Arnold Walton served with the York & Lancaster Regiment, Hallamshire Battalion during the Second World War after having been conscripted in 1943/44 and then fully enlisted on September 19, 1947, serving until October 18, 1949.

Arnold’s battalion, the Hallamshires, served with the 49th (West Riding) Division (The Polar Bears) throughout the war. During the winter months between the failed Operation Market Garden and the liberation of the Netherlands, the Hallamshires served in the Nijmegen Salient, then known as ‘No Man’s Land’.

In April 1945, the battalion was given the order to help liberate Arnhem from the enemy by crossing the Ijssel River in Operation Anger. Arnold recalls crossing the river in a Buffalo (an amphibious vehicle) and making his way through Arnhem.

This year, at 100 years of age, Arnold has been invited to Arnhem to recognise his contribution to the liberation for the first time.

Sadly, Arnhem had not recognised their liberation (until 2025), as the city had been emptied of nearly all civilians and in the lead up to Operation Anger, the city was pummeled prior to the crossings by intense shelling and mortar fire. While this was understandable, the group The Forgotten Liberation of Arnhem 1945 found this to be a tragic oversight.

In December of 2025, members of the Committee of The Forgotten Liberation found a Facebook post referring to Arnold, who was about to turn 100 years of age. After getting in touch with Arnold’s neighbour, Tracy, the Committee was thrilled to extend an invitation for Arnold to join the commemoration this year, 2026.

As one can imagine, the costs associated with assisting a 100 year old veteran to travel are many. We need to arrange the travel, hotels, meals, as well as health/travel insurance. This is where we would like for everyone's help.

Please help this hero return to his last battlefield to be recognised for his service and sacrifice. Every little bit helps!