German metal sign recovered at the Deelen airbase (5km north of Arnhem) in Holland, used as a night fighter base by the Luftwaffe until heavy bombing in 1944.

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German metal sign recovered at the Deelen airbase (5km north of Arnhem) in Holland, used as a night fighter base by the Luftwaffe until heavy bombing in 1944. The sign is in a stable condition with the remaining paint not flaking .

When the Netherlands surrendered to Germany in World War II, the Luftwaffe started using the field, significantly expanding and upgrading the base. The Focke-Wulf Fw 190, Messerschmitt Bf 110 and Junkers Ju 88 were operated from the airfield, and anti-aircraft guns were installed. A railway from the nearby town of Wolfheze was constructed, initially to facilitate the transport of building materials for a Luftwaffe command bunker and later to supply the base with munitions. It was the headquarters of 1. Jagd Division from May 1942, later re-designated 3. Jagd Division.

In 1944 the airfield was extensively bombed by Allied forces in preparation for the Battle of Arnhem, and flying activity from the base was suspended by the Germans. The base was reduced to an auxiliary airfield and turned into a depot for V-1 flying bombs.

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