Devil's Hill

Although the airborne portion of the "Market-Garden" Operation centered around the seizing of vital bridges, heavy fighting occurred over control of the highway section leading to the bridges as well. While parts of the 82nd Airborne fought to gain control …

1944-09-19

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Although the airborne portion of the "Market-Garden" Operation centered around the seizing of vital bridges, heavy fighting occurred over control of the highway section leading to the bridges as well. While parts of the 82nd Airborne fought to gain control of the bridges at Nijmegen, other elements fought for control of the Kleve-Nijmegen highway. One of the major objectives in the control of this highway was Hill 75.9. Better known as "Devil's Hill'', control of this high ground meant a complete overview of the highway below. Even though German security troops operating in this area were small in number, when concentrated in defense of a natural strong point such as this, these troops often put up strong Resistance. Such was the case when Company A of the 508th Parachute Regiment moved out to take "Devil's Hill".

Kleve-Nijmegen, Holland

The Battle of Nijmegen or Liberation of Nijmegen occurred in the Netherlands from 17 to 20 September 1944, as part of Operation Market Garden during World War II. The Allies' primary goal was to capture the two bridges over the Waal River at Nijmegen – the road route over the Waalbrug (Waal Bridge) and Nijmegen railway bridge – and relieve the British 1st Airborne Division and Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade at Arnhem, 10 miles (16 km) north of Nijmegen. The Allied infantry units at Arnhem were surrounded by German forces, and involved in heavy fighting for control of bridges over the Rhine. Delays caused by hastily-organised German reinforcements at Nijmegen ultimately led to the failure of Operation Market Garden. It took the Allies longer than expected to secure a land route to Arnhem, where the British and Polish forces were forced south of the Rhine and sustained massive casualties. In addition, fighting at Nijmegen cost hundreds of civilian lives, and caused significant damage to many buildings in the city.

Wikipedia: Battle of Nijmegen

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