Arnhem: 1 Airborne Division (Annotated)

This book comprises a two part report by Major Ernest Watkins, R.A., who participated with 1 Airborne Division in Operation Market Garden in September 1944. First published by the Army Bureau of Current Affairs in December of that year as part of its War series of pamphlets, it is among the earliest printed eyewitness accounts of the fighting at Arnhem, although circulation at the time was restricted to military personnel only. Watkins returned to the Dutch town in April 1945 after the Germans had been driven from the area and provided his impressions of the aftermath of the conflict in another ABCA article, 'Arnhem Revisited', published on June 23rd. This too has been included in the compilation. There is also a piece by Major Anthony Cotterell, written prior to the operation, that describes the frustrations of being constantly on standby only to be stood down again. Cotterell did not make it back.

As for the outcome of the mission, to quote Watkins:

"The operation itself was not a complete success because only two of the three river barriers were carried. But Arnhem has left in history a record which those who come after must strain every ounce of courage and endurance they possess even to equal."

The text has been reset for this edition and a number of footnotes added, largely to help those who are unfamiliar with the less commonly recognised army acronyms and abbreviations.