Richard ‘Dick’ Winters commanded Easy Company, part of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, during Operation Market Garden. His story later became widely known through the television series Band of Brothers. In the autumn of 1944, American airborne troops were stationed in the Betuwe, and Schoonderlogt estate served as one of the Allied headquarters in the area. The famous photograph of Winters standing beneath its entrance gate was taken here. This image helped make Schoonderlogt a well-known historic site among those interested in the Second World War.

Major General Stanisław Sosabowski led the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade during Operation Market Garden. His brigade landed near Driel to support the encircled British forces in Oosterbeek. Despite the difficult conditions, the Polish troops played an important part in helping the remaining Allied forces withdraw across the Rhine. Sosabowski is remembered for his courage and leadership, although his contribution to the Battle of Arnhem went largely unrecognised for many years.

During the Battle of Arnhem, Kate ter Horst opened her home in Oosterbeek to hundreds of wounded British soldiers. What began as a small first-aid post soon became an emergency hospital. While fierce fighting continued outside, Kate helped care for the wounded and read passages from the Bible to them. Her compassion and courage earned her the affectionate nickname ‘the Angel of Arnhem’.

Operation Market Garden began in September 1944. Lieutenant-Colonel John Frost and his men initially reached the bridge at Arnhem quickly. However, the approximately 700 British servicemen were surrounded by German SS armoured units. After days of fierce street fighting, their position became untenable. The battle ended with an Allied withdrawal towards Oosterbeek and left Arnhem severely damaged. More than 95,000 residents were forced to leave the city. Months later, they returned to a looted and deserted city.