On 17 September 1944, over 20,000 elite troops descended from the skies into Nazi occupied Holland. This massive airborne assault was planned with a view to ending the war in Europe by Christmas 1944. The Allies aimed to secure the bridges of Holland’s canals and rivers; the army would then be able to advance at high speed into Hitler's Germany.
In order to be successful, Operation Market Garden's synchronised plan had to work like clockwork. In a dramatic race against time, an armoured relief force attempted to fight through sixty miles of enemy defences; they hoped to reach British paratroopers at the end of the line at Arnhem bridge.
The British paratroopers, known as 'Red Devils', had received strict orders to hold their positions in the face of the enemy onslaught. They categorically refused to surrender, even after they were surrounded by German troops.
Despite the Herculean efforts of American, British and Polish troops, Operation Market Garden ended in failure; Allied forces incurred 17,000 Allied casualties.
In this fascinating documentary, aerial reconnaissance photographs taken at the time have been layered over a three dimensional map in order to create a CGI 'model' of the battle for the bridges. For the first time, these original high-resolution images allow the viewer to track the battle, step by step, from the air. Individual stories of courage and heroism can be placed in the exact location where they took place.
Using cutting edge technology, unique archive film, vivid re-enactments and extraordinary interviews with the men who fought on the road to Arnhem, this documentary offers a unique insight into one of the most inspiring stories of the Second World War.
click here to see where to watch or .
Ready to Watch Lost Evidence, Season 1, Episode 11?