The Royal Marines proudly wear the Green Beret and if you drive past the CTC RM Lympstone base you will also see a sign that says parking for The King’s Squad, which has always intrigued me – but just what is it?

Once their main training is over and they have passed all tests as we saw last week, they are entitled to wear the Green Beret. They then become The Senior Squad in Training for the next two weeks of further training. During this time senior recruits are referred to as the King’s Squad which was instituted by King George V following his inspection at Deal Depot in Kent in 1918. The king directed that his Royal Cipher surrounded by a Laurel Wreath would be known as The King’s Badge and awarded to the best all-round recruit in The King’s Squad, provided he was worthy of the honour. This has continued through every reign since. It is worn on the left shoulder and worn in every rank by the recipient and arguably the pinnacle of one's training and must surely be the source of immense pride to have been awarded it.

On average CTC RM Lympstone has 1,300 recruits, 2,000 potential recruits and 400 officers attend training courses each year, whether it is to qualify as a Royal Marine or to attend further courses or training.

This Saturday, June 10 is Exmouth Museum’s main fundraising event of the year when the museum pays its tribute to our armed forces, both past and present. This year’s event promises to be even more spectacular as Sheppards Row will be closed for the whole day, allowing visitors to see all the exhibits and displays in complete safety. The event is in aid of Exmouth Museum and Royal Marines Charities so please do come along, enjoy yourselves and give generously to these deserving causes. The museum has reduced its price of admission to £1 on the day for all adults but children go free.

Come and see the new exhibits for this year and go on the dinosaur trail, which is a new feature for children to make their visit to the museum even more enjoyable. There will be museum gifts to buy including the new mugs featuring Duke, after the many requests that were received for these.

There will be a raffle in aid of the museum with tickets at a £1 each for your chance to win an exciting prize.

The Town Crier Roger Bourgein and The Mayor of Exmouth Steve Gazzard will be opening proceedings at 10.30am and the event closes at 4pm. Among the many attractions and displays will be those from the Royal Marines Association, The Royal Marines Historical Society, The Royal Marines Veterans, The Royal British Legion, 299 Squadron Air Cadets, weapons exhibits, military vehicles and motorcycles. In order to honour the part they played in The Second World War both locally and nationally it is hoped that the Exmouth Scout Group and Exmouth Girl Guides will also be present. The Exmouth Town Band will be playing selections of music and The Exmouth Arms will be serving drinks and food.

At noon there will be the main event of the day when the bugler will sound Reveille for the Saluting of the Flags and flag bearers will march to have their standards presented to and the salute taken by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Brian Wills-Pope MBE and the Mayor. This main event will conclude with the playing of the National Anthem.

As the sunshine has been ordered (!) it promises to be a fantastic day out for young and old alike so please do come along and have great fun and support the museum.