539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines Tribute


The section of the beach with the Lifeboat Station to your right facing the promenade was the landing area chosen by a troop of Royal Marines commandos from 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, who came ashore quietly and unannounced by landing craft in the early hours of the morning of 27th September 1989 – just five days after the Provisional IRA bombing atrocity.

They brought with them a white floral wreath in the shape of a fouled white anchor, which was laid amongst many other tributes at the Cavalry Gate of South Barracks. After two minutes of respectful silence, the commandos saluted and returned to their landing craft on the shingle beach. They then left as quietly as they had arrived having paid their own personal tribute to their eleven Royal Marines Musician colleagues.

ITN News coverage of the tribute from 27 September, 1989

Turn left and continue up The Strand to the Royal Marines Association Club on your left.