Visit of Scottish Veterans to Overloon War Cemetery
This morning, a group of veterans from the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Regiment Association visited the war cemetery in Overloon. It was a close-knit group of men, some of whom have been friends for over forty years. Among them were four sons of soldiers who fought in the Netherlands and Germany during the years 1944–1945.
The group included servicemen of various ranks and backgrounds, including a three-star general, two two-star generals, several colonels, sergeant majors, signal experts, Royal Engineers specialized in bridge construction and mine clearance, and even an actively serving colonel. Many had served in numerous global conflicts, including Borneo, Aden, Malaya, Belize, Northern Ireland, UN operations, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
They were warmly welcomed by three members of the Overloon War Chronicles Foundation. Also present was Nicole van Loon, adopter and researcher of several dossiers related to this regiment, who came to greet the veterans.
After an introduction by the foundation, several veterans gave detailed accounts of the battles the regiment endured in the Overloon area in 1944. A wreath was then laid in remembrance of the fallen, followed by a moment of silence and music played by a bagpiper — the son of one of the veterans.
The group then visited the graves of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Regiment soldiers who are buried in Overloon:
Percy Chambers, Sidney Champion, Charles Clark, William Cluett, John Drummond, Edward Fenn, Alexander Graham, William Hook, James McCarthy, John McKenzie, Henry Sproat, George Tallon, William Tannock, James Toole, Thomas Wilson, and Robert Wright.
It was a moving and meaningful gathering, marked by the exchange of many memories and valuable information. The group continued their visit at the War Museum and will later today visit the Milsbeek War Cemetery.
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