What an incredible day. We had a fantastic breakfast buffet at the hotel and then drove to Eerde.
Our plan for Eerde was small. This was a town where Dad was but we didn’t know much about it. We found out so much more from the people there. We stopped at a windmill in Eerde that grinds grain into flour. This was listed as a small stop but it became huge. The windmill was impressive just for being itself and there were plaques and markings commemorating the 101st Airborne. It turns out that this site was used by the US troops to spot German targets. The Germans finally sent a sniper who was able to kill the US solder who was doing the spotting from the windmill and calling for artillery. The bullet killed the solder and left a mark on the wall which they have framed. We began talking with a couple of gentlemen there and we wound up getting a complete tour of the facility, including climbing to the top of the building and having them start the turbine. Then they learned that Dad was in the 907th of the 101st and things changed. Out came books, pictures, and much discussion about what took place there. They wanted to know what Dad did and one gentleman drove home to get pictures. We identified Dad in one of the pictures for them. They were extremely knowledgeable about the 907th, exactly where they were when, what fields units had landed in (by parachute or glider), etc.
We had a lengthy discussion at the windmill museum, including seeing a display room in private with a guide. Following that, one gentleman gave us a couple hour tour around town to places the 907th had been located, exact spots where paratroopers landed, and pointed out specific aspects of the battle. We went to the cathedral where the 907th had been set up, realizing that Dad had been there. One soldier was in the steeple sending down info on how and where to target German units. The tower was hit with a shell and the artillery spotter was found in the rubble, still alive. He climbed back up five times to replace the US flag. We toured the cemetery where five British soldiers were buried. He then took us out and showed where paratrooper units from the 101st had landed. He showed us where German artillery had been set up and then defeated.
He took us to where the original road from the south and west had been located which was being blocked by the Germans and much damage to allied forces was being done. The Germans had managed to destroy many tanks and trucks on this road, effectively blocking it, and many soldiers were killed. It was named “Hell’s Highway.
Erwin made one very enlightening statement that I had never thought about. He said that they were so thankful for America’s participation in WWII because without it Russia would have overcome the Germans and kept on heading west. The Iron Curtain would have been much further west and they would all be speaking Russian today. Definitely food for thought.
We then had late lunch before heading to Eindhoven. We had originally planned to view the Liberation Museum but it was now close to closing time. We did view a T-34 Sherman tank and spent time in the gift shop area. After traveling back to Arnhem we again went down to the river and ate at a restaurant along the river. It was an incredible day. 
Here is the windmill that turned our day into an incredible experience. And yes, we were up in the tower while it was spinning. 
The three siblings with Erwin, who took us all over town. What a knowledgeable person about all that took places Dad’s unit was located. 
Siblings and spouses. 
Giant wooden gear spinning away. 
Pictures of the windmill before and after battle. 
The cathedral tower where the spotter sent down instructions for aiming the artillery. Dad was likely here since this is where headquarters was located. 
T-34 tank at Groesbeek.
Thanks for following.
Bryan
In Our Father's Footsteps 