. I suffered severe injuries as a result includingthe loss of a leg an arm and considerable damage to my other limbs and internal organs.

After a long period of operations and rehabilitation I joined Hasler Comanp based in Plymouth. Here I am preparing myself for the future in the civillian world.

I am unsure of what career path I would like to go down for now but whatever I embark on the future certainly looks bright!

November

Harris Tatakis Wrote

I joined the Corps in 1998 and was passed fit for duty and awarded the Kings Badge (Best Recruit) on 26th February the following year. Straight after training I was loaded onto a signals course and then drafted to the United Kingdon Landing Force Command Support Group.

Whilst at that unit I was deployed on various courses and exercises, and then sent to Kosovo on Op Agricola 4. I was later drafted to the Commando Helicopter Force where I took part in deployments to Oman, Afghanistan Op Jacana, Norway and to Iraq Op Telic.

In 2004 I was loaded onto the Junior Command Course where I was awarded a superior pass, and then drafted to 42 Commando to take part in various exercises.

Later I was drafted to 40 Commando and then back to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines where I underwent training as a Platoon Weapons Instructor and a skill at arms course.

On successful completion of that I was drafted back to 42 Commando where I was a a section commander in Lima Company, and in September 2006 we were deployed back to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 5.

After a reasonable successful deployment we returned to Camp Bastion to go home, and from there we were deployed back in the field and tasked with clearing the sangin Valley. During this operation I was seriously injured when the WM1K Landrover I was commanding hit an anti-tank mine.

I was then flown back to the UK where I spent the next few years undergoing numerous operations to repair the damage caused and going through long and intense rehabilitation.

I have since left the Corps but do my best to stay close in the hope that I will be able to help the other lads going through the system.

I still enjoy adventure training with various military charities, and occupy my free time by working on my property and tending to my land.

December

Phil Eaglesham Writes

I joined the Corps on 18th October 2004 and passed out as an original on the 24th June 2005 I was a member of X-ray Company, 45 Commando. In 2006 I was deployed to Norway with Zulu Company and was then promoted after thatyear to Lance Corporal.

In October 2006 I was deployed to Afghainstan on Op Herrick 5 and after successful completion of that tour I joined Yankee Company and was promoted to Acting Corporal.

In October 2007 I was deployed to Iraq and tasked with the mentoring and training of Iraq Marines working on oil platforms. June 2008 saw me complete skill at arms course and then get drafted to Charlie Comany 40 Commando where I took part in Exercise Taurus, and then in March 2010 I was deployed again to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 12.

Whilst in Afghanistan I contracted an illness known as Q Fever (Helmand Fever). It is an illness which is caused by a bacteria that comes from animals and develops into spores that survive on the ground and are inhaled.

Although the infection has now been treated the after effects are extremely disabling and it has a huge effect on my daily life from doing things like interacting with my family to incapacitating fatigue on even minor exertion. There is no specific treatment for these aspects of the disease and it could take years for me to improve.

The 2012 Calendar

The 2012 Calendar is truely a calendar worth having; I have called it the "Heroes Calendar" because you would think that these brave men could not possibly show more valour than they have already done; but you would be wrong; because once more they are bravely standing tall to let you see the tragedy and the stresses they have and could face.

These Wonderful Heroes have told you their stories because they appreciate the help given to them and their famlies by the Royal Marine and other Military Charities. Their courage never ceases to amaze me.

Here they are letting you into their world; to know the suffering they have been and are still going through; in order to raise funds for others through the Royal Marine Charities.

Registered Charity No. 206003

Don't forget, if you are able to and you would like to help these Heores reach their target you can make a donation by Texting; 'BOOTNECK' to 70300 Texts cost just £3.00 plus your standard network rate. The RMA will recieve the entire £3.00. Thank You.

To Order a 2012 Heroes Calendar please contact Tel: 023 9265 1519 Or to make a larger donation.

If you choose to make a larger donation: Please do give modern-day-commando.com a mention.

The next Link below will be: "Before Commandos"

Heroes Calendar Before Commandos

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