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The Grave of Surgeon Lipmann Kessel, Oosterbeek
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The Grave of Surgeon Lipmann Kessel, Oosterbeek
Kessel is buried in the Oosterbeek local cemetery which is opposite the Commonwealth War Graves one. He was the surgeon to 16th Para Field Ambulance who had established themselves in the St Elisabeth Hospital where, among many others, he treated Brigadier John Hackett (later General Sir John), probably saving his life. His commitment to his patients as the bombs fell all around and the hospital was occupied by the Germans, was legendary. He stayed on until the battle was over when the Germans sent him to Apeldoorn. On 16 October he escaped and eventually returned to England. Captain Lipmann died in 1986 and wanted to be buried as near as possible to his fallen comrades. However, as a Jew, he did not wish to be cremated and it is a CWGC policy that only the cremated remains of those other than men and women who actually died during the two World Wars may be buried in cemeteries under their control. Lipmann Kessel decided that to be buried here, opposite his airborne pals, was the solution. Date: 2000
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Media ID 23271344
© Holts Battlefield Collection / Mary Evans
2000 Ambulance Buried Cemetery Commonwealth Grave Graves Oosterbeek Opposite Para Surgeon Kessel
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In this poignant photograph, the grave of Surgeon Lipmann Kessel stands proudly in the Oosterbeek local cemetery, a quiet and peaceful resting place nestled opposite the Commonwealth War Graves section. Surgeon Kessel, a Jewish doctor, served valiantly with the 16th Para Field Ambulance during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. He established himself in the St. Elisabeth Hospital, where he displayed unwavering dedication to his patients, including the famous British Brigadier John Hackett (later General Sir John), who was likely saved by his skilled hands as bombs fell around them and the hospital was occupied by the Germans. Despite his strong desire to be buried as close as possible to his fallen comrades, Surgeon Kessel faced a challenge due to the CWGC policy that only the cremated remains of those who died during the two World Wars may be interred in their cemeteries. Unwilling to be cremated, Kessel made the decision to be buried in the local cemetery, a small sacrifice to be near the graves of his airborne colleagues. Surgeon Lipmann Kessel's commitment to his patients during the Battle of Arnhem was legendary, and his grave serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals during times of war. This photograph, taken in the year 2000, captures the serene beauty of his final resting place, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who gave their all for their country.
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