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Special Event Station
PA8ØOMG
Operation Market Garden
80 years
liberation
commemoration
freedom
13-19 sept. 2024
![logotop](images/logotopbig1.png)
About us
Welcome!
It´s our pleasure to announce a special event station in the Nijmegen region commemorating 8Ø years of freedom: PA8ØOMG.
We are back again in 2024 for the fourth consecutive time with this special event station; since last time we added another 5 years to our callsign.
![](images/members/posterbig1-1994.png)
SES
PA5ØOMG
![](images/members/posterbig1-2014.png)
SES
PA7ØOMG
![](images/members/posterbig1-2019.png)
SES
PA75OMG
![](images/members/posterbig1-2024.png)
SES
PA8ØOMG
We commemorate and celebrate 8Ø years of freedom. The activities of our special event station will take place from 13 september up to 19 september 2024. During 7 days we will
activate the callsign PA8ØOMG and work amateur radio operators across the world. Whether you are an amateur radio operator hoping to contact a new country or a casual visitor, we welcome you to our website. If you find yourself in the
vicinity of Groesbeek and Nijmegen, be sure to visit us throughout the activities of the special event station. We are situated at one of the exact landing grounds of the 82nd Airborne division in 1944. Our contact info is here.
The team
![](images/members/frans.jpg)
Frans
PEØF
![](images/members/gj.jpg)
Jan
PA2P
![](images/members/pe2ger.png)
Gery
PE2GER
![](images/members/hendrik.png)
Hendrik
SWL/Support
![](images/members/roy.png)
Roy
PD8RW
![](images/members/pd9hix.jpg)
Sander
PD9HIX
![](images/members/pa3efr.jpg)
Erwin
PA3EFR
![](images/members/lynn.jpg)
Lynette
PD4LYN
![](images/members/thomas.png)
Thomas
PA3TVV
![](images/members/pe1mr.jpg)
Michel
PE1MR
Guest operators
How can you join us?
Licensed amateur-radio operators are welcome to take part in special event station PA8ØOMG as a guest operator.
Operating practice with special event stations and/or handling pile-ups is not necessary. A buddy is there to help you if wanted.
When you are at the station location in Groesbeek, please look for contact with one of the main team members and we can schedule you on the spot.
Station setup and frequency table
Station |
HF |
VHF/UHF |
|
---|---|---|---|
Radio 1 | Yaesu FTDX-1200 | Yaesu FT-857 | |
Radio 2 | Wireless Set WS-19 | ||
Radio 3 | AN/GRC-106 | ||
Mast 1 | SMAG Mobile (24 meters) | SMAG Mobile (24 meters) | |
Mast 2 | Clark T73 (24 meters) | ||
Ant 1 | Fritzel FB-23 | Diamond X-50 | |
Ant 2 | T3FD | ||
Ant 3 | Endfed (160-10) | ||
Ant 4 | Endfed (160-10) | ||
Amp | Acom 1200S | ||
Logging | PC and QRZ.com | ||
Housing | Tent | Tent |
Freq. table (± QRM) |
Freq (MHz) |
|
---|---|---|
160 M | 1.880 | |
80 M | 3.680 | |
40 M | 7.180 | |
20 M | 14.280 | |
17 M | 18.150 | |
15 M | 21.280 | |
12 M | 24.980 | |
10 M | 28.480 | |
6 M | 50.180 | |
2 M |
144.7625 FM Local QSO |
![](images/logo.png)
About Operation Market Garden
Background
Operation Market Garden was an Allied military operation during the Second World War fought in the German-occupied Netherlands from 17 to 25 september 1944. Its objective was to create a 103 km salient into German territory with a bridgehead over the Nederrijn (Lower Rhine River), creating an Allied invasion route into northern Germany. This was to be achieved by two sub-operations: seizing nine bridges with combined US and British airborne forces (´Market´) followed by British land forces swiftly following over the bridges (´Garden´).
The airborne operation was undertaken by the First Allied Airborne Army with the land operation by XXX Corps of the British Second Army. The airborne soldiers, numbering more than 41,000, were dropped at sites where they could capture key bridges and hold the terrain until the land forces arrived. The land forces consisted of ten armoured and motorised brigades with a similar number of soldiers. The land forces advanced from the south along a single road surrounded by flood plain on both sides. The plan anticipated that they would cover the 103 km from their start to the bridge across the Rhine in 48 hours. About 100,000 German soldiers were in the vicinity to oppose the allied offensive. It was the largest airborne operation of the war up to that point (Wikipedia ©). Perhaps the most famous, after D-Day, in the history of the Second World War.
