John Frost Bridge, Arnhem
Posted in Art Deco, Bridges, Dumbarton, Trips at 12:00 on 22 May 2024
John Frostbrug in Dutch, this is the famous bridge too far, except it’s a replacement for the original Rhine Bridge fought over in the Second World War during Operation Market Garden. It’s somewhere in The Netherlands I’ve always wanted to visit.
I must say the River Rhine looks not very wide here – not as wide as the Clyde at Dumbarton certainly. Still an obstacle to an army though:-
Eastern guard post. Slight Deco styling. I assume this is original:-
Western guard post. Note groove up the middle of steps, for wheeling bicycles up and down.:-
Reverse view of bridge:-
Roadway:-
Commemorative plaque with inscription to John Frost by roadway on north side of bridge:-
Tags: Arnhem, Art Deco, Bridges, Dumbarton, John Frost Bridge, Rhine Bridge, River Clyde, River Rhine, Second World War, the Netherlands, World War 2, WW2, WWII
Janusz
23 May 2024 at 10:26
Thank you for those photos of the John Frost Bridge. My parents once took me to visit a couple who, like my parents, were in the Free Polish Army during WWII. I remember them reminiscing about old times, but it wasn’t until much later that I discovered the husband was a paratrooper during the war, and had taken part in Operation Market Garden. I was told that he didn’t like to discuss what happened on that raid.
jackdeighton
23 May 2024 at 20:18
Janusz, While at Arnhem we also visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery at nearby Oosterbeck. (Photos will be on the blog soon.) There were lots of Poles among the dead, and three Dutchmen.
Most soldiers (from both wars) didn’t like to talk about what happened. Apart from two instances of unpleasant memories (each only mentioned once) the only tales my dad told were of humorous incidents.
Oosterbeek War Cemetery, The Netherlands (i) – A Son of the Rock -- Jack Deighton
16 June 2024 at 12:00
[…] Commission Cemetery near Oosterbeek, the place where many casualties of the attempt to capture the John Frost Bridge during Operation Market Garden are […]
Oosterbeek War Cemetery, The Netherlands (iv) – Netherlands War Graves – A Son of the Rock -- Jack Deighton
22 June 2024 at 12:00
[…] J Groenewoud, 8/11/1916-18/9/1944. (He was the only Dutchman to fight at John Frostbrug):- […]