In the autumn of 1944, brutal war raged in the Over-Betuwe with the river Linge as the front line. Residents had to evacuate and a harsh journey often awaited, involving crossing the Rhine or Waal rivers under the threat of shellfire.

The battle in the Over-Betuwe took place mainly around the Karbrug and De Heuvel. Without the presence of civilians, as they had fled earlier.

They could only return home after the liberation in 1945 and found a heavily destroyed and plundered area. Once home, reconstruction was taken up energetically. Strength and determination were the traits of the 'Silent Heroes'.

Commemoration as a form of coping

Impressive forms of commemoration emerged during reconstruction. In 1946, for instance, a chapel was built on De Heuvel as a place of reflection, comfort and hope.

For the commemoration of 'The Battle of the Kar Bridge', everything was pulled out to make the battle seem as realistic as possible. The Princess Irene garderegiment, complete with armoured vehicles, went into action. As did the field artillery from Ede and the Spitfires from Twente Air Base.

As a large crowd watched tensely, the attack was opened on the 'German Lingestelling'. Troops stormed forward under the protection of a smoke screen, artillery fire and air support. Spitfires, instead of bombs, threw sandbags that sometimes struck eerily close to onlookers.

A trestle bridge was laid, medical services acted and prisoners of war were taken away.

The spectacle was entirely in keeping with the optimism of the times and, above all, became an imposing tribute and thanks to the liberator.