Arnhem 64th Anniversary

[Greenronnie]

Just got back from a week over in Arnhem, Holland, for the 64th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden. Had a great week with the veterans and caught up with some old mates on the lash. Laid up some wreaths with a WW2 Pathfinder at places where he fought and his mates had died.

Jumped on the main drop, 600 feet with equipment from a C130. Decidedly lower than what I'm used to! Was great conditions though, 5 knots on the drop zone and sunny.

The Freds put on a mega demo on Saturday evening, with a high altitude drop from the Dakota into the green opposite the Hartenstein Hotel.

The weather was perfect for the Cemetary sevice on the Sunday too. As always, it was a very thought provoking and moving service. The flypasts by 3 C130s plus the Dakota were awesome.

Pics to follow.

[jabcrosshook]

Amazing what those men did at Arnhem. Look forward to the pictures.

[Greenronnie]

C130 dropping onto Ginkel Heath.



DC3 dropping onto Ginkel Heath.



Just after landing.



With my mate Don (PF Arnhem veteran) after laying wreaths at the main Memorial Service.

[Paratrooper01]

Mega phots.

More medals on that old PF guys chest. What a legend.

Were there many other regular soldiers who made the jump?

[flighty]

Brilliant pics, Tom.

You are now forgiven for not attending No 6's barbie.

Jayne x

[Greenronnie]

Mega phots.

More medals on that old PF guys chest. What a legend.

Were there many other regular soldiers who made the jump?

Yeah, he was in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Arnhem, Norway and Palestine. Crow!!

And yes there were quite a few regular soldiers on the jump, although most of them were from other units of the Brigade other than Para Regt (Medics, Engineers etc). Lots of PSIs from 4 Para that are mates of mine from 1 Para though, including the RSM.

[Greenronnie]

Some more pics.



Myself with PF Arnhem vets Don and Jim, with Olive.



The grave of one of the PF lads who died after the battle. A good mate of Don's.



Don, myself and John (standard bearer for Chelmsord PRA) at the airborne church memorial, after laying wreaths there.

[lewis123]

Wanted to go with my Grandad,but my Passport has ran out.

[Greenronnie]

Wanted to go with my Grandad,but my Passport has ran out.

Bad skills! I had to get a new one done just before I left actually.

[lewis123]

Wanted to go with my Grandad,but my Passport has ran out.

Bad skills! I had to get a new one done just before I left actually.

Yeah i no i sent off for it cost a fair bit and it has not come yet.Realy f@#k ed off about it was there a few years ago.

[STAND UP HOOK UP]

went last year for the first time and thought it was amazing, ( not just on the lash) bumped into lads id never seen for 20 years, the service on the sunday is very humbling, and the dutch people need to be applauded, 10 oclock at night and the four para lads put a wreath on a monument, ( think it was where the 10 th battalion got to, not to sure) and every one stood to attention for a minutes silence, british and dutch, very emotional. we walked from the dz, and stopped at the cafe on the crossroads where the pathfinders got ambushed, ( sure it was the pathfinders, sure you will put me right if i got it wrong) had a cracking time, and nearly missed the plane back