James Castle Completes 60-Mile Long March in Aid of DMWS - DMWS
This January, James Castle joined a three-day pilgrimage from Zagan in Poland, the site of the notorious prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III, to Spremberg in Germany. The 60-mile journey marked the 80th anniversary of The Long March of 1945, when more than 10,000 Allied POWs were forced to march through brutal winter conditions.
James took part in the commemoration to raise funds for the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), the charity that provides medical welfare support to serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families. Carrying the DMWS flag throughout the march, James honoured both those who suffered in 1945 and those who continue to serve today.
The cause has a personal connection. James’s Great Uncle, Tony Parsons, was a prisoner of war who survived four days adrift in an open sea dinghy before being captured and sent to Stalag Luft III. He later contributed to The Great Escape by helping to make compasses, and went on to take part in the original Long March, supported at the time by the Red Cross and St John Joint War Committee – the predecessor of DMWS.
Reflecting on his experience, James said:
“It was an incredible privilege to be able to carry the flag of the DMWS over the 60-mile march from Zagan in Poland to Spremberg in Germany, to mark the 80th Anniversary of The Long March of 1945. Over 10,000 POWs from Stalag Luft III had been supported during their incarceration by the Red Cross and St John Joint War Committee (the predecessor of the DMWS), so it was appropriate to both pay tribute to the support they received, but also to support our current service personnel and veterans. To tread in their footsteps with relatives of original marchers, and service personnel from the UK, Poland, Germany and the USA, gave us all a chance to remember the POWs and unite in peace and comradeship.”
Chris Platts, Development Manager at DMWS, congratulated James on his achievement:
“We are incredibly proud of James for completing this remarkable journey. Carrying the DMWS flag across such a historic route was not only a fitting tribute to those who endured the original Long March, but also a powerful way to support today’s Armed Forces community. His dedication, personal connection, and fundraising efforts will make a real difference to the lives of those we support.”
James’s remarkable effort serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of the past and the importance of turning remembrance into action, supporting the health and wellbeing of today’s Armed Forces community.
For more information and donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/dmwsthelongmarch