A book from 2020 that has been on my wishlist, and I'm delighted to be given a chance to now review it, courtesy of Osprey.
When I think of Operation Market Garden and Arnhem, & despite it's many inaccuracies, it is hard to get the 'A Bridge Too Far' film's version of events out of my head.
Here the author tells the story from the German side.
An incredible amount is packed into this book. The author sets us up for the battle ahead with the German withdrawal East, as the Allies push towards the Rhine. This then brings us to how prepared were the Germans for an attack, & crucially how much did the Allied planners know about German strength in the area?
Incredibly Ultra decrypts in the days leading upto OP MG revealed the Germans were expecting an airbourne assault in The Netherlands! Monty chose to ignore this, along with those now infamous reports of nearby Panzer divisions.
The many chapters covering the battle for the bridges are an enthralling read throughout. Anthony's style of writing is absorbing, & this helped increase my knowledge of the fight for each bridge from that opening Sunday, & through those following days.
Quite astounding how so many crucial moments swung in favour of one side & then the other, as the casualties on both sides mounted.
The book goes beyond the end of the battle for Arnhem.
Now in Allied hands, I had no idea that the German's carried out attacks to destroy the Nijmegen bridges by not only aeriel bombing, but also an audacious raid by a team of Frogmen!
The narrative continues through to the surrender of the German forces in May 1945. An incredible statistic is revealed, that some 50,000 Dutch were tried as collaborators, many who fought in SS Divisions at home & on the Eastern front.
So much has been learnt from this enjoyable book.
In his foreword, much esteemed historian, Peter Caddick-Adams, finishes by saying he wished he had written this himself. What higher recommendation could one give.
Available from Osprey Books, who I must give my sincere thanks to again.
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