Arnhem 75 Years on at Moor Park
The plaque outside the main entrance to Moor Park Mansion records the occupation of the 1st British Airborne Corps from February 1944 to October 1945. The plaque was dedicated by Major- General Sandy (Windy) Gale in 1956.
On Sunday 22nd September, Moor Park paid tribute to the participants in the Battle of Arnhem, which was planned at the Mansion, by re-dedicating the plaque on the 75th anniversary of the Battle. The ceremony commenced with the Reverend Dave Scott, Associate Vicar at Emmanuel Church Northwood, welcoming everyone and explaining the purpose of the gathering. He then offered prayers. Robert Voss, Her Majesty’s Lord–Lieutenant for Hertfordshire, re-dedicated the plaque and saluted it.
Dave Scott read a list of the Paratroop regiments who landed at Arnhem. Ian Brameld played ‘The Last Post’ followed by two minutes silence, and then played ‘Reveille’.
Merchant Taylors’ CCF including girls from St Helen’s School, under the command of Captain Kevin Sharrock, marched past the Mansion and saluted HM Lord-Lieutenant.
After the service of re-dedication many members of Moor Park and their guests retired to the Arnhem Room where Alan Jamieson, a local historian and expert on the Battle of Arnhem, (code named Operation Market Garden) gave an illustrated talk. At its conclusion Michael Brown (now aged 95) informed the fascinated audience that as a 20 year old glider pilot he flew into Arnhem in a Horsa glider. He was wounded and subsequently taken prisoner. Peer Baneke explained that his mother was a resident of Arnhem during the battle and her house was variously occupied by the British and Germans. Brian Gibb spoke about his Father’s experience, as did Kevin Sharrock about his Grandfather’s. Heleen Mendl-Schrama related that as a small child in Leiden she helped the Resistance by carrying messages in her little red boots.
John Phillips Robert Voss Michael Brown Alan Jamieson
This talk was followed by an excellent lunch and the showing of the film ‘A Bridge Too Far’.
