Battle of Arnhem commemoration 2010 [Warning: Pictures]

[DarkFish]

So, I went to the yearly commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem. Thought I'd share some of the pictures I shot:

The day started with about 700 paratroopers jumping from C130's, in groups of 20 or 30:


I guess this is what the Ginkel Heath must have looked like 66 years ago:


Lots of old vehicles present:


Later today there was an airshow featuring mainly old planes, first off the Boeing-Stearman N2S-3:


Next a few other good ones, including a Yak-3U, a Spitfire and a Mustang, all of which I unfortunately enough have not been able to photograph
But then came the highlight of the show: the B-17 "Sally B". What a sight, to have such a monster fly directly overhead

Wasn't this part of market garden? Portrayed in the movie 'A Bridge Too Far'. ??

[Raptor1]

Very nice.

Originally Posted by The Third Man

Wasn't this part of market garden? Portrayed in the movie 'A Bridge Too Far'. ??

Yes, it was. There was another less known battle later on (in 1945) which ended in the Allies taking the city, but this refers to the first battle during Market Garden.

[Gerald]

[DarkFish]

Originally Posted by Raptor1

Yes, it was. There was another less known battle later on (in 1945) which ended in the Allies taking the city, but this refers to the first battle during Market Garden.

True. It was in the aftermath of this second battle that my father was born (not in Arnhem, as all inhabitants of Arnhem and the villages around it were evacuated after the 1st battle). With some fighting still going on in the perimeter, my heavily pregnant grandma was carried across the lines in a wheelbarrow by the farmers where she was staying. The Canadians sheltered her in one of their makeshift bunkers, and that's where my dad was born.

From what I've heard from all the stories, both battles completely changed life around here. With the entire area bombed flat, my father still recalls growing up amidst the ruins. The farmlands were littered with bomb craters (makes great playing for a child), and every so often live ammo was found (makes not so great playing for a child ). With everything destroyed and no money to quickly rebuild it, it was a very hard time to grow up.

[Jimbuna]

I remember seeing that a few years back

[CCIP]

The B-17 is always a tremendous sight to behold in the sky! One of them was at an airshow not too far from me a few weeks ago, and sadly I had missed it. Next time, perhaps - here's to the surviving birds flying for many, many more years to come.

And of course, a salute to the memory of this historic operation and all those who fought in it

[Oberon]

Fantastic pictures, thank you.
Respect to those who fought and fell during Market Garden.

[Bubblehead1980]

very cool!

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by DarkFish

True. It was in the aftermath of this second battle that my father was born (not in Arnhem, as all inhabitants of Arnhem and the villages around it were evacuated after the 1st battle). With some fighting still going on in the perimeter, my heavily pregnant grandma was carried across the lines in a wheelbarrow by the farmers where she was staying. The Canadians sheltered her in one of their makeshift bunkers, and that's where my dad was born.

From what I've heard from all the stories, both battles completely changed life around here. With the entire area bombed flat, my father still recalls growing up amidst the ruins. The farmlands were littered with bomb craters (makes great playing for a child), and every so often live ammo was found (makes not so great playing for a child ). With everything destroyed and no money to quickly rebuild it, it was a very hard time to grow up.

That is truly some great insight. Thanks so much for sharing.

[papa_smurf]

Great pictures A truly bold plan that ultimately failed in its objectives, but is now remembered for the heroic action of the British 1st Airborne Division.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by papa_smurf

Great pictures A truly bold plan that ultimately failed in its objectives, but is now remembered for the heroic action of the British 1st Airborne Division.

Montgomery's toughest time, especially after his success in North Africa...he took a lot of criticism for the failure.

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

Montgomery's toughest time, especially after his success in North Africa...he took a lot of criticism for the failure.

Aye, Monty, he's one chap I've never really known what to make of.

[DarkFish]

Originally Posted by papa_smurf

Great pictures A truly bold plan that ultimately failed in its objectives, but is now remembered for the heroic action of the British 1st Airborne Division.

Indeed. The operation may have been a complete failure, but the Brits and Poles are still being hailed for it. After all, they did fight for our freedom.

Lest we forget

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

Montgomery's toughest time, especially after his success in North Africa...he took a lot of criticism for the failure.

He took some criticism for his operations in France (both times), Sicily, Italy and Belgium as well.

... well if you look at it that way North Africa was the only time he wasn't criticized.

While I do question some of his command decisions, I approve of his decisions on how to operated his units- he was a very practical and modern commander in an army still mentally stuck in the Victorian age.