In broad daylight on September 17, 1944, paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division, under the command of General James Gavin, jumped onto designated drop zones near Groesbeek, Overasselt, and Grave in Nazi-occupied Holland. Their mission marked a critical phase in Operation Market Garden, with the 82nd playing a vital role in securing key terrain and bridges to enable the Allied advance.

The main objectives for the 82nd Airborne Division included the bridges at Grave, Malden, Heumen, Hatert, and Honinghutje—with the ultimate prize being the vital rail and road bridges over the Waal River at Nijmegen. By 18:00 on September 17, 1944, the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment had successfully completed its mission, despite the enemy managing to destroy one of the targeted bridges. Within just four hours, the regiment had jumped, regrouped, engaged German forces, and secured its key objectives—an impressive feat of coordination and combat effectiveness.

Nijmegen and Grave 17 – 20 September 1944: The bridge at Nijmegen after it had been captured by the 82nd (US) Airborne Division. A dead German SS officer lies where he fell during the attack.

Meanwhile, the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment came under heavy fire from German paratroopers of the 3rd Fallschirmjäger Division. The enemy launched repeated counterattacks, leading to fierce and intense fighting. The 508th held its position on a strategic elevation that soon earned the nickname “Devil’s Hill.” For two days, the 82nd Airborne Division maintained its ground, launching aggressive combat and reconnaissance patrols to disrupt enemy movements. Their perseverance paid off when the Irish Guards arrived, completing the ground link-up as the spearhead of the British XXX Corps’ advance.

Despite the progress made, the crucial road and rail bridges at Nijmegen—the final link to the British Airborne forces in Arnhem—remained under German control. Securing these bridges required a daring and highly dangerous assault: a river crossing of the 400-yard-wide Waal under heavy enemy fire. German defenses included deadly 88mm guns, FLAK wagons, 20mm cannons, machine guns, and riflemen. Yet, the order was given.

On September 20, 1944, in order to support the 505th’s attack and secure the bridge at Nijmegen, Major Julian Cook and his battalion were ordered to cross the rushing Waal River under murderous enemy fire in daylight with just 26 canvas boats.

Casualties were severe, and only thirteen boats returned to carry the second wave across. Nevertheless, the men of the 82nd Airborne managed to establish a fragile beachhead on the northern bank. From this small foothold, they launched a successful assault, capturing the vital bridges and liberating Nijmegen. After 56 days of relentless combat, the 82nd Airborne Division was finally relieved by Canadian forces on November 11, 1944. The division then moved to camps near Reims, France, and was placed in reserve alongside other airborne units.

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*

• Drop- and landingzones at Grave, Overasselt and Groesbeek
• Grave bridge
• Bridges over the Maas-Waal canal
• Fighting in Nijmegen and the Waal crossing
• Waco CG4 Replica Groesbeek
• Monument 82nd Airborne Division and Operation Veritable Groesbeek
• Monument 82nd Airborne Division (505st) Groesbeek
• National Liberation Museum 1944-1945 Groesbeek
• Molenhoek, Mook and Plasmolen
• Molenhoek War Cemetery
• Berg en Dal and Devil’s Hill (Foxholes)
• Jonkerbos War Cemetery

*Depends on which tour you choose

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 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 Eindhoven or Nijmegen. Book overnight accommodation via this website.

American Army Newsreel about Market Garden