Airborne
I often go mountain biking in the woods around the Ginkelse
Hei
de and normally, other than the wide tracks in the sand left by the tanks carrying out
exercises on the heathland, there is not much to remind you of its history. But this is the location where the paratroopers landed in the second world war, with Operation Market Garden, leading to the battle of Arnhem and 'the bridge too far'. A historical site. Yesterday was the 68th anniversary so there were the usual celebrations and commemoratio
ns. By the time I cycled past this morning, there was not so much to see. Fresh wreaths on the memorial, a few tents, and some fences left that had not yet been cleared up. I thought that was it, but a half hour later, the distinctive rumble of old aircraft came overhead and a couple of waves of small old planes (spitfires?) flew above my head. A reminder of the events of nearly 70 years ago that played out in these woods where I cycle so often.
