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Arnhem
Major-General Urquhart commanded the 1st British Airborne Division in Operation Market Garden, the greatest airborne assault of World War II, the struggle to capture Arnhem and win control of the bridge across the lower Rhine.
The story of the 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem involved not only an Airborne Corps of three Divisions but also the bulk of the British 2nd Army in Europe. Gen. Urquhart has told the story of those fateful nine days clearly, frankly and, despite the terrible circumstances, not without humor.
It ranks as an important work, describing an operation which opened with such high hopes and left its name forever as a feat of the highest endurance and valor.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1958
About the author
R.E. Urquhart
3 books1 followerMajor-General Robert Elliott "Roy" Urquhart CB DSO was a British Army officer who saw service during World War II and Malayan Emergency.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Urq...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Urq...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 27, 2014
A fine memoir of the general in charge of the British paratroopers during the battle at Arnhem in September 1944. Initially the book was a bit rough reading, but the author get better in telling his story. Shows the isolation and care of commanders under battle. For the casual reader I would suggest "A Bridge Too Far" instead.
August 3, 2017
This is the story of the attempt to break into Germany and cross Holland in late 1944, so fittingly called "A Bridge Too Far" by Cornelius Ryan in the 1970s. Urquhart, the author was the commander of the !st British Airborne Division, charged with holding the Ultimate Bridge over the Neder Rhine in Arnhem for the operation. We get a look into the planning, and execution of the project, before getting a real close description of the battle and its final debacle. Throughout, the author is charmingly self deprecating, and very forthcoming, even about his own mistakes. I think this book will be a good one for any audience to get a real insight into WWII command and its risks and rewards. Junior readers will not be overly challenged, and this book will accompany Films on this topic(A Bridge Too Far, Band of Brothers) very well. Gamers/Modellers/Military Enthusiast will find this a treasure trove for dioramas/scenarios. A very clear recommendation.
May 2, 2010
A long time ago I picked up the book A Bridge Too Far because I’d developed a love of history and found the saga to be great. After many years I decided to go back to Arnhem and learn a little more about it; this time from the man who lead the 1st Airborne Division (British).
Arnhem is General Urquhart’s telling of his experience as the 1st Airborne Division’s commander in Operation Market-Garden. His telling of Market-Garden is from that of the 1st Airborne Division and only focuses on the battle in and around Arnhem (A Bridge Too Far’s focus is the entire Market-Garden operation). Because of this, General Urquhart gives us insight into his division’s conduct around Arnhem and why he selected certain courses of action. His telling is that of a warrior remembering the battle and the men who fought with him. There’s some nice photographs (several were new to me) with nice situational maps showing the disposition of his division and other troops in and around Arnhem.
Rating wise this one makes my 4 star level; barely though. While General Urquhart is telling us the story of his division I just couldn’t find any great love or passion in his telling. He’s direct and a little third person’ish about his telling. Because his level was that of a divisional commander we don’t get to read about his actions in combat so much as his actions as a commander (other than when he was separated from his division). While he’s done a good job, Mr. Ryan did it better in A Bridge Too Far (sorry, advantage to the professional, especially since Mr. Ryan did a great job weaving the entire story together). I was hoping for some additional tidbits but they’re a little on the lighter side (seems Mr. Ryan did a good job scooping things and presenting them nicely for his work). The maps are nicely done, adding greatly to General Urquhart’s story (this was an excellent addition and helps you understand the tactical situation better than General Urquhart’s or Mr. Ryan’s words could possibly convey).
Arnhem is General Urquhart’s telling of his experience as the 1st Airborne Division’s commander in Operation Market-Garden. His telling of Market-Garden is from that of the 1st Airborne Division and only focuses on the battle in and around Arnhem (A Bridge Too Far’s focus is the entire Market-Garden operation). Because of this, General Urquhart gives us insight into his division’s conduct around Arnhem and why he selected certain courses of action. His telling is that of a warrior remembering the battle and the men who fought with him. There’s some nice photographs (several were new to me) with nice situational maps showing the disposition of his division and other troops in and around Arnhem.
Rating wise this one makes my 4 star level; barely though. While General Urquhart is telling us the story of his division I just couldn’t find any great love or passion in his telling. He’s direct and a little third person’ish about his telling. Because his level was that of a divisional commander we don’t get to read about his actions in combat so much as his actions as a commander (other than when he was separated from his division). While he’s done a good job, Mr. Ryan did it better in A Bridge Too Far (sorry, advantage to the professional, especially since Mr. Ryan did a great job weaving the entire story together). I was hoping for some additional tidbits but they’re a little on the lighter side (seems Mr. Ryan did a good job scooping things and presenting them nicely for his work). The maps are nicely done, adding greatly to General Urquhart’s story (this was an excellent addition and helps you understand the tactical situation better than General Urquhart’s or Mr. Ryan’s words could possibly convey).
