45 Commando in Arnham

Could anyone please tell me if "A" Troop 45 Commando was in Arnham in 1944.

I have come across a photograph of My late Father being presented with a medal at a reunion in Arnham and I was wondering why he would be at an Arnham reunion if he hadn't served there during the war.

I remember Dad saying he was in Holland during the war and talking about parachutes but like all kids I didn't listen closely enough, I certainly wish I had now.

Hi Iris,

Could anyone please tell me if "A" Troop 45 Commando was in Arnham in 1944.

I can't answer your question, from my limited knowledge of history I thought no, but it would seem your dad had some connection. Anybody ?

Perhaps 45 Commando were involved with the withdrawal of Allied forces after the Battle of Arnhem called Operation Pegasus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Pegasus

Iris, maybe you can share the picture of the reunion, it might hold some clues.

I was still curious if any commandos took part in Operation Market Garden - the bridge at Arnhem being the infamous "Bridge too far"

Turns out at least some Dutch commandos from No 10 (Interallied) Commando were, I guess for their language skills and local knowledge.

On Sunday 17 September 1944 the greater part of No 2 (Dutch) Troop was deployed in the largest and most audacious airborne operation of World War II: "Market Garden".

http://www.korpscommandotroepen.nl/index.php?l=en&p=54

11 commando's of the troop were assigned to the 82nd US Airborne Division, 5 to the 101st US Airborne Division, 3 to the staff of 1st British Airborne Corps and 12 commando's were assigned to the British 1st Airborne Division.

http://www.marketgarden.com/2010/UK/page10.html

A side note

Merely five Dutchmen were deployed in India (with both the assistance of No 44 Royal Marine Commando and No 5 Commando) behind enemy lines in ARAKAN (Birma).