Bridge Over the River Rhine

By September 1944 the tides of war had turned, and the Allies were slowly washing inwards across Europe. Paris had been liberated and, five long years into World War Two, there was talk that it all could be over by Christmas. Integral to making this happen was a decisive entry into Germany.

Approaching Germany from the west, the Siegfried Line marked a significant obstacle for the Allies to cross. Heavy fortifications had been in place along almost 400 miles stretching the length of Germany's western border since before the war had begun - Hitler planning the 'Westwall' of his nation as early as 1936. Alongside thousands of bunkers lay 'dragon's teeth', which acted as tank traps.

The Allied solution to the Line was an airborne attack that was to be codenamed Operation Market Garden. The plan called for the largest ever aerial movement in military history, and would allow for the Siegfried Line to be broken from both sides. Near to the Dutch town of Arnhem troops were to be dropped, and were to take control of the bridges that crossed the Rhine. On September 17th 1944 the massive task was undertaken and, though there were plenty of initial successes, the attempt quickly stalled.

André Deutsch's book 'Victory in Europe', Julian Thompson looks at the battle that ensued after the initial landings and considers the individuals who found themselves surrounded once more by the terrors of war. Below is a letter sent during the battle at Arnhem, written by Daily Express reporter Alan Wood, and featured in the book.

For more on the battle, the operation and the decisive actions that would win the war for the Allies (albeit not by Christmas), read Julian Thompson's 'Victory In Europe'.