An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 39 out, we completed a Saturday walk from Castleknock to Maynooth and back (40Km) and followed up with individual efforts on Sunday. The Dutch Army builds Camp Heumensoord every year especially for the event. It accommodates all the military participants in large temporary buildings complete with washing facilities, a field hospital, din- ing hall and mess. We were all in location by Sunday night and were accommodated in the 'Smaller Contin- gents' block – along with members of the US, Spanish, Austrian, Russian and other armed forces. Monday was a day for preparation and an opportunity to load up on carbohydrates. All four days started with reveille at 0300 hrs and followed the same basic pattern. Lt Fitzgerald had sweet-talked the team dedicated to looking after the smaller contingents to have the kettle boiled at 0300 for us so we could fill up on instant porridge. The next half hour was spent getting ready before we went to the dining hall at 0330 for breakfast and to make our sandwiches for the day. Smaller contingents were sent out first, crossing the start line at 0430 – played out by a military band with salutes to the Deputy Chief of the Dutch Army. Even at 0430, the streets were lined with Dutch civilians sitting on their couches wrapped in blankets and cheering the marchers on and offering snacks. It continued like this for the next 9 to 10 hours until all members were back in camp. Showers, foot massages and repairs followed. Dinner started at 1700. If you are timed well, you could go for a first sitting at 1700 and a second at 1930. For those with foot trouble a visit to the 'Vet' could be squeezed in between. In bed as soon as possible and the whole process started again at 0300 the next morning. Each day's march was punctuated by 2 or 3 stops at military rest areas. The Dutch Army looked after the smaller contingents. At these stops we could rest in shade (temperatures reached 35 degrees), refuel with the basics including a strange salty watery soup, and tend to feet. As can be expected from an event in its 102nd year, it is loaded with military traditions and symbolism. These include the Sunset March over the River Waal to commemorate the 82nd Airborne Crossing in 1944; the pontoon bridge at Cuijk built every year by Dutch Army Engineers for the event and the ceremonies at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek. Each day brought us on a different route through the countryside surrounding Nijmegen. Our expectation that the Netherlands is totally flat was dispelled on Day 3 when we encountered the 'Seven Hills' along the route. Each town and village that we passed through offered us an amazing welcome with tens of thousands lining the route cheering us on, and dozens of bands providing entertainment. The Mayor of each town was present with local military officials to take the salute from each marching team. The last days march officially ended five kilometers from Nijmegen centre in 'Charlemagne Field'. Once we crossed the finish line our wristbands were scanned, and we were presented with our medals. After a short rest, we then marched into Nijmegen led by military bands along the 'Via Gladiola' through crowds of well- wishers offering 'refreshments' and the traditional bunches of gladioli – a truly memorable experience. Plans are under way to enter an Army Reserve marching team in 2019. At a minimum, we are looking for 12 walkers. Interested personnel should send an email to: 4DayMarch@gmail.com. You will need to have ITs completed and be committed to undertake the necessary preparation and training. A briefing for all interested personnel will be held early in January 2019 on a date TBC. Lt Fergal Fitzgerald and Comdt Ian Stewart in the Dutch resting area.

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