Narrow Escapes of World War II episode 8: Major-General ‘Roy’ Urquhart led the doomed British attack on Arnhem, but somehow made it back across the Rhine, dodging enemy gunfire and patrols. In September 1944, 40,000 Allied troops descend on occupied Holland to secure the bridges over the countrys many waterways, pave the way for an invasion of Germany, and bring about an end to the war. But for British soldiers under the command of Maj. Gen. Roy Urquhart, the new mission becomes survival. September 1944 everyone thought Hitler was finished. It was the biggest airborne assault in history – 40,000 men would descend on occupied Holland to answer the big question of how to press home the advantage and end the war. Leading the vanguard was Major General Roy Urquhart, courageous and head strong, fulfilled a textbook operation.
Major-General Roy Urquhart was a magnificent soldier ferocious in battle and yet always protective of his men. He had just one weakness. Flying made him sick. He was therefore a truly odd choice to be put in command of the 1st Airborne division – the Paras. When he led the doomed British attack on Arnhem, he found himself overwhelmed, outnumbered and trapped. How he and his driver made it back across the River Rhine, escaping shells, and German patrols is one of the great epics of personal bravery.
Narrow Escapes of World War II tells the real stories of courageous and deadly fights against impossible odds. The extraordinary stories of heroes; men who stand up and fight when everything seems lost. Those brilliant generals, ferocious warriors and individual acts of courage that can turn the tide in a war, and whose stories can still be told as shining examples of bravery and courage. This series combines eyewitness and expert testimony with specially shot material, dramatic reconstruction and archive much of it previously unseen.
Revisit some of the most daring missions of World War II as recounted by leading historians, military experts, and occasionally by the participants themselves. These 13 gripping episodes feature operations that took place all over the world—from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the steppes of southern Russia, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the frozen waters of the Baltic and the skies over Nazi-occupied France. With the benefit of original film footage, informative maps, and dramatic recreations, Narrow Escapes tells stories of valor, suffering, dedication, and determination—exploits of bravery that helped shape the outcome of the Second World War and continue to inspire today.
Narrow Escapes of World War II episode 8
During World War II, Operation Market Garden was launched by the Allies to take control of key bridges in the Netherlands and pave the way for an advance into Germany. However, the operation turned into a disaster, with the British 1st Airborne Division finding itself trapped in the Dutch town of Arnhem. In the midst of this chaos, Brigadier General Roy Urquhart, the division’s commander, found himself fighting for his life in a desperate bid to escape.
Urquhart and his men were surrounded by German forces and subjected to heavy bombardment. Despite this, Urquhart refused to surrender and instead led his troops on a daring escape through enemy lines, eventually making his way to Allied territory. Urquhart’s bravery and leadership in the face of adversity have made him a legend among military historians. His escape from Arnhem is a testament to his determination and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds.
The story of Roy Urquhart’s escape from Arnhem is a fascinating tale of heroism and survival during World War II. It highlights the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and underscores the importance of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Roy Urquhart’s escape from Arnhem serves as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness of the soldiers who fought in World War II. His actions demonstrate that even in the most dire of circumstances, the human spirit can persevere and triumph.
