My article about the Hollywood blockbuster 'A Bridge Too Far', a young Dutch boy killed by a landmine and how a violent death sent grief - and hope - through generations👇
https://t.co/Ub7SkPUcZf
We all mourn the loss of Hollywood great Robert Redford this week, but do you know the real-life landmine tragedy behind the Second World War blockbuster he starred in, A Bridge Too Far?
The film depicts the Battle of Arnhem, which took place 81 years ago this weekend. Redford plays an officer in the Anglo-American Airborne Corps fighting to take a series of bridges along the Rhine in Nazi-occupied Holland.
But the Nazis forced the Allies into a defensive pocket in the Arnhem suburb of Oosterbeek, where a family home was used as a field hospital for British military casualties.
The house that was used as the field hospital – both in real life and in the film – belonged to the Ter Horst family. They knew only too well about the human cost of war. In 1947, three years after the war ended, their 13-year-old son Piek stepped on a landmine as he played in the garden. He died instantly.
Read Mark Doyle’s story on how Piek’s brother and sister can still recall that terrible moment – and how a generous gift in their mother’s will has helped HALO clear landmines around the world since – saving thousands of other children from the fate of her own child.
https://t.co/stkVEN9B7j
@nelsabbey Good points. I don't think I ever described the Yoruba as a "tribe" in the years I was lucky enough to report for the BBC on Nigeria. I would usually describe them as an "ethnic group" - though if homing in on Yorubu culture or organisation, I might sometimes use "Yoruba nation".
@jayrayner1 Hi Jay. I work for @TheHALOTrust and have an idea to share with you. Please follow me for DM and send me your email address. Thanks - Mark Doyle