SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM
Utrechtseweg 232, 6962 AZ OOSTERBEEK, The Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr. E.E.Shaw, 1.Willow Close.Stilton,Peterborough,Cambridgeshere. tel. 0773-245420.
Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskui1,
Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

In Memoriam Mrs.Kate ter Horst-Arriens.
On February 21st of this year, Mrs.Kate ter Horst sadly died because of a tragic accident. She was 85 years old.
Some days earlier,I had visited her and her husband in the old vicarage to talk about the plans for organizing an exhibition about the Airborne commemorations. Mr.and Mrs. ter Horst did both show much interest in this initiative,which was to be expected as both of them always felt intensely involved in everything concerning the yearly commemorations.
They always kept open house during the yearly Pilgrimage in September and more than once I have had the privilege to be present at a meeting between Mrs.ter Horst and veterans who had stayed in or near her house in September 1944.She was a warm-hearted and trustful woman and to’ see the way she welcomed old friends was a moving experience.
During the Battle of Arnhem,her house was turned into an emergency dressing station. After the war she wrote about her experiences in a story called A Regimental Aid – post ” which was included in a Dutch book of short stories,called Niet tevergeefs (Not in vain.)In 1959 het story was published in English under the title Cloud over Arnhem”. T1
She became best known,however,for her part in the film “Theirs is the glory ,in which she read from the Bible to the wounded men around her in her house. In 1977 her story was told again,this time in “A Bridge Too Far.”
To the British she became the symbol of the willingness to give help to the Polish and British troops by the Netherlands civilians during the Battle of Arnhem.
She was a modest woman and,in spite of all the publicity,she preferred to remain in the background.
Her sudden death has made a deep impression on many of us. Our thoughts of warmest sympathy go to Mr.Jan ter Horst,who himself was seriously hurt by the accident, and to the other members of her family. We hope that they may receive the strength to bear this great loss.
Robert Voskuil, editor.

After the funeral service,all flowers and wreaths were taken to the garden of Mrs.ter Horst’s home and placed around the statuette of the “Falling Pegasus”,which is mirrorred in the dark waters of the small pond.

Excursion.
The Society’s yearly excursion will take place on SATURDAY,JUNE 27th.This year the theme of the excursion will be the aspects of the medical aid during the Battle of Arnhem and after it. This excursion is therefore a continuation of Mr.van den Breemen’s lecture in November of last year and of this year’ sexhibition in the Airborne Museum in March/April.
The provisional programme is as follows:
09.30-10.00 hrs : arrival at the Museum, coffee.
10.00-12.00 hrs : excursion by coach to a number of (former) hospitals and dressing¬stations at Wolfheze.Oosterbeek and Arnhem :the Wolfheze psychiatric hospital.Schoonoord.Tafelberg,the Pietersberg,the old vicarage,St.Elisabeth’s hospital and the site near the bridge of the former Water-Board building.
12.00-12.30 hrs : to Apeldoorn via Deelen.Lunch at Motel-Restaurant “De Cantharel” at Ugchelen.
12.30-14.00 hrs : LUNCH
14.00-16.30 hrs : visit to a number of places at Apeldoorn where wounded soldiers were received and taken care of after the Battle: the site of the former St.Liduina hospital,the railway station (from where many wounded soldiers were sent to Germany),the St.Joseph hospi¬tal, the Royal Palace “Het Loo” and the site of the former Juliana hospital.
We will end our tour in the Koning Willem III barracks which was known as the “Airborne Military Hospital”. It was here that Doctor Warrack hid himself and from this place that he later managed to escape.
16.00-17.00 hrs : return to Oosterbeek. End of excursion.
The excursion is organized by Robert Voskuil from Oosterbeek and Ruud Kreling from Apeldoorn. ”
You can book for this excursion by paying f 37,50 per person by giro no. 4403641 or bank no. 53.66.21.128 of the “Vereniging van Vrienden Airborne Museum” at Oos¬terbeek.State “Excursion.” The sum of f 37,30 includes the excursion,coffee lunch and the excursion-guide.The maximum number of participants is 50.Bookings will be handled in order of receipt of payment,and should reach the treasurer before June 7th.You will be informed by our treasurer,Mr.Fennema,whether you are included in the excursion,or not!

After the opening of the exposition “Wounded soldiers,civilians and occupiers”, Dr.Jan Terlouw talks to the British doctors Derrick Randall and David Wright. (Photo:B.de Reus)
Exposition
The exposition ” Wounded liberators,civilians and occupiers” in the Museum,was opened on March 4th,1992,by the Queen’s Commissioner for Guelderland,Dr.Jan Terlouw. The opening was also attended by two medical doctors who took part in the Battle of Arnhem and belonged tot the Royal Army Medical Corps.Dr.Derrick Randall took care of the wounded in the cellars of the Hartenstein Hotel and Dr.David Wright had a dressing-station in the cellars of the former Water-Board building near the bridge at Arnhem.
Another visitor during the opening was the glider—pilot who had flown Dr.Randall to Arnhem:- John McGeogh.
The British guests were very impressed by the wealth of material shown at the exhibition.The exhibition drew a very large number of visitors and was closed on April 12th.
75mm Pack Howitzer for the Airborne Museum.
The Museum*s latest acquisition is a 75mm Pack Howitzer of the type which was used in September 1944 by the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment,Royal Artillery.
The gun was donated by the United States Navy.Our next Newsletter will give the full story about the presentation of this gun.
Rectification.
The last sentence of the article in our last Newsletter about Major Digby Tatham Warters book “Dutch Courage and Pegasus” contains a mistake.Orders from outside Holland should contain a Eurocheque with the amount stated in DFL:DFL 20,- and not the amount of £ 4.50.

“Who was Who”, a handy reference book.
Friday,March 20th,saw the presentation of the book “Who was Who during the Battle of Arnhem”. As the sub-title :”The Order of Battle of Airborne officers who fought at Arnhem in 1944″ suggests,the book gives a survey of all British and Polish units which landed at Arnhem,with their officers. It also mentioned the functions of the officers within their units.
The book also contains a register of names,a very handy help to locate a specific person speedily. It contains many photographs.wellknown and less wellknown.of both groups of soldiers and of single persons.
It was compiled by our member Mr.Chris van Roekel,who received much help from many sides.
The first copy of the book,which has been published by our Society,was presentented to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Airborne Museum, Drs.J.W.Verlinden, during an informal meeting at the Museum.
The book contains about 90 pages and costs f 20,-.If you want a copy sent to you by post,please pay f 23,- by giro to the treasurer of the Society,stating “Order of Battle.”
Reminder to”Friends of the Society in Great Britain”.
A kindly reminder that subscriptions for 1992 were due in January,but it is not too late for those who have forgotten.
Thanks. Ted. U.K.Rep.

Our Chairman,Mr.Smits,presents the first CODV of “Who was Who” the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the’Airborne Museum Drs J W Verlinden,who is also Burgomaster of the Renkum Municipality’To the left of Mr.Smits is Mr.C.van Roekel.the author o? ^’book To the far left is Mr.Siegers of the publishing firm Meiier & Siegers at Oosterbeek.

(Photo:B.de Reus)
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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM
Utrechtseweg 232,6862 AZ Oosterbeek,the Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain:Mr.E.E.Shaw,298 Totnes Road,Paignton, Devon TQ4 7HD Tel:0803 553616.
NEWSLETTER NO.45
Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
FEBRUARY 1992

Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

Donation of filmcamera to Museum.
During the Battle of Arnhem,two types of filmcamera were used,the BELL & HOWELL and the 35mm DE VRY camera.
When in 1986 the Airborne Museum organized the exhibition “Photography during the Battle of Arnhem”, only the BELL & HOWELL camera could be shown as the Museum did not then possess a DE VRY camera. It took a long time and much searching,but in the end a DE VRY camera could be obtained,thanks to funds donated by the Society. During a special meeting on December 10th,our chairman,Mr.J.Smits,handed over the camera to the Trustees of the Museum.
A figure representing Sergeant cameraman Mike Lewis,carrying the DE VRY camera,has now been placed in one of the diorama’s,joining that of the ARPU cameraman “Jock”Walker.

The chairman of our Society,Mr.J.Smits,presents the DE VRY filmcamera to the vice-chairman of the Trustees of the Airborne Museum,Mr.A.Groeneweg.
(Photo:B.de Reus.)

12th General Annual Meeting.
You are invited to attend the 12th General Annual Meeting of the Society^ SATURDAY,MARCH 21st,1992,in the Concerthall.Benedendorpsweg, at Oosterbeek (opposite the Old Church).Telephone 085-332046.TIME: 14.00 hrs.

The AGENDA is as follows:
1.Opening address by the chairman.
2. Reading of the minutes of the 11th General Annual Meeting on ,
3. Annual Review 1991.
4. Financial Report 1991 and budget 1992.
5 Report Auditing Committee.
6. Election of Committee Members.
7. Appointment of reserve member auditing committee.
8. Questions before closure of meeting.
9. Closure.
10.
Ad pt.6:Messrs.J.Smits and R.P.G.A.Voskuil are due to retire from the committee, both are eligible for re-election.According to article 8 of the regulation,members can propose other candidates.Proposals should be sent in writing to the Secretary of the Society,ten days before the date of the meeting.They must be signed by at least ten members,and be accompanied by a written statement of the proposed candidates,who must be of age and members of the Society.
The financial papers will be sent to you shortly.
The report of the Auditing Committee will be available for inspection by the members half an hour before the start of the meeting.
After the official part of the meeting,a film will be shown :”0peration Varsity”, see the announcement on page 3.

“Operation Varsity”.
The film documentary which will be shown after the General Annual Meeting is called “Operation Varsity”. It shows the attack across the river Rhine on March24th,1945, and the role played by the 6th British Airborne Division during this operation .
The film also shows pictures of the training and of the equipment used during the attack.This official English documentary was made in 1945 and lasts about 20 minutes.

