September 19th, 1944, 1st Airborne Division

1st Parachute Brigade towards Arnhem

Amid preparations for the combined assault on German positions blocking the route to Arnhem Bridge, Lieutenant Colonel Derek McCardie of the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, approaches Staff Sergeant Arthur Shackleton of the Glider Pilot Regiment with a proposal to bolster their attack. McCardie suggests using the Bren Carrier, Shackleton had repaired the day before, to spearhead the assault, asking Shackleton to drive while he accompanies. Staff Sergeant Shackleton, wary of the idea, explains that the carrier’s track has only been temporarily repaired with fence wire and could fail under anything more than straightforward movement. Accepting this, McCardie resumes his planning.

Unbeknownst to Lieutenant Colonel Derek McCardie and Lieutenant-Colonel Dobie and their combined force is that Lieutenant-Colonel Fitch and the remnants of the 3^rd Parachute Battalion have already attempted a similar attack during the night. The 3^rd Parachute Battalion reached the area near Sint Elizabeth Hospital before facing fierce resistance from Sperrverband Spindler. With only 50 men remaining, Lieutenant-Colonel Fitch realises they are too weak to break through alone and retreats until they encounter the advancing 1^st Parachute Battalion. Fitch offers to follow behind, providing covering fire for the upcoming assault. Fitch’s battalion launches their assault at 02:30 hours along the riverbank but is repelled under heavy German fire, suffering significant casualties, including Regimental Sergeant Major John Lord. Fitch and his survivors later regroup with the South Staffords, offering support for the combined attack.

The final orders conference for the attack is held at 02:00 hours in a battle-damaged house, where commanders convene to finalise the assault strategy. The meeting, is situated inside the house, McCardie, Dobie, and other officers gather around the solitary candle amid the chaos of battle. The tension is palpable; Frost’s force is holding Arnhem Bridge less than two kilometres away, but without immediate relief, their position is increasingly precarious.

Despite Divisional Headquarters ordering Lieutenant Colonel McCardie and Lieutenant Colonel Dobie to withdraw their battalions, McCardie, maintaining radio contact with Frost, chooses to press on. The plan calls for the South Staffords to advance along the main road into Arnhem past the Sint Elisabeth Hospital, while the 1^st Parachute Battalion moves along the riverbank, both routes heavily defended by German forces.

Just before the attack’s scheduled start at 03:45 hours, Divisional Headquarters sends a message supporting Lieutenant Colonel McCardie’s decision after re-establishing contact with Lieutenant Colonel Frost’s men. McCardie then instructs Major Toler to withdraw his glider pilots back to Divisional Headquarters, sparing them from advancing towards the bridge. Major Toler reunites with his men and directs them to begin their withdrawal to Oosterbeek.

As B Squadron begins its withdrawal westward at 03:30 hours, they navigate through an environment lit by burning buildings, flares, and mortar bursts. En route, they meet Major Robert Cain leading B Company of the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment towards the front. Major Toler briefs Major Cain on the situation and outlines Lieutenant Colonel McCardie’s attack plan before the groups part ways. While moving back further, Major Toler’s column continues to encounter sporadic German fire as they move through the streets, avoiding direct hits by quickly detouring. Despite the risks, his men successfully cross without casualties, though they are forced to leave their motorcycle behind, managing to keep the Bren Carrier.

By now, the companies of the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment from the second lift have rejoined Lieutenant Colonel McCardie and those who landed on the first day. At 03:45 hours, Dobie leads his paratroopers along the Onderlangs road near the river, with the South Staffords advancing along the parallel Utrechtseweg. The 11^th Parachute Battalion, although present, is held in reserve and does not participate in the initial attack. The advance begins well under the cover of darkness, but as dawn breaks, the Battalion is spotted and comes under intense fire from well-entrenched German positions on the steep bank ahead, as well as from buildings overlooking their left flank, which the men from the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment have not yet reached. The combined assault faces fierce German resistance; intense fire and confined spaces prevent the deployment of anti-tank weapons, leaving the British forces vulnerable to enemy armour.

As dawn breaks, the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment find themselves exposed between the Municipal Museum and the Sint Elisabeth Hospital. German tanks repeatedly probe the British lines, with little resistance once PIAT ammunition is exhausted. With mounting casualties and the attack losing momentum, McCardie requests support from the 11^th Parachute Battalion. However, Divisional Headquarters, aware of the growing futility, orders them to hold back, deeming further engagement unwarranted without reinforcements.

As daylight increases, the survivors of the 9. SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs Abteilung still reeling from their losses to Lieutenant-Colonel Frost’s men the previous day, join in from their positions across the river. They add to the heavy fire directed at the British. Pinned down and surrounded, the 1^st Parachute Battalion suffers severe losses. Despite the desperate situation, the paratroopers launch bayonet charges against the German positions, shouting their battle cry, “Waho Mahomed!” However, the situation is untenable, and the Battalion is decimated.

