Kent Wing 100th Nijmegen Marches – Crowning Glory

The Team, which was joined by Air Commodore McCafferty on the last day, had the honour of joining her at the head of the 800 strong British Military Contingent into the city of Nijmegen and taking the salute from the Queen of the Netherlands.

The four days Nijmegen Marches event is an annual 160km walk that has taken place since 1909, being based at Nijmegen since 1916. It is now the world’s largest walking event. This year saw 50,000 walkers take to the roads with an estimated 2 million spectators cheering them on.

In addition, Kent Wing Military Team were awarded the Jon Ford Trophy for the best Air Cadet Team in the British Military Contingent.

“Fantastic, absolutely fantastic, the team were in their own words “awesome”, a credit to themselves, the Wing and the Corps.

To not only win the Jon Ford Trophy for the Best Cadet Team and also to lead the British Military contingent at both the opening Parade and into Nijmegen on Day 4 of the 100th year and the Air Training Corps 75th Anniversary year is very, very special.

The response from the crowds to the team was superb, and this was reflected in the comments and accolades they received from their fellow marchers, be they military or civilian.

I am hugely proud to have led them and of all my staff who have made this year possible and such a success.”