Training for Battle in South Kesteven
South Kesteven saw first-hand the British 1st Airborne Division’s intense training, preparation and departure for Operation MARKET GARDEN.
The district became a training area for troops of the British 1st Airborne Division under the command of Major General Robert 'Roy' Urquhart, and their Pegasus winged horse and Bellerophon insignia was seen everywhere. Virtually every large house in the district was used as accommodation for the Airborne soldiers.
The Division’s preparation was meticulous until, finally, came the orders to embark on Operation MARKET GARDEN. The British 1st Airborne Division was tasked with capturing and holding key bridges at Arnhem. Its training would be put to the ultimate test.
For more information on training carried out by the 1st Airborne Division before it flew to Arnhem, click here:
A jeep towing a 6-pounder anti-tank gun from the 2nd Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment, moving east along the Utrechtseweg, Oosterbeek, towards Arnhem on Monday, 18th September 1944.
British 1st Airborne Division
A paratrooper makes a heavy landing during an exercise. (Critical Past film 65675058877)
1st Airborne Battle Training
17 September 1944: Men of the British 3rd Parachute Battalion jumping from C-47s of the US 314th Troop Carrier Group over the dropzone at Renkum, near Arnhem. (Paradata/Airborne Assault Museum)