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Arnhem
In September 1944, a mighty shock force of battle hardened Allied troops dropped from the skies into enemy-occupied Holland in what was hoped would be the decisive final battle of World War II.Landing miles behind the German lines, their daring mission was to secure bridges across the Rhine so that ground forces could make a rapid dash into Nazi Germany. If all went well, the war could be over by Christmas.
But what many trusted would be a simple operation turned into a brutal losing battle. Of 12,000 British airborne soldiers, 1,500 died and 6,000 were taken prisoner. The vital bridge at Arnhem they had come to capture stayed resolutely in German hands.
But though this was a bitter military defeat for the Allies, beneath the humiliation was another story - of heroism and self-sacrifice, gallantry and survival, guts and determination unbroken in the face of impossible odds.
In the two-thirds of a century that have passed since then, historians have endlessly analysed what went wrong and squabbled over who was to blame. Lost in the process was that other Arnhem story - the triumph of the human spirit, as seen through the dramatic first-hand accounts of those who were there, in the cauldron, fighting for their lives, fighting for their comrades, fighting for their honour, a battle they won hands down.
But what many trusted would be a simple operation turned into a brutal losing battle. Of 12,000 British airborne soldiers, 1,500 died and 6,000 were taken prisoner. The vital bridge at Arnhem they had come to capture stayed resolutely in German hands.
But though this was a bitter military defeat for the Allies, beneath the humiliation was another story - of heroism and self-sacrifice, gallantry and survival, guts and determination unbroken in the face of impossible odds.
In the two-thirds of a century that have passed since then, historians have endlessly analysed what went wrong and squabbled over who was to blame. Lost in the process was that other Arnhem story - the triumph of the human spirit, as seen through the dramatic first-hand accounts of those who were there, in the cauldron, fighting for their lives, fighting for their comrades, fighting for their honour, a battle they won hands down.
333 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2011
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123 people want to read
About the author
John Nichol
31 books59 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Flight Lieutenant Adrian John Nichol (born December 1963) is a retired Royal Air Force navigator who was shot down and captured during the first Gulf War.
Flight Lieutenant Adrian John Nichol (born December 1963) is a retired Royal Air Force navigator who was shot down and captured during the first Gulf War.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 21, 2020
This is a fascinating account of the Battle of Arnhem. It is the first foray into non aviation writing by John Nichol (ex RAF Tornado pilot shot down and tortured by the Iraqis in the First Gulf War) and Tony Rennell, an ex Sunday Times reporter. It is spellbinding.
It does not simply recite the facts of what happened in chronological order - it tells the human story of the Battle, through the lens of many participants. The story is not limited to that of the British paratroopers fighting to secure the road bridge at Arnhem. It looks through the lens of the Dutch civilians innocently caught up in brutal fighting, whose homes are destroyed and who were made to suffer enormously by the Germans after the battle finished. It looks through the lens of the Polish paratroopers, dropped late into the Battle, in a location where they could not really influence events (and not in their homeland where they wanted to fight), and whose Commander, Sosabowski, was made a “scapegoat” for the failure, as a result of his criticism of the gung ho planning which took place before the operation. It fittingly also has a chapter dedicated to the perspective and courage of the RAF resupply aircrews, flying to their deaths in many cases to drop resupplies to supply zones in German hands.
It is the story of the Battle told through the human perspective. That “brings to life” for the reader the stresses, demands and horrors faced by all sides during the Battle. I would thoroughly recommend it as an alternative to a factual analysis of the Battle and what went wrong. However, it does presuppose that the reader has knowledge of the Battle, it’s context and the broader operational objectives of Op MARKET GARDEN.
The book ends with an anecdote that really brings home the horrors and futility of war. Private Andy Milbourne lost both arms below the elbow and an eye at Arnhem. The final paragraphs portray his homecoming, his frustration about the fact he can’t hug his parents or his fiancée when he arrives home and his anger at his mothers attempts to help him eat all the food prepared for his homecoming. All things the vast majority of us take for granted today..
