A group of 35 cadets and 13 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) from SW London Army Cadet Force travelled to Holland to take part in the 78th Airborne March – the world’s largest one-day commemorative march – and to visit historic sites linked to Operation Market Garden.

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The trip began with an early departure ahead of their long journey by ferry and road through France and Belgium before arriving near Arnhem. Over the following days, the cadets took part in a series of visits to significant battle locations from the Second World War.

The group visited the German war cemetery at Ysselsteyn, where cadets learned about the conflict from the German perspective, and the battle site at Overlook, accompanied by a lecture and tour of its renounced war museum. The group then visited Arnhem Bridge, where Lieutenant Colonel John Frost and his men famously held out against overwhelming odds, before moving on to the Hartenstein Airborne Museum, which served as the British HQ during battle.

The visit concluded at the British Airborne Cemetery at Oosterbeek, where the cadets honoured those who lost their lives with a wreath-laying ceremony and two minutes’ silence.

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The SWL Cadets then joined thousands of international participants at the 78th Airborne March. After a ceremonial march past local dignitaries, the cadets embarked on the route, originally set at 10km but completed at 18km. Cheered on by Dutch spectators throughout, every cadet finished the march and later received medals from Colonel Jones during a formal parade.

The trip ended on Sunday with the long journey home. The SW London were a credit to the Cadet contingent.