The Statues Return to Double Hills
Published: 02 September 2025
The Statues Return to Double Hills
The statues are back at Double Hills — replaced and restored on Friday, 12th July 2025.
The original figures, one depicting an Airborne Royal Engineer (21 of whom lost their lives at Double Hills Meadow) and the other portraying the two Glider Pilots who also perished, had stood for many years as a cherished part of Paulton’s landscape of remembrance.
Their glider had been en route to the Battle of Arnhem in Holland when it tragically broke up at 2,000 feet and crashed into the meadow at 11:30am on 17th September 1944. These were the very first casualties of Operation Market Garden — the bold Allied plan to land an airborne army behind enemy lines, capture key bridges (particularly the Rhine crossing at Arnhem), and end the war in 1944 to bring the boys home.
The newly installed statues, long awaited, replace the originals — which had been so fondly regarded by the people of Paulton. Sadly, the earlier bronze resin figures were severely damaged during a storm in November 2021. While there was some speculation that vandalism might have played a part, we prefer to believe otherwise.
These new replacements are made from 6mm thick Corten steel — a weather-resistant, non-degradable material that forms a protective orange patina over time. Built to last, these statues should stand for another 46 years or more.
The Double Hills Memorial itself was established in September 1979. The new figures were generously created and donated by Barrett Steel Ltd, the UK’s largest independent steel stockholder, with local service centres in Exeter, Bristol, Gloucester, Reading, and beyond. I was proud to retire from the company in 2004 after 28 years of service. A remembrance plaque at the Memorial, unveiled by Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg — Patron of the Double Hills Arnhem Memorial — in September 2023, also honours my late benefactor James Stephenson Barrett, the Barrett Steel CEO who enabled me to use company resources annually to maintain our long tradition of commemoration.
These 23 men — the first casualties in this Operation Market Garden, remembered by many through the phrase and the famous film “A Bridge Too Far” — died in the early phase of General Montgomery’s bold 1944 strategy to end the war. While the operation did not achieve all it set out to do, the heroic stand by British and Polish airborne forces, holding out against overwhelming odds before eventual withdrawal across the Rhine, remains etched in our nation’s memory — a story of bravery, sacrifice, and endurance.
Looking Ahead to Double Hills 2025
At the time of writing, it is uncertain whether this edition of the Parish Magazine will appear before this year’s Double Hills Arnhem Remembrance Service, scheduled for Sunday, 7th September 2025. There have been delays in securing the Double Hills necessary insurance and confirming adequate volunteer support to ensure the event proceeds safely and respectfully.
Nonetheless, the 2025 service is set to go ahead as planned. Attendees are kindly asked to be assembled at the Memorial by 2:00pm for the official start.
If you are able to offer help as a volunteer on the day, please contact Peter Yeates on 07521 372387 or email peteryeatesrn@gmail.com.
This year also marks a turning point: after serving faithfully as Sole Trustee for 45 years under a Royal Deed from the Duchy of Cornwall, I announced in September 2024 my intention to step back from fronting and leading future remembrance events. Despite strong support from the Double Hills team — including four members who showcased their restored 1944 Airborne Jeeps and authentic equipment at the 2025 Parish Annual Assembly — only one new volunteer came forward. So I continue as the sole Trustee of the Royal Deed assigned to me in perpetuity now, and can oversee the recruiting of willing volunteers.
Given this, I have agreed to continue organising the 2025 service with the support of our loyal team. It is likely that others will take the reins on the day itself, although I shall organize, and as we look to ensure the legacy is carried forward. My current focus is securing the long-term future of the Memorial, and the return of the statues their unveiling and dedication, marks a major milestone in that work.
Further enhancements to the site include the forthcoming installation of a stainless steel Airborne Pegasus insignia — the winged horse emblem of the Airborne Forces — which will be mounted atop the central stone. This striking addition was created and gifted by the late nephew of the youngest Airborne Engineer killed at Double Hills in 1944, who was just 18. This symbol of Airborne Forces has also been damaged, and now will be returned. This Pegasus will lend enduring dignity and meaning to the site.
A Vision for the Future — and a Grateful Tribute
As part of a wider proposal, I had suggested creating a discreetly fenced and gated area within the field below the historic Ordnance Trig Point, extending hedge to hedge. This would facilitate annual preparations for memorial parades and march-pasts. The gate would remain open year-round, closing only during the three weeks preceding the September service.
However, the Duchy of Cornwall has advised that this proposal is not agriculturally feasible at present. I wish to record my sincere gratitude to Farmer Andy Jefferies, who continues to support the event each year by providing tractor transport for elderly and less mobile attendees — a much-valued gesture that greatly enhances access.
Although mindful of the Duchy’s practical concerns, I intend to revisit this idea in future after further dialogue. It is hoped that such a modest but meaningful improvement might one day reflect the Duchy’s enduring commitment to community remembrance and further dignify this cherished place within its wider stewardship.
In related news, I was recently honoured to receive a gracious letter from HRH The Prince of Wales. As Colonel-in-Chief of the Airborne Forces — and owner of the Royal lands on which the Memorial stands — His Royal Highness reaffirmed his continuing support and expressed personal appreciation. The trusteeship of the Memorial Land remains entrusted to me by the Prince, in perpetuity.
The 2025 remembrance is set to be a particularly memorable occasion. It will include the official unveiling of the new statues, with a short dedication service led by Vicar Adam Pitt. As ever, serving soldiers from 9 Parachute Squadron, 23 Engineer Regiment (based at Woodbridge) will attend, representing today’s generation of Airborne Engineers — a living link to those who fell.
Service of Unveiling and Dedication will take place September 7th 2025 commence 2pm on the Double Hills ‘Arnhem Field’ The Village of Paulton, Nr Bath, Somerset. The Memorial can be located on the edge of the Double Hills meadow 5 mins walk from the Tennis court Road Recreation Ground at Paulton.