Forces RM Poole Community Information Portal

RM Poole

Royal Marines Poole is in Hamworthy, which lies within the Borough and Town of Poole. Poole is situated on the shores of the second largest natural harbour in the world. While still operated as a commercial port, Poole is also a major centre for recreational sailing being ideally located centrally along the south coast of England and has some of the finest beaches on the south coast.

Originally opened in 1942 as Royal Air Force Hamworthy, it was the central base for No 461 (Royal Australian Air Force) Squadron equipped with Sunderland Flying Boats. In 1944 the site was handed over to the Royal Navy who changed its name to HMS Turtle and used it for training personnel for the D-Day Landings. In 1954 the site was taken over by the Royal Marines and was known as the Amphibious School, Royal Marines. It was here that Royal Marine Landing Craft personnel were trained before deployment to the fleet, a role still maintained today.

RM Poole provides excellent facilities, which include a fully equipped gymnasium & fitness suite, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, squash courts, tennis courts and football pitches. A variety of clubs are available for all the family. Children's Half Term and Summer Activity Weeks are held on the Unit, more details are available on request. Seasonal activities are arranged by the Chaplaincy Support and Families' Workers. The Unit has an Education and Resettlement Centre, Library, Internet Computer Suite, Barber, UIF shop, NAAFI/Spar, Tailoress, Chaplaincy, Crèche, Mums & Tot Group, Community Centre and Sailing Centre. There is a Junior Rates Club with a Games room and TV Lounge. There is also a Sgts and Warrant Officers' Mess and an Officers' Mess. All of these hold regular events and functions.



The information on this site has been compiled from various sources accessible on the internet:  acknowledgements are due to MOD Website,  RN & RM websites,  HIVE website, & Wikipedia. 
The site is intended to be an impartial and useful source of information about the Forces Base and surrounding area for members of HM Armed Forces, their families and civilians working on the Base. There should be nothing of a sensitive nature as everything here is readily available on the internet.  If you spot anything that is out of date or just plain wrong, please contact us