Return of the Welsh:
Oktober 28-
Emrys was a member of the 53rd Welsh division, Richard a member of the Guards Armoured Division. They both experienced the war from the beaches of Normandy all the way into to Germany. For a few years now, the veterans return to Den Bosch, which Emrys helped to liberate in Oktober 1944. Emrys and Richard still have vivid memories of the war.
Within the Welsh veteran community the veterans came in touch with Mike and Pauline, who are married. Pauline lost a brother during the war, and for some time she comes back to the Netherlands with the veterans to honor them and her brother.
On Saterday we visited the cemetery in Goirle, close to Tilburg. Pauline’s brother, G.C. Cridland, member of the Royal Engineers, is buried there. Pauline found a lot of information about her brother and the circumstances around his death in November 1944. Today we paid our tribute to her brother by placing a poppy wreath and flowers. The veterans said their prayers for their fallen brother and gave him a firm salute. After visiting the cemetery the veterans went back to Den Bosch to join the liberation festivities in city hall.
The next day we travelled towards Germany and visited the British war cemetery in the Reichswald. This is where Richard’s brother is buried. Richard’s brother, I.G. Evens, was a navigator on a Avro Lancaster bomber. His bomber was shot down over Germany and crashed with the crew inside. Richard heard of this news while he was fighting with the Guards Armoured. In late 1944, Richard was able to track down the burial sight of his brother and was able to visit the cemetery where he was buried. Every year, since 1944, Richard tries to visit his brother’s grave in the Reichswald. The veterans said their prayers at the grave, gave the ode of remembrance and played a poppy wreath to commemorate.
We returned to the hotel where the group was staying. Had a nice chat, shared some stories and had a good time. We said goodbye and we hope to see them again next year!
Ode of Remembrance:
They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
