Not a major anniversary? Some figures…….
Somewhere in the region of 500 Dutch civilians were killed and injured during Operation Market garden.
The combined British, Polish and American casualties (dead, wounded and missing) was somewhere 15 and 17,000.
The German casualties were said to be between 7,500 and 10,000.
Might I ask you how many people you require to become casualties for an action to become significant and be accepted as a major anniversary? As an example, D-Day casualties for the Allies were estimated to be around 10,000 with 2,500 of those being killed.
I suggest, in the run up to the next Remembrance Day commemorations you stop the little old chap in the street wearing his Airborne Beret (with immense pride, might I add) and tell him that Operation Market Garden and the battle to hold the Bridge is not worthy of being considered to be a ‘major anniversary.’
On another note, thanks for posting such wonderful and evocative images. If there are more, perhaps of any of the Memorial events on the ground, I would be very eager to see them.
Regards,
kev35
Kev35
May I just clarify my comments earlier in this thread, I was merely making the point that these type of commemorations still take place even though it’s not the 65th, 70th anniversary etc which unfortunately needs to be the case for such commemorations to take place in this country. Apart from a few low key events that took place September 15th passed by unnoticed by the majority of the population. I’m sure you are aware of the number of military and civilian casualties suffered during the Battle of Britain.
I am fully aware of the casualties suffered during Market Garden as I am currently helping a friend research his Uncle’s participation with 30 Corps. He was to pay the ultimate sacrifice shortly after the evacuation of the Airborne troops.
Therefore I support any commemoration to remember those that payed for our freedom with their lives and I certainly do not see them as unworthy.
Regards,
Nick
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