Sennen

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This plaque was donated by the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and the National Trust.

It commemorates the long history and close association that military climbers have with the cliffs and residents of West Penwith, and in particular with those of Sennen Cove. During World War II, the sea cliffs of Sennen provided the perfect demanding environment for the early Army and Royal Marines Commandos to conduct their training, which led to successful raids on German occupied Europe. The first ascents of many of the climbs here were done at this time. Post WWII the Army relinquished the commando role which was taken forward by the Royal Marines, who regularly visited the area to train specialist Cliff Leaders (CL), and who ascended and named many of today's pre-eminent climbs. After a short transition period circa 1970, the CL became today's RM Mountain Leader (ML) who continues to train here today, together with his Royal Netherlands Marine Corps counterpart. Annually throughout late August and early September a flag bearing the RM insignia, the Globe and Laurel, is raised above the Look-Out to indicate that Royal Marines Commandos are once again training on the sea cliffs of West Cornwall.

References

[1] Plaque at Sennen Cove