Two British soldiers, lost in the heat of the Battle of Arnhem during the Second World War, have finally been laid to rest.
Private Henry Moon and Lieutenant Dermod Green Anderson, whose identities were only recently confirmed, were given full military honours at a moving ceremony in the Netherlands ahead of the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden.
Remembering the Battle of Arnhem
The Battle of Arnhem, part of the ambitious Operation Market Garden in 1944, was a pivotal moment in the Allied attempt to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.
The operation involved daring airborne landings by British, American, and Polish troops, all aimed at securing key bridges in the region. Despite their efforts, the battle proved costly, with many soldiers—like Private Moon and Lieutenant Anderson—paying the ultimate price.
As we approach the 80th anniversary of this historic battle, the memory of those who served and sacrificed lives on. Commemorative events this year will be a poignant reminder of the bravery and loss that defined the Battle of Arnhem, while also educating younger generations about its significance.
A Fitting Tribute at Oosterbeek War Cemetery
On the eve of this anniversary, a solemn military funeral was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Oosterbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands, the final resting place of more than 1,700 Second World War service personnel. Soldiers from the Royal Yorkshire Regiment and the Army Air Corps carried the coffins of Private Moon and Lieutenant Anderson to their graves, with a military rifle salute to honour their service.
Al Carns, Minister for Veterans and People, said,
“The burial of two Second World War soldiers in Arnhem this week reminds us of the price paid to restore peace to Western Europe.”
He also praised today’s Armed Forces for their continued dedication to the traditions of service and sacrifice, adding,
“Efforts to remember all those who served and died during the Second World War must never stop.”
The collaborative work of the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre and the Dutch Recovery and Identification Unit led directly to a significant outcome: these soldiers’ families could attend the ceremony, consequently bringing closure to decades of uncertainty.
Commemorations for the 80th Anniversary
As the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden approaches, events across the Netherlands will commemorate the sacrifices made during this historic battle.
Main events include an airborne commemorative drop at Ginkel Heath and memorial services at the Oosterbeek War Cemetery. British Army personnel will proudly honor veterans, ensuring a dignified and respectful tribute during the anniversary commemorations.
Commemorative Events |
Date |
Location |
|---|---|---|
| Airborne Commemorative Drop | September 21, 2024 | Ginkel Heath |
| Memorial Services | September 22, 2024 | Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem |
| Battlefield Tours | September 17-26, 2024 | Various Key Sites |
These commemorations highlight not only the sacrifices of those who fell but also the deep bonds that remain between the Netherlands and the Allied nations who fought to liberate it.
A Legacy That Endures
We must not forget the stories of soldiers like Private Moon and Lieutenant Anderson as time moves forward. The upcoming Arnhem anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage shown by so many.
It’s a time for reflection, to honour the fallen, and to ensure that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
In the words of Minister Carns,
“Maritime’s future depends on that workforce and on growing the pool of talent that it draws from.”
With a host of events planned to mark the occasion, it is a fitting tribute to those who shaped history with their bravery.
Final Thoughts
The Second World War’s 80th anniversary honors the bravery, deep sacrifices, and resilience of those who fought.
This anniversary ensures that the memory of those who fought remains firmly in our hearts, with their stories continuing to resonate across generations.
Sources: THX News, Ministry of Defence, Commonwealth Graves Commission & Alistair Carns OBE MC MP.
