Page 14 - Chiron Autumn/Winter 2023

Exercise CHRION SUSTAINER
by Sgt S Williams RAVC
In May this year, fifteen members of the Defence Animal Training Regiment deployed to the
Netherlands on a Staff Ride to Arnhem and Oosterbeek. We spent three wonderful days exploring battlefields on bicycles in the glorious sunshine and could not have wished for a better environment in which to study this historic site and the important events which took place there in September 1944.
The Operation which took
place between the 17th and 25th September 1944 was known as MARKET GARDEN and was one of the biggest operations of its kind ever to have taken place. The two main elements were an air assault (MARKET) launched from England and a ground assault (GARDEN) by American and UK forces of XXX Corps, who would move north by road in support.
The airborne forces involved
in this operation were many and varied, however two of the primary forces were stationed in Melton Mowbray and even on the site where Remount Barracks stands today. These were the 11th and the 156th Parachute Battalions. Both units took incredibly heavy losses during the operation and the 156th were disbanded on their return from the war as only 68 soldier and officers returned from this terrible battle. As such, this is a moment from history
which bears particular significance to Melton Mowbray and Remount Barracks which is currently home to the Defence Animal Training Regiment.
The boldly planned operation which was developed by Field Marshall Montgomery was, in the end a failure, due to far too many factors to recount in a single article. However, the fierce bravery and resourcefulness of individuals and distinct units was as evident here
as with any other battle or skirmish which took place during WWII. Occasions to travel to places like this and personally discover the depth
of sacrifice and heroism are few and far between, so we were fortunate to make time in the DATRs hectic schedule to enable this trip.
We arrived at Oosterbeek on the Tuesday morning, collected our bicycles, and carried straight on with the tour! The plan was to visit fifteen significant locations and for different members of the group to present a brief at each location on the events which took place there. As a group we would then discuss how it affected the overall outcome of the Operation and the evolution of modern warfare. We were lucky enough to have also secured a local expert who was able to provide a much greater depth of information and some humorous anecdotes to boot!
A fresh but sunny morning saw us arrive at the Zones where our forces
12 / Chiron Calling