Two British soldiers from the Second World War have been laid to rest with full military honours, just before the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem.
Earlier today (18 September 2024), members of The Royal Yorkshire Regiment carried the coffin of Private Henry Moon to its final resting place, alongside Lieutenant Dermod Green Anderson, both of whom were killed during the Battle of Arnhem 80 years ago.
The soldiers were honoured with a military funeral in the Netherlands, organised by personnel from The Royal Yorkshire Regiment and the Army Air Corps.
Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, stated:
“The burial of two Second World War soldiers in Arnhem this week serves as a reminder of the price paid to restore peace to Western Europe. I am thankful that today’s Armed Forces were present at the ceremony, continuing the traditions of service and sacrifice. Our efforts to remember those who served and died during the Second World War must never cease.”
A rifle salute was fired by members of The Royal Yorkshire Regiment in honour of the two fallen soldiers.
The Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre, in collaboration with the Dutch Recovery and Identification Unit, worked to identify the soldiers and invited their descendants to attend the burial in Arnhem.
Both soldiers have been laid to rest in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Oosterbeek War Cemetery, which is the final resting place for over 1,700 Second World War personnel.
Modern British Army personnel carried the coffins to their graves and fired a rifle salute in their memory.
This week, a series of commemorative events will be held to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem. The UK Armed Forces will play a central role in these events, honouring surviving veterans and remembering those who gave their lives during the battle.
