Old US Army Map of Arnhem, Operation Market Garden, 1943: Rhine River, Bridges, Polders, Railways

This exquisite map of Arnhem, crafted by the U.S. Army Map Service in 1943, offers a captivating glimpse into a pivotal moment in World War II history. Designed in preparation for Operation Market Garden, this map was an essential tool for military strategists. The operation aimed to secure key bridges in the Netherlands to enable an Allied advance into Germany. The map’s intricate details, from the contour lines to the precise depiction of urban and rural landscapes, reflect the meticulous planning that characterized this ambitious military endeavor.

The map showcases the city of Arnhem and its surrounding areas with remarkable precision. Relief is artfully illustrated through contours and spot heights, while hachures provide additional depth on select sheets. This level of detail was crucial for understanding the terrain and planning troop movements. The Rhine River, prominently featured, was a significant geographical barrier that played a central role in the operation’s strategy, making this map not only a piece of history but a testament to military cartography.

In addition to its military significance, the map is a fascinating representation of Dutch geography. The detailed depiction of polder areas highlights the Netherlands’ unique approach to land reclamation and water management. Roads, railways, and bridges are meticulously plotted, underscoring their importance in wartime logistics. Urban areas like Arnhem and Oosterbeek are rendered with care, offering insights into the region’s infrastructure during the 1940s.

This map also bears historical markings, including a former security classification statement, indicating its exclusive use by War and Navy Department agencies. Such annotations add an element of intrigue and authenticity, transporting the viewer back to a time when these maps were vital to the success of military operations. The inclusion of a source-materials note, glossary, and diagrams further enriches its historical value, providing context and clarity to its intricate details.

Owning this map is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It is not merely a representation of geography but a narrative of strategic planning and historical events that shaped the course of World War II. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a collector of military memorabilia, or someone with an appreciation for cartographic art, this map of Arnhem is a remarkable artifact that speaks volumes about the past.

Places on this map

• Arnhem
• Oosterbeek
• Elden
• Renkum
• Huissen
• Westervoort
• Velp
• Driel
• Doorwerth
• Heveadorp
• Rheden
• Zevenaar
• Loo
• Elst
• Bemmel
• Wageningen
• Nijmegen
• Groessen
• Pannerden
• Duiven

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers and Waterways:
• The Rhine River
• Roads and Railways:
• Detailed road networks and railway lines
• Topographical Details:
• Contours and spot heights
• Urban Areas:
• Layout of Arnhem city and surrounding towns
• Bridges:
• Key bridges, strategic military targets
• Forests and Green Areas:
• Areas of vegetation
• Polder Areas:
• Reclaimed land typical in Dutch geography

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1943
• Mapmaker/Publisher: U.S. Army Map Service
• Purpose: Preparation for Operation Market Garden in 1944
• Relief and Depths:
• Relief shown by contours and spot heights
• Security Classification:
• Formerly classified for use by War and Navy Department agencies only
• Additional Features:
• Includes source-materials note, glossary, and diagrams
• Themes:
• Military strategy and planning during World War II
• Design/Style:
• Detailed topographical map with military utility
• Historical Significance:
• Used in preparation for a major WWII military operation

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 36x24in (90x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.