AN Ilminster air cadet returned on Sunday from a four-day trip to Holland to participate in the Airborne March, marking 70 years since the Battle of Arnhem.

Sgt Josephine Whitehead joined 21 cadets from Devon and Somerset Wing to take part in the march.

Their journey began with a farewell parade at the Hydrographic Office in Taunton, at which the cadets were presented with a wreath by local veterans to be laid at the memorial in the Arnhem Oosterbeck War Cemetery at the end of the battlefield tour.

The battlefield tour included the landing and drop zones, St Elisabeth’s Hospital and the old church at Oosterbeel-Laag, culminating in the 15km march on Saturday.

Commanding Officer Flt Lt Colin Parkinson, of 2381 Ilminster Squadron, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to pay their respects to those that fought on our behalf all those years ago. It makes history real for them and gives them an understanding of the sacrifice made by so many. This is a real achievement for Sgt Whitehead.”

Sgt Whitehead said placing a cross on Sergeant Leslie Victor Radcliffe’s grave was a moment to cherish.

She added: “I will remember him as a hero because he had no family left behind to remember him. There are many others like him. I feel if each person can remember one hero, however insignificant others may think them to be, then together we can remember the thousands who gave their tomorrows for our todays. My proudest moment was crossing the finish line as I hadn’t thought I would be able to complete the march. I feel like not only did I do it for myself and my team, but for Sergeant Ratcliffe of 196Sqn who 70 years ago did not make it that far.”