Wirral Royal Marines, sailors and soldiers join troops in huge Arctic training exercise

Mar 10 2010 by Vicki Kellaway, Heswall News

MARINES and sailors from Wirral were among thousands of troops using the extreme conditions of the Arctic to train for war.

Military leaders believe if you can survive in temperatures falling to minus 30, you can survive anywhere.

Troops practised landing on frozen beaches in boats and helicopters, skiing with their heavy equipment and running operations from Royal Navy ships moored in the Norwegian fjords.

The Nato-run exercise was called Cold Response and lasted more than a month.

More than 8,500 soldiers, marines and soldiers were involved with equipment including warships, submarines, helicopters and fighyer aircraft.

Royal Marine Gareth Lloyd, 28, from New Brighton, said: “The Arctic an excellent place to train. It’s totally different to anywhere else.It was a massive shock to the system.

“But it definitely breeds confidence. Not just in yourself but in your kit.”