Luke Hosty: The most outstanding new recruit in his squad

A ROYAL Marine from Jersey has been honoured as the most outstanding new recruit in his squad.

Former outdoor pursuits instructor Luke Hosty (26) was awarded the prestigious King’s Badge after being recognised as the best performing recruit in the King’s Squad, the Marines’ most senior recruitment squad.

Luke moved to Jersey six years ago from South Africa and worked at Les Ormes Adventure Centre where he ran the assault course.

He also represented the Island at water polo and was a keen swimmer, rock climber and kayaker.

Luke was presented with his award, which is only given if a recruit measures up to very high standards, at his squad’s passing out parade on 11 December at the Falklands Hall in Lympstone, Exeter.

His mother Mandy Snook, who lives in Jersey, said the whole family were very proud of what he had achieved.

‘The award was especially meaningful to the family because we knew how hard the training was and how many recruits had dropped out or failed to meet the standards,’ she said.

‘What made me most proud was knowing that he had shown the character to be worthy of such a prestigious award.

‘He sees this as just the beginning of serving in an elite force where he will hopefully go on to meet new challenges.’

Luke, who is now based in Plymouth with 42 Commando, will now train in a variety of terrains to prepare him for quick deployment anywhere around the world.

Under the orders of King George V the most senior recruit squad in Royal Marines training has been known as the King’s Squad since 1918 while the King’s Badge, which is not awarded to every squad, is only presented if a recruit measures up to the very exacting standards required.