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Flying Marines
3 Commando Air Squadron
By 1982 with 12 Westland Gazelle and six Westland Lynx helicopters at its disposal the 3rd Commando Brigade was one of the best-equipped mini-air forces in the NATO alliance.
During the Falklands War Commando Brigade helicopters were used for a number of missions.
3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron particularly distinguished itself during 2 Para’s attack on Argentine Troops holding the Darwin and Goose Green areas of East Falkland on 28 May 1982.
Captain J P Niblett DFC, RM. Niblett won his DFC for service during the Falklands Campaign, 1982. He was the first Royal Marine to win such an award. (RMM)
Two Scout helicopters from the Squadron, piloted by Lieutenant R J Nunn RM and Captain J P Niblett RM, had deployed to aid 2 Para with spotting and casualty evacuations.
During the assault, Argentine gunfire mortally wounded the Commander of 2 Para, Lieutenant Colonel Herbert ‘H’ Jones.
Two Argentine Pucara helicopters attacked as the helicopters swooped into Darwin to collect 2 Para’s second in command, Major C Keeble from his Battalion Commando Post and take him to the regiment’s Tactical Headquarters (Tac HQ), .
The Scouts managed to evade the initial attack, but the second attack on the helicopter of Lieutenant Nunn was successful, killing the pilot and injuring his observer.
The Pucaras subjected Major Niblett, who was piloting the second Scout, to three further attacks. Niblett’s expert piloting ensured he and his crewman skilfully avoided the attacks.
The Pucaras eventually broke off, leaving the Scout to continue its mission and pick up 2 Para’s wounded Commanding Officer and take him to Ajax Bay Hospital. Both Lieutenant Nunn and Major Niblett won the Distinguished Flying Cross.
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