“Who was Who”.
In our last Newsletter we announced the appearance of the “Order of Battle” called “Who was Who”. We now hope to be able to present this book during our General Annual Meeting,when it can also be bought.
As we expect that the interest of our members for this book will be very large,we offer you the opportunity to reserve a copy in advance. You can do this by paying f20,- by giro to no. 4403641 of the “Vereniging Vrienden van het Airborne Museum”, state “Order of Battle”.
If you want to receive it by post,please add f 3,- to the sum mentioned above.
The Order of Battle is written both in Dutch and in English and gives a survey of the complete structure of the First British Airborne Division and of the First Independent Polish Para Brigade,complete with the names and functions of the officers.
The book has more than 100 pages and contains about 70 photographs.Parts of these photographs are pictures taken during actions and parts of them are portraits of officers which have been rarely published in books.although they are well-known. All m all this book is a vade-mecum for everybody who is interested in the history of the Battle of Arnhem.About 400 copies will be printed and that’s why we advise you not to wait too long and reserve your copy now! (C.van Roekel)

Annual Review 1991.
In spite of the fact that 37 members had to be expelled because of non-payment of their subscription, or for other reasons,the number of the members of the Society did increase to 1007,compared to 1003 in 1991.
Sadly,the following members died in 1991:Mr.H.S.Brown,Mr.E.J.Gerritsen.Mr.W.D.H.C. Groenbos.Mr.A.H.Oakes.Mr.F.van Ommen.Mr.M.Schmid,Mr.A.J.Thomas, and Mr.F.H. Whittingham.
Four Newsletters were sent out,both in Dutch and in English.
There was an excursion in August regarding the Northern sector of the battle-area, as well as a special subject afternoon in November concerning the work of the medical units during the Battle of Arnhem.Both were very well attended,the excursion had even to be repeated in the autumn,
The Health Insurance Company “Het Zilveren Kruis” again invited and assisted ten handicapped veterans to attend the commemorations in September 1991.
The school project remains a success.The 10.000th pupil was welcomed in the Museum in June 1991.
Members of the Committee were present at the opening of the exhibition “Calling Sunray” in the Museum;at the putting into use of the illumination of the Airborne Monument;and during the presentation of the Polish decorations.
Members of the Committee are also members of the Co-ordinating Committee which organizes the annual commemorations.Messrs R.Fennema and J.Smits again organized the tour of the battlefields for the British and Polish veterans.
Again in 1991 two joint meetings were held with the Trustees of the Museum.
The Society received donations from the Thanet Branch (£25 for the school project), from the Fund for Military War-victims (f 1750,- to buy Pegasus badges for the schoolchildren who lay flowers on the graves during the September commemorations) and £ 100 from the Arnhem Veterans Club.
Mr.Ted Shaw became our new representative in Great Britain,succeeding Mr.Frank Young,who for five years was a very active representative for our Society.We said goodbye to Mr.Young in September,with an-appropiate good-bye present,—
We also had to say good-bye to Mr.J.Eijkelhoff and welcome to Mr.A.A.Hofman as a new committee-member.
The Society donated the following items to the Museum:a show-case,a DE VRY camera, a Vickers K Gun (including the costs for its transport from abroad), a D.A.T.Walkman for recording interviews with veterans and the figure representing AFPU cameraman
(M.de Langen)

Exhibition about the medical assistance during the Battle of Arnhem.
From March 4th till April 12th,the Museum will organize an exhibition called “Wounded liberators,civilians and occupiers.”
This exposition will give a survey of the organisation of the medical assistance during and shortly after the Battle of Arnhem.Although most attention will be paid to the work of the medical units belonging to the First British Airborne Division and the First Independent Polish Para Brigade.it will also pay attention to what happened to wounded civilians and German soldiers.
It will also show pictures of the reception of wounded people in various (emergency) hospitals in Apeldoorn.
Apart from pictures,there will also be a diorama showing the various types of medical equipment used in September 1944. Part of the material for this exhibition has been lent to the Museum from private collections.
This exhibition forms an interesting sequel to the talk about this subject given by Mr.H.van Breemen last November.lt will also be a good preparation for an excursion about this subject which members of the Society are now working on.
Book fair in the Airborne Museum.
A book fair will be held in the Airborne Museum on Tuesday,May 5th,1992.It will sell mostly second-hand books about the second world war,and will be organized by the Trustees of the Airborne Museum.

“Dutch Courage and Pegasus”.
The Airborne Museum has obtained a small number of the booklet “Dutch Courage a™} Pegasus”,written by Major Digby Tatham Warter D.S.O. who was commander of the A Company of the Second Parachutist Battalion,the first unit to reach the bridge at Arnhem on September 17th,1944.He is the man who made history leading an attack on the Southern part of the bridge under “cover” of an umbrella.
This is the story of his experiences after his escape from the Municipal Hospital which played an important role in operation PEGASUS.
The booklet,which was published under the author’s own control,consists of 40 pages and has been illustrated with photographsThe price is f 17,50 when bought at the Museum.lt can also be ordered by post by paying fl9,90 on giro 4184300 of the Airborne Museum,state “Dutch Courage”.
(Orders from abroad accompanied in cash,please,or by Eurocheque.Price £ 4.50.)
(A.Groeneweg.)

Questionnaire.
During the autumn holiday,visitors of the Museum were asked to fill in a questionnaire stating their impressions of the Museum.The organizor,Mr.W.Boersma,plans to repeat this regularly.The comments and suggestions of visitors will,if relevant,be used when plans will be made for the future development of the Museum.
Radio set obtained by Museum.
The Museum now possesses all types of radio transmitter-receiver which were used by the British during the Battle of Arnhem. The only missing set,a so-called “No. 68”, was obtained the other day by means of exchanging it for another set.

“Hitler Youth” dagger.
An original “Hitler Youth” dagger,which was found long ago at Ede,at the corner of the Schoolstraat and the Bennekomseweg.has now been donated to the Airborne Museum.

50th Anniversary of Netherlands Commandos.
On the occasion of their 50th anniversity,thirty ex-Commandos will hold a special march through a part of the Market Garden area on Sunday,March 15th,1992.
The march will start in the early morning at the Ginkelse Heide and will go from there to the Airborne Cemetery at Oosterbeek,where a wreath will be laid.
From there the men will march through Oosterbeek to the Old Church and the river Rhine,which they will cross in storm-boats.The march then continues from Driel and will end at Groesbeek.
At the same day there will be a special reception at the Airborne Museum for ex – Commandos who,during the second world war,were part of No.2 Dutch Troop No.10 (Inter Allied) Commando.
Information about the march and the reception can be obtained from Mr.W.Boersma at the Museum.
Request from the Treasurer.
Members who have not yet paid their subscriptions,are requested to do so as soon as possible. Subscriptions are f 20,- for a single membership,f 30,- for a family membership. J

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM OOSTERBEEK
Utrechtseweg 232, 6862 AZ Oosterbeek, the Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain : Mr.E.E.Shaw,1 Willow Close,Stilton, Peterborough,Cams. PE7 3RZ England. Tel.0733-245420
Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
Translation:Mrs.A.G.Meeuwsen

Special Subject Afternoon on Saturday.November 23rd.
A special subject afternoon will again be held for our members on Saturday,November 23rd. We will meet for the seventh time at the ELEKTRUM near Arnhem.
The programme is as follows:
13.30-14.00 hrs: arrival of members.
14.00-14.15 hrs: short introduction by our chairman,Mr.J.Smits,about the medical aspects of the Battle of Arnhem.
14.15-15.15 hrs: talk by Mr.H.van Breemen about the work of the medical units of the First British Airborne Division during the Battle of Arnhem,especially about the activities of the Field Ambulances and the sections of the Royal Army Medical Corps.He will compare the original planning with the way the work had eventually to be done.
Mr.van Breemen has been studying this subject for many years. He is also the author of the mini-story you will find with this Newsletter.

Some of the historic military vehicles which were used during our excursion in August. (Photo:C.van Roekel.)

hrs: tea-break
hrs* continuation of talk by Mr.van Breemen.
hrs’: showing of the film “Arnhem”. This film about the ruined town of Arnhem was made in 1945 by Paul Schuitema and Herman van der Horst. Its aim was to show the Netherlands population how the town and its inhabitants had suffered from the war.
The ELEKTRUM is situated at the Klingelbeekseweg near Arnhem,a small distance West of the road-junction Onderlangs/Bovenover. Tel. 085-568020.

 

Champagne from Luuk Buist for Jan van Os and Brigadier Mike Dauncy after a successful glider landing. (Photo:B.de Reus)

Successful second glider landing near Wolfheze.
On Friday,September 20th,another glider landing took place in the afternoon,West of Wolfheze.Fortunately,the weather was excellent.Each cockpit was manned by one Dutch pilot and one (former) British glider pilot.The British pilots were:M.Dauncy,J.Edwards and J Bonome.who all took part as glider pilots in the Battle of Arnhem in 1944,when they landed their heavy HORSA and HAMILCAR gliders at the same spot,which was then indicated as Zone LZ Z .
A small working-group,led by Luuk Buist from Oosterbeek,had again organized this event By doing so they hope to give extra emphasis to the role played by the Glider Pilot Regiment. The landings were watched by a group of ex-glider pilots and a number of other guests.

Rules for the use of the archive and library of the Airborne Museum.
Till now not enough staff and time were available to pay proper attention to those visitors wanting to make use of the archive and library of the Airborne Museum. Partly as a result of this,it now appears that books and papers have been lent to people who did not return them.At this moment the library is being added to where possible and the archive is being enlarged with many articles from various sources. One of the Museum’s aims is to be an information centre for serious researchers.In order to keep the collection complete,the following conditions have now been drawn up for people making use of the archive and the library:
1. Access to the library and the archive can only be allowed after making an appoint¬ment with Messrs.Boersma,Groeneweg or De Reus.
2. Papers and books can be studied in the presence of one of the gentlemen mentioned above.Material will not be lent out. Copies cannot be made from papers to which the copyright act applies.This also applies to photographs.
Notes can be made of papers and/or names of holders of copyrights,so that papers can be requested and consent asked for the making of copies.
Copies of papers to which,in the opinion of the gentlemen mentioned above,copyright does not apply,can be provided by the Museum at a reasonable price.
3. Authors of books or articles who use material belonging to the Museum,will donate a copy of their work to the Museum after publication.They will also mention their source.
4. Visitors of the library and the archive will fill in and sign a form,by doing so
they will agree with the conditions mentioned above. (A.Groeneweg)

Illumination of the Airborne Monument at Oosterbeek.
The Airborne Monument has now been provided with permanent illumination.lt was the Lions Club Ostrabeke which took the initiative for this project,and thanks to the gratuitous contribution of the firm of Mr.Tesink,electricians, and the financial help of a large number of catering establishments,the project could be realised.
The illumination was officially put into use on the night of Friday,September 20th at 20.00 hrs. This was done by the burgomaster of Renkum Municipality,Drs.J.W.A.M. Verlinden,together with the leader of the Pilgrimage,General Sir Frank King GCB.MBE, and the Polish representative,Captain Z.R.Gasowski.