Operation Market Garden in the Nijmegen region
As part of Operation Market Garden paratroopers of the Allied forces, such as American, British, Canadian, Polish and Dutch troops, landed in the Nijmegen region on 17 september 1944. The region became a battlefield during Operation Market Garden and most of the inhabitants took refuge in the woods or neighbouring towns. It took more than a week of heavy fighting before parts of the region were temporarily liberated. Many people and militairy were killed and buildings and bridges were destroyed. At the cost of many young soldiers the important Waal-bridge in Nijmegen was conquered. In our collective mind the entire region was completely liberated in 1944, but this was only for a period of three weeks. There was still hard fighting during the winter and complete liberation was not achieved until may 1945.
Timeline
A timeline with historical pictures, movies and map projections is shown. Click the below, or swipe, to move in time.
Cottesmore (UK)
The ´prince´ of the paratroopers, brigadegeneral James Gavin in front of the skytrain. Together with the Dutch captain Bestebreurtje they walked for one kilometer along the forest to hotel De Wolfsberg, which would be the headquarter, called Champion.
Cottesmore (UK)
Paratroopers of the the 82nd are inspecting their gear just before leaving Cottesmore (UK) and heading for the Nijmegen region.
Cottesmore (UK)
Heavily packed paratroopers of the 82nd division staff entering the Dakota C-47 skytrain. The journey is about to begin.
Zeeland (NL)
Operation Market Garden knew a complicated navigation scheme from different points north and west of London, finally brought together in two flight traffic flows crossing the North sea.
Zeeland (NL)
Skytrains, transporting paratroopers, fly over Zeeland, near Renesse, on their way to their droppingzones near Nijmegen. The Germans had inundated large parts of the province of Zeeland as the picture shows.
Groesbeek (NL)
Operation Market Garden starts in Groesbeek as well. Numerous paratroopers of the 505th PIR and WACO gliders would 'fall' from the sky in Groesbeek. On the picture American paratroopers jump from their skytrain.
Groesbeek (NL)
The dropping- and landingzone Nan at Klein-Amerika would soon be filled. In only a few days nearly 8.000 paratroopers would be dropped in the Groesbeek region. In the first days after september the 17th the Nijmegen and Groesbeek region would change into the frontline.
Groesbeek (NL)
An reconnaissance photo of a part of landing- and droppingzone NAN, locally known as Klein-Amerika. WACO gliders randomly put down to the ground. The field dotted with white spots: parachutes left behind. Bottom-right T-beacon, sign for the wind direction.
Groesbeek (NL)
WACO-glider crash at landingzone Nan, sunday afternoon september 17th 1944. One of the gliders with staff and materials overturned during the landing. Wounded passengers are being helped on the spot by a medic.
Groesbeek (NL)
Activities at the farmland of Groesbeek.
WACO-gliders (or flying moving vans) landing all the time. While unloading the nose of the glider was folded up.
Groesbeek (NL)
Activities at the farmland of Groesbeek.
WACO-gliders (or flying moving vans) landing all the time. While unloading the nose of the glider was folded up.
Groesbeek (NL)
Paratroopers to the ground. Authentic footage from a camera strapped to the chest of a paratrooper who jumped from a Dakota C-47.
Groesbeek (NL)
Authentic footage that was used in the 1946 movie ´Theirs is the glory´. The complete movie is here.
Overasselt (NL)
Landingzone O west of Overasselt near the Gaasseltsedam. An impressive amount of paratroopers are about to land on Dutch soil.
Overasselt (NL)
Landingzone O west of Overasselt near the Gaasseltsedam. Aa WACO glider landed safely on the ground.
Overasselt (NL)
Landingzone O west of Overasselt near the Gaasseltsedam. A monument that represents 3 parachutes at the very spot where the landing took place.
Mook (NL)
Paratroopers landed near Mook. The Germans blew up the Mook railway bridge during their approach. The paratroopers captured the town the very same day and Mook seemed to be liberated.
Mook (NL)
The Germans attacked and managed to recapture the village. Thursday 21st 1944 Mook was finally liberated. The Germans fled to nearby Plasmolen. Paratroopers taking a break in Mook after the liberation.
Soldiers of H and I company of the 504th PIR started crossing the Waal at september 20th 1944 at 14:57 local time with 26 small Goatley canvas boats. A dangerous and precarious enterprise, because the soldiers were directly exposed in broad daylight at enemy gunfire from the other side.
Fly to it on the mapThe objective was to reach the northern bank of the river and conquering the northern part of the Waal bridge. The costly attack was nicknamed ´Little Omaha´ in reference to Omaha Beach. In november 2013 a new bridge was opened, called ´De Oversteek´ (The Crossing), at the same point where brave soldiers crossed the river 80 years ago.
Fly to it on the mapMook (NL)
Colonel Ekman, behind the machinegun, inspecting Mook on september 21st by jeep after it had just been (and finally) recaptured on the Germans after heavy fightings and many casualties.
Mook (NL)
The destroyed town hall of Mook. Under the plateau the acces to the basement where people took shelter. At the left the outside wall that belonged to the bakery.
