80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Arnhem

Philip Knight, the grandson of Fred Adamson, represented Fred at the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Arnhem, which took place on 13th April 2025. This event commemorated the 80th anniversary of Arnhem's liberation in April 1945. The 49th West Riding Infantry Division, known as the 'Polar Bears' and supported by Canadian artillery, successfully captured Arnhem, avenging the earlier defeat of the Airborne and Paratroop Divisions. As you know, Grandad’s regiment was involved.

The commemoration, attended by ambassadors from the UK and Canada, military attachés, and local officials, marked the first time the liberation was celebrated, thanks to Maikel Slotboom and The Forgotten Liberation. The event paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including five KOYLI comrades, and was deeply moving. It also recognized my Grandad’s role in the battle, and I spoke a few words and laid a wreath on his behalf. Maikel laid the regiment wreath you sent. The wreaths and flowers were later moved to the cemetery at Oosterbeek. It was an honor and a privilege to have been invited, and thank you once again. We will remember.