Market-Garden 2019 XXX Corps re-enactment

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Update on itinerary:

XXX Corps re enactment 2019 (75th anniversary)
This is to update you all on the itinerary for the tour for September. We have spent a considerable amount of time on the routing and the permits. The planning of such an event is both time consuming and at times complex. There are times when those involved in the planning seriously questioned their sanity. That aside, what we see coming together now is something quite remarkable and frankly, it will be a privilege to be part of it. If at times things seem to be chaotic, it is because events like this one often seem to be, but in fact are running smoothly but due to the volume of vehicles and personnel it takes time to get things done. This is the army way; hurry up and wait! If at times you feel like you are waiting for ages, then we respectfully suggest you brew up. In undertaking this remarkable tour many of you will have already been in Normandy. We were privileged to of been responsible for over 400 vehicles on the beach at Arromanches and the spectacular parade in Bayeux for which there were just over 300 vehicle in attendance. Meanwhile all of the planning for XXX Corps was ongoing.

Monday 16th: Deployment of units to Lommel & Bergeijk. Crossing of Joe’s bridge, then convoy up to Valkenswaard for overnight stay in town center and Wilhemina park. There will be street entertainment and the whole town will be given over to a liberation atmosphere. Thousands of spectators are expected both in Lommel and Valkenswaard. This will be a remarkable occasion as the convoy arrival will be the only movement into the town center which will be closed off for XXX Corps.

Tuesday 17th: Units move out and will travel on the following route: Valkenswaard- Aalst, Waalre- Eindhoven – Son en Breugle Additionally; Valkenswaard, Heeze, Leende, Geldrop, Mierlo, Mierlohout, Stiphout, Gerwen, Nuenen, Eindhoven and Son en Breugle

Wednesday 18th: Deploy to Sint Odenroede, Veghel, Gemert, Boekel, Zeeland, Grave, Overasselt, Nederasselt, Mook and finally onto to Groesbeek

Thursday 19th: Official ceremony at OSS, Groesbeek camp open to public with school visits and media.

Friday 20th: Display in Beek.

Saturday 21st: Static Display on Camp. Meet & greet public. Ceremony in nearby town for unveiling of new monument.

Sunday 22nd: Static Display on camp. Meet & greet public and preparations for redeployment to respective countries.