A special escort from the Dutch National Police Motorcade Unit - and an unforgettable act of kindness
Updated: Oct 1
Whenever the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans takes veterans to the Netherlands, there is one very special part of the journey that never fails to make an impression.
As the convoy of London black cabs arrives at the Hook of Holland, members of the Dutch Police are waiting to provide a motorcycle escort for the journey to the veterans’ hotel.
For the next two hours, the officers take charge of the convoy, escorting the taxis safely through the Netherlands, while stopping traffic to ensure the veterans have as smooth and comfortable a journey as possible.
For many people, it may simply look like an impressive police escort, but for the veterans travelling in the taxis, it means so much more.
Long journeys can be tiring, particularly for elderly veterans, and sitting in heavy traffic can make an already demanding journey even more difficult. Thanks to the Dutch Police, the veterans can relax and enjoy the journey without having to face traffic delays or long periods sitting in congestion.
The escort ensures that the journey is easier, safer and, most importantly, far more comfortable for the men and women who have travelled to the Netherlands to revisit a country whose freedom they helped secure during the Second World War.
But the relationship between the Taxi Charity veterans and the Dutch Police goes far beyond an official escort.
The officers regularly join the veterans for lunch, where friendships are formed, stories are shared and plenty of laughter can be heard. They are always a delight to have with the group and quickly become part of the Taxi Charity family during each visit.
Such is the importance placed on this duty that officers regularly put their names down early for the opportunity to take part. They know exactly who they are escorting.
They understand that the men and women travelling in those iconic London taxis belong to a generation that gave so much to help liberate the Netherlands from German occupation during World War II.
For the Dutch Police officers, providing the escort is more than simply a duty. It is an opportunity to show their respect, gratitude and appreciation to a generation whose courage and sacrifice helped give the Netherlands the freedom it enjoys today.
The warmth shown by the Dutch people towards the WWII generation is something that continues to touch everyone involved with the Taxi Charity. More than 80 years after the end of the war, the gratitude has not been forgotten.
And for the Taxi Charity veterans, the sight and sound of the motorcycles leading their convoy through the Netherlands is a powerful reminder that their service and sacrifice continue to be remembered.
Taxi Charity trustee, Ian Parsons, who led the 2026 trip to Wandeltocht, said: “As always, we are enormously grateful to the Dutch Police for their incredible support. They arranged for 15 outriders to escort our convoy of London taxis from the Hook of Holland to The Hague, then onto Arnhem, before ensuring we travelled safely back to catch our ferry home. Their kindness, professionalism and support helped make the whole trip such a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
Michel Dorst, Police Inspector with Team Motorondersteuning (The special motorcade unit of the Dutch National Police) said:
“For years, our team has had the privilege of providing traffic escort services for our English heroes. We specialise in providing motorcycle escorts for Royal Highnesses and other dignitaries from both home and abroad. Escorting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is a highlight and the greatest possible honor for the motorcyclists and for me personally.
"It is wonderful that we are able and privileged to do this for the veterans and their families, together with the enthusiastic Taxi Charity volunteers.
"I would like to express my gratitude to all the sponsors and volunteers who made all of this possible. We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when!”
The Police support is an extraordinary act of kindness that makes a very practical difference to the journey - but it also represents something much bigger. It is a gesture of friendship and a mark of respect. And it is the Dutch people saying, once again, thank you.
