A new World War II memorial plaque has been unveiled at the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem after the original bronze plaque, in place since 1978, mysteriously disappeared last week, according to NOS.
The new plaque, initiated by the Dutch television program Even tot hier, was revealed in a ceremony that drew strong reactions from the local government. The municipality of Arnhem said it was “deeply moved” by the gesture.
“The creators of the program sensed with great precision how this bridge, this monument, and the memory of the Battle of Arnhem are still alive in the city,” said alderman Bob Roelofs.
The original bronze plaque, which provided historical context about the Battle of Arnhem, vanished last week under unclear circumstances. Authorities suspect theft, and the incident triggered outrage from local officials. “It is the most sacred place in Arnhem, where the commemoration of the Second World War is so deeply felt,” Roelofs said. No information has been released on the whereabouts of the missing plaque.
The new commemorative plate created by Even tot hier is composed of hundreds of compiled photographs of soldiers from the unit commanded by British Lieutenant Colonel John Frost. Together, the photos form a mosaic image of Frost himself.
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Photo: The Battlefield ExplorerA bronze plaque commemorating the Battle of Arnhem at the city’s John Frost bridge has gone missing
just one week ahead of the 4 May remembrance ceremonies honouring the dead of World War II
The disappearance was discovered by Joris Nieuwent who was conducting a tour of the sites of Operation Market Garden on Friday
Arnhem official Bob Roelofs said the plaque had been “ripped out” intentionally and has reported the incident to police
“This is a total disgrace,” Roelofs told the Gelderlander local paper
“The people who did this have no idea what this monument means
It’s the most sacred place in Arnhem where the memory of World War II is at its most intense.”
The plaque describes the history of the bridge in Dutch and English
It was named after British lieutenant-colonel John Frost
who fought for four days to try to hold the bridge under heavy German fire during Operation Market Garden in 1944
The “bridge too far” has a central place in the annual commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem in September
one of the last remaining veterans of the battle
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Airborne units from eight Nato nations participate in commemoration of ill-fated second world war manoeuvre
Eighty years after thousands of allied airborne troops parachuted into the Nazi-occupied Netherlands in a daring military offensive
their modern counterparts have made the same jump
Paratroopers from eight Nato-member countries
parachuted from 12 aircraft into Ginkel Heath
a nature reserve near the Dutch town of Ede
Seven hundred paratroopers took part in the jump
the British army’s freefall parachute display team
The event commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem
a manoeuvre intended to create a route for the allied forces into northern Germany in September 1944
Among those to parachute into the occupied Netherlands were 1,900 allied airborne soldiers from Britain’s 4th Parachute Brigade
The plan involved seizing key bridges with a combination of airborne forces – known as Market – with land forces – Garden – joining them
But the airborne forces’ landing zones were about nine miles from the bridge at Arnhem
losing them the element of surprise and giving the Nazi troops time to build blockades
While the operation succeeded in capturing the Dutch cities of Eindhoven and Nijmegen
it failed in its key objective – securing the bridge at Arnhem
which consisted of nine days of prolonged street fighting
until the order to withdraw was given on 25 September
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More than 8,000 British soldiers were registered as killed
A memorial service at Arnhem Oosterbeek war cemetery will be held on Sunday and attended by Princess Anne
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This year gone marks the eightieth anniversary of Operation Market Garden; the biggest airborne operation in military history
which took place in September 1944 in occupied Holland
The last objective - the bridge at Arnhem - could not be reached
This battle became known to the general public through the film A bridge too far
but the role of the Army Dental (AD) Corps has never been described
A total of three dentists took part in the battle
They not only had a role in providing dental care
but also served as anaesthetists within the Royal Army Medical Corps
All three of them were taken as a prisoner of war but survived
Not only did these dentists render their services
the AD Corps were awarded the regimental honour of ‘Royal'
The exploits of the Army Dental Corps during World War II led to the corps becoming ‘Royal'
dentists were also deployed as anaesthetists
British airborne dentists stayed behind with their wounded patients and kept working
After 80 years since Operation Market Garden
the role of three British dentists is finally being told
They never thought to mention it after the War was over and unfortunately
the Hollywood film A bridge too far didn't either
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Dentistry and the British Army: 1661 to 1921
Dental officers awarded the Military Cross in the Second World War
esteemed dentist who had a passion for life and golf
Herald and Times Archive (Scotland) 2004 April 10
Download references
BH: research for the role and life of Captain Ridler
MS: research for the general introduction and information AD Corps
The authors declare no conflicts of interest
a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-024-8267-x
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Operation Market Garden – the 80th anniversary of which takes place over September 17-25 – has gone down in history as a strategic failure
The brainchild of Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery
this military operation was intended to hasten the end of the second world war
It planned to use the First Allied Airborne Army (consisting of around 35,000 British
American and Polish parachute and glider troops) to seize a series of bridges in the Netherlands so that allied armoured formations could cross the Rhine and take the war into Germany itself
The Dutch towns of Eindhoven and Nijmegen were successfully liberated
but the key objective – the bridge at Arnhem – remained in Nazi hands
despite the heroics of the British paratroopers tasked with its capture
These heroics (and that of their comrades elsewhere) have drawn recurrent attention in popular culture
as too have the details of the broader operation
Here are five films and TV shows that explore the origins
impact and aftermath of the allies’ September 1944 strategic gamble
Theirs is the Glory was the first film to tell the story of Operation Market Garden
Filmed on location in the Netherlands, it features original wartime footage together with staged reenactments
Many of the latter involved British soldiers and Dutch civilians who had actually participated in the fighting
Widely commended on its release for its authenticity
the film – which is focused specifically on the battle at Arnhem – is dedicated as an “everlasting memorial” to those who were killed
First aired in November 1976, this television film (which was a joint BBC-Dutch production) provides an interesting take on the aftermath of the battle for Arnhem. It is centred on the real-life story of Colonel Graeme Warrack (played by John Hallam)
a British doctor who decided to stay with the wounded after the allied withdrawal
He was subsequently captured by the Germans and spent several weeks caring for the injured before escaping back to allied lines
In 1963, he authored a memoir about his war experiences. Titled Travel by Dark
it was the inspiration behind this production
This is by far the most famous of all the productions focused on Operation Market Garden. Based on a book by Cornelius Ryan, directed by Richard Attenborough and involving a star-studded cast – including Michael Caine
Robert Redford and Lawrence Olivier – the film is broad in scope and cinematic in sweep
For the full article by Dr Sam Edwards visit the Conversation
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Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’
and in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’
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the Allies began dropping paratroopers into the German-occupied Netherlands
Joined by airborne forces arriving in gliders
they eventually amassed around 41,000 troops
They all had a specific mission: launch a thrust 64 miles into enemy-controlled territory
gain control of nine key bridges and create a launch point for an invasion into Germany itself
But history has shown this daring mission only partially succeeded
The bridge at Arnhem really did prove to be a bridge too far for the Allies
They are great for military defence – but incredibly hard for attacking forces to overcome
And if those forces can't get over the river
the offensive will stall – and that was the very real possibility faced by the Allied generals Eisenhower
After D-Day they had made rapid progress through France
many German units being annihilated and their remnants falling into disarray
This amounted to 390 miles of German fortified defences stretching from the south of the Netherlands all the way to the Swiss border
The Allies had to choose between making a small pointed thrust at one defined point or taking a broad front strategy
But Britain's General Montgomery advocated
"one powerful full-blooded thrust across the Rhine and into the heart of Germany"
And after much argument that is what he got
Perhaps his thinking was influenced by the success of the bridges that were captured and held on D-Day
paratroopers and glider-borne forces took a bridge over the Caen Canal
the paratroopers successfully held it until they were relieved by the commandos on the ground
Operation Market Garden targeted nine bridges at various points around the south of the Netherlands
Market would see airborne forces from the UK
the US and Poland take and hold the crossings
while Garden would see British land forces swiftly
It sounded simple – and the tactics were proven
But the operation came with its fair share of built-in problems
It relied on each and every element working
rendering many other aspects of the mission untenable
In the first landing of paratroopers and gliders
over 80% landed within 3,300ft of their intended drop zone – a remarkable success
And Hitler had seen to it that there were far more German troops in the area than anticipated – including elements of the Waffen-SS
he had reappointed sacked generals and they were starting to become much better organised – and more deadly
The British radios wouldn't talk to each other because they had been set to different frequencies
those frequencies were the same as German and British civilian radio stations
Lt-Col Frost used the Dutch public phone system
Fierce battles raged at the various bridges
but the Allies held firm and help was coming for the defenders of Arnhem bridge
Attempts were made to retake the bridge – including a valiant effort by the 1st Polish parachute brigade – but these also failed
Hitler exacted his revenge on the Netherlands by cutting off food supplies and around 22,000 civilians died of hunger
The bridge at Arnhem truly was a bridge too far and was immortalised as such by the film of the same name in 1977
But we remember it today as a valiant effort that could have succeeded – had so many factors not gone against the men on the ground
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A version of this article was originally published on June 1
It has been updated to include developments since then
Investigations into their previous owners plunged the Dutch side’s future into uncertainty and
while the club managed to overcome significant hurdles over recent weeks
The Athletic has explored how the Netherlands’ second-oldest club nearly ceased to exist, suffered an 18-point deduction, were relegated from the Eredivisie for the first time in 35 years and have now had their professional licence revoked
effectively blocking them from domestic competition next season
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24
was essentially the starting point for all of this
The European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion. The aim of these, according to the government of the Netherlands
Vitesse had been owned by Russian oligarch Valeriy Oyf since 2018. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Oyf, similar to Roman Abramovich at Chelsea
Oyf was reportedly not on any sanctions list
Oyf announced that his majority shares in Vitesse were up for sale “in the interests of the club”
held under Performance Management Holding BV (PMH)
He also claimed he would waive the club’s debt
it appeared that Vitesse had found a buyer
was set to become the new majority shareholder
pending approval from the licensing committee of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB)
The Netherlands’ professional football licensing system requires any potential shareholder acquiring at least 25 per cent of a club’s shares to be approved
also has investments in League One club Leyton Orient and Belgian side Patro Eisden Maasmechelen
before Vitesse made the request for the transfer of Oyf’s shares to the Common Group in April 2023
allegations emerged surrounding the club’s past finances
A report from the Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in March 2023 claimed that Abramovich had financed a previous takeover and subsequent operations of Vitesse for several years
was revealed through leaked documents known as the Oligarch files
originating from the Cyprus-based offshore service provider MeritServus
The funding scheme allegedly involved a complex network of offshore entities
with Abramovich’s companies — Ovington Worldwide and Wotton Overseas — playing pivotal roles
These entities purportedly facilitated loans to Vitesse through intermediaries linked to Alexander Chigirinsky
