RM PT BRANCH CENTENARY BROCHURE (1971) : simplebooklet.com

INTRODIJCTIONTHtr CENTURYWhen Captain J. Straghan, R.M., passed through a course of instruction in 'Gymnasia' atWoolwich Headquarters on 27 March, 1869, it was probably not realisecl what lay ahead. In 1871he was appointed as Gymnasia Instructor, while serving as Adjutant to the Walmer Depot of theRoyal Marines. This was the start of it all.The Royal Marines Physical Training Branch has now reached its Centenary. It has survivedthe various defence cuts, re-organisations, amalgamations and general trials which have decimatedand changed most other branches of the Royal Marines. It is the oldest surviving separate branchof a corps which is over three hundred years old.The airas of the Royal Marine Physical Training Instructor have probably changed little overthese years. In simple terms the branch aims to get and keep the Royal Marine fit. The branchalso provides the organisation, administration, teaching and coaching for all sports played in theCorps, besides providing a great majority of the active and more successful players.The home of this most famous of branches of the Royal Marines remains where it was onehundred years ago. Since that time, only men of the highest calibre have been allowed to passout from the demanding 'qualifying' courses and been initiated into the immensely proud andfiercely loyal Physical Training Branch.During this long period the branch has been famous throughout the services and often thecountry for its humour, high standards and energy. The many characters who have served asPhysical Training Instructors are legion. The stories told about springers are part of Corps folk-lore. The incredible achievements, the exploits and the laughter are what has given us thisCentenary.5

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A MII\I HISTORY OF THE RM PTBRAI\CHThe Royal Marines Physical Training Branch owes its origins to the Army, who were kindenough to train Captain J. Straghan, R.M., at Woolwich in 1868/69, passing him as 'certified' on17 March, 1369. Ha then moved down to the Walmer Depot in order to become Adjutant. Hewas subsequently appointed as Inspector of Gymnasia with the building of the Physical TrainingSchool at Deal. Thi.s-appointment was inclusive of Army inspecting duties. He held the appoint-ment until 1876 and was subsequently retired as unfit for general service on 5 July, 1879, andgiven the honorary rank of Major.Since 1878, when Captain C. F. La Coste, R.M., is recorded as holding the appointment of'Inspector of Gymnasia', the appointment and the exact continuity of the branch has been re-corded in the Navy List. The Depot trained Physical Training Instructors, though they wereknown as P & RT Instructors and tended to stay in pure PT duties once they had qualif,ed.Around the turn of the century the Admiralty finally got around to building the RN Schoolof Physical Training at Flathouse Road, Portsmouth, and so bring themselves into line with theArmy' PT Corps, which was started in 1860. The founding of the Royal Naval Physical TrainingBranch has meant that the two Physical Training Branches of the Naval Service has been able toenjoy a long and happy partnership, though the Corps earlier steps into the Physical Trainingworld are still recognised in the Royal Navy by the historical Corps appointments in Navalestablishments.Initially courses varied in length, but by the early 20th Century the minimum qualifying timewas six months, with an upgrading course of three months. Subjects such as fencing and boxingwere the main sports in which the P & RT Instructors had to be particularly well qualified andthe main emphasis was on class taking ability and practical performance on agility and apparatus.The typical examination list included: 'PTCT, PT Prac, PECT, Medical, Bayonet, Sabre, Boxing,PT Prac. RT Theory, Swimming, Apparatus, PT Theory, Vaulting, Notebook.'Curiously enough it was not until the early fifties that the main examination syllabus alteredand the emphasis shifted away from the total commitment to class taking standards and practi-cal performance on apparatus. The realisation that team sports were gradually gaining ground onsome of the traditional Corps sports such as fencing and boxing, meant that the period allocationhad to be altered to recognise the fact.Throughout the fifties the syllabus was gradually changed, chipped and re-organised. Thisprocess went on during the sixties, in keeping with the general turmoil which has surrounded theservices during the same period. The old school became a Wing during this same period, theInspector of Physical Training moved to Portsmouth and back again, before finally ending up atPortsmouth as Corps Sports Secretary (in addition). The traditional post of RSM of the PTSchool was abandoned and PT Q took his place as the Senior Instructor on the floor.During all this time the Royal Marines NCO volunteered for a PT Course and was trainedat Deal. The trained Instructor would then serve a tour as a PTI and then in either a Commandoor a ship, return again to the PT Branch for a tour and then go olT again to either sea or landservice. The PTI has, since the war, certainly, always had to face this split in service and thestruggle to retain the necessary knowledge to be an expert in physical training or games/sportscoaching when employed as such. That most members of the branch have succeeded in this dualrole, emphasises the calibre of the men recruited into the branch.And thus it is that the branch has reached its Centenary in 1971. The qualifying instructordoes a course of sixteen weeks and the requalifyer does eleven weeks. The PT Officer doesnearly six months training. The Staff Instructor is no longer required to do a course, but is madea probationary instructor for three months and then upgraded if his knowledge and personalperformance is reckoned to be of a suitably high standard.7

