‘Everything they died for should be remembered’
THE largest organised motorbike group to leave the island has set out on a pilgrimage to commemorate 100 years since the homecoming of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry.
Around 30 riders left for France on the Condor afternoon sailing yesterday03/05.
Their journey began at the RGLI Memorial in the Sunken Garden and will end at its twin memorial at Les Rues Vertes, Cambrai.
Trustee of the RGLI Charitable Trust and organiser of the RGLI Memorial Ride Lt Col Colin Vaudin said it was important that the story of the RGLI was not forgotten.
Nearly two years ago the one hundredth anniversary of the departure of the RGLI was marked. The memorials in St Peter Port and France now commemorate their greatest battles at Cambrai and Lys.
Fellow organiser Martin Proudlove will lead the ride.
The idea began when Lt-Col Vaudin and Mr Proudlove were looking for somewhere to ride this year.
‘We put it on Facebook to see whether two or three others may want to come with us and like many good ideas, it all got a bit hectic,’ said Lt-Col Vaudin.
He said he was happy to have such a mix of islanders coming for the journey spanning a wide age range and both male and female riders.
Among the motorcyclists is the Rev. Howard Stringer, who held a short Drumhead Service before departure at which a wreath was laid on the monument.
There will be another service and wreath laying in Cambrai and crosses will be laid at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission cemetery at Tincourt where six RGLI members are buried.
The service included well-loved songs Jerusalem and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary as well as the British national anthem.
Diane Leale, 60, found the significance of the ride emotional. She is riding with her husband along with a group of Triumph owners.
‘Everything that those people died for should be remembered. It’s a chance to ride with different people who are all different characters.’
Martyn Lowe, 64, is looking forward to the riding and has another important reason for going. ‘My grandfather was in the RGLI and I’m taking his medals there.’
Mr Lowe was not the only one with family connections to the RGLI – Lee Corbert has borrowed his friend Colin Carder’s number plate to travel with because it is his great grandfather’s service number.