a Russian businessman who took over the club after Jordania’s departure in 2013
was allegedly involved in funding Vitesse’s takeover
with loans routed through offshore entities
The documents reportedly suggested that Abramovich’s funds originated from Ovington Worldwide and were funnelled through Chigirinsky-linked companies to Vitesse
Chigirinsky remained in charge of Vitesse until May 2018 when he sold the club to Oyf
MeritServus and Abramovich did not comment in response to the article at the time
claimed he was friends with Abramovich and Chigirinsky — and after his claim that they had lent him money for Vitesse when needed
Allegations he made in April 2014 also appeared to blame Chelsea for preventing Vitesse from achieving certain sporting objectives
the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK) requested information from Vitesse in June 2023 as part of its investigation into the club’s continued Russian ownership
The EZK aimed to ensure that Vitesse was complying with EU sanctions against Russia
The Dutch government is responsible for ensuring that all companies within the country
It is up to the companies themselves to comply with the rules by carefully examining their financial transactions and business relationships to avoid violations
This involves thoroughly investigating the owners and control structures of their business partners
including scrutinising the backgrounds of shareholders and banks involved in their transactions
The KNVB launched two of its own investigations in July 2023 with research agency Integis — one looking into the Common Group and the other assessing the previous links between Vitesse and Abramovich
Vitesse Arnhem - the proud Dutch club shaking off that 'Chelsea B' tag
the Common Group suffered a blow as the KNVB announced it had rejected Vitesse’s request in February 2024
effectively refusing them permission to be taken over by Parry’s firm
The committee cited a lack of evidence regarding the Common Group’s equity
The club was also fined €100,000 (£85,000) for allegedly failing to disclose critical financial information
Parry said at the time that “both the licensing committee and Integis have rejected our offer to talk to various specialists involved”
The Common Group then held a press conference to confirm that they would appeal against the decision
Vitesse also claimed that they were under pressure from their house bank
they had been issued an ultimatum with ING making it clear that
with the club’s shares still in Oyf’s name
they could no longer do business with companies owned by Russian shareholders
a judge ruled that ING must keep Vitesse’s account open while the legal proceedings were ongoing
the former Vitesse interim general manager Peter Rovers explained the issues: Oyf remaining as the major shareholder caused banking problems with ING and therefore auditing issues with their club accounts
and there remained a financial shortfall despite a better balancing of costs and income
To resolve the problems with the bank and club accounts
Rovers said an alternative plan had been arranged following talks with stakeholders
This involved transferring the club’s shares to the ‘Vitesse Forever’ foundation
this step needed approval from the KNVB licensing committee and could only happen once their investigation into the club’s past ties had been concluded
Vitesse were deducted 18 points by the KNVB licensing committee
leading to the club’s relegation from the Eredivisie
This punishment was because of Vitesse’s “repeated failure” to meet licensing regulations over an extended period
A statement from the KNVB said: “The level of the sanction is based on the exceptional seriousness and extent of the breaches of the licence system.”
They added that Vitesse had provided incorrect information “relevant to the forensic investigation” into potential sanctions breaches
and also withheld information “important to the assessment of Vitesse’s continuity”
The KNVB’s licensing committee said there were “indications” suggesting Abramovich had past or present control over Vitesse
along with “risks” of sanctions violations
It concluded it was “important to await the ministry’s investigation”
Vitesse had the option to appeal the verdict but
they said that they would not do so because the club wanted to focus on “retaining its licence”
They concluded that the points deduction was “inevitable”
noting that they had incorrectly filed half-yearly financial figures and weren’t able to demonstrate that they did not have ties to Abramovich
Times looked desperate for the club at the beginning of May
More than €1.9million (£1.6m; $2m) was raised until the campaign shut on May 18
said: “It is really bizarre how Vitesse is living at the moment
Donations come in from every nook and cranny
That is why we have all decided today to make a salary sacrifice to the club.”
But there was more bad news to endure on May 7
The KNVB confirmed to The Athletic that the licensing committee had rejected the Common Group’s appeal regarding the transferral of Oyf’s majority shares in Vitesse to the firm
This effectively confirmed their takeover could not proceed
Parry had told The Athletic in April that him agreeing a deal with Oyf was enough for him to be considered suspicious by the licensing committee. However, he also believes the licensing committee does not like multi-club investors and the row with him became personal
the KNVB referred The Athletic to its February statement
which indicated that it had not been determined whether the Common Group had any equity
and that it remained unclear who the investors would be
Given a deadline of May 17 had been imposed by the KNVB
the only option on the table for Vitesse was to transfer the majority shares to the Vitesse Forever foundation
the KNVB confirmed it had approved Vitesse’s plan to transfer shares temporarily to Vitesse Forever
This decision postponed the potential revoking of Vitesse’s licence
allowing the club more time to seek approval from the EZK
Vitesse said in a statement that there was “constructive contact with ING Bank and accountants
and the shares of PMH (Oyf) appear to be transferred as soon as possible to the independent Vitesse Forever foundation”
it was announced that two lawyers had been appointed to the supervisory board of Vitesse
This was a key step in demonstrating Vitesse were breaking away from their previous ownership structure
Vitesse said that following a response from the EZK
the club could transfer Oyf’s shares to the foundation
It was confirmed to The Athletic that the investigation into the club had been completed
The shares were officially transferred to the foundation on May 18
Vitesse announced they received confirmation from the licensing committee of satisfactory progress towards meeting the requirements
still had to find funding to balance their books
Pieter Colijn and Erik Mulder as three independent directors to sit on the new foundation — their task was to “focus on the temporary management and sale of the shares”
They essentially needed to present a balanced budget by that June 17 deadline — a challenging task given their relegation
General manager Edwin Reijntjes explained in a statement that expected income will drop from €19million to €11m
mainly because of the loss of television revenue from not playing in the Eredivisie
but further cuts would harm the club’s ambitions and sustainability
and the fixed costs include housing and staff salaries
which limit the ability for further reductions
They planned to sell 20 per cent of the shares to local entrepreneurs and supporters
Reijntjes called on businesses “to make their contribution” after praising fans following their crowdfunding campaign
they initiated plans to offer 20 per cent of shares to regional investors through the establishment of the ‘Sterkhouders Vitesse Arnhem’ (STAK) foundation
But the club was still facing the June 17 deadline
Vitesse entertained offers from four interested parties for the club’s shares
negotiations with a preferred buyer fell through
so Vitesse continued looking for alternative funding options
Reijntjes said: “All options are on the table
We are in discussions with an interested Dutch party and we are also looking into whether we can raise funds independently in exchange for collateral
Vitesse said on June 20 that “in the unlikely event” the KNVB licensing committee intends to revoke their license due to incomplete documentation and financial uncertainties
they would immediately appeal this decision
It was confirmed this week that Vitesse had their professional licence revoked by the KNVB
effectively barring the club from competing in the 2024-25 season
The KNVB stated that Vitesse failed to meet critical financial and regulatory requirements
The KNVB’s independent licensing committee communicated this decision to Vitesse on Monday
citing the club’s inability to comply despite several extensions
They added that “a longer postponement is impossible due to the approaching start of the new football season”
Reijntjes acknowledged that while the decision to revoke the licence was expected due to the incomplete documentation provided
the club remains confident in its appeal process
and confirmed that there has been an outline agreement with him and Parry regarding Vitesse’s debt to the Common Group
This agreement is seen as a crucial step in resolving financial issues
we have found a fantastic entrepreneur from Gelderland
who wants to solve the past for us,” Reijntjes said
“This is a tentative joy — from today our appeal process starts and we need to seek approval for the continuation from the licensing board
we will then receive good news from the licensing and appeals committee within a few weeks and we can finally move on!”
The appeals process is expected to take place in two weeks
There were also further allegations about the club’s past ties
The Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism alleged on May 10 that leaked documents suggested Oyf funded the club with loans from Abramovich
New documents allegedly suggested that Abramovich was the primary source of nearly $200m used by Oyf to fund Matteson Overseas Ltd
These funds were purportedly invested in ventures tied to Abramovich’s asset management company
a long-time associate of Abramovich and a former senior executive at his oil company
has previously denied that Abramovich still has financial ties to Vitesse
Oyf and Abramovich did not return the Guardian’s requests for comment
Although the EZK’s investigation into Vitesse has concluded, The Athletic has learned that investigative bodies
such as the Dutch tax investigation department (Fiscal Information and Investigation Service)
could still examine possible sanctions violations by Vitesse
Both Vitesse and the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service did not respond to requests for comment
(Vitesse supporters after their side were relegated
in May; by Ben Gal/BSR Agency via Getty Images)
Omar Garrick is a Junior Editor for The Athletic UK, based in London. He previously worked at BBC Sport and The Manchester Evening News. Omar is a journalism graduate from Cardiff University and the University of Sheffield. Follow Omar on Twitter @GarrickOmar
Firefighters evacuated several homes that were involved in the fire
which broke out in a shopping street around 4 a.m (0300 GMT)
SatNews
The agreement will see Sirius become a ‘Resident Launcher’ at the spaceport from 2025
taking up residency at their own dedicated Space Launch Complex (SLC) for the extended term of their multi-year contract
Sirius has elected to take up a ‘full service’ solution to be provided by ELA
taking advantage of the full suite of launch and mission support services and facilities available at the remote but ‘cutting edge’ commercial East Arnhem Land spaceport
The campaign will begin with the development and test flights of SIRIUS 1 in 2026 followed by launches of the larger SIRIUS 13 (800kg payload capacity) in 2027
The flexibility to access a range of orbits
including medium and low inclination orbits
along with ELA’s full-service offering were the key reasons behind the decision by Sirius to sign with ELA for launches from the ASC
The deal significantly emphasizes the desirability and market-fit of launching from the Arnhem Space Center and the industry leading advanced engineering and technology solutions and launch services provided by ELA
“I’m delighted and excited to announce this contract with Sirius Space Services today,” said ELA’s Group CEO Michael Jones
“Sirius will become the second resident launcher at the Arnhem Space Center which means they will leverage ELA’s advanced commercial spaceport concept
taking advantage of our comprehensive suite of launch solutions
innovative commercial offering and the best customer service and support to increase efficiency
mission assuredness and commercial benefit to Sirius”
The agreement marks the second ‘Resident Launcher’ contract for ELA; further validating ELA’s innovative business model
Several other contracts and commercial alliance deals are expected to be announced in the very near future
Jones stated that in addition to contracted rocket companies Innospace and Sirius
inbound enquiry relating to ELA’s services has been ‘hot’ meaning the Space Launch Complexes are filling fast
“We are currently in the final stages of negotiation with three more launchers about our resident launch contracts
so our remaining orbital complexes are filling fast
The feedback we are receiving is that our comprehensive
full-service approach is really resonating with these rocket companies and their payload customers and that is why we’ve developed our new tagline: ‘You build the rockets… we’ll take care of the rest’™️” said Jones
The Airborne monument at the foot of the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem has gone missing. The city believes it was stolen and will file a report, De Gelderlander reports
The WWII monument consists of a bronze plaque dating from 1951
It describes the war history of the bridge in Dutch and English
“It is a disgrace that people do this kind of thing,” a furious alderman Rob Roelof told the newspaper
“Those people have absolutely no idea what this monument means
because we experienced so many special moments here
where the commemoration of the Second World War takes place so intensely.”
