Two teams of ex-Royal Marines will reach St Albans tomorrow as they “yomp to the Somme” in remembrance of the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest fights in human history.
The term ‘yomp’ is slang for a long-distance march carrying full kit - 30lb packs will be carried by each team member, the average weight carried by a Somme combatant.
The teams left Grimsby and Liverpool late last week, as they embarked upon their 650 mile endurance march over 23 days.
Their challenge will end at 7.30am on July 1 at the Somme, marking the moment the battle started 100 years ago.
The ex-Marines are seeking support for their trip, as they hope to collect 19,240 remembrance crosses, one for each man killed on July 1, 1916, through a sponsorship scheme. All donations will go to the Royal British Legion.
The crosses with WWI names will be laid at the Somme to form a poignant display of remembrance.
The teams will be walking from Bletchley to St Albans, and are estimated to reach Redbourn Road at about 3pm tomorrow (Tuesday), continuing along Folly Lane and through to Catherine Street, to reach the St Albans Cenotaph by about 4pm.
Upon arrival at the memorial, they will be greeted by the Mayor and other dignitaries, ahead of a wreath-laying ceremony.
For more information on the yomp to the Somme campaign click here and to donate, please click here.
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