Hero marines have stripped off down to their six packs for a hotly-anticipated charity calendar to raise money for their comrades.
The topless group of serving Royal Marines are pictured performing tasks away from the front line, including carrying heavy equipment and operating machinery.
Last year’s calendar broke from tradition by featuring retired and veteran ‘bootnecks’, but by popular demand the they decided to “bring back the boys” for the 2016 edition.
The theme for this year’s calendar is ‘The Royal Marine in a supporting role’, which the organisers hope will highlight the less obvious jobs carried out by the corps.
Now in its sixth year, the £10 calendar has raised a total of £250,000 for the charity Go Commando, which offers support to families of former and serving Royal Marines.
Wearing their berets and camo trousers, the Commandos are photographed while performing tasks away from the front line, including carrying heavy and operating machinery.
The heroes are pose next to a number of tanks and on the front of a boat in a series of hot-under-the-collar pictures.
It is hoped the calendar will raise thousands for Go Commando, which was set up in 2010 by late Taunton businessman Sean O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien had hoped to join the Marines as a young man but was unable to after breaking his leg.
He went into business instead and, after falling ill to cancer, decided to set up Go Commando after seeing how broken and under pressure the families of Marines were whilst trying to come to terms with the sad losses. Mr O’Brien passed away in 2014.
The charity helps bereaved families and has provided funding for play gardens for Marines’ children and organised clubs and activities for youngsters.
Head of the charity Debbie Howarth said: “We know about the prominence of the Commando Units, the strength of the Royal Marines Corps.
“But little is known about the tasks away from the frontline that the Royal Marine Commando is also highly trained to carry out.”
“It is these behind the scenes roles that provide complete endorsement and support which in turn helps to make the Royal Marines Corps the unique, independent and elite amphibious fighting force of the Royal Navy.”
Go Commando 2015 calendars are £10 or £8.50 for a desk top version. To buy one visit www.gocommando.org.uk