Donation of emblems.
The Museum has received a number of emblems which were worn on his uniform by Major Robert Cain,2nd Battalion The South Staffordshire Regiment,during the Battle of Arnhem.Major Cain was awarded the Victoria Cross for his courage and bravery during the Battle.He was the only soldier who did not receive the V.C.posthumously.Major Cain died on May 2nd,1974.
The Museum received the emblems,together with Major Cain’s whistle and pistol holster,from Mr.and Mrs.Orrell from England.

“Lonsdale pew” for the Old Church at Oosterbeek.
A memorial pew was unveiled in the Old Church at Oosterbeek on Friday,September 20th. It has been dedicated to the memory of the members of the “Lonsdale Force” who fought and held out near the church in 1944. Representatives were present of each of the units which made up the “Lonsdale Force” :the Glider Pilot Regiment,the Parachute Regiment, 7 KOSB 2nd South Staffords,Royal Artillery and the Reconaissance Squadron. Together they unveiled the pew by removing a large British flag.
This beautiful teak pew carries the inscription “In Memory of the Lonsdale Force and the emblems of the units mentioned above. . .
Part of the funds which were originally designated for a memorial Lonsdale window in the church,has now been used for this pew.

To all U.K,Friends of the Airborne Museum.(F.O.A.M.)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued generosity and to remind you that subscriptions will be due from January 1st,1992.
It has been a privilege and pleasure to be the representative in the U.K.,following on from my good friend Frank Young,who for the past five years did Stirling work for the cause.
May I also take the opportunity to wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and New Year. God bless you all.
Kind regards, Ted Shaw. U.K.Rep.
Airborne Memorial Bench for Wolfheze.
We told you before that there were plans to erect an Airborne memorial at Wolfheze. We are pleased that we can now report that a very stylish stone memorial bench has been placed in the centre of the village.lt was unveiled in the presence of a number of veterans and other guests on Saturday.September 21st.
The committee which took the initiative to the building of the seat,consisted of Ulbe Anema.Hans van Dugteren,Paul Hendriks and the designer.constructural engineer Dick van Stuijvenberg.

Our Secretary,Mieke de Langen,selling articles for the Society during the Airborne one day walking-tour. (Photo:C.van Roekel)

Commemorative envelope.
The 14th commemorative envelope,issued by the Airborne Museum,pays attention to the war correspondents who accompanied the troops during the Battle of Arnhem.lt shows a picture of the BBC correspondent Stanley Maxted.
The envelopes are numbered and provided with a special postmark,dated September 17th 1991. Price:f 5,- . ’

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM
Utrechtseweg 232, 6862 AZ OOSTERBEEK, the Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr. E.E.Shaw, 1 Willow Close,Stilton,Peterborough, Cambs, PE7 3RZ England, tel.: 0733-245420.
Editor: Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil, Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

Excursion: interest is enormous!
In our last Newsletter we announced our plans for an excursion to the Northern sector of the battle-zone of September 1944.This excursion,which will make use of historic military vehicles,will takc place on August J!4th.Messrs.R.Sigmond and R.Voskuil will lead the excursion.The interest in this excursion is enormous, the number of people wanting to take part largely exceeds the number that can be admitted. Although we managed to raise the number of participants from 75 to 110,we will still not be able to admit everyone who has subscribed.We hope for an opportunity to repeat this excursion at a later date.
Everybody will be notified personally by the treasurer,Mr.Fennema.Now that the group of participants has become so large,it has been decided to split the group into two parts which will follow the route from different starting-points.
All participants will be informed to which group they will belong,and will be told the time when they are expected at the Museum.You are kindly requested to be on time}
At the Museum you will be given coffee, a luncheon-voucher and the excursion – guide.Please remember to wear clothes which will be suitable for the transport in (open) army vehicles!
Mr.Fennema will be happy to answer any further questions,telephone Oosterbeek: 085-333406. We are looking forward to seeing you on August 24th.
“Who was who during the Battle of Arnhem.”
Work with regard to the publication of the Order of Battle of the 1st Airborne Division and the 1st Independent Polish Parachutist Brigade is going well. Much help has been received from Friends in Holland and in England. Thanks to our computer we have been able to alphabetize all names. Several sections have been sent to veterans in England to be checked.
The booklet will also contain 40 photographs,part portraits,part action-pictures. Preference will be given to pictures of officers who are not known from other publications. We hope to be able to present the booklet during the General Annual Meeting in March,1992.1 hope to be able to inform you about the price and printing in the next Newsletter. ( C.v.Roekel)
Our new representative in Great Britain.
As we told you in our last Newsletter,we have a new representative in Great
Britain: Mr. E.E. (Ted) Shaw. . R r1__rv
Before the Second World War,Mr.Shaw was a Gunner/Signaller in the 368 Battery Royal Artillery.From September 1939 till June 1940 he was with the British Expeditionary Force in France.In June 1940 he was evacuated from Dunkirk.
In 1942 he became an officer in the 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery,Royal Artillery, taking part in battles in Italy and in the Battle of Arnhem,for which he received the Military Cross.
He was taken prisoner-of-war by the SS in Oosterbeek on September 26th,1944.
He was liberated in April 1945 and returned to England.
The Society is very happy that somebody with such a remarkable record of service has expressed his willingness to become its representative in Great Britain.
10.000th pupil for the School-project.
Thursday,June 6th was a very happy day for those who assist in the School-project of the Museum.Since the start of the Project in 1984,we have been able to stimulate 10.000 pupils of primary and secondary schools in the region to make a study of the history of the Second World War and especially of the Battle of Arnhem, as shown in the Museum.
The lucky 10.000th pupil was fourteen-year-old Meinke Okma of the Jan Light¬hart School in Oosterbeek.She was welcomed by the Mayor of Renkum Municipality in his function of chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum,together with members of the Board and members of the Society of Friends.She was given some small presents and was asked to sign the visitor’s book “between generals and other VIP’s”.Meinke and her group of pupils were then treated to some refreshments. It is remarkable that the School-project now attracts schools from all parts of the country. Contacts are also being made with English,Belgian and German education authorities,giving rise to the hope that their pupils will also make use of this project in the future. (C.van Roekel)
Magazine about the Battle of Arnhem.
Staff members of the National Institute for War Documentation are currently working on a series of magazines called “Documentaries about the Netherlands and the Second World War’.’Now a special issue has appeared concerning the Battle of Arnhem.
The magazine contains a large number of well-known and lesser known pictures and documents;it can be bought at the Museum and costs f 6,95.
Appearance of unknown photograph.
Although we might think that all pictures taken during would be known by now,time after time we are shown that this is not the case. To illustrate this,a short time ago the Museum received from a British veteran a photo showing a six-pounder gun with its crew,situated on tne corner of Utrechtseweg and Klingelbeekseweg near Arnhem.This picture which is shown this Newsletter,was taken by Mr.M.McFarlane on September 18th or 19th . The Airborne museum is momentarily making further inquiries into date,unit and circumstances. Of course now the question arises anew: are there any more veterans and/or civilians who possess photographs of that period which are not known by the Museum? Any picture, even if you do not think it important, is very welcome!

A’n unknown photograph of Tzhe Battle~of Arnhem,-taken-by Mr McFarlane on September 18th or 19th,1944.Location:corner of Utrechtseweg.Klingelbeekseweg.The houses in the background stand along the Klingelbeekseweg.The 6-pounder gun has been trained on the Utrechtseweg and the area behind,”Den Brink”,now the KEMA.

Donation of equipment.
Mr.Heerema de Vos of Leeuwarden has donated to the Museum two large cases containing pieces of equipment used during the Battle of Arnhem.The collection consists of British para-helmets (amongst these is one very rare helmet,dating from the beginning of the war) a German Luftwaffe helmet,a beret,webbing material,gasmasks,a life-jacket,gascapes,etc.
These pieces of equipment will be used in the diorama’s in the basement of the Museum.
New cash-register in Museum.
The cash-register in the Museum has recently been replaced by an automatized one. This means that all cash handlings are registered so that the administrator can be kept up-to-date with the state of the stock on hand.All personnel working in the Museum have been made familiar with the new system.The visitor receives a receipt for both entrance fees and articles bought and all handlings can now be evaluated.
Gift of money from England.
Captain T H Hughes MBE has sent us £ 100 .donated by the Arnhem Veterans Club. This money will be used for a project in which stories told by veterans will be recorded on tape :”0ral History .

New book about the 1st Battalion The Border Regiment.
In 1948,Philip J.Shears produced the book “The Story of the Border Regiment 1939- 1945”, The activities of the 1st Batallion take up only one chapter in this book.In September 1948 and March 1949,The Border Magazine devoted 7j pages to two articles by Major,later Brigadier General C.F.O.Breese,who gave more detailed information about the experiences of the Battalion during the Battle of Arnhemm. “Tried and Valiant” by Sutherland did gather some information from the above mentioned publications,but did not add much to it.
Canon Alan Green,former commander of the 20th platoon “D” Company,which defended the Western flank along the Van Borsselenweg near Hoog Oorsprong,has now written a book which does justice to a battalion which managed to defend the Western flank of the perimeter till the last day,without retreating one metre. The only exception is the occupation of the Westerbouwing,but that again is another chapter.
The book has been written in a very lively and readable manner and the author has interviewed many veterans.He has managed very well to interweave these stories with his own experiences and information from the “War Diary .
This Newsletter is not the place for an extensive review;! must,however,point out that the captions with the photo’s on pages 7 and 8 are wrongzneither on September 18th,nor on September 19th did units of the Battalion move along the Utrechtseweg near the Sonnenberg.The pictures show the South Staffords who were ordered by Brigadier General Hicks to reinforce the troops near the bridge at Arnhem early in the morning of September 18th.
Finally: the book does not contain an alphabetical index,but does have a list of personnel killed in action,personnel wounded and of those who returned home. My conclusion is that I can recommend this book to every reader who is seriously interested in the matter as it is,after John Fairley’s “Remenber Arnhem”, the first objectively written book dedicated to a relatively small unit taking part in the Battle of Arnhem.
Next to the Glider Pilot Regiment,the number of personnel killed in action belonging to the Border Regiment,was the highest of all units taking part.I leave it to the reader to draw their own conclusions.
The book “1st Battalion The Border Regiment,Arnhem 17th September-26th September 1944”, is written by Alan T.Green and published by “The Museum of the Border Regiment and The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment” at Carlisle.
It contains 103 pages and can be bought at the Airborne Museum,price f 42,50.
(A.G.)
“Remember Arnhem”
The book “Remember Arnhem” by John Fairley,about the history of the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron during the Battle of Arnhem, can be bought again at the Museum.The copies have been signed by the author and cost f 49,50.
“Roll of Honour”.
A small number of copies of the Roll of Honour can again be obtained from the Museum. The price is f 25,- plus an extra sum of f 6,- if sent by post inside the country.
Rectification.
The caption under photo no.l in Ministory XXX “Two stories around one church – tower” should read :”ruined buildings along the Eusebiusbinnensingel” instead of “Eusebiusbuitensingel” as stated.
Old Church :conducted tours.
The Old Church in the Benedendorp at Oosterbeek will be open to the public during the months of June,July,August and September,on Wednesdays.Thursdays and Sundays from 14.00 till 17.00 hrs.
The church,which played an important part in the Battle of Arnhem contains several objects to remind one of that period: the baptismal font,several plaques,etc.

