Heelsum
MicrowaveFork Presents
Battle of Arnhem: Part 1: Heelsum
WWII 1944 Terrain – Operation Market Garden, Netherlands
Heelsum
On September 17, 1944, aircraft and gliders of the British 1st Airborne Division descended over the fields west of Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden. The area around Heelsum, Renkum, Wolfheze, and the surrounding landing zones became the opening stage of the British airborne assault.
Situated west of Arnhem and south of the Utrechtseweg, Heelsum lay near several important drop and landing zones used by British airborne and glider forces. From these fields, the 1st Airborne Division began its advance eastward toward Arnhem Bridge, moving through wooded terrain, villages, country roads, and scattered German resistance.
The landings marked the beginning of one of the most dramatic airborne battles of the Second World War. What began as a rapid advance toward Arnhem soon became a desperate fight across woods, roads, villages, and defensive positions as German forces reacted faster than expected.
Editor’s Note
Work in Progress
Heelsum is being built as a WWII terrain focused on the western Arnhem sector of Operation Market Garden, with emphasis on British airborne landings, glider operations, woodland movement, and village fighting. This is the First phase of the Battle of Arnhem – I am currently working on Arnhem terrain: Arnhem, Oosterbeek, Driel, Elden and parts of Elst. (coming soon)
• British airborne landings – Designed around the opening phase of the 1st Airborne Division’s arrival west of Arnhem, with terrain suited for parachute drops, glider landings, and assembly areas.
• Advance to Arnhem – Roads, tracks, woods, and villages are intended to support missions moving east from the landing zones toward Arnhem and the bridge.
• Woodland and village combat – The terrain includes forested approaches, fields, hamlets, and built-up areas suited for patrols, ambushes, raids, and defensive actions.
• Historical atmosphere – Built to capture the feeling of the Dutch countryside during Operation Market Garden, from quiet landing fields to contested roads and farmsteads.
Points of Interest
Heelsum
Heelsum sits near the western landing areas used by the British 1st Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden. The village and surrounding fields serve as a natural starting point for airborne assembly, movement, and early contact with German forces.
Renkum
Located south of the main landing areas, Renkum became part of the broader airborne battlefield west of Arnhem. Its roads, wooded edges, and nearby open terrain make it suitable for missions involving patrols, defensive actions, and movement between landing zones.
Wolfheze
Wolfheze was a key area near British drop and landing zones. The village, railway area, and nearby woods were important to the movement of airborne troops as they organized and pushed east toward Arnhem.
Landing Zones
The fields west of Arnhem were used for parachute and glider landings by the 1st Airborne Division. These open areas are central to the terrain’s design, allowing for airborne insertions, glider landings, assembly phases, and follow-up attacks.
Utrechtseweg
The road east toward Arnhem was one of the important routes used by British airborne forces during the opening phase of the operation. It offers opportunities for convoy movement, ambushes, roadblocks, and contested advances.
Wooded Approaches
The forests and tree-lined roads around Heelsum and Wolfheze shaped the movement of both British and German forces. These areas are ideal for small-unit combat, hidden positions, and tense patrol missions.
Oosterbeek Approaches
As British units moved eastward, the approaches toward Oosterbeek became increasingly important. The area connects the landing zones to the later defensive perimeter that formed west of Arnhem.
And more!
Terrain Specifications
Subject to change during development
• Terrain Grid Size: 1024 x 1024
• Cell Size: 6.375 meters
• Total Land Area: 6.5 km x 6.5 km
• Playable Area: approximately ~42.6 km²
• Land Range: 128
• Satellite Tile Size: 512 x 512
• Object Count: 848,714 objects
• Unique Models: 501 distinct models
• BIKEY Signed: Planned / Yes – Multiplayer ready
⚠️ WARNING — Work In Progress ⚠️
Thank you for trying the Heelsum terrain. Feedback is welcome!
Requirements:
• SPEARHEAD 1944 CDLC required
Current WIP Notes:
• Satellite map and ID maps are still in progress
• Roads, fields, and woodland areas require additional work
• Some villages, farms, and landing zones are placeholders
• Object count and performance are still under review
• Terrain layout may change as development continues
• Additional historical points of interest will be added over time
• Next terrain in development: Arnhem Pt 2, Eindhoven, Hell’s Highway – Eastern Front Terrains
Follow Development
Join the Discord for updates, previews, and future terrain releases:
[discord]https://discord.gg/WaMvMpCRgD[/discord]
Special Thanks
A big thank you to the creators of the SPEARHEAD 1944 CDLC.
Honorable mention to the Arma community, collaborators, friends, and everyone who continues to support WWII terrain and scenario development.
Required DLC:
These DLC should be installed in order to use this item.
Arma 3 Creator DLC: Spearhead 1944