By 06:30, Lieutenant-Colonel Dobie orders the remaining 39 men to abandon the assault and take cover in nearby houses, only few manage to reach them safety. By 07:30, the Battalion’s final stand ends as they are overwhelmed by enemy machine-gun fire and tank shells. Remarkably, despite the intense onslaught, the Battalion suffers only nine fatalities during the attack, but many are wounded, and nearly all survivors are captured, including the lightly wounded Lieutenant-Colonel Dobie.

The 3^rd Parachute Battalion fares no better. As they reach the embankment to support the 1^st Parachute Battalion, they are quickly spotted in the growing light and subjected to heavy machine-gun fire. A creeping mortar barrage follows, and with no viable options, Lieutenant-Colonel Fitch orders a retreat in small groups to regroup at the Rhine Pavilion. Most manage to reach the rendezvous point, but Lieutenant-Colonel Fitch is killed by a mortar grenade during the withdrawal.

The 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment begin their advance 30 minutes late, deploying three Companies with 340 men at the forefront, followed by C and Support Companies. Their progress is arduous, and D Company, in particular, suffers heavy casualties, losing nearly half its strength and almost all of No. 22 Platoon. By daylight, they reach the area around the Museum and Sint Elizabeth Hospital, but further movement becomes impossible. As the light increases, German infantry, mortars, and tanks trap them, with enemy armour causing the most damage. The Battalion’s anti-tank guns are unable to accompany them along the steep road, leaving them reliant on PIATs and a dwindling supply of bombs. Once this ammunition is exhausted, German tanks freely target the British-held buildings at point-blank range.

At 08:00, the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment repel an attack from the southeast, but persistent probing by German patrols locks them into a defensive position, making withdrawal difficult. A Company, isolated in the Museum and nearby buildings, endures relentless shelling and repeated infantry and armour assaults. The rest of the Battalion attempts to withdraw under cover from A Company, but just as they prepare to do so, they are hit by another heavy assault, leading to their positions being overrun and most of the men captured.

The Battalion retreats only a short distance, unable to counter the self-propelled guns strategically placed to keep them pinned down. Their only escape route lies across open ground to the rear, but attempting it would result in heavy losses. Trapped and outgunned, the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment continues to resist until noon, by which time Lieutenant-Colonel McCardie and most of his men are gradually forced out of their positions and taken prisoner. Major Cain manages to escape with what remains of C Company and a few others. On a positive note, the S2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment’ efforts temporarily liberate the house where Major-General Urquhart and his officers have been hiding, allowing Urquhart to commandeer a Jeep and return to Divisional Headquarters.

Earlier in the morning, McCardie had requested support from Lieutenant-Colonel Lea’s 11^th Parachute Battalion, which was preparing a flanking attack to assist the South Staffords. However, at 09:00, Divisional Headquarters orders the 11^th Parachute Battalion to halt. With Urquhart back in Oosterbeek and having witnessed the fighting near Arnhem, he concludes that the 1^st Parachute Brigade cannot break through alone and decides that sending in the 11^th Parachute Battalion would only lead to further unnecessary losses. Without a central commander in Arnhem, Urquhart dispatches Colonel Barlow, deputy commander of the 1^st Airlanding Brigade, to take charge. Tragically, Barlow is killed by a mortar grenade shortly after arriving.

At 11:00, the 11^th Parachute Battalion receives new orders to capture the high ground at Heijenoord-Diependal, in hopes that securing this position will create a gap for the 4^th Parachute Brigade and the rest of the Division to exploit. To support this effort, Major Cain and the remaining men of the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment are tasked with securing the adjacent Den Brink high ground to provide covering fire. With Vickers machine guns and a rifle platoon offering support, Major Cain and two platoons successfully secure Den Brink. However, heavy German mortar fire soon targets the area, and the soil, unsuitable for digging in, leads to heavy casualties. By 13:30, they are forced to abandon Den Brink, the 2^nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment is virtually destroyed. Only fragments of C Company manage to withdraw intact, while the 1^st Parachute Battalion is reduced to around forty effectives. The ambitious attempt to reach Arnhem Bridge has ended in failure, with heavy casualties among the airborne forces, underscoring the dire situation faced by the beleaguered British troops in Arnhem.

The 11^th Parachute Battalion, preoccupied with repelling German attacks, does not begin its move until 12:30. A Company, cut off and facing enemy tanks, attempts to break out northwards over the railway line, believing the 4^th Parachute Brigade to be on their left flank, unaware that they are still six kilometers away. Realising they are surrounded by German forces, the remnants of A Company make a last stand in a house but are soon forced to surrender. By 14:30, the Germans realise the 11^th Parachute Battalion is preparing to move north and successfully trap them in an exposed position. Under heavy mortar fire and tank assaults, the Battalion suffers devastating losses, with many men captured. Only 150 manage to escape, but Lieutenant-Colonel Lea is among those captured after being wounded.

Having repelled all the assaults from the 1^st Parachute Brigade in Arnhem, Sperrverband Spindler now launches a counterattack, slowly pushing the remnants of the Brigade out of the town with tank support. In total, only about 500 men from the Brigade manage to withdraw toward Oosterbeek. With the 1^st Airborne Division’s hopes of a breakthrough in Arnhem now dashed, the focus shifts to the 4^th Parachute Brigade in the north.

4th Parachute Brigade

As dawn breaks, the 4^th Parachute Brigade prepares to resume its advance toward Arnhem. Lieutenant-Colonel Des Voeux’s 156^th Parachute Battalion is tasked with securing three key areas of high ground in succession: the first near Johannahoeve Farm overlooking Landing Zone-L, the second in the woods near Lichtenbeek House, and finally, the area known as Koepel, approximately five kilometres from Arnhem. On their left flank, advancing along the Amsterdamseweg main road, is Lieutenant-Colonel Smyth’s 10^th Parachute Battalion. Once Koepel is secured, the Brigade intends to launch an attack toward Arnhem, anticipating that they are moving on the left flank of the 1^st Parachute Brigade.

C Company of the 156^th Battalion moves out first, encountering no resistance as they secure the high ground near Johannahoeve Farm. They expect to confront the enemy outposts that had stalled them the previous evening, but these German forces have withdrawn overnight. The main German defensive line is now positioned along Dreijenseweg, a road that runs between the railway line and Amsterdamseweg. This line is well-fortified, situated on a steep, wooded bank that provides excellent concealment for the German troops while making it difficult for British artillery to target them effectively. Beyond Dreijenseweg, the steep, wooded terrain near Lichtenbeek House poses a significant challenge, exposing any advancing troops to concentrated enemy fire.

Major Pott’s A Company is ordered to lead the Battalion’s attack. However, they are at a disadvantage because their No. 3 Platoon remains on the drop zone, guarding the Brigade’s wounded and prisoners. In their place, a composite platoon of Glider Pilots under Captain Muir joins the company. Though capable, these men lack the offensive capability of trained paratroopers. A Company initially makes good progress through the dense woodland, but as they approach Dreijenseweg, where the trees thin out, No. 4 Platoon is quickly pinned down by several enemy machine-guns. No. 5 Platoon, supported by Bren guns and with the Glider Pilots in tow, attempts a flanking maneuver on the left but is similarly halted by a barrage of enemy fire. With casualties mounting, Major Pott orders a desperate bayonet charge to break through the German line and reach the woods beyond. Although they overrun the frontline positions, they are soon exposed to fire from armoured vehicles on their flanks. Without effective anti-tank weapons, their attempts to neutralize these threats fail, and the Company suffers further losses. Only Major Pott, who is wounded, and six of his men manage to reach the top of the Lichtenbeek feature, where they hold their position for an hour before being captured.

Due to poor radio communication, Battalion Headquarters remains unaware of A Company’s fate for some time. Believing that they have reached their objective with minimal difficulty, Lieutenant-Colonel Des Voeux orders Major Waddy’s B Company to advance around the left flank. As B Company moves forward, they encounter many of A Company’s wounded, revealing that the situation is far worse than expected. Upon reaching Dreijenseweg, B Company comes under heavy fire from snipers, machine-gunners, armoured cars, and dual-purpose anti-aircraft weapons. With losses mounting and recognizing the futility of further action, Brigadier Hackett orders the 156^th Battalion to withdraw. By the end of the morning, the Battalion has lost half its strength in terms of killed, wounded, and missing, leaving only C Company as a cohesive unit.

Meanwhile, the 10^th Parachute Battalion advances toward the Amsterdamseweg-Dreijenseweg junction. Their progress is relatively smooth until D Company nears the water pumping station and comes under fire from German outposts ahead of the main defensive line. As before, German armoured cars and heavy weapons open fire, pinning D Company down. Lieutenant-Colonel Smyth approaches the situation cautiously, choosing to leave D Company to exchange fire with the German forces while waiting for the Battalion’s mortars to engage. Once the mortars begin firing, the enemy positions are somewhat subdued, but the limited supply of ammunition soon runs out. Captain Queripel leads A Company in an attempt to flank the enemy on the left, but they encounter equally fierce resistance and are forced to retreat with heavy casualties.

Despite the setbacks, the 10^th Parachute Battalion does not suffer as severely as the 156^th Parachute Battalion. Realising the futility of continuing the fight around the pumping station, the Battalion is ordered to conserve its strength and withdraw. This proves challenging, as disengaging from battle in broad daylight while under enemy fire is fraught with danger. However, under the cover of smoke, the 10^th Parachute Battalion successfully pulls back, with the exception of the rearguard platoon, several of whose members become cut off and are captured after spending three days attempting to locate the Division.

Preperations for the Third Lift

While the 4^th Parachute Brigade battles along Dreijenseweg, the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers hold a defensive position around Landing Zone L, where the gliders carrying the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade Group are expected to arrive. The Polish Brigade’s vehicles and anti-tank guns are scheduled to land at Landing Zone-L, while the main body of parachutists is set to drop on Drop Zone K, located about 1.6 kilometres south of Arnhem Bridge.

The third glider lift to Arnhem stands out in terms of both scale and character compared to the two preceding, well-organised operations. Unlike the previous lifts, which were larger and more coordinated, this lift is a smaller, more fragmented mission. It centres on the transport of thirty-five gliders, primarily tasked with delivering vehicles and anti-tank guns for Major General Stanisław Sosabowski’s Polish Brigade. These gliders have been prepared at Royal Air Force Keevil and Royal Air Force Tarant Rushton, but the bulk of the brigade is to jump by parachute from C-47 planes of the US IX Troop Carrier Command, flying out of Lincolnshire.

Nine additional gliders, which had failed to make the crossing in previous attempts, are added to the mission. Scattered across various airfields and lacking sufficient time to regroup at Keevil or Tarant Rushton, these gliders form a disparate element. The crews of these serials are instructed to rendezvous with the main formation over the English Channel. Unlike the previous lift, which followed a northern route over the North Sea, the third lift takes a southern path across the Channel, hoping to bypass German defences that were likely focused on the route used the day before.

Additionally, a single A Squadron Horsa, departs from Royal Air Force Harwell with the intent to join the larger formation over the Channel. At Royal Air Force Manston, a lone B Squadron Horsa, is towed by an Albemarle from No. 296 Squadron. Another individual D Squadron Horsa, carrying medics and equipment from the 133^rd Parachute Field Ambulance, is added to the Keevil lift, increasing its total number of gliders to sixteen.

Other crews join the Keevil lift on short notice. The next morning, they are briefed on the day’s operation, the third lift to Arnhem. The first briefing informs them that the primary goal of the mission is to deliver thirty Horsas, mostly carrying Polish headquarters personnel and essential equipment, while larger Hamilcar gliders are assigned to carry engineers with bulldozers and materials for constructing a metal airstrip. However, subsequent briefings omit mention of the Hamilcars, focusing instead on the Landing Zone L, located northwest of Oosterbeek near Johannahoeve Farm, a distinctively shaped area easily identifiable from the air.

Pilots are reassured that the mission will be straightforward and that the fighting is likely to be over by the time they arrive. However, the situation proves more complex. The Hamilcars originally allocated to transport engineering equipment for the 878^th US Airborne Aviation Engineer Battalion are withdrawn from the lift. These heavy gliders, along with smaller American Waco gliders from airfields in Essex, are intended to support runway repairs at Deelen Airfield and establish a forward airstrip for the night-capable Beaufighters. The plan is abandoned due to heavy losses from German flak and the deteriorating situation on the ground.

Another significant challenge is a shortage of British glider pilots. At this point, there are barely enough pilots to cover the three main lifts, making it difficult to organise an additional lift to include the Hamilcars. Had pilots been recovered and regrouped after the previous operations, a fourth lift might have been feasible, but the third lift must proceed under constrained resources.

During the morning, weather conditions over England cause significant delays. Thick fog blankets much of the country, particularly over Lincolnshire, grounding the parachute element of the lift. The gliders, however, are able to take off later in the day as the fog begins to clear from airfields at Down Ampney, Fairford, Keevil, Harwell, Tarant Rushton, and Manston. Despite the parachutists of the 1^st Polish Independent Airborne Brigade are being left behind, the decision is made for the glider element to proceed independently.

Once airborne, the glider crews focus on maintaining formation behind their tugs as they navigate through challenging visibility. Conditions improve over the English Channel, where the lift, now comprising both the nine retry gliders and the thirty-five carrying Polish personnel and equipment, flies towards Arnhem. Unfortunately, poor communication causes further complications. Fighter squadrons tasked with escorting the gliders and supply mission are not informed of the delay, and the lift proceeds without fighter cover, leaving it vulnerable to German anti-aircraft fire.

