AAR 2

From: Pete Panzeri, Organizer

Our 17-19Sept MARKET GARDEN Weekend was surely the best Campaign weekend ever. Features included the a exceptional WWII Model display by the International Plastic Modelers Society, an "Airborne Warfare Seminar" by LTC Mark Johnson, and three complete demonstrations from Reenactors of the Irish Guards, followed by British, American and German Airborne units. Thanks to all of these people, and especially to Rick Stakes and friends for their MAJOR contribution. Willi Zahn did a great Falschirmjeager presentation, *AND ALSO* was voted "Eindhoven MVP" for command of a German Parachute Division, while BRIT PARA reenactor SGT Stephen Kellar won MVP for his role at Nijmegan with the 82nd Airborne DIV. Most Valuable Participant at Arnhem was Luke Holbrook (9th SS Hohenstauffen) while German MVP was Fred Hubig and Allied MVP was Mike Sarno. The "Crash and Burn Award" went to Jim Graham (Monty) for his sheep killing artillery, and his demonstration of the Combined Arms concept.

As are most REALLY EXCITING CONTESTS, the winners finished with a clear cut and decisive victory . . . BUT, the outcome was not clear right up until the 11th hour. On Day 1, the entire 1st Brit Para dropped and consolidated near (and some unfortunately dropped "into") Arnhem and controlled ALL of Arnhem and both sides of the Bridge there. Initially the US 82d Airborne DIV had success also. Despite heavy casualties they managed to firmly secure ALL of the key Nijmegen area bridges by the end of day two. But, the 101st Airborne DIV success, was limited due to early trouble with German Flak batteries, and some surprise SS units retreating from XXX Corps. Thus, the 101st didn't capture the Eindhoven Bridge until XXX Corps arrived. However, the Brits, and later Poles, at Arnhem were eventually doomed by Day 4, when XXX Corps slowed to a crawl past Eindhoven and came to a complete halt at Veghel.

While the battle was a close run thing until the end, the Germans initial blunt of XXX Corps at Eindhoven (over 1,200 Brit. Infantry Casualties on day one and two) made the Arnhem success all the more frustrating for them. Having infantry and Artillery support stripped off at Eindhoven, the unsupported Brit Armor never made it through the town of Veghel. By 9 am on day 4, 150 tanks were KO'd there. Most of the anti tank damage was done by close assault from German Pioneer Companies in the town and beside the two bridges there (They only intended to destroy the bridges, not kill 150 tanks!). So much for getting al the way to Arnhem. Despite a hasty pontoon bridge there was no time left. When the smoke cleared on day 4, the XXX Corps spearhead was blunted and all of Arnhem was again in German hands. All of the Allied and German Commanders did a superb job right up until the end, and special Kudos to the GM's JT, Mike Pierce, and Charlie Elsden for truly tireless contribution. It was a unique experience, we hope to someday capture again.