It does not simply recite the facts of what happened in chronological order - it tells the human story of the Battle, through the lens of many participants. The story is not limited to that of the British paratroopers fighting to secure the road bridge at Arnhem. It looks through the lens of the Dutch civilians innocently caught up in brutal fighting, whose homes are destroyed and who were made to suffer enormously by the Germans after the battle finished. It looks through the lens of the Polish paratroopers, dropped late into the Battle, in a location where they could not really influence events (and not in their homeland where they wanted to fight), and whose Commander, Sosabowski, was made a “scapegoat” for the failure, as a result of his criticism of the gung ho planning which took place before the operation. It fittingly also has a chapter dedicated to the perspective and courage of the RAF resupply aircrews, flying to their deaths in many cases to drop resupplies to supply zones in German hands.
It is the story of the Battle told through the human perspective. That “brings to life” for the reader the stresses, demands and horrors faced by all sides during the Battle. I would thoroughly recommend it as an alternative to a factual analysis of the Battle and what went wrong. However, it does presuppose that the reader has knowledge of the Battle, it’s context and the broader operational objectives of Op MARKET GARDEN.
The book ends with an anecdote that really brings home the horrors and futility of war. Private Andy Milbourne lost both arms below the elbow and an eye at Arnhem. The final paragraphs portray his homecoming, his frustration about the fact he can’t hug his parents or his fiancée when he arrives home and his anger at his mothers attempts to help him eat all the food prepared for his homecoming. All things the vast majority of us take for granted today..
April 4, 2020
An incredible story of the valiant British paratroopers of 1st division and the courageous Dutch civilians who gave there lives during the heroic battle of Arnhem with thrilling first hand accounts.
December 3, 2015
A fascinating and at times heart-rending account of one of the biggest Allied disasters of WWII, written by a man who understands war (John Nichol was one of the pilot prisoners of war paraded before the TV cameras by Saddam Hussein in the first Gulf War). I couldn't put this book down.
July 7, 2013
Gripping read about awesome stamina and bravery, full of horrific detail, but the last chapter is the best. It tells how the media and politicians made a defeat appear like a victory and how the most brainy (but ignored) of the military commanders, involved in the operation, was fired because a scapegoat was needed to cover incompetence of others.
March 11, 2024
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lloyd Clark's "Arnhem" and Robert Kershaw's "It never snows in September" it is not, but the authors have created a very human story from what was an excuriatingly difficult military action for those who served in it.
Some say that books "compiled" from veterans' memories and under the guise of honouring those who were there represents lazy history on the part of the given author. Perhaps in certain instances that may be true, but not here - Nichol and Rennell have created a brilliantly vivid picture of the endeavour which is very easy to follow and, is as far I can tell, as factually accurate as its possible to be in the context of such a fluid and confused action. They also successfully place into context the travails of the XXX Corp's intended "Blitzkrieg" and credit is given where it is due, despite the fact that Market Garden must be considered a costly (but most definitely heroic) failure. Rennell and Nichol have achieved an excellent synethsis of the factual and the human, and have created a very readable and informative book as a result.
So why only four stars? Two reasons:
1) I personally like my history to be a little bit denser and so what is missing for me is more of the background of why Market Garden was undertaken in the first place.(This book really only covers the Arnhem "experience"). Was it really about Monty's ego as some attest? or was Market Garden a plausible war winning strategy? Was the failure of a (possibly) good idea simply the a result of bad planning? Or a combination of all three? Did Eisenhower simply "give in" to Monty or did he see clear vitues in the attempt? I came away from the book having really enjoyed their treatment of the element of Market Garden which was Arnhem, but I was in the end unsure on the Authors' opinions on the bigger picture conundrums associated with the failure of the operation as a whole.
2)The second reason for a dropped star is simply that I would have liked the book to have been rounded out from the German perspective too...
In conclusion though, I strongly recommend this book.
