The reception we received was overwhelming; I’d say that more than 150 people met us when we landed on the beach.

Sergeant John McDonald

Leading the small shore team was Sergeant John McDonald of 539 ASR, said: “The reception we received was overwhelming; I’d say that more than 150 people met us when we landed on the beach.

“We explained that we were there to carry out survey work and they really wanted to help by providing us with local knowledge.

“As a result we managed to gather more information than we had expected about the local area, while at the same time we were able to deploy a sonar on one of the Zodiacs to confirm the suitability of the beach for landings.”

RFA Argus was deployed to the West African country where she has begun playing an important logistical role with three embarked Merlin Mk2 helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron being used to facilitate the movement of British medical teams, stores and aid experts deployed to help tackle the Ebola Virus.

Argus also carries two Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP), three Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, and six Zodiacs from 539 ASRM which will be used for moving stores, equipment and personnel inland along the Sierra Leone river network.

The Royal Marines landing party travelled from Argus in one Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP), and two Zodiacs before going ashore at Lungi Beach. Corporal Gavin Smith was at the helm of the LCVP.

He added: “The response from the local community was really positive, and despite Ebola being a major issue in West Africa, it seems that life is continuing as normal.

“All of our commandos have undergone rigorous counter Ebola training and adhered to these measures while ashore.”

The Royal Marines will continue with survey work in different areas in order to assist their longer term logistical role in transporting equipment, stores and personnel.