22nd September 1944, the noose tightens around allied forces in Arnhem, Holland.

22nd September 1944, the noose tightens around allied forces in Arnhem, Holland.


After the successes encountered in the Normandy Breakout from July through August, it was believed that the German Army was a beaten foe and in retreat. 

As such, British General Montgomery lay forth a brazen plan to capture key bridges that would be required conquests for the final push into Germany, perhaps ending the war in Europe by Christmas of 1944.

 Montgomery relayed his plan and, following acceptance by Supreme Allied Commander in Europe -US General Dwight Eisenhower -put the plan into action. 


On September 17th - just seven days after the official approval, Operation Market Garden was set in motion.

The operation was to be made up of two distinct forces - the airborne elements (falling under the "Market" designation) and the ground forces (falling under the "Garden" designation). 

The airborne groups would be charged with seizing key bridges and choke points while the ground forces would be called to move Northwards and solidify any gains.

When enacted, Operation Market Garden would become the single most largest airborne operation in the history of war, encompassing some 34,600 men, 1,700 vehicles and about 260 artillery pieces dropped from the skies by glider or parachute. 

The plan would secure key routes and bypass the fabled Sigfried defensive line, allowing for unfettered access in a final push against German territory.

On the 22nd of September 1944, the situation for the patroopers attempting to capture the bridge at Arnhem had deteriorated.


General Sosabowski's Polish 1st Airborne Brigade leaped into action in an attempt to rescue the remaining British forces at Arnhem. 

Their drop zone was just southwest of Arnhem proper but their arrival did little to defuse the deteriorating situation - being held in check by a smart German defense that was attempting to keep the confined British from reaching the arriving Poles and alternatively keep the Poles buried along the river banks.

Some British forces were able to evacuate when XXX Corps was brought up for fire support to cover the escape route. 

Assault boats governed by British and Canadian troops were used to ferry the battered troops out of the area.

 On September 27th, the remaining Poles surrendered to the Germans - marking the end of Operation Market Garden.

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