The Niers Bridge in 1945 - Honorary name: “Highlander Bridge”
On 8 February 1945, the Allied forces started their final offensive: Operation Veritable. The goal was to reach the heart of Nazi Germany. The 5th Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) and the 1st Gordon Highlanders formed the southern flank of this attack.
From the hills near Plasmolen, they reached the river Niers on 11 February. That night, they crossed the river and entered Gennep from the north. The German troops were surprised. During their retreat, they blew up the Niers Bridge.
A new bridge was needed to bring heavy equipment across the river. The Royal Engineers of the 51st Highland Division built a Bailey bridge within 24 hours. They worked under heavy machine gun fire. Thanks to this bridge, Gennep could be liberated.
This sign is a tribute to the Scottish soldiers who lost their lives during this operation.