Nijmegen (NL)
Tanks of the liberators gathering at the Oranjesingel near the Keizer Karelplein. © J. ten Thye.
Nijmegen (NL)
Rolling material queued up in a long line at the Oranjesingel waiting for the next move to make. At the end of the road, just out of the picture, the Keizer Karelplein. © J. ten Thye.
An RAF reconnaissance photo of the Waalbridge in Nijmegen. Smoke of a building on fire at Keizer Lodewijkplein (now Trajanusplein) near the Hunnerpark is clearly visible. This building was burning during a battle between paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne division and the German defenders.
Fly to it on the mapTroops at rest at the Kelfkensbos before the assault of the Waalbridge.
Fly to it on the mapThe day after the conquest of the Waalbridge the militairy traffic starts rolling towards Elst. Unfortunately they never could reach Arnhem. The roadside and roadway are covered with wreckage. A German bus with nr. WH160575 is still there.... incorrectly parked.
Fly to it on the mapMore tanks of the XXX Corps rolling on and off the Waalbridge. Crossing the bridge was still a dangerous undertaking, so the two Cromwell tanks were keeping a safe distance between each other.
Fly to it on the mapNijmegen liberated. The Waalbridge captured undamaged, but the city centre was taken at cost of serious destructions. Many soldiers and citizens were killed during the battle of the Waalbridge, which was the final bridge that was captured during Operation Market Garden.
Fly to it on the mapNijmegen civilians greeting and thanking their liberators and supplying the soldiers with drinking water.
Fly to it on the mapSkyline Landingzone NAN at Klein-Amerika (Groesbeek)
Use the menu arrows or drag your mouse to look around. The button shows the panorama in fullscreen.
Event
Station
PA8ØOMG
QSL / Log / Spots / Propagation / Award
QSL
cardThe official PA8ØOMG QSL-card will be disclosed in time.
Please be patient with us.
![](images/hero1qsl.jpg)
QSL
managerRoy, PD8RW, will take care of all the incoming and outgoing QSL cards.
Please read our QSL policy carefully.
QSL
policyYour QSL card is not required. So don't send it.
We will confirm all contacts with our card, which card will be sent via the bureau.
your card + SASE
your card + SAE + $2
your card + SAE + $3
![](images/qslpolicy.png)
Log
BookSpots
of PA8ØOMGAll the recorded spots of PA8ØOMG in the DX clusters.
MUF
chart propagationAward
Dutch Radio ScoutingFrom September 2024, two SES stations will be active in the Netherlands, where the operators are radio scouts. As a result, these calls are also worth 2 points for the Dutch Radio Scout Award.
PH8ØLIB will be active from various locations from 11 September to 10 November. For the locations and dates check PH8ØLIB on QRZ.
PA8ØOMG will be active from 13 September to 19 September: PA8ØOMG on QRZ
![](images/scoutaward.jpg)
![](images/logo.png)
Gallery
Pictures of Operation Market Garden, of the previous editions of the Special Event Stations and the preparations for the 2024 edition.
Click on the image to open.
![image1](images/omgchart.jpg)
![image2](images/plane.jpg)
![image3](images/drop.jpg)
![image4](images/hero1.jpg)
![image5](images/roadsign.jpg)
![image6](images/qslcard2014.jpg)
![image7](images/yagi.jpg)
![image8](images/setup2014.jpg)
![image9](images/hansatwork.jpg)
![image10](images/paratroopers2.jpg)
![image11](images/paratroopers1.jpg)
![image12](images/pa75omg.jpg)
![image13](images/pa75omgsetup.jpg)
![image14](images/monument.jpg)
![image15](images/logobigbottom.png)
![image16](images/waalbrug.jpg)
![image17](images/pa0q.jpg)
![image18](images/pa0rba.jpg)
![image19](images/pe0f.jpg)
![image20](images/hfyagi2.jpg)
![image21](images/69a-shack.jpg)
![image22](images/mill.jpg)
![image23](images/avk7.jpg)
![image24](images/avk10.jpg)
![image25](images/avk9.jpg)
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Market
Garden
Sponsors
Thanks for visiting this sponsor section.
This section gives us, the PA8ØOMG team, the opportunity to thank all our sponsors who made this project possible. Their material, financial or intellectual support contributes to a successful Special Event project.
By clicking on the image you will go to the sponsor website.
![logotop](images/logotopbig2.png)
Contact us
If you want to contact us for whatever reason, please use the button below.
Your message will be sent by e-mail to the PA8ØOMG team.
Your information will only be used to reply to you and will not be used for commercial purposes, nor shared with third parties.
Location
Klein-Amerika 3, Groesbeek
The Netherlands
Links
PA7ØOMG, Special Event Station, Operation Market Garden, 2014
PA7ØOV, Special Event Station, Operation Veritable, 2015
PA75OV, Special Event Station, Operation Veritable, 2020
Special Event Stations (upcoming)