CHAPTER FIVE

101st US AIRBORNE AT SON

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

Following signs to Son en Breughel on the N265 leave the northern suburbs of Eindhoven. Drive the four miles to Son en Breughel and shortly after reaching the southern outskirts of the town, cross the modern replacement lift bridge over the Wilhemina Canal. Resist the temptation to park in the convenient bus stop just across the canal, as this causes offence. There is plenty of room on the parallel, local traffic, carriageway near the supermarket.

At bases in England, the 101st were briefed on their tasks. 506 PIR’s initial objective, on their route south from their DZ to Eindhoven, was the Bridge at Son. Colonel Sink’s Regiment was to drop on the open ground beyond the Son Forest, DZ Charlie, some three miles north-west of the Son Canal Bridge. The plan was for Major James La Padre’s 1/506 to strike due south from the DZ through the Son Forest to the Wilhemina Canal and attack the Bridge from the west. This battalion was also responsible for capturing a subsidiary bridge that lay 1,400 yards to the west of the main Canal Bridge. Having assembled at their battalion RVs, 2 and 3/506 PIR were then to move down the road and cross the Canal Bridge and advance into Eindhoven. 2/506 were responsible for another subsidiary bridge 1,400 yards to the east. These objectives, up to and including Eindhoven, where 506 PIR were to have met up with the Guards, were planned to be secured before last light on 17 September.

The Drop – PM Sunday 17 September 1944

Before take-off, commanders mulled over their plans, as watched by correspondent, WB Courtney, the:

‘… long files of the fighting skymen are waddling in their grotesque clothes, and with packs and weapons of all sizes carried on their shoulders, out to the planes. You are not prepared for their happy go lucky mood at such a moment, so unlike the quiet grimness of the land infantry. They shout and wise crack and catcall. They see a handful of US nurses, trim in blue fatigue coveralls, watching them from beside the control tower, and immediately there is an outburst of whistling across the field.