Operation Market Garden, 1st Airborne Division

Operation

The 1^st Airborne Division is composed of three airborne infantry brigades, along with various support units including artillery, engineers, and pathfinders. Due to the limited availability of transport aircraft, only specific units are deployed to Arnhem during the First Lift on Sunday, 17^th September, 1944. These units include the 1^st Parachute Brigade, the glider-borne 1^st Airlanding Brigade (minus two companies from the 2^nd South Staffordshire Regiment), Major-General Urquhart’s Divisional Headquarters, and approximately half of the Divisional support units. Among these are two of the three artillery batteries from the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment and the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron.

The First Lift utilises three drop and landing zones, Drop Zone X, Landing Zone S, and Landing Zone Z, all situated within 10 to 13 kilometres west of Arnhem. Twenty minutes before the main force is scheduled to arrive, the pathfinders of the 21^st Independent Parachute Company drop onto each zone to secure and mark them with Eureka beacons. The gliders carrying the 1st Airlanding Brigade land on Landing Zone S, followed twenty minutes later by Headquarters and the Divisional units on Landing Zone Z. Thirty minutes after that, the 1st Parachute Brigade lands on Drop Zone X.

The 1^st Airlanding Brigade is tasked with securing the drop and landing zones overnight for the Second Lift. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Division consolidates around the village of Wolfheze, near Landing Zone-S and Landing Zone Z. Brigadier Lathbury’s 1^st Parachute Brigade, consisting of approximately two thousand men, is tasked with capturing Arnhem Bridge and holding it until the rest of the Division arrives.

Lathbury is aware that the 13-kilometres distance from the drop zone to the bridge presents a significant challenge, as it would take hours to reach the objective on foot, by which time the enemy could be alerted and potentially destroy the bridge. Seizing the bridge swiftly is crucial. Normally, a coup de main raid would be conducted, where a small group of paratroopers or glider troops would land directly on the objective to secure it until reinforcements arrived. However, the Royal Air Force refuses to land troops so close to Arnhem. As an alternative, Lathbury assigns Major Gough’s 1^st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron, a unit of 180 men equipped with Jeeps armed with twin-Vickers “K” machine guns, to undertake this mission. Despite their vulnerability, the Squadron is expected to encounter minimal resistance, allowing them to reach and hold the bridge until the 1^st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade arrives.

Lieutenant-Colonel Frost’s 2^nd Parachute Battalion, the Division’s most experienced battalion, advances along the Lion Route, a riverbank path towards Arnhem, aiming to capture the Railway Bridge, which is 6.4 kilometres west of Arnhem, followed by the pontoon and main road bridge in the town. Simultaneously, Lieutenant-Colonel Fitch’s 3^rd Parachute Battalion moves along the Tiger Route, the Utrechtseweg main road, to reinforce Frost’s positions around the bridge, while Lieutenant-Colonel Dobie’s 1^st Parachute Battalion follows the Leopard Route along the Amsterdamseweg to secure high ground north of Arnhem, where German reinforcements are anticipated.

On the second day, Brigadier Hackett’s 4^th Parachute Brigade arrives at Drop Zone Y, 16 kilometres west of Arnhem, alongside the remaining elements of the 1st Airlanding Brigade and the Divisional units. Once these forces are assembled, the entire Division plans to march on Arnhem, relieve the 1st Parachute Brigade, and establish a wide defensive perimeter around Arnhem and Oosterbeek.

On the third day, Major-General Sosabowski’s 1^st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade Group is scheduled to land with their heavy equipment on Landing Zone L, 8 kilometres west of Arnhem, while their parachutists jump over Drop Zone K, 1.6 kilometres south of Arnhem Bridge. The Royal Air Force, initially reluctant to use Drop Zone K for the 1^st Parachute Brigade’s coup de main raid, agrees to drop the Poles here, assuming that by this time, the 1^st Airborne Division will have cleared Arnhem of anti-aircraft defences and that the 2^nd British Army would have secured the emplacements around Deelen Airfield. If the bridge remains in enemy hands, Sosabowski is ordered to capture it.

