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Charity Bike Ride Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the “Long March” of POWs

Introduction

In a heartfelt tribute to the courage and endurance of the thousands of prisoners of war (POWs) who were forced into the gruelling Long March during World War II (WWII), we have organised a charity bike ride to commemorate the 80th anniversary of this significant historical event. This ride is not merely a physical journey, but a poignant reminder of the resilience and sacrifices of those who endured unimaginable hardships.

The Historical Context

The Long March of POWs, often referred to as the Death March, occurred in the latter stages of World War II. As Russian forces advanced from the East, the German military hastily evacuated POW camps, compelling some 80000 prisoners (and their guards) to march hundreds of miles under harsh conditions resulting from the worst winter in the region for 50 years. Many perished due to exhaustion, malnutrition, and the brutal cold. This march stands as a stark testament to the cruelty of war and the indomitable spirit of those who survived.

The Charity Bike Ride

Purpose and Goals

Through this charity bike ride, we aim to achieve several objectives:

• Commemoration: To honour the memory of the POWs who endured the Long March and to educate the public about this significant historical event.

• Fundraising: To raise funds for veterans' organisations and relevant historical preservation societies.

• Community Engagement: To foster a sense of community and shared purpose among participants, sponsors, supporters and the local community along the route.

Route Information

The route has been meticulously planned to mirror, as closely as possible, the specific path taken by the POWs from Stalag Luft 3, famous for the “Great Escape” and the “Wooden Horse”. Starting on 5th May 2025 from the site of the camp in Poland, the ride will traverse 300kms through scenic countryside, small towns, and relevant sites of interests, ultimately concluding on 8th May 2025 (VE Day 80th Anniversary) at the Neue Wache Memorial in Berlin (which commemorates all victims of war and tyranny).

The Team

The team is made up of RAF veterans, friends and relatives of POWs including the son of one of the Great Escapers. We will ride collectively to symbolise unity of purpose and shared remembrance.

Support and Sponsorship

The riders are paying for their travel and accommodation; we are seeking support from local businesses, national corporations and non-profit organisations to help cover the costs of logistics, safety measures, and promotional materials. Several veterans’ organisations have already partnered with the event to provide resources and outreach.

Charity Fundraising

We aim to generate funds for the following charities:

1. Royal Airforce Association/RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFA/RAF BF)

These 2 organisations offer help and support for serving RAF personnel, veterans and their families and has been chosen as Stalag Luft 3 and its associated camps housed airmen POWs.

2. Royal British Legion (RBL)

While the route follows the path taken by the airmen POWs in Stalag Luft, there were similar marches from camps housing Army and Navy POWs, hence the selection of the RBL which supports veterans from all three services.

3. Coventry Cathedral

The father of one of the ride organisers was born in Coventry and was a POW in Stalag Luft 3; he then endured the Long March in January 1945. Coventry has significant cycling heritage and is also twinned with Dresden in Germany, with both cities suffering significantly from aerial bombing in WW2. In January 2025 it was the 80th anniversary of the destruction of the famous Frauenkirche in Dresden; later this year it is the 85th anniversary of Coventry Cathedral being destroyed in the single biggest air raid on the UK in WWII.

4. Stalag Luft 3 Museum

The museum was created in 1971 to commemorate the various camps which were established for the incarceration of thousands of allied POWs in WWII. The aim is to preserve the unique history of the site both for relatives of former prisoners and the wider community.

Conclusion

This charity bike ride commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Long March of POWs is more than just an event; it is a powerful act of remembrance and solidarity. In contributing to this ride, individuals and organisations can honour the past while making a tangible difference to the present, supporting those who have served and ensuring that their history is not forgotten. This ride offers us all an opportunity to pedal for a purpose and be part of a memorable experience with a positive outcome.

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