As the gliders approach the Dutch coast, they encounter increasing volumes of flak. Several gliders are forced to return to base due to mechanical failures or damage from enemy fire. Despite these difficulties, many make it to the landing zones, although they do so amidst intense German resistance. At the same time, transport aircraft delivering much-needed supplies to Arnhem are subjected to heavy losses. The lack of fighter support and concentrated flak batteries around Arnhem result in the downing of multiple aircraft, including nine Stirlings and four Dakotas, leading to heavy casualties among aircrews. Flight Lieutenant David Lord, who heroically flew into German fire, is posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery.

Resupply Mission

164 Royal Air Force transport aircraft carrying supplies head for Arnhem. Unfortunately, neither this formation nor the gliders manage to link up with their fighter escort, leaving the slow, unarmed aircraft vulnerable to five German flak batteries.

Around one o’clock, the resupply mission flies overhead Hotel Hartenstein to drop supplies. The pilots, determined to deliver their cargo accurately, focus on dropping supplies precisely where indicated on their maps, a challenging task given that the area under Allied control is small, and German guns are positioned not far from the drop zone. Flying at an altitude of just 270 metres, they are easy targets. Ninety-seven aircraft, over two-thirds of those involved, are damaged by enemy fire, and nine Short Stirlings and four Dakotas C-47’s are shot down, resulting in the loss of 52 men. One of them, Flight-Lieutenant David Lord, performs acts of valour during the drop, is killed and later posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

Several aircraft manage to drop their supplies accurately, with packages landing near Hotel Hartenstein and in the trees around it. Parachutes in red, blue, yellow, green, violet, and white create a broad spectrum of colours, adding a surreal visual aspect to the situation. The crates crash through the branches, shattering windows as they hit the ground, the sound of breaking glass loud against the backdrop of artillery fire. The enemy’s bombardment remains constant and deafening.

Unfortunately, the supplies are largely wasted, as the Germans have overrun the drop zone, and due to the radio blackout, the Royal Air Force is unaware of this. Consequently, most of the supplies intended for the 1^st Airborne Division fall into enemy hands, providing much-needed resources, including food and ammunition, to the German forces, who had been severely under-supplied.

4th Parachute Brigade under Pressure

At 14:00 hours, Major General Roy Urquhart visits Headquarters of the 4^th Parachute Brigade to gather critical updates. The failure of the 10^th Parachute Battalion and 156^th Parachute Battalion to make any headway along the high ground to the east, coupled with the intense pressure being faced by the 7th, Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, necessitates a shortening of their defensive line to consolidate the brigade south of the railway embankment. The plan is to regroup and prepare for another attempt to advance toward Arnhem. However, this plan is quickly abandoned as the brigade finds it difficult to disengage from the enemy during the withdrawal. The Germans launch a fierce attack as the paratroopers pull back, inflicting serious casualties and causing some disarray within the ranks. During the withdrawal, Lieutenant-Colonel des Voeux, leading the rearguard, is killed while bravely fighting to cover the retreat.

By the time the majority of the brigade is safely behind the embankment, Hackett realises that any further offensive action is now impossible. The focus shifts to holding their defensive position and preventing further losses. Therefore, Brigadier Hackett requests permission to withdraw his brigade, now under heavy pressure, southwards across the railway line. His intention is to pull his troops back through Wolfheze to the relative safety of the Oosterbeek perimeter. Once there, Hackett hopes to regroup and reorganize the brigade to prepare for a counterattack from the southern side of the railway embankment.

Urquhart grants the withdrawal, but the situation remains complex. Landing Zone L, located north of the railway line, is where the third lift of Operation Market Garden is scheduled to arrive. The lift, planned to land at 10:45 hours that morning, is vital for bringing reinforcements. However, with no communication link to England, there is no confirmation on whether the lift has been delayed, cancelled, or is still on schedule.

This uncertainty presents Hackett with a significant dilemma. His brigade is already facing severe pressure from the Germans. The 10^th and 156^th Parachute Battalions are struggling against increasing attacks from infantry, artillery, and armoured vehicles. Hackett’s only reserves consist of the 4^th Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers, and his own headquarters staff. Meanwhile, the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, spread thin across the landing zone, are tasked with holding ground against advancing German forces, but they cannot hold out indefinitely.

The risk of withdrawing while still in contact with the enemy is high. There is a very real danger of being forced to retreat across the open space of Landing Zone L, which would leave the troops exposed to heavy fire from German positions. If the landing zone is overrun before the third lift arrives, the gliders, unaware of the withdrawal, could land straight into hostile forces. This would likely result in catastrophic losses, as the gliders would be easy targets for the Germans.

