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508th PIR Memorial, Sions Hof Hotel, Berg en Dal
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508th PIR Memorial, Sions Hof Hotel, Berg en Dal
During Operation Market Garden in September 1944 this area was taken by the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the US 82nd Airborne Division. The figure on the wall is a Memorial to that Division. The hotel had been used for almost four years by the Germans as an HQ and then as a parachute training school. They also used the Klooster Nebo, the large Catholic Seminary across the road, both of which were taken over by the advancing Allies war correspondents and photographers who arrived by glider. Guards Armoured Division Officers moved into the hotel, to be followed by 82nd Airborne staff. Here the Dutch liaison officer, Captain Harry Bestebreurtje, made contact between the Allied Forces and the local forces and sent a patrol into Nijmegen to recce the situation near the Waal bridge whose capture was vital if the Operation was to succeed. Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands lunched here during September. Date: 2001
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Media ID 23271274
© Holts Battlefield Collection / Mary Evans
1944 2001 82nd Airborne Area Berg Division During Infantry Operation Parachute Regiment
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Memorial located at Sions Hof Hotel in Berg en Dal, commemorating the pivotal role played by this US 82nd Airborne Division unit during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. The hotel, which had served as a German Headquarters and parachute training school for almost four years, was taken over by the Allied Forces following their successful advance. The Klooster Nebo, the large Catholic Seminary across the road, was also commandeered by war correspondents and photographers who arrived by glider. Guards Armoured Division Officers moved into Sions Hof Hotel, followed by 82nd Airborne staff. Here, Dutch liaison officer, Captain Harry Bestebreurtje, made crucial contacts between the Allied Forces and local forces, sending a patrol into Nijmegen to reconnoiter the situation near the Waal bridge, whose capture was essential for the operation's success. Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands even lunched at the hotel during September 1944. The figure on the wall serves as a poignant reminder of the brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives during this historic battle. This photograph, taken in 2001, stands as a testament to the rich history of this significant location.
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