2nd Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment
Towns and villages all through Holland are celebrating the 80th anniversary of their liberation in WW2. One of the largest celebrations is a weeklong set of activities in Roosendaal. Educational films, displays, re-enactments, displays, marches and events took place from 26th Oct – 3rd Nov 2024.
The Glosters were part of the 49th Inf Div, nicknamed the polar bears, other units involved included the 4th Lincolns,1/4 KOYLI, Hallams Bn, 11th Royal Scots, 1 Leicesters, 1/7th DWR, 1 SWB, 2nd Essex and supported by 55, 69, 89, 143, 185 RA, 49 Sigs, 2nd Kensingtons and 9 RTR. The division formed part of Monty’s drive up towards the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam and east towards Arnhem.
The RGBW Association was invited to take part in the celebrations at the end of the week to acknowledge the participation of the 2nd Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment. The townspeople of Roosendaal were extremely courteous and grateful for the handful of various association representatives from the UK to be in attendance. They take their liberation extremely seriously; it is taught at an early age in schools and celebrated by all age groups.
On the first day, we were taken to “Camp Thruster” where there was a large display of military vehicles and equipments. The enthusiasm and dedication were evident with many of them private collectors of equipment and memorabilia. Most of the vehicles (over 20) were also in private hands after being lovingly restored over the decades. The pride and joy of the display was an immaculate Churchill tank in full working order, the only private example in Europe. During the evening, we were invited to a concert starring the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, proudly wearing their Polar Bear badges.
Day two involved going around the Roosendaal area on a battlefield tour and meeting up with the local veterans in the town’s first in/last out pub – Café De Veestallen. This was the first building secured by the British forces on entering Roosendaal and remained undamaged throughout the war. Most of the internal fitments and decor have remained unchanged since WW2 and are fitting to the loyal veterans’ watering hole. The various local army associations sadly closed over the years as their memberships declined, but one of the locals, a Colonel from the Dutch commandos, started an all-arms Roosendaal Association four years ago and it has now over 100 members around Roosendaal, from all services and units, a fantastic achievement,
After a liquid lunch the veterans from all countries fell in outside, standards raised to greet the columns of re-enactment vehicles and men, proudly led by the Churchill tank. After falling in behind we all marched to the memorial square where the Polar Bear monument is located. The band gave a rendition of wartime tunes, regimental marches and national anthems before the wreath-laying ceremony which was led by the Duke of Wellington Regiment and The Gloucestershire Regiment, followed by the mayor and all the various dignitaries and representatives. After the service was finished there was a photo shoot for about an hour (there were about 1000 locals in attendance) and then back to that famous pub for more food and drink.
Overall,
It was a memorable visit for which I am extremely grateful to have been invited. The locals take their liberation extremely seriously and is a foundation for their freedom and democracy. I would like to thank the owners of the Tongerlo Hotel for their impeccable service and for spending so much time with us. I am also grateful for the party from the Duke of Wellingtons who adopted me over the weekend. Attached are several snaps made; I will add some of the professional pictures when they become available. “By our deeds, we are known” Martin Talling, County Chairman.
