2019 was a classic year for military remembrance events, going to Normandy in June with the veterans, travelling to Arnhem in Holland for the 75th Anniversary of “Operation Market Garden” is one I will never forget.
It marked the Ill-fated expedition which could have shortened WWII by three months but instead resulted in ignominious defeat for the Allied Forces primary the British, Canadian and Polish.
I witnessed numerous parachute jumps using period round parachutes with hundreds of spectators watching from fields, roads and ditches, some in jeeps and assorted other military vehicles, who have travelled from all over Europe, to commemorate with the Dutch,at this historic event.
The Red Devils Parachute drop at the Airborne Museum outside Arnhem which the Prince of Wales, as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment attended was incredible.
Celebrations for military vehicles, parades comprising of more than 250 vehicles from that era travelling from Oosterbeek to the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem and back and the ‘Old Church’ in Oosterbeek where the infamous semi tragic ‘White Ribbon’ which led the retreating soldiers down to the banks of the Rhine.
The ribbons were made from parachutes which the soldiers had used to land with the week before.
A small monument marked the spot where more than 2,300 soldiers crossed the river in 1944, leaving the wounded, fallen friends and a village in ruins, illusions shattered as the Battle of Arnhem and capturing the bridge had failed.
This was also a spot where any refugees worldwide had been seeking refuge.
Many old men, women and children had to leave their homes to find safe havens elsewhere.
A touching tribute was to see young Dutch people maintaining and laying of the flowers at each of the 1,700 graves at Oosterbeek.
A genuine fondness between Dutch and British people has endured from September 1944 through to this day.
All through this last year there have been so many other wonderful commemorations across the UK and Europe.
Unfortunately, only the very few could go and pay their respects for the 76th anniversary of D-Day in France.
We need to remember this week during the time of this pandemic, think about these men who sacrificed their lives for us to be here.
They went through hell and torment with many not arriving home.
Take some time out this week to think of these men and women who gave their lives for us to be here, no matter what we are going through.
Stay home, save lives.
Jan Whitbourn
Spalding