Joris Nieuwint from Veghel first noticed that the monument was missing on Friday and reported it to the municipality
“I saw all kinds of grindings lying around the monument,” he told the newspaper
The Princess Royal has relayed a message on behalf of the King in which he said the "heroism and sacrifice made by so many in the pursuit of peace" would never be forgotten
Princess Anne was representing the King at an event to remember those who fought in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem
Operation Market Garden was underway in this region of the Netherlands," she said on behalf of the King
Operation Market Garden aimed to push through the Netherlands and into Germany just three months after the Normandy landings
"An ambitious joint airborne and ground forces operation designed to seize crucial bridges to enable the advance into Germany
its ultimate aim was to end the war within a matter of months," the Princess Royal said
"The friendships made during those difficult days of September 1944 between the Dutch and their liberators continued after the war
"I saw this for myself five years ago when
as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment
I attended the 75th anniversary commemorations."
Joined by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence
Anne delivered her brother’s speech at a reception staged at the Airborne Museum Hartenstein in Oosterbeek
The former hotel served as the headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division during the Battle of Arnhem
believed to be the only British soldier to travel to Arnhem for the commemorations this year
Mr Roberts flew by glider into Arnhem during Operation Market Garden
but was captured as the Allies retreated after their efforts
were thwarted by strong resistance by the Germans
and he spent the rest of the war in a prisoner of war camp
despite the endless courage of all those who served in an operation whose renown echoes through the generations
the Netherlands had one more terrible winter to suffer before liberation finally arrived
it is with a deep sense of gratitude and humility that we remember all those in the British
Allied and Commonwealth forces who served and died fighting for our freedom
"Let us also remember those magnificently courageous members of the Dutch resistance and gallant civilians who endured so much during the Second World War
"We will never forget the heroism and sacrifice made by so many in the pursuit of peace and liberation
My wife joins me in sending warmest possible good wishes to all those taking part in this weekend of commemoration."
Vitesse Arnhem have had their professional licence revoked by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB)
The decision comes after Vitesse failed to meet critical financial and regulatory requirements
Vitesse — who had until Monday to submit the necessary documentation but fell short
The KNVB emphasised that allowing Vitesse to participate under their current conditions would jeopardise its continuity
adding that “a longer postponement is impossible due to the approaching start of the new football season”
the licensing committee had repeatedly extended deadlines for Vitesse
initially warning on April 30 that the club’s license would be at risk if its financial situation did not improve
recognising some positive developments regarding the transfer of shares to an independent foundation
the committee granted Vitesse additional time
There have been numerous media reports about potential new shareholders for Vitesse
the limited documentation provided by the club was insufficient to meet the licensing requirements
This failure led to the revocation of their license
According to the professional football license regulations
Vitesse’s appeal must be submitted in writing to the licensing appeals committee within five working days of the decision
The appeal process includes a written response from the licensing committee and a subsequent hearing where both parties will be represented
The club’s financial struggles trace back to ownership issues
particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022
Vitesse had been owned by Russian oligarch Valeriy Oyf since 2018
Oyf announced his intention to sell the club in March 2022
and Vitesse has since been embroiled in a complex transfer of ownership involving multiple potential buyers and regulatory hurdles
the KNVB rejected a takeover bid by the Common Group
due to insufficient evidence of their financial stability
this was rejected on May 7 by the licensing committee
The club also received an 18-point deduction in April and were relegated from the Eredivisie for the first time in 35 years
This was imposed due to persistent breaches of licensing conditions and providing incorrect information to authorities
including a crowdfunding campaign and the temporary transfer of Oyf’s majority shares to an independent foundation
the club will not be able to compete in the Eerste Divisie — Dutch second tier — next season
Vitesse could also take the decision to court
and a 41-year-old man without a fixed address
Their arrests resulted from surveillance footage and tips provided to law enforcement
The men remain in custody under full restrictions
meaning they are only allowed to communicate with their attorneys
Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch reacted strongly to the arrests
calling the suspected arson “a heartbreaking thought.” In a statement posted on X
“Many Arnhemmers lost their homes and belongings
and our city center will bear a scar forever.” He also condemned the act as “unacceptable and cowardly.”
Marcouch praised the investigative work that led to the arrests
thanking police for their “thorough and effective detective work.”
The fire, which broke out overnight between Wednesday
started near a side wall of the SoLow party supply store on Varkensstraat
it likely began when a flammable substance was thrown into or near a trash bin
The flames quickly engulfed surrounding structures
The blaze destroyed an entire block of residences and commercial properties
including multiple historic buildings with facades dating back around 150 years
The main building where the fire started was completely gutted and later demolished
At least 10 other buildings sustained significant damage
Authorities have launched a large-scale criminal investigation into the fire, with a special Major Crime Investigation Team (TGO) assigned to the case. However, forensic examination of the fire’s origin was initially delayed due to the risk of structural collapse. Investigators could only access the scene in detail on Saturday
Police said they are considering all possible scenarios
ranging from deliberate arson to lesser forms of culpability
A spokesperson confirmed that “the investigation team is working tirelessly to map out all details.”
At least five Arnhem residents lost their homes entirely
while several dozen others remain uncertain about their return
The fire caused immense chaos and disruption in the city center
requiring emergency responders to battle the flames for over a day
but the process has been complicated by the discovery of asbestos fragments during demolition work
A specialized team has been brought in to decontaminate the affected area
local businesses and residents have mobilized to support those affected
A local lunchroom has organized a supply drive
and a crowdfunding campaign has already raised more than 16,000 euros for displaced victims
A devastating fire in the city center of Arnhem has been brought under control, though it remains active in some areas
Around 100 residents are being cared for as emergency services continue to manage the aftermath of the blaze
which has left a visible scar on the city’s historic center
the fire department reported they had gained "more control" of the situation
using thermal imaging cameras mounted on drones to pinpoint areas still at risk
Gas supply has been shut off to 75 buildings to help prevent the fire from spreading further
Although no missing persons have been reported
authorities are continuing to assess the damage and confirm whether there are any casualties
we expect to be working throughout the day," said a spokesperson for the fire department
particularly to buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries
Some 25 homes and the shops below them are so badly damaged that they are no longer habitable."
To contain the fire, the fire department has started demolishing parts of the affected block to extinguish remaining fires and ensure no one is trapped inside
Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire
but it is believed to have started in a party supply store
Authorities are still working to confirm the fire's origin
approximately 150 shops and homes in the city center are without power
Businesses between Nieuwe Plein and Jansplein are closed for the day
and bus routes through the area have been altered
It remains unclear when residents will be able to return to their homes
as many buildings will need to be assessed for stability before they can be deemed safe
Around 60 to 80 residents were evacuated during the early stages of the fire. They have been relocated to the Arnhem city hall, where they are receiving assistance from emergency services and support from local victim assistance teams.
Mayor Ahmed Marcouch
who interrupted his vacation in Morocco to address the crisis
expressed his concern for the affected residents
and my thoughts are with those who have been affected
I hope no one has been harmed in this disaster," he said in a statement
"My heart bleeds for the heart of our city
and now we are dealing with the destruction of our historic city center
Around 100 people were evacuated because they couldn’t stay in their homes
Marcouch emphasized the hard work of the 150 firefighters
who worked throughout the night to combat the flames
"I have so much admiration for Arnhem's resilience
we will work tirelessly to restore the city
My thoughts are with those affected," he said
Deputy Mayor Cathelijne Bouwkamp also expressed shock
adding that the city’s residents and businesses were struggling with the uncertainty
"It’s devastating for our historic city center and for the people who live and work here
"Many people are still unsure if they will be able to return home
and we’re working to support everyone impacted by this tragedy."
One of Teijin's three Dutch sites to close under restructuring plan in response to competition from Asia
has announced plans to close its aramid fibre production site in Arnhem as part of a series of cost-cutting measures
the Dutch-based manufacturer said it is planning to reduce jobs by 15% over the coming years in order to “rightsize” the organisation in response to market conditions
"will start developing the design principles for streamlining the organisational structure
with the possibility of further reductions not being eliminated.”
The changes associated with the restructuring are schedule to begin during 2025
The measures include the intended closure of the production site in Arnhem - Kleefse Waard; evaluation of the international location structure; adjustments in strategic direction; and a strong focus on cost-effectiveness
the cost-cutting measures are necessary in face of increased competition
the company expects demand for aramid to stagnate due to the slowdown of the global economy: putting pressure on selling prices
which increases the cost price,” the company added
focus on achieving more efficient production and growth scenarios
in both existing and new markets that offer a positive outlook
Teijin Aramid will return to profitability in the long term,” said CEO Peter ter Horst
“Despite the current challenging conditions
we remain confident in a prosperous future for our company," he added
and Teijinconex, Teijin Aramid's fibres are used in applications such as protective clothing, tires
automotive components and industrial products
Teijin Aramid currently operates three production facilities in The Netherlands – at Arnhem
Delfzijl and Emmen – two in Japan and one in Thailand
a Teijin Aramid spokeswoman said the Arnhem site 'does not produce aramid fibre for rubber/tires applications'.
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Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Operation Market Garden was a plan conceived by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery to hasten the end of the Second World War by opening up new routes into Germany
The allied forces adopted a bold strategy: seize a series of crucial bridges in the Netherlands through a combination of airborne attack and ground advances
The Battle of Arnhem - the centrepiece of the operation - exemplified both the daring and the pitfalls of the allies’ approach
British paratroopers were tasked with capturing and holding the bridge at Arnhem until reinforcements could arrive
But what unfolded was a harrowing saga of bravery met with a great loss of life for the allied forces
The paratroopers faced fierce resistance from the well-prepared German forces
including elite Panzer tank divisions that had been underestimated by allied intelligence
Ground forces struggled to advance as planned
leaving the airborne troops isolated and vulnerable
But throughout the protracted and bloody engagement shone countless tales of courage and sacrifice
Lieutenant Peter Cane was among the first wave of paratroopers to land at Arnhem during the operation’s opening stages
he had already faced the harsh realities of war in Sicily and Italy before his deployment to the Netherlands
As Lieutenant Cane led his men through the narrow streets of Arnhem
they were initially greeted by cheering Dutch citizens
this quickly turned into fierce combat with German troops
Despite being mortally wounded in one of the first encounters with the Wehrmacht
Cane continued to encourage his men to remain determined
He succumbed to his injuries shortly after the skirmish and was initially buried in a makeshift grave near where he fell
His remains were later moved to Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery
Captain Lionel Queripel was a British officer who displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Arnhem
Serving with 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment
Queripel had already seen significant action
having been evacuated at Dunkirk and during fighting in North Africa and Italy
During the battle his unit came under intense fire from German forces
Queripel continued to lead his men with remarkable courage
He carried an injured soldier to safety and then returned to coordinate an assault on the enemy position
As ammunition ran low and Germany forces pressed their advantage
Queripel ordered a strategic retreat to prevent further casualties
His courage was later recognised with the Victoria Cross
Lt Dermod Green Anderson and Pte Henry Moon
Lieutenant Dermod Green Anderson was born in Durban
South Africa and moved to England in the 1930s to study architecture
At the outbreak of the Second World War he was employed as an assistant to the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens
Anderson joined The Gloucestershire Regiment and completed his training as a glider pilot
He participated in the Normandy operations and played a crucial role at Arnhem
he was killed near Oosterbeek on 25 September 1944 by a German mortar bomb
His bravery was noted by his commanding officer
who recalled his efforts to rescue wounded soldiers under heavy enemy fire
Anderson was reported missing and his name was inscribed on the Groesbeek Memorial
His remains were discovered during a field survey near the old church in Oosterbeek
where efforts had been made to locate lost field graves
The identification process by the MOD Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre and the Dutch Identification and Recovery Unit involved DNA analysis
which eventually allowed the MOD to contact Anderson’s modern-day relatives
Anderson was laid to rest on 18 September 2024 at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery in the presence of his great-nephew
a serving lieutenant colonel in the British Army
The burial service was conducted with full military honours and attended by Armed Forces personnel who carried his coffin and performed a rifle salute
was an apprentice joiner before joining the British Army during the Second World War
He served with 7th Battalion The Green Howards (The Yorkshire Regiment)
Moon landed in Normandy on 6 June 1944 and spent his summer advancing through France and Belgium
During the Battle of Arnhem Moon’s unit faced intense combat as they attempted to hold their positions against German counterattacks
Moon was killed during a German mortar attack on 1 October 1944
Moon’s remains were only discovered on 12 November 2020 during roadworks on the A15 motorway
His body was found in a shallow grave on the battlefield where he fell
The identification process involved matching his possessions with his battalion and conducting DNA analysis
which confirmed his identity through a sample from his great-nephew David
On 18 September 2024 Private Moon was finally laid to rest at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery
His coffin was carried by serving soldiers of The Royal Yorkshire Regiment
With thanks to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details
A 99-year-old veteran has laid a wreath at a cemetery in the Netherlands during a memorial service for those who took part in Operation Market Garden
Geoff Roberts is believed to be the only British veteran to have travelled to Arnhem for the commemorations this year
which mark the 80th anniversary of the operation
Mr Roberts laid a wreath alongside the Princess Royal
Also at the event was the Chief of the General Staff
the Deputy Commander of Nato's Allied Air Command
The event took place at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery
with crowds of civilians and children bearing flowers gathered alongside military personnel and veterans to pay their respects
nine-day combined air and land operation in the German-occupied Netherlands
Market was the airborne phase and Garden was XXX Corps' attempt to link up with them
The goal was to capture nine vital bridges at locations including Son
The ceremony followed a number of other commemorative events that took place earlier in the week
To honour the memory of the fallen paratroopers and glider-borne airborne soldiers
their modern equivalents repeated the jump
This saw hundreds of Nato paratroopers drop into the Netherlands, with Gen Sir Roly Walker the first out of the door of an A400M Atlas.
a Lancaster bomber from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) took to the skies over Arnhem to pay tribute to all those involved in Operation Market Garden
It was not the first service for Mr Roberts, who attended another ceremony at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
He handed on the Torch of Commemoration to the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel John Frost
who commanded British forces holding the northern end of the bridge
Princess Anne also attended a previous commemoration event, again representing the King and delivering a speech on behalf of His Majesty
at the Airborne Museum Hartenstein in Oosterbeek
The museum used to be a hotel and served as the headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division during the Battle of Arnhem
Hard drug use during sex parties is on the rise in Arnhem, particularly among gay and bisexual men and transgender people, according to addiction care provider IrisZorg. The organization has identified the city as a hotspot for chemsex, a trend involving drugs like crystal meth (Tina), XTC, and 3MMC to enhance or prolong sexual activities, Omroep Gelderland reports
IrisZorg is expanding its services in response to what it describes as a “severe and growing need.”
has also been reported at the largest gay sauna in Arnhem
Multiple anonymous sources told Omroep Gelderland that drug use occurs openly at the sauna
known as “slamming,” is becoming more common
raising concerns about addiction and health risks
You get used to it very quickly and need more and more to feel that same kick,” Raymond Brugman
IrisZorg has seen a sharp increase in clients seeking help for chemsex-related issues
with the organization already receiving half the number of requests it recorded in all of 2024
Brugman and his colleague Geke Nijsse say many of these clients are in severe physical and mental distress
with some arriving with infections or open wounds from repeated injections
We offer a safe space for that,” Brugman said
The organization believes the numbers they are seeing only represent a small portion of those affected
with Brugman describing the issue as “a bubble you get pulled into” and “the tip of the iceberg.”
there are just two specialized chemsex clinics in the Netherlands
which had previously only served Arnhem and Nijmegen
is now expanding due to increased demand from other cities in the eastern Netherlands
We’re being asked to help in multiple cities,” Brugman said
LGBTQ+ advocacy group COC Midden-Gelderland has also raised alarms about the risks associated with chemsex
warned of the vulnerability of individuals involved in these parties
and sexually transmitted infections spread extremely fast,” Harbeek told Omroep Gelderland
one in four uses drugs the first time they have sex
You also see on gay dating apps that drug use has become the norm,” Harbeek added
At the largest gay sauna in the Netherlands
syringes have reportedly been found in the sauna's restrooms
Owner Arold Dingemans confirmed the presence of injecting needles
“Sometimes people come in already under the influence or use drugs here
We’ve found syringes in two restrooms,” Dingemans told Omroep Gelderland
the sauna has installed blue lighting in restrooms to make it more difficult for users to locate veins
Dingemans emphasized that as a business owner
there is little he can do to stop the behavior entirely
I make sure they’re not left alone until they can communicate again,” Dingemans said
Both the police and local government declined to comment on reports of drug use at the sauna
they urged the public to report such activity
IrisZorg is expanding its chemsex treatment team and increasing its focus on prevention
COC emphasizes the need for aftercare support for individuals recovering from addiction
you’re often left to deal with it alone,” Harbeek said
In a message ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch reflected on the devastating fire that struck the city center earlier this month
He praised the unity and support shown by the community in response to the incident
“We needed each other greatly this past month,” Marcouch wrote
“Shaken by a major fire in our city center
we found one another as Arnhem residents in a spirit of brotherhood and stood by each other
We looked out for our fellow citizens and worked together to overcome this challenge
It has made us realize how essential it is to care for one another and to maintain and restore relationships—with our families
Marcouch’s message also looked ahead to other religious celebrations occurring around the same time
including the Jewish holiday of Passover and the Christian observance of Easter
and engage in meaningful conversations,” he wrote
Approximately 100 residents were evacuated, with many temporarily housed at Arnhem city hall. The fire caused widespread disruption, including power outages affecting around 150 shops and homes, while authorities continued to assess the damage and investigate the cause. The damage was described as leaving a visible scar across the city center
“The independent licensing committee of the KNVB has revoked the licence of football club Vitesse as of 9 July,” said a statement
“This was communicated to the club on Monday
the absence of a controlling accountant and the fact that no conclusive budget could be provided
make it impossible to allow the licence of Vitesse to continue for the 2024-25 season.”
who are negotiating a takeover deal with the Dutch businessman Guus Franke and are reported to have debts of around €14m (£11.8m)
have confirmed they intend to appeal against the decision
they could face a similar fate to the Belgian club Mouscron
who were declared bankrupt in May 2022 after having their licence revoked
“It was in the line of expectation that such a decision would be made
We have not been able to provide the necessary information in time,” said Vitesse’s interim managing director
With the developments of the past few days we are looking forward to this process with confidence
We do not give up in the interest of the club
The KNVB’s decision also follows a joint investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and the Guardian
which revealed apparent – and previously denied – financial connections between the club and Roman Abramovich
which took place during the oligarch’s ownership of Chelsea
This included revelations that Abramovich had, according to leaked documents
secretly bankrolled the club over multiple years with at least €117m in loans
using a network of shell companies in offshore jurisdictions including the British Virgin Islands
Vitesse were nicknamed “Chelsea B” because of the large number of players that were loaned to the club
Vitesse’s three most recent owners – Merab Jordania
Alexander Chigirinsky and Valery Oyf – were all known to be close to the billionaire
Both clubs denied any form of formal relationship and two previous investigations by the KNVB failed to find any evidence of Abramovich’s influence on the club
Vitesse’s fortunes changed dramatically after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Abramovich had sanctions imposed on him in both the EU and the UK
while Oyf signalled his intention to sell the club
TBIJ and the Guardian’s reporting last year prompted a third KNVB investigation into the club’s ties to Abramovich
as well as one by the Dutch government’s ministry of economic affairs
It also said it had unearthed “indications that Abramovich has or has had control over Vitesse”
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Vitesse have been in a desperate hunt for a new owner who could pay off the club’s mounting debts – a substantial amount of which is owed to the Common Group
Despite gaining approval to transfer Oyf’s shares in Vitesse to a new foundation the club have been unable to raise the funds to balance their books – a requirement needed to retain their licence
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Two fundraising campaigns for those affected by the devastating fire in Arnhem’s city center have raised approximately 47,000 euros. The fire
which broke out late in the night on March 5 and continued into March 6
destroyed more than ten historic buildings
displacing many residents and leaving businesses in ruins
which had accumulated around 26,500 euros by Sunday morning
aims to provide immediate aid to those who lost everything in the blaze
"Many residents have literally nothing left
and no place to sleep," said one of the organizers
Funds raised through this campaign will go toward providing essential items such as temporary housing
highlights the extensive damage caused by the fire
"More than ten historic buildings in the heart of Arnhem have gone up in flames
People have lost their homes and their future," said its organizer
This campaign is focused on emergency relief
The authorities have detained three men in connection with the fire
Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch confirmed via social media platform X that police suspect the fire was deliberately set
calling the possibility "a heartbreaking thought."
