As part of the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden (Arnhem), Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life recently held an event for families of Arnhem soldiers.

The day was hosted by the Museum, located in Alma Block within Carlisle Castle, and involved the families of eight soldiers, with relatives travelling from as far afield as St Helen’s, Bolton and Cheshire to be part of the event.

Museum manager Jules Wooding said: "This was the first time the Museum has organised an event such as this. We wanted to offer the opportunity for families to come together and talk about their relatives.

"The families all have the shared experience of a relative that had served during Operation Market Garden, and this was an opportunity for them to remember, reflect and find out more."

Families watched the film Theirs is the Glory before visiting the temporary exhibition Arnhem 80: The Aftermath and The Legacy 1944-2024 currently on display in the Museum.

Many of the attendees brought photographs, documents and some objects connected to their relative and shared these with other families.

The Museum contributed by showcasing some items from the collection including a para helmet worn by Private Thomas ‘Ted’ Stanley of the 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment who was killed in September 1944 aged just 21.

His nephews attended the family day and were able to see the helmet for the very first time.

Nephew Graham Povall said: "It’s very emotional. It’s surreal to see the helmet that he actually wore."

Also attending was Joan Lewis from Carlisle, whose father-in-law Richard served with the Border Regiment.

He said: "It was lovely to chat to everyone and hear their stories and how much they knew about their loved ones. We thought the film really brought it home and how we need to be reminded how indebted we are to them. We are so lucky to have our freedom, how much different life could have been."

The Museum is hosting a second family day on Sunday 8 September from 11am to 4pm and is keen to encourage people to attend.