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Anyone interested in a detailed account of the Battle of Arnhem (1st Para Division) should have a look at this book.
Attachment 36254
Reading the book at the moment and can highly recommend it. There are newer printings than the one shown which is first edition hardback from 1994. :thumbsup:
o7 :salute:
Thanks Vamps, I'll definitely check that out, Martin Middlebrook is an excellent writer, his book on the first day of the Somme is very good too.
I still love A Bridge Too Far, the first proper military history book I read after being taken to Arnhem by my Dad as a 10 year old. Not sure if its still considered accurate, but a cracking read nonetheless.
Middlebrook book are focused on the battle in Arnhem and Oosterbeek, A Bridge to Far in the whole Market Garden operation.
Since in all battle are the guys in the other side of hill, a good reading:
https://www.amazon.com/Never-Snows-S.../dp/1885119313
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RRdWCyHpG8
Thanks Sokol, just bought that one too!
Thanks for this, Vamps. Like Matt, I think Middlebrook is a brilliant author who brings awesome research to all his work. I was fascinated (and horrified in equal measure) by his riveting accounts of the big RAF bomber campaigns: Nuremburg, Hamburg, Peenamunde, Scweinfurt/Regansburg and, of course, the 'Big City!'
I have read his account of the first day of the Somme (I may have told you my Grandfather went over the top on July 1st, 1916 with the East Surreys....and survived! I have his yataghan bayonet to this day) which was excellent but I didn't know he'd written about Arnhem. Another one for the shopping basket, I think! Salute!
Thanks, Vamps :thumbsup:
I've never read anything by this author. But Middlebrook's 'Arnhem' seems to be a very good read, based on the high opinion held by some of you for his writing style.
I know Marlow and Monkeynut rate him highly after reading his 'The First Day on the Somme'.
@1lokos' 'It Never Snows in September' by Robert K. Kershaw looks as though it will complement Middlebrook's 'Arnhem' very nicely. It's going on my next shopping list.
Just ordered 'Arnhem' and I'm looking forward to reading it.
:salute:
Just wanted to say, great recommendations!
I really enjoyed 'Arnhem 1944' and 'It Never Snows in September', that book led me to John Frost's autobiography 'A Drop Too Many', as I was interested in his perspective of the battle for the road bridge. I started reading the Arnhem chapters, then went back to the beginning.
Frost's account of the Bruneval raid in 1942 really piqued my interest, so I ordered 'The Bruneval Raid' by George Millar and 'Night Raid' by Taylor Downing, as well as an Osprey book on the action that hasn't arrived yet. All so far have been excellent reads. Six books from one reccommendation, top stuff!
I've not even looked at the references for 2 Para in the North African and Sicily campaigns yet, should keep me in reading material till Christmas! :thumbsup:
Rather randomly, given the amount I've been reading about it recently, I've got to go to Arnhem next week for work.
I have very vague memories of visiting the museum in Oosterbeek? in 1987. Looking at my work schedule I'll be in Velp for an hour and then hopefully have the afternoon to myself. Anyone been there recently (ie less than 30 years ago) that can recommend sites for a quick tour?
I will be interested to hear what you manage to see during your visit mate.
It was early 1990s when I got the chance to visit Arnhem, whilst on leave, when stationed in Germany with the RAF. It was only a quick look around for me then.
The museum at the Hartenstien Hotel is a must of course. I must have spent a couple of hours there but there is so much stuff to take in I could have spent a few days just in there. Haha!
I did try to follow the route taken by 2 para to the bridge and back then there were various info signs and markers along the way.
The CWG Cemetery is also a place to visit if you have the time. As with with all such places very sobering and sad but worth it all the same.
Let us know how you get on. :thumbsup:
o7 :salute: