St Michael's Mount in red to commemorate World War battle

RNAS Culdrose was among representatives from RAF St Mawgan, veterans, and cadets from across Cornwall who paid tribute to the sacrifices made during Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem in 1944.

Operation Market Garden was an ambitious Allied airborne operation to secure the River Rhine crossings, advance into northern Germany and ultimately shorten the war.

Personnel from RNAS Culdrose joined fellow service members and veterans to commemorate the 80th anniversary (Image: Ollie Turrell) If successful, the plan would have liberated the Netherlands, outflanked Germany’s formidable frontier defences, and made possible an armoured drive into Germany’s industrial heartland.

As people gathered to pay their respects, the iconic mount was lit up red, to symbolise the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the battle.  

Commander Richie Turrell, representing RNAS Culdrose, laid a wreath and observed a minute of silence (Image: Ollie Turrell) With the incredibly rare Harvest Supermoon cast light across the scene, the assembled crowd gathered on the mainland opposite the Mount, to begin the remembrance event. 

The event, organized by the Veterans Charity, featured a performance by drummers from the HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band from RNAS Culdrose in Helston. 

Representatives from RAF St Mawgan, veterans, and cadets from across Cornwall paid tribute (Image: Ollie Turrell) Commander Richie Turrell, representing RNAS Culdrose, laid a wreath and observed a minute of silence alongside the representatives from across Cornwall.