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All the Netherlands Arnhem John Frost Bridge
AO Edited

John Frost Bridge

The largest airborne operation in history was launched to capture this bridge.

Arnhem, Netherlands

Added By
Jeremy Dunn
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The John Frost Bridge   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
The John Frost Bridge   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
A monument to the soldiers of Market Garden   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
Wartime reconnaisance aerial view   Unknown
The Bridge following the battle   Unknown
A Bridge Too Far   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
A plaque commemorating the battle   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
The view south   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
Arnhem on the north bank of the Rhine   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Arnhem Road bridge, as it was known during World War II, is a tied-arch bridge crossing the Rhine River. At that time, it was a vital military link connecting Germany and Netherlands. In 1940 it was destroyed by the Dutch to slow down the German invasion of Holland. It was rebuilt by the Germans in August 1944.

The following month, September 1944, Operation Market Garden was launched in an effort to clear the way for the allied invasion of Germany. British, U.S., and Polish paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines to capture and hold key bridges near Holland's border with Germany. Arnhem, the northernmost point of the plan, was 60 miles behind battle lines.

Ten thousand British paratroopers were dropped west of Arnhem,  but their advance towards the bridge was halted by German troops. One battalion, led by Lt. Colonel John Frost did reach the bridge. The goal was to hold the ground for two days until allied ground forces arrived.

Against all odds, Frost's group held the bridge for four days. However, German resistance prevented ground forces, the remaining paratroopers and supplies from reaching Arnhem in time. The final radio transmission from the bridge said simply: "Out of ammunition. God save the king."

Of the 10,000 British airborne troops dropped near Arnhem, nearly 1500 were killed, and over 6,000 were captured. The war dragged on for another nine months. While the operation was unsuccessful, it was an example of the courage and tenacity that ultimately led to the liberation of Europe.

In 1977,  the movie A Bridge Too Far was released, highlighting the events of Operation Market Garden. 

Related Tags

Military History World War Ii Bridges

Community Contributors

Added By

Jeremy D

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jkoenig

  • jkoenig

Published

May 24, 2021

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Market_Garden
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arnhem
  • https://www.businessinsider.com/why-wwii-operation-market-garden-failed-to-defeat-german-forces-2020-9?op=1
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Frost_Bridge
John Frost Bridge
23 Nieuwe Kade
Arnhem, 6827 AA
Netherlands
51.974894, 5.91173
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Eusebius Church

Arnhem, Netherlands

miles away

Groene Bedstee

Arnhem, Netherlands

miles away

Nederlands Openluchtmuseum

Arnhem, Netherlands

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Arnhem

Arnhem

Netherlands

Places 5

Nearby Places

Eusebius Church

Arnhem, Netherlands

miles away

Groene Bedstee

Arnhem, Netherlands

miles away

Nederlands Openluchtmuseum

Arnhem, Netherlands

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Arnhem

Arnhem

Netherlands

Places 5

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