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM
Utrechtseweg 232,6962 AZ OOSTERBEEK, The Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr. E.E.Shaw, 1 Willow Close,Stilton,Peterborough,Cambridgeshire. tel. 0733-245420.
Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

Changes in the Committee.
During the General Annual Meeting on March 30th,we had to say good-bye to one of the Committee members,Mr.J.Eijkelhoff.The chairman,Mr.J.Smits.addressed him with the following words,”You are the last member of the original committee and you have experienced the growth of the Society.You were closely involved in all that and it must have given you great pleasure that the initiative taken in 1980 has grown into a Society with more than one thousand members. Whenever the committee proposed some new plans,you asked for lots of details and weighed all the pros and cons.after which you gave your opinion.which was always clear and positive. You have been the stabilizing element in the committee and we are all very grateful for your contributions and support during all those years.”
Mr.Eijkelhoff thanked the chairman for his kind words and continued,”For me,the word”Airborne” did not come to life twelve years ago.but 46 years ago when I was a member of the “Orange Battalion” during the Battle of Arnhem.lt has always been a part of my life and it still does so now that I am chairman of the judging- committee of the Airborne one-day walking tours. My time in the committee of the Society has been a very happy one.”
The new Committee member is Mr.J.Hofman.He told how he had become interested in the Society.”! have seen with amazement that it has been possible to build a bridge between what happened in 1944 and the time in which we now live.I have often been inspired by the spirit of the people of Oosterbeek and of the veterans of that Battle.In 1944 the bridge across the Rhine could not be held,but you have managed to keep open a communication between you and hundreds of veterans and their families and in doing so you have built a new kind of bridge.I will be happy to try and help you make this bridge an enduring one.”
New representative in Great Britain.
Our representative in Great Britain,Mr.Frank Young,has informed us that he wants to retire from his post.We were sorry that he could not attend our last General Meeting,but the Committee hopes that Mr.Young will soon be able to visit Ooster¬beek, so that he can be thanked properly for the many good things he has done for the Society.
The new representative is Mr. E.E.(Ted) Shaw,l Willow Close,Stilton,Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.We extend a warm welcome to him and wish him very much success!
Excursion.
This year our excursion will pay attention to the events which took place in the most Northern section of the battle zone during the Battle of Arnhem.

This means that we will pay attention to the glider landings North of the Arnhem-
Utrecht railway on September 17th and 18th,1944,the advance route of the lst Para Battalion and of the battalions of the 4th Para Brigade,the landrngs at Johannahoeve of the gliders of the Polish Brigade,the actions which took place at Johannahoeve (seen from both British and German sides),the actions along the Dreyenseweg and on the Lichtenbeek.The end of the excursion will be in the Airborne Cemetery,where we will be told about the realization of the cemetery in 1945. …
We hope to be able to make use of a number of historie military vehicles which will make it possible to drive on the narrow by-roads in the terrain.
An important part of the excursion will take place around Johannahoeve.The larger part of this terrain is nowadays used as the National Sports Centre of the Nether lands Sports Federation.During the summer months,most Saturdays are used by the Federation to hold large sports events.This means that we have had to choose a later date.The provisional date for the excursion has been fixed for Saturday, August 24th.
The next Newsletter will give you detailed Information about this excursion.However, you can book for this excursion now by paying ƒ 35,- per person by giro no.
4403641 or bank no. 53.66.21.128 of the “Vereniging Vrienden Airborne Museum”.at Oosterbeek.State “Excursion.” The sum of ƒ 35,- includes the excursion,coffee,lunch and the excursion-guide. The maximum number of participants is 75. Bookings will be handled in order of receipt of payment.Payments should reach the treasurer before July 16th.
Boat excursion on video.
A video-tape is now available of last year’s boat excursion.Copies can be ordered by paying ƒ 50,- on giro no.4403641 of the Society.State”Video-tape boat excursion.”
Exhibition “Calling Sunray.”
The exhibition “Calling Sunray, the story of Communications during the Battle of Arnhem” was opened on Friday,March 22nd.
The exhibition was officially opened by Colonel M.Tange.Commander of the Communi¬cations Training Centre of the Royal Netherlands Army. Colonel Tange spoke of the röle of Communications during military operations in the past and present. He also mentioned the book “Echoes from Arnhem”.written by Captain Lewis Golden,erstwhile Communications officer with the First British Airborne Division.This book gives a detailed history of the röle played by different types of Communications during the Battle of Arnhem.

Members of VERON who gave their assistance during the exhibition “Calling Sunray”,posing at the back of the Airborne Museum with a jeep carrying Communications apparatus. (Photo:B.de Reus.)

A 16 page brochure has been written especially for this exhibition by Mr.W.Boersma. It can be obtained at the Museum and costs ƒ 3,- .
During the period of the exhibition,a Communications post,using historie radio apparatus.has been in operation.lt was manned by members of VERON.the Netherlands Association for Experimental Radio Research.Just like the entire exhibition,this post drew many visitors.showing that the exhibition was not only informative to people with a historie interest but also to people with more technical hobbies.

Order of Battle of the First British Airborne Division.
Mr.C.van Roekel would like to call our attention to the following: “For some time now I have been at work to reconstruct the Order of Battle of the First British Airborne Division during the Battle of Arnhem,up to and including platoon level. It includes the names of all the officers and their functions. However,most of the many books I have read give only a few names,with or without their function.There is hardly any cohesion with other platoons companies or battalions.Hence this research.The Society plans to publish the end-result in order to be able to obtain a clear view of the structure of the entire Division Many people have already promised their help.This is very good as all Information must be verified again and again and the fragmentary data must be combined and put into place in my jigsaw puzzle.
Many names,ranks and functions are already known.but it is their underlying connections (for instance:Johnson,J.,Lieutenant,Liaison Officer South Staffords), which keep on to elude me and it is quite a job to bring them together in the right order.
It would be an enormous help if you could send me names,preferably coupled to ranks,units and functions.Please send them to the Airborne Museum,attention of C.van Roekel.Most of the “blanks” I encounter are:the Headquarters and Support Companies of the lst,2nd and 3rd Para Battalions,the platoon commanders of the llth Para Battalion,the South Staffords,the HQ Company of 7KOSB and the section commanders of the Royal Artillery.
Till now I have managed to place 652 officers.
I am convinced that many of you can offer me assistance, however small.and I send a special plea for help to our British members who took part in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944″.

Special aquisitions.
The other day.Messrs.H.van der Velden and H.Leydecker donated a number of objects found in the former battlegrounds to the Airborne Museum as a permanent loan. Among these are pieces of equipment belonging to Lt.Col.des Voeux.Commander of the 156th Para Battalion (his compass.his whistle and parts of his binoculars) and to Brigade Major Dawson of the 4th Para Brigade (his compass and his whistle).
A very special object is the roll-call list of the RECCE Squadron,found inside a beret which was dug up at Oosterbeek.
The collection also contains a number of beret emblems of the 21st Independent Parachute Company and strips with codes of the Royal Corps of Signals.
The collection is shown in a show-case on the first floor of the Museum.

Finally.may we remind you of the fact that in the Renkum municipallity it is strictly forbidden to carry or operate so-called metal-detectors.
In Memoriam Rosé Coombs.MBE.
Rosé Cooms,MBE,sadly died in January of this year.She was sixty-nine. During the second world war she was a radar operator in No.11 Group Fighter Command.After the war she became Special Collections Officer of the Imperial War Museum in London and she became also the greatest authority concerning the history of the first world war.Her guide for the battlefields in Belgium and France,called “Before Endeavours Fade” has become a classic.Moreover,she was also a source of Information about the Battle of Arnhem.
She took great care that copies of articles about the Battle were sent to the library at Arnhem,which resulted in the Bibliography of the Battle,compiled by Mr.P.G.Aalbers.growing so large as it did.
She was very much interested in the Airborne Museum,it was she who saw to it that photographs from the Imperial War Museum could be exhibited permanently in the Airborne Museum without the paying of copyright.She visited the Museum many times and every time she declared that our Museum was the best she had ever visited. This was a great compliment coming from one who,till her last illness last year, regularly acted as a guide with battle-field tours in France,Belgium and Holland, together with veterans from both world wars.
Visiting her in the Imperial War Museum was something of a special experience: the floor and the chairs were covered with books and magazines and one was invited just to clear a chair and sit down.lt was the same with her desk,she was a small woman and one could hardly see her behind the piles of books and correspondence, so it was a matter of moving one’s chair in the right direction in order to see her face.
She talked and smoked incessantly and a certain strength of purpose was needed to steer her back to the original subject of discussion.
We are sad that we will not see her any more and we will remember her with much gratitude. (A.Groeneweg)
In Memoriam Harold (Piek) Wittingham.
Harold (Dick) Wittingham sadly died on January 9th.He was a regular and faithful visitor of Oosterbeek and a member of our Society for many years.
Dick was one of the parachutists of the first hour and during the Battle of Arnhem he commanded the 3-inch mortar group which is mentioned in the booklet “The Tommies are coming”. (C.van Roekel)
New signposts for the Museum.
Two new signposts have been placed in front of the Airborne Museum.They are clearly visible from the road.The design and execution was in the hands of Mr. H.Deerenberg who works part-time for the Museum,of the Vogel advertising agency at Oosterbeek and of POL Road Beacons of Renkum.

