Eighty years after the daring but ultimately unsuccessful Operation Market Garden of World War II, paratroopers from eight NATO nations participated in a commemorative jump over the Netherlands. The event, held near Ede on Ginkel Heath, saw 700 modern paratroopers retracing the path of Allied soldiers who landed there in September 1944.

Representing countries such as the UK, US, Portugal, and Spain, the paratroopers came together to honor the thousands of Allied troops involved in the historic battle. Among the participants were the Red Devils, the British army’s parachute display team, whose presence underscored the importance of the event in remembering the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Arnhem.

Operation Market Garden, executed in September 1944, was a bold plan to break through Nazi defenses in the Netherlands and open a route into northern Germany. It combined airborne and ground assaults, with paratroopers (Market) tasked with capturing key bridges while ground forces (Garden) advanced to meet them. The pivotal target was the Arnhem Bridge, which proved impossible to hold.

Although Allied forces initially succeeded in capturing the cities of Eindhoven and Nijmegen, they could not secure the bridge at Arnhem. The airborne forces had landed several miles from their target, giving German troops time to organize and defend the area. After nine days of intense combat, including brutal street fighting, the Allies were forced to retreat by September 25, 1944, making the operation a costly failure.

This anniversary parachute drop serves as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in one of World War II’s most famous operations. As NATO paratroopers descended over Ginkel Heath, they honored the memory of those who gave their lives during the fierce and pivotal Battle of Arnhem eight decades ago.