John Frost Bridge — Attraction in Arnhem

A Bridge Too Far!

Those who knew about the famous battle that happened in September, 1944 would definitely know about this bridge in Arnhem.

This was supposed to be the target bridge over the River Rhine in Holland, which was the last hurdle that allowed the Allies troops into Germany territory.

This bridge was known with such a name is because of this Irish author Cornelius Ryan (5 June 1920 – 23 November 1974) for his writings on popular the 3 World War II books: The Longest Day: 6 June 1944 D-Day (1959), The Last Battle (1966), and A Bridge Too Far (1974). There was also the film (1977) which was based that book that describes the ill-fated Operation Market Garden -- an Allied plot orchestrated by the British Field Marshall Bernard Law Montgomery with the intention of ending the war in Europe. The concept behind the plan was to drop 35,000 soldiers into Holland approximately 60 miles beyond the German lines, to seize six vital bridges, and to reinforce the paratroopers by sending in thousands of ground troops. However, various mishaps jeopardized the mission and eventually the Allies were cut off and had to withdraw, suffering severe losses.

The bridge is named after Major-General John Dutton Frost (1912–1993), who commanded the British forces that reached and defended the bridge and later had to surrender to the Germans after almost 9 days of fierce battle.

This is a rebuild as the original bridge was destroyed later in the war.

However, for a tourist that wants to visit the location, this is still a bridge that can be...

A must visit location if you have any interest whatsoever in World War Two and the British Airborne Division's attempt to shorten the war by capturing this bridge. Although the original bridge was destroyed later in the war, this second replacement bridge is near identical. I was actually surprised how high and large it is. The bridge is very busy with traffic but the pedestrian paths are fine. In my opinion, this bridge should be visited in conjunction with the free to enter "Airborne Museum at the Bridge" museum which is a few hundred metres away on the northern banks of the River Rhine. Memorials to the brave British and Commonwealth troops who fought the ferocious battle at this bridge in September 1944 can be found dotted around the bridge, the river banks and Arnhem itself. I also strongly recommend visiting the Airborne Museum Hartenstein. Oosterbeek which is only a short bus ride from Arnhem Central bus and railway station. The contribution of the British, Commonwealth, Polish Parachute Brigade, the Dutch , American and the German occupiers is covered in detail...

Wonderful site to visit for anyone interested in World War II history or that is a fan of the movie "A Bridge Too Far." The Arnhem bridge was the bridge the Allies fell short of taking in Operation Market Garden in September 1944. The current bridge was named in honor of the British Lt. Colonel John Frost of the British 1st Airborne Division who led a small force of 740 men in a valiant attempt to take the bridge. German forces at the bridge proved much stronger than expected and American and British reinforcements were delayed by unexpected German resistance on the road to Arnhem. After four days of fighting, the British force at the bridge was overrun. The movie was not filmed here at the bridge because the buildings had changed so much in the ensuing years that the location no longer resembled its appearance in 1944. The bridge in the film is located at Deventer several miles away. A great site to visit for the...