Our Honorary Patrons

Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph van Kemenade

Commanding Officer, 11 Infantry Battalion (Air Assault/Airborne), Grenadiers and Rifles Guards

"When growing up in the Netherlands, from an early age we learn that the freedom we enjoy today was won through the courage, sacrifice and determination of the brave soldiers that fought in World War II.

The men of the XIth Parachute Battalion are among those to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. They fought with extraordinary courage during the Battle of Arnhem. Their history and sacrifice must never be forgotten.

As paratroopers of the Dutch 11 Infantry Battalion, we feel a strong connection to their legacy. Every year, during the commemorations of Operation Market Garden, alongside our allies we take part in the Memorial Jump over the Ginkelse Heide, the historical drop zone where they landed in September 1944. It underscores that freedom is not an inheritance; it is a responsibility entrusted to every generation.

Standing on the shoulders of giants, the men of the XIth inspire us to move forward with the same sense of duty to protect what we hold dear. It is a great honour to serve as honorary patron; together, we will Remember the XIth.

Airborne!"

Major Marco Kroon

Knight of the Military Order of William (the Dutch equivalent of the British Victoria Cross)

"As the grandson of Charles Ernest Ambrose, a British WWII veteran who fought across the world against Nazi tyranny, I feel deeply honoured to have followed in his footsteps and served for nearly four decades continuing his fight for peace and freedom as a soldier.

I know how vital it is to pass veterans' stories on to future generations. Peace and freedom are never guaranteed — and must never be taken for granted.

That is why the stories of these heroes — their courage, loyalty, unconditional camaraderie and, above all, the sacrifices made for our peace and freedom — must never be lost. A name is forgotten only when it is no longer spoken or honoured.

That is why I, as an individual, an infantry major, and as a Knight of the Military Order of William, wish to contribute — with all my pride, respect, and dignity — as an Honorary Patron of 'Remember The XIth'.

British blood flows through my veins. With pride and reverence, I will help preserve the names, deeds and sacrifices of the heroes of the 11th Parachute Battalion. Those men who gave us our freedom.

Lest we forget."

Mrs Sophie Lambrechtsen-ter Horst

Eyewitness to the Battle of Arnhem, Oosterbeek, September 1944

Sophie is the daughter of Kate ter Horst, remembered in Arnhem as the "Angel of Oosterbeek" for tending hundreds of wounded men in the family home during the battle. Sophie still lives in Oosterbeek today, and is a close friend of our directors Gerrit and Johanna Pijpers.

"It is wartime. We are living under occupation. But I am five years old… I know no different. And then, suddenly, there is excitement. We are standing on the roof, looking towards Wolfheze. In the distance, we see parachutes. Men are jumping from planes and slowly drifting down. An unforgettable sight — and such excitement.

I am dressed in my finest purple dress, complete with a collar crocheted by Grandma. Together, we go and stand by the roadside. Long lines of soldiers in camouflaged uniforms march past. Some of them give my head a gentle pat. Why did they do that? I didn't understand. But it didn't feel scary. It felt like liberation.

Then along came Dr. Randall Martin. Twenty-three years old, carrying a small medical bag. He asked if he could treat a few wounded men in our kitchen. Of course he could. That Sunday, there were five of them. By Tuesday, there were three hundred.

For our safety, we children slept in the cellar. We moved mattresses and bedding down there. I asked, "Mom, could you get Poppelijs?" — my favorite doll. For my mother, Kate, that was nearly impossible. Wounded soldiers were laying everywhere in the house, even in my own bedroom. Fortunately, Nel Meijnen, our housekeeper, was with us. She stayed in the cellar so that Mother could help upstairs. Mother tended to the wounded and offered them words of encouragement. Despite everything, that meant a great deal to them. Acting on the doctor's urgent advice, father had gone into hiding beneath the floorboards of a friend's house in Wolfheze.

Among the many wounded in our home was Captain Frank King (later four-star General Sir Frank D. King). He was the Officer Commanding of Support Company, 11th Parachute Battalion. He spoke many times with my mother and gave us children invasion money to play with. In return, we made drawings for him as a token of our thanks. As more and more wounded soldiers arrived, Captain King gave up his spot to someone else. He then returned to the fight. It was striking that a piece of wall fell onto King's stretcher just minutes after he had returned to the fight with his wounded leg.

That is why I wholeheartedly support the "Remember The XIth" project. And that is why the memorial bench is so important. A place to pause and reflect on what the men of the 11th Parachute Battalion did for our freedom. For their courage. For their sacrifices. For their names.

Lest we forget."