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A MII\I HISTORY OF THE RM PTBRANCHThe Royal Marines Physical Training Branch owes its origins to the Army, who were kindenough to train Captain J. Straghan, R.M., at Woolwich in 1868/69, passing him as 'certified' on27 March, 1869. He then moved down to the Walmer Depot in order to become Adjutant. Hewas subsequently appointed as Inspector of Gymnasia with the building of the Physical TrainingSchool at Deal. Thi.s appointment was inclusive of Army inspecting duties. He held the appoint-ment until 1876 and was subsequently retired as unfit for general service on 5 July, 1879, andgiven the honorary rank of Major.Since 1878, when Captain C. F. La Coste, R.M., is recorded as holding the appointment of'lnspector of Gymnasia', the appointment and the exact continuity of the branch has been re-corded in the Navy List. The Depot trained Physical Training Instructors, though they wereknown as P & RT Instructors and tended to stay in pure PT duties once they had qualifled.Around the turn of the century the Admiralty finally got around to building the RN Schoolof Physical Training at Flathouse Road, Portsmouth, and so bring themselves into line with theArmy PT Corps, which was started in 1860. The founding of the Royal Naval Physical TrainingBranch has meant that the two Physical Training Branches of the Naval Service has been able toenjoy a long and happy partnership, though the Corps earlier steps into the Physical Trainingworld are still recognised in the Royal Navy by the historical Corps appointments in Navalestablish ments.Initially courses varied in length, but by the early 20th Century the minimum qualifying timewas six months, with an upgrading course of three months. Subjects such as fencing and boxingwere the main sports in which the P & RT Instructors had to be particularly well qualified andthe main emphasis was on class taking ability and practical performance on agility and apparatus.The typical examination list included: 'PTCT, PT Prac, PECT, Medical, Bayonet, Sabre, Boxing,PT Prac. RT Theory, Swimming, Apparatus, PT Theory, Vaulting, Notebook.'Curiously enough it was not until the early fifties that the main examination syllabus alteredancl the emphasis shifted away from the totaL commitment to class taking standards and practi-cal performance on apparatus. The realisation that team sports were gradually gaining ground onsome of the traditional Corps sports such as fencing and boxing, meant that the period allocationhad to be altered to recognise the fact.Throughout the fifties the syllabus was gradually changed, chipped and re-organised. Thisprocess went on during the sixties, in keeping with the general turmoil which has surrounded theservices during the same period. The old school became a Wing during this same period, theInspector of Physical Training moved to Portsmouth and back again, before finally ending up atPortsmouth as Corps Sports Secretary (in addition). The traditional post of RSM of the PTSchool was abandoned and PT Q took his place as the Senior Instructor on the floor.During all this time the Royal Marines NCO volunteered for a PT Course and was trainedat Deal. The trained Instructor would then serve a tour as a PTI and then in either a Commandoor a ship, return again to the PT Branch for a tour and then go off again to either sea or landservice. The PTI has, since the war, certainly, always had to face this split in service and thestruggle to retain the necessary knowledge to be an expert in physical training or games/sportscoaching when employed as such. That most members of the branch have succeeded in this dualrole, emphasises the calibre of the men recruited into the branch.And thus it is that the branch has reached its Centenary in 1971. The qualifying instructordoes a course of sixteen weeks and the requalifyer does eleven weeks. The PT Officer doesnearly six months training. The Staff Instructor is no longer required to do a course, but is madea probationary instructor for three months and then upgraded if his knowledge and personalperformance is reckoned to be of a suitably high standard.7

