Torch of Commemoration handover ceremony held at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery

British Veteran Geoff Roberts handed the CWGC Torch of Commemoration to Caroline Frost, daughter of Lt Col John Frost who commanded the Allies during the battle of Arnhem in a ceremony today at CWGC Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.

The handover ceremony marked the final leg of the 'Path to Freedom' trail that began in Leopoldsburg, Belgium and followed the route taken by the Allied armoured forces as they attempted to relieve the airborne troops holding their positions in Arnhem.

The trail started on 10 September and was split into 22 stages taking in seven CWGC Memorial sites along the way, marking one of the most infamous battles of the Second World War and commemorating nearly 2,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives.

Claire Horton CBE, Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said:

“The Torch of Commemoration has proved to be a hugely successful way to educate younger people about what the Allies went through during their ordeal, and to ensure their legacy will never be forgotten.

“The CWGC’s Arnhem Oosterbeek Cemetery has been a focal point of commemoration for the Battle of Arnhem since the end of the Second World War, with the sacrifice of nearly 1,500 wounded and killed soldiers at the heart of our mission to protect their legacy and educate future generations.

“Today, we call on our communities to join us in our duty to ensuring the commemoration of the war dead continues, and share their memories and stories. Many of the stories of what the soldiers went through during the Battle of Arnhem are truly inspiring, and we hope they encourage younger people to honour them for evermore.”

The roadshow culminates in a parachute jump on Saturday 21st September by the British Army at Ginkel Heath – where the Allied paratroopers landed during Operation Market Garden – and a memorial service on Sunday 22nd September at the CWGC’s Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery where many Arnhem veterans are buried.

For more information on Arnhem and Operation Market Garden, please use the link below: