Military personnel are being encouraged to sign-up for the latest staging of The Forces March and follow in the footsteps of an epic 138-mile Second World War training tab.
Organised by The Veterans Charity, the gruelling challenge, which starts in Ilfracombe, North Devon, and finishes in Bulford, Wiltshire five days later, recreates a feat undertaken by personnel from The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in 1942 – soldiers who would go on to be at the forefront of the D-Day liberation two years later.
It was launched as a fundraising event in 2010 and has raised in the region of £500,000 for a cause that helps former troops in their battle with hardship.
However, it has only happened once since the Covid pandemic and those in charge are bringing it back for 2025 – and they are calling on the Army’s support, whether that’s as individuals or formed teams.
“It is an opportunity to follow that historic march and also mix with – and learn from – people from different backgrounds outside of the military community,” Danny Greeno, chief executive of The Veterans Charity, told Soldier.
“Troops are used to marching with weight, but it is the distance that makes this so challenging.
“You average 27 miles a day over hilly, tough terrain but it is a test that people relish.
“In the past it has become a competition between companies and units, but we never meant it to be that – there are no prizes for coming first.
“However, military teams want to be the best and this brings about a real esprit de corps.”
This year’s march starts on April 30 and finishes on May 4, with entry costing £150 per person, although there is a 50 per cent discount for serving personnel and veterans.
Campsite facilities are provided along the route, as well as meals, escort vehicles, manned checkpoints and medical teams.
For more details and to enter visit forcesmarch.org.uk
