#CKF175 – Loch Ness Swim
The Army Benevolent Fund ABF gives a lifetime of support to soldiers and veterans from the British Army and their immediate families when they are in need, both at home and around the world. www.soldierscharity.org
In 1841, B Company of 2nd Battalion, Madras Artillery, deployed to China defeat the mutinous Chinese in the First China War. On the 21st of July 1842, having brought down effective fire on to the fortified city of Chin-Kiang-Foo, the Battery stormed the walls of the city and drove the enemy back until all resistance ceased; it was to be the last engagement of the war. The Battery still exists today as 127 (Dragon) Battery in 19th Regiment Royal Artillery, The Scottish Gunners, and to mark the 175th anniversary of the heroic actions of their forebears, the Dragons will take on the largest body of fresh water in the UK and celebrate our Scottish heritage by completing a relay swim across the 23 miles of Loch Ness! This challenging (and very cold) swim is not to be taken lightly, and will be a fantastic achievement by the team; let’s just hope we don’t come across Nessie!
An iconic anniversary deserves iconic challenges; as such, the Dragons will be also undertaking other events throughout the year:
24 PFAs in 24 hours: The Personal Fitness Assessment is the standard test of physical fitness within the British Army, and the Dragons will be undertaking this arduous test of 2 mins of press ups, 2 mins of sit ups, and a 1.5 mile run every hour on the hour.
Land’s End to John O’Groats: A number of Dragons will be taking on the famous cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The team will be on their bikes for over 800 miles and will take at least 10 days to complete, a fitting challenge.
Hadrian’s Wall: Having conquered the length of the country, Dragons will also cross the country by walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall to ensure that every corner of the nation has celebrated CKF175!
Thank you in anticipation of your kind generosity. If you would like any further information on how we are getting on, or how you may join us, please contact 2Lt James Mcloughlin on 01980 656585 or at 19RA-127Bty-KIANGTC@mod.uk.
