| This is Hotel Hartenstein: the
headquarters of General Urquhart. In Hartenstein park, nearby, it
was very dangerous. German soldiers hid in the trees and fired at
the British. On the tennis-court the Airborne Division held their
prisoners of war. Nowadays, Hotel Hartenstein holds the famous Airborne
Museum. In the basement of the hotel the injured were taken care of.
The building can be found on the Utrechtseweg in Oosterbeek. |
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The Museum is open the whole year,
except Christmas day and New Year. It has also regular theme changes.
The surroundings of the museum are beautiful. You can combine your
visit with a tour in Oosterbeek.
Their website www.airbornemuseum.com |
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Behind the Museum is Parc
Hartenstein.
During the Battle German snipers where active there. You can also
find the tennis courts in the parc. The German prisoners were held
there by British soldiers. |
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Near the Airborne Museum is another
Airborne monument. It was established by General Hackett and other
members of the Division. It honours the people of Gelderland for the
great hospitality and their help during the Battle for Arnhem. 200
citizens died during the Battle. Nevertheless there is a very strong
bond between the veterans and the Arnhem-citizens. Every year there
is a pilgrimage of Airborne Veterans to Arnhem and Oosterbeek. On
the monument you can read the following inscription:
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| TO THE PEOPLE OF GELDERLAND
50 years ago British and Polish
Airborne soldiers fought here against overwhelming odds to
open the way into Germany and bring the war to an early end.
Instead we brought death and destruction for which you have
never blamed us. This stone marks our admiration for your
great courage remembering especially the women who tended our
wounded. In the long winter that followed your families
risked death by hiding Allied soldiers and airmen while
member of the Resistance helped many to safety. You
took us then into your homes as fugitives and friends we took
you forever into our hearts. This strong bond will continue
long after we are all gone. 1944--SEPTEMBER--1994 |
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