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80th Operation Market Garden Heeswijk Jump 20092024
>> YOUR LINK HERE: ___ http://youtube.com/watch?v=fHRCVP0CN_A
Heeswijk Jump • Friday morning, we made our way to Eindhoven Airport to gear up for our second jump of the week. The weather was perfect, and our spirits were high for what was set to be a memorable jump. We were told that this was the first time parachutists would land on this drop zone since WWII. It was known to be a challenging DZ, with obstacles like barbed wire fences, ditches, woods, and the river Aa making the flight and landing more complex than usual. • After a quick briefing, stick layouts, gear up , and JMIs, we headed to the “Drag Em Oot.” Before boarding and takeoff, we had the honor of saluting and shaking hands with one of the last surviving MG veterans, which added a special touch to the jump. • The flight was short, and before I knew it, I was standing at the door, leading the 3rd stick of the 2nd load. The view was stunning, and I savored every moment before leaping from the Dakota. My chute opened without twists, and I watched my stick buddies exit the plane and navigate their way to the DZ without any problems. I had to maneuver a bit to avoid a few obstacles, but I landed safely on the edge of the drop zone, where some crew members were on standby to assist in case of emergency. • Our load regrouped at the back of this farm overlooking the dropzone where we enjoyed some drinks, shook hands, took some group photos with some spectators, including two elderly witnesses of the Market Garden drops in ’44. • From the rendezvous point, it was a ten-minute walk to the bus, which took us to Heeswijk Castle. There, we all gathered for a brief ceremony at the 101st monument, where Ton shared insights about this unique DZ. After the usual group photo, we returned to Wolfheze to repack our chutes and prepare for the big jump at Ginkel Heath the following day. • -Castle Heeswijk • At Veghel the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) was dropped on two drop zones to enable an attack on the bridges over the AA and the Zuid Willemsvaart from both banks. Unfortunately the 1st battalion which was to land on the north bank on drop zone A1 had a misdrop and landed around Heeswijk Castle (5km west of Veghel) they quickly marched to Veghel but by then the bridges there were already secured by the rest of the 501st which landed on drop zone A between Eerde and Veghel. • Text on the Memorial, at the Heeswijk Castle: • 1944-1994 • On September 17, 1944, paratroopers of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st US Airborne Division, landed here. Together with other airborne forces they prepared the way for the advancing Allied armies during operation Market-Garden. Their heroic battle took the heavy yoke of occupation away from this part of the Netherlands. In gratitude this monument was erected. • Those who gave their lives for our freedom will always be remembered. • Lt. Col. Francis Sampson, Chaplain, 101st US Airborne Division, parachuted here on September 17, 1944. Landing in the air on top of another parachutist, the two fell into the castle moat. Together they climbed out, but Father Sampson first had to dive again to recover his equipment. To remember this remarkable event this plaque was placed here in September the 17th, 1944. - Deceased 28th of January 1996. • #operationmarketgarden #101st #airborne #screamingeagles #paratrooper #parachutists #hellshighway #dakota #DC47 #dragemoot #aerolegends #arnhem #remembrace #parachutegroupholland #roundcanopy #parachute #abridgetoofar #liberationroute #paratroopers #roundcanopyparachute #greatestgeneration #lestweforget #battleofarnhem #1stbritishairborne #c47skytrain #parachutejump #parachuteregiment #para #ww2history #militaryhistory #militaryaviation #ww2
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