Mike Peters relating the story of Waterloo at the Butte De Lion
Once again Guild Members provided the Historians for this year's Help For Heroes 'A Bridge Too Far' Big Bike Ride.
Guild members led by John Greenacre included Bob Darby, Mike Peters and Jo Hook. Although billed 'A Bridge Too Far' the ride itself started in Brussels with a visit to the Waterloo battlefield. It then touched on Operation Market Garden 1944 at Joe's Bridge and Son but then meandered its way across eastern Holland before coming back on track via Nijmegan and eventually arriving at Oosterbeek near Arnhem to see a parachute descent on to one of the original Drop Zones.
During the course of 6 days the cyclists completed over 350 miles and raised over £1 million for the Help for Heroes charity. A very commendable effort by all involved.
The Guild members involvement was to position themselves at various stands en route and tell the story of a particular action. However, it was difficult to get sufficient time to tell the story. 5 minutes on the banks of the Waal could not do justice to Julian Cook's assault river crossing by men of the 504th Parachute Infantry 82nd US Airborne Division.
The War Cemetery at Lommel in Belgium. The largest Second War German Cemetery in Europe
The end of a long ride for the cyclists at the John Frost Bridge Arnhem
Two of the 'Bravest of the Brave'. Glider Pilots Arthur Shackleton (above) and Mike Dauncey (below). Dauncey had been recommended for the Victoria Cross. Seen at the Airborne Memorial opposite the Hartenstein Hotel Oosterbeek
Bob Darby
Badge No 29
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