Deceitful thorn in the flesh

Deceitful thorn in the flesh
Bleijenbeek
5851 EE
Afferden

War memorials

During Operation Veritable, the Allies encountered heavy resistance in the Dutch-German border area, including at Afferden where the defenders of Bleijenbeek Castle held out for days. Multiple platoons attempted to capture the castle, but without success and with many casualties.

Deceitful thorn in the flesh

On February 8th, Operation Veritable began in the hills of Groesbeek. The goal was to quickly conquer the area between the Maas and Rhine rivers, thereby breaking Germany's main defense line on the western front. Unfortunately, the advance was difficult due to the thaw and German resistance. After more than a week, the Scots arrived at Bleijenbeek Castle in Afferden, where the Germans had entrenched themselves. A days-long battle followed, in which the Scots tried everything to dislodge the Germans, but it did not go without losses. The dead and wounded were left behind as the shelling continued.

Ommetje Hiking Trail

Ommetje Gennep 9,2 Km Hiking Trail Limburg. Discover the WWII sights of Gennep and Limburg on a hiking trail along the Martinus Tower, Ellen Hoffmann Square, Highlander Bridge, and more.