A police spokesperson on Sunday declined to provide further details on the investigation
including the exact cause or motive of the fire
"I understand that there are many questions," the spokesperson said
we are sticking to the information already released." The spokesperson did not confirm how many tips have been received but emphasized the overwhelming community support
"All of Arnhem and the surrounding area is deeply engaged and thinking along with us
An investigation into the fire’s origin began over the weekend
Authorities entered the charred buildings for the first time on Friday afternoon after being cleared to do so
A police spokesperson confirmed that forensic investigation teams
including the National Forensic Investigation Team
had arrived at the scene on Friday but were unable to begin their work immediately due to the risk of structural collapse
The remaining structure was unstable due to partial destruction and demolition
The police have stated that they believe the fire was arson
With the help of security camera footage and tips from the public
three suspects were detained on Saturday evening in connection with the fire
They are being investigated for suspected arson
another significant fire occurred on the night of March 4 to 5
Authorities have stated that they currently see no link between the two fires but have not ruled out the possibility as the investigation continues
The tragic fire in Arnhem has left many in the community reeling
with efforts now focused on immediate relief and long-term recovery
Both fundraising campaigns continue to gather support for the victims as the investigation into the fire's cause and perpetrators moves forward
The three men arrested in connection with the major fire that broke out in the historic city center of Arnhem last week are suspected of arson, police and prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday
investigators have not yet turned up any evidence to indicate that the shop where the fire broke out was targeted by the suspects
The three suspects were identified as a 57-year-old and a 30-year-old from Arnhem
and a third man with no fixed place of residence who is 41 years of age
They will be brought before an examining magistrate on Wednesday
who can then remand the suspects to jail for up to 14 days
The fire began at around 4 a.m on Thursday. It took 23 hours for it to be put out. One of the buildings that was destroyed as a result of the fire was from the 15th century, according to Omroep Gelderland
“No further information can be provided about the motive and the way in which the fire was started,” the police stated
Five buildings owned by residents and one building owned by an entrepreneur were completely destroyed in the fire
These residents and business owners will certainly not be able to return to these buildings
owned the building that was completely burned down
45 people were still unable to return to their homes
The prospect of the fire being intentionally set weighed heavily on Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch
who called it a “heartbreaking thought.” He said on social media
“Many Arnhem residents lost their homes and possessions
and our city center will forever bear a scar.”
“The fire in the city centre of Arnhem has had an enormous impact on the residents who had to leave their homes in a hurry
entrepreneurs and the rest of the city,” police said on Tuesday
“The past few days have made it clear how involved residents have been and still are
GateDrop.com
Nancy van de Ven announced her retirement from the sport back in November 2023 but she decided to come back out of retirement for one more ride at her home round of the WMX series which took place in Arnhem
The former WMX champion showed that she is still fast finishing sixth in the first moto which is impressive
We caught up with van de Ven to discuss her weekend and more…
back in the GP paddock and back racing WMX and in your home country
How does it feel to be back after announcing your retirement
Van de Ven: Yesterday felt really good actually
but I’m not back because this was just a one-time thing
Yesterday I had a lot of fun and I showed a really good first race I think
because I come from no racing at all since I broke my leg
I have been training and I could finish it in a good position and I really like riding
Today was unfortunately a little bit worse
but that is part of the sport and also partly why I retired
So now I know that it’s just a one more time thing to see that it’s really nice on one side and it can be a little bit tough on the other side and it’s unfortunate
GateDrop: Obviously when you were a full time WMX rider
Did that take the pressure off and were you able to enjoy it
Maybe in the past you couldn’t enjoy it as much as this weekend
I couldn’t enjoy riding here because it was always focusing on the end result
If you rode like sh*t and you still won the race
If you rode like a really good race and you finished third
Yesterday I felt like my riding was in the moto very strong and very good
I was really prepared to set another good race today because I came out of my bed and I felt really good
it didn’t work out the way we wanted because I had a start crash and the bike was pretty much damaged
did you ever stop riding completely or did you always ride for fun
I’d been on the bike for like five times
You start missing it because it’s been my life and my lifestyle
which took me off the bike for another 10 weeks
Then I started riding again a little bit and then I had another surgery on my leg
I feel really good and I can ride a little bit more
Then when I started riding a little bit more
Let’s see if I can get a little bit fit again
When you go to the track training and you’re riding and after 10 minutes you’re tired
Because I should be able to ride for 30 minutes
Then it was my goal to train again to make it longer
GateDrop: What is life like without Motocross
Do you do any other sports or anything like that
I have my own beauty company that I already have for six years
I worked for Yamaha as an ambassador of the bLU cRU program and also as a coach
that is really a really nice opportunity because they kept me inside the paddock and inside racing
They gave me an opportunity to not go into the black hole
you can find me on the training track on a Wednesday just to have fun
GateDrop: Do you train many girls or is it guys as well
do you think there’s a future Dutch WMX star
I think she has a really good potential to finish on the podium when she’s a little bit older and when we have been training a little bit more
there’s a lot of talent inside that program
We are trying to catch out the talents and give them some support and things like that
we already have the young stars inside Yamaha Racing for the future
GateDrop: Will you continue to ride just for fun now in the future
but first this Wednesday I have a surgery on my knee again
I will be riding because it’s not like this has been your life and from one to the other day
That is the nicest thing I do when I have free time
I know now why I retired and why I’m not doing this on a professional base anymore
we’ve been preparing for three or four months and that is pretty hard
Three men in Arnhem are wanted for assaulting two women near the Station Arnhem Centraal
A group of men were walking before spotting three women
an exchange followed before two of the women were assaulted by three of the men
One of the women was also kicked in the head while she was lying on the ground
This led to her breaking her nose and suffering several bruises and a concussion
She was treated for her injuries in hospital
The other young woman suffered from pain in her neck and head after the assault
Camera footage of the incident was shown on the TV show opposing Verzocht
Anybody who knows the men is being asked to report this to the police
Footage also shows the men with two women earlier in the evening
These women are not suspects but have also been asked by the police to come forward
Investigations into their previous ownerships plunged the Dutch side’s future into uncertainty and
The Athletic has explored how the Netherlands’ second-oldest club nearly ceased to exist
and were relegated from the Eredivisie for the first time in 35 years
pending approval from the licensing committee of the Dutch football association (KNVB)
A report from The Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in March 2023 claimed that Abramovich had financed a previous takeover and subsequent operations of Vitesse for several years
The funding scheme allegedly involved a complex network of offshore entities with Abramovich’s companies
claimed he was friends with both Abramovich and Chigirinsky — and after his claim that they had lent him money for Vitesse when needed
the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK) requested information from Vitesse in June 2023 as part of their investigation into the club’s continued Russian ownership
This involves thoroughly investigating the ownership and control structures of their business partners
The KNVB launched two of their own investigations in July 2023 with research agency Integis — one looking into the Common Group and the other assessing the previous links between Vitesse and Abramovich
the Common Group suffered a blow as the KNVB announced the rejection of Vitesse’s request in February 2024
effectively refusing to give permission for them to be taken over by Parry’s firm
which would free them from Russian ownership
This punishment was because of their “repeated failure” to meet licensing regulations over an extended period
The KNVB’s licensing committee said that there were “indications” suggesting Abramovich had past or present control over Vitesse
They therefore concluded that it was “important to await the ministry’s investigation”
Over €1.9million (£1.62m) was raised until the campaign shut on May 18
Parry had told The Athletic in April that the fact he had agreed a deal with Oyf was enough for him to be considered suspicious by the licensing committee, although he also believes the licensing committee does not like multi-club investors and the row with him became personal
the KNVB referred The Athletic to their February statement
and that it remained unclear who its investors would be
Roman Abramovich at peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in March 2022 (Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
the KNVB confirmed they had approved Vitesse’s plan to transfer shares temporarily to Vitesse Forever
This decision postponed the potential revocation of Vitesse’s license until May 26
allowing the club more time to seek approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK)
Vitesse said in a statement that there was “constructive contact with ING Bank and accountants and the shares of PMH (Oyf) appear to be transferred as soon as possible to the independent Vitesse voor Altijd (forever) foundation”
it was announced that lawyers Barbara van Hussen and Richard le Grand had been appointed to the supervisory board of Vitesse
replacing Andrey Soloviev and Peter van Bussel
This was a key step in demonstrating Vitesse was breaking away from its previous ownership structure
and that they could act independently from its old shareholders
following a response from the Investment Assessment Bureau (BTI) of the EZK
Vitesse announced that they received confirmation from the licensing committee that they are making satisfactory progress towards meeting its licensing requirements
They have been granted an extension until June 17 to fully comply with the criteria
The next step for Vitesse is finding sources of funding and balancing their books
Pieter Colijn and Erik Mulder as three independent directors to sit on the new foundation
and their task was to “focus on the temporary management and sale of the shares”
Vitesse essentially need to present a balanced budget by June 17 — a challenging task given their relegation
General manager Edwin Reijntjes explained in a statement on Friday that expected income will drop from €19m to €11m
mainly because of the loss of television monies from not playing in the Eredivisie
They plan to sell 20 per cent of the shares to local entrepreneurs and supporters
Reijntjes called on businesses to “to make their contribution” after praising fans following their crowdfunding campaign
There have also been further allegations about the club’s past ties
The Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism alleged on May 10 that leaked documents suggested Oyf funded the club with loans from Abramovich
Oyf and Abramovich did not return The Guardian’s requests for comment
