As you may know, since leaving the military I have been involved in charitable activities within the veteran community and having dealt with my own mental health and transition issues, firmly believe that the key steps to achieve this relate to several key points. 1. Personal ownership of oneself - your situation and how to change it is a personal responsibility. 2. The acceptance that transition is a journey which must be completed - those who do not accept that their military service has ended find it much harder to create a fulfilling civilian future. 3. Finding a career and purpose to replace that previously occupied by the military is vital. and 4. An appreciation that adventurous challenges with like-minded people have huge therapeutic benefits and an incredible sense of purpose.

With that being said, once you have completed those steps successfully, there is room to then give back through helping others, raising funds, raising morale and raising awareness of those things which will inspire and give hope to others. Hence our proposed expedition in December 2022.

Introduction

2022 celebrates the 80th Anniversary of Operation FRANKTON, a historic raid on German shipping in Bordeaux during WW2, where commandos operating from Kayaks demonstrated British ingenuity, cunning and bravery. This infamous raid led to the formation of the SBS and should be celebrated on this occasion.

Aims

Raise awareness of the Op FRANKTON raid across military and civilian channels

Demonstrate the benefits of adventurous training to both serving military and veteran community

Raise funds for selected charity partners

Dates

2-18 December 2022

Proposed Itinerary

Pre-departure

Stockport - Location of Memorial to James Conway RM

Training Weekend - Exmouth and Angelsey

Lumps Fort, Portsmouth - Original home of RMBPD

Arrive Bordeaux

Day 1 Visit Saint-Georges-de-Didonne Op FRANKTON memorial -

Kayak Stage

Day 2 - 5 From Pointe de Grave Lighthouse - point of capture of Wallace and Ewart in Coalfish - Visit and then commence kayak journey towards Bordeaux Port

Via St Vivien du Medoc - Point where Catfish, Crayfish and Coalfish landed after first night's 32km leg, completed in 5 hours.

Via Western side of Bordeaux Port where limpet mines were attached to German blockade runners

Exit water - St Genes de Blaye - Location the crews of Catfish and Crayfish beached Kayaks before heading on foot towards Ruffec to meet French resistance

Walk Stage

Day 6 - 10 Walk the FRANKTON Trail from bank of Gironde Estuary to Ruffec - 100km

Proposed Partner organisations

BFBS

Help For Heroes

Royal British Legion

The Royal Marines Charity

Team

Pour team comprises of 14 people from the Royal Marines, RAF and British Army

Kit and Equipment

Our intent is corporate sponsors to provide the required kit and equipment for this event and more detail will follow. Sunbelt Rentals have provided 2 x welfare vans and FGH Security a box van. All funds raised as charitable donations will be split between charitable partners upon completion of event. Any funds given explicitly for operating costs will be recorded with unspent monies being transferred to donation fund upon completion.