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-The subjects on which the qualifier is now required to pass out are as follows: Class taking,crickit, hockty, rugby, basketbali, minor games, athletics, swimming, judo, gymnastics, medical,general duties, PT theory and PT practical.Times have changed and the emphasis has moved onto coaching and knowledge. It is adifferent Corps, serving a different country in a difterent world.The present day Physical Training branch is strong. .The _l.nspector of Physi9.11 Training. isUur"a ui Eastney u,ia nir branch Seco-nd in Command ls the Officei Commanding.Physical Train-ins Wi"s at Deal. The methods of training have altered and the Recruit is trained in a morescientific'and essentially concentrated mannir, in keeping with a shorter basic training periodallowed. Standards remain high, though the emphasis is different.We have reached our Centenary. We have survived, where others have not survived. Wetave adapted the branch to face thi new challenges_of a new physical training and sporting*uria. Mhy fine men have served in the branch. Man_y_ fine. men lost their lives during two;;;iA *uir "o. during the many minor campaigns in which the Royal Marines have been in-volved. In this centeiary year, it is particulaily-these men that we remember - men on whose"ru-pfr ifr" present brdeci of Royal^Marines Physical Training [nstructor is building for thefuture.8

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TWO DECADES OF CLUBSA young, slim, fair-haired, blue-eyed L/Cpl walked into the Gym neariy twenty years ago.First impressions in those days were frightening. From Form Up to Voluntary your mind and bodywere subjected to more physical pain and mental anguish than even Ian Fleming could imaginefor James Bond.The long rope hanging from the bell tower in No. 2 Gymnasium, how your chest swelledwith pride when your name was carved in the Gym roof for all to see.The thrill of receiving a long point smack in the chest from a spring bayonet. Wonderingwhy the paclding until the spring failed and it plunged half way through your chest.The pride of delivering your immaculate straight left and the painful realisation of the effec-tiveness of a right cross counter from one of the pugilistic experts on the Depot Staff.Why must a qualifier enter everything you gasp to youiself as you swim, run, box and fencein unit events.The buzz is that we are being used for the SPTI Course Class taking exam. Sure enoughnext morning, there on the dais, god-like, in white sweater, white flannels, white shoes, you couldalmost see the whites in his eyes - stood our Class taker. He not only took it, he had invented it.There and then I am convinced of one thing - I will never be a SPTI.The Qual. Course is clver, I have been initiated (another word for assassinated) and I standtrembling with the knowledge that I may now enter the PTI's dressing room. When in answer tomy timid knock a voice bellowed "come in", I knew just how.Moses felt when the waters parted.Looking back - a dangerous habit - it is difficult to realise how proud and how over-awedI was, by the wea]th of characters with whom I was to share my life.The SPTI i/c Depot Statr (37 strong - yes 37) took us on one side and explained that as wewere new we would probably have to strike twice in the forenoon, and once in the afternoon aswell. This was to give us experience and the others a rest as they had been overworked (?). Hesaid with luck we would have a Squad of our own in 3-6 months .Next day, lunch time, I found my boots nailed to the floor by two six-inch nails througheach. This, I was told, was a good skylark. Laughing like a maniac, I retrieved my bicycle fromthe high jump pit where it had been buried and rode quickly out of the gate in case anyonenoticecl my stripe on upside down on the wrong arm.I must say here that skylarking was a recognised thing and you saved your money up for thetime you got caught.Leaping up to the present time the Branch today has smaller numbers, less time with twiceas many squads.Their technical knowledge is far superior, they require a greater all round fltness and theGymnastic syllabus requires a lot more.11

