Arnhem Commemorations 2022
As usual there is a lot going on this September. There is always a lot going on with the inevitable clashes of events. This year that is probably more so given that we have not been able to commemorate events together for the last 2 years.
If you are aware of other events not already listed on the official programmes, please let us and we will add them to the website.
Events
15th September 11:00hrs – Brummen Wreath Laying Service. The late Major Tony Hibbert, one of our founding members, traditionally laid a wreath at the location where he escaped from captivity by jumping from a lorry. During this escape attempt, an SS guard murdered a number of prisoners in the same vehicle. This tradition has been carried on since Tony passed away and a wreath will be laid outside Hotel Oude Postkantoor, Zutphensestraat 6, 6971 EM Brummen. This event is open to all.
16th September 13:30hrs – Unveiling of the Glider Pilot Regiment Monument. Please see the invitation for more details. This event is open to all.
16th September 10:45hrs Internment of John Jeffries ashes in Arnhem-Oosterbeek War Graves Cemetery. This event is open to all.
16th September 10:00 to 14:00 hrs Pathfinder International Parachute group will carry out two drops from a C-130 Hercules over Renkum. This event is open to all.
16th September 11:00hrs Service of Remembrance and wreath laying at the King Willem III Barracks (The Airborne Military Hospital in 1944). Please refer to the contact details provided in the newsletter if you wish to attend.
16th September 13:00hrs Graeme Warrack Room at King Willem III Barracks (The Airborne Military Hospital in 1944), Apeldoorn is open for visitors. Please refer to the contact details provided in the newsletter if you wish to attend.
18th September approx. 11:00hrs Pathfinder International Parachute group drop one C-47 Dakota load onto the Polish DZ at Driel. This event is open to all.
18th September, 2.30pm The Dutch who helped the Airborne medics – a tour by Tony Sheldon of places and people who risked their lives for the wounded Airborne.
Come hear the voices of the Dutch volunteers, the young women, men, and teenagers who chose to help the wounded Airborne during the darkest days of the Oosterbeek perimeter.
Dozens turned their backs on the relative safety of their family homes, cellars, and bomb shelters to lend a hand to the Airborne Medical teams. They toiled, and in some cases died, among the horrific ruins that passed for advanced dressing stations and medical aid posts.
Based on interviews over the last 15 years with eyewitness survivors and their families, journalist, author, and historian Tony Sheldon recaptures the moments of almost surreal suffering and fortitude.
The tour should last about an hour. It will be mostly in English but with some Dutch explanation when required. It’s free but please refer to the contact details provided in the newsletter if you wish to attend.
Assemble outside the Schoonoord Hotel, Utrechtseweg, Oosterbeek.
The programme produced by the Airborne Commemoration Foundation has been updated and can be found here: https://www.airborne-herdenkingen.nl/en/programme-airborne-commemorations/
A calendar of events has also been produced by the Airborne Region Foundation. This can be found here: https://airborne-region.nl/agenda/
The Airborne Committee for Wolfheze has produced it’s own programme of events happening locally in Wolfheze (thanks to Ruud de Bie for sharing this):
Places to visit
Airborne Medical Display
Please see below details of a living history display of an airborne medical facility running from 15th to 17th September in the Concert Hall in lower Oosterbeek near the old church.
In previous years this has (in our opinion at least), been a very good display!
Walburgiskerk church
A new museum has recently opened in Arnhem called ‘Out of Ammo’.
The museum in the Walburgischurch is a ‘pop-up’ museum. The intention is that it will remain at this location for about 5 years. Many of the exhibits come from the collection of another museum, namely Arnhem War Museum ’40-’45, which can be found on the Kemperbergerweg.
Many photos are on display taken before, during and after the war. Exhibits try to provide the visitor with some background to life in Arnhem during the occupation.
https://arnhemlife.nl/2022/07/12/new-war-museum-in-arnhem-out-of-ammo/
Eusibius Church
There is information on the battle in the church and a glass viewing platform that allows you to see Arnhem from a different perspective.
There is information on the battle in the church and a glass viewing platform that allows you to see Arnhem from a different perspective.
https://eusebius.nl/en/plan-your-visit/
Military Platform Ede
The Platform Military History Ede is housed in building 27 on the former Arthur Kool barracks. The monumental building from 1908 has a beautiful military history and is located next to the horse stables and associated warehouses. ‘De Smederij’ contained a workshop for the sword sweeper and two workshops for the farriers (blacksmiths), with a batter shed for the two squadrons of Hussars who were housed in the cavalry barracks.
Wolfheze glider museum
This museum introduces you to the gliders and the brave people who participated in Operation Market Garden, which was carried out around and in Arnhem from 17 to 25 September 1944.
Historical Museum Wolfheze (Wolfheze Asylum)
The place that we all know as the ‘Wolfheze Asylum’ continues to be a place that provides specialist mental care in Gelderland. In the centre of the site, and quite difficult to find, is a small museum that covers the history of the ‘Wolfheze’ facility, the history of the care of patients, the impact of events in September 1944 including the bombings, landings and the treatment of wounded British soldiers. If you can find it it is a great place to spend an hour.
It has limited opening times so it might be best to check first.
Contact details can be found at the link below
https://www.propersona.nl/Over-Pro-Persona/Geschiedenis/Museum/
Information Centre in Driel
The Information Centre: The Poles of Driel provide insights into the battle fought by the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade in the village of Driel during Operation Market Garden. The focus here is the way the Brigade came into being, the inexplicably dishonourable way the Poles were treated after the failure of Operation Market Garden and the friendship that subsequently developed between the people of Driel and the Polish parachutists.
The Information Centre is at the back of the Roman Catholic Church in Driel and is open daily to visitors from 9.00hrs to 17.00hrs. Kerkstraat 27, 6665 CE Driel. Entrance is free.
There is a bus stop directly in front of the church and there is sufficient parking space for cars and buses.