The risk of withdrawing while still in contact with the enemy is high. There is a very real danger of being forced to retreat across the open space of Landing Zone L, which would leave the troops exposed to heavy fire from German positions. If the landing zone is overrun before the third lift arrives, the gliders, unaware of the withdrawal, could land straight into hostile forces. This would likely result in catastrophic losses, as the gliders would be easy targets for the Germans.

By 15:00 hours, communication between 10^th Parachute Battalion and Brigade Headquarters has become strained. Ken Smyth’s men are discovering that some of their planned withdrawal rendezvous points are already occupied by the enemy, leading to fierce skirmishes that add confusion and disorder to the retreat.

Brigadier Hackett, unaware of the full extent of 10^th Parachute Battalion’s struggles, is primarily concerned with ensuring that his brigade does not get trapped between the advancing German forces and the railway embankment to the south. The two main vehicle and artillery crossing points are the level crossings at Oosterbeek (Hoog) and Wolfheze railway stations. Both crossings are believed to be under German control, or close to falling into enemy hands. Plans are put in place for 10^th Parachute Battalion to launch an attack on the Wolfheze crossing, but reports from the Dutch Resistance soon indicate that a large German force from Kampfgruppe von Tettau is advancing from the west.

Facing the threat of being caught between two German forces, Hackett decides the brigade must break southwards through the Wolfheze crossing immediately. By 15:30 hours, the situation north of the railway has become critical. Brigadier Hackett’s forces are in grave danger of being overrun.

Hackett’s predicament is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the third lift. The 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers are still holding position around the landing zone, waiting for reinforcements that may never arrive. Meanwhile, the 10^th and 156^th Parachute Battalions are fighting their way back to the landing zone, under constant fire from German infantry and self-propelled guns advancing from multiple directions.

The arrival of the third lift, especially if it occurs during the brigade’s withdrawal, could turn the already precarious situation into chaos. The gliders, carrying Polish Brigade troops, guns, and vehicles, would land in a heavily contested area, likely coming under immediate German fire. If the landing zone is compromised, the arrival of the lift could result in devastating losses for the incoming forces. Hackett’s focus now lies in navigating this precarious situation, trying to prevent his brigade from being cut off or destroyed while holding out hope that reinforcements will arrive in time to turn the tide.

In contrast to the heavy fighting faced by the 10^th Parachute Battalion and 156^th Parachute Battalion, the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers encounters minimal enemy interference around Landing Zone L, despite being heavily shelled around midday. Earlier in the morning, a few German fighter aircraft appear overhead, strafing the British positions. Although the damage is superficial, the sight of German aircraft operating unchallenged surprises the British troops, who had grown accustomed to near-total Allied air superiority by this stage of the war.

The Third Lift Landing

Around 16:00 the Third Lift starts to arrive and land. The gliders, flying at a higher altitude than the supply aircraft, are less vulnerable to flak. However, as they descend, they must pass through a barrage of anti-aircraft fire and small arms fire. Several gliders are hit, though only one is brought down; its nose is shot off by flak, causing it to crash and eject its cargo of Polish soldiers and a Jeep over the Landing Zone. Some gliders crash land, and others sustain significant damage during their descent. One glider loses its landing wheel after being struck by flak, forcing it into a rough landing.

Not all of the gliders make it to the correct landing zone. Two Horsas mistakenly land on Landing Zone S, which had been recaptured by German forces earlier that day. Unaware of the updated situation, these glider crews follow their original orders, landing in what they believe is friendly territory but finding themselves surrounded by enemy troops. Some are able to escape and rejoin British forces, but others, including members of the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, mortar group, are quickly captured by the Germans.

For those who survive the hazardous landing, the challenges continue. Throughout the afternoon, German anti-aircraft fire increases, and several gliders are damaged as they approach. Despite the best efforts of British troops on the ground, the intense fire continues. As the fighting intensifies, glider crews are forced to land under heavy fire.

The sheer volume of German fire makes the landing perilous for all the crews involved. Despite these challenges, many of the gliders land and begin unloading, but the ferocity of the battle on the ground causes further delays. Staff Sergeant Ron Driver and Bert Gibb, flying from Keevil, recall their perilous descent as they navigate through flak, their Horsa being pushed sideways by a near miss. After a rough landing, they work alongside their Polish passengers to unload their vehicles, but are forced to take cover as German bullets rain down on them.

The situation continues to deteriorate as German forces, bolstered by reinforcements, press their attack on the landing zones. Both the Polish Brigade and the British forces already on the ground suffer heavy casualties. The confusion is exacerbated by language barriers, with Polish and British troops occasionally exchanging fire due to the chaotic nature of the battle. Nonetheless, the crews work quickly to unload their cargo and regroup. The Polish Brigade suffers heavy casualties, of the ninety-three personnel deployed by glider, close to 10% are killed or fatally wounded. Only three of the Polish Brigade’s ten anti-tank guns are operational after the landing.

