On 18th September XXX Corps continued their advance, liberating Eindhoven, then linking up with the US 101st Airborne Division and starting work on a Bailey Bridge* over the Son. They were now 18 hours behind schedule. (See Market Garden 1944-2014.)
82nd Airborne had secured all its bridges except the Nijmegen road bridge where the Germans held firm.
Although more British airborne troops landed the Germans held their drop zone on Ginkel Heath (north-west of Arnhem), by the end of the afternoon so they could not be re-supplied. Those airborne troops already landed were engaged in fierce fighting and gradually being surrounded. Colonel Frost’s isolated troops on Arnhem bridge successfully stopped German vehicles from crossing.
*the British portable, pre-fabricated truss bridge invented during WW2 and developed in Christchurch, Dorset.
61st Recce’s ‘A’ Squadron were involved in finding routes from Valkenswaard for the tanks and Roy Howard mentions that it was the Household Cavalry that first met up with 101st Airborne Division at Woensel, between Eindhoven and Son. (From ‘Beaten Paths are Safest’ by Roy Howard, Brewin Books 2004)
Letter written on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th September 1944
61st Recce Regt RAC
BLA
Monday Sept 18th
Chotie Darling,
Many thanks for your letter received a couple of days ago. There’s nothing much of any real interest to tell you – no current news, anyhow.
We’ve been much luckier of late in getting into some towns instead of the old perpetual fields and orchards. Have spent several days recently in or near a small town (Wimborne* size) and been able to get a harbour and several other necessities.
There are plenty of pubs here, and although they are still called cafés, they correspond much more to our conception of a pub. They also have the excellent idea of having the barbers inside the pub itself so that you can have a pint or two whilst waiting your turn. Altogether a very happy solution to this queueing problem.
A lot of my troop have bought scent and powder with enticing Paris labels – but personally I’ve avoided buying any as I don’t trust them. One of my blokes bought three bottles which cost him 1000 f (£5) which is obviously Black Market stuff. Maybe I’m sceptical – as usual.
I’ve been trying to read my Mozart, which is pretty heavy going, being in French. It’s an excellent book, however, so I’m persevering. I also have a copy of ‘Gentlemen prefer Blondes**’ in French, which is quite amusing but less instructive.
Have met a lot of Ted’s crowd*** but haven’t yet contacted him.
Brinner is still at Base as far as I know – he’ll probably still be there when we get the final ‘cease firing’.
I imagine Johnny Jones is with this latest Airborne effort. Did you hear anything of him when you were on leave? I haven’t heard a thing.
We now manage to get a better variety of food, than hitherto – eggs & tomatoes**** (hundreds of them) instead of the endless run of sausage-meat. We also get a few mushrooms from time to time. Must close here to do some work.
All my love
Darling
Dicker
Will write some more tonight.
Well, Darling, I couldn’t finish this letter last night because we moved during the evening.
I’ve found out where Brinner is but as he’s some 60 miles from me at the moment there seems no chance of contacting him.
I’m afraid I can’t write any more as I have a full day ahead fitting new wireless sets to my cars.
All my love Precious
Dicker.
*a small town in Dorset.
**the American novel by Anita Loos published in 1925.
***the Guards Armoured Division.
****Uncle Ted told me he once had to hide out in a tomato field behind enemy lines and just lived on tomatoes for a couple of days - he couldn't bear to eat them after that (Chotie’s Daughter).
© Chotie Darling
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