RMR on Op Haven 1991
by Mne's Hall, Mair & Lanlaw

On the morning of 24 April 21 ranks from RMR Scotland joined the regular Corps to reinforce units for Op Haven. Having received the initial signal requesting volunteers there followed a few hectic hours of preparation, including interviews with the press and television and a farewell drink with the PSI's and the CO, Lt Col Mike Norman! The bulk of us went to 40 Cdo RM although some joined Cdo Log Regt RM.

We arrived at Norton Manor tired and weary after 9 hours travelling and were only too glad to get our heads down. Inevitably, after umpteen injections in every part of our bodies, the paperwork began. Next-of-kin forms, and just about every other form you can think of had to be filled in. After the paperwork it seems as if we then packed every conceivable item of stores, but eventually we found ourselves on aircraft bound for Turkey. On arrival we were briefed on sunburn, dehydration and various other matters which were already becoming painfully pertinent. The weather was scorching and as we rehearsed our section battle drills the problems of operating in such a harsh climate became clear.

Eventually we moved into Iraq and set up camp at a destroyed village called Nazdur. As the Iraqis had left large numbers of mines around the area had to be cleared by the Assault Engineers before it could be occupied.

What struck us about the Regular Corps was the amount of dripping, even at the smallest task (however we quickly started to copy this ourselves). Another difference was that regulars could quickly adapt to a new situation, due to their wider experience. That said we made up for our initial lack of experience with enthusiasm and quickly integrated into our respective troops despite the occasional remark about being 'rubber daggers'.

We learned a lot during our brief stay with 40 Cdo RM and the experience will be of much use to us back in the RMR. Let us hope that this type of role for the RMR, reinforcing the Corps for specific operations, will become more common in future.