As night falls, the survivors of the third lift and the remaining British paratroopers begin their withdrawal. Despite the setbacks, including the loss of valuable equipment and personnel, the mission continues. However, the heavy losses sustained by the gliders, aircrews, and ground forces signal that the operation is far from the ‘piece of cake’ that many had been led to believe.

4th Parachute Brigade retreat

As the gliders are being unloaded, the 10^th Parachute Battalion arrives at Landing Zone L in an orderly fashion, having successfully retreated from their previous positions. However, as they cross the open ground of the landing zone, German armoured vehicles and infantry suddenly emerge from the woodland behind them, opening fire across the zone. Although this creates confusion rather than inflicting significant casualties, the situation becomes chaotic. Miscommunication, along with differences in language and appearance, leads to some Polish and British troops mistakenly firing on each other, resulting in casualties on both sides. With the landing zone under attack, troops scramble to reach the safety of the woodland to the south, forcing the abandonment of some glider loads.

At the same time, Kompanie 9. of the heavily reinforced SS-Panzer Grenadier Ausbildungs und Ersatz Bataillon 16, previously successful in delaying the Reconnaissance Squadron and the 3^rd Parachute Battalion on September 17^th, 1944, advances from the north, emerging from the woods. They are met with a fierce counterattack from the Headquarters and D Companies of the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, who inflict heavy losses and force the Germans to retreat. Meanwhile, A Company, positioned to the east of the landing zone, is assigned a particularly exposed position and is supposed to withdraw in coordination with the 10^th Parachute Battalion. However, as they attempt to pull back, they find themselves surrounded on three sides by German forces and are ultimately forced to surrender. Only 30 men manage to escape and rejoin the Battalion.

With German forces pressing in on Landing Zone L, the 4^th Parachute Brigade must quickly move themselves and their equipment south of the railway line and into the relative safety of the woodland beyond, before making their way to Oosterbeek, where the rest of the Division is regrouping. Most of the infantry cross the railway line by climbing the embankment, with some having to dodge sniper and machine-gun fire. Brigade Headquarters and the majority of the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers successfully make it across, followed by the 156^th Parachute Battalion. However, a breakdown in communication results in half of the 156^th Parachute Battalion, including B Company, most of Support Company, and a platoon of C Company, continuing to march towards Wolfheze instead of crossing the railway. These groups are never reunited. The detachment heading towards Wolfheze joins part of the 10^th Parachute Battalion and a unit of Glider Pilots, who find the area largely deserted and begin preparing for its defence.

Approximately eight hundred metres east of Wolfheze, the Brigade discovers a small drainage tunnel beneath the railway line, just large enough to allow Jeeps to pass through. The slow and congested process of moving the Brigade’s vehicles through this tunnel begins. To prevent enemy interference, A Company of the 10^th Parachute Battalion is ordered to hold a section of woodland about four hundred meters to the northwest, while B Company of the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, some of whom were cut off during the withdrawal, establishes a defensive position in the northeast. Both outposts soon engage in heavy fighting with pursuing German forces. B Company of the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers manages to halt the initial attacks when a Bren gunner deliberately targets an abandoned cart filled with anti-tank mines, triggering a massive explosion that inflicts significant casualties on the enemy. A subsequent charge by B Company of the 7^th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers succeeds in driving the remaining German troops out of the woods.

Throughout the day and into the night, Captain Queripel’s A Company of the 10^th Parachute Battalion, acting as the rearguard, faces relentless and intense attacks. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Company fiercely defends their position in the woodland, which is crucial to the Brigade’s safety. By Wednesday morning, they are eventually forced out of their position. Those who can withdraw, but Captain Queripel remains behind to cover his men’s retreat, armed only with a pistol and a few grenades. In the event, he is fatally wounded, and his extraordinary bravery earns him a posthumous Victoria Cross.

Defence of the Arnhem Road Bridge

Lieutenant-Colonel Frost and his 740 men continue to hold Arnhem Bridge against overwhelming odds. During the night, enemy activity is minimal, but at 03:00, a group of German soldiers unknowingly gathers near the Van Limburg Stirum School. Unaware that British engineers from the 1^st Parachute Squadron and troops from the 3^rd Parachute Battalion are stationed in the building, the Germans move into position. The British troops, conserving their ammunition, wait for the right moment and then unleash a grenade attack, killing around twenty of the enemy without suffering any losses.

