NIJMEGEN

The task to Capture Nijmegen (pronouned Ni-may-gun) Bridge across the Waal River was assigned to US 82 Airborne Division. Due to various operational constraints assault to capture the bridge was delayed. The first wave of assault troops had sappers who were required to render safe the Far Bank of mines and other obstacles. The Bridge was finally captured with the loss of 48 US Paratroopers.

Sunset March.

Every evening at Sunset, a handful of men and women march/walk across the Bridge. There are 48 Lamp Posts, that light up one by one as one marches ahead. After a distance of about 800 metres there are steps leading down to a Memorial. There in solemn ceremony and respect to the Bravehearts we salute and the March gets over. “Team 31,” manages the daily March. At the start Point of the March I was met by Mr Henk Deelen of the Airborne Force. He briefed me on the March and mentioned that this is the First time an Indian Veteran has participated. Thanks to AI that one got to know about the Sunset March. Exactly at Sunset which on 19 August was at 2056 hrs, the March commenced, there were four of us. It took us about twelve minutes to complete the March.

At the Memorial we saluted and I was formally presented a Certificate and a ‘Coffee Table Book’. The Book covers the assault and capture of the Bridge. It also has family background details of almost all the 48 bravehearts. These details have been painstakingly obtained from their relatives. Details of a few remaining are abeing obtained.

A worthy visit, which I recommend. Veterans don’t forget to apply for the “Sunrise March”.

Retired Maj. Gen. Shiv Jaswal (India)