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM
Utrechtseweg 232,6862 AZ OOSTERBEEK, the Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr. F.Young, 6,Kildown Gardens,Cliftonville,Kent CT9 3EG
Editor: Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

Jubilees.
On December lst,1990,it was twelve and a half years ago that Messrs.Berry de Reus and Evert Vellinga started their work for the Airborne Museum. They have contributed largely to the Museum having obtained its present-day standing.
Reasons enough for an animated party,during which words of gratitude and admiration were spoken by Mr.Verlinden on behalf of the Board of Trustees,Mr.Smit on behalf of the Society and Mr.van Roekel on behalf of the group of voluntary workers.
Among the many gifts and presents there were two Oerman VOPO caps for Evert Vellinga, donated by the Society,to add to his already considerable collection.
There were also flowers and words of praise for Mrs. de Reus and Mrs.Vellinga.

llth General Annual Meeting.
You are invited to attend the llth General Annual Meeting of the Society on
SATURDAY.MARCH 30th,1991,in the Concerthall.Benedendorpsweg.a the Old Church) Telephone 085-332046).TIME: 14.00 hrs.
The agenda of the meeting will be sent to you separately, together with the fmancial papers.
After the meeting a film will be shown.
Annual Report 1990.
In spite of the fact that 28 members had to be expelled because of non-payment of their subscription,the number of the members of the Society did increase to 1003, compared to 967 in 1989.
Sadly.the following members died in 1990: Mr .N.H. Roozenboom.Mr.M.van Paassen.Mr. M.
Pratt,Mr. M.Vigor and Mr. T.F.Wilson.
Four Newsletters were sent out,both in Dutch and in English.
The sale of articles and souvenirs went well.
The Health Insurance Company “Het Zilveren Kruis” donated three megaphones to the Society for use during excursions and during the September Commemorations .The Thanet Branch again donated £ 25 for the Schools Project.Mr.Lohnstein donated a small escution of the Marines Veterans for the Museum.
The Health Insurance Company “Het Zilveren Kruis” again gave valuable help in assisting ten handicapped veterans during their visit in September 1990.
The Special Subject days were again very successful.A boat trip was organized in the spring of 1990 to celebrate the lOth anniversary of the Society.The Special Subject afternoon in November 1990 was attended by more than 230 people.which may be called a record number of attendants.
Donations to the Museum included a computer (which will be used to register the collection of photographs,the~library,the collection of weapons and the stock of souvenirs);a Super Ikonta photo camera of the type that was used during the Battle of Arnhem .together with a figure to represent camera-man Cordon “Jock” Walker.
Exhibition about the use of Communications during the Battle of Arnhem.
The Airborne Museum will present an exhibition about the several types of Communications used during the Battle of Arnhem, it will be named “Calling Sunray”.
The exhibition will open on March 22nd and will run till April 22nd.
Attention will be paid to practically every kind of communication.The most important aspects of these Communications and their influence on the course of the Battle will be highlighted.
The following subjects will make out the central part of the exhibition:The Royal Corps of Signals,transmitter-receivers,landline connections.optical means of Communications,carrier-pigeons,ground-air Communications on behalf of the droppings and landings(“Eureka” and “Rebecca”),ground-air Communications on behalf of air support (American Air Support Team) and the Light Warning Set Units
The exhibition will show examples of practically all types of means’of communication which were in use during the Battle.Some rare pieces.like the Eureka and Rebecca apparatus.will be obtained from elsewhere during the time of the exhibition
A special working-group has been formed for the building of this exhibition’it consists of several Communications experts. ’
Second edition of :”Een Drielenaar in Oorlogstijd”.
As a result of our article on Mr. Benjamin Jansen’s book in our last Newsletter, we can now inform you that there will be a second edition. Interested parties will be informed by Mr. G.H. Maassen Sr. when the book becomes available.

Members of the First Polish Independent Para Brigade with a transmitter- receiver in an orchard near Driel: an example of the Communications apparatus on show during the exhibition “Calling Sunray” to be held in the Airborne Museum from March 22nd till April 22nd.
(Photo: Collection Airborne Museum)

Catalogueing of photo archive.
Some months ago.our Society donated a computer to the Museum.lt will be used to catalogue the photo archive which consists of more than one thousand pictures. All photo’s will be scanned and provided with a short description. It will then be possible to show any specific group of photo’s together with the matching Information.
Informative tableau for Engineers Monument.
On September 22nd,1990,an informative tableau was placed near the Monument for the Royal Engineers and the Royal Canadian Engineers,near the village of Driel.
It gives Information,in Dutch and in English,about the retreat across the Rhine of the survivors belonging to the First British Aitborne Division and the First Polish Independent Para Brigade,in the night of September 25th-26th,1944.
There is also a clear sketch of the northern bank of the river,showing the most salient points.Looking across the wide river landscape it is not difficult to recognize these places.
The design for this tableau comes from our member Mr. H.van de Brand,who also designed the monument.

Gift of container and helmet.
Mr.Hartmann of Heelsum has donated to the Museum an original parachutist helmet and a square container,used in 1944 to drop radio equipment.
Requested: Information about Wolfheze.
We received the following letter from Mr.Cor Janse of Rheden.
For a couple of years now I have been studying the history of the village of Wolf heze during the years of the second world war.I lived there myself during that period. The gathering and studying of facts and memories will.I hope.lead in the end to the writing of a book about this subject.
The Battle of Arnhem is an important episode in the history of Wolfheze.I mention the bombardment on September 17th,the landings on September 17th and 18th,the advance from Wolfheze to Arnhem,actions around Wolfheze and the experiences of prisoners of war and of soldiers who managed to escape after the Battle had ended.
The geographical borders are more or less between the Amsterdamseweg and the Utrecht seweg and from the line Buunderkamp/Jonkershoeve till Bilderberg/West End.
Information about Wolfheze in most of the official military records is rather limited. That’s why I am especially dependent on reminiscences of British and Polish soldiers, and on the memories of inhabitants of Wolfheze.
The book will describe the events as seen and experienced by soldiers and civilians. If you think you can help me,please contact me.The address is:Mr.Cor Janse, Apollostraat 5, 6991 GW Rheden. Telephone:08309-51033.
“Before I sleep”,a novel about the Battle of Arnhem.
In September 1990 there appeared a novel in England,called:”Before I Sleep,a Novel about Arnhem.” The American author,Edward Monroe-Jones started his investigations for this book in 1986.The study of archives,the exchange of letters and many interviews with British,Dutch and also German people form the base of this book,in which reality and fiction have been mixed. That is why it is called a novel,although a large part of the events described,did really happen.
The central figure in the book is called Henry McAlister.His story has been based on the experiences of Henry McAnelly(who is now well-known as an Airborne Battle Guide in Oosterbeek)during the Battle of Arnhem,on his captivity as a prisoner of war and on his return to England.
Apart from the story of Henry McAlister,there are the stories about some twenty other people. A number of these are people who really existed,some of them are even still alive.They are called by their real names,like Dr.Lipmann Kessel,General Heinz Harmel and Dr.Egon Skalka.Other people did exist,but have been given new names.The author has also introduced some ficticious characters.
The experiences of these characters are described in short chapters,so that we are given a constantly changing picture of the war. The author has visited a large number of the places where the Battle of Arnhem took place so that he has succeeded in making an important part of the events take place in the just surroundings which he descrïbes very true to life.
Some (amateur) historians may object to this mixture of reality and fantasy.as not everything which has been written did really happen and as the dialogues seèm to have been reconstructed.
However.the book’s strong point lies in the way in which the author has managed to picture the atmosphere of those days.felt by British and Dutch.as well as by German participants, and in the way in which he describes the emotions of the central character.
Edward Monroe-Jones has shown again that writing about the history of a battle should not only exist in giving the bare facts,but that war has also a human face. “Before I Sleep” (328 pages) was published in London by Sidgwick & Jackson and costs £ 15 . ’

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM OOSTERBEEK
Utrechtseweg 232,6862 AZ Oosterbeek, the Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr.F.Young, ó.Kildown Gardens,Cliftonville,Kent CT9 3EG.
NEWSLETTER NO 40 Editor:Drs. R.P.G.A.Voskuil
OCTOBER 1990 Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

From the Editor.
The 46th Commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem was again an impressive and moving event.Apart from the large official functions,there were smaller meetings at different places.like reunions of units of the Division or meetings at which a monument or a plaque were unveiled.
It was a very busy time for the Museum and this year again there were visiting veterans who came to donate some special souvenir.
Because of the modest size of this Newsletter.it is impossible to relate all events which took place during this period.so we were forced to make a choice.We will.however, write about some more special meetings in our next Newsletter.
“Crossroads Oosterbeek,September 22nd,1944” in Airborne Museum.
This famous painting can now be seen at the Museum.lt was painted in 1946 by David Shepherd.who had been commissioned by the 4th Para Brigade,and for years it hung in the Officers’Mess of lOth Para Battalion.On Sunday,September 21st,General Sir John Hackett handed it over to the Museum as a permanent loan. It has been given pride of place in the large room of the Museum.
“Not one shall be forgotten.”
A memorial stone was unveiled beside the Old Church at Oosterbeek on Sunday,Septem¬ber 23rd after the 9 o’clock morning service.The flags which hid the monument were uncovered by General Sir John Hackett.Captain Z.Gasowski and Mrs. Kate ter Horst. The text on the stone reads:”In September 1944 British Airborne soldiers and their Polish comrades.with support of brave Dutch men and women.fought a grim battle round this ancient church in the struggle to liberate the Netherlands from Nazi tyranny. This stone commemorates all who took part in this action and above all those who died. NOT ONE SHALL BE FORGOTTEN.”
Sculptor donates statuette to Renkum Municipality■
Sculptor Jits Bakker,who as a seven-year-old boy watched the air-landings at Renkum, has donated a bronze statuette (height 1 metre) of a parachutist to Renkum Munici¬pality. It was unveiled near Hartenstein House on September 21st by the Mayor.Mr. J. Verlinden.in the presence of many veterans. The artist has donated his statuette as an homage to all soldiers who fought here for freedom in September 1944.

