Tri-Service
Reports: Royal Marines Guarding Trident Base Accused Of Bullying
Recruits at Faslane, the home of Britain's nuclear weapons, have allegedly been subjected to illegal "beastings" by Royal Marines guarding the base, according to reports.
Up to 12 young commandos in the Fleet Protection Group were allegedly forced by superiors to take part in initiation ceremonies at the submarine base in Scotland, the Times quoted a source as claiming.
The source reportedly added that the “rite of passage” would have most likely involved having to do 100 press-ups with someone sitting on their back. It's understood that no one was seriously hurt.
The Royal Navy police has begun an investigation. A spokesperson said:
"Members of the naval service are assisting Royal Navy police with an investigation. We do not tolerate any form of harassment or bullying and take all allegations very seriously. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
It comes after a Royal Navy submariner was discharged from the Armed Forces after he went on the run last year, having published claims about the safety of the UK's nuclear deterrent and Trident fleet.
Able Seaman William McNeilly avoided a court martial, but was discharged after being told his services were "no longer required".
Among the submariner's claims were accusations that there had been fires in missile compartments, alarms muted so people could ignore them, and of security breaches at Faslane.
The Army, meanwhile, was heavily criticised by a coroner recently over its treatment of a young recruit who died from heatstroke after being subjected to a beasting.
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