Double Hills, in the village of Paulton, is host to an Annual Memorial remembering the lives of twenty-three brave soldiers who died when Glider RJ113, enroute to Arnhem, crashed into the meadow.

All twenty-three people on board died on Sunday, 17th September 1944 and have been remembered and honoured by the memorial, which was built by the Royal Monmouth Regt. Sappers and established in 1979. They were the first casualties of the Battle of the Arnhem “Bridge too Far” Operation Market Garden.

Visitors came from far and wide to attend the event, including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Pipe Major Julian Smart, Chris Copeland of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion and friends and family of the fallen, including Valerie Austin, who was reunited with a photograph of herself, taking from the wreck.

Peter Yeates, organiser of the well-attended event, spoke to The Journal about the event on Sunday, 3rd September at 2pm: “Yesterday marked a special occasion in Double Hills, as the community came together for the 44th year in a row, drawing people from near and far. The return of the baby picture, nearly 80 years after it was initially lost, has captivated the interest and fascination of many who attended yesterday’s service.

“Valerie Austin (Fernyhough) was presented with the cherished picture that her father, Sapper John Fernyhough, had carried into battle. Despite being damaged and torn, it remains a poignant reminder of him. In a truly special way, even though he tragically lost his life in 1944, a part of him now lives on through his daughter, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. His sacrifice was not in vain.

“Next year will mark the 80th anniversary of that fateful day.”