51st HD Pilgrimage to Holland

Off to Holland on Thursday. At the weekend Vught are celebrating the 65th anniversary of their liberation. I think there will be about 20 vets attending including some from Derbyshire Yeomanry.

Parades of ww2 vehicles etc. including a sherman, Chaffee and apparently Eisenhower's staff car, that he used in NW Europe.. Weather permitting also a para drop of some sort is planned.

The vets are planning to lay a wreath at the Schijndel HD memorial on the Friday, 23rd.

Will post the pics when I return.

 

Hope that the weather fairs up and you enjoy your visit.

Latest reports are for warmer weather this coming week.

Looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Regards
Tom

 

Have a great and safe trip.

Regards - Robert

 

Do you have a program?, will be in Schijndel on Thursday at work, maybe I can have a look, Friday I will be with Levien off to Germany

 

Returned from Holland yesterday, what a brilliant but very emotional weekend it has been. Managed to get to Schijndel Sunday morning with the sun shining. Accompanied by Piper peter Grant from the Highlanders stationed in Germany, I took 4 ex Camerons for a wreath laying ceremony, and to keep a promise to my Dad. Flowers of the Forest being played with ex 5th Camerons; CSM James Petrie (89) anti-tank company, Lance-Corporal Reg Leadbeater MM. (94) Duty companies, Corporal Richard Massey (84) anti-tank. Private Derek Suggate (84) Duty companies. I found out that my Father was Derek's platoon sergeant throughout Holland.
Will post more photos soon and some vid.
In the meantime there are some video clips on youtube, apparently they were uploaded saturday evening after the military vehicle parade Saturday afternoon.!!!

 

Youtube link YouTube - Vught 65 jaar bevrijd! 24 10 2009 I am in the Bren carrier with Richard Massey at about 1.40

Thanks Owen, did you know it's extremely diffcult to video while your eyes are watering ? good job I could hide behind the view finder.!!

 

Nice slide show of the parade through Vught here; 65 Jaar Bevrijding - Vught

 

You've done your Dad proud.

I second that !

 

to busy with work, a pitty as I would have had a look at it.

 

Well done Richard. Your Dad would have been very proud of you. Even better to have met up with someone he served with.

Regards - Robert

 

New page to my website; Schijndel 2009 Highland Division memorial Warning for those who dislike Bagpipes. Difficult to video with eyes watering.
Couple of pics from the parade in Vught. The staff car is claimed to have been used by Eisenhower.

 

More pics.

 

I love hearing Bagpipes, as long as they are played properly. My Scottish genes kick in and they gives me goosebumps everytime.

New page to my website; Schijndel 2009 Highland Division memorial Warning for those who dislike Bagpipes. Difficult to video with eyes watering.
Couple of pics from the parade in Vught. The staff car is claimed to have been used by Eisenhower.

 

My moment of being famous.!!! Me in the carrier with Richard Massey, as pictured in the local press of Vught.

 

Thought you might like to see part of the commemoration service at "The Tower" in Vught. It was raining heavy so a tented area had been assembled for the veterans. The speech is from Ron Titterton, ex Derbyshire Yeomanry, on behalf of the vets. Flowers of the Forest played by Piper Grant of The Highlanders, 4th battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland. Wreaths laid by Veterans and dignitaries.
YouTube - Vught Commemoration service at the Tower by 51st HD Veterans

 

Richard,
Very well done.

Regards
Tom