During his 100 birthday event in Sheffield, Arnold was played a voice message from a man named Michael, who lives in Arnhem.
Michael’s city was liberated seven months after the battle in which Arnold fought, and in which 62 British troops died.
In his message, Michael said he had seen Arnold’s photograph and recognised that he had served in the Hallamshire Battalion.
“We were very excited to see that, as that means you were one of the very brave men who liberated my city in April 1945 – the city my four grandparents were evacuated from in 1944.
“We weren’t sure there were any surviving Polar Bears to thank.”
Michael said he hoped to be in touch with Arnold directly to “express our gratitude to you personally”.
“Once again, sir, a very happy birthday and thank you for all your service,” he added.
Arnold became emotional hearing the message, and simply said: “lovely, thank you.”