As part of Jersey's defence contribution to the First World War, 326 islanders from the Royal Jersey Militia volunteered to join the 7th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles as Jersey Company. This contingent would go on to form part of the allied forces' attack on the German-occupied French village of Guillemont from 3rd to 6th September 1916, as part of the Battle of The Somme. The battle claimed the lives of 20 Jersey soldiers, and a further 70 were badly injured.

The 2nd March 2021 marks the 106th anniversary of the day that these volunteers paraded in the Royal Square, to begin their journey to the fight on the Western Front.

Members of the Jersey Field Squadron will be travelling the distance from Jersey to Guillemont and back, 1314km, to pay tribute to Jersey Company. This distance will be covered virtually, as individual running, cycling and walking efforts, to complete the challenge as a collective while adhering to current government Covid-19 guidelines.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust Jersey is our charity of choice for the duration of this challenge, as an organisation which supports individuals and communities connected with Jersey's military links. All money raised by the Jersey Field Squadron will be used to fund a Gurkha Welfare Trust water and sanitation project for the village of Bhagawatitar in West Nepal, which consists of installing taps and toilets in every household, to provide access to safe drinking water and reduce incidence of water-borne diseases like dysentery.