Special-Subiect Afternoon on Saturday.November 3rd.
A special-subject afternoon will again be held for our 3rd.We will meet at the ELEKTRUM near Arnhem where we wi the sixth time.
The programme is as follows:
13.30 – 14.00 hrs : arrival of members.
14 00 – 15 00 hrs : Lecture by Mr.A.Schemkes of Arnhem about the actions which took place in September 1944 around Johanna Hoeve, an area roughly confined by the Wolfhezerweg ,Amsterdamseweg,Dryenseweg and the Arnhem-Utrecht railway line.For many years now.Mr. Schemkes has been making a special study about the battle m this area.The lecture will be illustrated by slides.
15.00 – 15.30 hrs : tea-break.
15.30 – 16.00 hrs : continuation of lecture by Mr. Schemkes.
16.00 – 16.30 hrs : showing of the film “Airdrop at Arnhem”, an American film- documentary from the Fifties.
The ELEKTRUM is situated at the Klingelbeekseweg near Arnhem,a small distance West of the road-junction Onderlangs/Bovenover.Telephone numer 085-568020.
Members are this time allowed to bring guests, these are required to pay an entrance fee of ƒ 5,- .
Placing of two new memorial pillars.
Some years after the Battle of Arnhem,five wooden memorial pillars were placed in Oosterbeek at points which had played an important role during the Battle.During the years that followed,these pillars suffered from the weather and also from vandalism.This resulted in the replacement of three of them by stone pillars.
These three were placed at the upper end of the Drijenseweg, along the Valkenburg- laan and near the Old Church.
The condition of the two remaining wooden pillars went from bad to worse and after letters from an inhabitant of Oosterbeek and from our Society to the Municipal Council.money was given by the council for the replacement of these last two pillars. We are pleased to teil you that these new stone pillars have now been put into place, one near the house called “Beukenhove” on the Utrechtseweg 192 and one near the Tafelberg Hotel.The text on the Tafelberg pillar has also been adjusted.
Polish Badges of Honour.
This year,Polish Badges of Honour were awarded to the following persons: Mrs.A.E Verstand,Mrs.H.Berendsen.Mrs. J.G.G.Nusselder.Mrs.A.de Jong,Mr.A.Zelebowski, Mr. C.Luursema and Mr.W.Scholten.Captain Z.Gasowski,leader of the Polish delegation^ presented the badges on September 21st.
Donation by Health Insurance Company.
The Health Insurance Company “Het Zilveren Kruis” has donated a number of advanced appliances to aid visually handicapped people. These will be placed at the disposal of Arnhem veterans. The Airborne Forces Security Fund at Aldershot will take care of the distribution. Our member Mr.C.van Roekel has played an intermediary role in this matter. 1
From the Treasurer.
Enclosed with this Newsletter you will find the giro-card for payment of your yearly subscnption Members who pay before November 3rd,can obtain their new membership card during the Special-subject afternoon on November 3rd. The cost of the subscription is f 20.- for single members, f 30,- for a family membership.

General Sir John Hackett during the presentation of’ the painting “Oosterbeek Crossroads,22 September 1944”
(Photo:B.de Reus.)

General Sir John Hackett during the presentation of’ the painting “Oosterbeek Crossroads,22 September 1944”
(Photo:B.de Reus.)

Ministory from book “Mission Completed”.
The other day Mr. R.J.E.M.van Zinnicq Bergmann’s book “Het doel bereikt” (Mission Completed) was published.The book starts with the author’s adventurous escape from occupied Holland to England.There and in Canada he was trained as a fighter-pilot. During the Allied advance through Europe he took part in a large number of attacks at enemy targets,flying a Typhoon.One of these attacks took place on September 17th,1944,and was aimed at the German flak positions near Arnhem. The story of this attack has been chosen as the Ministory to go with this Newsletter.
The book is well worth reading.it contains 208 pages and has been illustrated by photo’s.It has been published by Van Mazijk at Leiden and costs ƒ 29,90.
Donation by Thanet Branch.
Our Society has received a gift of £ 50. from the Thanet Branch.The money will be allocated to educational purposes.

Gliders land again at Wolfheze.
Gliders landed again at Wolfheze for the first time since 1944, on September 22nd. The two gliders were towed behind power-planes from Terlet and uncoupled over the landing-areas,after which they made a perfect landing.The pilots of the gliders, both members of the Terlet glider club, were accompanied by two ex-glider pilots, lan Toler and John McGeough, who very much appreciated this chance to land again at Wolfheze after so many years.The initiative for this flight came from Mr.Luuk Buist of Oosterbeek,who organized this event,together with a large number of assistants. There are plans to organize this event again next year.so that the role played by. the Glider Pilot Regiment during the Battle of Arnhem be kept alive.
The 13th Commemorative envelope.issued by the Airborne Museum shows the painting by David Shepherd “Oosterbeek Crossroads,September 22nd,1944. The envelopes are numbered and provided with a special postmark,dated Septem er , • ’
Society receives part of proceeds from exhibition.
In our last Newsletter we wrote about an exhibition to be shown at the Westerbouwing restaurant.More than 3.000 people visited this exhibition,many of which gave a small donation.The total proceeds,ƒ 540,-,were divided between our Society and the Foundation “Lest We Forget”.

R.Kershaw “It never snows in September”.
The other day a book was published’ which gives a survey of the German reaction on the air-landings during Operation Market Garden.lt has been based on countless interviews and on a sound study of the available records.
It is true that a small number of books on this subject has been published before, but they gave a one-sided and highly coloured view of the German experiences, while at the same time there was no book to give a total view.
Major Kershaw has filled this gap with his book which is totally unbiased and which has been written in an exemplarily sober style. A great number of the illustrating photographs comes from the Wochenschau film,taken around Oosterbeek.These photographs will be new to most readers.The maps are excellent,apart from a few typographical errors, and have been printed in colour.
The Airborne Museum has a limited number of this book in its shop.In my opinion.this book deserves a place on the bookshelf of everyone who takes this subject seriously. Price : ƒ 97,25. (A.Groeneweg.)

Two new guide-books about Operation Market Garden.
Two new guide-books have come out about the area in which Operation Market Garden took place. “Operation Market Garden I”covers the operations area of the lOlst and the 82nd American Airborne Divisions between Eindhoven and Nijmegen. In “Operation Market Garden II” most attention is given to Arnhem and its surroundings,describing the actions of the Ist British Airborne Division and the Ist Polish Independent Parachutist Brigade.
Both books,which were compiled by Mr.L.P.J.Vroemen,contain a short historie introduction.a short survey of the actions of the air-landing divisions and a number of walking- and car routes along the several historie places.They also contain a short list of relevant books,a number of maps and a survey of cemeteries, museums and yearly commemorations.
The presentation of these books took place in Hotel Sionshof, situated between Nijmegen and Groesbeek, on September 17th.
The books have been published by the European Library at Zaltbommel and cost ƒ17,90 each.

“Een Drielenaar in Oorlogstijd” can now be ordered.
This book by Mr.Benjamin Jansen of Driel describes his experiences during the Battle of Arnhem and the time afterwards.Mr.Jansen published this book himself in a very limited number.Apart from Mr. Jansen’s diary,the book contains also stories from 20 other inhabitants of Driel.
This book (251 pages) has now sold out,but it is still in demand.In order to issue a reprint which can be sold at a reasonable price (ƒ 21,-),a minimum number of 50 books must be printed. If you are interested in this book and want to order one (or more) copies,please contact Mr. G.H.Maassen Sr.,Jan van Riebeeckweg 82 6861 BH at Oosterbeek.
In our next Newsletter we hope to tell you whether there will be a reprint of this book

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM OOSTERBEEK
Utrechtseweg 232, 6862 AZ OOSTERBEEK, the Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr. F.Young,
6, Kildow Gardens,Cliftonville,Kent CT 9 3 EG
Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil
Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

10th Anniversary Excursion – a great success.
More than 200 people took part in the special excursion on June 10th,on the occasion of the 10 th Anniversary of our Society. The group assembled on the Rijnkade at Arnhem,where they were welcomed with coffee.From there they walked to the BASF building near the bridge. From the top floor of this building one has _a very good view of the bridge and its surroundings.Here Mr.Drs.P.R.A.van Iddekinge,who is the archivist of Arnhem municipality,talked about the events

10th Anniversary excursion. Participants listen attentively to Mr.Drs. P.R.A. van Iddekinge who talks about the fighting which took place around the bridge at Arnhem in September 1944. (Photo:B.de Reus).

in this area in September 1944,and the consequences they had for the civilian population.
Then followed a walk around the Northern ascent of the bridge.Messrs. van Roekel, Luursema and Voskuil supplied further Information at the most important points.
Af ter this walk followed the boat-trip. Lunch was served while the boat was slowly prepairing for the journey and then the well-known views of Arnhem and Ooster beek came into sight,this time seen from the water.
As every participant had been provided with a very extensive excursion guide, Mr. van Roekel had only to indicate which point had been reached and which page of the guide gave further Information.So everyone knew exactly where one was and what had happened at that special point. This proved to be a very good system to inform a large group of people who by this time had spread all over the boat. The trip lasted for four hours and took the passengers to Wageningen and back to. Arnhem.The weather was good and everybody was very enthusiastic about this novel way of combining pleasure with the obtaining of a mass of detailed Infor¬mation.
Mr.van Roekel deserves a special word of thanks for the way he organized the trip and led the party to Wageningen and back!
Pilgrimage 1990.
The Commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem will this year take place from Septem¬ber 17th till 22nd. As always,you will find the programme for the events with this Newsletter.
General Sir John W.Hackett will be this year’s leader of the Pilgrimage.
Colonel Wilhelm leaves the Airborne Museum.
The Director of the Airborne Museum,Colonel C.Wilhelm,has retired from his post on July Ist. During the ten years of his directorship the Museum and its collection have grown considerably.
Mr.Wilhelm is a man who prefers to work behind the scenes,he does not like to be in the limelight. The Museum is very much indebted to him and is sorry to see him leave.
It has been decided not to appoint a new director.This task will be filled by Mr. de Reus,who has been the curator of the Museum since 1978.He will be assisted by Mr. Drs. A.Groeneweg.who is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum.
Polish Commemorative envelope.
In our last Newsletter we announced the arrival of a special commemorative envelope. It has a Polish stamp depicting General Sosabowski.The numbered envelopes were stamped in Warsaw on May 8th of this year.The envelope also shows the Standard of the Polish Para Brigade in colour. The first two envelopes were presented to General Sosabowski’s son and grandson.
The interest in this envelope is very great.lt can be bought at the Museum and costs f5,- .
Excursion-guide.
There are still some copies obtainable of the extensive excursion-guide which was issued for the boat excursion on June lOth.They can be bought at the Museum and cost ƒ5,-.
“Roll of Honour”.
The “Roll of Honour of the Battle of Arnhem”,compiled by Mr.J.A Hey is sold out and will not be reprinted in the near future.The “Supplement to the First and Sécond Edition” of 1989 can still be bought at the Museum.
Schools-project.
This year again the interest in the schools-project proves to be verv larae Since January Ist of this year about 3.000 pupils of different schools have’

The boat-trip : passing through the locks at Driel.

participated in this project which aims at promoting an interest in the Battle of Arnhem with the younger/youngest generation.
Exhibition.
The AMRO Bank on the Utrechtseweg in Oosterbeek will show a small exhibition of photographs and material about the Battle of Arnhem, from August 25th till October Ist. This exhibition will be arranged by our Oosterbeek member, Mr. Luuk Buist.
Book “De oogst van tien jaar/The Harvest of ten years”.
This book,which was issued in 1988 on the occasion of”ten years Airborne Museum in Hartenstein House” has been reduced in price and now cost ƒ 17,50.
The book contains seven original diaries from people who were involved in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.
One story, the diary of the resistance fighter Mr. C.B.Labouchère, is in Dutch, the other six are in English.These are from the hands of Brigadier G.Lathbury, Colonel Graeme Warrack,Major lan Toler.Flying Officer R.Lawton.G.W.Jukes and Alan Wood.
The book contains a number of original photographs and can be bought at the Museum.
Appeal I.
A British company is planning to make a feature film about the aftermath of the Battle of Arnhem.lt will give special attention to the help given by the Dutch population to Allied military personnel which had remained behind after the Battle.The film will pay much attention to the escape operations “Pegasus I and II” and the “Crossings” through the Biesbosch.

