Bermuda Regiment soldiers have taken a beating in Jamaica after mugging incidents in Montego Bay.

For two members of the Island's part-time army -- including a Major -- fell foul of Caribbean crooks during late-night attacks.

The incidents happened only days before the second batch of soldiers to do their annual camp in Jamaica were set to return home.

Regiment Adjutant Capt. Eddie Lamb said: "It's very unfortunate -- we do warn the soldiers about this, but it's a fact of life in any city, wherever you travel, even here in Bermuda.'' The Major and a private soldier were targeted by muggers last Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Capt. Lamb said the officer was walking back to his hotel on his own on Thursday night when he was stopped by three men who demanded cash.

"There was a scuffle -- I'm not sure how much money was taken. He suffered some injuries, bruises and an injury to his head, but nothing life-threatening,'' added Capt. Lamb.

But the attackers did not get away free -- Capt. Lamb said the officer managed to defend himself.

At least one of his attackers was injured and he was later traced and arrested by the Jamaican police.

On Wednesday, the private, who was also walking alone, was approached by a lone man who lured him up a side street to see a souvenir shop.

But two other men appeared once the soldier was off the main road and demanded his money. Capt. Lamb said the soldier gave up some cash and was not assaulted by the thieves.

He added that neither of the Regiment men were in uniform when they were mugged.

Capt. Lamb -- who declined to name either of the soldiers -- said: "In uniform, nobody would have bothered them.

"Jamaicans hold soldiers in some reverence. But they were both out of uniform and looked very much like ordinary tourists.'' But he added the Jamaican Police had taken both incidents seriously and launched full probes.

He said: "The Police were very helpful and efficient -- within hours, they had one of guys who assaulted the Major.

"And I know they are actively involved in working on the other incident.'' Capt. Lamb added the troops are warned about possible trouble and advised to travel in groups of at least three, especially at night.

But he said: "There hasn't been very much trouble -- these are the only incidents we have heard about. It's all gone quite smoothly.'' The last of the two groups of soldiers to take part in the joint manoeuvres with the Jamaican Defence Force arrived back on the Island on Saturday.

CRIME CRM