Memorial Crossing to Liberation

The text on the memorial is:

Crossing to Liberation

On 12 April 1945 British and Canadian troops crossed the IJssel from this spot in order to liberate Arnhem and the West of the Netherlands from the German domination. After heavy artillery fire the attack was started on the German defence at Westervoort Fortress and the AKU-factory in the Kleefse Waard. The troops of the British 49th 'Polar Bear' Division crossed the river in small assault boats. Once they had formed a bridge head, more units and material were ferried across in amphibious vehicles. After 4 hours of heavy fighting, the enemy surrendered. The road to Arnhem and Velp was clear. A pontoon bridge was installed soon after this.

12 allied soldiers died in this attack.

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Source

• Text: Arjan Vrieze
• Photos: Arjan Vrieze