Memorial Kapitein Arie Bestebreurtjepad

On the initiative of the Stichting Airborne Vrienden Groesbeek, a dirt path between Zevendalsebaan and Klein Amerika was named after Captain Arie Bestebreurtje in 2016.

Arie Bestebreurtje had an impressive career as an officer in the British S.O.E. (Special Operations Executive) during World War II. However, the naming of this path mainly refers to his activities in this area during Operation Market Garden.

During this operation, he landed on 17 September 1944 as liaison officer with the US 82nd Airborne Division near Groesbeek, working closely with US commander General Gavin.

Because the British and Americans had difficulty pronouncing his name, he was called "Captain Harry".

Arie Bestebreurtje received the Military Order of William, among other awards, and is one of the most-if not the most-doccered Dutch soldier during World War II.

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Source

• Text: Traces of War
• Photos: K. de Jager / RJArmy.nl
• https://www.heemkundekringgroesbeek.nl/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/19e-Nieuwsbrief-2017-dec.pdf

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