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Jan van Hoof Memorial Statue, Nijmegen, Holland
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Jan van Hoof Memorial Statue, Nijmegen, Holland
Jan was a student and a member of the Dutch Secret Service at the time of Operation Market Garden in September 1944. A citizen of Nijmegen, he has been widely credited with preventing the demolition of the bridge over the River Waal that runs through the city. The bridge was one of five major bridges that the airborne forces were tasked to capture ahead of the advance of the ground advance of British XXX Corps. Following an investigation in 1949 it was decided that Jan did cut some cables on the northern (ie. the Arnhem side) of the river and he was awarded the Military Order of William, Hollands highest award for valor Date: 2001
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Media ID 23271136
© Holts Battlefield Collection / Mary Evans
1944 2001 Citizen Holland Hoof Member Nijmegen Operation Secret Student
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative print captures the Jan van Hoof Memorial Statue standing proudly along the banks of the River Waal in Nijmegen, Holland. Jan van Hoof, a local student and member of the Dutch Secret Service during World War II, is widely recognized for his heroic actions during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. As the Allied forces prepared to advance towards the city, five major bridges, including the one in Nijmegen, were identified as crucial targets for capture ahead of the ground advance of British XXX Corps. Jan, a citizen of Nijmegen, played a pivotal role in preventing the demolition of this bridge. He is believed to have cut some cables on the northern side of the river, allowing the Allied forces to cross and secure the city. Following an investigation in 1949, Jan was posthumously awarded the Military Order of William, Holland's highest award for valor. This statue, unveiled in 2001, serves as a lasting tribute to Jan's bravery and the significant impact he had on the outcome of Operation Market Garden. The statue's design, featuring Jan in military uniform, gazing out over the river, symbolizes his unwavering commitment to protecting his city and contributing to the Allied cause. This poignant image encapsulates the spirit of heroism and resilience that defined the people of Nijmegen during the darkest days of the war.
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