Wolverhampton will once more pay its respects to the brigade of Dutch soldiers who were stationed at Wrottesley Park during the Second World War.

The city's Mayor Councillor Phil Page will lay a wreath at the annual Dutch War Graves Service of Remembrance at Jeffcock Road Cemetery on Saturday 10 November, 2018.

The poignant service, organised by the City of Wolverhampton Central Branch of the Royal British Legion, remembers the 23 soldiers from the Princess Irene Brigade who are buried at the cemetery.

The Princess Irene Brigade was stationed in an encampment at Wrottesley Park from 1941 before they took part in the Normandy D-Day landings which began the liberation of Western Europe. They were also the first Allied troops to enter The Hague. 

The Brigade was disbanded in 1945. The service has taken place every year since, with veterans and latterly soldiers from its successor regiment the Guards Regiment Fusiliers Princess Irene making the pilgrimage to Wolverhampton on the weekend before Remembrance Sunday to honour their Dutch comrades. 

Councillor Page said: "There's a very special relationship between the people of Wolverhampton and the veterans of the Princess Irene Brigade and it is an honour to be invited to lay a wreath to commemorate their sacrifices."

The Remembrance service takes place at 10am and will be preceded by a short parade which will form up at 9.40am. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Richard Marsh, from the City of Wolverhampton Central Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "This service has been held every year since 1945, and a contingent of Dutch personnel will join the Mayor, Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and other dignitaries to lay wreaths as we pay homage to our brave Dutch Allies from the Second World War."

Former members of the Princess Irene Brigade were granted Freedom of the City in 2006.

  • released: Wednesday 24 October, 2018