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Epic bike ride from the Netherlands to the UK marks 360 years of the Royal Marines
13 September 2024
An epic 360-mile bike ride from Den Helder in the Netherlands to Portsmouth has marked the 360th anniversary of the Royal Marines.
Arriving at HMS Excellent on Whale Island in Portsmouth today, four riders from the UK and Dutch marines pedalled onto the base ready to celebrate as you would any birthday: with a smile and a gift in hand.
Dubbed the ‘RM360 Cycle’, the challenge saw a team comprising one Royal Marine and three of their Dutch comrades, travel from the Netherlands Navy HQ in Den Helder, North Holland, to the home of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth – all in celebration of the Royal Marines’ 360th birthday this year, and all via a mode of transport famously loved by the Dutch – the bicycle. The team covered a little over 360 miles in just six days.
Commandant General of the Netherlands Marine Corps, Brigadier General Ivo Moerman, waved the cyclists off in Den Helder and thanked them for volunteering to deliver the present – a framed picture of a vintage cover of a Commando Magazine, drawn by one of the riders Captain Sam Edwards RM – and reiterated the very close relationship that exists between the Royal Marines and Korps Mariniers.
What an opportunity to celebrate the 360th birthday of the Royal Marines and our two Corps’ relationship.
The two Marine Corps – and the Royal Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy – have deep ties which are embodied by the joint amphibious force, which was formed in 1973 and is Europe’s oldest integrated force.
The riders were greeted in Portsmouth by the Deputy Commandant General Royal Marines, Brigadier Neil Sutherland, and a welcome party of both Royal Marines and Royal Navy sailors.
The celebrations won’t stop there as 2025 will see the Netherlands mark the 360th birthday of their own Marine Corps, the hope being for the team to return the favour next year.
Marine 1st Class Halvar de Jager from the Dutch contingent said: “I’m looking forward to the return trip next year for our own 360th birthday.”
Across the six days, the ride took the team from Den Helder through The Hague, Breskens, Dunkirk, Pett Level and Littlehampton before arriving in Portsmouth.