A special commemorative event has been held at Catterick Garrison to mark 81 years since the liberation of the Liberation of Bergen-Belsen.
The event, organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and The Light Dragoons, took place on April 15, 2026, bringing together soldiers and guests to reflect on one of the most significant moments of the Second World War.
Attendees heard from John Wood, whose father was among the first Allied troops to enter the concentration camp in 1945. They also listened to reflections from Paul Lopez-Salzedo and Dan Lenherr.
The event included an Act of Remembrance and a minute’s silence beneath a memorial oak tree planted during last year’s ceremony by Holocaust survivors Mala Tribich and Alfred Garwood.
On April 15, 1945, British troops liberated the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where around 53,000 prisoners were found in appalling conditions. Among the liberating forces was the 15th/19th The King’s Royal Hussars, an antecedent regiment of The Light Dragoons. Lt Col Leonard Berney remained at the camp for 14 weeks, helping to save lives and later becoming commander of the displaced persons camp.
For many years, he did not speak about his experiences, later sharing his story publicly to educate future generations about the Holocaust.
Speaking at the event, Mr Wood stressed the importance of education in preventing future atrocities.
He said: “The message I want to leave you with is the importance of improving human rights education as key to building a better and more compassionate society.”
Mr Lopez-Salzedo said the event was both a moment of reflection and a call to action.
He said: “Together, we honour not only those who were murdered at Bergen-Belsen, and the British soldiers who liberated the survivors, but also the six million Jewish men, women and children who were killed during the Holocaust.
“It serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to challenge identity-based hatred and to ensure that history is never allowed to repeat itself.”
Lt Col Lenherr added: “It was a privilege to welcome the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust again this year… This event served as a powerful reminder that we must not forget the horrors of the past and that we all have a duty to ensure that they are never repeated.”
The event formed part of wider commemorations linked to Holocaust Memorial Day, which continues to raise awareness and promote education across the UK.
