Remember the Battle for Arnhem The invasion of the Netherlands began on 17 September 1944 known as Operation Market Garden, a combined land and airborne operation. The Allies comprising US airborne and the British 1st Airborne Division supported by the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade had intended to capture three essential bridges including Arnhem Bridge to provide a direct frontal assault to Berlin. The 1st Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry took part in the ground operation in support of the airborne corridor to Arnhem and led the advance of 71st Infantry Brigade to the Wilhelmina canal, all three bridges were captured but could not be held in the face of heavy German resistance. The ground operation was intended to secure the bridges captured by the airborne troops, the furthest Arnhem Bridge was taken by the 2nd Oxfs & Bucks L.I. airborne but were surrounded and soon ran out of medical supplies, food/water and ammunition so were forced to retreat across the canal under cover of darkness leaving their wounded and medics to the mercy of the German forces and were treated them as worthy adversaries and with respect. Operation Market Garden failed in its objective, however the heroism and bravery of the allies in particular the British and Polish airborne should never be forgotten .
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 14:11:43 +0000
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