Attractions and Places To See in Nieuwe Heide - Top 17

For centuries, the Sonse Heide was a vast expanse of heathland and drifting sands used by local farmers for sheep grazing and sod cutting. In the 19th and 20th centuries, much of it was replanted with coniferous forests, but the old heathlands and fens, such as the Langven, have been preserved as reminders of this ancient landscape. The area gained particular notoriety during the Second World War. In September 1944, during Operation Market Garden, Allied troops landed in this area. The Sonse Heide lay at the center of the route leading to the bridge at Son, a crucial crossing over the Wilhelmina Canal. Monuments and stories from the region still recall this period. Today, the Sonse Heide is not only a valuable nature reserve but also a place where history remains tangible. The Langven, which has been here for centuries, stands as a natural silent witness to everything this landscape has experienced.

Robert Cole and Joe Mann On September 18 and 19, 1944, these woods witnessed unprecedented fierce fighting. German troops attempted to prevent the breakthrough of American paratroopers who had landed the previous day and the British troops advancing from the south. Two exceptionally brave men were killed in this battle. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cole and Private Joe Mann were both posthumously awarded the highest American military decoration: the Medal of Honor. Listen to their stories here. On Monday, September 18 and Tuesday, September 19, the woods between Son and Best witnessed extremely fierce fighting between units of the German 59th Division and the 502nd Regiment of the US 101st Airborne Division, which was later supported by the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment and the British 15/19 Hussars. The Germans attempted, among other things, to recapture the drop and landing zones at Son and advanced from Boxtel and Best. They wanted to prevent the Americans and British from breaking through. Many soldiers were killed in these battles. Among them were Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cole and Private Joe Mann. Both were awarded the highest American military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for their exceptional courage. Here's a listen to their stories.

The Liberation Museum tells the compelling story of the liberation of the Southern Netherlands at the end of World War II. Step back in time to the liberation of the Netherlands: the sound of roaring fighter engines, heroic pilots, and American paratroopers. The museum is located in the area where, on September 17, 1944, the airborne operations of Operation Market Garden marked the beginning of the liberation of the Southern Netherlands. The timeline covers the entire period from the occupation in 1940 and the years of repression 1940-1944 to the liberation in the final months of 1944. The museum has an extensive collection including dioramas, photographs, tanks, aircraft, and weapons actually used in Operation Market Garden.

Courageously risking his life and going above and beyond the call of duty, Lt. Col. Cole led his battalion in an attack on the last four bridges on the road to Carentan (F) on 11 June 1944 when his unit came under fire from enemy rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. Taking the rifle and bayonet of a fallen soldier, he led his unit across open terrain through a hail of bullets toward the enemy positions in the first bayonet charge of World War II. His heroic and courageous conduct inspired his men and the enemy was routed. Lt. Col. Cole's outstanding leadership is worthy of the highest praise. He has been awarded the highest decorations: the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole survived the action at Carentan. He was killed during Operation Market-Garden on September 18, 1944 when he was shot dead by a German sniper on the terrain behind you. Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole is buried at the American Cemetery in Margraten: Block B, row 15, grave 27. Museumpark - De Bevrijdende V leugels - took the initiative to erect this monument in honor of Robert G. Cole. It was partly made possible by the contribution of the Rabobank department - Het Groene Woud - Zuid.

beautiful museum for everyone

He served as a Private First Class (Pfc.) in Company H, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during Operation Market-Garden in September 1944.

The Sonse Heide is a nature reserve in the municipality of Son en Breugel, which covers 337 hectares and is located west of the basin of Son.

Enjoy a nice bite to eat or just a coffee... check the website! https://joe-mann.nl/