Felpham man's tale of an extraordinary journey

John Holman was among the 500 young British explorers who went on the biggest peace-time journey to India.

The Third Commonwealth Expedition saw a fleet of 20 coaches travel 14,000 miles overland to the sub-continent on a journey of understanding.

Their destination was the first Commonwealth Youth Festival in Delhi. Along the way, their enthusiasm triumphed over experience and their ingenuity overcame unforeseen problems.

District and parish councillor Mr Holman, 66, said: "The Commonwealth Expedition had parallels with the moon landing.

"There was an enormous feeling of pride among those who achieved the mission and returned home eager to tell their stories.

"I realised about eight months ago the 40th anniversaries of the first moon landing and Comex Three were approaching. I thought there might be some public interest in the expedition. So I used the diaries I compiled for the Lancaster contingent on the coach."

The world of 1969 was one without the internet, mobile phones and other hi-tech means of communication.

The arrival of the students as they passed through various settlements along the Asian Highway was greeted with wonder.

"Everywhere we went, people didn't have a clue who we were. We were like visitors from outer space to them," he stated.

"It was also the era of Carnaby Street. So you can imagine what our clothes were like."

Former bank manager Mr Holman, of Roundle Avenue, had his bosses to thank for his place on the expedition.

He had worked for them for five years when they agreed to three years' unpaid leave to study for a degree in commerce at Liverpool University.

As the course ended, he became aware of meetings being held to find participants to follow the first two expeditions to India in 1965 and 1967.

There were vacancies in the Lancaster University coach and his employees agreed to extend his unpaid leave by a further three months. His costs were met by a small amount of sponsorship.

On Monday, July 14, 1969, he was away. Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia followed before the Middle East was reached with Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to come.

"It was the journey of a lifetime. We were lucky to be able to do it on a route you would not be able to go along today. You can't go through Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan," he explained.

Next Week '“ The Moon: An Expedition to India by John Holman is available directly from him, priced 8 plus 1 postage, at 24 Roundle Avenue, Bognor Regis PO22 8LL.

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