The Baton

13/10/2026

An emotional day with 42 Commando Royal Marines - Bickleigh Barracks.....I was honoured to be invited to the 'K Company' 20th reunion Saturday 10th October to walk up the Dewarstone close to Bickleigh Camp, so much part of their history....We went up a direct route which to be honest the last 50' of the hill was difficult with my leg strength as it is, but with a little help from my friends I made it.

I was invited to explain the Baton's cause, the guys were extremely kind. This visit had a great deal of significance for me as it was friends in 42 who found me the wrecked MERT Stretcher and got it back to me to create the Baton's. I joined the guys in a very respectful and emotional 'Service of Remembrance'

The Memorial at Bickleigh is the one from Camp Bastion that was rebuilt and placed in the most perfect and respectful setting. Sitting quietly in the garden on my own gave me chance of reflection, I don't do self pity but there has been moments when frustration has got the better of me, looking around at the memorials I realised I have so much to be grateful for, i've had a good life whereas those young men's where cut short in the name of duty - something we should all be grateful for?

09/10/2026

I had the pleasure of handing the Baton to Heather Crawford this afternoon, Heather will be carrying it tomorrow (Sat 10th) on a very tough challenge of carrying 40lbs over 26 miles! she is putting herself through this to raise funds for two sound charities...High Ground and The Royal Marines Charity every pound donated goes directly to supporting them and will make a huge difference..
Heather will be starting at CTCRM early on the cycle path and will be using quite a bit of the Exe Cycle Trail, if you are near the route tomorrow and see her please give her your best encouragement and if possible sponsor her at https://www.goodhub.com/go/heathercrawford Alan

25/09/2026

This initiative by Jason Howard Wilcock is one that many people would benefit by and so worth supporting, please check it out 🙏

22/09/2026

22/09/2026

11/09/2026

We can never forget the 25th anniversary of a most inhuman act that can never be denied or forgotten this day in 2001. So many accounts of human suffering and bravery that day that will remain with generations to come....Our hearts go out to our valued allies and all who lost their lives. In 2024 Baton supporter Jenny Lane took the Baton's Silk Message to show our respect..

“you will always be in our thoughts and prayers… out of sight will never be out of mind.” https://www.thebaton.co.uk/what-is-the-baton/the-message/ National September 11 Memorial & Museum

10/09/2026

On a recent walk on the Tarka Trail we passed this humble memorial, I felt sad as the crash was so close to the end of WW2 and couldn't help thinking about the crew and their families....Three crew members, Flight Lieutenant E.V. Duckworth, Pilot Officer J.K. Andrews, and Pilot Officer C.J. Butler, lost their lives. ...The sole survivor, Flying Officer A. Izenberg, was pulled from the wreckage by local men Alfred Paddon and Walter Johns.

The aircraft, a Canadian Wellington Bomber P-Peter from 407 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force had taken off from the then Royal Air Force Chivenor on a training exercise, suffered engine failure crashing into Round Hill in East-the-Water near Bideford, Round Hill on March 7, 1945,

“you will always be in our thoughts and prayers… out of sight will never be out of mind.” https://www.thebaton.co.uk/what-is-the-baton/the-message/

03/09/2026

Honiton 1064 - Honiton Squadron Air Training Corps on a tour to Normandy.... With the 'DAKAR' Baton...We all know that our investment in youth is paramount for our country's future, Cadet organisations do absolutely wonderful work educating young people and helping them find the best of themselves.....I handed the Baton to Sqn Ldr James Kyberd for the cadets to take with them at the Hays Travel Honiton Baton Trophy presentation a few weeks back. The DAKAR Baton completed the world famous rally in the support truck of Race2Recovery the custodian Alec Savery pictured in front of the truck

02/09/2026

Words can’t express just how grateful I am for the belief and support of something dear to me and many others, that trust has gained national and international recognition of the Baton, trust that can’t be bought only freely given, making it priceless….A heartfelt welcome and thanks to all our new followers, great to have you onboard.

02/09/2026

Japan formally surrendered this day, September 2, 1945, when representatives signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri marking the end of WW2....The Baton is laying on the Burma Railway rails at the National Memorial Arboretum that were made in Doncaster.