“The assessments made after the conclusion of the [Market Garden] campaign did not properly reflect the exceptional sacrifice of those who, with courage and determination, as part of a bold airborne operation, strove to liberate the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” reads the plaque dedicated to the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade and Gen. Stanisław Sosabowski, unveiled on Saturday in the Dutch town of Driel.
On Saturday, September 20, in Driel, the annual commemorations were held honoring the Polish contribution to the Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation Market Garden.
The Underappreciated Effort
On September 21, 1944, about 1,000 Polish paratroopers from the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade under the command of Gen. Stanisław Sosabowski were tasked with crossing the Rhine by ferry in Driel to reach Oosterbeek, where British soldiers were stationed.
Upon arrival, it turned out the ferry crossing had been destroyed the previous night. Capt. Zwolański, who swam across the Rhine from the Arnhem side, relayed information about the dire situation of the British 1st Airborne Division and the order of its commander, Gen. Urquhart, for the Poles to cross the river. Without transport means, the Poles initially decided to fortify their position in Driel, where the next day they faced a strong German assault.
On September 22, Gen. Urquhart ordered as many Polish soldiers as possible to cross to the other side of the Rhine. With only limited means of transport and under constant German fire, just 52 Polish soldiers managed to cross. In a subsequent attempt, more than 150 Poles crossed the river.
The actions of the Polish brigade enabled the evacuation of about 2,000 Allied soldiers from Arnhem and Oosterbeek to the southern bank of the Rhine. The 1st Independent Parachute Brigade suffered losses amounting to about 25% of its manpower.
“After the war, however, Polish actions were not appreciated. On the contrary, they were criticized for their efforts. This injustice was finally rectified. In 2006, Queen Beatrix awarded the Polish brigade the Military Order of William. Sosabowski was posthumously awarded the Bronze Lion. British veterans had always appreciated the Polish efforts, having earlier voluntarily funded a monument in Driel,” the Dutch Ministry of Defence stated in its communiqué about the ceremony.
“Driel Connects Poland and the Netherlands”
Saturday’s ceremonies took place at the monument commemorating Operation Market Garden and the monument to Gen. Sosabowski and Polish soldiers, erected in 2006 thanks to the efforts of Driel resident Cory Baltussen, British veterans, and the Polish diaspora.
At the Polish Square (Polenplein) in Driel, about 1,500 people attended the commemorations, including relatives of Polish soldiers who took part in Operation Market Garden.
“The history of Driel connects Poland and the Netherlands forever. This bond is today more important than ever. Dutch Patriots and F-35s, together with Poles, now guard NATO’s eastern flank,” said Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
Poland was represented at the ceremony by Deputy Minister of National Defence Stanisław Wziątek. Also present was Vernon Coaker, Minister of State at the UK Ministry of Defence.
During the event, Poland’s 6th Airborne Brigade, named after Gen. Stanisław Sosabowski and carrying on the tradition of the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, was decorated with the colors of the Military Order of William, the Netherlands’ highest military honor.
Rehabilitation of the Polish General
Saturday’s commemorations in Driel, however, carried a special rehabilitative significance for the Polish brigade and Gen. Sosabowski.
Klaas Meijer, spokesman for the Dutch Ministry of Defence, wrote on social media that the ceremony marked a “historic moment.”
“British Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker, unveiled in Driel a plaque that finally commemorates the extraordinary contribution of the Polish Parachute Brigade in the Battle of Arnhem. At last,” Meijer wrote.
The plaque bears an extensive inscription in three languages – Polish, English, and Dutch.
This is the Polish version of the inscription:
“In recognition and gratitude for the heroic contribution of Brigadier General Stanisław Sosabowski and the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade to Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem.
The assessments made after the conclusion of the [Market Garden] campaign did not properly reflect the exceptional sacrifice of those who, with courage and determination, as part of a bold airborne operation, strove to liberate the Kingdom of the Netherlands – in particular the Polish paratroopers led by Brigadier General Sosabowski.
Their courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the common cause exemplified the highest standards of military service. In the face of great adversity, they fought with devotion and honor, unyielding in their pursuit of victory.
Our gratitude will last forever.
On behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”