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Front cover of the card
A handwritten note by Ron
The front cover of the order of service

Ronald Johnson

Although this has no direct link with the Shrivenham Heritage Society, Ron Johnson gave a most interesting talk on the World War Two expedition that became known as 'Arnhem,' in the Memorial Hall, Shrivenham in April 2015. Even though the whole operation was not a military success, it went down in WW2 history as a remarkable event. 

The item in this listing is a card with Ron Johnson pictured on the front in uniform from the period. On the back is a note written by him, describing the return journey to Arnhem on 2 May 2015.

Ron Johnson sadly passed away on 16th November 2023 and a celebration of his life was held at St Andrew's Church, Shrivenham on 8th March 2024. To see a copy of the order of service in PDF format please go HERE.

To read an Interview with Ron Johnson please go HERE

To read about Ron's 100 year birthday party, please go HERE

We have a copy of the CD recently released on the Battle for Arnhem Bridge in 1944. Our local connection is Shrivenham resident, Ron Johnson who took part in that battle. It was shown by Shrivenham Heritage Society on June 21st and introduced by Ron Johnson himself. You may view it at the SHS Centre by prior appointment.
 
The description is as follows: 
 
A moving and poignant account of The Battle for Arnhem by those who were there. Through powerful personal testimonies from the British veterans and Dutch civilians, 'Last Words' tells the story of the brutal and heroic battle that took place in September 1944. The film explores the extraordinary bravery, self sacrifice and dogged determination of the soldiers who fought to the bitter end but failed to hold the bridge. From tales of crashing glider planes, to chilling accounts of combat, to humerous anecdotes, the film focuses on the human story of war. As most of the veterans are now coming to the end of their lives it is a great privilege to listen to their reflections and memories - an important archive for generations to come. The Battle of Arnhem may have been a significant military defeat but it was also an extradordinary victory of human spirit, courage and camararderie.
 

 

 

  • Year:
    1944
  • Place:
    Shrivenham
  • Ref:
    C2.2.4.0 + S2B
  • Item Ref:
    N550
  • Find it:
    C2.SHR.2.4.0 + S2B

 

 

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We are always on the look-out for more information about Shrivenham and district. If you have old photos, know of historical facts, old documents (especially deeds) please contact us...

If you would like to view any item please email us to make an appointment, details on the Home page.