I’m sorting out the photos I took last weekend. Can anyone help me with more information on these different categories of participant in the commemoration at Driel? 01 – pretty certainly present-day Polish soldiers 02 – for some reason I assumed this band was Dutch, but now I see the insignia I suppose they must be present-day Polish soldiers 03 – I assume these are Polish-speaking re-enactors who live in the Netherlands 04 – Did this band come here from Poland or are they based in the Netherlands? Bart
One veteran told me that he landed on D-day, was not at Arnhem in September 1944, but was with the Polar Bear division in the Arnhem area in the winter of 1944-45. He was wearing the beret and blazer badge of the Parachute regiment. I didn't like to interrogate him, but that sounds to me like a contradiction. Or were there men of the Parachute regiment in the Polar Bear division?
I think No3 are reenactors from Driel. They also organize the Sosabowski tour each year. If you think they are Polish then i don't know. No4 most likely children from Debno Ron..
One veteran told me that he landed on D-day, was not at Arnhem in September 1944, but was with the Polar Bear division in the Arnhem area in the winter of 1944-45. He was wearing the beret and blazer badge of the Parachute regiment. I didn't like to interrogate him, but that sounds to me like a contradiction. Or were there men of the Parachute regiment in the Polar Bear division? Joined the Parachute Regiment after leaving the Polar Bears
One veteran told me that he landed on D-day, was not at Arnhem in September 1944, but was with the Polar Bear division in the Arnhem area in the winter of 1944-45. He was wearing the beret and blazer badge of the Parachute regiment. I didn't like to interrogate him, but that sounds to me like a contradiction. Or were there men of the Parachute regiment in the Polar Bear division? Don't know but strange things happened. I know of 1 man who was illegal at Arnhem in September 1944, he was in the RASC and later also with the Polar Bears at Arnhem. Probably noone believes this too Ron...
if you find my thread in the "airborne" section on 2nd Glosters.i found some graves at Ranville cemetary with Glosters capbadges but saying "attached Parachute Regiment Army Air Corps".This is down to the polar bears being disbanded in August 44 and troops spread about as replacements for casualties throughout the other(inc Airborne) divisions.The veteran who told me this was Glosters,he was atached to 8 par(i think??)then on return to Blighty went on to do the jump training and joined Para Reg properly. as to the photos above...1 Polish,2 Polish,3 Polish,4 Polish....
Allan please explain, as the Glosters were in Wolfheze in April/May 1945 The division was disbanded in Germany in 1946, but reformed in the Territorial Army in 1947, having been renamed the 49th (West Riding) Armoured Division. It was based in Nottingham, consisting of (on 1 April 1947):
Thanks, everyone. It looks to me as if the people in 03 are citizens (or at least residents) of the Netherlands of Polish origin, who wear these WW2 Polish uniforms (maybe only once a year) and help organise Poland-Driel events.
Allan please explain, as the Glosters were in Wolfheze in April/May 1945 The division was disbanded in Germany in 1946, but reformed in the Territorial Army in 1947, having been renamed the 49th (West Riding) Armoured Division. It was based in Nottingham, consisting of (on 1 April 1947): sorry,me writing before thinking!it was the 56th Ind Brigade(2 Glosters,2 SWB and Essex reg?)that was disbanded,Glosters went on to join 49th under control of Canadians.A (Not "A" COY,just a company)company was distributed through the divisions as replacements,the rest going to 49th Div. the 2nd Glosters then went on to help liberate Arnhem.
Hi all, just been looking through this years commemoration pictures, this first picture spoke volumes to me. Our host in Arnhem fixed it for my grandson to lay flowers with the children, he was let off school as they were told this was an educational trip, by the look on his face I think that proved to be the case. Loads of pictures to post here, will do it in the next few days. regards lofty
Thank you Lofty for posting the wonderful photographs. It will be youngsters like your grandson who will ensure that those who lost their lives in battle for their Country will never be forgotten. All the best, Lindsay
Probably the last act of remembrance during the commemorative week is a short service at the GPR bench at Wolfhaze on Sunday at three with many folks from Wolfhaze attending. After this service the GP coach leaves for Rhenen general cemetery, where rest three Glider Pilots, then the night boat home and a well earned rest, I have added some pictures of the service, and the three headstones in Rhenen regards lofty
I took quite few photos. Here are some of the more unusual ones. Anyone reluctant to be portrayed here or (conversely) wanting a larger image - let me know. Bart
More great photographs ... thank you Lofty and Bart for posting. Lofty - love the photograph of Jack Bruce and your grandson. The old and the young sharing time together! Looking forward to seeing Jack, Des, Arthur and the rest of the GPR gang at the Reunion in Bournemouth next week. Lindsay
Second World War Soldier to be re-interred 27 September 2012 A re-interment ceremony will be held at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands on Wednesday October 3rd for Private Lewis Curtis of the 5th Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment. Private Curtis, who came from Liskeard in Cornwall, was killed on October 2nd 1944 in an artillery barrage in the aftermath of Operation Market Garden. His body was found in 2003 at de Laar Farm to the south of Arnhem. He was identifed in 2008 by the Dutch Army Recovery Team using dental records. The re-interment service will begin at 10 am and it will be attended by his niece and nephew and their families. Private Curtis will be accorded full military honours by The Honour Guard of The 5th Battalion The Rifles. The Royal Netherlands Army National Reserve Band will provide the music. An Order of Service for Private Curtis' re-interment ceremony can be found here. CWGC - Reburial Service of Pt. Lewis Curtis I went to this today, sorry I missed the annual one. Took a bunch of pictures, they are here: Pictures by martin14_2008 - Photobucket Went to the Hartenstein Museum as well, really wonderful exhibit in the basement.
