On September 17, 1944, in broad daylight, the three parachute infantry regiments of the 101st Airborne Division—known as the Screaming Eagles—descended with remarkable precision onto their designated drop zones in Nazi-occupied Holland. Their mission marked the beginning of Operation Market Garden, where they would play a crucial role in one of the boldest Allied offensives of World War II.

The 101ste Airborne Division during Market Garden

For Operation Market Garden to succeed, the airborne troops were tasked with capturing key bridges spanning rivers and canals. These bridges were critical to allowing swift movement of ground forces along a single highway, extending about 60 miles from the Allied lines in Belgium to Arnhem in the Netherlands. The airborne units were to hold these bridges until reinforcements arrived, in the form of the British XXX Corps, which would advance along the highway, crossing each bridge in turn. The XXX Corps would then reach Arnhem as the vanguard of a larger force pushing into Germany.

Dutch civilians with 101st Airborne Division Paratroopers during Operation Market Garden.

The 101st Airborne Division was tasked with securing the southernmost bridges in Operation Market Garden. This included a bridge over the Wilhelmina Canal at Son, two bridges over the Dommel River at St. Oedenrode, and four more over the Aa River near Veghel. In addition to securing these bridges, the 101st also captured Eindhoven and held open a crucial 15-mile stretch of road toward Arnhem for the British XXX Corps. By the end of their mission, this stretch of road would be known to the men of the 101st as ‘Hell’s Highway,’ a testament to the fierce fighting and vital role they played in the operation.

Although it became apparent that Market-Garden was a strategic failure, the men of the 101st Airborne Division could say that they had done their part admirably.

The northern flank of the Allied armies was extended 65 miles, crossing two canals as well as the Maas and Waal rivers, while a significant portion of Dutch territory was liberated from Nazi occupation. The division had killed numerous German soldiers and captured 3,511, but at the cost of 2,110 casualties.

This tour takes you by car or bus from the Neerpelt bridgehead to Eindhoven, continuing beyond to Son and Veghel. We will follow the route taken by the British XXX Corps as they advanced to link up with the airborne troops. This route, also known as the Central Line or Club Route—and perhaps most famously as Hell’s Highway—was constantly disrupted by German forces, making both the advance and lines of communication incredibly difficult and perilous.

Battlefield Tours offers battlefield tours for both private and mixed groups in Eindhoven and surroundings. Battlefield Tours can provide specific programs for larger groups, schools and scouting groups. The Battlefield Tour require motorized transport because of distance and tour length. Battlefield Tours can provide transport for groups up to 8 persons. But if you feel more comfortable in your own car, you can follow us using your car also. Groups larger than 8 persons will have to provide for (additional) transport themselves. The tour takes a full day.

Tour highlights*

• 

  Memorial Eerde

  Drop-and landingzones at Son, Eerde and misdrop at Heeswijk-Dinther

• Joe Mann monument
• Bridges at Son, Best, Sint-Oedenrode, Eindhoven, Eerde and Veghel.
• Eerde Wind-Will
• The battle for Best
• Museum ‘Wings of Liberation’ in Best
• Bailey bridge at Son
• Fighting for Eerde
• Fighting’s at the sand dunes 501 & 502 PIR
• Road cut at Koevering
• Fighting around Veghel and Black Friday
• Monument Lieutenant Colonel Robert George Cole

*Depends on which tour you choose

Duration
The tours in Eindhoven and surroundings takes a full day. Combination with other tours into a multiple day tour is possible.

Possible tour days
Our private tours can be booked all year round and all week to availability.

Price, bookings and payment
Different prices for a private tour may apply depending on group size. Prices, terms and conditions can be found here. You can easily book the tour via the booking form on this page, or by contacting us directly. By submitting a booking you agree to our terms and conditions. After receipt of you booking request we will verify availability on the tour date(s) requested. If needed we will contact you to discuss details or other options. Presuming a requested tour date is possible we will sent you a confirmation email containing an invoice stating the total amount due and the deposit amount (if applicable) needed to complete your booking. Full payment is due 10 days prior to the start date of the tour.

Transport and pick up location
This is a bus tour. We start the Battlefield Tour from the central train station in Eindhoven. If you arrive by plane, you will probably fly to Schiphol, Amsterdam’s airport. The easiest way to get to Eindhoven is by train. There is a train from Schiphol to Eindhoven, which leaves every hour. You can plan your train trip using the journey planner of the Dutch railways. You should select Schiphol as your departure station and Eindhoven as your destination. Overnight accommodation is possible in Eindhoven or Nijmegen. Book overnight accommodation via this website.

American Army Newsreel about Market Garden