JACK LARDER completed The Lord Dannatt’s Round Britain Challenge
During the Summer of 2018 I took the opportunity to embark on an experience of a lifetime. The Lord Dannatt’s Round Britain Challenge (LDRBC) was one of the Army Cadet Force’s principal events to mark the end of the First World War 100 years on. The challenge was split down to four legs, going capital city to capital city of each of the nations which make up Great Britain. On each leg there would be 20 cadets and 8 veterans to make up the main bulk of the crew. I was lucky enough to earn a place on the final leg from Cardiff back up the river Thames into London. Little did I know how special it would be, as a part of the crew to sail through the open Tower Bridge, London brought to a stop waiting for the Lord Nelson.
Having stayed the last night in Cardiff I was ready to board the ship and get going, waiting by the side of the harbour with cadets and veterans alike. Then everything happened hard and fast, we split down to our watches. Aft Starboard was mine, we were told our bunk spaces, our oil skins, harnesses, waist-belts and wellies. After this we were straight into induction and safety briefs. An information overload but all out of the way.
Throughout the voyage any of the crew could climb the masts during the day, however we had to qualify for technique and safety. Having watched everyone go on up I found that I was last, and fearful of heights started the climb, I failed to reach the top and started the journey down. Something to overcome, I thought. After dinner in the galley, our watch leader explained how life at sea would work. However, our first night was in harbour so our job was to ensure the security of the ship, making sure no one, or anything for that matter, tried to board, after having trouble with a cat the previous night.
Bright and early the next morning we were woken with the sound of the tannoy bell and a harsh voice behind it. We set sail and then we were off out of Cardiff towards Land’s End. Unfortunately, due to the winds we were forced to motor down against the sea resulting in the Lord Nelson corkscrewing in the water. This was the time I discovered that I suffer from sea sickness. Nonetheless, it was beautiful weather with brand new people and a chance to develop away from technology and outside of my comfort zone.
Over the next three days we set into a routine of completing our watches, seamanship lessons, and sleep. Happy hour, when the whole crew cleans the ship was a regular occurrence after breakfast, everyone working together towards a common goal. Learning the masts, sails and the lines was tricky but as a watch and crew between us it is something we completed.
Soon enough we were coming into Dartmouth, and I spent most of my time waving to those on the shore. Harboured at the Royal Naval Collage Britannia it was now the opportunity for the assisted climb. Having not made it the first time I got my harness on and had another go. This time Johannes took the time to climb by my side up the rigging. After navigating my way up, we were within touching distance to the platform but a tricky overhand stood between me and the top. Again, with the direction of Johannes and Beth, and a bosun’s mate already up the foremast, I managed the climb overcoming a challenge I thought impossible. The feeling of looking out to Portsmouth was unbeatable.
The next morning, we set off again towards the island of St. Anne’s, this time under sail, a smooth run and back into routine. Our final leg was towards London. The weather was against us – visibility was down and the knowledge about buoys, the lights on the masts of ships and our observational skills were tested to the limit as we passed through the Dover Straights and up into the mouth of the River Thames.
Having passed through Tower Bridge and back, each time standing fast and taking the salute from the watch keeper on the Bridge, we docked at HMS President and marched down to the Tower for the final parade in commemoration of the First World War with Lord Dannatt making the key address.
Looking back at the 10 days I realise now how it has altered me and consolidated my mind set, how it has let me overcome personal fears and make lifelong friends. Seeing both the physical and mental effects of conflict and war and those affected defeats anything holding them back. A life-changing experience in several respects. Thank you for the support and interest in what I have done; without it this experience would have been unachievable.