ARNHEM - who's going ?

Nope Sommecourt

Martin spotted me at Schoonoord, I was the one not with the Bugle indeed on the BSA. We rode to the cemetary afterwards together.
Our friend played the bagpipes at Ginkel heith. Maybe you heared him?
We had to walk to the heith because the vehicles on the Ginkel heith ( that had to be at the Barracks entering the heith area at about 8.30hr)only could leave at 14.00hr while the "race to the bridge" started at .....14.00hr.We wanted to ride the "Race" so we had to walk.
The police were very strict on not allowing motorcycles on bicycle-paths.
It was very busy at the Airborne cemetary no way of getting there so I had a look at the exhabition in Driel in the Church. The Polish were honoured with this exhabition, that looked great. Many uniforms and photo's there.

Cheers Popski

 

Never mind - I heard some pipes on the heath, but couldn't see much because of the crowds. When leaving I saw an M10 TD being loaded on a trailor, but never saw it 'in action'... shows how busy it was!

 

Oh well, Popski - at least I spotted you from afar !

My Dad and I made a special point of visiting the Polish exhibition in Driel church just before setting off for home on Monday. Well worthwhile, with many rare documents on display plus photos I'd not seen before.

On the way to Driel, saw a signpost for Valburg and felt my face flush with shame at the manner in which Sosabowski was treated at the conference there....

 

Nice to meet some of you there...there were far too many people in my view. The highlight for me was meeting the chief clerk of 16 Para Field Ambulance RAMC Sgt J Bellamy for the first time, we've been in contact since 1995. I found him at the Airborneplein on Friday night when everyone was singing 'Abide with Me'.....wasn't a dry eye between us....

 

G'day

Martin,Better luck next year. Indeed it was very busy, good that people remember in this great number. In Holland they think this will be the last big rememberance. I think next year will also be good but not that crowded. The rememberance will stay not only to remember but also commercialy it is a great succes. So next year I'll be back.

Cheers Popski

 

I wasn't there myself, but I read that a number of the veterans made parachute descents to mark the anniversary.

Being a parachutist myself, seeing the veterans jump on the anniversary had a certain resonance, and filled me with respect for men brave enough to parachute into combat, and to do so again even in the depths of old age.

 

And here they are - Men of Arnhem....

 

And this is one of them coming down...