Ideally, the Polish Brigade will secure positions east of Arnhem while the 4^th Parachute Brigade holds the northern part of the town and the high ground previously secured by the 1^st Parachute Battalion. The 1^st Airlanding Brigade and 1^st Airlanding Light Regiment are to establish a base around Oosterbeek, 6.4 kilometres to the west, with the 1^st Parachute Brigade held in reserve, defending the bridge and the southern bank of the Rhine. If Operation Market Garden succeeds, the 1^st Airborne Division will remain in the area as conventional ground troops, joined by the air-transportable 52^nd (Lowland) Airlanding Division once Deelen Airfield is secured.

Passwords

The passwords for the initial days at Arnhem, as specified in the operational orders, are as follows:

• H Hour to September 17^th, 1944: Challenge, “Red,” Reply, “Beret.”
• September 18^th, 1944, D+1: Challenge, “Uncle,” Reply, “Sam.”
• September 19^th, 1944, D+2: Challenge, “Carrier,” Reply, “Pigeon.”
• September 20^th, 1944, D+3: Challenge, “Air,” Reply, “Borne.”
• September 21^st, 1944, D+4: Challenge, “Robert,” Reply, “Burns.”
• September 22^nd, 1944, D+5: Challenge, “Troop,” Reply, “Carrier.”

Only five days’ worth of passwords were originally planned, and once these were exhausted, New passwords had to be created. There are indications that Challenge “Mae”, Reply, “West” was used on September 24^th, 1944. Passwords for Saturday and Monday might be missing. Most likely passwords were arranged locally by Headquarters.

September 17th, 1944

The initial stages of Operation Market Garden see the Allied forces launching intense bombardments on key German positions, particularly around Arnhem. This heavy bombing, conducted by the Royal Air Force and United States Air Forces, achieves its military objectives but also results in tragic civilian casualties, most notably at a psychiatric asylum in Wolfheze.

The following morning, over 3,500 Allied aircraft take off from England, carrying the 1^st Airborne Division and other units to the Netherlands. The first wave of landings proceeds with minimal resistance, despite some challenges, such as glider crashes and minor losses. The operation begins smoothly overall, with most troops landing safely.

The 1^st Parachute Brigade quickly moves towards Arnhem Bridge, following different routes. However, their advance is hindered by delays, miscommunications, and unexpected German resistance. Lieutenant-Colonel John Frost’s 2^nd Parachute Battalion successfully reaches Arnhem Bridge and secures key positions, but the other battalions face significant obstacles. The 3^rd Parachute Battalion, encountering enemy forces, is forced to halt overnight. Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion struggles with strong resistance along the “Leopard” Route, resulting in casualties and slower progress.

Major Gough’s Reconnaissance Squadron attempts an early seizure of Arnhem Bridge but is delayed by logistical issues after the landing and enemy encounters, ultimately failing to secure the bridge early. However, Major Frost’s 2^nd Parachute Battalion is able to capture and secure the northern end of the bridge. The situation becomes increasingly challenging, with the 1^st Airborne Division’s leadership temporarily cut off from its units and the Germans forming a blocking line that prevents the 2^nd Parachute Battalion from being reinforced. Despite these setbacks, some progress is made, but the overall advance is slower than anticipated, allowing German forces to reinforce their defences around Arnhem.

September 18th, 1944

Throughout the night, A Company of the 2^nd Parachute Battalion makes two attempts to capture the southern end of Arnhem Bridge, but both efforts are thwarted by strong German defenses, including machine-gun fire and an armoured car. A mishap with a flamethrower sets off explosions, engulfing the bridge in flames and making further assaults impossible. Lieutenant-Colonel Frost, recognizing the unexpected strength of German resistance, radios for reinforcements.

Meanwhile, the 1^st Parachute Battalion, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Dobie, abandons its original mission and cautiously advances toward Arnhem Bridge under cover of darkness. Despite taking every precaution, the Battalion faces increasing resistance, leading to fragmentation and significant casualties. By morning, half of the 548 men are out of contact.

As the 2^nd Parachute Battalion secures the northern end of Arnhem Bridge, the Germans are caught off guard, with the 10. SS-Panzerdivision unable to execute its planned defense. Forced to reroute their forces via a ferry, the Germans order an immediate counterattack to clear the British from the bridge. Kampfgruppe Brinkmann, reinforced by tanks and infantry, is tasked with this mission.