November 10, 2024
Major-General Roy Urquhart commanded the 1st British Airborne Division in Operation Market Garden, an Allied military operation during World War II fought in the Netherlands from September 17- 25, 1944. Designed by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, it would prove to be the greatest airborne assault of World War II. Urquhart’s “Arnhem” chronicles the heroic actions of his division and the ultimate strategic failure of the operation.
The history that unfolded at Arnhem involved not only an Airborne Corps of three Divisions but also the bulk of the British 2nd Army in Europe. Gen. Urquhart, a Scottish graduate of Sandhurst, was a veteran of the 51st Highland Division and fought in the campaigns in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. His account of Arnhem is accurate and self-effacing; additionally, he is quick to credit the bravery and initiative of his comrades.
Operation Market Garden called for British paratroopers, along with a Polish battalion, to land near Arnhem where they could capture key bridges and hold the terrain until land forces arrived. The land forces consisted of ten armored and motorized brigades. Those forces, notably Brian Horrocks’ XXX Corps, who advanced from the south, were forced to move along a two lane road. Surrounded by flood plains., Horrocks was flummoxed. Soldiers, including Wilhelm Bittrich’s II SS Panzer Corps were nearby to frustrate the allied offensive, in what the Germans called' Der Kessel.' Bittrich's commander, Model, stated: "Wer Truppen anführt, hat kein Recht, an sich selbst zu denken."
Despite suffering 75% casualties, Urquhart’s command held out valiantly for nine days, prior to their breakout on September 26. The actions of the Division, while failing to secure a bridgehead over the Lower Rhine, was instrumental to the British establishment of a valuable salient and the bridging the Waal River.
Urquhart cogently delineated the reasons the operation failed: the division being dropped in three lifts prevented an effective concentration of power; communications were inadequate; British street fighting tactics were unevenly conducted; Urquhart himself became detached from his HQ for 36 hours; XXX Corps movements did not exhibit the urgency dictated by the situation; close air support and supply was lacking; and, most importantly, intelligence failed to identify the German forces in the region, or their order of battle.
That said, Urquhart concluded his official report defiantly. He wrote: “ The operation was not one hundred percent successful and did not end as we intended it…There is no doubt that all would willingly undertake another operation under similar conditions in the future. We have no regrets.” Urquhart’s memoir is instructive and well written.
The history that unfolded at Arnhem involved not only an Airborne Corps of three Divisions but also the bulk of the British 2nd Army in Europe. Gen. Urquhart, a Scottish graduate of Sandhurst, was a veteran of the 51st Highland Division and fought in the campaigns in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. His account of Arnhem is accurate and self-effacing; additionally, he is quick to credit the bravery and initiative of his comrades.
Operation Market Garden called for British paratroopers, along with a Polish battalion, to land near Arnhem where they could capture key bridges and hold the terrain until land forces arrived. The land forces consisted of ten armored and motorized brigades. Those forces, notably Brian Horrocks’ XXX Corps, who advanced from the south, were forced to move along a two lane road. Surrounded by flood plains., Horrocks was flummoxed. Soldiers, including Wilhelm Bittrich’s II SS Panzer Corps were nearby to frustrate the allied offensive, in what the Germans called' Der Kessel.' Bittrich's commander, Model, stated: "Wer Truppen anführt, hat kein Recht, an sich selbst zu denken."
Despite suffering 75% casualties, Urquhart’s command held out valiantly for nine days, prior to their breakout on September 26. The actions of the Division, while failing to secure a bridgehead over the Lower Rhine, was instrumental to the British establishment of a valuable salient and the bridging the Waal River.
Urquhart cogently delineated the reasons the operation failed: the division being dropped in three lifts prevented an effective concentration of power; communications were inadequate; British street fighting tactics were unevenly conducted; Urquhart himself became detached from his HQ for 36 hours; XXX Corps movements did not exhibit the urgency dictated by the situation; close air support and supply was lacking; and, most importantly, intelligence failed to identify the German forces in the region, or their order of battle.
That said, Urquhart concluded his official report defiantly. He wrote: “ The operation was not one hundred percent successful and did not end as we intended it…There is no doubt that all would willingly undertake another operation under similar conditions in the future. We have no regrets.” Urquhart’s memoir is instructive and well written.
November 11, 2018
This book was a joy to read - highly engaging and very well written.
Major General R E Urquhart was Divisional Commander of the British 1st Airborne Division that was dropped into Arnhem in 1944 so its a history written from first hand experience and it doesn't disappoint.
It's engaging , informative and at times humorous. As it's written by a soldier you might expect it to be rather taciturn in style - a clipped lists of military facts - but it's not. He draws you in with interesting anecdotes , asides and humour whilst telling the story of operation Market Garden. Its also deeply contemplative on the mistakes made and opportunities missed. He doesn't white wash the facts and goes into some detail on what could have been done differently and whether or not it would have or could have made any difference to the outcome of this epic battle.
If you want a good insight and overview of this most famous of WWII battles then this is a very good book to start with.
Major General R E Urquhart was Divisional Commander of the British 1st Airborne Division that was dropped into Arnhem in 1944 so its a history written from first hand experience and it doesn't disappoint.
It's engaging , informative and at times humorous. As it's written by a soldier you might expect it to be rather taciturn in style - a clipped lists of military facts - but it's not. He draws you in with interesting anecdotes , asides and humour whilst telling the story of operation Market Garden. Its also deeply contemplative on the mistakes made and opportunities missed. He doesn't white wash the facts and goes into some detail on what could have been done differently and whether or not it would have or could have made any difference to the outcome of this epic battle.
If you want a good insight and overview of this most famous of WWII battles then this is a very good book to start with.
March 23, 2020
Still a Great Read
It is 40 years since I last read this book. It is as gripping and inspiring now as it was then.
The story of 9 days at Arnhem that saw one of the bravest and costliest British actions of WW2. 10000 men tried to pull off one the greatest gambles of modern warfare. Almost 1200 remain there to this day, many others will never be found.
Like many other actions by the British Army, a costly defeat is remembered for the bravery, determination and sacrifice of these gallant young men.
Though Arnhem was destroyed, the Dutch people still remember these men today; pay annual homage in gratitude for what they did.
It is 40 years since I last read this book. It is as gripping and inspiring now as it was then.
The story of 9 days at Arnhem that saw one of the bravest and costliest British actions of WW2. 10000 men tried to pull off one the greatest gambles of modern warfare. Almost 1200 remain there to this day, many others will never be found.
Like many other actions by the British Army, a costly defeat is remembered for the bravery, determination and sacrifice of these gallant young men.
Though Arnhem was destroyed, the Dutch people still remember these men today; pay annual homage in gratitude for what they did.
July 13, 2025
*Arnhem* by Roy Urquhart is a gripping and deeply personal account of one of WWII’s most ambitious military operations. Written with clarity, humility, and insight, Urquhart offers a unique first-hand perspective on Operation Market Garden, capturing both the chaos of battle and the resilience of the soldiers involved. His leadership and humanity shine through every page, making this not just a military memoir, but a powerful tribute to courage under fire. A must-read for history enthusiasts.
December 12, 2022
I was surprisingly moved by this book. Urquhart is candid and keeps a stiff upper lip, but his affection for his men comes through in his tale of their desperate fight for survival. It lacks the prose of Ryan's "A Bridge Too Far," but is an excellent first person account from within the Cauldron.
July 3, 2025
offered some more in-sight for the happenings at different HQs and some post battle events. This isn't something to read if you're looking for more fighting oriented books from other authors. good read!
October 30, 2018
Very straight forward telling with little insights along the way from one of the main commmanders of the operation.
October 20, 2019
Good account of the British airborne element of the Battle of Arnham.
October 29, 2019
Cut & dried, a blow by blow account as seen & narrated through the eyes & words of a soldier. No theatrics just facts, a truly interesting read...it however needs a bit more proof reading.
December 26, 2021
An interesting commanders perspective of this operation. A very personal recollection of events, this book introduces the reader to the various different components (units) engaged in this operation for which the perception that this was a 'Para's' battle when the various other regiments involved, in this airborne operation not least the less well known infantry battalions eg KOSB and Souths Staffs Regt as well as the Glider Pilot Regiment - men who flew the gliders into battle and then effectively had to form their own unit., and the other combat arms; Sappers/Gunners/Loggies/Medics without which no army can function.
His personal reflections on events, observations on the military politics behind the on/off aspect of the start and then the failure of the following forces to reach them as well as the failure of Int to identify the German harbour/marshalling are to their front, all contribute to a bigger picture than that that passes for 'public knowledge' of this operation and battles.
Wonderful to read the etiquette and humanity from the Germans particulalry in respect of dealing with wounded and opportunity to clear dressing stations before attacks.
Brave warriors all.
His personal reflections on events, observations on the military politics behind the on/off aspect of the start and then the failure of the following forces to reach them as well as the failure of Int to identify the German harbour/marshalling are to their front, all contribute to a bigger picture than that that passes for 'public knowledge' of this operation and battles.
Wonderful to read the etiquette and humanity from the Germans particulalry in respect of dealing with wounded and opportunity to clear dressing stations before attacks.
Brave warriors all.
February 23, 2017
Trading the birds' eye-view for the cornered rats' view, this is not the book to learn about the main events of the full battle. Urquhart is only concerned with the Arnhem/Oosterbeek corridor; the only external presence a sorely-needed RAF appearance.
The most interesting parts are the author's own conclusions as to why the offensive failed, and a few observations in the first person the answers to which were unknown to him, but have been unraveled by modern students of the battle.
The most interesting parts are the author's own conclusions as to why the offensive failed, and a few observations in the first person the answers to which were unknown to him, but have been unraveled by modern students of the battle.
April 23, 2008
From the General that led the British 1st Airborne Division comes a detailed account of the battle. Full of personal incite and more detailed than most accounts, the book tends to be quite boring and sterile. A real pity as Urquart had access to all Divisional records and war diary.
May 16, 2019
Dit boek leest niet heel snel, omdat het niet in romanvorm is geschreven. Het is meer een gedetailleerd verslag van de acties van de betrokken legeronderdelen van geallieerde en Duitse kant plus wat Nederlanders voor deze operatie hebben betekend.
May 30, 2017
In 1944 Urquhart was the Commander of the 1st Airborne Division which along with 1 Polish Parachute Brigade carried out the ‘Market’ part of the overall ‘Market Garden’ Operation to take the crossings over the Rivers Maas, Waal and Neder Rhine by aerial assault with a ground push intended to relieve them. As such he was therefore in command at Arnhem, location of the famous “Bridge Too Far.”
The book mainly covers Urquhart's own experiences at Arnhem to the west of the town and bridge but it does broaden out at times to cover other aspects of the operation.
The enterprise was totally compromised by the plans for the complete operation being found by the Germans on the body of a US officer. The German commander, Model, had in any case quickly assessed the likely focus of the attack and made his dispositions accordingly. In addition, from the outset there were problems with British communications, as radio sets failed to function properly. As a result subsequent air supply fell on the places designated before the operation started which were mostly back in German hands by the time the drops took place. Urquhart pays tribute to the dedication and bravery of the aircrews on these missions. They had to fly in a straight line for kilometres sometimes making several passes over the drop zone in the teeth of German anti-aircraft fire. As a result many planes and lives were lost. So too with the fortitude of the defenders of the Allied positions at the bridge and in the pocket.
A strange circumstance seemed to take place with medical provision for casualties at one location where relatively lightly wounded of both sides were treated in the same building (under German guard) before returning to their respective positions.
Oddly, I felt that a history of the battle might have been better written by someone not so intimately involved with it. Urquhart was perhaps too close to the events to clarify them sufficiently for the general reader.
The book mainly covers Urquhart's own experiences at Arnhem to the west of the town and bridge but it does broaden out at times to cover other aspects of the operation.
The enterprise was totally compromised by the plans for the complete operation being found by the Germans on the body of a US officer. The German commander, Model, had in any case quickly assessed the likely focus of the attack and made his dispositions accordingly. In addition, from the outset there were problems with British communications, as radio sets failed to function properly. As a result subsequent air supply fell on the places designated before the operation started which were mostly back in German hands by the time the drops took place. Urquhart pays tribute to the dedication and bravery of the aircrews on these missions. They had to fly in a straight line for kilometres sometimes making several passes over the drop zone in the teeth of German anti-aircraft fire. As a result many planes and lives were lost. So too with the fortitude of the defenders of the Allied positions at the bridge and in the pocket.
A strange circumstance seemed to take place with medical provision for casualties at one location where relatively lightly wounded of both sides were treated in the same building (under German guard) before returning to their respective positions.
Oddly, I felt that a history of the battle might have been better written by someone not so intimately involved with it. Urquhart was perhaps too close to the events to clarify them sufficiently for the general reader.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews