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In the woods between Son and Best, fierce fighting took place on 18 and 19 September 1944. German troops fought here against American paratroopers who had landed the day before and against advancing British troops from the south. The German troops advanced from Boxtel and Best and tried, among other things, to recapture the drop and landing areas at Son. Many soldiers died in this battle, including the brave Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cole and Private Joe Mann. After the fighting, both men were awarded the highest American military decoration: the Medal of Honor. At this listening point you will hear their stories.

On September 17, 1944, 4,500 American paratroopers landed successfully on the heath north of Son. The paratroopers immediately left for the bridge over the Wilhelmina Canal to conquer it and advance to Eindhoven. The Germans continuously fired at the American soldiers. The Americans managed to get close to the bridge anyway, but then the bridge was blown up by the Germans. The Germans then withdrew. On the night of 18 to 19 September, the British built a Bailey Bridge with all their might. In the early morning the bridge was ready and tanks and other heavy equipment could cross the water. The Germans eventually had to withdraw.