Dropping in on Arnhem
If June 6, 1944, will almost always be known to historians and military history enthusiasts as “the Longest Day,” then September 17-25, 1944, should rightfully be known as “the Longest Week.” It was during those nine days that Operation Market Garden took place — the daring airborne operation that called for the capturing of several key bridges in the Netherlands.
The operation succeeded in liberating the Dutch cities of Eindhoven and Nijmegen, but it was at Arnhem where the Allies were ultimately defeated. The British 1st Airborne Division lost nearly three quarters of its strength in the struggle. The unit was unable to see combat again.
The sacrifice made by the British paratroopers, along with the men of the Glider Pilot Regiment, and the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade, has been retold in
