Second World War veterans return to Scotland for ‘magical' visit to Edinburgh Tattoo
Three Second World War veterans have returned to Scotland for a poignant trip, culminating in a visit to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.
The journey was organised by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, allowing the trio to revisit locations of deep personal meaning from their wartime service.
The veterans, Eugeniusz Niedzielski, 101, Don Turrell, 100, and Dorothea Barron, 100, described the Tattoo as 'the icing on the cake' after attending the pageantry event on Tuesday evening.
The visit came after Mr Turrell, from Frinton-on-Sea in Essex, revealed it was his 'final wish' to return to Scotland, where he served in the Cameronians. He vowed to return next year, describing the Tattoo as 'magical'.
He said: 'It was breathtaking, from the stirring opening to the grand finale. When the pipers emerged through the smoke, I thought the procession would never end, it was magical. It's been absolutely wonderful, and I'm coming back next year.'
Polish veteran Mr Niedzielski, from London, was 'delighted' to watch the Band of the Polish Border Guard during the performance.
Having served with the 1st Armoured Polish Division, he also spent time with the Polish community in Edinburgh, attended a Catholic Mass, and visited a memorial service for his fallen comrades.
Ms Barron, from Hertfordshire, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), revisited the site of her former barracks at Port Edgar, now a housing development, and enjoyed a tour of Campbeltown.
Meanwhile, Mr Turrell explored the Cameronians Museum and the Ben Nevis Distillery.
Colin Mills, chairman of the Taxi Charity, highlighted the charity's long history of supporting veterans.
He said: 'Since 1948, the Taxi Charity has supported thousands of veterans, arranging free trips to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration, as well as days out to museums, concerts, and social events across the UK.
"This trip to Scotland was inspired when Don quietly shared with me that his last wish was to return there.
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"We were determined to make it happen, and in doing so, we've not only fulfilled Don's dream, but also the heartfelt wishes of Dorothea and Eugeniusz.'
Dick Goodwin, vice president of the charity, praised the emotional significance of the trip. He said: 'This trip has given the veterans the chance to return to places of deep personal meaning from their wartime service and they've enjoyed every moment.'
Reflecting on the Tattoo, Mr Goodwin added: 'It was a fantastic performance, from the hundreds of pipers, The Band of the Polish Border Guard, that delighted World War Two veteran Eugeniusz Niedzielski, to the precision and daring of the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team, spinning and throwing rifles with bayonets attached.
"The whole evening was a celebration of skill, pageantry, and shared history.'
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