Battle Craft 2: Operation Market Garden (Paperback)
A Bridge too Far
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Series: Battle Craft
Illustrations: 200 colour & black and white illustrations
ISBN: 9781399007665
Published: 27th May 2022
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Every General’s aim is to end a war by Christmas, and Montgomery, perhaps, saw his opportunity in a bold strike across the southern portion of the Netherlands close to the borders of an embattled Reich. Still heady from earlier victories in the Normandy campaign, the plan to push deep into enemy territory, with land and airborne forces, was as daring as it was dangerous. Some would say the furthest objective, Arnhem Bridge, was a Bridge too Far.
Separated into two distinct elements, Market, the airborne assault, was designed to capture the vital bridges across the many rivers and canals that were needed. Garden, the ground assault, would ensure the bridges were soon part of a wider Allied salient. However, planning and intelligence was as not as thorough as it had been in previous operations and Market Garden turned from glorious adventure, with easily achievable aims, to an almost devastating defeat.
This Battle Craft title also looks at four pieces of military hardware that were involved in these legendary battles. Representing the land forces are the Triumph HW3 motorcycle, a dispatch riders stalwart and the unique German Sd.Kfz.2 Kettenkrad. These amazing machines were vital in maintaining lines of communications. On the main route of the march, the state-of-the-art British Cromwell duelled valiantly against the deadly Panther Ausf G.
The Quartermaster section provides the modeller with an insight into the development and operational use of the four chosen vehicles that were involved in Market Garden. A selection of historical and contemporary photos and illustrations feature alongside stunning showcase builds, providing the modeller with subjects to whet the creative appetite. It also features details of model kits and extras that can really help the modeller bring military history to life.
There are a range of images that support the text and visa-versa, and maps which, while simplistic, convey information at a glance. There is good coverage of both sides of the battle, and is apolitical, which is appreciated in an era of revisionist history.
Armorama
Offers a pretty good overview of the operation along with 102 black and white photos, two color photos, and four color maps.
The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society
Aimed at the modeller new and old to introduce them to the operation that was Market Garden and featuring an easy guide to copying buildings, painting, weathering and detailing techniques to assist the modeller in bringing his ‘builds’ to life. Included in the book are photographs and maps along with a synopsis of the battle and key personnel involved. Along with overviews showcasing model builds of the machines that took part both British and German. Very useful reference material once again.
IPMS Keighley
"This book is aimed at both modelers and military historians, who will enjoy it."
AMPS Indianapolis
This is the story on which the classic blockbuster movie A Bridge Too Far is based. Superb.
Books Monthly
In these days of tight budgets for hobbies, the ability to purchase dedicated reference material is constrained, especially when you factor in the cost of models and materials. This title provides a good look at Operation Market Garden, with a decent number of photographs of the events therein. With the book then changing to a modelling title that provides reference on four specific subjects and also includes after market materials available, and also shows examples of built models, and all of that is offered currently at £11.89 which is going to be damn hard to beat.
Armorama
Read the full review here
Working within the limitations of the BattleCraft series, this is aimed at the new or returning modeller, with the basic historical story of this famous operation from September 1944, coupled with a guide to some basic builds along with painting and weathering techniques for some models of subjects that would have taken part in the battle. The BattleCraft series is a relatively new series from Pen & Sword and fitting all the historical and modelling content together within the format of the book is a challenge, and I think Ben has managed to find the balance rather well.
Military Model Scene
Read the full review here
As featured in
Newark Advertiser
As is usual with this series the historical overview is excellent and provides a good introduction to the Arnhem operation. It is well supported by relevant images and maps, it’s real interest for some will be the excellent modelling of the Panther tank and the Kettenkrad. All good value.
Michael McCarthy
Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide
About Ben Skipper
Ben Skipper is a freelance writer with over 100 articles on art, military and field sports subjects. He’s a member of the Society of Authors, the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists and the NUJ as well as being an Honorary Member of the Pen and Sword Club (military journalists and writers).
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