Friday, July 18, 2014

[0145hrs]

1.45am – Constable Ian is woken by support crew Bart carrying a flashlight. 0200, Reveille is bugled to wake everyone up so there is time to process all 42 marchers through the medical room for treatment. There are an array of different ailments, scars and blisters to attend to now that 150km has been completed.

Constable Chad undergoes some more advanced foot preparations after blister removal involving lower leg support.

[0420hrs]

4.20am and we are off for day four.

[0630hr]

160k complete. The Dutch/Canadian Den Haag/VPD team are holding up strong. However a clear sky above warns of soaring temperatures into the 30s once the sun comes up. Breakfast and lots of liquids and everyone is ready to push onwards and upwards.

[By Evening]

We did it. At 38 degrees too.

200km of marching apace with Light Infantry, and the VPD/Den Haag combined Police Team, cross the final Finish Line. All police marchers are wearing black arm-bands out of respect of the Malaysia Flight 370 that was shot down after departing Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The feelings of jubilation in accomplishing the feat of a long and challenging march is countered and subdued with the thoughts of those Dutch families in despair after loosing their loved ones so tragically.

At 6pm, and a return to base, everyone is fed a healthy amount of dinner to counter the thousands of calories consumed, and the VPD and Hague Police take the stage for their medal presentation.

The medal — a gold cross with yellow and green ribbon, was pinned on to the chest of all the VPD and Dutch police officers who successfully completed all four days. This medal, established in 1909, has since been awarded to all who have successfully completed the Vierdaagse (4 days March).

Constable Chad’s feet after being awarded his medal.