On September 21 – the 81st anniversary of the Polish paratroopers’ jump during Operation Market Garden – a commemorative plaque was unveiled on the Polenplein in Driel. This is the first time that the British government has expressed its appreciation for the courage and dedication of the Polish brigade.
At the ceremony, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said: “Today we are witnessing a historic step. The British government is honoring the Polish paratroopers with the recognition they deserve. This will finally bring justice to the men who parachuted here on Sunday, September 21, 1944.” The contribution of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade was commemorated, as every year, on the Polenplein in Driel.
On that Sunday in September, the Polish paratroopers under the command of Major General Stanisław Sosabowski landed near Driel. Their task was to help the trapped British troops in Oosterbeek. However, the Poles came under heavy fire. They were unable to cross the Rhine completely as the ferry no longer existed. Nevertheless, they managed to form a bridgehead, allowing more than 2,000 British to retreat.
After the war, however, the Poles’ efforts were not recognized. What’s more, they were criticized for their efforts. This injustice has now finally been corrected. Back in 2006, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands awarded the Polish brigade the Military Order of Willems. Sosabowski was posthumously awarded the Bronze Lion. British veterans have also always appreciated the commitment of the Poles. They had previously financed a memorial in Driel on their own initiative.
Commemorative plaque for work at “Market Garden”
Although the Polish veterans are no longer alive, more than 1,500 people gathered on the Polenplein, including many bereaved families. The memorial plaque was finally unveiled during the ceremony.
“The history of Driel connects Poland and the Netherlands forever. This connection is more important today than ever. Dutch Patriots and F-35s protect NATO’s eastern flank together with the Poles. We recently intercepted Russian drones over Poland. Together with Polish and other allies, we are keeping the Russian threat as far away from us as possible,” Brekelmans also reminded us of the present.
Words and tears
This morning, Brekelmans spoke on the Ginkelse Heide about veteran Bill Larder, among others. He landed there during Operation Market Garden. The Brit returned to the Netherlands for the first time three years ago. “His words and his tears at the graves of his fallen comrades have left a deep impression,” said the Minister of Defense. “They reminded us that there is a person behind every uniform. I would therefore like to express my deep gratitude to all those who have dedicated their professional lives to the service of our freedom. Their dedication and commitment keep alive what we commemorate and value today.”
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