Book Review : Arnhem by Major General R E Urquhart

ArnhemArnhem by R.E. Urquhart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a joy to read – highly engaging and very well written.

Major General R E Urquhart was Divisional Commander of the British 1st Airborne Division that was dropped into Arnhem in 1944 so its a history written from first hand experience and it doesn’t disappoint.

It’s engaging , informative and at times humorous. As it’s written by a soldier you might expect it to be rather taciturn in style – a clipped lists of military facts – but it’s not. He draws you in with interesting anecdotes , asides and humour whilst telling the story of operation Market Garden. Its also deeply contemplative on the mistakes made and opportunities missed. He doesn’t white wash the facts and goes into some detail on what could have been done differently and whether or not it would have or could have made any difference to the outcome of this epic battle.

If you want a good insight and overview of this most famous of WWII battles then this is a very good book to start with.

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Book Synopsis

‘Official’ Book Description


Major-General Urquhart commanded the 1st British Airborne Division in Operation Market Garden, the greatest airbone assault of World War II, the struggle to capture Arnhem and win control of the bridge across the lower Rhine. The story of the 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem involved not only an Airborne Corps of three Divisions but also the bulk of the British 2nd Army in Europe. Gen. Urquhart has told the story of those fateful nine days clearly, frankly and, despite the terrible circumstances, not without humour. It ranks as an important work, describing an operation which opened with such high hopes and left its name forever as a feat of the highest endurance and valour.