Arnhem: 2nd Parachute Battalion at the Bridge

In the second of his two Battleground guides to the epic struggle put up by the British and Polish paratroopers at Arnhem, Frank Steer concentrates on the battle in the town itself and particularly for the vital bridge. Seized at a comparatively early stage, the bridge became the focus for prolonged and vicious fighting. Cut off from further reinforcement by the furious Germans, the small garrison, led by the redoubtable Colonel John Frost, waged an increasingly desperate struggle for survival against overwhelming odds, hoping against hope that 30 Corps would arrive in time. As is well known they did not. The fact that this battle was lost and the bold aims of Market Garden were not fully achieved in no way diminished the extent of the achievement of the Paras. Indeed it has added to their glory.