Liberation Route Marker 018: The Betuwe on the frontline

The Betuwe on the frontline
In the autumn of 1944, Operation Market Garden became bogged down in the swampy fields of the Betuwe and at many locations, the front in this area came to a standstill. Those civilians who could were evacuated to the liberated south, whilst others were forced to head north and 4000 men remained behind to protect possessions. The Betuwe had become a "men's island".

The chapel or shrine on De Heuvel (the high ground) just north of Bemmel, dedicated to Maria of the Blossoming Betuwe, was built in 1946 to commemorate those who lost their lives in the fierce battles here in September and October 1944, and in the fighting which followed until the Liberation in the spring of 1945.

On 17 September 1944, Operation Market Garden began a surprise offensive by the Allied combined airborne and ground forces. The ground forces' advance did not go as fast as had been hoped, meaning that in the end the battle for the bridge at Arnhem was lost.

Strategically located, the Hill became the f

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: TracesOfWar & Liberation Route Europe
• Photos: Jeroen Koppes