Some say that books "compiled" from veterans' memories and under the guise of honouring those who were there represents lazy history on the part of the given author. Perhaps in certain instances that may be true, but not here - Nichol and Rennell have created a brilliantly vivid picture of the endeavour which is very easy to follow and, is as far I can tell, as factually accurate as its possible to be in the context of such a fluid and confused action. They also successfully place into context the travails of the XXX Corp's intended "Blitzkrieg" and credit is given where it is due, despite the fact that Market Garden must be considered a costly (but most definitely heroic) failure. Rennell and Nichol have achieved an excellent synethsis of the factual and the human, and have created a very readable and informative book as a result.
So why only four stars? Two reasons:
1) I personally like my history to be a little bit denser and so what is missing for me is more of the background of why Market Garden was undertaken in the first place.(This book really only covers the Arnhem "experience"). Was it really about Monty's ego as some attest? or was Market Garden a plausible war winning strategy? Was the failure of a (possibly) good idea simply the a result of bad planning? Or a combination of all three? Did Eisenhower simply "give in" to Monty or did he see clear vitues in the attempt? I came away from the book having really enjoyed their treatment of the element of Market Garden which was Arnhem, but I was in the end unsure on the Authors' opinions on the bigger picture conundrums associated with the failure of the operation as a whole.
2)The second reason for a dropped star is simply that I would have liked the book to have been rounded out from the German perspective too...
In conclusion though, I strongly recommend this book.
September 30, 2019
This was a well written book that was a pleasure to read. I enjoy reading about history, but do not do well with a text book type format. This was not that at all, and really guided you through the battle with personal accounts and insights. There were many places where I gasped out loud from the shock of what was happening, but there were also lighter parts where the ability of the soldiers to maintain their sense of humor was brought out. I will be adding more of of these authors books to my reading list!
January 29, 2019
A detailed retelling of one of the last losing battles of WWII. This book takes you on the streets and in the woods with the 1st Airborne and numerous Dutch civilians as things go from hopeful to hopeless. Very good read.
August 6, 2017
Chops & changes in its chronology a little too much but it is greatly enriched by its use of first hand accounts - especially of the Dutch civilians trapped inside Arnhem and Oosterbeek.
May 1, 2019
Good read about true heroes
Well told story about Arnhem and the brave men and women who were there. Everybody should know the sacrifices made for us all.
Well told story about Arnhem and the brave men and women who were there. Everybody should know the sacrifices made for us all.
October 15, 2019
Great detail on the individuals and clarification on the time line and facts of the operation.
May 28, 2020
Great Intro the battle.
July 21, 2022
Another good John Nichol book that for me tell the story of " A Bridge too Far " in a much more real & less "Hollywood " way than the film of the same name .
September 14, 2025
A solid, emotional, courageous and jaw dropping read.
Read it!
Read it!
November 13, 2022
This is such a great book for WW2 readers and a real feel of war in Europe
I have just lost a great Dutch friend who took me to visit this area and the Museum and walked the Areas of action and of course the war graves. this book pulls together the bravery and the combined efforts to capture the Bridge so the Allies could sweep and free the Badly treated Dutch. The writing grips you and makes you feel there. I so enjoyed it and shows why we in Uk are made most welcome by Dutch people. As a foot note puts the bravery of the Polish brigade and issues they faced being blamed for failure. We in England failed to understand the true picture for them. Why? for because of errors all round,
This book is a tribute to Solid caring troops - Very Brave and focused people who would have said “it was our task to do the best,”
I have just lost a great Dutch friend who took me to visit this area and the Museum and walked the Areas of action and of course the war graves. this book pulls together the bravery and the combined efforts to capture the Bridge so the Allies could sweep and free the Badly treated Dutch. The writing grips you and makes you feel there. I so enjoyed it and shows why we in Uk are made most welcome by Dutch people. As a foot note puts the bravery of the Polish brigade and issues they faced being blamed for failure. We in England failed to understand the true picture for them. Why? for because of errors all round,
This book is a tribute to Solid caring troops - Very Brave and focused people who would have said “it was our task to do the best,”
February 24, 2017
Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Unique insight into the horrors and heroes of war.
August 8, 2015
Read this a while ago and after a difficult start I got into it and finished it fairly soon after. There have been many books about this blighted operation. This one offers a good balance of coverage of the participants so the authors are to be commended for having acquired them for posterity. Not sure it makes for easy reading as anyone familiar with how it turned out will know. But if you want tales of remarkable human courage and fortitude then this is essential.
It is curious that this is the time when the term "war criminal" came into use. Usually the term is reserved for the enemy but perhaps for Arnhem we can make an exception. From today's perspective it is hard not to see this action's good intentions as being tainted by other factors. Not least was the determination of certain higher ups to have the glory of being first across the Rhine and then into the heartland of Germany. And never mind what it might take in the lives of our soldiers. Their refusal to heed the warnings of experts of the presence of German units "resting" in the vicinity was akin to a war crime in my book.
Montgomery has much to answer for as he was its principal architect. But his superiors are no less guilty in my opinion. They should have reigned in his wilder urges and taken a more cautious approach. How ironic when Monty had been of accused of over-caution in some of his actions in North Africa. Maybe this is why he was so headstrong at Arnhem but his gamble failed and brought disaster to the many under his command and not a few of the Dutch people caught up in this mad episode.
It is curious that this is the time when the term "war criminal" came into use. Usually the term is reserved for the enemy but perhaps for Arnhem we can make an exception. From today's perspective it is hard not to see this action's good intentions as being tainted by other factors. Not least was the determination of certain higher ups to have the glory of being first across the Rhine and then into the heartland of Germany. And never mind what it might take in the lives of our soldiers. Their refusal to heed the warnings of experts of the presence of German units "resting" in the vicinity was akin to a war crime in my book.
Montgomery has much to answer for as he was its principal architect. But his superiors are no less guilty in my opinion. They should have reigned in his wilder urges and taken a more cautious approach. How ironic when Monty had been of accused of over-caution in some of his actions in North Africa. Maybe this is why he was so headstrong at Arnhem but his gamble failed and brought disaster to the many under his command and not a few of the Dutch people caught up in this mad episode.
August 12, 2016
A well constructed book of first-hand accounts, telling the tragic story of a hurriedly put together operation. A fascinating insight. I bought it for my dad but have grabbed it back many a time for a read. The end is particularly sad, especially the treatment of the Poles and their general. It wouild be one of my "desert island" books had I time to order any!
August 26, 2014
Excellent book ... not only for a chap, who grew up on Ryan's "A Bridge Too Far" - book and the movie. Painful in it's honesty and accuracy, unbearable at every Polish track.... so even special praise for both authors for presenting them in such amount and detail. Definitely - a class of its own.
January 5, 2016
I've read to much about American soldiers in the war, and this is an excellent report on the British Tommies' experience. Gritty, in-you-face action with heartfelt memories: you can almost taste the dirt, blood and cordite.
Read
November 8, 2011a reak moving book which tells the story of very brave people caught up in the ridiculouos plan that operation market garden was
September 13, 2012
alright here goes...I liked it...hard to get into,what I did like was what happened to the town of Arnhem afterwards.
January 22, 2016
Loved this book, it gives you a real insight into the men and women caught up in the action in and around Arnhem!
April 19, 2016
Very good , they were the bravest of the brave. The Dutch suffered so badly for this parachute drop.
March 5, 2019
A reasiable attempt from Messrs Nichol and Rennell.
Those of us that have consumed countless tomes surronding this conflict in search of new content ( and finally hoping for a different outcome!) Will be pleasantly surprised by this effort.
It is well written, featuring the "new" insights that we have craved but, more than many sterile competitors, it becomes personal, including extended narratives, memories and real emotion.
Those of us that have consumed countless tomes surronding this conflict in search of new content ( and finally hoping for a different outcome!) Will be pleasantly surprised by this effort.
It is well written, featuring the "new" insights that we have craved but, more than many sterile competitors, it becomes personal, including extended narratives, memories and real emotion.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews