THE SFCBF DODECANESE EXPEDITION 2027
Honouring Courage of Yesterday, to Support The Special Forces Community Today.
British and Greek Island Raiders (IWM - 29041)In April and May 2027, a team of Special Forces Club community members will undertake a demanding 300km, 12 day, sea-kayak expedition through and across the historic Dodecanese islands of the Eastern Mediterranean, retracing the waters used by Allied special operations forces during the Second World War.
THE MISSION
Over twelve days, the team will paddle from Samos through the island chain to Rhodes and finally Symi, the island where Axis forces formally surrendered on 8th May 1945.
Along the route, the expedition will visit wartime sites, Commonwealth cemeteries and Greek memorials, honouring both military and civilian fallen while engaging with local communities connected to this remarkable history.
This expedition is not simply an historical journey; it is a major fundraising initiative in support of the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund, which provides vital assistance to members of the Special Forces community and their dependants in times of hardship, injury, illness and crisis.
"When we operated amongst these islands, we never imagined anyone would remember us. We weren’t seeking recognition; we were simply trying to help the Greeks, finish the job, win the war and to eventually go home. Knowing that today’s generation of the SF Club is prepared to retrace our route, not only to remember us but to raise money for those of our community who now need help, is perhaps the greatest tribute any old soldier could hope for.”
Jack Mann - served with the Long Range Desert Group, SBS and Greek Sacred Squadron
Levant Schooner Flotilla (IWM - A 23343)The project aims to raise £150,000 for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund while also creating a unique platform for sponsors and supporters to align themselves with:
History
Resilience
Endurance
Teamwork
Leadership
…and the enduring values of The Special Forces.
The expedition team will consist of experienced paddlers and former military personnel. The route matches the locations of clandestine operations carried out in the Dodecanese theatre by Allied and Greek Special Forces units from 1941-45. The team will be accompanied supported by dedicated logistics, medical, communications and safety teams aboard two support vessels reflecting the spirit of the wartime Levant Schooner Flotilla (RN) and the Levant Fishing Patrol (SOE).
Please support this feat of endurance honouring the history of the Special Forces.
Submarine Canoe Launch (IWM - MH 22715)Sponsors and supporters will benefit from:
Association with a highly credible and inspiring expedition
Extensive media and storytelling opportunities
Branded expedition content and documentary material
Access to expedition celebratory events and presentations
Donor and supporter participation opportunities aboard support vessels
Access to memorabilia that is exclusively available to expedition and SFCBF supporters.
And direct association with one of the most respected military benevolent communities in the United Kingdom.
Most importantly, support for the expedition directly contributes towards the Benevolent Fund’s ability to provide meaningful assistance to members of the Special Forces community and their families when it is needed most, see www.sfcbf.org/cases .
The expedition will culminate in Symi on 7 May 2027. Sponsors and supporters will enjoy an invitation to the celebratory dinner in Greece on 8th May, marking the anniversary of the Axis surrender exactly eighty-two years earlier — a fitting conclusion to a project that combines remembrance, challenge, history and charitable purpose.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
We are currently seeking corporate sponsors, philanthropic supporters, technical partners and media collaborators to aid the SFCBF cause of this expedition
Expedition Sponsor
£25K Full Sponsor Recognition on Exped, Publicity and Website
Exped and SFCBF Exped Event Participation
Kayak Sponsor
£10K Brand Recognition on Kayak and Website
Participation in SFCBF Exped events
Expedition Friend
£5K Recognition on Website
Participation in SFCBF Exped Events
For Sponsorship Opportunities please email: chair@sfcbf.org