Commando Merlin carries out resupply with a difference – and it goes like Clockwork

Members of the Commando Helicopter Force have been carrying out a resupply with a difference during Operation Clockwork in the High North.

Personnel from the CHF, which is part of Joint Aviation Command, are in Norway to maintain their specialist capabilities and develop new tactics alongside the Future Commando Force.

But one of their activities had a less warlike purpose – delivering logs to a number of remote cabins.

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The delivery, which was coordinated by the CHF's Mobile Air Operations Team and volunteers from Op Clockwork, saw 845 Naval Air Squadron delivered roughly three years' supply of logs to the Lappjordhyta cabin.

This is one of the Norwegian Trekking Association's most secluded cabins in the Bardu region.

Although it is not far inland, Bardu is known for its cold winters compared with coastal areas as the surrounding mountains block the milder, coastal air from reaching it.

The Norwegian Trekking Association is Norway's biggest hiking and outdoor activity organisation, and offers members the use of cabins and lodges while hiking or cross-country skiing in various mountain areas.

Some cabins are staffed, while others are either self-service or no-service, meaning essentials such as firewood will be provided, but there will be no provisions, including water.

The UK has conducted cold-weather training in Norway for more than 50 years and is a committed and capable partner in the High North.

It is one of only a small number of nations capable of operating in this demanding environment.