Day # 8. A day of rest in Arnhem.

Former HQ building now the Airborne Museum.

              A non-walking day to day. A chance to do some washing at my B & B---yes, never miss the chance to wash walking socks! Took the bus out to Osterbeek the site of the September 1944 battle whose objective was to win control of the bridge over the River Rhine and gain fast access to the Ruhr industrial area of Germany. Apparently 35,000 paras were dropped in operation 'Market Garden', the largest airborne drop in history. The aim was to hold the bridge for 3 days until the British & US armies could move up in support. Heavy German resistance prevented the relief and after 9 days the Airborne were surrounded, killed or taken prisoner. Not one of  Monty's most noted battles, fought against the advice of Gen. Eisenhower.
           The site of the museum, located in a local chateau, was actually used during the battles as HQ for both British & German forces and houses a very  realistic re-enactment of the event.