September 1944. Operation Market Garden, the Allies offensive has begun. Two friendly glider pilots cross each other’s paths. One of them is seriously injured.
September 1944. Operation Market Garden, the Allies offensive has begun. Two friendly glider pilots cross each other’s paths. One of them is seriously injured. During their provisional farewell, they symbolically cut a bracelet in half with the promise to see each other again after the war. But things don’t go as planned. A story about friendship and the price of our freedom.
When more than 10,000 Allies landed at Wolfheze, Renkum and Ede on September 17 and 18, 1944, many Dutch people think that liberation is only a matter of time. The Airborne soldiers, most of whom are volunteers, have trained together for years, creating close bonds of friendship.
Due to unexpectedly strong German resistance, it was not possible to capture the objective, the Rhine bridge near Arnhem. Ultimately, the British have to withdraw to Oosterbeek where they defend an area around Hartenstein headquarters. Fierce fights arise in houses and forests and civilians are not always spared. They are often in the basements of their homes. Wounded soldiers can hardly be cared for. After nine days the British have to withdraw across the Rhine. Thousands of dead and wounded remain behind. The war would last until May 5, 1945.
Tourist information
Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ in Oosterbeek GPS code: 51˚59’15.72”N 5˚49’57.92”E
Click here for a short video about Airborne Museum Hartenstein: https://youtu.be/-nBZeufZeJ0
- Category:
- Landmark
- Outdoor recreation
Address and contact
Utrechtseweg 232
6862 AZ Oosterbeek
