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

Actually Airborne Ambulance Apeldoorn Bombs Brigadier Buried Cemeteries Commitment Comrades Cremated Cwgc Decided Escaped Established Eventually Failed Hackett However Kessel Legendary Lipmann Oosterbeek Opposite Pals Para Patients Possible Returned Saving Solution Stayed Surgeon Themselves Treated Wish

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