Arnhem and the British Airborne Division

An In Depth Coverage

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.

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.