War graves in the Public Cemetery of Wijk bij Duurstede
On the cemetery of Wijk bij Duurstede, there are seven war graves that belong to British soldiers. The bodies of these seven soldiers were washed ashore near Wijk bij Duurstede after the battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden.
Three of the soldiers are unknown, their graves are marked with their date of death and the text “A soldier of the 1939-1945 war. Known unto God.”, the others are marked with name, rank and regiment.
A plaque was placed at the entrance of the cemetery on the 50th anniversary of their death. It reads (in Dutch and in English):
In this cemetery rest the remains of 7 British Soldiers of the 1st Airborne Division. In the autumn of 1944 they gave their lives to liberate the Netherlands from nazi-tyranny.
Ronald Ditch
Harold Godwin
John Walters
Gordon Wright
3 unknown Airborne soldiers.
Near the entrance is a row of three graves. Here rest Sergeant J. (John) Walters (Glider Pilot Regiment), Private H. (Harold) Godwin (Parachute Regiment), and a soldier “known unto God”. All three died on 25 September 1944.
A bit further into the cemetery is a row of four war graves. These are the final resting places of Staff Sergeant R.R. (Ronald) Ditch (Glider Pilot Regiment), Private C.J.G. (Gordon) Wright (Parachute Regiment), and two soldiers “known unto God”. They died on 25 and 26 September 1944.