The Timberwolves Cycle Route South | Liberation Route Brabant

Cycle 52 km along historic WWII sites in West Brabant and discover the story of the Timberwolves.

( 4 hour 20 minutes ) 52 km

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This southern cycling route of 52 km starts at the Historical Military Museum Foundation in Achtmaal. Ride through the centers of Rucphen, Sint Willebrord, Etten-Leur, and Zundert. Enjoy the beautiful nature along the way and take a break for a bite to eat or a drink. Along the route, you’ll learn about, among other things, Father Bastiaanse and the liberation of Wernhout. (This text was translated by AI)

The Liberation Route Brabant tells the story of the liberation, but also reveals what World War II meant for ordinary people in Brabant. Eight cycling routes, spread across North Brabant, guide you along Brabant Remembers stories, audio columns from the Liberation Route Europe, monuments, and museums that together highlight the impact of the war on North Brabant. (This text was translated by AI)

Route map
You can view this route page on your telephone or download the GPX file. If you prefer to go on the walk using a paper map, you can order one in our webshop.

B…

Route map
You can view this route page on your telephone or download the GPX file. If you prefer to go on the walk using a paper map, you can order one in our webshop.

Brabant Remembers
During the Second World War, lives were profoundly changed forever. Brabant Remembers relates personal stories about the Second World War, major or minor: about mobilisation, resistance, collaboration or liberation – stories about events that centre around a life-changing moment.On the Liberation Route Brabant you pass places where these stories have taken place. Brabant Remembers wants to preserve the stories and experiences of those who went through the war and pass them on to future generations.Would you like to know more about Brabant Remembers, stories and explore similar routes? Check out brabantherinnert.nl.

Liberation Route Europe
This walking tour through North Brabant is part of the Liberation Route Europe, a network of 10,000 kilometres of walking tours throughout all of Europe. The walking tours go past museums, monuments, cemeteries and historic locations that remind us of the final phase of the Second World War. With hundreds of places and stories distributed over twelve European countries, the Liberation Route Europe connects the regions through which the Allies progressed in 1943-1945. Visit liberationroute.com for more information.

About this route
The route is marked out using the Brabant numbered junction system. Simply follow the Liberation Route Europe marks with the maple leaf. The route between the junctions is marked by arrows. If there is anything wrong with the signposting along this route, please report this on visitbrabant.com/meldpunt You can also call us on +31(0)800 4050050.

Liberation Route Brabant direction signs

Follow the 'Liberation Route' signs. These are hanging under the regular junction signs.

Hotline routes
Hotline routes
If there is something wrong on the route, report it here.

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Sights on this route

Vector: The liberation of Achtmaal and the "Achtmaal package"

The liberation of West Brabant began on October 20, 1944, from the Belgian border region with Operation Pheasant. General Crerar's First Canadian Army commanded a British, Polish and American Division for this operation, in addition to its own divisions.

Vector: Rucphen remembers

In the municipality of Rucphen, several monuments have been erected in memory of victims of the Second World War. These are civilian victims who died in the shelling of a bus of the B.B.A. by Allied fighters and during the shelling around the liberation of Rucphen.

Vector: Advance of the Timberwolf division

During the liberation of Sprundel village and St. Willibrord town, a total of 10 soldiers of the US Timberwolves division were killed during heavy fighting at various locations across these areas. German troops tried to slow down the advance of the American forces as much as possible.

De Menmoerhoeve

At De Menmoerhoeve campsite, restaurant and activity farm, you can enjoy everything the countryside has to offer. If there’s anywhere you can literally immerse yourself in the Brabant farming life, it’s at this recreational farm.

Vector: Explosives - forever a danger!

During the struggle for liberation in October 1944, alot of unexploded artillery was left behind in North Brabant, which still caused fatalities even after the liberation.

Vector: The liberation of Wernhout

Despite being a small village, Wernhout was fiercely contested in October 1944. The American Timberwolves received their baptism of fire during the battle for Wernhout, but still managed to secure their first victory.

Herberg 't Pannehûske

This cosy and friendly forest café has been a household name in the region for almost a century and a half. With a playground and maze, not only is this a great resting place for cyclists and hikers but it is also an ideal place for the whole family.

Story of the route

Never before in military history had an American division operated under Canadian command. This rather remarkable honor fell to the 104th US Infantry Division in West Brabant. The infantry division is much better known as the Timberwolf Division.

West Brabant was liberated in the autumn of 1944 by a truly international force. General Crerar’s First Canadian Army included not only Canadian divisions, but also a British, a Polish, and an American division under its command. The division was unique in several ways, as it was the first unit to disembark directly from America onto French soil at Cherbourg (Normandy), on September 7, 1944.

After weeks of waiting, the Americans — about 18,000 in total — arrived at the Dutch-Belgian border, south of Zundert. Apart from their general, Terry Allen, the entire division was largely inexperienced. Their first contact with the enemy took place on October 25 near the customs office on the road from Zundert to Wuustwezel. They encountered fierce German resistance in several locations, including Wernhout and Achtmaal. Afterward, the American advance proceeded much more smoothly, and in the final days of October they liberated many towns in West Brabant.

In the following days, the advance slowed down considerably. Their most difficult operation was crossing the Mark River near Standdaarbuiten and establishing a bridgehead on the opposite bank. After heavy fighting and severe losses, Standdaarbuiten was firmly secured by American forces. On November 5, they reached the Hollands Diep — the main objective of the operation. That same day, General Allen received word that he was to quickly break off combat operations in the Netherlands and proceed to Aachen.

The 104th Timberwolf Division suffered approximately 170 casualties and many more wounded in their fight to liberate West Brabant.

“Nothing in hell can stop the Timberwolves”
— General Terry Allen

(This text was translated by AI)

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The Timberwolves Cycle Route South | Liberation Route Brabant

Liberation Route Brabant direction signs

Liberation Route Brabant direction signs

Hotline routes

Sights on this route

Starting point:

Vector: The liberation of Achtmaal and the "Achtmaal package"

Starting point: