80 years ago, the world saw the largest airborne assault in history. Over 34,000 allied men dropped in to Nazi occupied territory in the Netherlands in a race to extend the front to the Rhine. Their goal was to capture multiple strategic bridgeheads and hold them until the British 30th Corps could make their way east to the final bridge in Arnhem. There were several factors that led to the failure of Operation Market Garden, the result of which is best summed up in the phrase (and later a film by the same name), "A Bridge Too Far".
Exercise Arnhem Eagle is a week-long trip where participants learn about Op Market Garden, research and present talks on specific aspects, engage in discussion, and represent the Royal Air Force by paying their respects in ceremonies of remembrance. Those attending are a mix of all ranks and trades within the RAF. Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1) Kempster’s role as the group's trumpeter was to sound the Last Post and Reveille during the ceremonies.
"Sounding the Last Post and Reveille is always a poignant task, but never more so than at the site of such bravery and sacrifice."
Air Specialist (Class 1) Kempster
Royal Air Force Trumpeter
Ceremonies which the participants of Ex Arnhem Eagle supported:
Thursday 19th September: Sunset March Nijmegen. Attended by the VIP and ‘Veteran for the Day’, Major General Sylvia, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division US Army.
Saturday 21 Sep: Aircrew Monument Oosterbeek. Attended by Royal Auxiliary Air Force Commandant General, Air Vice Marshal Munro; Group Captain Holland, Station Commander RAF Waddington; Commander Royal Netherlands Air Force Lieutenant General Steur and senior officers from the Parachute Regiment.
Sunday 22nd September: Air Despatch Memorial Oosterbeek. Attended by Colonel English, Royal Logistic Corps; Group Captain Smith, RAF; the Mayor of Osterbeek.
On Friday 20th and Sunday 22nd September, ceremonies were attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne; German, Polish, French, and Dutch Ambassadors, Ministers of Defence, Heads of Military Organisations including Air Marshal Stringer representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton.
"The Dutch people were very welcoming to all of us who attended the 80th anniversary, and they came out to pay their respects in the thousands. Whilst there will come a time when there will be no more veterans to attend the annual ceremonies, it is clear from the participation from the Dutch and particularly their children, that they will very much be remembered."
Air Specialist (Class 1) Kempster
