Guernsey Press

King marks 80th anniversary of Second World War’s Operation Market Garden

Operation Market Garden aimed to push through the Netherlands and into Germany just a few months after the D-Day landings.

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The King has said the “heroism and sacrifice made by so many in the pursuit of peace” will never be forgotten as the 80th anniversary of a famous Second World War operation was commemorated.

Charles’s words were spoken by the Princess Royal, representing the King at events this weekend marking the efforts of troops who in 1944 fought in Operation Market Garden, with the bold aim of ending the war that year.

It is a former hotel that served as the headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division during the Battle of Arnhem, part of the operation that aimed to push through the Netherlands and into Germany just a few months after the D-Day landings.

Charles, in the Netherlands for the 75th anniversary of Operation Market Garden in 2019, talks to glider pilot Frank Ashleigh at the Airborne Memorial at Oosterbeek
The Princess Royal is in the Netherlands representing Charles, pictured at the 75th anniversary commemorations (Arthur Edwards/The Sun)

“An ambitious joint airborne and ground forces operation designed to seize crucial bridges to enable the advance into Germany, its ultimate aim was to end the war within a matter of months.

“The friendships made during those difficult days of September 1944 between the Dutch and their liberators continued after the war.

“I saw this for myself five years ago when, as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment, I attended the 75th anniversary commemorations.”

80th anniversary of Battle of Arnhem
The Princess Royal met Arnhem veteran Geoff Robinson, 99, who is believed to be the only British soldier to travel to Arnhem for the commemorations (Ben Birchall/PA)

Mr Roberts flew by glider into Arnhem during Operation Market Garden but was captured as the Allies retreated after their efforts, immortalised in the film A Bridge Too Far, were thwarted by strong resistance from Nazi troops, and he spent the rest of the war in a German prisoner of war camp.

Anne continued the King’s speech, saying: “Tragically, despite the endless courage of all those who served in an operation whose renown echoes through the generations, the Netherlands had one more terrible winter to suffer before liberation finally arrived.

“Today, on this 80th anniversary, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and humility that we remember all those in the British, Allied and Commonwealth forces who served and died fighting for our freedom.

80th anniversary of Battle of Arnhem
The Princess Royal represented the King at the event (Ben Birchall/PA)

“We will never forget the heroism and sacrifice made by so many in the pursuit of peace and liberation. My wife joins me in sending warmest possible good wishes to all those taking part in this weekend of commemoration.”

On Sunday the princess, in her role as president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and her husband will attend the annual service marking the operation’s 80th anniversary at Oosterbeek Airborne Cemetery.

She will join around a thousand guests and during the event will read a lesson and lay a wreath at the foot of the Cross of Sacrifice.

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