On 28th September 1944 the 101st Airborne Division was put under command of the British XII Corps and positioned on a front line known as the Island – a small area of land between the Neder Rijn (Lower Rhine) and the Waal River. The Airborne soldiers found themselves in positions that resembled the trench lines of World War I.
Allied units in the operational area came after Market Garden to a standstill in many places around Nijmegen, their were often static battles, particularly in the Betuwe. The front came to a standstill in many places in the marshy meadows. The civilians were evacuated as possible and on a relatively small number of civilians, this region was only occupied by Allied and German soldiers. The Betuwe had become “The men Island ‘ and front area.
Late September the US 101st Airborne Division transferred to the Betuwe. Instead of returning to England and prepare for another airborne missions, they must defend this area during October and November 1944. At this static front the ‘Screaming Eagles’ held the frontline against fierce German counter attacks and infiltrations. The resist artillery barrages, dangerous patrols, rain, wind and bitter cold.
During this Battlefield Tour we retrace the steps of the famous 101st Airborne Division in the Betuwe. We will visit ‘coffin’s corner’, the site of the Crossroads Battle, Operation Pegasus I and Opheusden. We’re going to see and hear how the troopers of the division held the ground in the area, what difficulties they had to encountered with, and how they repelled the German counter-attacks and infiltrations.
Battlefield Tours offers battlefield tours for both private and mixed groups in Nijmegen and surroundings. Battlefield Tours can provide specific programs for larger groups, schools and scouting groups. In Nijmegen we offer tours to different areas around Nijmegen. The Battlefield Tours in Nijmegen and surroundings 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 in Nijmegen and surroundings takes a full day.
Tour highlights*
Duration
The tours in Nijmegen 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 Nijmegen. If you arrive by plane, you will probably fly to Schiphol, Amsterdam’s airport. The easiest way to get to Nijmegen is by train. There is a train from Nijmegen 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 Nijmegen as your destination. Overnight accommodation is possible in Eindhoven or Nijmegen. Book overnight accommodation via this website.
Europe Remembers – The Island