John Frost Bridge, Arnhem

The John Frost Bridge, known historically as the Arnhem Bridge during the Second World War, stands as a poignant reminder of Operation Market Garden. This significant Allied airborne and ground assault, which unfolded across the occupied Netherlands between September 17th and 25th, 1944, aimed to secure key river crossings deep into German territory and forge an invasion pathway into Northern Germany.

The plan involved airborne troops securing nine vital bridges, including the one at Arnhem, while ground forces rapidly advanced to link up. This ambitious operation, the largest airborne undertaking of its kind during the war, encountered substantial German opposition and ultimately fell short of its objective to reach and hold the bridge within the planned timescale. The bridge's name honours Lieutenant-Colonel John Frost, who led the British 1st Airborne Division's attempts to capture and hold it.