At the drop zones, Divisional Headquarters grows increasingly concerned due to the lack of communication with the 1^st Parachute Brigade and the absence of Major-General Urquhart, with rumors of his death circulating. Brigadier Hicks takes temporary command and sends reinforcements to Arnhem, despite the risk of leaving the drop zones exposed. The 1^st Airlanding Brigade fends off several enemy attacks but faces challenges, including German strafing runs and skirmishes that result in casualties and equipment losses.

The delayed arrival of the Second Lift due to fog gives the Germans time to reinforce their positions. When the lift finally arrives, the 7^th Bttalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers come under heavy attack at Drop Zone Y, and the 4^th Parachute Brigade descends into an active battlefield. Despite facing fierce resistance and suffering losses, the Brigade manages to land and assemble, but the situation remains dire.

The 4^th Parachute Brigade, initially confused about its objectives due to poor communication, presses on with its mission to secure high ground near Arnhem. However, they encounter strong German defences, leading to heavy casualties and the need to reassess their strategy. Brigadier Hackett, frustrated with the lack of coordination, works with Brigadier Hicks to clarify objectives, ultimately focusing on securing the high ground at Koepel.

The 1^st and 3^rd Parachute Battalions continue their push toward Arnhem Bridge, facing relentless German resistance. The 1^st Parachute Battalion reaches the railway bridge but suffers heavy casualties, leaving only a fraction of the men combat-ready. Despite reinforcements from the South Staffordshire Regiment and the 11^th Parachute Battalion, the situation remains bleak as the Germans fortify their positions.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dobie takes command of the advance towards Arnhem Bridge but is delayed by a misleading report that German resistance has collapsed. This delay allows the Germans to strengthen their defences further, leading to a costly and fragmented British attack that ultimately fails to secure the bridge.

September 19th, 1944

In the early hours of Tuesday, 19^th September, Lieutenant-Colonel Dobie of the 1^st Parachute Battalion realizes that Arnhem Bridge is still under British control, a revelation that comes too late as valuable time and the cover of darkness have been lost due to erroneous information. This miscommunication hampers the Brigade’s assault and allows German forces to strengthen their positions near the bridge.

Unaware that Lieutenant-Colonel Fitch and the remnants of the 3^rd Parachute Battalion had already attempted a similar attack, Dobie’s battalion moves forward, initially making progress under the cover of darkness. However, as dawn breaks, they come under intense fire from well-entrenched German positions. Despite desperate bayonet charges, the 1^st Parachute Battalion is decimated, with most of the men either killed, wounded, or captured, including Lieutenant-Colonel Dobie.

The 3^rd Parachute Battalion fares no better, encountering heavy fire and forced to retreat. Lieutenant-Colonel Fitch is killed during the withdrawal. The 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment also suffers heavy losses, eventually becoming trapped by German forces. Despite fierce resistance, most of the Battalion is captured, though their efforts temporarily liberate Major-General Urquhart, allowing him to return to Divisional Headquarters.

As the 4^th Parachute Brigade advances towards Arnhem, the 156^th Parachute Battalion encounters heavy resistance along the Dreijenseweg, suffering significant casualties. Despite their efforts, they are forced to withdraw after losing half of their strength. The 10th Parachute Battalion also faces fierce opposition but manages to withdraw with fewer losses.

Simultaneously, the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers holds Landing Zone L in anticipation of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade Group’s arrival. Despite minimal interference earlier, the situation becomes critical as the delayed Third Lift approaches. German forces begin to close in, forcing the Brigade to retreat south of the railway line.

In the confusion, part of the 156^th Parachute Battalion marches towards Wolfheze instead of regrouping with the rest of the Division, leaving them isolated. The remaining forces manage to secure a small tunnel for their vehicles and prepare defenses. Captain Queripel of the 10^th Parachute Battalion leads a valiant rearguard action, holding off the Germans until he is fatally wounded, an act that earns him a posthumous Victoria Cross.

The 4^th Parachute Brigade’s efforts to advance towards Arnhem are thwarted by well-prepared German defenses, resulting in heavy losses and a forced withdrawal.

September 20th, 1944

Major-General Urquhart, realising the severity of the situation, decides to change tactics as losses make it clear that reaching Arnhem is no longer possible. Lieutenant-Colonel Frost’s men at Arnhem Road Bridge are ordered to hold their position until XXX Corps arrives. If the bridge falls, success may depend on securing a bridgehead on the northern bank of the Rhine and building a Bailey Bridge for reinforcements.

Urquhart orders his division to regroup in Oosterbeek and establish a defensive perimeter extending to the riverbank. The 1^st Battalion, Border Regiment holds the western flank, but the eastern side is poorly defended, forcing scattered units to converge under intense enemy pressure. The Lonsdale Force, under Major Cain and Major Lonsdale, holds the eastern sector, facing repeated attacks from Kampfgruppe Spindler. Despite heavy losses, they manage to prevent a German breakthrough.

In the western sector, the 4^th Parachute Brigade fights its way into the Oosterbeek perimeter, but only a fraction of the original force survives the journey. By evening, the division consolidates a perimeter, with the 1^st Battalion, Border Regiment and 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers securing key positions. The men, exhausted and low on supplies, dig in, prepared to defend until XXX Corps can break through.

At Arnhem Road Bridge, Frost’s men continue a fierce defence despite being cut off and heavily outnumbered. They hold the bridge for several days, delaying German forces long enough to allow British armour to advance towards Nijmegen. Eventually, with no reinforcements and under heavy fire, the defence collapses, and most of the British troops are captured. However, their stand plays a crucial role in delaying the German advance, providing critical time for XXX Corps to push forward.

September 21st, 1944

At 08:00, the Germans launch a coordinated assault on the 1^st Airborne Division’s perimeter, delivering a critical blow at Westerbouwing Restaurant, which is held by B Company of the 1^st Battalion, Border Regiment. Caught by surprise, the British suffer heavy losses and lose the strategic high ground. This allows the Germans to gain control of the Driel-Heveadorp ferry crossing and shrink the perimeter along the Rhine to just 640 metres. Despite multiple attempts to retake the position, the British are unsuccessful, but Major Charles Breese quickly forms “Breeseforce” to create a defensive line that the Germans are unable to penetrate for the remainder of the battle.

Later in the morning, General Urquhart holds a press conference at Hotel Hartenstein, outlining the division’s precarious position and their isolation on the northern bank of the Rhine. He stresses the importance of waiting for XXX Corps to relieve them, though the situation grows more urgent as larger German forces close in from the west.

Throughout the day, the 1^st Battalion, Border Regiment faces relentless attacks. A Company repels multiple assaults with limited ammunition, C Company fends off flanking maneuvers with a bayonet counterattack, and D Company destroys a German tank after enduring mortar fire. Despite these victories, the battalion’s exposed position leaves them vulnerable to enemy observation and continued assaults.

In the eastern perimeter, Lonsdale Force repels fierce German attacks, with Major Cain’s leadership earning him a Victoria Cross for his bravery. The 10^th Parachute Battalion, however, faces a devastating assault, losing most of its men and officers, though pockets of resistance hold out until reinforcements arrive.

A major engagement also occurs at the Dreyeroord Hotel, defended by the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers. After a costly surprise attack on German positions, the Borderers repel a determined infantry assault with bayonet charges, suffering heavy casualties but maintaining control. Eventually, the position is evacuated due to heavy losses.

Meanwhile, Polish forces attempt to cross the Rhine to reinforce the division but are unable to do so due to the loss of the ferry and heavy German resistance. Despite successful drops, many Polish paratroopers are delayed or misdropped, limiting their effectiveness in reinforcing the beleaguered division.

Throughout the day, intense German artillery fire, including misdirected friendly fire, causes further losses within the perimeter. The increasing effectiveness of artillery support from XXX Corps signals that help is drawing closer, but the division’s situation remains dire, with heavy casualties on both sides and limited supplies.

Despite the loss of Westerbouwing and heavy fighting across the perimeter, the 1^st Airborne Division holds firm, though at great cost. Urquhart sends his chief of staff across the Rhine to communicate the urgency of their situation to XXX Corps, as time is running out for the beleaguered British forces.

September 22nd, 1944

As the Germans face heavy casualties and little success from their direct assaults on the 1st Airborne Division at Oosterbeek, they change tactics. Instead of launching more attacks, they focus on containing the British forces within their defensive perimeter, relying on relentless artillery bombardment. By the battle’s end, 110 German artillery pieces are shelling the British, creating a devastating and constant barrage. The British, lacking the ability to counter this heavy firepower, are forced to dig deeper into their trenches to avoid the worst of the explosions. However, the continuous bombardment causes severe psychological strain on the troops, many of whom suffer from shell shock due to lack of sleep and the constant threat of death.

In addition to artillery, German snipers infiltrate British lines, using the wooded areas in the south as cover. The Glider Pilot Regiment, acting as a reserve, takes on the dangerous task of hunting these snipers and becomes highly effective in neutralizing this threat during nighttime patrols.

While infantry attacks continue, the Germans now focus on capturing specific buildings rather than attempting to overwhelm the entire perimeter. Tanks still operate on the front lines but face increased resistance, as British anti-tank gunners ambush vehicles with handheld PIAT weapons. However, a shortage of PIAT ammunition hampers their efforts.

Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force halts resupply missions, mistakenly believing that XXX Corps will link up with the 1^st Airborne Division soon. To address the worsening situation, Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie and Lieutenant Colonel Myers cross the River Rhine under enemy fire to make contact with XXX Corps and deliver an urgent message: without immediate reinforcements, the division’s position will soon collapse. In response, XXX Corps commits to sending reinforcements, but enemy forces block the route, further delaying help.

At the same time, the 1^st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, led by General Sosabowski, is ordered to cross the Rhine to reinforce the British forces. Originally planned to land after the Arnhem bridge was secured, the Polish troops must now ferry across the river using small rubber dinghies, as the DUKW’s become bogged down in the muddy terrain.

The river crossing is perilous, with intense German artillery fire and a strong current slowing progress. British officer Lieutenant David Storrs makes twenty-three trips across the Rhine in the dinghies, ferrying soldiers one by one. By the early hours of the morning, the operation is called off, as exhaustion and heavy enemy fire make further crossings impossible. Despite the best efforts of the British and Polish troops, only 60 of the 1,500 Polish soldiers manage to make it across the dangerous river, far fewer than needed to make a meaningful impact.

September 23rd, 1944

The 1^st Battalion, Border Regiment finds itself in a precarious situation during the battle. A Company, reinforced with sappers and paratroopers, faces intense assaults from German infantry supported by self-propelled guns and tanks equipped with flamethrowers. Despite their dire circumstances, A and C Companies hold their ground, cutting down German infantry with small-arms fire. However, A Company is critically low on ammunition and resorts to using weapons stripped from German casualties. By this point in the battle, nearly half of the Border Regiment’s weapons are German in origin. Meanwhile, D Company is nearly surrounded, isolated from the rest of the division, but continues to resist despite its vulnerable position.

In the midst of these attacks, the situation with the Polish troops becomes increasingly urgent. At the signals office of the 1^st Airborne Divisional Headquarters, communication issues plague efforts to coordinate with both the 1^st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade and XXX Corps. With damaged telephone lines and enemy interference, establishing a connection is difficult. Repeated attempts are made to contact the Polish “Cuba” and British “Roger” callsigns of the 1^st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, with little success. The tension in the office grows as explosions shake the building, but the atmosphere shifts when a weak but significant connection is finally made with the Polish Brigade. General Urquhart steps in and makes contact with “Roger,” maintaining communication despite German efforts to disrupt the signal. This breakthrough allows the Allies to make critical decisions about the next phase of operations.

As the 1^st Airborne Division still hasn’t been relieved by XXX Corps by September 22^nd, 1944, the Royal Air Force resumes its resupply efforts. Seventy-three Short Stirlings and fifty Dakota C-47’s, escorted by fighters, head to Arnhem, though flak continues to cause losses. Six Stirlings and two Dakotas are shot down, and half of the remaining aircraft are damaged. Over the following days, additional sorties are flown, but the majority of supplies fail to reach the intended recipients.

The failure of the initial river crossing attempts using rubber dinghies leads to the realisation that these craft are impractical for reinforcing the division. In response, Major-General Sosabowski sends Major Malaszkiewicz to request proper assault boats. He secures a promise for eighteen boats, capable of carrying twenty-four men each, with Canadian sappers assigned to assist. However, when the boats arrive at nearly midnight, they lack crews, forcing the Polish Engineer Company to operate the boats themselves under heavy fire.

