The famous John Frost Bridge in Arnhem

by Wim van Gerven

The famous John Frost Bridge over the River Rhine played a significant role during the Second World War.
The bridge was, in fact, the last bridge the Allies had to capture during Operation Market Garden in order to open up the route to Germany.
As the only unit of the British troops that had landed in the north, Lieutenant-Colonel John Frost’s battalion succeeded in capturing the northern side of the bridge, but unfortunately failed to hold their ground: the bridge over the Rhine proved to be one bridge too far!

The bridge has been the setting for various films. The best known is undoubtedly "A Bridge Too Far" , directed by Richard Attenborough (1977) and based on the 1974 book of the same name by Cornelius Ryan.

The idea to take this photograph came to me after I had delved into the history of Operation Market Garden and the enormous significance this bridge held for the restoration of freedom following a period of oppression by Nazi Germany.
The objective of capturing the bridge from the Germans cost many lives on both sides – young and old alike. It is a harrowing thought to consider what these soldiers had to endure. Ultimately, however, it was not in vain.
This bridge over the Rhine in Arnhem will remain a silent witness to this forever......