Arnhem

[AndyBaldEagle]

52nd

There ae too many books on my bookcase to recommend any individual one! but make sure you have read plenty by the time you go, you have got 2 months or so to do so! Try and get a copy of Holt's tour guide as well, seems quite good, although I didnt take it last time I went (DOH!)
I hope you have your accomodation booked, if not, well, I think you might be struggling, if you are going over there for the anniversary.

I'm not going this year, I have run out of holidays and money, but a friend of mine is going with some veterans.
I'm sure you have your iterinary worked out already but if not, try not to miss the drop on the Saturday at Ginkelheide (hope I've spelled it properly!)

I'm hoping to be over there next yeary, but in May or June!.

Just had a quick look through my files and can see nothing about the chaps from OBLI. There probably would not have been a War Diary for such a small unit.

Commander of Defence Platoon was Lt Butterworth CSM WO2 R Field
from the ROH by Hey would appear 5 casualties shown as OBLI.

Have a good time and remember to take lots of photographs (and take plenty of spare batteries!)

Regards

Andy

[52nd Airborne]

Thanks for your post A.B.E.

Yes, I am visiting over the anniversary and my accomodation is sorted. This will be my third visit and my first walking the area.

I have read a majority of the books mentioned in this thread and I also have the ROH by Hey. There was an officer also killed - Captain Thomas-Moy who was with 1st Airlanding Brigade. Yes you're right there wouldn't be a war diary for such a small unit but they could possibly be mentioned in the 2nd Bn war diary as being attached to the 1st Airborne?

My next quest is to find a decent map of the area (1.25,000 scale) and thus so far searching the Internet for something that scale has proved fruitless.

[Paul Reed]

I noticed when at the NA the other day MLRS have republished an Arnhem map:

MLRS Books Limited: Reprints of military history source materials, especially from World War II - Arnhem 1944 (September)

The VVV in Oosterbeek has a full set of the modern local maps in decent scale; that's the only place I have ever been able to buy them. I don't believe you can get them online.

[52nd Airborne]

Cheers Paul! That is a great help!

[handtohand22]

This document was in the family since the war. Did not realize it's significance until I found out my Uncle was in 21st Ind Para Coy.

Anyone got Part 1?

[AndyBaldEagle]

I have got three of those booklets but from 1943! Picked them up for 50p each I think (Bargain!)

Andy

[Philip,ABRG]

I got part 2

[airborne medic]

Originally Posted by 52nd Airborne

Thanks for your post A.B.E.



My next quest is to find a decent map of the area (1.25,000 scale) and thus so far searching the Internet for something that scale has proved fruitless.

Can I suggest one of your first actions in oosterbeek is to go to the Museum and get the Waddy map or one produced for the Museum - both are based on the 1:25,000 Army Map service US Army 1944 Part of 6NW Arnhem 388 Ginkel.
Both are similar and the Waddy one is denoted with the stands from his BFT book.....I also think the Waddy map is available from Airborne Promotions at Aldershot....and shouldn't be more than £2 or £3....I'm looking at my copy of the Museum one as I write this!

[52nd Airborne]

Thanks A.M.

I've just looked on the Airborne Promotions website and the map isn't listed, I shall keep a lookout for it.

[airborne medic]

Originally Posted by 52nd Airborne

Thanks A.M.

I've just looked on the Airborne Promotions website and the map isn't listed, I shall keep a lookout for it.

OK....they used to sell it....I do know the Oosterbeek Museum shop had some in April....perhaps have a look on their website......