The second crossing begins at 03:00, but numerous complications arise. The boats, intended to hold twenty-four men, only accommodate twelve due to the difficult conditions. Despite these challenges, the Polish troops manage to ferry 153 soldiers across the Rhine by dawn, including 95 from the 3^rd Parachute Battalion, 44 anti-tank gunners, and 14 from Brigade Headquarters. This is far fewer than hoped, and Major General Sosabowski himself returns to Driel after crossing the river. Despite the bravery of the Polish troops, the operation falls short of providing the much-needed reinforcements for the 1st Airborne Division.

September 24th, 1944

As the battle for Oosterbeek intensifies, the 1^st Airborne Division is overwhelmed with wounded soldiers, both British and German. By morning, the medical staff is caring for around 1,200 men, but the Division has lost most of its medical facilities. Only five out of fourteen Regimental Aid Posts remain operational, and two of the three Main Dressing Stations are still functioning, despite many medical staff being captured. Medical supplies are critically low, and bandages are improvised from available cloth. Surgeons and stretcher-bearers work tirelessly, risking their lives under fire to care for the injured.

With all available shelters filled, many wounded men are left in the open, exposed to further shelling. In some areas, civilians, like Kate ter Horst, open their homes to care for the wounded. Amidst these dire conditions, Colonel Graeme Warrack negotiates a temporary truce with the Germans, allowing approximately 250 stretcher-bound men and 200 walking wounded to be evacuated into German care. Though they become prisoners of war, they are promised proper medical treatment.

Meanwhile, Dakotas C-47’s of No. 575 Squadron fly limited resupply sorties, though their success remains minimal.

As the battle worsens, Lieutenant-General Horrocks meets Major-General Sosabowski to decide the next steps. Sosabowski offers two options: launch a reinforcement or withdraw the airborne troops. Horrocks chooses the reinforcement plan, leading to a major river crossing operation involving British and Polish forces. At a tense conference, Sosabowski’s battalion is reassigned under British command, frustrating him. He criticizes the plan and predicts German resistance, but the British generals proceed with their original strategy.

Shortages of boats delay the operation, and the Polish crossing is canceled. The 4^th Battalion, Dorset Regiment begins their crossing at 01:00, but, as Sosabowski feared, German forces are prepared. After 300 men cross, intense enemy fire forces the operation to halt by 02:15, with over 200 of the 315 men captured and little impact made on the battle.

September 25th, 1944

As the situation at Oosterbeek deteriorates, Major-General Urquhart receives word from Major-General Thomas of the 43^rd (Wessex) Infantry Division at 06:00, informing him that XXX Corps can no longer reinforce the 1^st Airborne Division. Urquhart is advised to begin withdrawing his troops across the Rhine. With the perimeter showing signs of collapse, Urquhart confirms the decision after two hours of deliberation, setting the withdrawal for that night.

However, the battle continues. Intercepted German radio transmissions reveal an imminent attack on the Lonsdale Force in the southeastern corner of the British perimeter. Throughout the day, elite SS battlegroups launch assaults, with heavy fighting near Oosterbeek Church and the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. In one instance, close-quarters combat ensues with German troops who take control of a building, only to be repelled when the Light Regiment fires directly at the structure.

Despite intense attacks, the British hold their lines. Royal Air Force Dakotas attempt their final supply drops, but once again, the much-needed supplies fail to reach the division.

Urquhart’s withdrawal plan, codenamed Operation Berlin, is meticulously designed to deceive the Germans into believing the British intend to continue their defense. Using a “collapsing bag” strategy, the northernmost troops are the first to withdraw, while artillery from XXX Corps provides cover to mask the movement. To maintain the illusion, non-walking wounded soldiers and medical staff are left behind to continue manning the defenses, and radio operators transmit misleading messages.

Stealth is critical: troops blacken their faces, silence their movements by wrapping their boots in rags, and destroy any equipment that cannot be carried to prevent capture. The withdrawal begins late at night, with carefully coordinated routes leading to two crossing points near the church in southern Oosterbeek. Canadian and British engineers operate storm boats and assault crafts to ferry troops across the Rhine under continuous enemy fire.

Major M.L. Tucker of the 23^rd Canadian Field Company receives orders at 10:00 to prepare for the evacuation. Along with Lieutenant R.J. Kennedy, Tucker scouts for suitable launch sites and coordinates the movement of stormboats to the operational area near Valburg. Despite challenges with terrain and roads, the convoy reaches its destination by 16:30, and preparations are completed by nightfall.

