CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Advice for Visitors

Chapter 1: JOE’S BRIDGE

The Irish Guards seize a vital bridge

Chapter 2: BACKGROUND AND THE MARKET GARDEN PLAN

Alliance politics, logistics and Montgomery’s plan

Chapter 3: BREAKOUT TO VALKENSWAARD

The wait, the ambush and the halt at Valkenswaard

Chapter 4: THE ADVANCE TO EINDHOVEN AND THE SON BRIDGE

The Guards’ advance continues and the liberation of Eindhoven

Chapter 5: 101st US AIRBORNE AT SON

The blowing of the Son Bridge and 107 Panzer Brigade’s attack

Chapter 6: BEST - THE UNPLANNED BATTLE

An unequal battle on the flanks

Chapter 7: ST OEDENRODE

The drop and capture of the town

Chapter 8: VEGHEL

The misdrop, capture and defence of the town

Chapter 9: SCHIJNDEL

The big trap that was not to be

Chapter 10: VEGHEL-CLOSURE OF HELL’S HIGHWAY

Hell’s Highway is cut at a vital moment

Chapter 11: THE CUT AT KOEVERING

The final cut that crushed Montgomery’s dream

Appendix I Closure of Hell’s Highway

Appendix II Order of Battle

Appendix III Cemeteries