He is shown here, (left) speaking with Lieutenant General Browning, who commanded the Airborne wing of the battle. Polish General Stanislaw Sosabowski had severe misgivings about the operation but was forced by political pressure to proceed.

Any misgivings or arguments about the plan were either dismissed or never raised, for fear of political backlash.Īlmost every unit commander had worries, but they hid their feelings and pushed forward regardless. The high command was under intense political pressure to make more progress into Germany. However, further reports and some limited reconnaissance photographs indicated that two German SS Panzer divisions had moved into the area. The initial reconnaissance and intelligence reports suggested a lightly armed and beleaguered German defense, so this would not be an issue. The British drop zones were 8 miles from their intended target, forcing the lightly armed men to fight their way on foot. Preparation began immediately, but so too did the problems. The objective for the British and Polish Paratroopers was the Arnhem Bridge, a major crossing over the Rhine, and access to Germany’s industrial heartland. The landings were to take place between 13 hours on September 17. They were also told they had less than seven days to prepare. PlanningĪirborne unit commanders were informed of the plan on September 11, 1944.

The film leaves little to the imagination, but this is the real story of the British 1st Parachute Division and Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade.

Wow a bridge too far