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CNN Live Today

Profile of Britain's First Female Commando

Aired May 31, 2002 - 14:50   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: A 27-year-old Marine captain is going down in history as Britain's first female commando. ITN News correspondent Helen Wright has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HELEN WRIGHT, ITN REPORTER (voice-over): Sheer guts and determination have earned Pip Tattersall the right to wear the coveted Marines green beret. An old girl of Rodine who studied arts and played hockey for her county, the 27-year-old captain is tonight the first woman member of the elite corps.

She completed her grueling commando training today by scaling this 6-foot wall, the final obstacle, but one that had defeated her twice before.

CAPTAIN PHILIPPA TATTERSALL: I was very nervous this morning. I was up at 6:00. I knew I had the challenge to face at 8:00. Trying to keep calm was virtually impossible. And then just an awesome sense of achievement, having made it over the Tarzan and the completed time.

WRIGHT: Over the last eight weeks, Pip has also completed a nine-mile speed march, field and battle tactics training and a 30-mile jaunt across Dartmore. It's a course that defeated many men.

COLONEL ALLEN TOMPSON, BRITISH COMMANDO TRAINING CENTER: It's an excellent achievement. We are absolutely delighted here at the commando training center. It's been a long haul for Captain Tattersall. But nevertheless, she's shown exactly the qualities we're looking for.

WRIGHT: For Pip's family, her historic achievement hasn't quite sunk in yet.

JENNY TATTERSALL, FEMALE MARINE'S MOTHER: I'll need to talk to her about it all, and see what the future holds for her. At the moment, this is her, her prize, her day. And we're just so pleased.

WRIGHT: Captain Tattersall believes more women will win green berets. But despite her achievements, current rules mean this commando won't be allowed to serve alongside her male colleagues in combat. Helen Wright, ITV News.

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