Day 1 to day 5

Day 1

Ferry to Calais and on to the Fletcher Hotel in Holland, where we stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 – Arnhem & Oosterbeek

Our first day takes us to Arnhem, one of the most famous sites in Operation Market Garden. The Battle of Arnhem, often referred to as ‘a bridge too far’ saw fierce fighting and significant losses on both sides. Today, Arnhem stands as a symbol of courage. British soldiers were trapped inside the town for almost four days and the men of the British Airborne First Division bravely fought against an onslaught of German forces that greatly outnumbered them. Ultimately the Allied troops were unable to secure the bridge, resulting in defeat. The British 1st Airborne Division suffered 8,000 men dead, missing or captured out of a total of 12,000.

Visit the UK drop zones and the Airborne Monument, a damaged pillar from the former Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, and a memorial to those who died in the Battle of Arnhem from 17th to 25th September 1944. The monument pays tribute to those fallen at Arnhem. Afterwards, we pass by General Urquhart’s House on our way to Arnhem Bridge. Major General Roy Urquhart, the commander of 1st Airborne Division and Brigadier General Lathbury took refuge from German soldiers, and the house is unchanged from how it looked sixty years ago. Our next stop of Arnhem Bridge stands as an iconic landmark in the Netherlands. This bridge over the Lower Rhine River was a strategic point in Operation Market Garden and has since become a symbol of courage and resilience. The bridge's surrounding area offers a scenic backdrop, perfect for a reflective walk or a moment to honour those who fought valiantly in the battle.

Day 3 – The March of 80 Corps

Today, we travel the route of the 80 Corps Division and push from Eindhoven to Arnhem. Along the route, we stop at two villages that held strategic importance to Operation Market Garden. The village of Wolfheze stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history. The Landing Zone Memorial commemorates the Glider Pilot Regiment and is located on the site that was used as a landing zone. We also visit the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, which contains the graves of most of those killed in the landings and those killed later in the fighting around Arnhem. There are 1,1684 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried here, 243 of which are unidentified.

Day 4 – Nijmegen

We start the day at the village of Ysselsteyn, close to the German border. We visit the War Cemetery, the only German War Cemetery in the Netherlands. The vast cemetery is full of crosses, and is the final resting place for almost 32,000 World War II soldiers, as well as the bodies of WWI soldiers and Dutch collaborators. Next, we stop at two important bridges in the operation. Firstly, Joe’s Bridge played a crucial role in Operation Market Garden. The bridge is named after Lieutenant Colonel Joe Vandeleur, the commander of the Irish Guards who successfully held the bridge, despite military and civilian casualties. Then onto Nijmegen Bridge, which was the site of the Battle of Nijmegen, a significant victory within the operation, where the Allies successfully captured the bridges across the Waal River, albeit with heavy casualties. Today, Nijmegen and its surrounding areas stand as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in one of the most daring operations of the Second World War.

Our day continues with a visit to the Valkenswaard War Cemetery. Located near the town of Valkenswaard, the cemetery is meticulously maintained, providing a tranquil environment for reflection and remembrance. Each headstone tells a story of bravery and heroism, standing in solemn testament to the cost of war. Afterwards, we travel to Grave Bridge. Here, Lieutenant Thompson and his platoon landed only 600 yards from the southwestern edge of the bridge at Grave that spanned the Maas River. Thompson and his platoon of sixteen men set up a roadblock and successfully secured the bridge until the arrival of the 82nd Airborne.

Our final stop of the day is the Overloon War Museum. This museum takes us on a journey through the events of the Second World War, with a special focus on the Battle of Overloon. Exhibits include a vast collection of military vehicles, weaponry, and personal narratives that bring the stories of soldiers and civilians to life. The museum not only preserves the artefacts from the war but also serves as an educational centre, emphasising the value of peace and freedom.

Day 5 Travel back to Calais for our return ferry home.