65th Anniversary of Operation Varsity

Discussion in 'All Anniversaries' started by Theobob, Jan 23, 2010.

  1. Theobob

    Theobob Senior Member

    Hi all,
    Does anyone have a running order for the 65th Varsity anniversary.
    I am travelling with my daughters to Hamminkeln and need to know the what ,when and wheres.
    I did the 60th anniversary and got a bit lost,ended up following coaches (not too dignified)
    Thanks
    Rob Martin
     
  2. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

    Maybe Levien can help out in this.
     
  3. Wessex

    Wessex Junior Member

    If you find out anything could you please let me know what is happening for 65th anniversary of Varsity. I am bringing my uncle back for the first time aged 86 and can find nothing in the way of listed events. Staying one night at Groesbeke two nights at Hamminkeln.
    Thanks Wessex
     
  4. airborne medic

    airborne medic Very Senior Member

    Hi all,
    Does anyone have a running order for the 65th Varsity anniversary.
    I am travelling with my daughters to Hamminkeln and need to know the what ,when and wheres.
    I did the 60th anniversary and got a bit lost,ended up following coaches (not too dignified)
    Thanks
    Rob Martin

    Rob,

    Perhpas a piece of stupid advice or lateral thinking...I would guess Leger or Holts are running a trip over that period so you might gain some intelligence from their websites??????
    As you know I think on the 27th I shall hopefully be in the garden of ter Horst house in Oosterbeek and other anorak places with a largish group......
     
  5. Theobob

    Theobob Senior Member

    I am a little worried!
    Info from Tours International website seem to put all events at the weekend of the 27th.
    Is that normal? Operation Varsity was the 24th March,are we now moving events to suit travel firms?
    I booked flights for 23rd and i am staying to the 25th,thinking i had all bases covered.
    It wont spoil our trip,we are going for our own reasons,we have some graves to visit but it would have been nice to have seen the old fellas line up for remembrance.
    I have e-mailed The British Legion but am still waiting for a reply.
    Or does anyone know any different?
     
  6. englandphil

    englandphil Very Senior Member

    A mate of mine who was with the 12th Devon's is going back, I think with the Croydon PRA Branch, might be worth giving them a shout.
     
  7. Theobob

    Theobob Senior Member

    Thanks all,
    I have been in touch with British Legion Germany,who has confirmed that all remembrance events are taking place on the weekend.
    But there is a small band(growing) that plan to be at the Riechwald on the 24th and i am going to move on to Grosebeek after that.
    So if you are going to be there we wont be "billy no mates"
     
  8. levien

    levien Just a member

    This a part of the programme for Saturday 27 March:

    14:00 Due Rees Speldrop (12 miles from Hamminkeln
    Drop by British, US & German Paras (subject to weather)
    17:00 Dinner
    18:00 Hamminkeln church service
    19:00 Hamminkeln Station Ceremony
    20:00 Hamminkeln Reception
    Depart for drive to Mercure Nijmegen for overnight

    Next day visit to Reichswald and Groesbeek cemeteries.

    Levien.
     
  9. GPRegt

    GPRegt Senior Member

    BBC Look East covered the 65th Anniversary Commemoration at Marks Hall. The coverage starts at 22 mins 07 secs. Will probably only be available until tomorrow evening.

    Steve W.
     
  10. levien

    levien Just a member

    BBC Look East covered the 65th Anniversary Commemoration at Marks Hall. The coverage starts at 22 mins 07 secs. Will probably only be available until tomorrow evening.

    Steve W.


    Pity or a shame we on the Continent can't see this BBC stuff via the internet.

    Levien.
     
  11. paciv1

    paciv1 Junior Member

    We went to Reichswald cemetary on the 24th with Veteran gunner Bill Page (53rd worcester yeomanry, light air landing brigade) on his 1st visit back in 65 years. What a day, perfect weather, lone piper and 15 to 20 other people from the local british legion and a RAF officer from near by NATO base, and Theobob with his daughters and son in law. Uncle Bill was made to feel like the hero that he is and remebered the heros that fell.
    A very special day, thanks to all who were there.
    Patrick
     
  12. Theobob

    Theobob Senior Member

    We went to Reichswald cemetary on the 24th with Veteran gunner Bill Page (53rd worcester yeomanry, light air landing brigade) on his 1st visit back in 65 years. What a day, perfect weather, lone piper and 15 to 20 other people from the local british legion and a RAF officer from near by NATO base, and Theobob with his daughters and son in law. Uncle Bill was made to feel like the hero that he is and remebered the heros that fell.
    A very special day, thanks to all who were there.
    Patrick

    It was a real pleasure to be with you on the REAL anniversary,and what a character your Uncle Bill is.
    Lunch in Groesbeek after? ...Perfect


    YouTube - Piper at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery

    Link for lone piper at Groesbeek
     
  13. Wessex

    Wessex Junior Member

    Thank you everyone!!! for making Uncle Bill's Day at the Reichswald cemetery on the 24th, he could not have asked for more. Everyone of you made his day just that little bit more memorable.Very best regards to you all. Wessex
     

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