Page 64 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

62
www.raptcassociation.org.uk

the RAPTC, would like to conduct PFA (1) and I immediately thought This set the pace of life for the next few months to come, to
no pressure there then, he had been training and wanted to achieve name but a few events, Organising Divisional Cross Country, BA
300 club membership. I’m now pleased to report that he did, (G) Sports Oficiating, Regimental Sport also preparing troops for
however, what was more impressive is the discussion we had on the deployments, MATT 2 testing, Adventurous Training, Equipment

way back to the gym and how he managed to balance his very busy repairs/renewal, Ex Rhino Soldier; Ex Pipedown – 1 (UK) Division
diary and an arduous training regime. All that was left for me to do Ski Championships, Ex Snow Warrior and the Regiments Inter-
was to present him with his 300 club t/shirt. The presentation was to Sqn Boxing Competition.
be during an LS&GC medals awarding ceremony; I gave a small brief

on the history of the 300 Club and the GOC’s stats. Looking back Finally, the pace and diversity of what this post offers cannot be
now it’s not bad considering it was my second week in my new role expressed in words, but I have enjoyed every minute of it.
as the Herford Station QMSI.

HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES GERMANY

WO1 (SMI) M W Galley RAPTC

H
Q BFG continues to operate at sponsors of the Nijmegen International that, for the irst time, Nijmegen was
Intermediate Operating Capability Four Days Marches, traces its origins included in the itinerary. In 1927 Nijmegen
(IntOC) evolving its structures as it
from a small group of physical itness was nominated as the permanent home

adopts new work practices and routines. enthusiasts in The Hague in the early of the Four Day Marches. In 1928
The summer months saw a signiicant 1900s. Physical Education was still in its the title was changed to the Nijmegen
changeover of personnel including the infancy in the Netherlands and the aim International Four Day Marches and
arrival of the new GOC BFG, Maj Gen J of the League was to encourage Dutch foreign participants were invited. Entries

Henderson.
people from all walks of life to participate from Great Britain, France, Germany and
in some form of physical activity. In May Norway resulted with other nations joining
Other signiicant occurrences that have 1908 the KNBLO received its Royal in throughout the 1930s.
transpired is ‘gapping’ (personnel posted Statute and a programme of outdoor

and not being replaced). This has been sporting activities including Athletics, The civilian entry into the Marches had
a headache across the Services and Hockey, Equestrian Events and Soccer rapidly increased and by 1932 had
will continue to get worse, with future as well as Road Walking was organized overtaken the number of service entries.
redundancy. Following an incident of for July 1909 in a number of locations The Marches increased in popularity

this gapping, I found the role of the throughout the Netherlands.
and numbers, when in 1939 they were
British Military Contingent Coordinator suspended for the duration of World
for Nijmegen International Marches being Early records are sparse but the Marathon War Two. Despite the problems of the
placed onto to my desk. This is a task Road Walks rapidly increased in popularity. immediate post war period, over 4,000
directed by Army Headquarters, that the The routes were initially organised on a people participated in the irst post-war

GOC has the responsibility as Head of the point-to-point basis with differing towns Four Day Marches in 1946, including
British Military Contingent.
nominated as the daily start point. In the a detachment of Belgian paratroopers
beginning the majority of the participants who caused a sensation by arriving by
Here is a brief account of what the in the Four Day Marches were servicemen, parachute.

Nijmegen International Marches is about;
although civilians were encouraged to
enter. The irst woman to enter the Four The popularity of the Four Day Marches
The Royal Dutch League for Physical Day Marches did so in 1913.
has continued to increase and in 1991
Culture, or to give it its correct title, De some 37,000 people representing over

Koninklijke Nederlandse Bond voor There were no Marches in 1914 or 1915 50 nations participated in the Marches;
Lichamelijke Opvoeding (KNBLO), the
but the 1917 Marches were notable in
18 nations entering military teams.