Royal Marines retrace 380-year-old route to site of 'forgotten' Devon disaster

A group of North Devon veterans has retraced the 14-mile route of a "forgotten" Civil War army to mark the 380th anniversary of the Battle of Torrington.

While the battle took place on 16 February 1646, the eleven Royal Marines completed their commemorative "Yomp" on 7 February, braving heavy rain to mirror the gruelling conditions faced by historical troops.

Setting out from Chulmleigh at 4am, the group followed the path taken by Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army as they advanced toward the final Royalist stronghold in the West Country.

Organised by Rob Barber and coordinated by former Royal Marine Clive Magson, the march aimed to bridge the gap between the experiences of 17th-century infantry and modern-day soldiers.

Their route mirrored the path taken 380 years ago by 7,000 Parliamentarian troops, including cavalry, musketeers, and pikemen, who endured heavy woollen clothing, armour, and weapons.

The modern-day “Yomp” allowed the Royal Marines to reflect on the endurance, camaraderie, and challenges faced by soldiers both past and present.

The march took them through the Taw valley and up the steep climb to Ashreigney, with checkpoints along the way where veterans discussed the events of 16 February 1646. Drawing on John Wardman’s book The Forgotten Battle: The Battle of Torrington, they reflected on skirmishes, troop movements, and the bravery of both Parliamentarian and Royalist forces. 

For the veterans, many of whom have served in Afghanistan and other modern theatres, the experience brought history vividly to life.

After five hours, the group entered Torrington via Mill Street, accompanied by pipers, and were welcomed at the Town and Community Hall with bacon butties and hot drinks.

The 'Great Explosion'

The veterans gathered at a burial mound near the south entrance of St Michael’s Church, the site of a catastrophe that ended the 1646 battle.

In 1646, as Parliamentarian forces took the town, 80 barrels of gunpowder stored inside the church detonated, leveling the building. 

The blast killed the Royalist prisoners held inside, along with the guards watching them.

Standing at the mound, former Colour Sergeant Clive Magson highlighted the parallels between the courage of those in 1646 and the experiences of modern Royal Marines.

For the veterans, many of whom served in Afghanistan, the moment brought the ‘realities of military service’" vividly to life.

The veterans observed a moment of silence, followed by the Marines’ Prayer, marking a powerful and emotional tribute.

Inside the church, Pete Miller explained the effects of the explosion and the damage it caused, suggesting it was likely an accident, consistent with Wardman’s research. 

Veterans also offered reflections on modern conflict, giving civilians a poignant insight into the realities of military service.

The march coincided with the unveiling of a new memorial stone at the burial mound on 12 February, attended by local residents and many schoolchildren. 

The memorial ensures that the sacrifices of those who died in the Battle of Torrington continue to be remembered and provides a tangible link to history for future generations.

Organisers hope the veteran-led “Yomp” will become an annual event, complementing Torrington’s established Annual Memorial, held this year on 14 February. 

By retracing the historic route and sharing their reflections, the veterans honoured historical soldiers while highlighting the enduring values of bravery, endurance, and camaraderie.

The event was supported by John Wardman, author of The Forgotten Battle: The Battle of Torrington, the Town and Community Hall, Grant Langer, Clive Magson, the Royal Marines Association North Devon Branch, and Pete Miller.