Canadian Armed Forces Participation in the 2017 Nijmegen Marches

July 11, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

From July 18 to July 21, 2017, a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contingent will continue an annual tradition, participating in the International Four Day Marches Nijmegen. Thirteen CAF teams, generally of 11 members each, plus special guests, will march approximately 40 km a day for a total of 160 km, through the countryside and towns around the city of Nijmegen, in the Netherlands.

The Nijmegen Marches, originally a means for Dutch infantry to increase their long-distance marching and weight-carrying abilities, have evolved into an international four-day event, which draws 45,000 civilian marchers from over 50 countries, in addition to 5,500 military participants, seeking to challenge their physical and mental endurance. The Marches are now the world’s largest walking event.

This year marks the 101^st anniversary of the Nijmegen Marches, although the CAF has been participating since 1952, making this our 65^th year.

History

Over 7 600 Canadians died in the nine-month campaign in 1944-1945 to liberate the Netherlands and carry the Second World War to its conclusion, a sacrifice which has never been forgotten by the Dutch people. Now, over half a century later, Canadians and the Dutch still remember the events of that time and celebrate the lasting bonds that were created between our two countries years ago.

During the four days of the Nijmegen Marches, CAF members will walk the same terrain where many Canadians fell. On the third day, CAF participants will pay their respects at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 2 300 Canadian soldiers and aviators who died fighting to liberate the Netherlands in 1944 and 1945.

The Nijmegen Marches also present an opportunity to remember our fallen from the First World War. On their way to the Marches in the Netherlands, the CAF teams will have an opportunity to visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, and hold commemorative events at the Passchendaele Canadian Memorial and the Menin Gate memorial in Belgium, and at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.

By holding these commemorative events, the CAF will mark the sacrifices made by two generations of Canadians so that we might continue to live in freedom and security. 

The Event

The Nijmegen Marches consist of four days of marching, through the countryside and the crowded streets of towns and villages in the area surrounding the city of Nijmegen. For military participants, each day’s march begins and ends at the same base camp, Heumensoord, which is built every year just south of Nijmegen. The four-day route loops into the countryside and back to camp, like the four leaves of a clover. Each military participant completes that day’s itinerary while wearing standard combat clothing and carrying a military backpack weighted with 10 kilograms, in addition to individual provisions (water, snacks, etc.).

The Marches are neither a competition nor a speed test, but proper training and good team spirit are required to ensure success. During the months of training necessary to be selected for the Canadian contingent, candidates test their physical and mental stamina by marching a minimum of 500 km as a team, in addition to conducting two consecutive days of 40 km marches. In general, most CAF participants train an average of 700 to 1000 km in anticipation of the Marches. Moreover, Nijmegen is primarily a team event, which develops such core military values as leadership, teamwork, and camaraderie. The CAF contingent includes military personnel from across the country with diverse backgrounds, representing all ranks, trades, and Environments, Regular and Reserve Force. By working together and supporting one another, they will complete the Marches successfully and in good order. 

Teams for 2017

Royal Canadian Navy

• Team MARLANT (Halifax)
• Team HMCS Donnacona (Montreal)

Royal Canadian Air Force

• Team 12 Wing / 423 MH Squadron (Shearwater)
• Team 22 Wing (North Bay)

Canadian Army

• Team Royal Canadian Artillery School (Gagetown)
• Équipe 3^e Bataillon Royal 22^e Régiment (Valcartier)
• Team Calgary Highlanders (Calgary)
• Team Ontario Regiment (RCAC) (Oshawa)
• Team Saskatchewan Dragoons (Moose Jaw)
• Team Queen’s Own Rifles (Toronto)
• Équipe 5^e Bataillon de Service (Valcartier)

Military Personnel Command

Team Royal Military College of Canada (Kingston)

Vice Chief of the Defence Staff

Team National Capital Region (Ottawa)

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Associated Links

Four Days Marches Nijimegen (Netherlands site)

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca