Testimonials

  Edwin provided a great experience during my recent visit to Belgium and Germany. My father fought in WW2 and was in the 4th division, 22nd Regiment. He was wounded in... read more the Hurtgen Forest in November 1944 and again near Prum, Germany in 1945. Edwin took us to both places. He clearly did a good deal of research in advance and that allowed us to closely trace my dad's footsteps. He even had obtained copies of my dad's draft registration and hospital records from his wounds. We also visited Henri Chapelle Military Cemetery where my dad's best friend is buried. Edwin had obtained information, including a photograph, of my father's friend. Our visit to the Hurtgen took us deep into the forest-Edwin had figured out exactly where my dad's unit was during that awful battle. Exactly what I had hoped for.

It was a very meaningful day and Edwin was great-exceeded expectations. He was very well prepared and made it an unforgettable day.

  OUTSTANDING, PERSONALIZED MILITARY TOUR Having served with the 82nd Airborne Division and having read its history for years concerning battles in which the Division was strategic in the accomplishment... read more of its mission, I wanted to see the battlegrounds and pay respect to my

  My father-in-law and did a "Band of Brothers" tour with Edwin a couple of weeks ago. I had read the book long before the series and we had both been... read more interested in WWII history for a long time. We also had the opportunity to hear a local veteran of Easy Company (he is still living by the way) speak a few years ago. We took advantage of being in Amsterdam for a couple of days to go see where he fought. Edwin really knows his stuff. He took us on back roads and to now urbanized areas where the actions took place that you could never find on your own. Edwin worked in some other Market Garden stuff like the Arnhem Bridge as well. It was an outstanding tour in every way. Edwin does other tours covering other actions in the wider region too. I can't recommend him highly enough!

  The one-day battlefield tour of Arnhem with Jo Hook was excellent! We were advised that she was one of the most knowledgable on Arnhem and we were not disappointed. She... read more gave us a very full, detailed and well-illustrated day as we followed the early days of the Arnhem campaign from the drop-zone through the fighting of various units and ending at the War Cemetery. Her dialogue was engaging, with numerous, personal accounts, supported by her personal connection to some of the veterans. I would throughly recommend Battlefield Discovery - and Jo Hook - for careful planning and detailed knowledge.

  Just back from Oosterbeek which included three full day Battlefield Tours. Two of these were provided by Edwin Popken. I cannot recommend Edwin enough and his knowledge of Market Garden... read more is second to none. We wanted to be shown and understand the details from Joe's Bridge all the way to the Island. We split the days between the 101st airborne area and the 82nd Airborne area. The common thread was the journey of XXX Corps. Edwin is able to adapt each tour and goes the extra mile to ensure any request is dealt with. There was just I and my 11 year old son and although my son is very knowledgeable he is still 11 years old. At no time did my son lose interest and was keen to ask questions all day for two days. Edwin was fantastic with him. I have never visited so many slit trenches and fox holes before.
Both my son and I now have a much greater understanding why Market Garden was planned, the bravery on the ground, the sacrifices paid, what was achieved and the failures along the way. It is a battle so shaped by misinformation, media and debate that we are now able to understand what happened on the ground rather than on a cinema screen.
If you are in the Arnhem area and wish to walk in the footsteps of those brave individuals back in 1944, then Edwin is the guide you need to book. You will not regret it.