An hour after dawn, a more determined enemy force advances from the east along the road by the river, aiming to eliminate the British hold on the northern end of the Arnhem bridge. The task is assigned to SS-Major Brinkmann, who commands a mixed group of Panzergrenadiers and armored cars from the 10. SS-Panzerdivision, operating under the broader command of the 9. SS-Panzerdivision. This battle group is reinforced by a company of infantry from Krafft’s SS-Panzer Grenadier Ausbildungs und Ersatz Bataillon 16. However, the three tanks in Brinkmann’s group have been used primarily for driver training, and the accompanying Panzergrenadiers are considered “not yet fit for active service.”

The attack is led by SS-Sturmbannführer Knaust and is organised into Kampfgruppe Knaust. Brinkmann orders Knaust to apply pressure on the northern end of the bridge’s ramps, while he directs the remaining tanks and infantry to attack the British from the east. The assault proceeds as a slow, probing advance, escalating into intense house-to-house fighting. Although a few houses are captured, the British defenders put up fierce resistance.

The tanks position themselves strategically, avoiding the line of fire from British anti-tank guns. Captain Frank, the Second-in-Command of A Company, 2^nd Parachute Battalion, takes on the tanks with a PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank), successfully disabling one of them and forcing the others to retreat. Following this, Captain Frank orders Lieutenant McDermont’s No. 3 Platoon to withdraw from a building threatened by the tanks, inadvertently allowing German forces to occupy it. This development frustrates A Company’s commander, Major Tatham-Warter, who immediately orders the platoon to retake the building. They succeed, but Lieutenant McDermont is mortally wounded in the assault.

Shortly after this incident, the Germans attempt to negotiate a British surrender by sending a captured sapper, Lance-Sergeant Halliwell, to deliver their message to Frost. Believing that the British have no hope of relief, the Germans suggest they surrender. Frost dismisses this as absurd, confident in his strong defensive position and anticipating reinforcements from the rest of the 1^st Airborne Division or XXX Corps. He chooses not to respond to the surrender offer.

The stubborn British defence puts the 10. SS-Panzerdivision “Frundsberg” in a difficult position, as they are still unable to move significant forces south to Nijmegen to defend the Waal River bridges. A small number of German troops and vehicles are being ferried across the Rhine at Pannerden, about 10 kilometres to the east, but this is insufficient. The Germans, realising they cannot sustain their current situation, decide to eliminate the British resistance at Arnhem Bridge as quickly as possible. After learning the previous day that direct infantry assaults are too costly and ineffective, they switch tactics, opting for heavy bombardment with artillery and mortars, followed by a systematic clearing of British positions using small-scale tank and infantry assaults.

By afternoon, the British perimeter around Arnhem Bridge is subjected to intense and continuous shelling. The Germans methodically target and demolish each occupied building, sometimes using phosphorus shells to set them ablaze, in an effort to force the British troops out of their positions. Despite the severe bombardment, which results in numerous British casualties, the majority are wounded rather than killed. The British defenders are severely disadvantaged due to the lack of medical personnel and supplies. The 16^th Parachute Field Ambulance having established a base at Sint Elizabeth Hospital, they are now operating under German guard. At the bridge, the British have only the 2^nd Parachute Battalion’s and 1^st Parachute Brigade’s medical officers and a small team of orderlies to tend to the wounded.

As the bombardment continues, German snipers position themselves to restrict British movement, and concentrated tank and infantry attacks become frequent. Nevertheless, the British defenders hold their ground, repelling each assault with determination. As buildings are destroyed or set on fire, British officers work tirelessly to reassign men to new defensive positions and maintain morale. Regular fighting patrols are organized to seek out and drive back infiltrating enemy troops with bayonet charges.

In the evening, large German Tiger tanks from Kampfgruppe Brinkmann enter the battle. They target British positions in the northeastern corner of the perimeter, firing into the buildings at close range. Despite the severe structural damage inflicted by these powerful tanks, most of the buildings remain standing. However, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps troops of the 1^st (Airborne) Divisional Field Park are forced to abandon their position.

Hand-held anti-tank weapons prove ineffective against these formidable tanks, but the more powerful 6-pounder anti-tank guns are deployed. Three British crews attempt to lure a Tiger tank into a trap, but the first crew is spotted and neutralised by the tank’s machine gun before they can fire. The remaining two guns prepare to ambush the Tiger if it advances further into the defences, but the tank, having inflicted significant damage, withdraws from the perimeter.

As Tuesday night falls, the British paratroopers do not face any major assaults, though the relentless shelling and mortaring continue. Many of the buildings within the defensive perimeter are ablaze, casting an eerie light over the area. Despite the increasingly dire situation, approximately 150 men are now wounded, and supplies of food, water, medical equipment, and ammunition are critically low, the spirits of the Airborne troops remains remarkably high.

Multimedia