CMOML commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Arnhem
Join Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life as they mark the 80th anniversary of one of WWII’s most iconic campaigns.
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden (Arnhem), which took place in September 1944 involving both airborne and ground troops.
This was Field Marshal Montgomery’s ambitious plan to seize and hold a 64-mile corridor from Eindhoven to Arnhem in The Netherlands, to provide an invasion route for the Allies into northern Germany.
The 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment, part of the 1st Air-Landing Brigade, landed by glider on 17th September to defend the landing zones and drop zones to the west of Arnhem. Two days later, they became involved in intense fighting in the nearby town of Oosterbeek. Late on 25th September, the order was given to withdraw.
Ultimately the operation was unsuccessful in achieving all its objectives but has gone down in history as one of the defining moments of the Second World War. Units that served in this hard-fought campaign were awarded the Battle Honour ‘Arnhem’. Evidence today is on ‘Arnhem’ Block located within Carlisle Castle, the former depot of the Border Regiment, a permanent reminder of the site’s military connection.
Also within the Castle is Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, which looks after the Border Regiment collections. Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, 2024’s temporary exhibition ‘Arnhem 80: The Aftermath and The Legacy 1944-2024’ highlights what happened after the fighting.
Accompanying events include a commemorative day, partnering with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, to be held on Saturday 14th September, including a service at Carlisle Cathedral, followed by a Beating Retreat at Carlisle Castle. In the evening a fundraising commemorative dinner with all proceeds going to the Museum will be held. All events are open to the public.
Visit www.cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org for further details of the exhibition and all events.
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