This March, which commemorates the famous Battle of Arnhem, where, in 1944, over 11400 airborne troops were sent to invade the area and secure the river bridge so that the armoured 30 Corps could pass swiftly over the bridge and into Germany, the plan being to end the second World War as soon as possible.

It ended up as a disaster, due mainly to the fact that many German Tanks and their other armoured units were `resting’ in the surrounding countryside after being pulled back from Normandy, and our own Airborne soldiers, mainly in the Infantry role, had no chance, or sufficient heavy weapons, to fight them. Only 2400 men were evacuated on the decision to withdraw our forces from the Battle area, with many more having to stay, and hide, around Arnhem until they also could get back across the river to our own lines.

The local Dutch people were so grateful for this failed attempt to liberate them that when the Germans were finally forced out of the area, in 1945, they wanted to show their appreciation to the many fallen soldiers that they asked the Police authorities if they could walk around the Battlefield, where many Airborne soldiers bodies were still lying, to show their respect. This was granted and in 1946 they did exactly this, and the following year it became more formalised in the Airborne March.

This has become on of the World’s greatest `Marches’ with these days over 35000 people taking part, including many Military Groups.

In 1983 Major (Ret’d)) Tony Trown was invited by members of the 10th (V) Bn The Parachute Regiment to participate in this event with their marching Team. On completion of his first Airborne March he was so impressed with everything he had witnessed, especially the overwhelming kindness of the Dutch people, that he vowed to return the following year with some of his Cadets. And so had begun the Counties involvement with this event, just 25 or so Cadets, with their Officers and Adult Instructors, on a small campsite in Oosterbeek, cooking their own food on hexi cookers and supplying their own tents etc, and then taking part in the March.

The next year more Hants & IOW personnel wanted to attend and so the numbers grew, year on year, until in 1999 we had 8 coaches taking over 400 people with us, and what an impression they made on everyone who witnessed this magnificent site of all these young British people proudly wearing their uniforms on the official March Past. They received, as they still do, a standing ovation, from the packed stands as they did a very smart `Eyes Right’ to the Saluting Base, and it was reported that every member of that Group were in step, even the Officers!

We no longer have to `Camp out’ in Oosterbeek in our tents as the organisers of the Airborne March, a few years ago, during the outbreak of Foot and Mouth, felt that it was unsafe for us to take our equipment with us as it may have become contaminated with the dreaded disease. And so we negotiated that we should be accommodated in the wonderful Harskamp Barracks, with its first class Barrack Blocks (Duvets and Sheets!) Restaurant etc where we are still welcomed.

These day’s we are not just a single unit but are joined by Cadets from N Yorkshire, Gloucester, Wiltshire, London and other Counties together with many members from the Air Training Corps Squadrons of Aldershot, Farnham, Windsor, Sussex and, this year, Stratford on Avon. After a few years `break’ where Hants & IOW Cadets were unable to attend, although many Officers and Adult Instructors continued to be in the Group, the Counties Cadets came with us in 2006 and will again be present this year. The County will be represented by their magnificent Cosford Marching Team who recently completed a 2-day 50-mile event as part of its build up for a future participation in the famous 100-mile Nijmegen March next year

This year the Arnhem 07 personnel will be taken by coach from Aldershot to Dover, cross over to Calais then onward to Holland, the journey taking up most of the first day. The following morning, it’s up early, breakfast in the Barrack’s Restaurant then out of Camp for a Battlefield Tour. This will take in the Landing Zones, for the hundreds of gliders that were involved, the Dropping Zones for the paratroopers, the main Battlefields sites, the famous Bridge of Arnhem, the wonderful Hartenstein Museum and, of course, a visit to the Airborne Cemetery so that they can pay their respects by laying a `Cross’, which can be supplied, on a chosen grave.

The next day, Saturday the 1st of September, we make our way, in uniform, to the Hartenstein Arena where we take time to soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful site of thousands of people of all ages, from babies in push `carts’ to ageing veterans, plus troops from many Countries all waiting for the start of the March. But first, on forming up in our Marching Groups, there is a speech by the Chairman of the March Association, a long term friend of ours, who will make a formal announcement of the reason the March originated, and then a `Last Post’ is sounded, the notes echoing around the woods where we are standing. Then the Bands strike up (and there are about 20 of them involved) and the Military Parade steps off.

As we approach the main public area an announcement is made of the various Teams that are now in front of the Stands, and when we are mentioned a huge round of applause is given, makes `the hairs on the back of your stand up’ has been mentioned many times. This is the local Dutch people showing, and demonstrating, their appreciation for those Airborne soldiers who came here so many years ago, and of course whom we now represent. After that it’s serious marching, but great fun along the way, as we go out on to the Battlefields sites once more, but this time on foot.

The distance one marches is either 25 or 15kms, just a stroll for serious marchers, and when on return to Oosterbeek the pavements are packed with well-wishers, and sometimes flowers are handed to you as a mark of their appreciation. Then finally back into the Arena, a job well done, time to relax, chat with people and then receive your token March Medal. Back to Camp, evening meal, pack kit and time to spend with new friends before we depart for home on Sunday morning.

For those who have taken part a most wonderful weekend the memories of which will last forever, and the satisfaction that you have represented your Country, of which you should be rightly proud. If we add this years projected Cadet attendance figures it is estimated that we have taken over 3700 young people to this event over the past many years

This is all due to the enthusiasm of the Arnhem Marching Teams Directing Staff and many thanks are due to Major (Ret’d) Ian Ferguson, Captain QM (Ret’d) Brian Fagg, Ex RSM Martin Stephens and a special note for Major (Ret’d) Stuart McLaren who has supported this noteworthy cause for the past 24 years, his support in getting numbers (bums) on seats has been outstanding

For further details contact

Major (Ret’d) Tony Trown

1 Hackwood Lane

Cliddesden

Basingstoke

Hants

RG25 2NH

Tele: 01256 323311

Email :- tony.trown@btinternet.com