Indian army kicks off motorbike expedition to pay homage to World War II martyrs

The Indian Army flagged off a cross-country motorbike expedition here on Friday across war memorials in several Eurasian and West Asian nations to pay homage to the brave and martyr soldiers of the Second World War.

The 10-member team of biking enthusiasts, christened the 'Lightning Bulleteers', will be travelling across geographic boundaries of Eurasia and West Asia during their 42 days tour, logging a lengthy distance 12,000 kilometres.

"Led by Colonel VKS Tomar, the 'Lightning Bulleteers' comprises five senior male Army officers, two lady cadres and three members of other ranks," said defence officials.

The main objective of the expedition is to pay homage to the brave soldiers slain in the Second World War by placing mementos at various international war memorials.

Riding high on their heavy-duty, specially designed 500 cc Royal Enfield motorbikes, the team will be traversing smooth roads, rugged mountains and varied landscapes across Greece, Turkey, Italy, France and the United Kingdom.

"Basically, the message that we are sending is of universal peace, harmony and the spirit of adventure, which the Indian Army promotes. The expedition will be challenging, given the distance and the weather conditions. But we have taken up this challenge and we will give our best," said Colonel VKS Tomar.

Beginning the rally from the historical India Gate in New Delhi, the Lightning Bulleteers will zip to Maharashtra's Mumbai city by road, and take a flight to Turkey.

From Turkey, the team will again resume their travel astride the sturdy two-wheelers after visiting the famous Helles War Memorial and the Twelve Tree Copse Memorial, where there were 1,730 Indian casualties in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915.

The team will be riding across the Monastir Road Indian Memorial and the Phaleron War cemetery at Greece, where more than 200 men of then British Indian army had been slain during the violent movements in Greece and Crete Islands during the Second World War.

Further visits include visit to the New Glasgow War Memorial, the Hollybrook Memorial, The Cenotaph and the Edinburgh Castle in the UK.

The expedition is aimed at spreading the message of universal, international bonhomie, and friendship.

It would also strengthen the Indian Army's strategic ties with these nations.

The culmination of the expedition will take place on September 28 at New Delhi.