IrvinGQ® Pays Tribute to the Heroes of Arnhem with Poppy Parachute Jump at 80th Anniversary

At IrvinGQ®, we are incredibly proud to have commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem with a special parachute jump that honours the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in one of World War II’s most pivotal battles. Held in Arnhem, Netherlands, this tribute allowed us to reflect on the deep connection between our company and the historic events of 1944, when our X-Type parachutes played a crucial role in Operation Market Garden.

The 80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden

This event, which was years in the making, saw parachutists leap from the skies over Arnhem. In a deeply emotional surprise, eight of these parachutists descended with specially designed red and black poppy parachutes by IrvinGQ®—a powerful symbol of remembrance. Watching these parachutes unfurl in the sky was an unforgettable moment, especially for the veterans in attendance, many of whom were visibly moved by the display. The poppy, long a symbol of remembrance for those who have served, was chosen to represent each decade that has passed since the battle, and to honour the memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

FROM CONCEPT TO THE SKY

The concept for this commemorative jump began in 2019, when Russ Murphy, a former RAF Falcons Display Team member and a key member of our sales department, came up with the idea. Russ envisioned a tribute that would celebrate IrvinGQ®’s long-standing partnership with the armed forces while paying homage to the soldiers who served at Arnhem. Although the global pandemic delayed the project, the significance of the 80th anniversary made this the perfect moment to bring his vision to life.

Dave Jackman, our Design Services Supervisor, who was involved in every stage of the project, shared his thoughts on what this day meant for us as a company and for everyone who took part:

“This event was incredibly special for all of us at IrvinGQ®. The poppy parachutes were not just a visual display; they were a meaningful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served at Arnhem. Watching the veterans’ reactions as the parachutes descended was an unforgettable experience, one that reinforced just how important it is to continue honouring their legacy.”

The poppy parachutes, crafted by IrvinGQ® and embroidered by Cardiff Embroidery, were a tribute to the veterans and to the high standards of innovation and reliability that we have upheld for more than eight decades. The X-Type parachute, which played a key role in the original operation in 1944, laid the foundation for the development of our world-leading aerial delivery systems today, and this event brought our history full circle.

THE SPECIAL MEANING TO IRVINGQ®

For us at IrvinGQ®, this wasn’t just a commemorative jump—it was a reflection of our commitment to the men and women of the armed forces, past and present. It was an honour to bring this tribute to life, to see the impact it had on those who attended, and to know that we have played a part in keeping the legacy of Arnhem alive.

As we move forward, IrvinGQ® remains dedicated to providing the same level of excellence, innovation, and support to today’s armed forces, ensuring that their missions are successful and their safety is prioritised.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, and to the veterans who joined us to commemorate this historic anniversary. We are deeply humbled by your courage and sacrifice, and we will continue to honour your legacy in everything we do.

*We would like to extend our gratitude to our suppliers, Ryknel and Heathcoat, for providing the high-quality fabric used in the poppy parachute production. Additionally, we thank Cardiff Embroidery for their exceptional work in embroidering the poppy logo.