TAXI CHARITY: WWII veterans honoured during five-day Dutch Liberation visit
- Perry Richardson
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans has returned from a five-day visit to the Netherlands, where they marked the Dutch Liberation, honoured the fallen, and built lasting ties with their Dutch hosts.
A group of World War II veterans, carers and volunteers made the journey from Harwich to the Hook of Holland on 2 May. They travelled in a convoy of 20 London taxis and were escorted by Dutch police to Bronbeek Military Home. The police cleared motorways to ensure a smooth and respectful journey for the group, who were greeted with a welcome lunch on arrival.
The following day saw a solemn service at Grebbeberg War Cemetery. The cemetery holds the graves of 799 military personnel and one civilian who died in May 1940. Wreaths were laid, and a two-minute silence observed by veterans and taxi drivers alike.
On the night of 4 May, 100-year-old British veteran Mervyn Kersh lit the Flame of Liberation in Wageningen’s 5 Mei Plein. He was joined by 101-year-old Canadian veteran Nick Janicki. The flame commemorates the 1945 German capitulation in the Netherlands. As the flame was lit, thousands of torchbearers began a national relay across the country.
On 5 May, the veterans were guests of honour at the Wageningen Liberation Parade. They were driven through the city in golf carts, greeted by an estimated crowd of 120,000 people. Flags waved and cheers rang out as the veterans passed through streets lined with spectators.
That evening, Taxi Charity Vice President Dick Goodwin was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau by King Willem-Alexander for his long-standing dedication to supporting veterans.
Deputy Ambassador to the Netherlands, Keith Allen said on X: “Many congratulations from all at the British Embassy to Dick Goodwin of the wonderful UK Taxi Charity for Military Veterans who received a well-deserved Dutch honour in Wageningen on 5 May.”
The group also praised the crew of the Stena Line Britanica for the care and respect shown throughout the crossing. WWII veteran Geoff Roberts, captured in Arnhem and held as a prisoner of war, was among those on the trip, accompanied by his daughters.
One of Roberts’ daughters, Claire Welburn, said: “Returning to The Netherlands is always a pleasure, and this year was no exception. The love and appreciation from the Dutch people is unbelievable. They come and shake your hand and thank you for your service after all these years. If it wasn’t for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, I wouldn’t have been able to witness that this year. They are an amazing bunch of people. They give up the time for us. If you are thinking of supporting a charity, please, please, support this one.”
Colin Mills, London cab driver and Chairman of the Taxi Charity, said: “This trip is not just about remembrance, it’s about friendship, respect, and showing these veterans how much they are still appreciated.
“Every wave from the roadside, every child handing them a flower or gift, it matters. And it’s something they’ll never forget.”
The Taxi Charity expressed its gratitude to sponsors including Sherbet, A&S Services, Whitford Taxis Hoddesdon and Ubiquitous. The visit was further supported by the recently launched Our Heroes Fund, founded by charity ambassador Johnny Gallagher and veteran Dorotha Barron.
To find out more or to donate, visit www.taxicharity.org or www.justgiving.com/page/ourheroesfund.
