A team of 5 Bolton military Veterans aim to travel 850 miles from Germany back to Bolton, retracing the footsteps of their Great Grandfathers who fought and were captured during WW1. Following the signing of the Armistice in 1918 they were released from the German prison camps and had one goal - get back to Blighty! Despite their time of internment, hard labour, malnutrition, physical and mental hardship and little to no equipment, they made it!

928 Boltonian soldiers made this journey! How many did the same on both sides of the war from towns and cities across Europe?!

On returning to UK shores, the men were fed, watered and cleaned - they were then given the option to either await a medical to see 'if' they would qualify for a military pension or take £2 and a train ticket home. Many took the latter, only to later discover that in doing so had waived all future rights to an Army medical pension. Many suffered badly both physically and mentally from the war, racking up hefty medical bills - remember this was before the NHS existed!

We aim to make a similar journey back to the UK utilising period modes of travel, but predominantly walking. On our return to London we hope to be presented with our token £2 and a train ticket back to Manchester where we will make the final leg of the journey back into Bolton town centre - hopefully accompanied by some descendants of the original 928 soldiers.

All funds raised will help Moving Forces: Bolton to continue its local veteran work, providing peer support, camaraderie, but importantly free sporting and exercise opportunities for the family unit. A small proportion may be used to help with expedition expenses.