History of Airborne Forces Riders
Many members of Airborne Forces had been attending the annual Arnhem commemorations either as individuals or in unit groups for many years, but in September 2014, a number of those whose common interest was motorcycles attended the 70th anniversary of Operation Market Garden together and this became the foundation of the Airborne Forces Riders. Those first 15 were the Founding members.
Our friends in Arnhem encouraged and supported our formation throughout, and the Market Garden Foundation convinced the town of Arnhem that Airborne Forces Riders should form an ‘Airborne Ride of Respect’ on the Friday of the commemoration week, with the specific aim of riding to the graves that lie many miles from Arnhem, but are associated with the battle. Since 2014, this ride has been supported by our good friends in the Dutch Motorcycle Association, who act as guides and provide flowers for each grave. It has also become our tradition to ride to Ginkel Heath DZ each year with our Dutch counterparts – The Red Beret Riders, whose continued friendship and support is without comparison.
Our links with Arnhem are strong and the production of the ‘Flower Children Pin’ each year not only raises funds for the Market Garden Foundation but also enhances our links with the Dutch schoolchildren who lay flowers on the graves of our fallen each year in Oosterbeek.
Several Riders have organised rides in support to a variety of charities such as the Falklands Ride of Respect, organised guided tours to Normandy and the Somme battlefields, and we take part in the ‘Ride to the Wall’ every October at the National Memorial Arboretum, to pay respects to those that have fallen since WW2. Many Riders attend funerals as escort riders and visit veterans who are not well, to boost morale and demonstrate our enduring comradeship. This is an expanding and worthwhile thread of Airborne Forces Riders, and we aim to provide a ‘focus’ for veterans of Airborne Forces who enjoy both motorcycles and the comradeship of their former Service. Likewise, we have several members still serving thus reinforcing our links to 16 Air Assault Brigade and UK Special Forces.
Currently, Airborne Forces Riders have around 650 listed members from all units within Airborne Forces (about 550 Riders and 100 Supporters) and since 2014 we have gained an excellent reputation both within the UK and in the Netherlands for conducting ourselves well, operating professionally, and demonstrating respect for all who we deal with.
Consequently, as the size of Airborne Forces Riders grew, so the need for structured organisation and governance became evident in order that we could complete our charitable aims legally and with transparency. Following the proven model of many other military motorcycle groups, it was decided that official affiliation with our military secretariat was the right route to progress. In 2021 Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer agreed to become Patron of the Airborne Forces Riders, followed shortly thereafter in January 2023 when Airborne Forces Riders became ‘The Riders Branch’ of the Parachute Regimental Association.
Looking forward, as we immerse ourselves into the fabric of The Parachute Regimental Association, so the evolution of Airborne Forces Riders will continue. We will continue to be a respected group of veteran and serving Airborne bikers and supporters, who actively raise funds for charity, carry out acts of Remembrance and Respect and act as a hub for comradeship and support.