Although the EZK’s investigation into Vitesse has concluded
The Athletic has learned that investigative bodies
the priority for Vitesse is to maintain financial stability
(Vitesse supporters watching their side earlier this month by Olaf Kraak/ANP via Getty Images)
The 57-year-old man arrested for arson in the center of Arnhem has long been known to local authorities for causing serious disturbances. Sources confirmed to NOS that he has repeatedly been involved in incidents leading to significant disruption in the area
The man, identified as Koert H., was arrested on Saturday along with two other men
the owner and resident of the home where the arrest took place
He is known in the neighborhood for causing frequent disturbances
Surveillance footage from the night of the fire shows the three men arriving at a house on Looierstraat
shows them kicking the door and loudly singing
A nearby resident had called the police shortly before the fire was reported
The neighborhood has faced ongoing issues stemming from Koert H.'s residence
According to one neighbor who spoke with NOS
purchased the property in 2023 following a divorce
and hostile behavior toward neighbors and business owners became frequent
The building's shared stairwell was reportedly used for public urination and defecation
and it became a regular gathering place for drug users
After fines failed to improve the situation
to leave the property for ten days that August
A local spokesperson confirmed to Omroep Gelderland that during this period
12 people were found sleeping on mattresses in the living room
A different neighbor stated that the municipality had been very proactive in managing the situation
"The city did everything it could to keep control of the situation
have also been seen frequenting the residence
The police have since closed off the property
law enforcement has declined to provide further details on the investigation
and the Public Prosecution Service also stated that no additional information would be available while the investigation is ongoing
The three men suspected of involvement in the massive fire that destroyed a residential and commercial building in Arnhem’s city center will remain in custody for another 90 days
On March 6, 2025, a large fire broke out in Arnhem
completely destroying a block of residential apartments with shops on the ground floor
Authorities have determined that the fire was caused by arson. In response, police arrested two Arnhem residents
along with a 41-year-old man who has no fixed address
The three suspects were first brought before an examining magistrate on March 12
the court ruled that they should remain in custody for an additional 14 days
the suspects appeared before the court’s council chamber
which decided to extend their pretrial detention for another 90 days
Council chamber hearings are not open to the public
and the court has not disclosed the specific reasoning behind its decision
The council chamber consists of three judges who collectively determine whether a suspect should remain in custody
the accused can be held for a maximum of 90 days
the case must come before a trial judge for the first time
A pro forma hearing has been scheduled for June 17
the case will not yet be substantively examined
Pro forma hearings are required when a case must appear in court within a certain timeframe
but prosecutors are not yet ready for a full trial
21 September 2024: Parachute drop and memorial services mark 80 years since Battle of Arnhem
700 paratroopers from eight NATO nations recreated the Second World War airborne invasion of the Netherlands in memory of the Greatest Generation earlier today (21 September)
Exercise FALCON LEAP is NATO’s largest technical exercise focused on enhancing operational readiness and the interoperability of the allies’ airborne forces
The parachute drop began a weekend of commemorations in the Netherlands to mark the 80th anniversary of an audacious allied attempt to recapture a series of strategically-important bridges from the Nazis and open a new route into Germany
Defence Minister Lord Coaker joined a commemorative service at Ginkel Heath
The UK Armed Forces are leading the tributes in the Netherlands as they continue the proud traditions of service and sacrifice
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Today we honour the veterans of Arnhem
and we honour those who fought and died to help liberate our allies
we remember the huge price paid for our freedom and commit to defending peace and security today
I’m proud that members of our Armed Forces are at the heart of the commemorations in the Netherlands this week.”
Defence Minister Lord Coaker said: “Our Armed Forces continue to be inspired by the service and sacrifice of that great generation
which fought so we may live in freedom today
I was proud to join members of the Armed Forces to pay our respects to those who served and died 80 years ago
We remain hugely grateful to all those who gave their lives to defeat Nazi tyranny.”
Lord Coaker also attended a Polish-led commemorative service in Driel
in tribute to the hundreds of Polish service personnel who served with the British Army in Arnhem
The NATO parachute drop featured a series of tactical airborne operations
including aerial cargo drops and high-altitude freefall jumps
Eight NATO member countries took part: the UK
The Red Devils – the British Army’s parachute display team – ended the exercise with a commemorative display marking the 80th anniversary of the battle
part of an allied plan to liberate the Netherlands and to force a route into Germany
Arnhem remained in Nazi hands and nearly 2,000 Commonwealth and allied soldiers had been killed
Operation MARKET GARDEN remains a remarkable feat of arms due to the determination and courage shown by the soldiers
It also led to the liberation of a large part of the Netherlands at a time when many civilians were close to starvation
Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker jumped from an RAF A400M transport aircraft alongside some 90 paratroopers from 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team
Eight of the UK paratroopers jumped with specially designed poppy parachutes and a Lancaster Bomber from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight conducted a flypast
Tomorrow [Sunday] members of the public will join Second World War veterans
senior UK defence officials and UK Armed Forces personnel at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery in a commemorative event featuring military musicians and moving tributes
The order of service remains unchanged since the first Airborne Memorial Service took place in 1945
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2025 The 57-year-old man arrested on Saturday in connection with the devastating fire in the centre of Arnhem is a known troublemaker in the neighbourhood
41 and 30 were arrested in connection with the fire that seriously damaged 10 buildings
shows three men making a noisy arrival at an apartment on the Looierstraat
“The council has done all it can to get the situation under control but at a certain point it had turned into a drugs den,” one neighbour said
The police and public prosecution department have declined to say any more about the three
Earlier this year the police sounded the alarm about the number of call outs they have to make involving people with psychiatric issues
They registered almost 150,000 reports of problems caused by people with psychiatric issues last year
The number of mental health call-outs has been rising steadily for years and includes serious as well as minor incidents
world leaders in aerial delivery systems in conjunction with the UK Armed Forces
today commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem with a powerful and emotionally charged parachute jump over Arnhem
This event not only paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in one of World War II’s most significant battles
including veterans who were there to witness the poignant display
eight of the parachutists descended from the skies with specially designed red and black poppy parachutes
This unexpected and visually striking display
symbolising remembrance and the enduring legacy of the heroes of Arnhem
left onlookers—and particularly the attending veterans—deeply touched
serve as a modern homage to the company’s historic connection to the battle
dating back to the original X-Type parachutes used during Operation MARKET GARDEN in 1944
The concept for this commemorative jump was envisioned in 2019 by Russ Murphy
a former RAF Falcons Display Team member and a key figure within IrvinGQ’s sales department
His ambition was to create an event that would not only celebrate IrvinGQ’s long-standing relationship with the armed forces
but also honour the memory of those who served
Although the global pandemic delayed the project
the significance of the 80th anniversary made this the perfect moment to bring this heartfelt tribute to life with one poppy for each decade that has passed
who has been intimately involved in the project from its inception to packing the poppies for the jump
reflected on the event’s emotional impact: “This day is incredibly special to us and to all who have been touched by the legacy of the Battle of Arnhem
The poppy parachutes were not just a surprise
symbolising both remembrance and the unwavering quality of IrvinGQ products
Seeing the veterans’ reactions as the poppies unfurled in the sky is something I will never forget.”
The commemorative jump was kept a closely guarded secret
adding to the emotional resonance of the moment
particularly the veterans who have carried the memories of Arnhem for decades
the sight of the poppy parachutes was an unexpected and powerful reminder of the enduring respect and honour that their sacrifices command
As the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem is commemorated
IrvinGQ is profoundly proud to have honoured the heroes of the past with a tribute that will be etched in memory for years to come
*We would like to extend our gratitude to our suppliers
for providing the high-quality fabric used in the poppy parachute production
we thank Cardiff Embroidery for their exceptional work in embroidering the poppy logo
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We do not employ any tracking or analytics cookies and we comply with UK data protection laws
Updates with links to posts made over the previous 7 days are normally mailed around 6pm UK time each Sunday
Your email address will NOT be shared with third parties
There are signs that the devastating fire in the city center of Arnhem on Thursday may have been intentionally set, anonymous sources involved in the emergency response told De Gelderlander
The newspaper said that the police are following significant leads that people were spotted close to the area where the fire originated shortly before it began
but District Chief of the Gelderland-Midden Police Erik Bomhof was tightlipped during a press conference that took place in the afternoon
saying only that the full investigation will begin on Friday after the fire is fully extinguished
and that will not happen in the coming hours,” Bromhof said
The fire quickly spread to other buildings after it broke out around 3:45 a.m
at the bargain store SoLow on the Jansstraat
The fire led to the complete destruction of several historic buildings erected in the 18th and 19th centuries.Around 25 homes and commercial spaces were damaged during the fire
Many households were evacuated during the overnight fire
Many residents may not be able to return home until after the weekend.Even though the flames spread rapidly
it was unlikely anyone was injured or killed in the fire
There are currently no missing persons reports related to the fire
said Albert-Jan van Maren from the Gelderland-Midden Safety Office
the fire department has not yet been able to reach all the buildings
he said during the press conference.“Several buildings have been affected by the fire
We will discuss this with them later,” said Deputy Mayor Cathelijne Bouwkamp.When asked about the cause of the blaze
Bomhof said he could not yet address the issue directly
Spokespersons for the Gelderland-Midden district police also would not issue a statement on the record
when asked about the report in De Gelderlander.“We cannot say anything about that yet,” a spokesperson told Omroep Gelderland
Only then can we start the investigation.”“Since this morning we have been busy providing assistance
we will make further announcements,” Bomhof stated.Most of the fire has been extinguished as of 4:30 p.m.
but a small part is still alight in the buildings that the fire department have not yet been able to reach
A fire department spokesperson did add that it is possible that this still occurs during their efforts to put out the rest of the fire
but it will spread less quickly in that case.Bouwkamp
praised the fact that many Arnhem residents opened their homes to the people who were evacuated
People were also able to take shelter in the City Hall
All residents have been warned that they may not be able to return to their homes for a few days
Buried deep within came a warning: “Fighting will nearly always be at close quarters
and the nerve strain for both sides heavy.” The British discovered the stark wisdom of that sentence at Arnhem
“has been present in my imagination for as long as I can remember
walked the streets of the old town and stood on the bridge across the Rhine — that bridge too far
He inherited this obsession from his father — “We don’t do football,” he explains
Vitesse has found five new shareholders who will take over the club with immediate effect
The new owners have agreed to take over the debt sheet from the US-based investment firm
This was reported by Vitesse in a press release
The club has stated that Vitesse has positive equity for the first time in a while
The five shareholders are all minority shareholders with less than 25 percent of the shares
Vitesse stated that this means that it is not necessary to go through the approval process of the Dutch Football Association
The club has now informed the KNVB about the share transfer
The licensing committee has told ANP that they have received the message from Vitesse
“It is now up to the licensing committee to see whether the deal is correct in accordance with the rules and the agreements previously made with Vitesse,” a spokesperson said
It has not yet been announced who the new owners are
The new shareholders will soon announce themselves personally to the supporters and stakeholders of Vitesse
The team is currently bottom of the table in the second division, the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, and was relegated from the Eredivisie last season. They have been involved in a struggle to keep the club alive for months. Vitesse has been looking for new ownership for weeks after the intended savior of the club, Guus Franke, pulled out of the deal during the takeover process last year
The coming period will be used by the new owners to judge the financial and sporting stability of Vitesse
Regional involvement is of paramount importance to the new owners
A 35-year-old teacher from Arnhem who was arrested in October for sex crimes may have also committed these crimes at the primary school where he was employed
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) had reported in the past that this was not the case
“The investigation has now shown that things have happened within the school that are transgressive and or criminal,” the OM wrote
He is allegedly suspected of photographing or filming several of his old female colleagues and three children
“The people in the images are not nude.” The suspect has shared some of the images with others
The people who were the victims of this have been notified by the police
The man is suspected of abusing a minor and making
These incidents did not happen at the school
The first preliminary hearing in this case will take place on January 14
Spaceport operator and launch technology infrastructure company, Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA)
today announced ex-Royal Australian Air Force Officer
as its new Head of Arnhem Space Centre Site Operations
Daish will also take up the Launch Operations Manager role in ELA’s Launch Operations team
The recently established position will serve a critical role in the Phase Two redevelopment of ELA’s Arnhem Space Centre (ASC)
Working closely with ELA’s CEO and within the leadership team
the role supports the company’s promise to further grow the spaceport into a world-class multi-user commercial launch facility
The new role will also be responsible for overseeing the development
and execution of spaceport activities in support of launch campaigns
as well as his 18 years of Royal Australian Air Force employment across multiple disciplines strengthens ELA’s executive talent by bringing additional operational aerospace expertise to the team as well as a deep understanding of space
hardworking and very talented and I am pleased to welcome him to the team
I am confident that his appointment will add considerable value to our customers and our staff as we move towards first launches from the redeveloped spaceport in 2025,’ said Mr Jones
“Josh will be integral in ensuring ELA lives up to our mantra of “You build the rockets; we’ll take care of the rest”
A key function of the role will be to act as a conduit between the ASC site support and operations team and ELA’s Launch Operations team and launch clients
With progress being made on the authorization of the Technology Safeguards Agreement with the United States
as well as a growing groundswell of international interest in launching from the ASC
ELA is seeing a ‘turning of the tide’ as launch customers look to the company to help provide solutions to spaceport congestion overseas as well as key orbit options and mission and launch expertise
“We’re experiencing a significant uptick in inbound inquiry for our services from the U.S.
“Our reputation as a world-leading spaceport with state-of-the-art facilities and our determination to provide seamless launch services for our customers is driving that interest
This is coupled with the fact that we are in deep discussions with multiple launchers to fill our remaining Space Launch Complexes – with launch companies realizing they need to urgently secure a position at the ASC to guarantee their access.”
Daish’s 18-year tenure with the RAAF has provided him with robust operational and leadership skills in highly technical and demanding aerospace environments
notably in Operations Management at Woomera Test Range Aerodrome which included supporting the return of JAXA’s Hayabusa 2 capsule and the first flight trials of BAE’s PHASA-35 and Boeing Defense Australia’s Loyal Wingman Uncrewed Combat Aircraft
Daish cited ELA’s strong focus on cutting-edge space launch technology and its approach to developing a spaceport that works seamlessly with customer mission objectives as some of the primary reasons for his move into the sector
“I have always had a keen interest in space even from a very young age; being able to play a critical role in the development and conduct of space activities within an Australian company such is ELA was a very attractive prospect,” he said
He will split his time between ELA’s headquarters in Adelaide’s CBD with extensive travel to the Arnhem Space Centre in East Arnhem Land
ELA is well on track to be the pre-eminent multi-user commercial space launch company providing testing
launch and recovery of space vehicles and payloads flown to and from all space orbits
The newly crowned ‘Launch Business of the Year’ in the AusSpace24 Australian Space Awards
ELA owns and operates the Arnhem Space Center
which is located in Australia’s Northern Territory
offering rocket companies and their payload customers multiple orbit options
operational freedom and simplicity for their launch and mission design
Al Murray, best known for his character the Pub Landlord and his podcast We Have Ways Of Making You Talk, has released a book that closely examines one pivotal day during the Battle Of Arnhem – 19 September 1944
Allied forces conducted Operation Market Garden
nine-day combined air and land operation in the German-occupied Netherlands – Market was the airborne phase and Garden was XXX Corps' attempt to link up with them
Oosterbeek and Arnhem – Market Garden's ultimate objective – from where they would push into northern Germany to bring about a swift end to the Second World War.
While Op Market Garden is considered by many historians to have been ill-fated from the start
Arnhem: Black Tuesday author Mr Murray disagrees
saying: "I don't think it's completely doomed to failure.
"It's on this day where the scales of destiny go bonk against it ever possibly succeeding
"Everyone writes about that it was doomed and fated and it was never going to work
Mr Murray was eager to offer something fresh for his readers
as Op Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem have been extensively covered by historians and journalists since 1944 and are the focus of Richard Attenborough's 1977 epic war film A Bridge Too Far
the Second World War expert decided to focus on just one day – Black Tuesday.
while Black Tuesday was just 24 hours of the nine-day Op Market Garden
so many things happened that day that affected the outcome of the operation
Without the benefit of knowing what was to come and what was going on around them
the men of 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment (2 Para) doggedly continued to defend their position at the road bridge in Arnhem
at this point they did not realise they wouldn't be relieved after two or three days by XXX Corps as promised.
Due to critical problems with communication
had returned to Divisional HQ to gain clarity on the progress of the operation
his absence on 19 September 1944 had bitter consequences for 2 Para which
tested to their very limit on Black Tuesday"
Mr Murray quotes Maj Gen Urquhart as saying: "For in the desperate and confused hours before us it became only too painfully clear that what was needed above all else was some co-ordination among the units fighting their way into Arnhem
I would have taken control on the spot."
The airborne soldiers defending the bridge at Arnhem were unaware that upon his return he had become trapped along with 3rd Battalion's Captain Jimmy Cleminson in the loft of a house (14 Zwarteweg) while evading the Germans.
the exhausted British soldiers heard rumours their leader was either dead
a personality clash between the two brigadiers at the bridge – Brigadier John Hackett and Brigadier Philip Hicks – led to disagreement on what course of action to take
in this fateful afternoon of Tuesday 19 September
When Mr Murray delved into his extensive research on the Battle of Arnhem – sparked by reading war diaries for an O-Level project at the age of 15 – he realised that the hopefulness at the start of Black Tuesday was gradually overshadowed by a series of losses
leading to a desperate situation that called for drastic action
Disappointed not to be called on for D-Day and after 17 operations
the men at Arnhem were desperate to fight the Nazis
this made them "evaluate the risk differently to the way that maybe they should have done"
When their efforts didn't pay off due to factors such as communication failures
a lack of ammunition and XXX Corps being nowhere to be seen as it struggled to make its way to Arnhem
Mr Murray says: "You've got the blowback of the mental strain of thinking you can achieve something and then failing
"There are moments of real panic on the day."
panic and fear could make soldiers freeze in the face of danger – certainly less than ideal during a brutal battle
The soldier said: "Fear is rather a dirty word in the best military circles
"Yet as an emotion experienced by everyone to a greater or lesser degree
So senior officers took drastic action when it looked like chaos was about to take control
Mr Murray writes of when the men of 4th Parachute Brigade were retreating from a vicious firefight in the woods
the brigade major stepped forward and said: "I'll shoot anyone who runs."
this is a desperate situation because he doesn't want to have to do that.
"He doesn't want to have to say that – and he certainly doesn't want to have to do it
panic was prevented' is what the war diary says."
This can be seen in the actions of Major Robert Cain
commander of 2nd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment
who was awarded the Victoria Cross after the Battle of Arnhem – the only VC recipient of five from the battle not to receive his award posthumously
His citation in The London Gazette on 31 October 1944 describes Maj Cain as displaying "superb gallantry" and "valour" and states that his "coolness and courage under incessant fire could not be surpassed".
Mr Murray discovered in Lieutenant Colonel William Thompson's memoir that on Black Tuesday on the grounds around the Old Church
Maj Cain was a "mess" and so ordered him to "pull himself together" and get his men into a defensive posture
Mr Murray said: "Cain then recovers and becomes one of the most fabled figures in British military history and it just shows these guys are human
He's not some sort of shining warrior of brilliance
can't cope and then finds something in himself and goes on to be this legendary figure of gallantry and bravery.
