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EXERCISE RESPECTING VALOUR

It has come to that time for us the team members to give an update on the above.

Firstly we would like to thank all of our supporters for giving us the opportunity to make this project work.

            With all our planning finally sorted we firstly embarked on the restoration of Captain Halliday`s grave and from the pictures you can see it was in pretty poor condition, not withstanding we deployed on Wednesday 17^th March to Medstead, Tony was a dab hand at branch felling whilst Briggsy showed his prowess with a scrubbing brush and water (see pictures.)

            Once the grave was up to the required standard we changed into Lovats for the Royal Marines prayed a minute silence and a toast of port for Captain Halliday VC.

 Captain Halliday`s grave is located in the small village of Medstead (Hampshire)

As you enter the village, there are two graveyards, one on the left hand side approximately ½ mile from village centre the other is in the grounds of the village church, it is the first graveyard that Captain Halliday is buried in.

On entering the graveyard turn left immediately, walk approximately `forty `(40) metres and he is buried in his family plot.

Thursday 18^th March 04

Momentum has now really kicked in and with the help of WO2 Simon Wright RM he managed to get ITV interested, so with our best television faces, interview were held and I must say a very good article appeared that evening on Carlton Television. Not to be out done the Corps Communication unit WO2 Tony Veal RM brought along the Sun Newspaper for a special article, now Drill Instructors tend to wear Blues, Lovats Etc. but a good idea of Tony’s was lets get down the bottom field get dirty that’s what people want to see (thanks Tony) none the less another good article took shape.

Only problem being is hat we will be in Italy when I is released.    

 Saturday 20^th March 04

With all kit pack it was time to bit farewell to our love ones and make our way to Comacchio.

One of our sponsors was the Royston Manor House in Herts and as this was on the way to the airport, what better way to say thank you and raise the profile of the Corps than a photo shoot with the Mayor of Royston and he local Papers. Ken, Eddie and Martin hosted us very well and we must say a big thank you to all your club members for their support.

Sunday 21^st March 04

Death o’clock star, as we had to be at he airport first thing. Having booked in we looked forward to the delights of an Easyjet flight to Bologna, or as Briggsy puts it Scumbag Scumbag flight.

I must say with all the bad press easyjet received in the press our flight took off on time no hassles and their staff were quite pleasant.

On arriving in Bologna our transition flight to road went very smoothly and we were on the road in no time. The weather was a pleasant 70 degrees and as we travelled along everything seemed to be going quite well. Then we hit a slight snag the first toll booth, yes we all Know there are tolls in Europe and yes we had Lots of Euros on us, unfortunately it was all in note form and the booth was automatic no person to change our notes. With cars queuing up behind and mad Italians tooting their horns three bootnecks were seen pulling bags left right and centre trying to scrape together five euros in shrapnel. That done, we were merrily on our way, with lots of sarcasms to Tony reference, “ pick a booth with a bloke in it next time stupid”.

            On arrival at Rimini it was time to locate our hotel it was here that we realised that although we can get by on broken French and sign language English (pointing,)

Italian was a bit off the mark for all of us. “Briggsy get out the electronic translator and find out how to ask for directions” “what!!! I take it I was in charge of that then says a sarcastic Briggsy”

Having located and moved into our accommodation, we settled for a short to of the local area.

Monday 22^nd March 04

Travelled to Argenta to try and find the grave of Cpl Thomas Peck Hunter RM. We arrived at Argenta mid morning to find that the military graveyard was a few kilometres further on at Argenta Gap. As we arrived at the common wealth war cemetery, I must say the sight takes your breath away. In the middle of open country side is a plot of land eighty metres by eighty metres square, it is here that the fallen hero’s of British, Canadian and Danish armed forces are laid to rest. Cpl Hunters burial place was plot 3, row G, and Grave twenty.

Although the grave was in pretty state it was quite impressive to see a local tending the hedgerows and surrounding area.

            In the cemetery there is a small shrine where there is a book of remembrance available to sign, indeed many of the locals still visit and pay their respect to these fallen men. Cpl Hunter is not the only Royal Marine laid to rest at Argenta Gap there are in fact thirty (30) Royal Marines and two (2) Commandos buried there. The Commandos are unidentified by name.

Permission was sought and granted for us to lay our plaque and we decided that we would carry this out on Wednesday.

Tuesday 23^rd March 04    

Visited surrounding area to Comacchio took up offer of a battlefield tour. I must say that with the surrounding area so baron and flat it must have been horrendous ground to fight over. (see photos).

Wednesday 24^th March 04

Arrived at Argenta Gap the Royal Marines Prayer was recited by Cpl Briggs, we stood silent for a moment, laid the Respecting Valour Plaque and Saluted a true hero.

We then spent about an hour locating the various other Royal Marines saying private prayers for each.

Thursday 25^th March 04

Our task complete now is the time to head back to CTCRM for a quick change around get ready and travel to York.

Friday 26^th March 04

Having returned from a long and arduous journey from Italy, we found ourselves at CTCRM. Our kit was repacked and we set of for York cemetery, to attend the grave of Bmdr Wilkinson,

Saturday 27^th March 04

After a brief stop off at Cpl Briggs house we continued on our way to York.

 (see photos) although the graveyard is over grown Bmdr Wilkinsons grave is in pretty good state of repair.

            After a tidy up and a polish of the memorial bench, Sgt Blanden recited the Royal Marines prayer, we saluted Bmdr Wilkinson and toasted him with a glass of port.  task complete it was time to make our way to Manchester to attend to Cpl John Prettyjohns grave.

