Airborne Medics mark First World War Centenary

A group of 11 soldiers from 16 Medical Regiment cycled 100km around Essex to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Setting off from Colchester’s Merville Barracks, the cyclists stopped to lay wreaths at war memorials in Tiptree, Maldon, Chelmsford, Braintree, Halstead and Colchester to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The ride last Wednesday (18th July) also raised awareness of the work of the Royal British Legion to support veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Lance Corporal Laud Afam-Adjei, who organised the ride, said: “I’m a keen cyclist and wanted to do something meaningful, to both encourage more of the guys and girls to get out on their bikes and to mark the end of the First World War. It’s important that, as soldiers, we remember the actions and sacrifices of those who served before us. “It was a very hot day, but everyone enjoyed riding through the countryside and stopping at the war memorials meant we had lots of opportunities to rest and take on water. No-one complained about the heat - what’s a little bit of sweat compared to what soldiers suffered in the trenches?”

16 Med Regt is trained and equipped to deploy by parachute, helicopter or airlanding to provide medical support to 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s airborne rapid reaction force.