In broad daylight the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division under command of General Gavin jumped on the drop zones at Groesbeek, Overasselt and Grave in Nazi-occupied Holland. It was September 17, 1944 and the 82nd Airborne Division were to play a vital role during Operation Market-Garden.

Main targets for the 82nd Airborne Division were; the bridges at Grave, Malden, Heumen, Hatert, Honinghutje and the ultimate goal, the Waal bridges (rail- and road bridge) at Nijmegen. By 1800 hours on September 17, 1944, the 504th had accomplished its assigned mission (although the enemy had managed to destroy one of the bridges). In just four hours, the Regiment had jumped, assembled, engaged the enemy, and seized its objectives.

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 was under heavy enemy fire from the German paratroopers of the 3rd Fallschirmjager Division. The enemy continually counter attacked. The fight was intense at times but the 508th held the high ground on a place that earned the nickname “Devil’s Hill.” For two days, the 82nd held its ground and conducted aggressive combat and reconnaissance patrols until the Irish Guards made the ground link-up, spearheading the advance of the 30th Corps of the Second British Army. 

However, the Nijmegen road and rail bridges, which were the last remaining link to British Airborne forces in Arnhem, remained in enemy hands. An assault crossing of the river was necessary but it was a seemingly impossible task because it required moving in boats across the 400-yard wide river against German 88’s, FLAK wagons, 20mm cannons, machine guns and riflemen. Nonetheless, the crossing was ordered. 

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

Casualties were high and only thirteen boats returned to carry the second wave of the assault. They managed to establish a beachhead on the northern bank of the Waal and from this small foothold they eventually were able to storm and capture the bridges of Nijmegen and liberate the city. Finally, on November 11 1944 the 82nd Airborne Division was relieved by Canadian troops after 56 days of combat. The division moved to camps near Rheims, France and placed in reserve along with 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