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Operation Veritable was part of a larger Allied pincer movement designed to clear German forces from the area between the Roer and Rhine rivers. British and Canadian troops advanced from the north, while American forces pushed up from the south to complete the encirclement. In a last-ditch effort to slow the Allied advance, the Germans deliberately destroyed several dams along the Roer, causing widespread flooding and temporarily stalling the operation.

Operation Veritable

Operation Veritable began on February 8, 1945, and was designed as part of a two-pronged Allied attack to encircle entrenched German forces. The British and Canadian forces made up the northern pincer, while U.S. forces were tasked with advancing from the south to close the trap, in what became known as Operation Grenade. However, the Germans managed to prevent the encirclement by destroying dams along the Roer River (not to be confused with the Ruhr River, located on the other side of the Rhine). The resulting flooding—at some points nearly two kilometers wide—forced the U.S. forces to delay their assault. As a result, the Canadian and British forces had to carry on the operation on their own.

Sherman tanks of 10th Canadian Armoured Regiment (Fort Garry Horse) with infantry of the Royal Regiment of Canada massing in preparation for the assault on Goch, 17 February 1945.

From the very beginning of the offensive, poor weather conditions significantly hindered Allied operations. General Horrocks, who commanded the British forces, later remarked on the frustration of the battle: “What was so maddening was that the whole thing could have been so easy if only the frost had continued.” A thaw turned the previously frozen ground into a muddy quagmire, a situation further worsened by constant rainfall and the German army’s breach of the Rhine riverbanks. The Allies were forced to advance slowly, unable to fully capitalize on their numerical and technological superiority.

By February 23, the waters had receded enough to allow U.S. forces to finally cross the Roer River and complete their mission. Reflecting on the operation, Allied Supreme Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower described Operation Veritable as “some of the fiercest fighting of the whole war… a bitter slugging match” between Allied and German forces. Names such as Reichswald, Kleve, Goch, Gennep, Kalkar Heights, Keppeln, Hochwald, The Hochwald Gap, Veen, and Xanten would forever be etched in the memories of the men who fought there.

Battlefield Tours offers battlefield tours for both private and mixed groups in Groesbeek and Germany (Reichswald). Battlefield Tours can provide specific programs for larger groups, schools and scouting groups. In Groesbeek we offer tours to different areas around Groesbeek. The Battlefield Tours in Groesbeek 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 Groesbeek and surroundings takes a full day.

Tour highlights*

• Canadian War Cemetery Groesbeek
• National Liberation Museum 1944-1945 Groesbeek
• Amphibious operation during Veritable
• The battle for Kleve
• The battle of Moyland Wood
• German counterattacks on the line Kalkar-Goch
• The battle for Keppeln (Operation Blockbuster)
• The breakthrough in the position of Schlieffen 
• The hell of Hochwald Gap
• The Battle for Goch
• The battle for Xanten
• The battle for Veen

*Depends on which tour you choose

Duration
The tours in Groesbeek and surroundings takes a full day or several days. 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 can 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 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 Nijmegen as your destination. Overnight accommodation is possible in Nijmegen. Book overnight accommodation via this website.

Europe Remembers – Operation Veritable