Royal Marines Deliver Emergency Medicine To Stranded Holidaymaker

Royal Marine Arctic driving specialists used their skills to deliver vital medicine to a holidaymaker in North Devon.

The holidaymaker, who suffers from epilepsy, became stranded in Lynton, North Devon, because of the extreme weather conditions.

She was unable to return home to Gloucester and called the emergency services to tell them she was running dangerously low on medication.

Devon and Cornwall Police called on the help of the specialist Commando drivers to reach the woman.

Therefore, specialist snow and ice drivers, Sergeant Gatehouse and Marine Hemmingway, set out along the A39, where snow drifts were up to 10ft, whilst a second team collected the medication from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The marines managed to make it within just over a mile of the cottage and then made the rest of the journey on foot.

Sgt Gatehouse, who led the delivery, said:

"Having previously deployed on operations around the world in every environment imaginable, I knew we would be able to use the skills we have been trained in to provide assistance to a member of the public in vital need."

"Royal Marine Commandos train to operate in some of the most challenging environments in the world..."

The Commanding Officer of CLR RM, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Nicholson RM, added:

"As part of the Royal Navy’s Very High Readiness Brigade, we are used to being on standby for national emergencies, and this includes support to local communities when required.

"Royal Marine Commandos train to operate in some of the most challenging environments in the world, particularly in the extreme cold of the Arctic, and we are always delighted to be able to use this training in support of members of the public in need."

The medicine delivery was one of a number of things the Royal Marines did to help emergency services last week as the Beast from the East hit. 

Over 30 Royal Marines Commandos and Commando Engineers from Chivenor Barracks Royal Marines were deployed with their specialist vehicles throughout Devon.