Discovering the Sacrifices of WWII on an Unforgettable Journey to the Netherlands and Belgium
14 November 2024
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14 November 2024
This autumn, a group of cadets from Ballygowan Detachment and adult volunteers from the 2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force embarked on a remarkable expedition to the Netherlands and Belgium. This once-in-a-lifetime trip was made possible by a generous grant from ACCT UK. This allowed cadets to witness firsthand the human cost of war. And to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made during the pivotal battles of World War II.
The group’s journey began in the small commune of Wormhout, northern France. Here they paused to remember the 81 British and French prisoners of war who were massacred by Nazi forces as they fought to hold back the advance towards Dunkirk in 1940. “The site is a sobering reminder of the horrors of war and the human cost it entails,” said Captain Townley, who led the expedition. “The group paused to remember those who lost their lives here and placed a wreath on behalf of 2nd (NI) Bn ACF.”
Next, the cadets travelled to the town of Ypres, Belgium, where they visited the iconic Menin Gate Memorial. This site commemorates thousands of soldiers from the British Commonwealth. These soldiers lost their lives on the Western Front during the Great War yet have no known graves.
There is a strong connection to our homeland in Northern Ireland with this area, both the 16th Irish Division and 36th Ulster Division fought in many of the battles that took place in the area between 1914 and 1918… We visited the fantastic Passchendaele Museum as well as the grave of Rifleman James McCandless of the Royal Irish Rifles, who lived not far from our Detachment in Newtownards, Co Down.
Captain Townley
As the group moved closer to the Netherlands, they made further stops to honour the memory of those who fought and died during the liberation of Northern Europe in 1944. In the cemetery at Geel, they placed a poppy on the grave of Guardsman William Simpson of Portadown, Co Armagh. He was killed in action on 7th September 1944.
At the cemetery in Valkenswaard, the cadets paid their respects to 16 Irish Guards who were killed in the opening hours of Operation Market Garden, the Allied airborne assault on Arnhem.
Once again we paused and placed a Poppy on each of the Guardsman’s graves, reflecting on the human cost of war. For one Guardsman, it holds a very special meaning to us. Last year we visited here and placed a Poppy on these men’s graves. Afterwards, we were contacted by the granddaughter of Lance Sergeant John Watters. She wanted to thank us for taking the time to remember her grandfather and to also pass on the thanks of her mother, LSgt Watter’s daughter, who was only a baby when her father was killed at Valkenswaard. We made a promise to his family that we would return to the Netherlands in 2024 and once again pause to remember LSgt Watters.
We kept that promise.
Captain Townley
On 7th September, the group joined their friends from Gads Hill CCF to represent the UK Army Cadets at the 77th annual Oosterbeek Airborne March. Cadet LCpl Keaton described the experience as an “amazing feeling” as they marched to the finish line with thousands of people clapping and cheering them on. “I felt very proud to represent the Army Cadets in the Airborne March,” he said.
The 15-kilometre route took the cadets through the streets, lanes and paths around Oosterbeek… where some of the fiercest fighting of World War II took place 80 years earlier.
The group’s final day in Arnhem included a visit to the iconic John Frost Bridge. This is the site of Colonel John Frost and his men’s heroic stand during Operation Market Garden. The cadets also explored the outstanding Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek. This provided a comprehensive understanding of the historic battle.
The most poignant moment of the trip, however, came at the Oosterbeek Cemetery. Here, the cadets heard the personal stories of those who now rest there, including:
Cadet Sergeant Mollie described the experience as “very humbling and emotional”. The group listened to a powerful letter. This had been written by Private Ivor Rowberry to his mother, in the event he should be killed in action. Mollie said, “If you closed your eyes and listened, it felt like Ivor was there and talking to us all.”
Each cadet placed a poppy on the grave of their choice, a deeply personal and reflective moment. “It was humbling to watch as each of them took the time to walk the entire cemetery as they found where they would leave their poppy,” Townley said. As dusk fell, the senior cadets placed a wreath on behalf of the entire 2nd (NI) Bn ACF. This would be their final time in Arnhem as cadets.
This expedition provided the cadets with a profound and transformative experience. Cadet Matthew eloquently summarised the impact of the trip, stating:
“Our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium was an experience I will remember for years to come. I particularly enjoyed it whenever we visited the Passchendaele Museum. It allowed us to walk through the trenches as though we were one of those brave soldiers over 100 years ago. Going on this trip has furthered my understanding of the sacrifices those men gave selflessly. Arnhem has been the highlight of my Cadet career so far, and I hope to go back next year.”
The expedition deepened the cadets’ respect for the sacrifices of the past. In addition to this, it strengthened the bonds within their detachment.
ACCT UK’s generous donation allowed us to travel to various memorials, sites and museums to help us learn about the battles that took place there and respect and remember the sacrifices made. It brought us as a Detachment closer together, developing teamwork and building friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Cadet RSM Katie
Such a transformative journey has left an indelible mark on these young people. It instilled in them a renewed sense of purpose in honouring the legacy of those who fought for our freedom. The battalion has shared an experience that will shape their lives and their understanding of the true cost of war.