Who took the bridge at Nijmegen?

Who took the bridge at Nijmegen?

The city of Nijmegen played an important role in Operation Market Garden. With two bridges across the Waal river it was vital for the Allied advance towards Arnhem and Germany later on. On 20 September 1944 U.S. troops managed to capture both bridges and liberate the city.

Was Operation Market Garden a mistake?

The plan failed largely because of 30 Corps’ inability to reach the furthest bridge at Arnhem before German forces overwhelmed the British defenders. Allied intelligence had failed to detect the presence of German tanks, including elements of two SS Panzer divisions.

What happened at Nijmegen?

On 22 February 1944, the Allied Bombing of Nijmegen took place. Its intended target of opportunity was the railway station area (which the Germans used for weapons transport), but because the attack was carelessly executed, most bombs dropped on residential buildings in the city centre, killing about 800 civilians.

Why was Nijmegen bombed?

Background. A planned raid on the city of Gotha was part of the so-called ‘Big Week’ (official name: Operation Argument), a series of Allied bombardments on German aircraft factories to weaken the Luftwaffe in preparation for D-Day (June 1944).

How many troops died in Operation Market Garden?

Of the approximately 10,600 Allied forces who made it north of the Rhine in September 1944, some 7,900 were killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Allied casualties during the operation totaled more than 17,000, compared with around 8,000 on the German side.

How many soldiers were killed at Arnhem?

Allied victims The total number of Allied soldiers who died in the Battle of Arnhem is 1,984 casualties. 1,485 soldiers of the troops that landed at Arnhem were killed. The 1st Airborne Division had the most casualties: 1,174 soldiers. 219 men of the Glider Pilot Regiment were killed.

How many paras died at Arnhem?

Farthest north, the British 1st Airborne Division landed at Arnhem to capture bridges across the Nederrijn (Lower Rhine), supported by men of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade….