The Taxi Charity is delighted to be able to escort 25 veterans and their carers to the Netherlands for the Liberation Day celebrations.
On Monday 2 May, 25 black cabs will meet at Harwich for the overnight ferry to the Hook of Holland.
On Tuesday 3 May, the cabs will travel in convoy to Arnhem, with a police escort. And in the afternoon, the veterans will visit Oosterbeek Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery.
On Wednesday 4 May, there will be a river cruise with the veterans and invited guests. There will be a flypast of the BBM Lancaster. At midnight, at the liberation flame ceremony, the liberation flame will be brought in by one of the veterans.
On Thursday 5 May, the veterans will take part in the military parade.
On Friday 6 May, the veterans will be escorted back to the Hook of Holland by the Dutch police.
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Full Itinerary (2 - 6 May 2022)
Monday 2 May
Meet at Harwich International Port at 9pm for overnight ferry.
Tuesday 3 May
9am Depart Hook of Holland Port and drive in escorted convoy to the Bronbeek Veterans home at Arnhem where we will be greeted by the Commander Bronbeek and other dignitaries and have lunch.
2pm Depart Bronbeek and drive to Oosterbeek Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery (escorted).
3pm Depart Oosterbeek CWGC for hotel at Wageningen.
6:30pm Dinner
Wednesday 4 May
11am Taxis depart to Wageningen Harbour for a trip along the Rhine.
12:30pm During the trip, we will be in the vicinity of Grebbeberg Dutch National Cemetery containing 800 graves of Dutch Military killed when the Germans broke through this area in May 1940. We will hold a short service here and a bugler will play the last post. At 16:33, we can expect the Battle of Britain Flight Lancaster City of Lincoln to fly over our boat.
5pm Boat docks and return to hotel.
6:30pm Dinner
11pm A small delegation of veterans and drivers have been invited to Wageningen Town Hall to take part in the ceremony of the lighting of the Liberation Flame at midnight.
Thursday 4 May
12pm Gather and prepare to form up for the Liberation Parade which is a 5km route through the town. Veterans will be in golf carts and two taxis for the parade.
1pm Parade starts.
2:30pm Return to hotel.
7pm Gala dinner at hotel with invited guests and entertainment.
Friday 6 May
11am Form up for escorted journey back to Hook of Holland. Check in with Stena Line for Britannica sailing to Harwich.
8pm Arrive at Harwich