FALCON LEAP ~ NATO Paratroopers at Arnhem

Exercise FALCON LEAP: At the weekend 700 paratroopers from eight NATO nations conducted a memorial parachute drop at Arnhem.

~

Press Release, Whitehall, 21 September 2024: Parachute drop and memorial services mark 80 years since Battle of Arnhem. 700 paratroopers from eight NATO nations recreated the Second World War airborne invasion of the Netherlands in memory of the Greatest Generation earlier today (21 September). Led by the Dutch 11th Air Assault Brigade, Exercise FALCON LEAP is NATO’s largest technical exercise focused on enhancing operational readiness and the interoperability of the allies’ airborne forces.

The parachute drop began a weekend of commemorations in the Netherlands to mark the 80th anniversary of an audacious allied attempt to recapture a series of strategically-important bridges from the Nazis and open a new route into Germany. Defence Minister Lord Coaker joined a commemorative service at Ginkel Heath, near Arnhem, this morning. The UK Armed Forces are leading the tributes in the Netherlands as they continue the proud traditions of service and sacrifice.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Today we honour the veterans of Arnhem, and we honour those who fought and died to help liberate our allies. 80 years on, we remember the huge price paid for our freedom and commit to defending peace and security today. I’m proud that members of our Armed Forces are at the heart of the commemorations in the Netherlands this week.”

Defence Minister Lord Coaker said: “Our Armed Forces continue to be inspired by the service and sacrifice of that great generation, which fought so we may live in freedom today. I was proud to join members of the Armed Forces to pay our respects to those who served and died 80 years ago. We remain hugely grateful to all those who gave their lives to defeat Nazi tyranny.”

Lord Coaker also attended a Polish-led commemorative service in Driel, in tribute to the hundreds of Polish service personnel who served with the British Army in Arnhem.

The NATO parachute drop featured a series of tactical airborne operations, including aerial cargo drops and high-altitude freefall jumps. Eight NATO member countries took part: the UK, USA, Italy, Romania, Greece, Poland, and Germany. The Red Devils – the British Army’s parachute display team – ended the exercise with a commemorative display marking the 80th anniversary of the battle.

The Battle of Arnhem, part of an allied plan to liberate the Netherlands and to force a route into Germany, raged between 17 and 25 September 1944. By the end of the week, Arnhem remained in Nazi hands and nearly 2,000 Commonwealth and allied soldiers had been killed. Although its objectives were not achieved, Operation MARKET GARDEN remains a remarkable feat of arms due to the determination and courage shown by the soldiers. It also led to the liberation of a large part of the Netherlands at a time when many civilians were close to starvation.

Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker jumped from an RAF A400M transport aircraft alongside some 90 paratroopers from 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the British Army’s global response force.

Eight of the UK paratroopers jumped with specially designed poppy parachutes and a Lancaster Bomber from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight conducted a flypast.

Tomorrow [Sunday] members of the public will join Second World War veterans, HRH The Princess Royal, senior UK defence officials and UK Armed Forces personnel at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery in a commemorative event featuring military musicians and moving tributes. The order of service remains unchanged since the first Airborne Memorial Service took place in 1945.

~