I recently returned from a two week trip that sought to replicate the important battle engagements of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division. Our group of some twenty-five people was stimulated by the presence of two members of Easy Company, Buck Compton and Don Malarkey, as well as the youthful enthusiasm of our teen-aged members who sought constantly to improve their extensive knowledge about World War II.

 

The Battle of Arnheim, also known as “Market-Garden” consisted of two parts. “Market” entailed the capture of the bridges over the rivers and canals between Eindhoven and Arnheim by American, British, and Polish troops. “Garden” involved the simultaneous advance of British ground troops. This plan, the brainchild of Field Marshall Montgomery, was intended to enable allied forces to advance allied forces across the Rhine, and then occupy the Ruhr area, thereby depriving Germany of a major portion of their industrial capacity. This optimistic plan envisioned a quick movement toward Berlin, thereby ending World War II by Christmas 1944.

 

Although from a military perspective, Operation Market-Garden failed to achieve its objectives, my memories focus on the love and affection still held by the population of the Netherlands for the allies. During this part of our trip, Buck and Don enjoyed almost celebrity status, with ordinary people constantly thanking them for their sacrifices in trying to free Holland from their Nazi oppressors. The Dutch did not focus on the terrible casualties inflicted on their homeland resulting from this failed operation. I feel that the words of a monument dedicated to the Netherland populace established fifty years after this battle reflect these sentiments.

 

TO THE PEOPLE OF GELDERLAND (NETHERLANDS)

50 Years ago British & Polish Airborne soldiers fought here against overwhelming odds to pen the way into Germany and bring the war to an early end. Instead we brought death and destruction for which you have never blamed us.

This story marks our admiration for your great courage remembering especially the women who tended our wounded. In the long winter that followed your families risked death by hiding Allied soldiers and airmen while members of the Resistance helped many to safety.

You took us then into your homes as fugitives and friends. We took you forever into our hearts. This strong bond will continue long after we are all gone.

1944-September-1994.

 

Each year on the anniversary of the Battle of Arnheim, the Dutch government financially aids surviving veterans of this battle to return. At the cemetery, Dutch children plant flowers at the grave site. One child is assigned a specific grave site. Once a year, new generations of Dutch school children are given the responsibility for the grave’s upkeep.

 

The worst part of battle was that Arnheim was never reached despite all the men who gave their lives.  Total casualties were approximately 17,200 (casualties include dead, wounded, and missing). The British suffered more losses than on D-Day. 

 

The Dutch Resistance helped the Allied troops, especially during the escape of those who had to stay behind. These Dutch civilians risked their lives should the Germans discover these allied soldiers. The inhabitants of Arnheim and the neighboring villages were ordered to leave their homes. German units arrived in Arnheim in November 1944 with orders to plunder the empty houses. All household goods were transported to Germany. 

 

Why did Market-Garden fail? Untested radio communications, bad weather, and Intelligence’s failure to place the 2nd SS Panzer Corps in Arnheim. The biggest problem of all was that the plan did not properly plan for contingencies. That is, everything had to be carried out on a tight schedule, and if anything were delayed, the whole plan would fall apart. 

 

General Montgomery never acknowledged the absolute failure of Operation “Market-Garden.” He called it 90% successful and said: “ In my prejudiced view, if the operation had been properly backed from its inception, and given the aircraft, ground forces, and administrative resources necessary for the job, it would have succeeded in spite of my mistakes, or the adverse weather, or the presence of the 2nd SS Panzer Corps in the Arnheim area. I remain Market-Garden’s unrepentant advocate.” This writer subscribes to the sentiments of the husband of the Queen, Prince Bernheim: “The People of the Netherlands cannot afford such a victory.”