The Prince of Wales attended commemorative events in the Netherlands for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem on Saturday September 21.
In September 1944, more than 35,000 British, American and Polish airborne troops landed behind enemy lines in Arnhem by parachute and glider, launching Operation Market Garden. It is today considered the largest airborne operation in history.
His Royal Highness began the day with a commemorative service at Ginkel Heath with HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands. Their Royal Highnesses both laid wreaths and viewed a wave of parachute drops onto the heath, including soldiers from The Parachute Regiment, of which The Prince is Colonel-in-Chief. They both also had the opportunity to meet veterans and their families.
The Prince visited St. Eusebius Church, which was heavily damaged during the battle, to mark the recent restoration works to the tower. After unveiling a plaque outside the church, Prince Charles, visited an exhibition of art on the Battle of Arnhem on display inside the church, produced by local schoolchildren.
Later during the day, he attended the Polish Airborne Commemorative Service in Driel, where His Royal Highness laid a wreath. Following the service, Prince Charles visited the local church to view a display on the Polish contribution to Operation Market Garden, including personal belonging of General Sosabowski, who commanded the Polish paratroopers.
In Oosterbeek, The Prince met members of the Army Air Corps, of which His Royal Highness is Colonel-in-Chief, and visited the replica Horsa glider. During the Battle of Arnhem, around 600 gliders landed in the municipality of Renkum, next to Arnhem.
These silent aircraft were used to carry fully armed and equipped airborne soldiers and to supply materials to the front.
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Photography by Richard Nicolaas van Vliet.
