Bolton Arnhem war hero given special gift from the Netherlands

Wilf Oldham, aged 100, who lives in Radcliffe, fought in the battle of Arnhem,as part of the 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment.

Chairman of the Bolton-branch of the Parachute Regimental Association, David Sharkey, had set up a fundraising campaign to get Mr Oldham back to Arnhem but this won't be possible this year due to the pandemic.

As an alternative to a visit, Mr Oldham has been presented with a book about the battle, along with a letter written by a student in Arnhem and a pack of seeds.

Presenting the book at Bolton's Para Cafe, Captain Anton Jones, the branch's youngest member, said: "It's my pleasure and an honour to be here on what is a very special occasion.

"As you are all aware Wilf should have returned to Arnhem but due to the ongoing pandemic that is not possible this year.

"When the people of Arnhem knew he wouldn't be coming across they commissioned a book to be made and local school children also wrote letters to Wilf.

"It's a great privilege to hand this over today, thank you for everything you've done."

Mr Oldham said: "This is very kind, I want to thank the people of Arnhem and everybody involved.

"My descendants will be able to read about what happened in this book in years to come, hopefully they will be able to say this was a time when wars did take place but not anymore.

"It's my dying wish that there will be peace and harmony in the world.

"It feels very, very touching. It brings a lump to my throat to think about all of this and that we are still in touch.

"We have a great relationship with the people of Arnhem, it's wonderful.

"It's so important that countries maintain links like this.

"I'm not sure if I will be able to return as this situation doesn't seem to be getting any better."

Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South, said: "The word hero is often overused but Wilf truly is a great British hero, he's done so much for this country.

"He's certainly someone to look up to."