Five Brothers and a War

Operation Market Garden—Sep. 17-25, 1944

support the forces. As it was, the operation dragged on, giving another huge advantage to the Germans, who had their entire nation in logistical support behind their forces. The Allies suffered massive losses, and ultimately were forced to surrender. According to historian Stephen E. Ambrose, the major faults that contributed to the operation's failure are as follows: • German opposition outmanned and outgunned Allied paratroopers. • Paratroopers lacked weaponry necessary to take out German tanks. • German troops stationed near operation area were elite troops, and Allied intelligence failed to uncover this information. • Lack of coordination between American infantry and British armor. • The pencil-like thrust front was too narrow, and left a long 80-mile supply line exposed to flanking attacks.

the war

Two lines of C-47 “Skytrain” transports, loaded with personnel and equipment ready for takeoff in support of Operation Market Garden, September 17, 1944.

Five Brothers and a War

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