In connection with the preparations for this film,the company wants to contact Netherlands civilians who did come into contact with hidden Allied personnel during the winter of 1944/1945 and who are prepaired to tell their story.
The company is also searching for Allied personnel who were kept hidden by Dutch civilians during that period.
If you want to contribute your story,please contact Mr. K.Ryninks.SCORPIO Film Productions Ltd, 39 St.James’s Lane.London N10 3DA,England.Tel.081-4446311. Netherlands civilians can write in Dutch to Mr. Ryninks.
Appeal II.
Mr. G.H.Maassen from Oosterbeek is planning to write a Ministory about the French Renault tanks which were launched by the Germans in the Western part of the Perimeter in September 1944. Several of the tanks which were put out of action by the British were still there in 1945, for instance on the Westerbouwing,on the van Borsselenweg,on the Utrechtseweg opposite the Koude Herberg,and on the Sonnen- berglaan. It is still not clear which German unit had been equipped with these tanks and on which date they were brought into action.
Any information(archives.museums,literature eet.) is very welcome.Please contact Mr. G.H.Maassen,Jan van Riebeeckweg 82,6861 BH Oosterbeek. Tel. 085-337515 or 085-348303 :office.
Reprint of “Remember Arnhem.”
John Fairley’s book “Remember Arnhem” was first published in 1978.It describes the experiences of the Ist Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron during the Battle of Arnhem.The first edition was sold out very quickly,which was no surprise as it was considered to be one of the best books about the Battle. Now a reprint has been published. The price is ƒ 50,- .
Exposition at the “Westerbouwing”.
The Westerbouwing restaurant will show an exposition of material relating to the Battle of Arnhem,from September 17th till 26th. This material was collected during the last few years on the former battlefields by Messrs.Harry Leydecker,Hans van de Velden and Marco Pankow.
AIRBORNE- and PEGASUS Walking-tours.
The 44th Airborne one-day walking-tour will be held in Oosterbeek on Saturday, September Ist. This walking-tour attracts the largest number of participants in Europe and its route includes many points which were involved in the Battle of Arnhem.One of its aims is to keep alive the memory of this Battle. Information can be obtained from”Politie Sport Vereniging Renkum”,v,d.Molenallee 8,6865 Doorwerth, tel. 085-337960.
Another one-day walking-tour,the 7th Pegasus tour,will be held on October 20th.
It commemorates the historie escape operations across the Rhine by people who had been left behind after the Battle of Arnhem:soldiers,pilots and resistance fighters,during October 1944.The tour starts from Café Floor at Lunteren.Infor¬mation from :Streek VVV,Achterdoelen 36,Postbus 80.12,6710 AA Ede Telephone- 08380-14444.
Camera-man Gordon “Jock” Walker in diorama.
In our last Newsletter we wrote about the donation of a Zeiss Super Ikonta camera to the Museum.The plans regarding the placing of a figure representing the camera-man Gordon “Jock” Walker,together with the camera,in the diorama, have now been completed.
Airborne momument for Wolfheze.
Many inhabitants of Wolfheze have for a long time harboured the wish to erect an Airborne monument in their village.
On September 17th,1944.Wolfheze was hit by a heavy bombardment,the prelude to the Battle of Arnhem.Ninety persons were killed that morning. Some hours later the first airlandings took place on the farmlands West of Wolfheze.
Two years ago the wish for a monument was given new life by the members of the Committee Airborne Memorial”.The inhabitants donated the sum of ƒ 6 000 and plans got underway.We have now been informed that Wolfheze will very soon have its own monument.

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM OOSTERBEEK
Utrechtseweg 232, 6862 AZ OOSTERBEEK, The Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain: Mr. F.Young, 6,Kildown Gardens, Cliftonville, Kent CT 9 3 EG
Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen
Presentation of “De Polen van Priel” and opening of the exhibition.
The presentation of “De Polen van Driel,the first Polish Independent Parachute Brigade of General-Major Stanislaw Sosabowski during the Battle of Arnhem”,took place on Friday,March 23rd ,in the Airborne Museum. The author,Mr.George F.

Mr. G.H.Maassen is presented with the first copy of the book “De Polen van Driel” by its author,Mr. G.Cholewczynski.
(Photo:B.de Reus)

Cholewczynski.had come over from America especially for this. The first speaker was the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Airborne Museum,Mr. Verlinden.who welcomed the guests.Then followed Flora Bouman on behalf of the publishing firn.,LUNET of Naarden.She gave a short talk about the realization of the publication of this book.
Then the author presented the first copy of the book to Mr.G.H.Maasse Sr. It was Mr.Maassen who first took the initiative to gather and publicize infor mation about the Polish Para Brigade and the röle it played at ne . .
On behalf of the Dutch team which has been assisting Mr.Cholewczynski during the past six years,Mr.Voskuil presented the author with a special souvenir of the Battle of Arnhem.lt consist of a small piece of string belonging to a Polish parachute which was dropped on Zone K near Driel on September 21st,1944. This piece of string had been dug up again presentation,had been framed,surrounded by After the presentation it was time for the Polish Brigade by Mr. B.Lincewicz,a Polish
On Saturday,March 24th,the book was presented to the members of the Society, during the General Annual Meeting.A large number of the members present availed themselves of the opportunity to buy a copy of the book and to have it signed by the author who was present at the meeting.

10th Anniversary excursion on Sunday,June 10th.
This excursion was already mentioned in our last Newsletter.We can now give you the programma for this day:
10.00 hrs. Arrival of the participants at the mooring-pontoon of Heymen Ship- owners,on the Rijnkade at Arnhem. Coffee.
10.30 hrs. Walk around the Northern ascent of the John Frost Bridge.Mr.Drs.van
Iddekinge,who is the municipal archivist,will give information about the actions which took place in this area between September 17th and 21st,1944.
12.30 hrs. Return to the Rijnkade to board the excursion boat.
13.00 hrs. Lunch.During lunch the boat will travel up-river for some miles.
The excursion proper will begin after lunch, the boat will take us from Arnhem,along the Veluwezoom to Wageningen and back to Arnhem. During this trip a large number of points along the river can be observed which played a röle in the Battle of Arnhem.They can all be found in the special excursion guide.
17.00 hrs. Arrival at Arnhem.

Booking. The boat can accommodate 200 passengers. You are advised to book soon. The costs are ƒ 37,50 for (family)members and ƒ 42,50 for guests. Bookings are accepted via giro nr. 44 03 641 of Vereniging Vrienden van het Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek, mention “Rijnexcursie.”
The costs include the excursion,coffee on arrival, lunch and the excursion guide. The extensive guide contains 26 pages with a lot of photo’s and maps. Several members have helped to compile this guide.

Parking.As this excursion takes place on a Sunday,parking on the Rijnkade and along the river will offer no problems.There is also parking space on the Grote Markt between the St.Eusebius Church and the Provinciehuis.
If you come by train,the distance from the station to the Rijnkade is about a 10 minutes walk.
Members who do not live at Oosterbeek or Arnhem,will find enclosed with this Newsletter a small map with detailed information.
People who come from Nijmegen are advised to take‘the Nelson Mandela bridge,they will reach the Rijnkade via Weerdj esstraat and Vossenstraat.
If you are unable to take part in the mornino’e woiv …
At 12 30 hr morning walk,you can join the excursion at Iz.JU nrs tor the lunch on board and the boat-trip.

Society donates camera to Airborne Museum.

Sgt Smith, one of the three camera-men of AFPU who photographed the British actions at Arnhem. The Airborne Museum now possesses a ZEISS SUPER IKONTA camera of the same type as the one Sgt.Smith is using. In September 1944 this type of camera was used by  by the Army Film and Photographic Unit (AFPU) to take photographs of the actions at Wolfheze and Oosterbeek. The size of the negatives is 6 x 6 cm, each film supplies twelve photo’s.

On the occasion of the lOth Anniversary,the societ donated a ZEISS SUPER IKONTA photo camera to the Museum.In September 1944 this type of camera was used by the Army Film and Photographic Unit (AFPU) to take photographs of the
actions at Wolfheze and Oosterbeek. The size of the negatives is 6 x 6 cm, each film supplies twelve photo’s.

There was a special reason for the fact the the British Army photographers had been supplied with German camera’s: they came from Sweden. The Germans had exchanged a series of these camera’s for Swedish ball-bearings.Afterwards the Swedes sold these camera’s to Great Britain! They were then used to supply the AFPU with camera’s.
Although these camera’s produced good photographs,they had the disadvantage that one could only shoot twelve pictures with one film.The British camera-men had only taken films with them for two days’ shooting,when it appeared that the battle would not be over within two days,they could no longer use their camera’s.
The German army photographers of the “Propaganda Kompanien” used Leica 35 mm camera’s with 36 pictures on one film..
A figure representing the British camera man Gordon “Jock” Walker will be placed, holding the camera, in the diorama in the basement of the Museum. The figure is also a gift from the Society to the Museum.

“De Polen van Priel”:fllling a gap in the history of the Battle of Arnhem.
Much has been written about the Battle of Arnhem during the past 45 years. However, the röle of the Polish Para Brigade in this battle has always been a rather shadowy one. But now there is a book which has been dedicated to this Brigade.Is does not only describe the Battle of Arnhem, but also the previous history of the Brigade, its foundation, its training and also the history of its remarkable commander,General-Major Stanislaw Sosabowski.
The research for this book has taken more than six years.The American author Mr. George F. Cholewczynski interviewed tens of veterans and was allowed to study every report,both in English and in Polish, in the United States and in England.
All this has resulted in the appearance of a sound and very readable book. Although its title might suggest that it only describes the actions in and around Driel,the author does give extensive Information about the presence of the Polish troops in and near Oosterbeek.
The book is well-produced, it contains about 290 photographs,many of which have never been published before.
The publisher is LUNET of Naarden.The book costs ƒ 39,95.

