Two military historians, an actor, and a former Welsh Guard are set to navigate their way from Ardrossan to Oban in a pair of Klepper canoes at the end of the month to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The route – based on part of the Second World War training for the Special Boat Section (the forerunner of the Special Boat Service) – is some 63 nautical miles – around 73 miles. Factor in tides and currents, as well as possibly inclement weather, and the 63NM might feel a lot more.
One of the historians is Professor Saul David, known for, among other best-selling works SBS: Silent Warriors. Fellow historian James Holland, who wrote The Savage Storm: The Battle for Italy 1943, will join him. Both Saul and James are also seasoned broadcasters with a string of documentaries to their credits.
Actor Ben Willbond has acted in everything from Horrible Histories to Bridget Jones’s Baby to the BBC comedy drama Ghosts. Ben’s father, Group Captain Tim Willbond, worked tirelessly for military charities, including SSAFA, since leaving the RAF 23 years ago, and this in part is why the charity was chosen.
The fourth member of the team is Rob Gallimore, a former officer in the Welsh Guards who served for 17 years, which included four tours of Afghanistan. Rob now teaches history.
The team plan to leave Ardrossan on October 30 at 9am, paddling to Croit Bàg NR 91814 61669. The next day, October 31, they plan to paddle from Croit Bàg to Crinan, with a lunch stop at Ardrishaig; and on Wednesday November 1, the plan is to paddle from Crinan to Oban via Kerrera, with a lunch stop at Fladda – with a possible stop on Luing to buy provisions.
The fundraising target is £5,000, but the intrepid quartet is aiming to smash that.
The folding Klepper canoes are similar in design to those used by Royal Marine Commandos on raids such as Op Frankton in 1942.
Saul said: “The Second World War SBS guys did it in two days and went further. We’re taking three days minimum, but then again, most of them were supremely fit blokes in their 20s. We, to a man, are past our prime, and I think it’s fair to say it’s going to be a hell of a challenge.
“In fact, I mentioned the paddle to a recent CO of the SBS and he said the original training run we’re reproducing was harder than anything they did for SF Selection. We sincerely hope NOT!”
To support Saul, James, Ben, and Rob on their SBS paddle, visit justgiving.com/team/james-holland. For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk