Arnhem: a tragedy of errors

by Peter Harclerode

A Tragedy of Errors

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Peter Harclerode was commissioned into the Irish Guards in 1967, serving in the UK, Middle East and Far East. He has also served in the SAS and the Parachute Regiment.

Reviews

[Hans · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provides the reader with a nice overview of the Market-Garden operation.

Main coverage is given to the 1st British Airborne Division. The part of the US airborne divisions is covering their role in getting XXX Corps to Arnhem. It is also made clear that the Poles tried their best to help their comrades on the other side of the Rhine at any cost. The advance of XXX Corps is also described in a lighter way, but what is really interesting is that the corps on its flanks are getting coverage too.

The final chapter of the book describes the flaws in the planning of the operation, which had to take place in a really short amount of time, and the factors that enhanced the errors made and how things turned out. Does it cover all that went wrong? No, it doesn't, but it did mention a number of things, like the lack of full tactical air support, that you just don't come across that often. Also the communications issues are described in some interesting detail.

Overall, nice read and a good way to start reading up on Market-Garden.

[Nick Boldrini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this most interesting in the sections in the lead up to the actual battle, and in his examination afterwards, as these are where I think the most new information (new to me at least) was in the book. His account of the battle contains nothing really new, and isn't the clearest account I have read, but over all because of the top and tail, this is worth a read for those interested in the battle.