SEVENTY members and guests of Chipping Norton Royal British Legion enjoyed a social evening at the Crown and cushion in the company of Steve Morton, a veteran of the 2nd Parachute Battalion and Operation Market Garden, who fought on the bridge at Arnhem.

Members also welcomed Mr Morgan's niece Debbie Betts, who has collated his memories which can be found on www.paradata.org.uk, and his friends and family. Group Captain Simon Edwards, Station Commander of RAF Brize Norton was able to join the gathering as well as an old friend of the branch, Bernard Rumbold came over from Worcestershire with six of his ATC members.

The evening opened with an introduction by branch President Neville Edwards and the ode from Chairman Steve Kingsford. Vice Chairman Trevor Hodkinson then gave an overview of the campaign which culminated in the action at Arnhem, “A bridge too far” and of Steve’s part in it, before handing over to the man himself. Prompted by questions from the audience, Steve gave a thoroughly enthralling account of his experiences which were in turn moving and inspiring, funny and sad. He talked about his training, the fighting and his time as a prisoner of war and some of the characters he encountered along the way, keeping his audience spell bound throughout.

After his account Trevor read out a letter from the equerry of Prince Charles, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Parachute Regiment, branch member John Grantham read a hand written letter from David Cameron and Group Captain Edwards a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Ollie Kingsbury OBE. Photosgraphs taken on the night are on the website www.chippingnortonbritishlegion.com