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Members of 1st Airborne Division take cover in a shell hole, Arnhem, 17 September 1944 (b / w photo)
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Members of 1st Airborne Division take cover in a shell hole, Arnhem, 17 September 1944 (b / w photo)
5922355 Members of 1st Airborne Division take cover in a shell hole, Arnhem, 17 September 1944 (b/w photo) by Smith, D.M. Sgt. (fl.1939-45); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Members of 1st Airborne Division take cover in a shell hole, Arnhem, 17 September 1944.
Photograph by Sergeant D M Smith, Army Film and Photographic Unit, World War Two, North West Europe (1944-1945), 1944.
In the summer of 1944 General Montgomery came up with a daring scheme to cross the River Rhine and advance into Germany. Codenamed MARKET GARDEN, his plan involved the seizure of key Dutch bridges by the 101st and 82nd US and 1st British Airborne Divisions (MARKET). Then the British 30 Corps could advance over them and cross the Rhine (GARDEN). On 17 September the airborne divisions landed by parachute and glider and eventually all the bridges were captured. The plan failed because of 30 Corps inability to reach the furthest bridge at Arnhem, 100 kilometres (62 miles) away, before German forces overwhelmed the British defenders.
In fact 1st Airborne Divisions landing zones were 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the bridge at Arnhem and only one battalion reached the objective while the rest of the division was squeezed into a pocket around Oosterbeek to the west. Much of 30th Corps advance was along a single causeway, which was vulnerable to traffic jams and German counter-attacks that delayed the advance. Operations were also hampered by poor flying weather and communication failures. On 25 September about 2, 100 troops from 1st Airborne Division were ferried back across the Rhine. Another 7, 500 were either dead or prisoners.
From a collection of 75 British official photographs relating to 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden, September 1944.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 25160104
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Airborne Forces Airborne Operation
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a pivotal moment in history as members of the 1st Airborne Division seek shelter in a shell hole during the Battle of Arnhem on September 17,1944. Taken by Sergeant D. M. Smith, this powerful image showcases the bravery and determination of these soldiers amidst the chaos and destruction of war. The photo is part of a collection at the National Army Museum in London, offering a glimpse into Operation Market Garden, a daring plan devised by General Montgomery to cross the River Rhine and advance into Germany. The objective was for airborne divisions to seize key Dutch bridges while British 30 Corps advanced over them. However, despite capturing all but one bridge at Arnhem, German forces overwhelmed the British defenders before they could reach their final objective. The landing zones for the 1st Airborne Division were far from Arnhem's bridge, resulting in only one battalion reaching their target while others were trapped around Oosterbeek. The advancement of 30th Corps was hindered by traffic jams and counter-attacks along a vulnerable causeway. Poor weather conditions and communication failures further complicated operations. Ultimately, approximately 2,100 troops from the division were successfully evacuated across the Rhine while thousands lost their lives or became prisoners of war. This poignant photograph serves as a reminder of both heroism and sacrifice during this critical chapter in World War Two history.
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