Gelderland: 80 years after Operation Market Garden and beyond

Gelderland has a lot to offer to tourists, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, due to having the Veluwe national park (the biggest national park in the Netherlands), the Betuwe (a floodplain between the Rhine and the Waal River) and the River Rhine all within its borders. The province has a rich history, with its castles, museums and historic towns, such as Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, Arnhem which is the capital of Gelderland and known for its historical significance and cultural heritage and Apeldoorn, which hosts the Royal Palace Het Loo. 

Gelderland played a major role in the final phases of World War 2 and the liberation of Western Europe as Operation Market Garden (17 to 25 September 1944) took place within this province and ultimately failed. The goal of this operation was to establish a bridgehead over the Rhine and enable the Allies to move quickly into Germany by capturing bridges across many crossings. However, the operation was unsuccessful since the Arnhem bridge was not taken. The movie 'A bridge too far' depicts this Operation and the huge toll it took on civilians and soldiers alike. A lot of soldiers lost their lives or got captured, the ones that managed to escape and go into hiding had to wait for the Allied forces to launch a new attack. With Operation Pegasus (22 October 1944) many soldiers were able to escape back to allied territory. Due to the earlier failed attempt to take Arnhem in September 1944, and other more pressing operations such as Operation Veritable and the Rhineland offensive in West-Germany, the liberation of Arnhem was postponed until April of 1945 with Operation Anger (12 to 16 April 1945). The war took a heavy toll on the region — most of the cities were destroyed, and many homes were looted. 

Due to its history, Gelderland is rich in remembrance sites. Notable among these is the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek, located near the German border, which narrates the story of the liberation of the Netherlands. Due to its proximity to Germany, the museum adopts a multi-perspective approach to the war, challenging visitors to reflect on the concept of freedom. The Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek, dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem, is also significant. Known as Villa Hartenstein, this museum once accommodated German field marshal Walter Model before serving as the headquarters for the British 1st Airborne Division. Moreover, the The Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, is the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the Netherlands, serving as the final resting place for 2,617 members of the Commonwealth armed forces. In Arnhem, the The Airborne at the Bridge and John Frost bridge further recount the story of the Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Arnhem. 

In addition to its many remembrance sites, Gelderland is actively involved in honoring the memory of the Second World War by organizing various events, festivities, and commemorations throughout the province. Noteworthy initiatives this year include the Sunset March XXL, a march across the bridge 'The Oversteek' to the monument on the other side and back. There will also be a commemorative service of the Waal Crossing in Nijmegen, featuring performances and a wreath-laying ceremony to remember the soldiers who lost their lives during this historic crossing. Additionally, the ‘Bridge to Liberation’ event in Arnhem stands out as a large-scale celebration, both remote and in-person, marking the 80th anniversary of Arnhem's liberation and the subsequent freedom. The event will feature dances, storytelling, and special effects to depict the impact of World War II on Arnhem and the surrounding areas. It will also highlight the story of Jewish veteran Max Wolff.

Join us in Gelderland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden in September 2024. The celebrations will continue through May 4 to 5, 2025, marking the end of the Second World War in the Netherlands.