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Success for RGLI Memorial Riders

Success for RGLI Memorial Riders

Wednesday 08 May 2019

Success for RGLI Memorial Riders

Wednesday 08 May 2019


More than thirty local motorcyclists have travelled hundreds of miles to mark 100 years since the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry returned home.

The riders travelled over 750 miles from the RGLI Memorial in St Peter Port to the RGLI Memorial in Cambrai, laying wreaths at both ends.

The Mayor of Masinieres, French dignitaries and veterans turned out for the bikers' Sunday morning service in Les Rues Vertes. Later that morning, the team went to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission cemetery at Tincourt and laid crosses on the graves of six Guernseymen who lost their lives, before visiting the Theipval Memorial to the Missing.

RGLI motorbike ride

Pictured: RGLI Memorial Rider Karen Laine and the Mayor of Masinieres Francis Noblecourt.

Despite riding through rain, hail and cross-winds of 30-40mph the riders succeeded in what they had set out on Friday to do, visiting all the sites they had intended to.

"The RGLI Memorial Ride was a huge success," said Trustee of the RGLI Charitable Trust Lt Col Colin Vaudin. "Whilst the riding was hard I think it added to the experience. The riders paid our respects to the RGLI at the two memorials and more poignantly laid crosses on the graves of six of our own."

RGLI motorbike ride wreath

Pictured: A cross laid on the grave of Private Zabiela RGLI at Tincourt Cemetary.

Five of the motorcyclists had never ridden outside of the island before and the eldest team member was 72.

"I am immensely proud of those I rode with," Lt Col Vaudin continued. "Both old friends and new, old and young, big bikes and small ones, experienced riders and novices. It was an experience I will never forget and I hope in a small way we have achieved our mission to keep the name of the RGLI alive."

Pictured top: The riders at the RGLI Memorial in Les Rues Vertes.

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