Bmdr Wilkinsons grave is in York cemetery, as you enter the graveyard head towards the hall, circle the hall and his grave is located approx 60mtrs down the first track on the right hand side.

Sunday 28^th March 04   

Moved across to Manchester to attend Cpl John PrettyJohns Grave, found out southern Cemetery is infact about two square miles of graves (needle / haystack).

But as good bootnecks know seek local knowledge, Stan Hockings Treasurer of RMA Manchester arrived and once again we were back on track. If it was not for Stans assistance we would still be in Manchester now. Thanks Stan.

Monday 29^th March 04

The team made there way to Stapleford to meet up with RMA Nottingham.

It was here that we were to get the best reception so far. On entering the chequers inn (HQ to Combined services in the Nottingham area) we were greeted not only by former Royal Marines but a whole host of former military men, ranging from Para`s to Matelots, Gunners to Shirwood Foresters.

All had heard about this exercise and came along to give their support and approval.

Our thanks goes out to all he lads, especially Ken, Lindsay, AJ, Tony, John, Yorkie

and the legend, (his Words) Mcqueenie. We were escorted up to Walter Parkers Grave for a photo shoot with the standards and all former Service personnel.

Once completed, we were again escorted to the Cpl Parker square. Here we saw the memorial garden his bench and a bronze plaque. Once again a very big thanks from us  for all your support. 

Tuesday 30^th March 04

After bidding farewell o our comrades in Nottingham, we took one more look at the Walter Parker Memorial Square followed by a quick visit back to the graveside to give a toast to Cpl Parker.

With all the photos and meeting up with the RMA the toast was delayed until we were departing.   

Once completed, we were once again back on the road, this time heading for Dover to start the European phase of the exercise.

It was planned that on arrival we would meet up with Michael from Classic Memorials, he was the chap who made the fantastic plaques that we are laying at each site. Unfortunately due to work commitments he was unable to attend.

After finding a hotel it was sort out the admin for the following day.

Wednesday 31^st March 04

Driving on the continent was no major problem as we had Tony who thinks he’s French this only lasts until midday, as he needs his old man afternoon nap.

We drove from France through Belgium onto Holland until we finally reach the German boarder; here we stayed for the night.

Thursday 01^st April 04

Long drive today, we were heading for northern Denmark, the only problem was Jutland is an area of Denmark and not a specific town so trying to locate a suitable place for Major Harvey’s plaque could be interesting.

Arrived at a place called Hodling (American werewolf in London sort of town).

Not only was there no accommodation available, but the locals did not seem interested in what we were doing, I was decided to push on to Esjberg. as this seemed to other a ferry port which gave us more hope. Arrived at Esjberg at midnight found a pleasant hotel and settled in.

Friday 02^nd April 04

After a quick O group we decided it would be better if we left the plaque some where on display so that I could be viewed, we did meet a chap called Allan who worked on the oil rigs, he offered to take us out to the Jutland Battle site so we could lay his plaque at Major Harvey’s final resting place. This was an option but I thought it best if we took it to the museum to see if they could assist us.

Esjberg has two museums, they town Museum and a Maritime museum just out side the town and it was the maritime museum that were kind enough to accept the plaque.

Mr Snorved xxxxxx is the curator of he museum and will show the plaque to any visitors requesting to see it. With time pushing on we had to leave for Zeebrugge and a twelve hour drive to complete.

Saturday 03^rd April 04

Arrived at Zeebrugge at 0100hrs could not get any accommodation so move to a small town north Blankenburg, settled in at around 0200hrs.

0800hrs up and a made admin hour pressing suits, shirt etc.

1000hrs met up with Mr Jim Ellard (Chairman of the RMA City of London) and his lovely wife Joy. It was Jim who came to our rescue when we found out that Captain Bamfords grave had been desecrated, with his help not only did he manage to persuade the officials of Zeebrugge to accept Captain Bamfords Plaque but also Sgt Finch’s plaque as well,(Sgt Finch was cremated in Portchester with his ashes scattered in Southampton).

            We arrived at the town hall at 1030hrs where most if not all the town dignitaries, ranging from the first Alderman, Police Commissionaire and a host of others to numerous to name, greeted us. After a small speech by Jim, Tony and I presented our plaques to the Alderman and Host Master.

Champagne was flowing and as we mingled it was amazing to see and hear all the different stories from the War.  After we had a photo shoot with all the dignitaries, we were invited to Mr Alain Verheye house for lunch, his lovely wife Georgette fussed and fussed all afternoon and spoiled us rotten. On behalf of the team we cannot thank

The people of Zeebrugge enough and we will be seeing you all next year.

Sunday 04^th April 04 

 Admin day today. We tried to catch up on sleep, dhobi and fix a punctured car tyre.

Monday 05^th April 04 

Left Blankenburg and headed to a small to called Blanden so that Tony could visit the good people of his realm (his words). After presenting his people with a CTCRM plaque the town folk presented Tony with a chad Baseball cap. (top swap Tony)

We set off to make our way to Arras to find Major Lumsden Grave.

Tuesday 06^th April 04 

Moved from Arras to a small town called Berles Au Bois and it is here that Major Lumsden is buried. The cemetery is located north of the town in the new military cemetery, the grave was very well kept and after CSgt Plater recited the Royal Marines prayer the plaque was laid.

After the plaque was laid we saluted then toasted Major Lumsden.

Wednesday 07^th April 04

Left Arras to attend a tour of the battlefields of the Somme, a totally humbleling experience, once the tour was completed we headed back to arras to make preparations for our return to the UK.

Thursday 08^th April 04