SEA cadets were treated to a display in Hamworthy showing how the Army and Marines would land on an enemy beach.

About 180 youngsters aged from 10 to 16 years were at the waterfront part of Poole Royal Marines, off Lake Drive, to see the amphibious landing as joint forces practised their routine on Tuesday afternoon.

In blustery weather conditions, the young people saw members of the Royal Marines, Dutch Marines and Army land on a strip of beach from sea craft including rigid raiding craft (RRC) and landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP).

About 60 marines and 40 from the other forces were involved in the demonstration, and emerged from the vessels with guns and tanks.

A Case tractor rolled off one sea craft and put down an aluminium strip in front of it as it went up the beach, which would stop sinking into the sand.

Cadets came from all over the country to watch the display yesterday, including 25 from Bournemouth Sea Cadet Unit, TS Phoebe and 15 from Parkstone Sea Cadet Unit.

Afterwards they were allowed to go and visit the machinery, talk to the operators, sit in the driving seats and went on a trip in the RRCs.

The event was a practice for the training officers who will come down today and tomorrow - 200 each day. Major Keith Clapson said: "This gives them an insight into the capabilities of each single service. It shows how the services put an amphibious landing together."

The demonstration is done each year for the students of the Joint Services and Command and Staff Course (JSCSC), run from the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom at Watchfield, near Swindon.

This year the JSCSC students from all the UK armed forces are with 18 from Nato, 10 from the Commonwealth and 19 from other countries.

First published: Oct 6