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The young Instructor upon qualifying is thrown straight into the machine. When you con-sider the end product he is doing as well as ever. If not better. He may not click his heels so loudnor does he have the time for skylarking.The Corps has changed knowledge replaces fear, intelligence replaces flannel. We hearwhy and how and not just yes and yes.The characters are fading because in this lightning space orbit age there is no time. Weare producing good, honest character in a large quantity. The bad ones are only those who findit necessary to look into their conscience.So in this time and era that figure growing fuller and head shining more, who used to be?He has not forgotten the past but is putting it flrmly in its correct place.The present and the future are the things of importance. Let the Branch exhibit that it isstill as good and better, likewise a Branch to be proud of.The technical knowledge and coaching ability coupled with all the attributes of a goodsoldier are more necessary now than ever before. The Branch carries no passengers.I am proud to have known the old characters and I am equally as proud to know today thisyounger, speedier, quick moving fitness machine that is the PT Branch of today.13Activity - Variety - SecurityThree more good reasons for joining SecuricorNIGHT SECURITY OFFICERSMinimum age 21. Minimum height 5 ft. 6 in.NIGHT PATROL CAR DRIVERSAge 25-50. Minimum height 5 ft. 6 ins.ARMOURED VAN DRIVERSAge 25-45. Minimum height 5 ft. 5 ins.These are mainly full-time lobs offering you good money and valuable benefits as well asinterest, variety and a secure future.But we can offer you part-time work if you are in the klnd of employment that leaves you freeto undertake day, night or weekend duties.IIKE TO KNOW MORE ?Then Call ln Or Phone Your Local Securicor Branch, which you will find listed in your Telephone Directorymake Security Your Business$eruriGltF

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SPORT AND FITNESS - SOMETHOUGHTSFitness ! . . . . Ugh I What mythical images that word conjours up for most of us. Neatdrops of perspiration falling from a fevered brow, heart and lungs thumping in a cramped chest,straining muscles, the tired and aching aftermath of physical exertion.The trouble is that whenever fitness is discussed, it becomes necessary to define what thiselusive will o' the wisp actually is. Is it purely a physical state of well being, or it is a combina-tion of well developed physical and mental capacities?It's not as easy to define as some might think. It doesn't flt into a neat straight jacket, someclipped phrase that will summarise all the beneflts associated with it, for they are recognised bydilTerent people in difTerent ways. To some it is the ability to excel in physical sports, to othersthe platform on which they base their very way of life, and the vehicle by which they obt4in thegreatest enjoyment from it.Neither is fltness just of interest to the muscle man or fitness fanatic; it doesn't need to bethe fitness of the champion athlete to be of value. Fitness for everyday living is something whicheludes many of us today.Probably one of the most easily recognisable facts today, and one that is readily associatedwith the lack of interest in our general health and efficiency, is that we are living in a highlymechanised age. This increasing mechanisation, stamping with heavy feet on its steady march ofprogress, and an improved transportation system, make exercise something of a Universal problem.It is no different in London than in New York, it exists as much in Paris as in Tokyo.What then is fitness? Instinctively the word forces us to think of muscular strength andendurance, heart action, and not unnaturally, the response we show to activity. But it is also avery personal thing. It affects the way we feel when we drag ourselves reluctantly from our bedin the mornings, how tired or fresh we feel after a day's work, how eagerly we look forward todoing those things we enjoy most - whatever they may be. In short, general fitness can affectevery facet of our existence.Man himself has remained relatively unchanged over the years, but not so his way of life.There has been something of a diminished requirement for physical effort, a shift from muscularwork, both in his occupation and his daily life. As a direct result of progress, the machine hasovertaken man. He has been buried beneath the twin volcanoes or science and technology. Thishas led to the emergence of the sedentary man, with a low level of activity, and with it, theinevitable degenerative physical effect.In spite of the confusion that surrounds it, what is evident is that there are degrees of fitness,relevant to a particular task. From this springs one other clear fact. There is also a minimumlevel of fitness for everyday living, below which we should all endeavour never to fall.One cannot dissociate fitness from sport and leisure activities. I see leisure as having adouble function in that it restores the energies consumed by daily work, and provides relief fromthe boredom and restrictions of modern life. From these two spring the ability for free develop-ment, as a compensation for the trials of our industrial society.Sport must be the most common leisure activity in the world today. It develops the qualitieswhich are not only of value to the individual, but to society as a whole. These are the qualitiesof the true sportsman - courage, determination and self reliance. It is these qualities that areso often found in the Royal Marine and in particular the Physical Training Instructor. It is thesequalities which are at the heart of the Royal Marines Physical Training Branch.15

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ACKNOWLEDGMEI{TSThe Royal Marines Centenary Committee acknowledge with thanks the advertisements orsubscriptions placed by the following firms. organisations or people:Paget6142620l816JJl8282PageColborne TrophiesCampbell's SoupsSouthern Sports ShopFormica Ltd. ..Scottish & Newcastle Breweries Ltd.Lloyds PharmaceuticalsSmiths Industries Ltd.Bright & Bright Ltd.White Fuller Ltd.Westland HelicoptersSecuricorBernardsJones, Chalk & DawsonHubble & Freeman ...NAAFIC. W. Linton, Esq., Midland BankAllied Breweries Ltd.Lt. Cdr. G. H. G. Brooke, D.S.C., R.N(Decca)Holt and Haskell (Sports)1326J-1a1l08All readers of this Centenary Magazine are urged to take note and support these organisationswhere possible.t6INTERNATIONAT SPORTSMEN ARE TAKINGstaminaid is a formulation of electrolytes and glucose, designed to be takenas a drink before, during, and after physical activity in order to counterthe development of fatigue and loss of stamina.Further information is available fromLTOYDS'PHARMACEUTICATS LTD., I05 MOUNT STREET, TONDON W.I.fur the lnairleltaltgg of uneruy altd slaminaIItr I

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PROGRAMME OF EVENTSTo Celebrate the Centenaryof the Royal MarinesPhysical Training Branch,1871 -197120 Septernberi October2 October3 OctoberEarly DecemberIssue of Special Souvenir Centenary Brochure.Serving and Retired members of the PhysicalTraining branch arrive at Deal.9.00 a.m. Depot R.M. and P'f Wing 'At Home'to the PT Branch.9.30 a.m. Demonstrations and activities of thePT Wing work on displays allmorning.10.00 a.m. PT Sports Museum open.10.30 a.m. Water Polo and Judo Matches takeplace.2.00 p.m. PT' Convention/Conference.3.00 p.m. Football Match between PT XI andDeal Town.4.30 p.m. Teas for teams and spectators.7.00 p.m. Reception starts at PT Wing.7.30 p.m. General Sir Campbell R. Hardy,K.C.B., C.BE,D.S.O:,rarrives at PTWing.Speeches / presentations and thecutting of the Centenary Cake.9.00 p.m. The Centenary Ball begins.1.00 a.m. The Centenary Ball ends.11.00 a.m. Thanksgiving Service in S't. Michael'sChurch.12.15 p.m. Centenary Photograph.12.45 p.m. Buffet Celebration Lunches.Christmas Edition of Globe and Laurel is a specialedition, in order to mark the Centenary Year.t9

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ATTILETICSSergeant |ohn Watts is the present British Record Holder for the Discus and is rated as the undis-puted No. I in the country. He has produced career best performances as follows: Shot 57ft. 8ins.Discus 189ft. 1lins. and Hammer 178ft. 5ins. It goes without saying that he holds the Navy andInter Services Records in both shot and discus. John is seen here holding the NATO trophywhich he won as the best sportsman in the Navy in 1969. He took over custody of the trophyfrom another PT Branch Member, Captain Simon Cook, who won it in 1968, ]ohn Watts will havecompeted in the European Games at Helsinki by the time of the Centenary Celebrations andhaving gone over 195ft. in Discus practice, hopes to be pushing the world marks by 1972.25::a!:, :t: : :,':1/llt:a,iii;:: : at a:W

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RUGBYSergeant Dennis Brown goes for a plank vault. Sergeant Brown is a current member of the WidnesRugby League Team and besides being the current Navy sprint champion, has represented theRoyal Navy at Rugby for many years. He may well be selected for the Great Britain RugbyLeague Team this year, and is already a Welsh International.26BERNARDS of HorwichCongratulate the R.M. Physical TrainingBranch on attaining its Centenary, andwishes it well for the future.26 Branches, including Deal, Lympstone,Arbroath, Portsmouth, Gibraltar & MaltaStriplings of 75 YearsTHE SOTJTHER]\SPORTS SHOPFor all Sports EquipmentClothing and AccessoriesORDERS FORWARDED TOALL PARTS48 Elm Grove, SouthseaHantsTelephone: PORTSMOUTH 206111C. H. BERNARD & SONSLTD.Anglia House, Harwich, Essexco12 3NT

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Biathlon and PentathlonFormer Inspector of Physical Training, MajorRod Tuck is soon due to retire from the Corps.In a fantastic sporting career, he representedCreat Britain at both Biathlon and Pentathlon,and competed in two Olympic Games. Rod wasuntil recently in charge of teaching skiing tothe snow Commando -- 45 Commando inScotland.Terrible TwinsPictured together are Sgt. |ohn Watts, a BritishAthletics International and Sgt. Taff Toms, histraining partner, who, besides being the currentNavy Champion at Pole Vault and a CombinedServices Athlete for years, is a Navy, CombinedServices and South of England Rugby Player.FootballThe name of D. G. Cornelius earns the palmfor football achievement, for in the 1930i, heearned about every honour possible. He playedfor the Corinthians, Navy, Hampshire andEngland before injury stopped his clreer shortin 1934. He was also capped for the Navy atCricket.28For Your Civilian Clothing Visit-WHITE FIJI"LER'S68 HIGH STREETDEALR.M. and R.N. Ties, Squares, and ScarvesBlazer Badges and Blazer ButtonsR.M. School of Music Blazer BadgesALWAYS IN STOCK

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HOCKEYCaptain Simon Cook.R.M., is the flrst PTBranch Hockey Inter-national since Lieut.Brooks in the 1920s.Besides earningseventeencaps for Wales, Simonhas played for the RoyalNavy since 1960 and hascaptained the CombinedServices for the all timerecord of seven consecu-tive seasons. He has oversixty county caps forDevon., Kent and Lan-cashire. He is at presentOfficer Commanding Phy-sical Training Wing andhas been responsible fororganising the CentenaryCelebrations.FENCINGCaptain Bob Thompsonwas brought up in theold school of MarinePTIs when Fencing wasa king sport in the Corps.He and his fellow PTIswon just about everyhonour open to them andBob subsequently repre-sented Northern Irelandin the Empire Games inCardiff.29f mi:u,uffiffiwi ;i,i:I?::l ::l ::; i:i iijlii:i Eq q i:l:X ii;iir i.t ii; ilJ!.Lil,::il;,t;, d ar- j'm;iil .i:r i:l l::l:::6itr iir !ll;s4:1!:*i. ..:.: i ,,, , - l:. I ..1..'. ,..1i:ii!l!:;.:.::rr,:i:::l::ttt " 1.i,, '. . ,

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A MESSACEFROM THEII\SPECTOR OF PHYSICAL TRAII\INGROYAL MARINES"With all the work that members of the Physical Training Branch have been doing in recentyears, I doubt if many gave much thought before the start of the current year to the fact thatwe were approaching the historical landmark of one hundred years of PT service. Now, here weare, serving and past members of the RMPT Branch assembled together to commemorate andcelebrate our centenary year.Some of the details of our history since our founding in 1871 have been chronicled fromthe very sparse records in the opening pages of this souvenir magazine. I would, however, liketo remind readers of two famous Corps names. Firstly, I recall the name of Lieutenant WalterGARNIER, who played a prominent part in the introduction of Swedish PT into the Royal Navyand the Corps. Secondly and particularly for the many instructors who have served in RNEstablishments, f remember Sergeant G. E. CUTCHER. He had, in 1912, the privilege whilstat RN College Dartmouth of 'bawling orders at two future Kings of England and made sure thatthey were promptly obeyed.' The future Monarchs at the time were Prince Albert and PrinceEdward.The Corps has always taken pride in its fltness in performing and accornplishing its multi-farious role in peace and war. The responsibility of the RMPT Branch has always been directedtowards the physical fitness standards of all ranks in order to accomplish that role. Throughoutthe years changing circumstances have required that we revise our methods, but at no time havewe been found wanting. I am confident that it will continue thus in the future.On behalf of all serving Royal Marine Physical Training Instructors, I extend a cordialwelcome to all our guests and past members. May you enjoy this centenary reunion and takehome with you many happy memories."32

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DID YOU KI\OW?That we have a Rugby International from the Branch - Lieutenant B. A. Hill, who wonseveral England Caps in 190314 and later became Major General Sir Basil Hill. K.B.E., C.B.,D.S.O.That we have an England Hockey International who was a PT Officer - Lieutenant R. A.D. Brooks, R.M.. who won several caps in the 1920s and went on to become General Sir DallasBrooks and was Governor General of Victoria.That we have a branch member who was a boxing international and subsequently won theGolden Gloves Championship of America - Major Tommy Lenham, M.B.E., R.M., Retd.That Trevor Bailey, the noted Cricket International, was a member of the PT Branch duringthe last war.That Roy Paul, a PT Instructor, played for Swansea Town in an F.A. Cup Final33SMITH$i,J3["n",the world ouerr-:nRoDUCTS or F ll sMtrHsi rNousrFlEssp0rtsmenused hYRegimentalIIIIITITARY TAII,OR$By Appointment tofhe Royal MarinesJones, Chalk & I}awson Ltd5 SACKVILLE STREET,PICCADILLY, W.1Telephone : 0l-734-4358 - 0l-734-0656Telegrams : Jonesian, Piccy., London.

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CURREIIT FITTIESS SYSTEMSFor years the tried and trusted Swedish System of Physical Training was used as the basisof all work in the Royal Marines. But despite its many advantages to a disciplined service, it hadto be changed, as the length of training for recruits was shortened and the march of knowledgecaught up with us.After several years of trial, error and practice, the current systems of training were intro-duced in early 1970. They were very largely the work of Captain (now Major) Ron Priddle, R.M.,and are now, with the necessary amendments, operating within the Corps Training Machine. Theyare produced in outline here, though it should be noted that the basic training at CTCRM hasnot altered a great deal from that which many will remember over ropes and mud, whether atLympstone or on Woodbury. What has altered is our methods of getting the recruit into shapequickly, so that he can attempt the Commando course with maximum chance of success andminimum chance of injury.The syllzrbus for fitness includes the following:(a) CVF Tables (Cardo Vascular Fitness) Basically a free standing circuit or a colour circuit- suitably garnished.(b) MS & MSR (Military Skills and Run). A teaching table in which the class is strearnedaccording to ability, for specialised coaching on essentiaily military skills (ropes, vaulting, tum-bling, heaves). This is progressive and leads onto teaching assault course and marching andrunning.(c) BFT (Battle Fitness Training). As it ever was, normally includes the CTC Assault Courseand such delights as regains and other ropework.(d) T/C (Tarzan Course). This speaks for itself - it is a rope course table.(e) Run Tables. These are progressive runs, including such runs as mud, interval, etc.This is the sort of table the PTI has to learn nowadays and gives one an idea why it is wehave boots actually in the gymnasium . . . it is all progress.The Editor wishes to thank all those who contributed to this Centenary Magazine eitherwith photographs or with written material.The Editor would also like to record the fact that Mr. C. G. Marshall and Mrs. Marshallhave flowtr from Canada especially for the event, as have Mr. Charlie Mather and Mrs. Matherfrom the United States. Such is the bond which binds the Royal Marines Physical TrainingBranch.35

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,,CLUBS'ANONIf you can give remedials to spasticsor learn to splice a rope without a spikeor lay on Open Days display gymnasticsand join a squad on Dartmoor for a hikeIf you can be an unarmed combat masterand be prepared to travel to and froand get your squad to go a little fasterthan other squads are thus prepared to goIf you can teach the finer points of cricketkinetics with conviction to a squadand not be bowled out on a sticky rvicketor even earn a recommend from 'god'If you can place out orienteering markersor demonstrate an expert parry quarteand often be initiated starkersdon blues or even tracksuit and look smartlf you can play a tricky game of socceror wield a stick at hockey like an aceand read the state and not go off your rockeror bunta ball and make it to flrst baseIf you can judge a boxing contest fairlyor get a backward swimmer swimming crawland even though the make and mends come rarelystill give your best if not your very allIf you can check the woods each winter morningavoid the cold by your excessive speedand do all these things listed without warningyou'll make a Lympstone PTI indeed.37by

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THE FUTUREBefore considering the future of the Branch, it is worth looking at the current deploymentof PT Staffs around the country. This deployment is, in general terms, as follows:Depot R.M. The Physical Training School/Wing with Swimming Bath and excellent sportsfields - housing the Courses Staff and the Recruit/Junior Basic TrainingStaft and the Musicians Training Staff.RMB Eastney The Gymnasium and Swimming Bath and excellent sports fields - housing asmall PT Staff, but being the home of the Corps Sports Staff and IPTRM.ATURM ,A brand new Gymnasium and Swimming Bath, with new laid games fields -run by a minute FT Staff.CTCRM The old and inadequate Gymnasium and very limited sports flelds - housingthe largest PT Staff, actively employed on Recruit Military Training, includingthe Commando Course.Commandos Most with Gymnasiums (Bickleighs is new) and adequate Sports fields, but onlystafled by very small PT Staffs.Navy The traditional posts still held by R.M. PTIs at BRIIC, RNC, Pitt Street,RNEC and on several ships.Non PT PTIs are Ceneral Duty, as far as posting is concerned, and a fair percentageof PTIs are doing their stint in rifle troops or in non-PT appointments on ships.Having looked at the current deployment, we can then more easily understand what is pro-posed for the future. For this, the main project is the building of a four gymnasium/swimmingbath complex at CTCRM and into this it is proposed to put the PT Wing/School. The date forcompletion is about the end of 1913 and therefore the PT Win.q move should be around early1914.Once such a move is made, then all that is left at Deal is a training stafl for the Juniorstraining (which should stay at Deal) and a staff for the sport and limited training of musicians.Further along the line at Eastney, it is thought that only a small sports staff will be left, asIPTRM is at present destined to go to the new CTCRM super complex. Indeed Eastney's futureis by no means guaranteed.At ATURM, one assumes that the new Gymnasium and Swimming Bath must merit a largerstaff than at present and that this will be provided. It has, incidentally, been suggested that thiswould be a cbnvenient place for the new PT Wing, rather than the cluttered up area of themonster complex at CTCRM, with its terrific training work load.The Commandos will probably remain stalled in the same inadequate way as at present,though there are moves to provide zL properly trained PT Officer and a slight increase in com-plemented PT appointments. The other posts will probably remain the same as at present.Whether one agrees with the logic of moving training and therefore the Corps to the uncertaintraining areas of the West Country or not, the die is pretty well cast at the highest level. Thesplendid and well tried area of Deal will eventually lose the majority of its Physical Trainingntmbers and the gymnasiums, swimming bath and wonderful sports fields will be unhappilyunderused. Assuming that there is no major change in policy, then this is the picture.39

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As far as the branch is concerned, the numbers and course lengths will probably remainroughly the same as at present. This pre-supposes that the Corps does not drastically cut backin iumbers or is swallow-ed up by an Army, whose training and employment we are increasinglycopying. The idea of amalgamation with the Royal Naval Physical. Training .P.u1.* has beentempor-arily, at any rate, abandoned, as our tasks are reckoned to be essentially different. Andthis is where we stand at present.Our future as a branch depends on our use, our performance and our expertis-e. PhysicalTraining and sports coaching, t-eaching and administrati,on is an enormous and complicated sub-ject, wfich req^uires a greai deal of -knowledge and -flair if it is to be mastered. The Presentmembers of ttrt branch-endeavour to try within the limitations imposed by authorities of time'location and money, to master this vast subject. That the modern PTI succeeds so well, is acredit to those who have laid the firm foundation of high standards over very many years andis a guarantee for the future.CI,OSII\G THOUGHT"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow oldAge shall not weary them, nor the years condemnAt the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them."Lawrence Bin5ron.CLOSI\G PRAYER"For our absent ones O Lord, we implore thy loving kindness, keep them in life, keepthem in growing honour and for us grant that we remain worthy of their love, for thesake of Jesus Christ. AMEN." Anon40

RM PT BRANCH CENTENARY BROCHURE (1971)

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