Taxi Charity veterans join Netherlands commemorations honouring those who fought to liberate the country

Volunteer London black cab drivers from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans travelled to the Netherlands this weekend to support three British Second World War veterans attending commemorations marking the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt.

The veterans joined Dutch dignitaries, local communities and representatives of the British Embassy in the province of Zeeland to remember the British and Allied servicemen and civilians who lost their lives during the fierce fighting that helped secure the liberation of the Netherlands.

Among those attending was Arnhem veteran Geoff Roberts MBE, who was joined by two fellow British veterans Paul Terry and Ivan Staines, for the special weekend of remembrance.

On Saturday 31 October, the Taxi Charity cabs led a convoy of historic military vehicles from the Liberation Museum Zeeland in Nieuwdorp to the Sloedam, where a commemorative service was held. Around 150 local schoolchildren also travelled in the historic vehicles, giving them a unique opportunity to experience an important part of their country's history and understand the importance of remembrance.

The morning commemoration at the Sloedam included an address by Hugo de Jonge, King's Commissioner in Zeeland. The veterans and their drivers then returned to the museum for lunch before travelling to Baarland, the historic landing site of Scottish troops in October 1944, for a further commemoration.

The weekend also included an opportunity to visit the Liberation Museum Zeeland, where Taxi Charity Trustee Linda Baker donated her father Don Turrell’s Glengarry, a number of Cameronians cap badges and photos, the group met local volunteers and attended a barbecue, bringing together the veterans, taxi drivers and the people who had worked so hard to make the commemorations possible.

Keith Allan, Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in The Hague, said: “What a great weekend in Zeeland joining the King’s Commissioner, Mayors, the local community and three British veterans of the Second World War including our Arnhem hero Geoff Roberts MBE to remember and honour those who fought in the Battle of the Scheldt - Slag om de Schelde - and helped to liberate the Netherlands.

“The Battle of the Scheldt was a fierce battle that claimed the lives of many British and Allied servicemen and civilians. A less well-known battle compared to Arnhem and others but very important. At the Sloedam and Baarland we remembered the Scottish 52nd Lowland Division and Cameronians who made amphibious landings in Buffalos.

“Many thanks to everyone involved in delivering a wonderful weekend of commemorations, including the excellent Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland. And thank you to the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans for bringing our veterans to Zeeland and for taking such good care of them.”

Paul Cook, Vice Chair of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: “It was a real privilege to bring our veterans to Zeeland and to be part of such a special weekend. The welcome we received from our Dutch hosts was wonderful, and it was particularly moving to see the local community and so many young people involved in remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for their freedom.”

When the charity asked the centenarians about their highlights from the trip, Geoff said he particularly enjoyed the wonderful Dutch hospitality, especially at the museum, which was packed with fascinating wartime collections and vehicles. He also loved spending mealtimes with his fellow comrades, sharing plenty of laughs, conversation and, of course, good food!

Geoff joked that he had never seen anyone eat so much in one sitting as fellow veteran Paul Terry, adding that he must have really enjoyed the Dutch hospitality!

Paul also singled out the museum as a highlight, praising the owners for their knowledge and passion for the fascinating items on display. He particularly appreciated the opportunity to lay a purple wreath in memory of the animals who served during wartime, alongside the traditional commemorative wreath. Paul thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already looking forward to the next one.

Ivan has a great affection for the Netherlands and its people, particularly the children, who always have so many questions to ask. One of his highlights was travelling in the historic military vehicle, an experience that made the weekend especially memorable.