Highest military PT session in the UK (Remembrance weekend 2013)

[Photos and information courtesy of Paul MacDonald]

Over Remembrance weekend, the Commando D Living History Group set out to raise funds for the CVA by climbing Ben Nevis to conduct the highest military PT session in the UK. Exercise FITNESS PEAK was a great success, with three members braving temperatures of -15 C at the summit.

The climb was conducted by Mike Smith, David Stokes and Paul Macdonald. LCpl Macdonald and Pte Stokes are both serving Reservists with 52 Coy, 5 MI and put their issue clothing and kit to best use for the day. Mike set out in more traditional style with full '37 pattern uniform and WW2 kit, including Lee Enfield rifle. Good show!

Deep snow near the summit made the going challenging and a wee dram shared at the top taste all the better. The UK's highest PT session was carried out in great spirits before descent was made.

On the return journey, the lads assisted a party of Dutch Commando veterans from Whisky Coy, 45 Cdo who had ascended for their 40th reunion. One of the party took a heavy fall down a steep slope, requiring immediate attention and a stretcher carry down the last 200m of hill path. We are happy to report that the patient is making a full recovery in Holland at this time.
Exercise FITNESS PEAK raised a total of £138.26