Joe's Bridge, World War II road bridge in Lommel, Belgium
Joe's Bridge is a road bridge crossing the Bocholt-Herentals waterway near the Belgian-Dutch border. The metal structure connects both banks at a strategically important crossing point.
British troops captured the bridge on September 10, 1944, stopping German forces from detonating explosives placed on its structure. Securing this crossing was critical for the advancement of military operations.
The bridge carries the name of the British officer who led its capture during wartime operations. The name serves as a quiet memorial to those who fought at this location.
The bridge lies in Lommel's Barrier district, just south of the Dutch border. A memorial stone stands below the southern edge, and the Irish Guards Memorial is on the northern bank on a side road off the road to Valkenswaard. The Airborne trail, a 225 km footpath to Arnhem, starts here.
The bridge's nickname may honour Lieutenant-Colonel J.O.E. Vandeleur, whose initials spell "Joe", or the Royal Engineers troop that repaired it, known as "Joe's Troop". A memorial stone below the southern edge records the name, and the Irish Guards Memorial stands on the northern bank off the road to Valkenswaard.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,919 contributors worldwide.