In pictures: Mural of iconic Falklands Yomper image unveiled to inspire future Royal Marines
A vibrant mural depicting one of the most iconic images in the history of the Royal Marines has been unveiled at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.
Known as 'the Yomper', the photograph taken during the Falklands Conflict shows Corporal Peter Robinson heading towards Port Stanley with a Union Flag flying from his radio aerial.
It was taken by then Petty Officer Pete Holdgate, who deployed to the Falklands in 1982 as a photographer for 3 Commando Brigade.
Before the parade, Mr Robinson met up with Mr Griffin and looked over the mural for the first time.
"Griff has done a great job, and it's of my front for a change, instead of the back of my head!
"It's spectacular. There was nothing like this at CTCRM in my time.
"I always sum up the picture as I'm pleased it's the back of me, as I've always felt it represents everyone, not just me – the Royal Marines, the Paras, the Blues and Royals, all the other regiments and not to forget the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy as well as the civilians and the dockyard workers.
"I was just a very small cog in a very big wheel."
The mural was painted by veteran Royal Marine turned artist David 'Griff' Griffin, who said: "The photo itself is quite grey with the landscape and skyscape of the Falklands, so we decided to base the mural on the statue, which sits down in Portsmouth and has a better vista and a striking image as well.
"Meeting Peter Robinson, the Yomper, has been an enormous pleasure. You don't get to meet the subject which the mural is based on very often."
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
