On the 3-6 September, cadets and staff from Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing travelled to Holland to take part in the 'Airborne Wandeltoch' or Commemorative March. The annual march commemorates the anniversary of the battle of Arnhem fought from 17-27 September 1944.

The four day trip included a guided tour of the route taken by the British 'XXX' Corps which had attempted to relieve the 1st Airborne Division trapped in Arhnem.

During the tour we passed through locations fought for by the American Airborne Divisions at the Grave, Son and Eindhoven Bridge 's and visited British, Polish and American Landing and Drop Zones. In addition we visited a number of memorials and actual battle sites, some still bare the scars of battle and are vivid testimony to the ferocity of the fighting.

On Friday we crossed into Germany to visit the Reichwald Forrest Commonwealth War Cemetery. The Reichswald is the largest WW2 cemetery and there are many RAF and Commonwealth airmen buried here.

For our group it was an emotional visit with personal tears shed. You cannot help to be touched and overwhelmed by the sight of thousands of headstones, in particular how young they were, so many only 19. They have been laid to rest in immaculately kept and tranquil surroundings, these heroes' of a passed generation, looked after so respectfully by the staff of the War Graves Commission. The Cadets paid tribute to their bravery and sacrifice by placing crosses on chosen headstones.

Saturday was March day. The Arnhem March is the largest one day marching event in Europe which attracts over 30,000 participants. Our cadets marched in teams over the 15 and 25 kilometre routes re tracing the steps taken by Battalions of the 1st Airborne Division. During the march both teams laid wreaths at the Oosterbeek Cemetery .

Both the 15 and 25 km teams met approx 5km from the finish just on the outskirts of the town of Oosterbeek . We marched the last 2 kms behind an impressive Dutch marching band to applause from locals and visitors who lined the streets.

Our journey concluded at the park from where we set off, situated at the rear of the famous Hartenstein Hotel, now an Airborne museum which was the last stronghold defended by British and Polish paratroops.

Cadets described the feeling as “ awesome “ and were overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the occasion and how the Dutch still remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the allied forces.

Thanks to Major Bob Darby (Rtd) of the Parachute Regiment who was our guide. Major Darby enhanced the tour by imparting a wealth of information in his own inimitable style.

All staff and cadets enjoyed the experience and would gladly return. I would like to express our sincere thanks to Fg Off Glyn Slade and WO D Ariss of 1289 (Stratford Upon Avon) Sqn for all their hard work and effort in organising and co-ordinating the tour.

Article Submitted by:-
Flt Lt Bob Foster RAF VR(T) for Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing
02 Oct 09