Page 27 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

THE GAZETTE QARANC 25
to allow troops from the beaches to march through. A famous Paratrooper John Steele got caught on the spire of the church where he pretended to play dead until the Germans cut him down and took him prisoner two hours later. The village was liberated by the Americans on 6 June 1944.
The final stop on the tour was the Bayeux War Memorial. Here the students had time to reflect
on everything they had learnt and appreciate the sacrifice that was made by so many to secure the freedom of France which eventually led to the Allies winning the Second World War. A wreath was laid by Capt J Dews on behalf of everyone at DMGSE. “When you go home, tell them of us and say, For their tomorrow, we gave our today”.
Cpl Jemma Pidgeon PMRAFNS (DMGSE)
Defence Medical Group (South East)
Coltman VC Stretcher Carry 2016
On 18 June 2016, a team of eight personnel, both males and females, from Defence Medical Group South East (DMGSE) took part in the Coltman VC Stretcher Carry 2016 in Malvern Hills to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
The race is organised by Susan Buxton in honour of William Harold Coltman VC, a stretcher bearer who won the Victoria Cross without firing a single shot and became the most decorated other rank of WW1.
On our way everyone was excited and looking forward to the race. We were hosted by the event’s organiser, who provided us with accommodation and breakfast in her own home, not far from the starting point.
It was sunny on the morning of the race; everyone was eager and ready for it to start. At around 0900hrs all the teams, from different regiments, including other Defence Medical Groups, Recce Platoon and Parachute Regiments, gathered in front of the Malvern library with their stretchers ready. Most teams had used their imaginations creating a ‘patient’ whom they would have to carry around the gruelling 10km course, up and down the Malvern Hills. Just before the start, all teams were briefed on the route, handed a map and were told about potential hazards to avoid along the way. Before we knew it, it was 1100hrs and the race had started!
The start was staggered and DMGSE were the second team to start the competition. The first mile was tough; as soon as we left the library it was a steep uphill through the centre of the town. However, with great teamwork, encouragement and a high morale DMGSE soon caught up with the first team to start. Our team battled it out with Defence Medical Group South (DMGS) throughout the whole race. Although both teams were in it to win it, it was friendly competition! Throughout the whole race both DMGs encouraged each other even when they were fighting to take the lead.
At roughly the 2km point DMGSE took the lead and maintained a healthy distance ahead of the second team. We maintained this position for the majority of the race. However, at 9km the Recce Platoon that had started last came up from behind to overtake. They were surely the winners. As they went past, we cheered and gave them some motivation to keep up their outstanding pace; however, it wasn’t long until another team were close on their heels. This team also had high morale, shouting us words of encouragement as they overtook us.
The whole of our team were relieved to see the finish line appear in the distance; unfortunately, it was on top of one of the largest hills in the course. We all dug deep for the final push. Looking strong we made quick and swift changes on the stretcher to keep our speed up the hill. All members of the team were shouting words of encouragement and the other two teams already at the finish were clapping us in. As we crossed the line we were elated and very proud of ourselves for completing the gruelling course. Despite limited time for training, we completed it in under 2.5 hours and were the first DMG! We were all very happy with the result.
After the race, the organiser invited all, who had participated, to her house for tea and cake and also kindly allowed us to use her showers. We were all totally ready for a sleep on the way back home.
The race was extremely well organised and it was a great event to be a part of. Thank you to Susan Buxton for organising the event and hosting all the teams at her home. Also thank you to the CO of DMGSE, Lt Colonel Ryan, for allowing us to take part.
Pte Lartey QARANC Cpl Elston RAMC Healthcare Assistant Diagnostic Radiographer