Merlin helicopter crew from RNAS Culdrose carries centuries-old guns across Mount’s Bay in Operation Cormoran’s Throw.
Royal Navy aviators have come to the rescue of Cornish heritage, airlifting eighteen historic cannons from St Michael’s Mount so they can be restored for future generations.
A Merlin Mk2 helicopter from RNAS Culdrose made the short flight to the famous tidal island in Mount’s Bay to collect the iron guns, some weighing as much as half a ton. Getting them off the island had been a real headache for staff. For the Merlin, carrying them as an underslung load, it was all in a day’s work.
In a carefully planned operation, the crew carried the cannons one at a time from the island’s castle across the water to a car park in Marazion. From there they will travel by road for specialist restoration.
Guarding a piece of England’s story
Henry Mathews, Head of Land and Property at St Aubyn Estates, which manages the Mount in partnership with the National Trust, said the cannons were an important part of the island’s story. He said their removal was the first step in conserving them for the future and thanked the Royal Navy for its support.
Early examination suggests all eighteen guns are English. The crests on three appear to date from the reign of King George II, between 1727 and 1760, though more careful paint removal is needed to confirm this.
The cannons have been painted before, but where the paint has failed, salt spray has caused them to rust. Most appear to have corroded over the centuries before earlier protective coatings were applied.
The Flying Tigers take the strain
The task fell to the crew of Atlantic Flight, part of 814 Naval Air Squadron, known as the Flying Tigers.
Commanding Officer Commander Ben Kerley said moving stores and equipment between ships, or from ship to shore, is a core skill for Merlin crews and one they practise regularly at Culdrose. Doing it in a realistic setting, he said, had been a real benefit to the crew as they prepare for operational service, while also helping to preserve an important historic collection.
Atlantic Flight is in its working-up period before joining a Royal Navy frigate later this year. Once deployed, it will protect UK waters and carry out anti-submarine patrols in the North Atlantic.
A nod to Cornish legend
The operation was named Cormoran’s Throw after the legendary giant said to have created the Mount. According to Cornish folklore, Cormoran and his fellow giant Trecobben, of Trencrom near St Ives, used to hurl huge boulders at each other for fun.
This time it was the Royal Navy doing the heavy lifting. The guns that once stood watch over Cornwall’s coast are now in safe hands, thanks to the skill of today’s sailors and aviators.
Image: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence. More Pictures courtesy of Ted Munns/West Penwith Photography at: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2026/october/15/20261015-culdrose-cannon
