Information - NFF

Royal Marines
Story Book Commando
by Kerry Joseph and Sarah Evans (Story Book Commando Editors)
Story Book Commando is based at 40 Commando Royal Marines. This project began in 2003 at Her Majesty’s Prison
Dartmoor (Story Book Dads) and proved such a success that not only is it run in over 90 prisons, it is now being
adopted by serving units within the Armed Forces. It helps maintain family ties by allowing sailors and Royal Marines to
record bedtime stories for their children whilst deployed.
Recorded stories are then sent back to the
UK and edited by specially trained editors.
The editing process consists of removing any
unwanted background noise and errors such
as unclear sentences. Once the sounds have
been removed, new sounds such as sound
effects and music is then added to make the
story come to life. With the possibility of
errors being digitally removed, any nervous
readers can rest assure that the final product
will be of a good quality. Once the editing is
complete, the story is transferred on to CD
and is then sent to the Serviceman’s child.
Personal messages at the beginning and end
of the story are encouraged. This creates a
unique and personal keepsake for the children.
Hearing their parent’s voice brings comfort
and reassurance, particularly when the child is
young. This is a very worthwhile project and
is already proving very popular amongst Royal
Marine families.
Kerry Joseph (L) and Sarah Evans (R), in the editing room
Story Book Commando is operated by donations
and voluntary workers. Central to the success
of this project was the efforts and time given by
volunteers and the Royal Marines Welfare team.
Credit is also due to a number of charities and
organisations for funding the project. Without the
financial assistance from the Royal Marines (1942-
46) Association and Go Commando, this project
would still be in its infancy stages. Also to offer
their support for the Royal Marines community
donations were received from Tesco Ltd and
Waterstones, Piccadilly.
The Future for Story Book Commando is looking
very promising. Already there is much interest
and because of this there are now plans to create
a ‘deployable pack’. This will house recording
equipment small enough to take into theatre so
the continuity of bedtime stories can be recorded
throughout an operational deployment. Credit
and thanks to ‘Help4Forty’ (fundraising for 40
Commando) for financing the ‘deployable pack’.
From the editors and volunteers who have helped
get this project up and running, they would like
to encourage all fathers at 40 CDO (and other
units close by) to come and record their bedtime
stories for their children. Because
of the mass interest it is
stressed that Servicemen
should record at least
one story prior to
deploying. It may be
a little daunting but it
is great fun and most
importantly the children
love it.
To arrange
a recording or for
information on Story Book
Commando, please contact
the Royal Marines Welfare
Office, 40 CDO on:
01823 362 265.
Royal Marines Chefs Feed the Front Line
Working 14-hour days in kitchens where temperatures reach 60 degrees Celsius, chefs from 42 Commando
Royal Marines are producing up to 900 meals a day for troops at a patrol base in central Helmand.
Despite the austere working conditions at Patrol Base Shahzad, in Nad ‘Ali (North), and limited ingredients,
the chefs go to great lengths to produce a varied and healthy menu of three square meals a day, while
maintaining the strictest of hygiene standards.
In order to feed almost 250 people for six months, the chefs will cook with:
• 12,150 slices of bacon
• 3,024 tins of beans
• 8,400 baguettes
• 5,880 slices of pizza
• 1,200 whole chickens
• 1,150 sacks of potatoes
• 3,840 steaks.
Royal Marines serve themselves some well-deserved food
LA(Phot) Dave Hillhouse, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011
HOMEPORT AUTUMN 2011 19