Arnhem Commemoration Weekend 22nd and 23rd September 2007
Ginkel Heath Commemoration Jumps 17th September 2007
(Tpr. Ian Pope of HQ Troop, 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron will be amongst those Parachuting on the 17th)
TOP SECRET
OPERATION “MARKET"
To: Major-General R.E.Urquhart, D.S.O.
Commander 1. British Airborne Division,
with 1 Polish Parachute Brigade
under Command
1. PRIMARY TASK
Your primary task is to capture the Arnhem bridges or a bridge.
2. SECONDARY TASK
Your secondary task is to establish a sufficient bridgehead to enable
the follow-up formations of 30 Corps to deploy NORTH of the
Neder Rijn.
3. THIRD TASK
During your operations immediately after the landing of the first
lift, you will do all in your power to destroy the flak in the area of
your D.Zs/L.Zs and ARNHEM to ensure the passage of your subsequent
lifts.
4. JUNCTION POINTS
(a) In order to preserve your southern bomb line, no attempt will
be made to effect a junction with 82 US Airborne Division to
the SOUTH.
(b) At the southernmost point you hold on the main axis of 30
Corps, whether NORTH or SOUTH of the NEDER RIJN, you will
establish a liaison party who will organize the reception and
pass through of the follow-up formations (most probably the
Guards Armoured Division; this will, however, be confirmed to
you when known for certain).
The time at which you are to expect junction with 30 Corps leading
troops will be notified to you from Corps Headquarters as soon as it
is definitely known.
This information may not be available to you until some time after you have landed.
5. 30 CORPS PLAN
30 Corps plan will be made available to you by, at the latest, Friday
evening 15 September.
6. ENEMY INFORMATION
The latest Intelligence will be sent to you up to the time of take-off.
H.Q. Airborne Troops (Main) (Sgd) F.A.M. BROWNING.
c/o A.P.O. ENGLAND. Lieutenent General.
13 Sept 44. Commander British Airborne Corps.
Arnhem and the British Airborne Division
An In Depth Coverage
Preparations :
After Eisenhower's fiat for the operation there was plenty of work to do. All kinds of preparations had to be made because within a week this gigantic operation had to start. The drop zones near Arnhem, Groesbeek and the area between the Maas and the Waal already had been photographed during reconnaissance flights intended for Operation Comet, a British proposition to bring the airborne troops into action. Since they were familiar with Arnhem and surroundings because of their Operation Comet studies, this probably was the reason the British 1st Airborne Division was chosen to secure the Arnhem sector. Urquhart, fearing German guns near the bridge, chose the landing and drop zones near Wolfheze, Renkum and Heelsum. These zones were rather remote from their main target, Arnhem bridge. But even if there weren't any German guns, the ground near the bridge was unsuitable for landing. Strangely, this area was selected as a drop zone for the Polish troops.
Arnhem Ariel Reconnaissance Photograph July 1944
DZ Ariel Reconnaissance Photograph 9th September 1944
C47's Ready for the Attack
Loading of Drop Containers
Loading the Reconnaissance Squadron Jeeps
Waiting for the off
CONTACT TROOP HQ
