On the weekend of 19-21 September DS, Roly, Mick Mullins and myself headed accross the channel to attend the 64th anniversary of the battle of Arnhem. We are told that this is the penultimate event and next year will be the last time ever, I hope that is not true. As far as I'm concerned it was a very humbling experience, to see the many hundreds of young children attending the Sunday service and each placing a bunch of flowers on every grave was very moving. What a difference in culture to this country where many young people of today have no idea or appreciation of the sacrifices made by so many brave young men.

We left bright and early on the Friday morning and picked up Roly who had traveled to London then headed on down to Dover for the ferry. The crossing was short and pleasant with the sun shining brightly where we fed and watered ourselves ready for the drive into Holland. We left the port just after 3pm local time, the journey was a bit of a drag after encountering heavy traffic on quite a few occasions. We eventually arrived at the military camp in Harksamp at about 9.30.

After securing the bed spaces very kindly organised for us by 4 Para we headed for the local watering holes where we met up with guys from 1 and 4 Para along with a group of PFA guys (TA) from Wales. As it turned out it was just as well we were there to look after the young guns, (but that's a different story) Saturday morning we headed for the DZ on Ginkel Heath. It was a perfect day for parachuting with the sun shining brightly. The turn out was huge with many thousands of spectators enjoying the day. After the DZ we had a look around Arnhem then back to camp. The dutch army laid on coaches to and from Arnhem on the Saturday night so we could sample the local beverages.

Sunday morning we went to Osterbeek cemetary for the memorial service. Once again the turn out was huge with both veterans and locals. There were over 700 children in attendance from, Arnhem and the surrounding areas, Poland, and Rheindarlen. When the Regt Band struck up I have to say in that setting it really did make the hairs on your neck stand up. At the conclusion of the service there was a fly past, which was awsome, the Hercs came over at literally tree top level,,,,,,,,, spectacular!!

Sunday evening was spent in the Square at Arnhem with many members of the reunion club, the guys that had been on the jump, along with members of 4 Para. A special thank you has to go to those guys, particularly the QM Paul Mort, and RSM Curt Vines who looked after us there. Monday morning we were on the road at 5.30 am and managed the long journey home in about 17 hours. Although tiring it was a great weekend and hopefully we can do it again next year.