'Royal Marines, to your duties': Recruits from King's Squad pass out at Lympstone

Twenty-four recruits have passed out as fully-fledged Royal Marines at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.

The personnel, complete with their new green berets, took part in the King's Squad passing out parade, only the fourth full King's Squad ceremony to take place during the coronavirus pandemic, with family and friends proudly watching on.

Inspecting the troops was Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the first female admiral in the Royal Navy.

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One of those passing out, Marine Joseph Gowith, was awarded the prestigious King's Badge – given to the best all-round recruit.

He told Forces News it was a "really proud… amazing day", with the training "definitely the toughest thing" he has ever done.

"There's been weeks where you've thought 'wow, is this really going to end?'" he said.

Marine Gowith added that while it was tough, he feels as though he is now "a part of something really special".

"The relationships you develop with the lads… you're with when you're here, it's insane," he said. "The brotherhood that you get is just amazing."

Alongside British recruits, a number of those passing out were from the Commonwealth.

Marine Jacob Coutu, from Canada, told Forces News he applied for the Marines after learning they were accepting Commonwealth applicants.

"I applied online, went through the process, got accepted and came here for my 36-week job interview," he said.

Now, the latest set of Royal Marines celebrate their success before heading to their assigned units, their final command on the parade square: "Royal Marines, to your duties."