Former Head Boy, Chris McArdle who left Bethany in 2003, returned in early May to talk to Sixth Formers about his training with the Royal Marines and his first tour of duty to Afghanistan.  Chris, along with former Bethanian Harry Chambers (pictured below on the right) passed out of the Royal Marine Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon in December 2008 and flew out on an eight month tour of duty with the Marines a week later, while Harry served as part of the Fleet Protection Group in Faslane, Scotland.

Lieutenant McArdle performed the role of Troop Commander, comanding 30 soldiers in his unit, 45 Commando.  Whilst on duty in Helmand Province, Chris and six colleagues survived a bomb blast when the Viking armoured vehicle they were travelling in detonated a roadside bomb.  On 8th November Chris was one of just two officers chosen to represent the Royal Marines at the wreath laying ceremony at The Cemotaph.  A Royal Navy spokesman said that Chris's unit had been chosen to represent the Royal Marines because of their recent distinguished service, during which nine of their number had died.

Chris spoke at length to the Sixth Formers about the rigourous traning process he had undergone and showed several video clips of both his training and his time in Afghanistan.  Since his return Chris has been promoted to Captain and will shortly be heading out to Bahrain for six months with the UK MCC (Maritime Component Command).

News of other former Bethanians can be found in the Alumni area of this website where copies of previous newsletters can be viewed.  We always welcome former pupils back to talk of their experiences and work since leaving.