WIREDGOV

In a feat of endurance and stoic determination, serving personnel from the Army and Royal Navy will march across the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall dressed as Roman Centurion warriors, complete with authentic helmets, spears and shields to raise funds for their colleagues wounded in recent campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 84 mile march will commence at 0900 at the Gateway to Hadrian’s Wall in Bowness on Solway on 20 July 2009 with the squad hoping to cover 20 miles on the first day and average 12-15 miles on the following days finishing at Tynemouth hopefully on 25 July. They will camp on route at a number of locations.

Curiously both the Army and Navy groups were considering the same fundraising idea and were brought together by David Richardson from the Portsmouth-based Roman re-enactment group Legio Secunda Augusta when they were researching costumes for their fundraising idea.

Eight of the Navy Centurions are from Base Logistics Department in Portsmouth Naval Base led by Leading Logistics Rating Derek Thompson. The Navy will be marching as 4th Century Centurions from the aptly named Classis Britannicus squad. As they geared up for their departure Derek’s Commanding Officer, Base Logistics Commander Dave Noyes said:

“I’m 100 per cent behind the teams, not only is Barbarian Stomp raising funds for a great cause, (Help 4 Heroes) but the Army Benevolent Charities will also benefit from this innovative fundraising challenge. An 84 mile hike cross country in a demanding timescale will need them to dig deep on their energy reserves, test their stamina and provides excellent adventurous training developing leadership ability under pressure, valuable virtues for members of the Armed Forces.”

The Army team of eight will be led by Warrant Officer Carl Cooper from 159 Supply Regiment drawing on support from six members of The Royal Logistic Corps Volunteers. The Army will be marching as 1st century AD Romans. Carl’s Commanding Officer Colonel Neil Llewellyn first came up with the idea and will be accompanying the Army team in a suitable Roman officer’s attire. Carl said:

“As far as I’m aware this has never been done before by members of the Armed Forces in original Roman costume, but I have to admit we won’t be wearing Roman style sandals, the terrain is rough so we will be wearing proper hiking boots to provide ankle support and prevent injury. Weather could make things more arduous but if it gets really wet we’ll deploy the Navy ahead of the Army!”

In the Navy group is the Naval Base’s Dental Nurse Alyssia van-Linton (38) a fully-fledged gladiator from the re-enactment group Legio Secunda. In her spare time she spends several weekends a year taking part in combat re-enactments all over the UK and has trained others for stage combat, stunt fighting and film work, appearing as Achillea and Amazonia in stage productions. A keen historian, Alyssia gives talks and presentations to groups on the Romans and slavery in Roman times. David Richardson described the Roman equipment the group will be carrying and explained more about his group Legio Secunda Augusta.
David said:

“The Navy will be carrying hide edged shields with iron bosses and First century replica iron tipped throwing javelins and spatha swords. We are a very active group based in Portsmouth and have 120 members from all walks of life including the three armed services and reservists in the Territorial Army. We even have a grandfather over 70 who plays a Roman lawyer. We welcome new joiners and encourage families to take part in our activities.”

Derek Thompson originally had the idea for this event three years ago but busy Royal Navy warship operational programmes only allowed the group to get together in July this year. He is delighted to link up with the Army team who have welcomed them on to their project and additionally provided generous logistics support. Derek said:

“Our colleagues in the Armed Forces currently deployed operationally in Afghanistan are going through significant challenges in a much more arduous environment than we will face over the next five days but this is our way of honouring and supporting their commitment and service. I do hope the public will support us in our fund=raising efforts as we travel across the country on Hadrian’s Wall. Look out for us en route and support us on the charity website link http://www.justgivi ng.com/hadrianswallwalk19-24jul09/”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
Media interested in following the progress of Barbarian Stomp with the Army and Royal Navy teams should contact Warrant Officer Carl Cooper on 07971929764 or Leading Logs Derek Thompson on 07592 755029.
Further information on one of Europe’s biggest Roman Britain re-enactment group “Legio Secunda Augusta” can be found on the following website: www.legiiavg.org.uk