Arnhem

The heroic stand at Arnhem bridge became legendary, despite Operation Market Garden’s failure due to logistical flaws and missed opportunities. By Saul David.

Losses and casualties included British prisoners at Arnhem

The 1st British Airborne Division was very disappointed to miss out on D-Day and the Normandy invasion. A few months later they fought with distinction at a battle that would later lead the participants to say proudly, ‘I fought at Arnhem.’

At 11.30 a.m. on Sunday l7 September 1944, the first of 32 Dakota transport planes took off from Saltby airfield in Lincolnshire carrying the 509 officers and men of Lieutenant Colonel John Frost’s 2nd Parachute Battalion. They were part of a huge armada of 1,534 aircraft and 491 gliders that were carrying the first lift of more than 20,000 Allied troops, members of the American 82nd and 101st, and the British 1st Airborne Divisions.