Royal Marines take on Exercise Dutch Gauntlet in support of UKNLAF50 celebrations

Members of the UK Commando Force travelled to Den Helder to compete against their Dutch Counterparts in 6 different sporting disciplines; Boxing, Rugby, Football, Golf, Swimming and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as part of Exercise Dutch Gauntlet.

The UKNLAF50 celebrated the 50th anniversary of the oldest military partnership of its kind, the UK-Netherlands Amphibious Force. The two NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies celebrated with the Dutch hosting their Navy Days at the naval base in Den Helder, with The Royal Navy’s amphibious flagship, HMS Albion alongside. 

As part of the allied forces anniversary, 100 Royal Marines from 6 sports, travelled to Holland to be graciously hosted by their Dutch counterparts, the Korps Mariniers. The 6 teams – Rugby, Football, Swimming, golf, BJJ and Boxing were made up of men and women; ranging in age from 18 – 55, from less than a year’s service to 35 years’ service; representing CF Units, CTCRM, RMR, RMBS and Haslar Coy; the RMSA embodied a truly inclusive Royal Marines.

The chance to represent the Royal Marines and build the relationship between the two forces through sport is one of the unique opportunities presented to Royal Navy personnel as part of their career. 

Personnel were also able to engage with the history of their NATO allied force in a battlefield tour, building further foundations to the relationship.

Mne Tolhurst said, “I recently passed out and have been going to the boxing gym on a Tuesday and Thursday, I have always loved the sport and the opportunity arose to come out to Holland and I jumped at the chance.

“Last time I went away was before covid and chances like this do not come up in the sport in the outside world.” 

Overall, the exercise allowed the athletes to gain invaluable sporting experience in their respective disciplines while providing crucial support to the UKNL50 partnership. 

Maj Wayne Grounsell, IPTRM, said “The aim of the exercise was to utilise sport as a soft power, levering defence engagement to bring the NL Marine Corps and Royal Marines together to celebrate UKNLAF50.

“The inaugural Dutch Gauntlet trophy was won by the Royal Marines; however, the real victory was a shared and renewed friendship between the NL and RM Corps’. Sport brought us together. An opportunity to engage in peace time, forging new friendships and a stronger relationship between the RM and NL Marine Corps.”

The success of the event has established its roots as part of the celebrations in 2025 and hopefully as a firm fixture in the future.