Every General's aim is to end a war by Christmas, and Montgomery,
perhaps, saw his opportunity in a bold strike across the southern
portion of the Netherlands close to the borders of an embattled Reich.
Still heady from earlier victories in the Normandy campaign, the plan to
push deep into enemy territory, with land and airborne forces, was as
daring as it was dangerous. Some would say the furthest objective,
Arnhem Bridge, was a Bridge too Far.
Separated into two distinct elements, Market, the airborne assault, was
designed to capture the vital bridges across the many rivers and canals
that were needed. Garden, the ground assault, would ensure the bridges
were soon part of a wider Allied salient. However, planning and
intelligence was as not as thorough as it had been in previous
operations and Market Garden turned from glorious adventure, with easily
achievable aims, to an almost devastating defeat.
This Battle Craft title also looks at four pieces of military hardware
that were involved in these legendary battles. Representing the land
forces are the Triumph HW3 motorcycle, a dispatch riders stalwart and
the unique German Sd.Kfz.2 Kettenkrad. These amazing machines were vital
in maintaining lines of communications. On the main route of the march,
the state-of-the-art British Cromwell dueled valiantly against the
deadly Panther Ausf G.
The Quartermaster section provides the modeler with an insight into the
development and operational use of the four chosen vehicles that were
involved in Market Garden. A selection of historical and contemporary
photos and illustrations feature alongside stunning showcase builds,
providing the modeler with subjects to whet the creative appetite. It
also features details of model kits and extras that can really help the
modeler bring military history to life.
