U.S. and Allied military personnel will commemorate the 81st anniversary of Operation Market Garden, in the Netherlands, one of the largest Allied operations of World War II, connecting the strength of the Alliance and dedicated resolve during WWII to NATO strength and unity today. Eighty-one years later, the bravery and heroism of all Allies during World War II continues to resonate with U.S. forces around the world, who remain steadfast in their commitment to global peace and security.... read more
U.S. and Allied military personnel will commemorate the 81st anniversary of Operation Market Garden, in the Netherlands, one of the largest Allied operations of World War II, connecting the strength of the Alliance and dedicated resolve during WWII to NATO strength and unity today. Eighty-one years later, the bravery and heroism of all Allies during World War II continues to resonate with U.S. forces around the world, who remain steadfast in their commitment to global peace and security. Operation Market Garden and World War II remains an enduring historic reminder of how Allies with a common purpose and vision forge proven partnerships and reinforce bonds that remain to this day.
The operation was an airborne attack launched in conjunction with a ground attack by the British Second Army. The two attacks were known collectively as Operation MARKET-GARDEN. The airborne attack was designed to lay a carpet of airborne troops along a narrow corridor into Holland from Eindhoven northward to Arnhem. Airborne troops were to secure bridges across a number of canals as well as across three major water barriers. The objective was to get Allied troops across the Rhine. Three main advantages expected: cutting the land exit of Germans remaining in western Holland; outflanking the enemy's frontier defenses; and positioning British ground forces to drive into Germany along the North German plain. The operation was a daring strategic maneuver that failed. show less
