In May 2013, a team of Royal Naval Reservists from HMS CALLIOPE travelled to the Belgian town of Ypres to participate in the annual 100 km march. The march takes place over three days and covers terrain that was the scene of some of the heaviest fighting in World War One: this includes area and place names that are forever etched into our national memory, including the Menin Road, Passchendale and the town of Ypres itself, which was destroyed in the War as the Allied Forces fought tenaciously to hold onto the Ypres Salient.

The event was organised by the regional council and is now an annual fixture in the Unit’s training calendar – the key aim was to complete the 100 km march: it also provides a rare chance to deploy overseas as a team and undertake a challenging activity, also providing a chance to pay our respects to those who gave their lives in World War One. The Royal Navy has a proud association with the town of Ypres, which was the site of three major battles. Members of the 63rd Royal Naval Division fought in the most famous and most bloody of these battles at Passchendale. The division was made up of surplus reserves from the Royal Navy who were not required at sea, closely resembling our RNR Above Water Force Protection Branch of today, who carry out a similar role.

The first day saw the team complete the first phase of the event: a 30 km march towards the North East of Ypres. The team set off in good spirits, determined to make the most of the day to take in the sights and sounds and also to reflect on the atmosphere: the quiet nature of the area gave a bit of a false impression as to what really happened here almost a century ago. The whole team managed to complete the first full 30 km in good time with some sore knees and emerging blisters, but it was straight back to Camp to change into ceremonial uniform for the wreath laying ceremonies at the Langemark German War Memorial, Belgian War Memorial and the imposing and impressive Menin Gate.

The second day was certainly the most demanding. Although settled into the walking routine following the previous day’s walk, the distance increased to 40 km. We split into two smaller groups to give a chance for our Junior Sailors to have a chance at leading and motivating the team. Teams trekked through the battle fields across Ypres and the surrounding area to the French borders. We felt a great sense of achievement as teams crossed the border, it was short lived as we then had to cover the same distance back! However, our foray into France was rewarded with a couple of sandwiches, prior to getting our heads down and marching back to Ypres. Although exhausted, the two teams demonstrated the ability to press on with good humour and tenacity – by this stage the blisters were growing bigger and the knees getting even sorer! However, passing the numerous war graves again made us reflect on what had happened before – our discomforts were only temporary and we had a hot shower and barbeque to look forward to at the end of the day, whereas we could only imaging the horrors that those present during the war had to look forward to at the end of their day!

The final day, although exhausting, saw the team determined to complete the challenge: easier said than done as some team members now suffered bad knees and blisters. Through strong camaraderie, the team pulled together and enjoyed the success of completing the challenge and seeing the day through to the end. Petty Officer Hudson, our “seasoned” team leader with many years of service behind him, managed to surprise everyone by bounding on to the finish line, leaving everyone else in his wake.

Overall, the event was a success: the team bonded well and emerging leaders were identified. We also developed our relationships with colleagues from the German Armed Forces who were also present and even managed to get an invite to Berlin to participate in their annual Shooting Competition.

This is now the ninth year that we have sent a team from HMS CALLIOPE to attend the march, with our reservists clocking up about 5000 km of marching distance over the years. The team is grateful to the Ulysses Trust for their funding, without which the event would not have taken place.