Commando forces inserted in the high Afghan mountains, 9,000-11,000 feet high



A Royal Marine on Op Ptarmigan; his helmet is fitted for night-fighting equipment, he wears the new Personal Role Radio, and is armed with the improved SA-80A2


Lieutenant Colonel Tim Chicken, commanding the Commando Group engaged on Ptarmigan



A Royal Marine sniper moves off on patrol


Royal Marine signallers provide the communications so essential in the mountains

On patrol, an all-round watch is kept at all times

An RAF Chinook ferries heavy supplies direct to the mountain positions

An aircrew gunner perches on the rear door of a Chinook, ready to respond to ground threatsA landing high in the mountains



A Royal Marine machine gun team armed with the venerable but still highly effective 0.5" Browning

An Observation Post, equipped with sophisticated surveillance kit


A pair of Royal Marines keep watch, two light rockets close to hand


Sappers from 59 Cdo Sqn Royal Engineers search a Taliban bunker

Preparations are made to demolish the position

Demolition charges are readied




Royal Marines out on patrol





Observation work was a key element of Op Ptarmigan

On patrol

Royal Marines prepare to set out on patrol

Royal Marines, US troops and Afghan forces rest together on a mountain patrol

A patrol sweeps through a Taliban position destroyed by an airstrike

Royal Marines return to Bagram at the end ofPtarmigan

A mortar section disembarks as the Chinook is readied for refuelling

Mission completed, and safely back at BagramIt was confirmed on 16 April 2002 that personnel from 45 Commando Group had commenced Operation Ptarmigan to search and clear a high valley in the Afghan mountains believed to have been occupied by Al Qaida and Taliban forces.





Troops involved include elements from 3 Commando Brigade's Reconnaissance Troop and 45 Commando Royal Marines, supported by RAF Chinook helicopters of 27 Squadron. The operation, the first by the Commando Group task force, and drawing on personnel in theatre already acclimatised, is also intended to provide a sound preparation for subsequent operations as well as securing the valley.





The operation concluded successfully on 18 April 2002, when British forces recovered safely to Bagram airfield.