84-Year-Old Continues to Honor Fallen WWII British Soldier For 75 Years

Published May 8, 2025 By John Lerit

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A Lifelong Tribute Begins

In September 1944, during the intense days of World War II, nine-year-old Willemien Rieken found herself amidst the turmoil of the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands. As her village became a battleground, she and her family sought refuge in a cellar beneath their home. Emerging after days of conflict, they discovered the bodies of four British soldiers in their garden, a stark reminder of the war’s reach.

One of these soldiers was Trooper William McKinlay Edmond, a 27-year-old from Musselburgh, Scotland. Serving with the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron, he was fatally shot by a German sniper on September 17, 1944. Before succumbing to his wounds, he reportedly told a comrade, “Tell my wife I love her and go and see her for me.”

A Promise Kept Through Decades

In the aftermath of the war, local Dutch children were encouraged to honor the fallen by tending to their graves. Willemien was assigned Trooper Edmond’s grave at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. What began as a child’s act of remembrance evolved into a 75-year commitment. Each year, she laid flowers at his grave, ensuring his sacrifice was not forgotten.

Despite attempts, Willemien never located Trooper Edmond’s family. Undeterred, she continued her annual visits, driven by gratitude for the soldiers who fought for her village’s freedom. Her dedication became emblematic of the enduring bond between the Dutch community and the Allied forces.

Legacy of Remembrance

Trooper Edmond’s initial burial was in a temporary grave in Willemien’s garden. Later, he was reinterred at the Oosterbeek War Cemetery, where over 1,600 Commonwealth servicemen are commemorated. In 2019, during the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, Willemien shared her story, highlighting the importance of remembering those who gave their lives.

Willemien Rieken passed away on July 24, 2020, at the age of 85. Her unwavering dedication serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of war and the importance of honoring those who served.