In a joint expedition 19 Cadets and four members of staff from Stratford upon Avon and Heart Of England Squadrons, Air Training Corps spent the last week of their summer holidays at the annual commemorations of the Battle Of Arnhem in Oosterbeek, The Netherlands.

The Battle of Arnhem features in the film, "A Bridge Too Far" and marked the culmination of Operation Market Garden, the allied attempt to seize and hold the bridge at Arnhem , in September 1944, and with it a route over the Rhine and into Germany .

Each year on the first Saturday in September the people of Arnhem celebrate the heroic actions of the British and Polish Paratroops who tried in vain to hold the bridge against strong German opposition. Of over 10,000 airborne soldiers dropped into Arnhem , fewer than 2,400 escaped.

The annual event, known as The Airborne March attracts over 30,000 entrants each year and includes a service of remembrance, and a march past in the Oosterbeek stadium. Following the service the cadets set off on a 15Km route march, in company with thousands of other cadets, servicemen and veterans from around the world.

Prior to their departure the team held a parade at the Squadron headquarters, and invited the Chairman of the District Council, the Deputy Mayor and members of the Royal British Legion. The Deputy Mayor, her father having been a Pilot in the RAF, made a short speech wishing the team well, and Mr Summerton of the Royal British Legion presented a wreath to be laid in the Oosterbeek.

To help the cadets understand what happened in Arnhem , on the day before the march they visited some of the key battlefield sites and the Airborne Museum . The battle was explained by Major (Retired) Tony Trown from Cliddesden in Hampshire.

Major Trown has been organising Army and Air Cadet participation in the march for 25 years, and in recognition of his work the march organisers made a special presentation to him at the beginning of the march.

During the battlefield tour the Cadets visited the Cemetery at Oosterbeek, and had decided to lay the wreath on the headstone of Flight Lieutenant Lord VC DFC, who was killed while dropping supplies to the besieged ground forces. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions, the citation reads as follows.

"On Sep 19th, 1944 , Flt. Lieut. Lord was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to drop supplies to our troops, who were closely surrounded at Arnhem.
For accuracy this had to be done at 900 feet. While approaching the target at 1,500 feet the aircraft was severely damaged and set on fire. Flt. Lieut. Lord would have been justified in withdrawing or even in abandoning his aircraft but, knowing that supplies were desperately needed, he continued on his course. Twice going down to 900 feet under very intense fire, he successfully dropped his containers.

 His task completed he ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, making no attempt himself to leave. A few seconds later the aircraft fell in flames, only one of the crew surviving. By continuing his mission in a damaged and burning plane, twice descending to 900 feet to ensure accuracy, and finally by remaining at the controls to give his crew a chance of escape, Flt. Lieut. Lord displayed supreme valour and self-sacrifice."

Many of the cadets where visibly moved by their visit to the cemetery, and the battlefields, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of march.

The Squadron is planning to make the trip again next year, and it is likely to become an annual activity.

On Saturday 29 September the Squadron will be holding an open day, during which some of the cadets will make a presentation about the trip to Arnhem , If you are interested in joining the squadron, as either a Cadet or an Adult volunteer, the staff will be on hand to explain what is involved. The open day will be held at the Squadron's Headquarters in the grounds of Stratford High School , between 10:00 and 13:00 .

Article Submitted by:-
Phil_Smith 1289 ( Stratford Upon Avon ) Sqn
11 Sep 07