Eighty years ago, young men from the 101st Airborne Division were dropped from C-47 Skytrains over a field near the small village of Eerde, close to the larger town of Veghel. They were part of Operation Market Garden, tasked with creating a corridor toward Arnhem and Nijmegen by securing bridges along the way, allowing for the sustained march into Germany.
Their primary mission was to secure the bridges in the Veghel area. Armed only with small arms, they fought for four days to defend the village of Eerde and its surroundings. With assistance from the British, they eventually pushed the Germans back, allowing them to continue their advance toward Arnhem and the German border.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the operation and the liberation of the area, the people of Meierijstad organized a large event to honor the troops of the 101st Airborne Division who made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberation of the Dutch people.
The event began with re-enactors from the Round Canopy Parachuting Team The Netherlands (RCPT) jumping from a C-47, providing attendees a glimpse of what the skies over Eerde might have looked like 80 years ago. The C-47 made several passes and drops, with all jumpers landing safely.
Following the airdrops, the 101st band played lively tunes to entertain the large audience, but the real excitement was yet to come.
At 3 p.m., two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 1st Air Cavalry appeared overhead and dropped two teams of pathfinders. The first team was composed of 101st Airborne troops, while the second, a reserve team, consisted of soldiers from the Dutch Air Assault Brigade.
Once the teams disappeared into the woods, the Blackhawks flew off, and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the same division landed, each delivering around 30 troops.
The pathfinders emerged from the tree line, clearing a path into the main battle area, which contained several structures where enemy forces were located. One by one, the enemy positions were overrun.
To heighten the realism, a wounded soldier was evacuated in one of the Blackhawks during a simulated extraction.
After securing the area and ensuring the safety of the wounded, the Chinooks returned with two vehicles, providing the troops with enhanced mobility to swiftly continue their mission.
Overall, the demonstration offered an impressive depiction of the coordination and tactics required to insert a unit into enemy territory and neutralize hostile positions. Though the scenario was simplified for entertainment purposes, it provided valuable insights into the equipment and strategies involved.
We extend our thanks to the event organizers, the US Army, the 101st Airborne Division, the 1st Cavalry Division and the Dutch Air Assault Brigade for honoring the men of 1944 with this demonstration.
Photo report by Roger Kemp.
