Highlander Bridge

Niersbrug

6591 CW

Gennep

info@hartvanlimburg.nl

www.hartvanlimburg.nl

Route

War memorials

In February 1945, the Niers in Gennep was a major obstacle in the British attack on the Lower Rhine lowlands. The Germans had blown up the Niers Bridge and heavy equipment still had to cross the river. Under mortar fire, Scottish engineers built a Bailey bridge in just a day and a half. Five of them died. Their sacrifice was not in vain as the Allies were able to advance further and achieve victory. This heroic achievement deserves eternal recognition and remembrance.

Highlander Bridge

Before the Bailey Bridge was ready for use, Scottish units had already crossed the river in boats and established a small bridgehead at Milsbeek. On 11 February, they opened the attack on Gennep from there. The German defenders were well entrenched and fierce street fighting ensued with every house being fought over.

One Scottish soldier described the devastation in his diary: 'The shop fronts were all destroyed and the roofs of the houses were about to collapse. I stormed into one such house and encountered three Germans. One was screaming out in pain; he had a broken femur. The soldiers were old and scared and seemed happy to be captured. They carried the wounded man out on a plank. This was not done gently and the injured leg slid off the plank. A terrible scream followed.' The fighting continued until February 13.

In 2015, to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation, the bridge was named Highlander Bridge. It is a tribute to the brave Scottish Engineers who gave their lives for our freedom. This sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Ommetje Hiking Trail

Ommetje Gennep 9.2 Km Hiking Trail Limburg. Discover the WWII sights of Gennep and Limburg on a hiking trail past the Martini Tower, Ellen Hoffmannplein, Highlander Bridge, among others.