If they got their licences under Marshall's cover it may be that Marshalls' was guiding them for a contract under which they needed an EASA 66 licence.
Don't forget that Marshall has some 'sway' and also has access to civil aircraft - e.g. L1011 Tristars are not a military type and are fully certified on both sides of the Atlantic. EH/AW101 is also a Civil Certified Type.
As a Last Resort - Ask the guys how they did it?