Around 350 historic military vehicles from the Second World War are currently in Leopoldsburg (Limburg). Most of the vehicles are in working order. The gathering is part of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Belgium from the Nazi yoke in September 1944.
Hundreds of historic military vehicles gather to mark Operation ‘Market Garden’ (VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
Published:
Just like 80 years ago, the vehicles arrived here on ferries from the UK. Back then, Leopoldsburg was a place where the liberation drive had come to a standstill. The next campaign, to reach Arnhem in the Netherlands, Operation Market Garden, started from here.
Field Marshal Montgomery attempted to break fierce German resistance and reach Arnhem with a lightning offensive.
The 350-odd vehicles and around 800 extras, who have set up their tents here for three days, are a vivid reminder of these efforts. The event is organised by the ‘Liberation Garden’ association and the Leopoldsburg museum of the same name, which commemorates ‘Operation Market Garden’.
The ‘Liberation Garden’ museum opened in Leopoldsburg in May 2023.