Valkenburg in Valkenburg aan de Geul, Limburg, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Bruggen opgeblazen - 13 September 1944 - Bridges Blown Up

— 75 jaar Bevrijding fotoroute —

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 28, 2024

1. Bruggen opgeblazen - 13 September 1944 - Bridges Blown Up Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

De meeste bruggen over de Geul in Valkenburg werden door de Duitsers al op 13 september 1944 opgeblazen. Het vernielen van de bruggen op de Wilhelminalaan werd uitgesteld. De Wilhelminalaan was een belangrijke verkeersader die zo lang mogelijk voor gebruik gespaard moest blijven. Op 14 september werd de brug in het zicht van de Amerikanen alsnog (deels) gesprongen door de Duitsers. De totale vernietiging van de brug werd uiteindelijk door de Amerikanen zelf bewerkstelligd om te voorkomen dat de Duitsers via de brug een tegenoffensief zouden lanceren.

(English translation:)
Most of the bridges over the Geul in Valkenburg were blown up by the Germans on September 13, 1944. The destruction of the bridges on Wilhelminalaan was postponed. Wilhelminalaan was an important traffic artery that had to be spared for use for as long as possible. On September 14, the bridge was (partially) breached by the Germans within sight of the Americans. The total destruction of the bridge was ultimately accomplished by the Americans themselves to prevent the Germans from launching a counter-offensive via the bridge.

Erected 2019.

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(Marker Number 10/20.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Valkenburg Bevrijding/Liberation Route series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 13, 1944.

Location. 50° 51.893′ N, 5° 49.838′ E. Marker is in Valkenburg, Limburg, in Valkenburg aan de Geul. It is on Wilhelminalaan, on the right when traveling north. The marker is mounted to the low wall just to the east of the south end of the bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Valkenburg, Limburg 6301 GJ, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

the Benelux Low Countries,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire

and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hendrik Colijn (within shouting distance of this marker); Kasteel Den Halder (within shouting distance of this marker); Kasteel den Halder (within

Bruggen opgeblazen - 13 September 1944 - Bridges Blown Up Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 28, 2024

2. Bruggen opgeblazen - 13 September 1944 - Bridges Blown Up Marker - wide view

shouting distance of this marker); Sam Jim Viviano (within shouting distance of this marker); Mariakapel / Marian Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); R.K. kerk H.H. Nicolaas en Barbara / Sts. Nicholas and Barbara Roman Catholic Church (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Middeleeuwse Walmuur / Medieval City Wall (about 90 meters away); H.H. Nicolaas en Barbara Kerk / St. Nicholas and St. Barbara Church (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valkenburg.

Bruggen opgeblazen - 13 September 1944 - Bridges Blown Up Marker - wider view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 28, 2024

3. Bruggen opgeblazen - 13 September 1944 - Bridges Blown Up Marker - wider view

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 7, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.