 

Commemorative envelope.Towards the end of 1989,the Polish authorities issued a series of special stamps,depicting Polish commanders during the second world war. One of these stamps has been dedicated to General-Major Stanislaw Sosabowski and the Battle of Arnhem.


It took a lot of effort to obtain a sufficiënt number of these stamps but in the end they arrived in Oosterbeek. The Society has decided to use them for a special commemorative envelope which will be stamped in Warsaw. The envelopes will cost ƒ 5,- and be on sale at the Museum,during our excursion on June lOth, and of course via the giro account of our treasurer.
New books: Our member,Drs.A.Groeneweg,has translated Geoffry Powell’s book “The Devil’s Birthday into Dutch. See also Newsletter No. 37.
Hackett’s book “I was a stranger”, can now be bought at the Museum in a paper¬back edition. ƒ 28,70.
“De Polen van Driel” appears to be a best-seller.If you have not got it yet.you’d better hurry!
“Theirs is the glory”:we have been able to obtain some copies of this film on video.lt can be bought at the Museum, ƒ 87.50.
Stop-press : our excursion on June lOth. During the morning walk around the Northern aspect of the bridge,we will be able to visit the top floor of the B.A.S.F. building near the bridge. This will give us a marvellous view over the whole area. We are very happy that the Directors have been so kind as to open their building to us – on a Sunday,too! – and we know that the participants will appreciate this kind gesture very much.
The excursion has not yet been fully booked, but we advise you not to wait too long.The sooner we know the exact number,the sooner we can plan the catering,etc. Additional excursion guides can be obtained ,they cost ƒ 5 –

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SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE AIRBORNE MUSEUM OOSTERBEEK
Utrechtseweg 232,6862 AZ OOSTERBEEK, The Netherlands
Representative in Great Britain:Mr.F.M.Young, 6,Kildown Gardens,Cliftonville, Kent CT 9 3EG
Editor:Drs.R.P.G.A.Voskuil Translation:Mrs.A.Meeuwsen

Excursion in June will include boat-trip.
This year’s excursion will take place on Sunday.June IQth and preparations have been under way since October of last year.
As there are many members who can not take part in an excursion on Saturday, because of work or otherwise,we have had many requests to organize an excursion on a Sunday.
Our lOth anniversary in 1990 justifies an extra special kind of excursion.
In the morning there will be a walk around the Northern ascent of the John Frost bridge at Arnhem,with detailed explanations about the actions that took place in that region between September 17th and 21st,1944.
After this walk lunch will follow on an excursion boat which will be moored near the bridge.
At two o’clock the boat will leave in the direction of Wageningen.During the boat-trip you will be able to observe a large number of points along the river which have played an important part during the Battle of Arnhem and shortly afterwards.You will receive an extensive excursion guide,illustrated with many maps and photographs.Some of the most important parts to observe are:Onderlangs near Arnhem,the railway bridge near Oosterbeek,the crossingpoints of the Poles and the Dorsets,the place where the survivors of the Ist Airborne Division crossed the river and the Crossing point of “Operation Pegasus I”.
The boat will be back at Arnhem at five o’clock.
The organization is in the hands of Mr.C.van Roekel, more details will follow in the next Newsletter.
Although the excursion will not take place till June,it is already possible to book for it now.The costs per person will be ƒ 37,50, these include the excursion,the lunch and the excursion guide.
With regard to the special character of this day,it has been decided to allow members to invite a (limited) number of guests.These guests will pay ƒ 42,50. However, members will take priority if the number of participants will become too large.
Payments can be made by giro;no. 4403641 of the Vereniging Vrienden van het Airborne Museum,mention “Rijnexcursie”.The bank number is 53 66 21 128.
The closing date for booking is May 20th.

10th General Annual Meeting.
You are invited to attend the lOth General Annual Meeting of the Society on SATURDAY,MARCH 24th,199O, in the Concerthall,Benedendorpsweg at Oosterbeek (opposite the Old Church),telephone 085-332046). TIME: 14.00 hrs.
The AGENDA of the meeting is as follows:
1. Opening address by the chairman.
2. Reading of the minutes of the 9th General Annual Meeting of March llth,1989.
3. Annual Review 1989.
4. Financial Report 1989 and budget 1990.
5. Report Auditing Committee.
6. Election of Committee members
7. Appointment of reserve member auditing committee.
8. Questions before closure of meeting.
9. Closure.

Ad pt.6 : Mrs.J.M.de Langen and Mr. W.T.de Ruyter are due to retire from the committee, both are eligible for re-election. According to article 8 of the regulations,members can propose other candidates. Proposals should be sent in writing to the Secretary of the Society,ten days before the day of the meeting. They must be signed by at least ten members and be accompanied by a written agreement of the proposed members,who must be of age and members of the Society. Thirty minutes before the start of the meeting,the financial papers and the report of the Auditing Committee will be available for inspection by the members. The financial report 1989 and the budget 1990 will be sent to our members with the next Newsletter.
Presentation of the book about the Polish Brigade.
After the official part of the lOth Annual Meeting,the presentation will take place of the book “De Polen van Driel” (The Poles of Driel),written by the American author George Cholwczynsky.Members who want to buy this book after the presentation will be able to obtain a copy which has been provided with a signed and numbered book-plate.
The next Newsletter will give a review of this book.
In connection with this presentation,Mr,G.H.Maassen will round off his talk about the Polish Para Brigade,which he presented during the Special Subject Afternoon of November 25th,1989.
Special meeting for “specialists”.
Some years ago a special meeting was organized for members who want to talk”shop” about their specific interests with like-minded fellow members.
Following several requests to repeat this event.it has been decided to organize a second meeting on Saturday morning,March 24th,preceding the General Annual Meeting in the afternoon.
The meeting will be held in the Airborne Museum,which will open at 10 o’clock. Members will be invited to have a look “behind the scenes” of the Museum and to visit.for instance, the library.
Members are encouraged to bring material relating to their special subjects. The book-service will also be present with an extensive collection.
Coffee will be ready and waiting for you!
Special-subject afternoon very well attended!
More than 200 members of our Society attended the special-subject afternoon on Saturday,November 25th,1989,in the ELEKTRUM at Arnhem
Mr. G.H.Maassen from Oosterbeek talked about the First Polish Independent Para Brigade and the role it played during the Battle of Arnhem.
After the interval members watched the video-film “Forever in our Memory”

The Polish Para Brigade also.made use of the type of small handcart which was bought and donated to the Airborne Museum.
(Photo: Collection Airborne Museum)

Acquisition of British handcart.
Some time ago, a small British handcart was dug up in a wood near Oosterbeek. During the Battle of Arnhem,these handcarts were used to transport equipment and ammunition.The cart could either be drawn by hand or coupled to a jeep. The finders restored it as far as possible to its original state and afterwards offered it for sale. This rare cart was then bought by the Society and given to the Museum.
Part of the money which was donated by the 7th Battalion,the King’s Own Scottish Borderers (see newsletter no.36),was used to buy the handcart.This fact will be stated on a small plate attached to the cart.
The handcart has been given a place in the large diorama in the basement of the Museum.
The Polish Para Brigade : Exposition.
On the occasion of the appearance of the book “The Poles of Driel”,the Airborne Museum will organize an exposition about the Polish Para Brigade. A large part of the original photographs which appear in the book will also be exhibited. The exposition will last from 24ch of March until the end of April.
Special gift.
The other day.the Airborne Museum received a very special little girl’s dress, made of white’parachute silk: it is a First Communion dress and was donated by Mrs.Sophie Davies Coolegem from Eindhoven.

Annual Report 1989.
In spite of the fact that 30 members had to be expelled from the Society because of non-payment of their subscription,the number of members of the Society did increase to 967,compared to 937 in 1988.
Sadly.eight members died in 1989: Messrs. J.H.T.Kilian,Jhr.W.L.A.van Panhuys, H.Tolman,H.van Medenbach de Rooy,S.D.Schager,A.J.Hollingdale,A.Turner and N.F.Dellar.
Four Newsletters were published in 1989,the last Newsletter contained a photo- coverage in colour of the 45th Commemorations in September 1989.
The sale of articles and souvenirs went very well.thanks also to the five new articles which arrived in time to be sold in September.
Also in September,the Society received considerable gifts of money from the 7th Battalion,the King’s Own Scottish Borderers,from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME),and from the Thanet Branch.
The Society also offered assistance regarding the visit on ten handicapped veterans,by courtesy of the “Zilveren Kruis” Health Insurance Company.
The special-subject days and the excursions were very well attended.So many people wanted to join the excursion in May that it had to be repeated in September. The schools-project was also very succesful in 1989.
Gifts to the Museum included a British flame-thrower,a window dummy playing the part of a handler of the flame-thrower, and a new show-case. (M.de Langen)
The schools-project.
In the past,visits from schools mostly happened in the quiet period: winter and early spring.In the past year,however,there were many visits all through the year.even during the busy September days. Thus it happened that there were meetings between the schoolchildren and visiting veterans: both parties enjoyed the lively exchanges of thoughts and ideas.
About 1800 pupils from primary and secondary schools took part in the project and it is remarkable that a large number of schools are situated outside the region.
“The Devil’s Birthday” translated into Dutch.
Six years after Geoffry Powell’s book “The Devil’s Birthday” was published, a Dutch translation has appeared, called “De verloren Slag”.
It is the first book by a British author to give a complete story of the entire operation. The author,who is an Arnhem veteran,emphasizes the role played by the American 82nd and lOlst Airborne Divisions.XXX Corps,the Dutch, the German defenders.the British Ist Airborne Division and the Polish Para Brigade.
His book had been based on a thorough study of military and political archives, on his own experiences,on eye witness accounts and on correspondence with many survivors.
The book has been translated by Drs.A.Groeneweg and contains many photographs and maps.The publisher is Gysbers & van Loon at Arnhem,the price is ƒ 58 .
Reprint of the book “De zwarte herfst” (“The Black Autumn”.)
This book.written by C.A.Dekkers and L.P.J.Vroemen.was first published in 1984 The reprint contains a supplement and is published by Gysbers & van Loon at Arnhem. Price:ƒ 44,75.
Request from the treasurer:Members who have not yet paid their for their subscription for 1990 ,are kindly requested to do so as soon as possible!

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