On September 28th, 1944, the 101st Airborne Division was placed under the command of the British XII Corps and deployed along a front line known as the Island—a narrow strip of land nestled between the Neder Rijn (Lower Rhine) and the Waal River. The airborne soldiers soon found themselves occupying positions reminiscent of the trench lines of World War I.

After Operation Market Garden, Allied units in the operational area encountered numerous stalemates, particularly in and around Nijmegen. Static battles were common, especially in the Betuwe region. The front lines became stagnant in many places, particularly in the marshy meadows. Civilians were evacuated whenever possible, and only a relatively small number remained in the region, which was now primarily occupied by Allied and German soldiers. The Betuwe had effectively become “The Men’s Island” and a front-line area.

Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division in October 1944 at the intersection Drielse Rijndijk and Renkumse Veerweg.

In late September, the US 101st Airborne Division was deployed to the Betuwe region. Instead of returning to England to prepare for further airborne missions, they were tasked with defending this area throughout October and November 1944. Along this static front, the ‘Screaming Eagles’ bravely held the frontline against fierce German counterattacks and infiltrations, enduring artillery barrages, dangerous patrols, as well as rain, wind, and bitter cold.

Join us on our Battlefield Tour as we retrace the steps of the renowned 101st Airborne Division in the Betuwe. We will visit significant locations such as ‘Coffin’s Corner’, the site of the Crossroads Battle, Operation Pegasus I, and Opheusden. You’ll witness firsthand how the troopers of the division held their ground in the area, the challenges they faced, and how they repelled the German counterattacks and infiltrations.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the history and bravery of these remarkable soldiers.

Battlefield Tours offers comprehensive battlefield tours for both private and mixed groups in Nijmegen and its surroundings. We specialize in providing specific programs tailored for larger groups, schools, and scouting groups. Our tours in Nijmegen cover various areas of historical significance, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded in the region. Our Battlefield Tours in Nijmegen and its surroundings require motorized transport due to the distance and duration of the tours. We can provide transportation for groups of up to 8 persons. However, if you prefer, you can also follow us in your own car. For groups larger than 8 persons, additional transportation arrangements will need to be made by the participants. Our tours in Nijmegen typically last a full day, providing ample time to explore the key sites and immerse yourself in the history of the area.

Memorial Crossroads

Tour highlights*

• Coffins Corner
• Memorial Royal Engineers and Royal Canadian Engineers Driel
• Memorial The Hampshire Regiment Driel
• Stone factory Korevaar Driel (7th Battalion The Hamshire Regiment)
• Memorial 101st Airborne Division Heteren
• The incredible patrol Heteren
• Betuws War Museum ,,The Island’‘ Heteren

• Crossroads memorial (Crossroads battle Heteren)
• Opheusden
• Operatus Pegasus I
• The orchard battle
• Schoonderlocht

*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 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