Captured at Arnhem: Men's Experiences in Their Own Words

During World War II, the British 1st Airborne Division's Operation Market Garden in September 1944 was a disaster, resulting in the elimination of the Division as a fighting force. Around half of the men were captured and sent to camps in Germany and German-occupied eastern Europe. When liberated in 1945, former prisoners were required to complete liberation questionnaires, which provide insight into their daily experiences in captivity. The questionnaires show that German procedures were still in place, but that men were often treated inhumanely, such as when moved to camps by closed box cars. Despite the hardships, the airborne men's morale remained high, and they carried out sabotage operations against the Germans. They also received help from Dutch, French, and German civilians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The British 1st Airborne Division's Operation Market Garden in September 1944 was a catastrophic failure. Around half of the Division's men were taken prisoner, rendering it ineffective as a fighting force. The Germans were left to deal with a staggering 6,000 prisoners in just two weeks, many of whom were seriously wounded. Despite the overwhelming challenge, the Germans managed to process and transport the men to camps across Germany and German-occupied eastern Europe. Upon their liberation in 1945, returning former prisoners were mandated to complete liberation questionnaires. While some refused, others returned before Operation Endor to assist in the repatriation of released men back to Britain. Approximately one-third of these elite troops completed the questionnaires, providing a valuable insight into their daily experiences during their time in captivity, from capture to release.

The questionnaires that exist shed light on the ongoing German procedures, although they also reveal instances of inhumane treatment of the prisoners. The men were often transported to camps in closed box cars, which can be considered a form of abuse. Furthermore, when camps were evacuated, the prisoners were subjected to further hardships. Despite the challenges they faced, the morale of the airborne men remained high. They engaged in sabotage activities at artificial oil plants, railway repairs, factories, and mines, demonstrating their determination to resist the enemy. Some even managed to overcome their guards during evacuation and join the Resistance, contributing to the Allied effort.

The airborne men also recorded their gratitude for the help they received from Dutch, French, and German civilians during their captivity. Their accounts highlight the resilience and solidarity of those who faced adversity, and their contributions to the war effort are truly commendable.

In conclusion, Operation Market Garden was a disastrous failure for the British 1st Airborne Division, resulting in significant losses and the capture of a large portion of its men. However, the men's resilience and determination to resist the enemy allowed them to endure their captivity and contribute to the Allied victory. The questionnaires that exist provide a valuable insight into the daily experiences of these elite troops, highlighting the harsh conditions they faced and the support they received from civilians across different countries.

Weight: 1088g
Dimension: 167 x 241 x 54 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399088374