The liberation of Almelo took place in phases on 4 and 5 April. Following the Battle of the Twentekanaal near Delden, the liberators advanced to free this city as well.

From Almelo de Riet train station, they made their way through the city center on 4 April, reaching as far as the Vriezebrug. Their advance stalled there when they came under fire from German soldiers. On Thursday, 5 April, the troops were able to push forward toward Vriezenveen, having first to make temporary repairs to the damaged bridge.

This was not the only damage the city suffered in the lead-up to liberation. On 23 September 1944, the city was shaken by a severe plane crash, and just a few weeks before liberation, a V1 rocket fell on a shed in the De Riet district. There were no fatalities, but many were injured and homes destroyed.

Set out and experience the many remarkable stories on location. The route through Almelo passes through green neighborhoods and the lively city center.