700 paratroopers from eight NATO nations have recreated the Second World War airborne invasion of the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden.
Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker, participated in the parachute drop from an RAF Atlas A400M transport aircraft, leading some 90 paratroopers from the British Army 16 Air Assault Brigade Team.
RAF aircraft played a critical role in Operation Market Garden by providing air transport for paratroopers and towing gliders carrying troops, equipment, and supplies into the Netherlands.
They conducted numerous sorties to drop airborne forces behind enemy lines and supplied them with essential reinforcements during the battle.
The battle took place between 17 and 25 September 1944 and was part of an allied plan to liberate the Netherlands and to force a route into Germany.
By the end of the week, Arnhem remained in Nazi hands and nearly 2,000 Commonwealth and allied soldiers had been killed.
Today we honour the veterans of Arnhem, and we honour those who fought and died to help liberate our allies. 80 years on, we remember the huge price paid for our freedom and commit to defending peace and security today. I’m proud that members of our Armed Forces are at the heart of the commemorations in the Netherlands this week.
John Healey,
Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom
A highlight of the commemorative drop was the use of eight specially designed poppy parachutes by British Army paratroopers, a symbol of remembrance.
Adding to the significance, the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew its iconic Lancaster Bomber overhead in a poignant flypast.
Eight NATO member countries took part in the drop: the UK, USA, Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Greece, Poland, and Germany. The display included a series of tactical airborne operations, including aerial cargo drops and high-altitude freefall jumps.
Although its objectives were not achieved, Operation Market Garden remains a remarkable feat of arms due to the determination and courage shown by the soldiers. It also led to the liberation of a large part of the Netherlands at a time when many civilians were close to starvation.
Tomorrow, members of the public will join Second World War veterans, HRH The Princess Royal, senior UK defence officials and UK Armed Forces personnel at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery in a commemorative event featuring military musicians and moving tributes.
The order of service remains unchanged since the first Airborne Memorial Service took place in 1945.