On September 24 1944, during the battle for Arnhem, the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade parachuted on to a landing zone by the village of Driel. The Brigade was commanded by Major-General S. Sosabowski. The Poles were deployed to support Allied units which were in difficulties. Many troops were killed and wounded. The National Monument to the First Independent Polish Parachute Brigade was erected in memory of 94 Polish soldiers who were killed. Text on monument: 'SURGE POLONIA' ('Poland Arise')