At 21:40, the stormboats are launched as planned, with a heavy artillery barrage masking their movements. However, difficult conditions, including muddy terrain and enemy fire, cause setbacks. Several boats are damaged or destroyed, but despite these obstacles, the operation is carried out with precision, ferrying hundreds of soldiers across the river.

September 26th, 1944

The British evacuation unfolds on a rainy, dark night, with soldiers struggling to navigate the treacherous terrain under the constant threat of German machine-gun fire. The journey to the assembly point at the Oude Kerk in Oosterbeek is long and perilous, with some troops taking more than three hours to cover the distance. Many lose their lives along the way. Despite the cover of darkness, the challenging terrain and enemy fire make the retreat extremely dangerous. Upon arrival at the church, soldiers wait for their turn to cross the Rhine River.

The Allies prepare 21 wooden storm boats and several canvas assault boats for the evacuation, but progress is slow due to waterlogged outboard motors. As anxiety grows, some soldiers, fearing they won’t be rescued before dawn, attempt to swim across the Rhine, but many drown in the strong currents, weakened by exhaustion. Nevertheless, Operation Berlin proceeds relatively smoothly for several hours.

As dawn approaches, the Germans realise the British are evacuating rather than reinforcing their troops. They respond by firing on the boats and shelling the southern bank of the Rhine. The increasing pressure, combined with mechanical failures, reduces the number of operational boats. Record-keeping becomes impossible as paper disintegrates in the rain, and visibility is limited. Despite these challenges, the evacuation continues until 04:15, when the operation is officially halted to avoid further endangering the boat crews.

Some soldiers, like Lieutenant Russell Kennedy, defy the order and make additional crossings despite the growing danger. His efforts lead to heavy casualties, and by 05:45, daylight makes further crossings impossible. The Polish troops and rear guard units hold the perimeter to cover the retreat, but many soldiers, including Polish forces, are left behind. Some attempt to swim across but are either captured by the Germans or swept away by the strong currents. Approximately 95 airborne soldiers die during the evacuation, and around 300 are captured.

Lieutenant Cronyn of the Royal Engineers remains at the off-loading site, waiting for any stragglers. However, none arrive after the main evacuation. Meanwhile, the wounded soldiers are treated at field posts, where over 100 walking wounded and 69 stretcher cases are cared for, putting a significant strain on the medical teams.

During the evacuation, German Field Marshal Walter Model and General Wilhelm Bittrich remain unaware of the British retreat. A motorcycle courier informs them of the evacuation, and the Germans are relieved that the battle is nearing its end. As German forces enter Oosterbeek, they find hundreds of British soldiers who had been left behind, either injured or asleep during the evacuation. The captured troops are escorted away, some making “V for Victory” signs and singing defiantly, even in defeat.

Oosterbeek is left in ruins, with wrecked vehicles, debris, and the bodies of soldiers scattered across the battlefield. Around 130 soldiers manage to escape a month later in Operation Pegasus, a daring mission aided by the local resistance. However, many remain trapped behind enemy lines.

During the morning, a ceasefire allows German ambulances to evacuate hundreds of wounded British soldiers from emergency hospitals. The Germans, following orders from General Bittrich, treat the wounded with respect. Dr. Alexander Lipmann-Kessel and his medical team continue to care for the wounded until they manage to escape to Allied lines in mid-October.

After the evacuation, the exhausted British and Polish troops reach Driel, where they are given food, blankets, and clothing, some donated by locals. Due to a shortage of transport, many soldiers march on foot to Nijmegen, where they finally have the chance to rest. Some sleep for days, utterly exhausted after the grueling operation.

As the soldiers regroup in Nijmegen, the full scale of their losses becomes clear. The 1^st Airborne Division, severely depleted, is no longer capable of combat and does not see action for the remainder of the war. General Roy Urquhart, the division’s commander, expresses regret to General Boy Browning for not achieving their objective.

The official tally of men who cross the river is 2,398, including 2,163 from the 1^st Airborne Division (along some 422 glider pilots, 160 Polish troops, and 75 from the 4^th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. However, when individual unit reports are combined, the total is closer to 2,500.

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