Taxi Charity for Military Veterans Chairman, Colin Mills, and Volunteer, Keely Allen, share their highlights from the recent trip to Netherlands to mark the anniversary of Operation Market Garden.
Hi Colin, tell us the highlights from your recent trip.
Colin Mills, Chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans: In September 1944, the Allies launched a daring airborne operation to secure the River Rhine crossings and advance into northern Germany. Although it ultimately failed to achieve its objectives, the determination and courage shown by the airborne troops and the units that assisted them made Operation Market Garden one of the Second World War’s most famous battles.
It is always a pleasure to travel to the Netherlands but the recent trip for the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden was unforgettable. The veterans, drivers and volunteers created some wonderful memories as well as catching up with old friends and making new ones.
For me the highlights included the reception with HRH The Princess Royal at The Hartenstein Museum, the parachute drop on Ginkel Heath and the service at Oosterbeek cemetery where the flower children laid stems on every grave.
Keely, you laid a wreath on behalf of the charity at the Oosterbeek cemetery during the service attended by HRH The Princes Royal, what was your experience of the trip?
Keely Allen, Volunteer: I had the most amazing time at our home from home! Our veterans are just the most courageous, humble, quick witted and (to be honest) real life superheroes!
I’m always very honoured to be able to spend time with them. Whether it’s an early morning singsong whilst doing personal care, playing Uno in down time, listening to their heroic experiences or seeing them all bursting with pride when they’re all together, it’s been a fantastic experience; one I’ll always be proud to be part of.
The success of trips to the Netherlands relies on a huge team and the charity would like to extend special thanks to the London taxi drivers, volunteers, Dick and Susy Goodwin and their Dutch Advisors Frans Ammerlaan MBE and Roger Beets MBE.