10,000 men dropped in to Arnhem. Only 2,000 returned, here’s why

On the 17th of September 1944, Operation Market Garden began. The British 1st Airborne Division landed near the town of Arnhem. Their objective was the road bridge over the River Rhine, the last natural barrier between the Western Allies and Germany. They were supposed to capture the bridge and hold it for 2 days until relief arrived. Instead, 10 days later, the battered remnants of the division were finally withdrawn from the battle. Of 10,000 men that dropped in only 2,000 made it back. So, what happened? Why did the attack on Arnhem go so disastrously wrong? To answer that question, we’ve teamed up with Airborne Assault, the Regimental Museum of the Parachute Regiment and British Airborne Forces. Using their objects we’ll tell the story of a battle where everything that could go wrong did go wrong, and yet, one which came surprisingly close to succeeding. Discover what’s on at IWM Duxford for Arnhem 80: Visit the Airborne Ass