"War belongs in the museum." That is the motto of the War Museum. The War Museum Overloon (Oorlogs Museum Overloon) presents the history of World War II. Here, you can see how it came to pass that more than fifty million people lost their lives in just five years, but also how the oppressed population ingeniously dealt with restrictions and shortages. Attention is given to resistance, as well as persecution. Finally, there is, of course, a focus on liberation, with special attention to the Battle of Overloon.
In September 1944, British General Montgomery devised the Market Garden attack plan. Through airborne landings at Arnhem and clearing a narrow corridor through southern Netherlands, the Allies hoped to make further advances towards Berlin. However, the plan succeeded only partially. The Allied forces wanted to widen and strengthen their corridor, but the German opposition sought to cut them off. On September 30, both sides clashed near Overloon.
German Panther tanks and American Sherman tanks engaged in relentless combat. About a week later, British troops also joined the battle. It took nearly three weeks before Overloon and the southern town of Venray were liberated. The Battle of Overloon is known as one of the most intense battles on Dutch soil during World War II. In the museum, you can still find various vehicles and artillery pieces from that battle, including British and American tanks and a German Panther tank.
