We visited Overloon while we were in The Netherlands. Attached are some of the photos that I took. This vehicle was parked outside when we arrived View attachment 21445 View attachment 21446 View attachment 21447 View attachment 21448 View attachment 21449 View attachment 21447 View attachment 21448 View attachment 21449 View attachment 21450 View attachment 21451
We had a grand time, George. Only problem was I only had about 3 hours there. I could have spent three days, or even three weeks. Here are some of the photos of Mr. Sanford in a halftrack in the D-Day display. Our host is is the dark blue sport coat and he talked to the staff their and they opened up the barriers and practically lifted Mr. Sanford into the vehicle. He loved it! We are indebted to the staff at Overloon for making this possible. We had been looking for a chance to get him in a half track and our host went out of his way to make it happen.
One of the men who helped to get Mr. Sanford into the halftrack was one of the body men. He let me go downstairs, where they work on new exhibits and store other vehicles and artifacts. These are photos made there. In the first photo is a Opel Blitz that converted to run off of wood. My escort is in front. The second photo shows the "engine". The third photo shows the storage area under the museum
These last photos are of what we saw as we left. The shells are only a tiny fraction of what they have on display. It was huge. There are two Bailey Bridges on the grounds. I cannot begin to compliment the staff enough for the efforts they took on Mr. Sanford's behalf. But, then, I found that nearly all the Dutch, once the learned that Mr. Sanford was a WWII veteran, were so gracious to him and us. We had a time in some places with the women hugging on him so much. He ate it up, of course.
I think I spent about 4 hours there. I had hotel reservations in Arnhem that night, and got to the museum around 12:30. I had to rush through because I wanted to stop at Grave and Nijmegen bridges before reaching Arnhem. I think I have around 1000 photos from the museum. I see that they expanded the display in the "glass hallway" near the entrance. When I was there they were just moving exhibits into it and only had two or three trucks. The admission price was steep (20 euros) but its truly a top-quality collection. I think it was totally worth the money. That was very nice of them to let Mr. Sanford into the half-track and let both of you into the storage area. Here's a photo of the same half-track from when I was there;
Jeff, thank you for posting such great photos and stories. Glad Mr. Samford had such a good reception and had you to accompany him. I think a treat for both of you. I feel very fortunate to have visited the Netherlands on numerous occasions and found the Dutch people unfailingly helpful and polite. Glad to hear that reputation is still intact is still intact but suspected it would be. Great people and country..
Reading this and looking at the photos of Mr. Sanford in the half track brought a tear to my eye. Can't say enough about the genuine gratitude and graciousness of the Dutch. Nor about what you have done for Mr. Sanford, Jeff. Thanks for sharing these great photos.
The museum at Overloon was originally a place dedicated to the Third British Infantry Division. But later became the national war museum. It was also the place where my war ended on the road between Overloon and Vvnraij...Near the Molen beek.
Great pics, Jeff. Nice to see Mr Sanford enyoing the half-track. He sure didnt loose his charmes, plenty of womans attention to him when he was in Maastricht ) Overloon is indeed a museum with a huge and interesting collection. Take your time when you visit !
What a nice thread, it represents what makes this forum so good. A broad base of people enjoying a common International interest, sharing great photos, stories and personal insights. Set in a country that suffered greatly, freed by good men at great cost, yet remains a civilized and gracious place to this day. A special thanks to Mr. Samford, Jeff, and the Dutch people. And sapper, hard to thank you enough. Gaines
