Children will learn about the RGLI and Battle of Cambrai
A SERIES of assemblies teaching young people about the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry's role in the Battle of Cambrai, and the dramatic impact it had on the island, have been organised by Education.
As part of the move, the children will be taught how to march, so that they can take part in a forthcoming anniversary parade, which will mark and replicate the RGLI's departure for France during the First World War.
The plan is for the formal parade to march from Fort George, through St Peter Port and to the White Rock, in the same way the Guernsey soldiers did 100 years ago. Families and onlookers, just as back then, will follow behind.
The first of the assemblies was held yesterday at Notre Dame Primary School. Education, Sport & Culture lifelong learning manager Alun Williams spoke of how news of the regiment's losses in the battle, which marks its centenary in November, filtered back to the island, how it affected people and how the RGLI trained.
'We are going to do quite a few more of these,' he said. 'We want to make them understand a bit about the parade and the significance of the RGLI and the battle.
'Things like practising marching really help to engage them.'
Lt-Col. Colin Vaudin, from the RGLI Charitable Trust, also spoke to the children about his time in the Army over the last three decades, and what it means to be a soldier and serve alongside others in combat.
OUR Guernsey's Finest Hour campaign was set up by the newspaper to help the RGLI Charitable Trust's appeal to raise £30,000 for the memorials.
You can donate in two ways, either directly at Lloyds Bank or by sending a cheque to Chris Oliver, co-founder of the RGLI Charitable Trust.
Donations should be made to Lloyds Bank, St Peter Port, quoting sort code 30-93-73, account number 32700168 and The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Charitable Trust. Cheques should be made payable to The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Charitable Trust and posted to the RGLI Charitable Trust, Les Emrais, Ruette des Emrais, Castel, GY5 7YF, tel. 251683.
Inclusion on our Roll of Honour is optional. If you want your reason for donating to appear on the roll, which is updated every few days and appears regularly in the newspaper and permanently on our website, please either email chris@lesemrais.com or include a note if sending a cheque, using no more than 30 words for your dedication.
More details of our Guernsey's Finest Hour campaign appear on our website at guernseypress.com.
If you have a story for us about the RGLI please contact newseditor@guernseypress.com.
