Personnel from RAF Akrotiri marched a collective distance of over 453 miles last week in the memory of those who lost their lives during the conflict in Afghanistan.
The annual 453 March takes place in order to remember the 453 personnel who lost their lives during the conflict in Afghanistan. Over 70 military personnel marched 6.8 miles each, bringing their total mileage to over 453, further than walking from Brighton to Edinburgh.
The 453 March was initially started in 2015, with the intention to raise money for the Royal British Legion and Cyprus Poppy Appeal and has developed each year since. This year’s organiser, Sergeant Steven Holden, explained how it has changed:
“The process was different back then, as it was only carried out by the Army element of the workshops, and was completed by covering the distance around the Station sports pitches. Over the years it has evolved into a bigger event with other members of the military being invited to participate and the route changing from the pitches to the cliff paths and wider area.”
Sgt Holden was among those who had a personal connection with the march and remembrance of lost personnel: “With it being on the remembrance weekend, I will be honouring all lives lost during war time. But closer to home, I will be remembering a friend, Corporal Matthew Thomas, who sadly lost his life in 2010 when the vehicle he was driving was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device in Helmand province. We were in phase two training together and often bumped into each other throughout our careers.”
Corporal Sean Kinsella is an RAF Physical Training Instructor at RAF Aktrotiri. This year was his first participating in the march. He explained why it was important for him to take part: “I wanted to pay my respects to those that lost their lives in Afghanistan. Many people on Station were there and knew people who had lost their lives. I wanted to give something back."
“The comradery on the march was really strong. People were working together to make sure everyone completed the march. It was great when the children joined us for the final stretch.”
For the final stretch of the march, families of RAF Akrotiri personnel joined the group, bringing those participating home to a welcome finish. RAF Akrotiri Station Commander, Group Captain Chris Snaith, took part and after finishing the march gave a moving speech commemorating those who had lost their lives. He closed the event by commending those who took part in the march:
“We’ve covered over 453 miles in total. One for each of the people that we left behind in Afghanistan. I am proud of what you’ve done today and thank you very much.”
The Station also held a Remembrance event throughout the afternoon and evening on the sports pitches, which featured stands from several sections around the Station fundraising for the poppy appeal. The event serves as a strong reminder of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice during times of conflict and was a strong compliment to the traditional poppy appeal in support of the Royal British Legion.
