London taxi convoy carries WWII veterans to Dutch Liberation commemorations in Wageningen
- Perry Richardson
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Fourteen iconic London taxis transported eleven Second World War veterans, alongside volunteers and supporters from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, to the Netherlands this week for the annual Dutch Liberation commemorations in Wageningen, the city where Germany’s surrender was signed in May 1945.
The annual visit organised by the Taxi Charity marked another year of remembrance and celebration between Dutch communities and the British veterans who helped liberate the Netherlands during the final stages of the war. The commemorations remain one of the most significant dates in the Dutch calendar and continue to attract large crowds from across the country.
At midnight on 4 May, 103-year-old WWII veteran Robbie Hall lit the Flame of Liberation during a ceremony in Wageningen attended by thousands of people gathered in the town square. The event symbolised the transition from remembrance to celebration as the Netherlands marked the end of Nazi occupation.
The following day, the veterans led the Freedom Parade through the streets of Wageningen while Robbie Hall joined Chris Rampling, the UK Ambassador to the Netherlands, on the main podium alongside representatives of the Dutch King and members of the Wageningen 45 Committee. Tens of thousands of spectators lined the route, applauding the veterans and waving Dutch and British flags as the convoy passed through the city.
Taxi Charity volunteers and veterans honoured during annual visit marking the liberation of the Netherlands more than 80 years after WWII ended
During the visit, veterans also attended the Oosterbeek Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery to pay tribute to fallen servicemen. Among them was 100-year-old Market Garden veteran Geoff Roberts MBE, who laid crosses at the graves of two close friends killed during the 1944 battle. The ceremony reflected the deeply personal nature of the commemorations for many of the surviving veterans returning to locations tied to wartime memories.
The convoy of London taxis received police escorts throughout the journey across the Netherlands, with Dutch authorities temporarily closing sections of motorway to allow the veterans to travel safely between commemorative events. Hospitality providers including Stena Line, the Fletcher Hotel in Wageningen and the Arnhem 40-45 Museum also supported the visit.
Ann Russell, daughter of WWII veteran George Durrant, praised the Taxi Charity volunteers and drivers who supported the trip. She said: “Dad has loved it and we’ve made such special memories. We’ve been blown away by how much everyone cares and by the kindness shown to all the veterans.”
Chris Janssen, Director of Wageningen 45, said the veterans remained central to the city’s liberation commemorations. He said: “The WWII veterans are the absolute guests of honour in Wageningen. Through them, the Second World War becomes living history for younger generations. The veterans and the Taxi Charity are woven into the very soul of Wageningen, the City of Liberation.”
Taxi Charity Chairman Colin Mills said the relationship between drivers and veterans remains one of the defining parts of the organisation’s work. He said: “One of the most special things about the Taxi Charity is the friendships that develop between the cab drivers and the veterans. Many of our drivers have supported the same veterans for years and those bonds are incredibly important.”
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans has supported former servicemen and women for more than 75 years through transport services, social outings and commemorative trips. The organisation relies on donations, sponsorship and grants to continue its work supporting veterans and preserving the memory of those who served during WWII.
