ARNHEM 80th ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL MARCH

The Battle

The Battle of Arnhem took place in World War Two at the vanguard of the Allied Operation Market Garden. The British 1st Airborne Division and Polish Parachute Brigade fought an outstanding and heroic battle over 9 days in and around the Dutch city of Arnhem, the town of Oosterbeek, the villages Wolfheze and Driel and the vicinity from 17 to 26 September 1944. Through circumstances outside of their control they found themselves heavily outgunned and outnumbered. Hence they failed in their main mission to capture the vital bridge over the river Rhine. The battle was immortalised in the film “A Bridge Too Far”.

REME AIRBORNE VETERANS

The team consists of 26 retired veteran Airborne REME soldiers, ranging in age from 54 to 72. They will “(Tab)”, (para speak for marching with full kit – Tactical Advance to Battle), from Aldershot the spiritual home of Britain’s Airborne Forces, to the site of the battle in Arnhem over 6 days. The aim of the Tab is:

1. To commemorate and pay tribute to all those who fought, were wounded or captured, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Arnhem.

2. To raise money for 3 three very worthy causes. Support our Paras, Turn to Starboard and Bradbury House Adult Care Centre.

The Charities

SUPPORT OUR PARAS – Provides relief from need, hardship and distress to members of the Airborne community past and present including families.

TURN TO STARBOARD - We help serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, and their families, readjust after operational tours and assist them in meeting the unique demands placed on them by Service life. Our focus is on resettlement, reintegration and reinforcing a sense of value and belonging. Our support also extends to frontline NHS staff and Emergency Services staff impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

BRADBURY HOUSE ADULT CENTRE - Bradbury House provides a respite service to families who have a family member with severe learning disability and physical needs. In this case one of our marching veteran team members has an adult son who requires 24 hour a day/365 days a year care. This service is not “just a break” but absolutely vital to the family’s wellbeing. Small establishments like this can only survive with charitable support.