Bespoke Battlefield Tours

Final day of tour and final post from Arnhem-Oosterbeek Cemetery- where over 1,700 brave soldiers lie at rest. Graves include pair of twins killed on their way into Arnhem with Frost and three winners of the Victoria Cross. A fittingly moving way to round off any visit to Arnhem.

Last day of the tour and this is a view of a very cold Ginkel Heath - the furthest landing zone from Arnhem.

Last post from today’s tour which shows pictures from the Oosterbeek perimeter, including Hackett’s hollow from where he and his men broke in having been surrounded by German troops. There are then scenes from Oosterbeek, including the Hartenstein hotel which served as HQ. Finally, the photos show progress made by the 3rd Battalion under Fitch who got within a mile of the bridge. There are also a couple of photos of the house where General Urquart spent the night with a German tank parked outside, having been cut off in his quest to see what was going on!!

Another day, another March - this time following the exploits of the 1st Battalion under Colonel Dovie along the ‘Leopard’ (Upper) Route. Starting at the Renkum landing site, it involves the site where the jeeps of the Reconnaissance squadron were ambushed at Wolfheze and ends where the 156 Parachute Battalion were halted north of Oosterbeek after bitter hand-to-hand fighting.

Not a bridge too far today! However, after having walked 18 kilometres we don’t have to fight a battle, nor were we carrying 80lbs of kit!!!! How John Frost and his 2nd battalion did it I’ll never know although l suppose none of them were nearing sixty years of age.......

Next on March is Oosterbeek. Kate de Horst house made famous by dripping blood on carpet scene in A Bridge Too Far. Then Lonsdale Church and memorials overlooking the Rhine and Arnhem rail bridge in the distance. It’s a beautiful day for a walk but now time for a lunch/beer stop!

Views over the Rhine from De Westerbouwing heights which the Germans held during the siege of Oosterbeek. The top one is looking towards Arnhem (where our walk is heading, replicating that of Frost and 2nd Battalion) and the other is towards Driel where the Poles landed and from where some of them crossed the river to aid the besieged British. Eight more kilometres to walk!

It’s a beautiful but cold (-3 C) start to the tour on Renkum Heath - where John Frost and his battalion landed before marching off into Arnhem to capture the famous ‘bridge too far’! We are going to do the same on this first day of my battlefield tour.

The photographs from Mt Kemmel speak for themselves. However, I’d like to announce that I’m now taking bookings for tours in 2019 (three already confirmed). Please contact me through my website (Bespokebattlefieldtours.com) if you are interested.

Just a few photographs from my recce to Bastogne last week. Anyone fancy a Battle if the Bulge tour please get in touch.

I am now taking bookings for tours next Spring. My last tour for the year will be this coming weekend. Please contact me via my website to register interest for 2019. Martin Roden Bespoke Battlefield Tours

Please have a look at this video of a recent commemoration at the Menin Gate in Ypres. If you would like a tour in September please contact me via my website or message on Facebook.