The Nijmegen road bridge over the River Waal, Holland

During Operation Market Garden in September 1944, the British and Americans, with Polish support, launched a joint air and land assault northwards from Belgium and then via Holland, in an attempt to outflank German defences along the River Rhine. The bridge here at Nijmegen was the target of the American 82nd Airborne Division, which was tasked to capture it so that the advancing tanks of the British Grenadiers could cross the river and move on towards Arnhem. The Coat of Arms in the foreground is that of Nijmegen, and the grassed area is bordered with Canadian Sugar Maple trees presented by the Province of Ontario on the 35th Anniversary of V.E. Day (7th May). Where the road runs under the bridge is a Memorial plaque to the Grenadiers

35th 82nd Advancing Airborne Arnhem Bordered Defences Failed Grassed Grenadiers Joint Launched Maple Nijmegen Northwards Ontario Plaque Runs Target Tasked Waal

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > HOL