Escape From Arnhem: A Canadian Among the Lost Paratroops

by Leo Heaps

The remarkable true story of a Canadian paratrooper’s escape from behind enemy lines following the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.

Ideal for readers of James Holland, Anthony Beevor and Cornelius Ryan.

On September 17, 1944, over 8,000 men of the British 1st Airborne Division landed in German-occupied Netherlands as part of the largest airborne invasion ever undertaken. Twenty-two-year-old Canadian paratrooper Leo Heaps was one of them.

Told with authenticity and clarity, Heaps’ personal account of the nightmare battle fought after the paratroopers dropped at Oosterbeek paints a remarkably vivid picture of one of the most dramatic and little-known events of the Second World War.

Captain Leo Heaps volunteered to serve with the British Army early in 1944 and arrived in England in May of that year. Attached to the Dorset Infantry Regiment, he took part in the D-Day assault on Normandy in June. After twelve days, he was wounded and returned to England. In August, he applied to join a British Parachute Regiment and was accepted. A mere three weeks later, Heaps made his first and only jump as the Arnhem assault commenced.

Escape from Arnhem is a powerful and personal account of a young man’s experience fighting in the Battle of Arnhem. His capture by the Germans and incredible escape was only the beginning. His immediate return to Holland as part of Operation Pegasus and his vital work with the Dutch resistance to help rescue hundreds of Allied soldiers behind enemy lines resulted in Heaps being awarded the Royal Military Cross for "outstanding gallantry."

Written only a year after the war ended, the images of the Battle of Arnhem are as fresh and raw as the wounds of war themselves and offer a stark reminder of the triumph and tragedy during and after the Battle of Arnhem.

Genres: History

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2023

Reviews

[Mandy Walkden-Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, but a little distant.

Decent enough memoir of the author’s involvement in the debacle of Arnhem. He seems to have a vast amount of autonomy, and I can’t quite work out why. Seems to flit from task to task with little input from high command or maybe he just omitted most of the day-to-day minutiae in this tome.

I think I’d recommend skipping this one and instead pick up the revised (1976) version of this 1945 issue, “The Grey Goose of Arnhem” instead as it’s written with an immediacy that this book seems to be missing. This is much more arm’s length from most of the action and unfolding sequence of events.

[Neil Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read but a bit strange. The author takes us through his short but very active time in the Canadian forces during the end of WW2.
I am a bit perplexed at the almost total freedom he had. He seemed to shoot off and do almost whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. It would appear for quite some time he operated alone under very few orders from the command structure, picking up people along the way as and when needed.
I have every admiration for the guy and his colleagues, it takes ultimate bravery to walk into the enemies territory without backup. But he did this on almost a daily basis.
I really don't know how a lieutenant in the Canadian army had the freedom to drive around in a jeep basically doing what he wished, without, it would appear, much interference or orders from above. Or maybe he just let us know what he accomplished without slowing the story down with a back story of dealing with his commanders?
whatever he is one of those we should never forget and thank profusely for giving us our freedom. Thank you sir.

[Nancy G. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The struggle for freedom against tyranny

The personal account of Heaps' war time in WWII predominantly Holland, is one of the best.accounts of the war that I have read. It introduces one to so many brave people who quietly fought and resisted their enemies, who fought for freedom from tyranny, from death camps, from inhuman terror rained down on people. His final description of a concentration camp in Germany should be required reading by any who don't comprehend the monstrosities perpetrated upon so many.

[Skip Whitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beasts were not punished nearly enough.

I recently returned a tour called “The Liberation of Western Europe” where I my eyes were opened to the absolute carnage not only of The Netherlands but all of Europe. I cannot comprehend what those unbridled savages felt compelled to do in the sake of deprivation. I’m Canadian and I say from my heard, bless them, bless every Canadian who fought and died for my freedom, I cherish every moment I live in freedom. Thank-you every man and women who fought the beast, from the bottom of heart.

[Wolf O. Rankis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Long Journey Home

A powerful read about a soldier left behind the lines as a result of a fast moving front . Its a story of both terror and survival of one man who not only survived, but prevailed against all odds and helped many others along the way, not once seeing his own heroism, but lauding the deeds of others. I found this book stunning and filled with adventure. I would have loved a chapter about finally making it home and if his government rewarded his efforts.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written look at the ill-fated mission to take Arnhem and end the war, as told by a Canadian Officer involved in the action. The story is full of action and suspense as well as heartbreaking descriptions of how the troops suffered. An extremely good read, that I recommend!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Alexander Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting testimony

Just in case we forget what savagery is possible in the name of Nationalism it is necessary to keep on publishing such like testimony by actual witnesses in the fight against Fascism. A well constructed account of such bravery against those who were duped into believing the likes of Hitler and a very timely reminder too!

[RAYMOND DAVIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing war story

This story covers war from a different prespective. First a member of another country voluntarily joins the war. He goes from infantry to intelligence to supply and more. He was not injured. I don't like war stories but this one is different. Lol no no

[Katheryn Worrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's as if i was there.

I relived this soldiers live with him , that's how much this book draws you in . Every battle feels real , every decision is thought provoking .
I salute you sir , and thank you for taking me with you .

[Kirk Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Role that Canadians Played Not Forgotten

Amazing adventures of a brave and unassuming man. An easy read and nice to see a different perspective. Canada punched well above its weight in WW II.

[Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazed at the courage and sensitivity of this 22 year old Canadian soldier during the liberation of Holland in 1944-45

[George Polansky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Canadian paratroopers escape from Arnhem. An informative and interesting book.

[Sue Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Thanks again for the great book easy to read and was very interesting read. I look forward to his next book. Very interesting and moved along very well thanks again.

[Jorge3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal and Detailed

The author provides a detailed and personal account of his time during the war. It read as if he was talking to the reader.