Ten WWII veterans travelled to the Netherlands with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans last week, receiving a wonderful welcome and VIP treatment at the finish of the world-famous Wandeltocht, the largest walking event in the world
Arriving on the overnight ferry from Harwich, the itinerary began on Friday 4 September with a very special breakfast at the British Ambassador’s Residence in The Hague, where the veterans and members of the Taxi Charity party were warmly welcomed before continuing their journey to Arnhem.
The following day, Saturday 5 September, the ten veterans were given VIP treatment at the finish line of the Wandeltocht, one of the world’s most famous and largest walking events. This year marked the event’s 79th anniversary, and the presence of the WWII veterans proved to be a particularly moving and memorable part of the celebrations.
The WWII veterans travelling with the Taxi Charity were Dorothea Barron, Robbie Hall, Betty Withers, Paul Terry, Alf Cooley, Geoff Roberts, George Durrant, William Puckett, Ivan Staines and Arnold Walton.
Among them was Geoff Roberts, whose own wartime service included involvement in Operation Market Garden, the Allied operation fought in the Netherlands in September 1944 and Paul Terry who having landed in Normandy after D-Day, moved through France, Belgium and into the Netherlands, before fighting in Operation Market Garden and helping to secure Nijmegen Bridge.
For Geoff, returning to the Netherlands was particularly poignant. Operation Market Garden remains one of the most significant campaigns of the Second World War, and the opportunity to return to a country whose liberation is so closely connected with the experiences and sacrifices of his generation was a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the Dutch people and the Allied veterans who fought for their freedom.
Taxi Charity Trustee Ian Parsons said:
“It was a great trip and visiting the 79th Wandeltocht was a real highlight. Our veterans thoroughly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the Dutch people, who came out in their thousands to salute them as they crossed the finish line. The warmth and respect shown to our veterans is truly wonderful to see.
“It was also a real pleasure to visit the Ambassador’s Residence in The Hague and to enjoy such a warm welcome. We would particularly like to thank His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Chris Rampling CMG MBE for his ongoing support for the Taxi Charity and the work we do for military veterans. His continued friendship and encouragement are enormously appreciated.
“As always, we are enormously grateful to the Dutch Police for their incredible support. They arranged for 15 outriders to escort our convoy of London taxis from the Hook of Holland to The Hague, then on to Arnhem, before ensuring we travelled safely back to catch our ferry home. Their kindness, professionalism and support helped make the whole trip such a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
Keith Allen Deputy Ambassador to the Netherlands said:
“It was a great privilege to welcome these wonderful veterans to the Residence ahead of the annual Airborne walk, the Wandeltocht. Every year, thousands walk in Oosterbeek and the surrounding area to honour and remember the enormous sacrifices made by our veterans for the freedom we enjoy today. By listening to our veterans and sharing their stories, we help make sure their service is never forgotten. A heartfelt thank you from me and Ambassador Chris Rampling to the Taxi Charity for making all of this possible. They do an incredible job.”
London Cab driver and Taxi Charity volunteer Kevin Taylor said: “What an amazing trip. It was an absolute privilege and an honour to be part of something so special. It’s very hard to put into words what it means to be a part of this amazing team, thanks to everyone behind the scenes, companions, drivers and volunteers, thank you. I will never forget this for the rest of my life.”
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans regularly takes veterans back to the places where they served, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and that they continue to receive the recognition and appreciation they so richly deserve.
The warmth of the welcome received in the Netherlands was a reminder of just how deeply the Dutch people continue to value the courage and sacrifice of those who helped liberate their country more than eight decades ago.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship.
