This Sunday, 1st September sees the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of the Double Hills Arnhem Memorial, taking place in Paulton from 1.45 p.m.

The purpose of the Commemoration is to remember the first British casualties who died in an air crash enroute to Field Marshall Montgomery’s Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem on Sunday, 17th September 1944.

The film A Bridge Too Far (1977) told the story of the Battle of Arnhem, and was based on the 1974 book of the same name by Cornelius Ryan.

The Double Hills Arnhem Memorial is at the location of the crash site. The memorial was the brainchild of local resident, Peter Yeates, who, as a seven-year-old boy, witnessed this tragedy in 1944 when a Horsa Glider of the British First Airborne Division with 23 service personnel on board all lost their lives en route to Arnhem. In later life, Peter Yeates led his local community into the foundation of the Double Hills Memorial.

A working committee was set up, which included Bristol ex-Royal Engineers; the President of the Somerset Royal British Legion and veteran, Clifford Ashman; Keith Ford, Fred Ponsford, a Glider Pilot, and local village residents – all of whom gave their full support to this cause.

With further help from local community volunteers, the Double Hills commemoration has grown over the years and has now become the focal point for the annual Operation Market Garden Remembrance in the West Country.

Alan Wood (Daily Express) wrote on 24th September, 1944: “In years to come, if any man says to you, ‘I fought at Arnhem’; take off your hat to him and buy him a drink, for this is the stuff of which England’s greatness is made.”

It is therefore thanks to Peter Yeates and his passionate ambition that, in 1979, Major General R.E. Urquhart, Commander of the First British Airborne Division at Arnhem in 1944, unveiled and dedicated the Double Hills Memorial that stands today.

Since this inaugural dedication in 1979, the surrounding villages in Somerset have supported the Double Hills commemorations every year.

This year will be the last Double Hills commemoration to be held on such a large scale. Sadly, with the dwindling number of veterans able to attend, efforts will now instead be made towards the refurbishment and upkeep of the Double Hills memorial for perpetuity.

As in past years, many high-ranking dignitaries will be present on the day at the memorial. The Review Officer will be conducted to the site, led by the Double Hills Piper and 1944 9 Sqd. RE Airborne Jeep, Police Ceremonial Escort to the Mace, together with other Senior Officers and distinguished guests.

The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band will be playing at the site, before the Army Air Corps Historical Aircraft Flypast arrives and the commemorations begin.

After commemorations, Parade and Salute by the Reviewing Officer, we will advance to Paulton Village Hall for refreshments, where a display will be available for public view hosted by the Glider Pilot Regiment Society on behalf of the elite WWII Glider Pilot Regiment.

Radstock Museum are currently hosting a special 75th Anniversary Exhibition of the Double Hills Glider Tragedy and the Battle of Arnhem, which will be in place until 30th November during the usual museum opening times.

On Sunday, 1st September, between 3.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. following the service, free entry will be given for those in military dress or with the commemoration order of service.

For more details, visit: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk

Lindsay Aspin