Luisterplek: The Incredible Patrol

In October 1944, American intelligence officer Hugo Sims and his battalion were ordered to take as many German prisoners of war as possible. After two failed actions, Sims decides to carry out the assignment himself.

In October 1944, American intelligence officer Hugo Sims and his battalion were ordered to take as many German prisoners of war as possible. After two failed actions, Sims decides to carry out the assignment himself. Together with five volunteers, he crosses the Rhine in the dark and goes far into enemy territory. Sometimes luck and chance help.

In October 1944 the 101 US Airborne division was in the Betuwe. Information was needed about the Germans in the Veluwe. On October 30, six men crossed the Rhine on their way to Ede. Early in the morning they arrived at a house near the Ginkelse heath near Ede. Two sleeping German officers were taken prisoner. A number of citizens who passed by were placed under house arrest. During the morning, four more Germans were taken prisoner. Towards evening it was time for the return journey. A German was forced to stop a car, a truck with 13 SS men in the back. They quickly surrendered to the paratroopers, as did an SS captain who passed by later. Shortly afterwards they set off. The car got stuck near the route of Rijksweg 12. They walked via Renkum to the Rijndijk. There were sentries there who were also captured. Then the Rhine was crossed. The commander reported back with 32 prisoners of war. “Incredible!” (unbelievable) was the comment.

Tourist information

N224 (Ede-Arnhem), forest path opposite the animal boarding house (on the Arnhem side of the Ginkelse Heide) GPS code: 52°02’11.35”N 5°44’47.06”E