Princess Anne led a poignant commemoration at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands, marking 80 years since the Battle of Arnhem. The Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, joined veterans, families, and the public in honoring the fallen soldiers of Operation Market Garden.
The Battle of Arnhem, a crucial component of Operation Market Garden, was one of the largest airborne operations in history. Conceived by British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, it aimed to create an Allied route into northern Germany in September 1944. The operation involved over 41,000 airborne troops from American, British, and Polish forces.
At the Airborne Memorial Service, Princess Anne laid a wreath and conversed with veterans. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for more than 1,750 Allied troops from the 1st Airborne Division and the Polish Parachute Brigade. The ceremony included:
- A musical procession by the British Army Band Catterick
- Readings by British Army padres
- Wreath-laying ceremonies
- The sounding of the Last Post and Reveille
- A flypast by the Royal Netherlands Air Force featuring three historic aircraft
Continuing a tradition that began in 1945, local schoolchildren placed flowers on each grave, symbolizing one child for every fallen soldier.
John Healey, the Defence Secretary, stated: "Today we honor the veterans of Arnhem, and those who fought and died to help liberate our allies. Eighty years on, we remember the huge price paid for our freedom and commit to defending peace and security today."
Lord Coaker, the Defence Minister, added: "Our Armed Forces continue to be inspired by the service and sacrifice of that great generation, which fought so we may live in freedom today."
The day before the ceremony, paratroopers from eight NATO member countries reenacted the historic jump made 80 years ago. They parachuted from 12 aircraft into Ginkel Heath, near the Dutch town of Ede, mirroring the actions of the 1,900 airborne soldiers from Britain's 4th Parachute Brigade during the original operation.
Despite its ambitious goals, Operation Market Garden ultimately failed to secure its key objective – the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem, which became known as "the bridge too far." The operation's failure prolonged World War II in Europe by several months and led to the "Hunger Winter" in the Netherlands, causing severe food shortages.
The Battle of Arnhem saw nine days of intense street fighting before the order to withdraw was given on September 25, 1944. More than 8,000 British soldiers were killed, went missing, or were captured during this offensive. Despite the operation's failure, it liberated a large part of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.
The battle's legacy lives on, inspiring the 1977 film "A Bridge Too Far" and serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. The Arnhem bridge was finally captured by Canadian forces in April 1945, marking a significant step towards the end of the war in Europe.