Month: May 2025

On May 5th, the latest addition to the Liberation Route Brabant network was launched: the Timberwolves Cycling Route. This 91-kilometre route leads cyclists through historical locations across West Brabant that played a key role during the region’s liberation in the Second World War.

Developed as part of Brabant Herinnert‘s ongoing efforts to bring wartime stories to life and to pass on the memory of the Second World War to future generations, the route was made possible thanks to the support of Brabant Partners and the collaboration with the municipalities of Etten-Leur, Halderberge, Moerdijk, Rucphen, and Zundert.

The cycling route is named after the 104th Infantry Division of the United States Army, nicknamed the Timberwolves. The division played a crucial role in liberating West Brabant from German occupation. Operating with professionalism under Canadian command, the Timberwolves’ involvement was a rare example of international cooperation in military history.

Between October and November 1944, the Timberwolves faced fierce combat in towns such as Zundert, Wernhout, Achtmaal, and Standdaarbuiten. Around 170 young American soldiers lost their lives in the effort to free the region. The Timberwolves Cycling Route pays tribute to their legacy and to the exceptional acts of bravery displayed by many. The words of their commander, General Terry Allen, still echo today: “Nothing in hell can stop the Timberwolves.”

The cycling route is the tenth route in the Liberation Route Brabant network. “With the launch of the Timberwolves Cycling Route, the liberation story of West Brabant gains more depth and coherence,” says Caroline Belt, programme director of Brabant Herinnert. “The cooperation of different nationalities under one flag, the perseverance of the often young soldiers – these are inspiring stories that, through this route, are given a strong place in the landscape and in the broader narrative of Brabant’s liberation.”

The Timberwolves Cycling Route is divided in two loops: North (44 km) and South (52 km) and is integrated into the North Brabant cycling junction network. The route is suitable for both recreational and history-minded cyclists, combining beautiful landscapes with stories of heroism, hardship and liberation.

On May 5, Liberation Day in the Netherlands, new bicycle routes will be launched in the municipalities of Heusden, Waalwijk, Meierijstad, Boxtel and Sint Michielsgestel: The Scottish Highlanders Cycling Routes, part of the international Liberation Route Europe route network.

Developed in cooperation with the municipalities of Heusden, Waalwijk, Meierijstad, Boxtel and Sint Michielsgestel and military historian Jack Didden, the project aims to educate the public about local history. The initiative includes bicycle routes of 38, 35 and 42 kilometers that follow the trail of the Scottish Highland Division soldiers who liberated the municipalities during World War II.   

A total of 35 points of interest are on the route that tell different stories and shed light on the role the Scottish Highlanders played during the liberation. Cyclists will pass historical sites along the way and learn more about the lesser-known stories from the last phase of the war, from both military and civilian perspectives.   

“Vectors of Memory” have been placed along the route to mark the specific places where history took place. For more information on local history, cyclists can use the Liberation Route app, which highlights all the landmarks and their accompanying stories.

“These bicycle routes offer a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about the Scottish Highlanders and their role during the liberation of the Netherlands. While cycling you will gain insight into local history and learn that the Highlanders played a crucial role in the victory of the Allies, something important to never forget,” said Wout van Aalst, Project Officer at LRE Foundation.  

To mark the launch, special events will take place across the region on May 5th. In Heusden, a ceremony will be held at the Pijlsmonument in Drunen with remarks by Mayor Willemijn van Hees and historian Jack Didden, followed by a group bike ride to Griesbergen. In Meierijstad, 20 cyclists will ride from Wijbosch to Liempde, where a reception with local officials will take place. The event will culminate with the unveiling of the Wall Vector at the Liberation Monument “Wijbosch Herineert” and a Freedom Lunch. In the afternoon, Mayor Sacha Ausems and Jack Didden will launch the route in Waalwijk at the Kropholler Raadhuis.