Veterans return to Scotland for ‘magical’ visit to Edinburgh Tattoo

Three veterans who served in the Second World War have attended the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo during a trip to Scotland for a “return to places of deep personal meaning” organised by a charity.

Eugeniusz Niedzielski, 101, Don Turrell, 100, and Dorothea Barron, 100, attend the pageantry event at Edinburgh Castle during their trip to Scotland, organised by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

They described the Tattoo as “the icing on the cake” after seeing the show on Tuesday evening.

The visit was organised after Mr Turrell, who lives in Frinton-on-Sea in Essex, disclosed it was his “final wish” to return to Scotland, where he had served in the Cameronians, and he vowed to come back next year.

Polish veteran Mr Niedzielski, from London, was “delighted” to watch the Band of the Polish Border Guard, according to organisers.

He served with the 1st Armoured Polish Division, and during the visit spent time with the Polish Community in Edinburgh, and also attended a Catholic Mass and a memorial service to his fallen comrades.

Ms Barron, from Hertfordshire, who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), returned to the site of her former barracks at Port Edgar, now a housing development and had a tour of Campbeltown, while Mr Turrell visited the Cameronians Museum and the Ben Nevis Distillery.

He said the visit was “unforgettable”, and also described the Tattoo as “magical”.

Mr Turrell said: “It was breathtaking – from the stirring opening to the grand finale. When the pipers emerged through the smoke, I thought the procession would never end – it was magical.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful – and I’m coming back next year.”

Colin Mills, chairman of the Taxi Charity, said: “Since 1948, the Taxi Charity has supported thousands of veterans, arranging free trips to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration, as well as days out to museums, concerts, and social events across the UK.

“This trip to Scotland was inspired when Don quietly shared with me that his last wish was to return there. We were determined to make it happen – and in doing so, we’ve not only fulfilled Don’s dream, but also the heartfelt wishes of Dorothea and Eugeniusz.”

Dick Goodwin, vice president of the Taxi Charity, said “This trip has given the veterans the chance to return to places of deep personal meaning from their wartime service – and they’ve enjoyed every moment.”

He said the Tattoo was “a celebration of skill, pageantry, and shared history”.

Mr Goodwin said: “It was a fantastic performance, from the hundreds of pipers, The Band of the Polish Border Guard, that delighted World War Two veteran Eugeniusz Niedzielski, to the precision and daring of the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team, spinning and throwing rifles with bayonets attached.

“The whole evening was a celebration of skill, pageantry, and shared history.

“This trip has given the veterans the chance to return to places of deep personal meaning from their wartime service – and they’ve enjoyed every moment.”