PICTURES: Iconic Commando Monument in Highlands is poignant finish line for epic 60-marathon challenge
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
HUNDREDS OF commandos from around the country travelled to the Highlands to mark the 80th anniversary of the formation of the elite troops.
The iconic Commando Monument as Spean Bridge was the spectacular backdrop for the event, as well as for the completion of the Commando 80 Challenge – a month-long series of marathons around the UK.
Since September 1, Royal Marines Commando Lance Corporal Luke Grainger has been travelling the length and breadth of Britain, totalling 60 marathons in 60 days accompanied by Commandos from every unit in the country.
He finished the epic challenge with a final five-mile speed march from Achnacarry House to the Spean Bridge Monument alongside colleagues from the Scots-based 45 and 43 Commando units.
“It was an exhausting journey, but to reach the finish at Spean Bridge, in the heart of ‘Commando country’, was the proudest moment of my life,” said Lance Corporal Grainger.
“I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support and encouragement of all the Army and Royal Marine units along the way, as well as the encouragement I received from members of the public.”
Luke, who is from Stourbridge, West Midlands, joined the Royal Marines in 2018 and is currently serving with the Commando Logistics Regiment. Prior to undertaking the Commando 80 Challenge he had never taken part in any form of ultra-running, although he had completed marathons in the past.
“I completed the challenge for the Royal Marines Charity,” continued Luke. “They provide invaluable support to Royal Marines and their families and while some of the money is raised though individual Marines contributing via their pay, most of the funding comes through initiatives such as this.
“Hopefully the money raised through the Commando 80 Challenge will help them to continue their fantastic work.”
Among those at the Commando Monument to meet the Lance Corporal was Brigadier Duncan Forbes, Commander of 3 Commando Brigade and Brigadier Andrew Muddiman, Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland (NRCSNI).
Following the miracle at Dunkirk, Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave the order to “set Europe ablaze” with the formation of small units of highly trained troops.
In 1942 the first Royal Marines volunteers were sent to Scotland to undertake training at Archnacarry House in the Highlands. Some 36 ranks and two officers formed T-Company, the first formed group of Marines to complete the Commando Training Course.
On May 18, 1942, the now fully trained Royal Marines Commandos left Scotland on HMS Landing Ship Infantry Princess Beatrix and in June began rehearsals for the Dieppe Raid on August 19, 1942.
Today’s Royal Marines Commandos are a highly effective and flexible force trained to survive and operate in the harshest conditions. Fully integrated with the Royal Navy’s amphibious ships, they can be deployed globally and projected from sea to conduct operations on land.
Why is this challenge seen to be so important?
Royal Marines deploy away from the UK on a regular basis to protect the nation’s interests. They are a highly effective and flexible force trained to survive and operate in the harshest conditions. The fact that they can intervene anywhere in the world often comes with a price. Injuries occur and sometimes those injuries, physical or mental, can be life changing; that is where the Royal Marines Charity steps in to help.
RMA - The Royal Marines Charity needs to raise a significant amount each year to continue providing support on an enduring basis to the Royal Marines’ family. Some of this money is raised through individual marines contributing via their pay, but the bulk comes from its fundraising community and initiatives such as the RMA and Royal Marines Cadets supporting fundraising for the Royal Marines Commando 80 Challenge.
