Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies recently attended events commemorating the liberation of ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 1944, which was freed by
the 53rd Welsh Infantry Division.
Holding wreaths, both Griffith and Irranca-Davies paid their respects in ceremonies honoring the Welsh soldiers who played a pivotal role in liberating the Dutch city, also known as Den Bosch. The city has sustained close ties with Wales ever since, paying homage to the Welsh soldiers with various tributes, including a war memorial and a bridge bearing the names of the 146 Welsh soldiers who sacrificed their lives for its freedom. In the cathedral, a Welsh cross stands as a tribute, with the "Welsh rooms" in the town hall featuring windows engraved with the names of these fallen soldiers.
During the commemoration, Griffith and Irranca-Davies laid wreaths, participated in a parade, and attended a remembrance service dedicated to the soldiers. They were joined by a delegation from Wales that included representatives from cultural and military organizations, as well as families of veterans—often referred to as "the liberators."
In 1995, the Pontypridd branch of The Royal Welsh Regimental Association forged an enduring bond with ‘s-Hertogenbosch. An annual commemorative dinner in Pontypridd has been held since then, with officials from Den Bosch regularly attending.
To mark the liberation anniversary, a group of Dutch city representatives undertook a 400-mile cycling journey from the Netherlands to Cardiff in April 2019, making stops in places like Crickhowell, Pontypridd, and Caerphilly. Their journey culminated in a symbolic ceremony where a Davy Lamp, carrying a “Flame of Freedom,” was presented. The lamp, brought back to ‘s-Hertogenbosch, continues to burn in remembrance until this year's commemorations.
In honor of this year’s 80th anniversary, a group from Pontypridd cycled over 300 miles to Den Bosch. This event, organized by Gareth Pennell, who was named a freeman of the city in 2019 for his dedication to remembrance efforts, highlights the ongoing commitment to honoring the soldiers and celebrating the enduring friendship between Wales and the Netherlands.
Wales Office Minister, Dame Nia Griffith said: “It is so important that we take time to reflect on the events of 80 years ago and honour those from the 53rd Welsh Infantry Division who fought and died alongside civilians in order to liberate ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
It is a privilege to represent the UK Government at this commemoration and help make sure that the sacrifice of so many lives is not forgotten”.
The Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “The commemorations this weekend serve as a poignant opportunity for us to remember, reflect and recognise those who served and those who paid the ultimate price for the liberation of this city; they will be remembered. Their sacrifices enable us all to live our lives with the freedom we have today.
It is our duty to remember what happened here in Den Bosch and ensure future generations understand that, so we can learn the lessons and ensure peace for generations to come.
Wales has an important relationship with Den Bosch, and we hope to see this continue and grow through economic and cultural ties”.