Geoff Roberts, a 101-year-old veteran of the Battle of Arnhem, is set to return to the Netherlands this weekend to honor his fallen comrades from World War II. Despite his advancing age and declining health, Roberts is determined to make the annual pilgrimage to pay tribute to Lance Corporal Leonard Plummer and Private Robert Brown, who died fighting in one of the most significant clashes of the war.

Roberts served as a private in the 7th Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers and was just 19 when he was deployed by glider to the Netherlands as part of Operation Market Garden in September 1944. He vividly recalls the intense combat, including the moment during heavy fighting when Private Brown informed him that Plummer had been killed before Brown himself was also shot. Both men are buried at the Airborne War Cemetery in Oosterbeek alongside more than 1,700 British and Polish soldiers who fell during the nine-day battle, which took place between September 17 and 26, 1944.

The operation, intended to secure a swift route into northern Germany by capturing key bridges, ultimately failed to achieve its main objective. Despite the setback, around 35,000 Allied troops fought fiercely in some of the war’s most intense engagements, with over 8,000 British soldiers killed or captured. The battle is commemorated in both history and film, notably depicted in the 1977 movie "A Bridge Too Far."

Roberts, who lives independently in Peterborough, has made the pilgrimage to Arnhem every year since the war. This year’s visit may be his last, according to his family. His daughter Claire Welburn, 59, said Roberts feels a profound sense of duty and remembrance. “If you don’t take me, I will walk there myself,” she recounted him saying, underscoring his commitment to honoring those who sacrificed their lives alongside him.

Following his capture on September 26, 1944, Roberts was held as a prisoner of war in Germany and later forced to work in coal mines in Czechoslovakia. In recognition of his service and dedication to commemorating the battle, Roberts was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2023, receiving his award from Princess Anne. He also met King Charles on the 75th anniversary of the battle in 2019.

This weekend, Roberts will participate in ceremonies alongside other surviving veterans of the battle, including 103-year-old Robbie Hall and several centenarians. The Dutch continue to hold these veterans in high esteem, reflecting the enduring gratitude for their role in the country’s liberation.

Roberts’ family emphasizes the close bond he shares with the Netherlands and the significance of Arnhem in his life. His eldest daughter Nicola Roberts noted the warm reception her father receives there, calling it a place he regards as “home” each year. While Roberts humbly deflects the label of hero, choosing instead to honor those buried at the Commonwealth War Graves, his family and many others recognize him as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.