Arnhem: Black Tuesday by Al Murray is available to buy here
Ducati made its debut in the MXGP World Championship in Holland with Tony Cairoli
who had been missing from the GPs for three years
finished in Saturday’s Qualifying Race with a convincing seventh position after being fourth for a long time
confirming the performances of the Desmo450 MX
Tony was unable to get away well at the start and finished the race in fifteenth position
who climbed up to ninth position by setting excellent lap times (author of the sixth absolute race laptime) was forced to retire due to a technical problem during the sixth lap
Antonio Cairoli: » We bring home an excellent test for the bike
Before the GP we did three weeks of testing between Holland and Belgium but the conditions of today’s track were very far from those found in the various tests
Our goal was to test the Desmo450 MX in extreme conditions and I had very positive feelings
which is a fantastic result for such a young bike
On Sunday I didn’t get a good start in both heats
but in Race 2 I was in the top 10 and so I’m satisfied
After three years away from the GPs it was definitely not an easy race for me
especially on a difficult track like this»
The development programme of the Desmo450 MX will then continue August 31st and September 1st at Castiglione del Lago
in the fifth round of the Italian Championship
where Alessandro Lupino leads the general classification with two rounds to go after the brilliant results obtained in the last round of the Italian MX Championship at Ponte a Egola
A 22-year-old man from Arnhem passed away in the early hours of Friday as a result of a shooting in Pannerden
Three men were arrested in Doetinchem after the incident
Police received a report about a possible shooting at 2:45 a.m. The victim was not found at the scene of the crime. De Gelderlander reported that a car with a German license plate with bullet holes in the windshield was found at the scene
A different police unit found the injured victim in a different car with two other people on the Pannerdenseweg in Zeevenaar
Emergency services were unable to get to the victim in time
An investigation is also ongoing for shooting incidents at a home in Pannerden and a home in Zeevenaar
A shooting was targeted toward a home on the Weiliburglaan
The possible connection between these incidents is currently being investigated
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EOD) was called in for the incident at the home in Zeevenaar
Possibly because there was a firework bomb involved
The three men arrested in Doetinchem were also driving a vehicle that had a German license plate
The other is 26 years of age and is from Duiven
The woman who was arrested in Braamt sometime later is also from Duiven and is 28 years old
“This is an incredibly sad and shocking day for our community,” said Zevenaar's Mayor Lucien van Riswijk
“I sympathize with the family and friends of the victim
Ducati made its MXGP World Championship debut in the Netherlands with Tony Cairoli
who secured a solid seventh place in Saturday’s Qualifying Race
but fought back to 9th in Race 2 before a technical issue forced his retirement on lap six
Cairoli praised the bike’s performance
and expressed satisfaction with the results
especially after three years away from the GPs
His solid performances highlighted the Desmo450 MX’s promise as a competitive contender
Princess Anne will travel to Oosterbeek in the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden – one of the Second World War's most famous battles
The Princess Royal will be representing the King at events during the two-day visit accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence
the Allies came up with an ambitious plan – codenamed Market Garden – to cross the River Rhine
advance deep into northern Germany and shorten the war
It involved the seizure of key bridges in the Netherlands by the 101st and 82nd US Airborne Divisions and the 1st British Airborne Division
look to outflank Germany's frontier defences
and make possible an armoured drive into Germany's industrial heartland
It unfortunately failed to achieve its objectives
with 30 Corps unable to reach the furthest bridge at Arnhem before German forces overwhelmed the British defenders
but the bravery shown by the airborne troops is honoured annually
The failure of Market Garden ended Allied expectations of finishing the war by Christmas 1944 – it would not end until 2 September 1945
Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Laurence will attend commemorations at the Airborne Museum Hartenstein accompanied by Colonel Commandant of The Parachute Regiment
She will later present four honorary MBEs then
the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Laurence will watch the Red Devils carry out a parachute display before meeting veterans
Princess Anne will make a speech to mark the anniversary of Operation Market Garden
acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of British
as President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)
will attend the annual service to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden
the party will process into the cemetery towards the Cross of Sacrifice where there will be approximately 1,000 guests gathered ahead of the service
lay a wreath at the foot of the Cross of Sacrifice
There will be a flypast by the Historical Flight of the Royal Netherlands Airforce and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Princess Royal will pay a private visit to the home of the daughter of The Angel of Arnhem
who bravely tended to hundreds of injured British soldiers during the battle
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The Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem has suspended the use of tap water for drinking after water utility Vitens raised concerns about its quality
Patients and staff are using bottled water for consumption
The issue arose Friday evening when water supply problems forced the temporary closure of Rijnstate's emergency room
While the water supply was restored after a few hours
subsequent quality checks revealed potential issues
While most medical care continues as usual
Patients with severe burns are being sent to other hospitals to avoid rinsing wounds with the potentially unsafe water
women planning to give birth in water baths are also being referred elsewhere
The hospital is distributing bottled water to patients and staff for drinking
but showers and restrooms remain operational
"We are taking no chances," said a Rijnstate spokesperson
"We cannot risk patients becoming even sicker due to water quality."
The hospital has stockpiled around 600 bottles of water and expects additional deliveries
with Vitens pledging to provide extra drinking water
Rijnstate will continue these measures until water test results are finalized
which is expected by Sunday evening at 7 p.m
MXGP heads to Arnhem this weekend and Danny Relouw captured some brilliant images around the paddock on Friday
Jo Kessel tells of her heartwarming connection with the children of her heroic cousin and discovering family she never knew she had","publisher":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsMediaOrganization","name":"The Jewish Chronicle","url":"https://www.thejc.com","description":"Founded in 1841
TV reporter and travel writer for the Daily Mail
She is also a YouTuber - her YouTube channel is called Go with Jo and features madcap films about her escapades across the world
Jo Kessel tells of her heartwarming connection with the children of her heroic cousin and discovering family she never knew she had
Jo Kessel
6 min readI grew up knowing that my father had a hero cousin
a doctor Lipmann Kessel who served in the Second World War
he’d been a surgeon in the army and in September 1944 he was responsible for saving hundreds of lives during the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands
Lippy was taken prisoner by the Germans – a perilous situation for a Jewish soldier
he specialised in orthopaedics and invented the “Kessel Pin”
a special screw still used in surgery today
He died in 1986 but even though he was gone
something so extraordinary happened that I wondered whether loved ones might be pulling strings from above
Someone I’d never heard of called Sara Kessel reached out to me on Instagram
responding to a comment I’d made on one of her friend’s posts
Despite us both having the same name I was suspicious this might be some kind of hoax
she was a Londoner and we agreed to chat on the phone
During that conversation we quickly ascertained that both our families hailed from Siauliai in Lithuania – Shovel in Yiddish – formerly part of the Russian Empire
She emailed me a picture of our family tree and
an incredible six generations of Kessels pinged into view
I was on it; my siblings were on it; Sara was on it and so was her sister Abigail
sister and I never knew existed… it felt like an episode of Long Lost Family
My parents are both deceased so other relatives had to fill me in as to why my father hadn’t mentioned these two sisters
In short the story I was told was that Lippy had remarried – Sara and Abi were born from this new union – and because some of the family hadn’t approved they’d distanced themselves
This meant that for years I’d lived round the corner from two Kessels of my generation without ever knowing
They say that blood is thicker than water and we felt it when we met for the first time – an instant
a history that had reigned large in Lippy’s life
His dying wish was to be buried alongside the men he couldn’t save and every year they visit his grave in this eastern Dutch town
2024 marks 80 years since the start of the Battle of Arnhem
the largest airborne operation in military history
recounted in Sir Richard Attenborough’s war movie A Bridge Too Far
Known by the allies as “Operation Market Garden”
the Battle of Arnhem took place a few months after the D-Day landings in Normandy
The plan was for paratroopers to drop into the region and gain control of three Dutch bridges over the River Rhine
march into the Ruhr and bring down the Third Reich
There were such high hopes that this battle would end the war
Communications systems failed; German resistance was too strong; thousands of soldiers and civilians were killed or taken prisoner
In the end it would take another eight months before the war was won
In Attenborough’s retelling of this story stars such as Robert Redford and James Caan added Hollywood gloss
But Lippy’s experience was the gritty reality
made a beeline for the local hospital and set it up to receive and treat the wounded
Sara and Abi were young when their father died
but they speak of him with such pride and love that it inspired my sister Karen and I to make a pilgrimage to the place which holds such significance to their family: Arnhem
It’s August when we arrive – nearly a month before the 80th anniversary – but the town is already flying flags to commemorate the men who died for their freedom
The war saw Arnhem occupied by the Germans for five harsh years
It was here that hero surgeon Lippy saved hundreds of soldiers and civilians in the most extreme circumstances
This all took place in the town’s St Elisabeth’s Hospital
but the British only managed to take charge of the infirmary for one day before the Germans regained control
At that point Lippy found his every move being watched over by SS guards
As a Jewish serviceman this must have been terrifying
especially when he was finally transported to the Apeldoorn prisoner of war camp
Miraculously he managed to escape and spent the next three months underground
Only a few of Arnhem’s buildings survived the war
The synagogue is one; St Elisabeth’s Hospital is another and this is where we head first
but it’s no longer used as a hospital and was recently turned into apartments
When we arrive we find a resident gardening out front and once we’ve explained our connection
The original tiles and stone staircases are still intact; ditto two backrooms Lippy would have used as operating theatres
the colour’s been thoughtfully selected to honour the paratroopers who fought for their freedom with everything painted maroon to match their berets
As I circle to take it all in I can feel the roar of history thrumming through the hospital walls
The next day brings more goose-bump moments
We head for the leafy suburb of Hartenstein where you’ll find the Airborne Museum in the same yellow villa that acted as British HQ during the battle
His war medals are there; his military jacket is on display; they’ve even got his surgical amputation saw
A half-hour walk from here is the military cemetery where we pay our respects to the fallen soldiers before heading to the civilian cemetery opposite
It’s here that Lippy is buried and eventually we find his gravestone
After a few minutes of quiet contemplation we hear a Dutch couple chatting in the row behind us and they mention the name “Kessel”
He comes closer to read Lippy’s inscription and once he learns we’re related he takes off his cap
The cemeteries are beautifully maintained and that’s all down to the locals who care deeply about honouring those who fell
there’s a weekend of commemorations – this year’s 80th anniversary memorials started on September 20
There’s also an annual “Airborne Drop” when soldiers and veterans parachute jump together
landing in the exact same fields that the troops would have done in September 1944
but its ancestors would be proud of the town’s new soul
parks and at its heart is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets
And a Jewish memorial outside the church has this inscription: “Let’s not forget what happened to them.” We can’t leave without visiting the bridge
This too has been rebuilt and now stands strong over a shimmering Rhine
As we cross it we think about how Lippy would have arrived 80 years ago
how those paratroopers parachuted in 80 years ago and how thanks to them we have our freedom
Without it Sara would never have seen my name and I’d never have found my two fabulous cousins
For more information: Visit Arnhem and holland.com
Family