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Lots of local motorbike riders are setting off on a three-day trip today to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry's homecoming.
Around 30 bikes will spend the next few days riding from the RGLI Memorial in St Peter Port to the RGLI Memorial in Cambrai.
The riders will hold a short 'Drumhead Service' and lay wreaths at both Memorials. They will also lay crosses at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission cemetery at Tincourt where six members of the Infantry are buried.
The first service will take place between 12:00 and 12:30 today and will be officiated by the Reverend Stringer, who is also participating in the ride. Members of the public are welcome to attend the service. The riders will then depart for France on the afternoon Condor sailing.
Pictured: A number plate made up for the ride with the Regimental Number of an RGLI member related to the rider.
"It is nearly two years since we commemorated the hundredth anniversary of the departure of the RGLI," said Trustee of the RGLI Charitable Trust Lt Col Colin Vaudin. "We have also commemorated their greater battles at Cambrai and Lys by the raising of the twin Memorials in St Peter Port and Les Rues Vertes.
"It is important that the story of the RGLI isn't forgotten and that the memorials become a focus for descendants and other islanders' commemoration. I am therefore delighted that so many of my fellow bikers will be joining his pilgrimage to the site."
Pictured: Lead Rider Martin Proudlove.
Organiser and 'Lead Rider; Martin Proudlove added: "As a GMTS Instructor and ex-serviceman I am delighted to be leading the RGLI Memorial Ride. Successfully and safely moving over 30 motorbikes across nearly 1000 miles in France is a challenge and one I am looking forward to. I am sure there will be many highlights of the trip but for the focus will be the service of commemoration at the RGLI Memorial in Les Rues Vertes. To do this 100 years, to the same month, that the RGLI finally came home is even more poignant."
Pictured top: The RGLI Memorial in Cambrai.
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