CADETS from across Wiltshire have paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Second World War Battle of Arnhem during the world’s largest one-day marching event.

15 cadets and six cadet force adult volunteers (CFAV) joined thousands of people at the 69th Airborne March event in Arnhem in the Netherlands. The Airborne March is held annually in September to commemorate the Battle of Arnhem in 1944 and this year cadets including those from Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett took part.

A day was spent visiting the main battlefield locations around Arnhem and Oosterbeek. For the first time the drop zones of the Polish Parachute Brigade were visited in Driel and respects were made at the memorial church. The Rhine was also crossed using the Driel ferry.

Maj Jim Davidson said the march started off well with dry weather and the military march past and salute. He added: “The weather then took a turn for the worse and it rained, and rained and rained heavier for the rest of the march. This made the march more of a challenge with the route flooded and the tracks converted into rivers of mud.

“But still the amazing Dutch public were out in their thousands as individuals or as families and got wet and muddy as much as the cadets.

“A poppy wreath and minute’s silence took place at the cemetery before completing the march with a Highland piper playing them in to the finish line.”

Following the march a number of march medals were awarded.