Had to visit Arnhem as we are only about 50 minutes away. Went to the airborne museum in Oosterbeek where the British had their headquarters during the battle. Had to use a Google image as it's covered in plastic and scaffolding at the moment during renovation. It looked like this during the battle. The Dutch commemorate the British attempt to capture the bridge with an annual march from Oosterbeek to Arnhem which first took place in 1947. It's now the world's largest single day march with over 17 countries taking part. It was on Saturday - the place was packed and the streets full of "Pegasus" flags and Union Jacks. Quick facts: The Dutch finished the bridge in 1935. The Dutch blew it up in 1940. The Germans rebuilt it but only finished it in August 1944. The British tried to capture it in September 1944. The Americans destroyed it in October 1944. The new bridge is called the John Frost Bridge after Lieutenant - Colonel John Frost (played by Anthony Hopkins in the film. A bridge too far was filmed at the nearby town of Deventer as the centre of Arnhem was levelled in the battle and the rebuilt town therefore looked too modern.
Been there and found it very touching. The boulder out back of the building and the words written on it from the Dutch people was most moving to me.
Visited the cemetery where there are 1750 British and Polish graves. I particularly liked that some "old soldiers" who had survived the war and lived on into their 80's had chosen to be buried back there with their fallen comrades.
My wife's grandfather was at Arnhem. She has his wings in her jewellery box. Hopefully take her there one day, I know she would really like to. Thanks for the write up Steve.
Cheers mate - I would try and fit your visit in around that march I think it's always held at the beginning of September.
No, I think it's an early member of the Triumph Forum doing a recce for next year's GMU. The other bloke is saying "well it's up to you but I wouldn't park my bike here!"
Well one of my dads claims to fame was when they remade the film A bridge too far he was one of the extras the military supplied for the parachute jumps. Had a great time and the Dutch welcomed them as thou they were the orginal paras that fought during the war. Pity the old sod never took any photos etc when he was seconded for that.
