‘The Making of a Royal Marines Commando’ exhibition finds new home in Action Stations at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

A permanent new gallery describing the training of Royal Marines Commandos has been relocated from the Royal Marines Museum in Eastney to Action Stations in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

What to expect during the exhibition 

‘The Making of a Royal Marines Commando’ takes visitors stage by stage through the 30 weeks of RM Commando training and gives them the opportunity to step into the boots of an RM Recruit. Using a broad mix of interactive exhibits, from high tech ones like an SA80 rifle simulator, to finding out how to fold your shirt ‘Globe and Laurel’ style, the exhibition requires active participation from visitors! It also includes a range of objects especially acquired for the exhibition, including equipment used by Mountain Leaders, Snipers and Aircrewmen. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the display is that most of the narrative for the exhibition is through the words of Royal Marines themselves.

Nine ‘raw’ Royal Marine recruits were recorded as they embarked upon one of the most demanding military training courses in the world at Lympstone’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre. They tell their story – from their earliest thoughts on arrival at Lympstone, through to their reflections on earning the coveted Green Beret. This is complimented by moving and still images, and sets which include part of an Inflatable Raiding Craft and an original kit locker from the Foundation Wing at Lympstone where recruits spend their first few weeks.

Head of Exhibition and Collections, Nick Hewitt says:

 'This dynamic gallery combines interactive displays, physical activity and personal stories; it brings visitors close to the unique ethos of the Royal Marines – courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness'.

Located in Action Stations, where you can also scale a climbing wall, experience the thrills of piloting a Merlin helicopter and test your skills on the on the Ninja Force assault course, the new exhibition is well integrated alongside high-octane and high-tech activities for all the family to enjoy.