Groesbeek Heights

By September 17th, during Operation Market Garden, the 82nd Airborne had secured most of its objectives, except for the Nijmegen bridges. Late that day, reports were received at General Gavin's headquarters that German troops, namely battlegroups, Staargard, Fuerstenberg and Greschick …

1944-09-18

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By September 17th, during Operation Market Garden, the 82nd Airborne had secured most of its objectives, except for the Nijmegen bridges. Late that day, reports were received at General Gavin's headquarters that German troops, namely battlegroups, Staargard, Fuerstenberg and Greschick were massing in the Reichwald forest, just to the east of General Gavin's position. The strength of the German forces, although greatly exaggerated, caused the General to recall his forces to protect the drop zones on Groesbeek Heights. When the Germans finally attacked the next morning, their initial push burst through the 82nd's perimeter defenses. Gavin's paratrooper units however, countered quickly and fought off repeated attacks through the morning hours. During the height of the fighting a desperate paratrooper bayonet attack finally secured the landing zones and the Germans broke and ran.

Groesbeek Heights, Holland

The Battle of Nijmegen or Liberation of Nijmegen occurred in the Netherlands from 17 to 20 September 1944, as part of Operation Market Garden during World War II. The Allies' primary goal was to capture the two bridges over the Waal River at Nijmegen – the road route over the Waalbrug (Waal Bridge) and Nijmegen railway bridge – and relieve the British 1st Airborne Division and Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade at Arnhem, 10 miles (16 km) north of Nijmegen. The Allied infantry units at Arnhem were surrounded by German forces, and involved in heavy fighting for control of bridges over the Rhine. Delays caused by hastily-organized German reinforcements at Nijmegen ultimately led to the failure of Operation Market Garden. It took the Allies longer than expected to secure a land route to Arnhem, where the British and Polish forces were forced south of the Rhine and sustained massive casualties. In addition, fighting at Nijmegen cost hundreds of civilian lives, and caused significant damage to many buildings in the city.

Wikipedia: Battle of Nijmegen

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