Enigma Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Thursday 26 and friday 27 october my brother and me attended the commemorations in Den Bosch with veterans who in 1944 liberated Den Bosch after hard fighting. Thursday we met up in the townhall for coffee and speeches. Unfortunately Sir Tasker Watkins VC GBE DL had to cancel at the last moment. We went to 2 monuments in the city, I wore a original battledress jacket and repro pants for the occasion. They have seen me in uniform before and appreciate that. Also Dutch veterans of the 1940's war in Indonesia and Korea war were present, a good idea to have them present also we think. The weather in the beginning of the week and today was bad but during those 2 days we had wonderful weather! 1 of the veterans I call Grandpa (Bob Atkinson) although we're not family, I am also friends with a few other (Owen Butcher and Emrys Davies), what GREAT men they all are!!! friday we went to Uden cemetary to lay wreaths and visit the graves. There is a 17 year old (young!) soldier buried there - so sad. Also there was a schoolclass present of kids around 12 years old. 2 girls were very interested but told me they didn't want to bother the veterans with queastions although they wanted to speak with them. I took them to Bob Atkinson and translated when needed. The girls were very greatful Mr. Atkinson took the time and they were very impressed. The day before 1 of the Recce's told me he had spoken to me the year before about capbadges and I could get one. I couldn't remember because my memory is very bad. Well, I said no problem I'd get him a genuine one. So yesterday before going to Uden I gave him 1 I wear daily on a black beret; he was very happy! Another veteran asked me how much he paid for it and I said it was a gift. I'm just glad to repay in a small way which can't be repaid (freedom)... After the cemetary we went for drinks in Uden and I asked Mr. Atkinson all kind of Q's which he answered, things like cooking, washing and sleeping in the field. Back in the city we went to a posh Hotel for a wonderful meal followed by a social evening. During the evening a carneval band entered and the party took off! There was dancing and singing and all enjoyed themselves. 1 veteran returned to Den Bosch for the 1st time in 62 years!!He didn't want to go home! All in all a impressive 2 days, we feel HONOURED to be able to join them to remember and celebrate. http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/HerdenkingDenBosch2006036Medium.jpg[/img] http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/HerdenkingDenBosch2006046Medium.jpg[/img] http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/HerdenkingDenBosch2006085MediumSmal.jpg[/img] http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/HerdenkingDenBosch2006087Medium.jpg[/img] http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/HerdenkingDenBosch2006094MediumSmal.jpg[/img] http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/HerdenkingDenBosch2006130Medium.jpg[/img] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted October 29, 2006 Share Posted October 29, 2006 Thanks for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashley Posted October 30, 2006 Share Posted October 30, 2006 Hi Enigma, looks like a great time enjoyed by all :tup: and the classic combination.. veterans, military interested people, interested children, and an exchange of thanks and information. Well done and keep up the good work :tup: :tup: Ashley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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