The AGC 30th Anniversary Celebration - Channel Relay Swim


By Major Thomas Coole


On August 28th 2022, after more than 300 accumulated miles of training, a pan-AGC open water swimming team completed the arduous crossing of the English Channel, in doing-so celebrating 30 years since the formation of the Adjutant General’s Corps.


Braving The Cold


Mid-April saw the first group of would-be Channel swimmers cautiously brave the chilly 7° water of Stokes Bay, Gosport, the first of several teeth-chattering acclimatisation swims used as build up training for the notoriously low temperatures in the Channel.


The Qualifying Swim


Anyone hoping to swim the Channel had to complete a qualifying swim, swimming constantly for one hour followed by an hour break and then a final hour of swimming, all in water under 15° (positively balmy in comparison to earlier swims!) The qualifying swims took place at Boscombe beach where the first prolonged exposure to cold water tested individuals’ ability to swim for a protracted period and their ability to withstand the cold. Under the watchful eyes of our adjudicator, Sergeant Helen Blake, the swimmers set off completing loops around Boscombe pier. Three hours later, other than some mild cramp and minor chafing the squad successfully completed their qualifying swim and a final team selection was made.


Deep Water Training The successful crossing of the Channel is rigidly regulated and requires seamless takeovers between swimmers and excellent communication. To help prepare for this the team engaged the services of Boney M boat charters in Poole


for a day of deep- water training off the south coast. Private Charlie Catterall distinguished herself by volunteering to throw herself in for the first leg and six hours of practice swims and changeovers provided us with some valuable experience.


The Sea Satin With a weeklong window in which to


complete the swim we were surprised to be called forward for our crossing attempt early. As night fell on the 28th August the team descended on Dover harbour, mixing with other hopeful Channel swimming teams before our journey by boat to the starting point at Shakespeare Bay.


Swimming In the Dark Lieutenant Hayley Ellis (RMP) volunteered to lead the team off. In complete darkness, she attached a couple of


Lt Hayley Ellis and SSgt Alex Millard watch on as Maj Tom Coole struggles through increasingly choppy water.


Lt Hayley Ellis and SSgt Alex Millard completing the qualifying swim on a glorious day in Boscombe.


32 AGC JOURNAL 2022


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