Royal Marines SA links

Britain's Royal Marines have an historical connection with South Africa. Called the Green Berets, the commando has roots in the Anglo-Boer War when British soldiers had to adapt to Boer guerrilla tactics. At their passing out ceremonies, the last march is to the tune of Sarie Marais! Another connection, more recent, is South African Guillaume Coetzee, one of the commando's members. Due to a serious knee injury. Guillaume completed what should have been a seven-and-a-half month course in a year and nine months. A snapped knee ligament brought a halt to his training, but despite being told he would not recover 100%, and seven months of rehabilitation, he didn't give up on his dream. Guillaume moved to the UK in 1997 to play rugby for two years before returning to South Africa for a year. He returned to the UK after receiving a rugby contract, but was not as good as it sounded on paper, so after a rugby mate who was a Royal Marine suggested he give it a try, he applied. At the passing out ceremony, Guillaume also received two certificates - one for exceptional leadership qualities and the second the Commandant's Prize for being in the best all-round rifle section of the troop while training. Guillaume's father, Cas, was in the South African Army before he joined the South African Police. His maternal grandfather was also in the army. His mother, Annie, misses him but is very proud of him. Joining the Royal Marines was on a voluntary basis, but after passing the rigorous training, he became part of 40 Commando.