Royal Air Force Reserve personnel from the Scottish Reserve Support Wing recently embarked on Exercise Dutch Courage: a trip to the Netherlands focused on historical study, professional development, and remembrance of those who served during the Second World War.
The exercise began with a visit to the National Military Museum, where personnel delivered a series of presentations examining the history and development of the V2 rocket programme during WWII. These discussions explored how early missile technology has evolved into modern capabilities, alongside analysis of key operations conducted in the Netherlands and their relevance to current warfare strategies and tactics.
The team later took the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Commonwealth War Graves in Noordwijk, paying their respects to fallen personnel that included a 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron pilot shot down in the surrounding area during WWII. Additional presentations helped to highlight the history of 603 Squadron and its continued influence on present-day operations.
The first day concluded with a final presentation at the site of one of the first V2 rocket launches. Personnel examined the logistical complexities of the programme, including the use of mobile launch sites in remote locations to avoid Allied detection and reduce risk to civilian populations, as well as the financial and morale costs associated with the campaign.
On Day Two the Reservists paid a visit to the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek, Arnhem, where exhibitions provided detailed insight into Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, deepening their understanding of one of the most significant Allied operations of the war.
At the Commonwealth war graves in Brummen, wreaths were laid on behalf of Air Officer Scotland, Air Commodore Mark Northover MBE ADC RAF, for Flying Officer J. M. Simpson, aged 22, and Flight Lieutenant A. S. H. Baillie aged 30, who were Scottish Aircrew serving with XXV (F) Squadron during the war.
On 4 May, RAF Reservists took part in national commemorations marking Dodenherdenking (Day of the Dead), a day observed across the Netherlands to honour civilians and military personnel who have died in conflicts or peacekeeping missions during and since WWII.
Members of both the Part-Time Volunteer Reserves (PTVR) and Full-Time Reserves (FTRS), alongside members of 602, 3502 and 612 Squadrons, attended and supported ceremonies across the country. Wreaths were laid in memory of Pilot Officer C. A. Newman of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, who died aged 24, and Pilot Officer A. R. Tidman of 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron, who died aged 23.
Corporal Alex Jessop, who laid the wreath for 602 Squadron, said: ‘It’s an honour and a privilege to be here with the Squadron, to honour our fallen, and to remember the sacrifices they made for our peace and freedom.’
Further commemorations took place at Barendrecht, where a wreath was laid at the grave of Warrant Officer Jack Dawson Green, a 603 Squadron pilot killed during the war. The ceremony was attended by the Scottish Reserve Support Wing, the Mayor of Barendrecht, Ronald Schneider, veterans of 603 Squadron, and personnel and veterans from the Royal Netherlands Army. This was followed by a moving service at the crash site where Warrant Officer Dawson Green was shot down by German forces.
The day concluded with a well-attended service at Dorpskerk Barendrecht, featuring addresses from local officials. Personnel then paraded to the Oorlogsmonument (War Memorial), where wreaths were formally laid. Following the official ceremony, members of the local community, including families and children, paid their respects by laying flowers or observing in silence, reflecting the enduring significance of remembrance.
Reflecting on the aims and outcomes of Exercise Dutch Courage, SRSW’s Squadron Leader Ross McElhinney commented: ‘It’s important that we look at our history to understand how we can better develop ourselves: our skills, our information gathering, and our target prosecution to make sure that we are a more effective force in the future.’
Exercise Dutch Courage provided a valuable opportunity for the Reservists to deepen their understanding of military history, strengthen professional knowledge, and honour the sacrifices of those who served before them. The exercise also reinforced the importance of international partnership and the continued relevance of historical lessons in shaping modern military operations.
Many thanks to the Scottish Reserve Support Wing for sharing their experience on Exercise Dutch Courage. To find out more about travel and training opportunities available to RAF Reservists, click here.
