If you are interested in World War II, there is a book series you should not miss. Christer Bergstrom, a recognized expert on World War II, has written a two-volume series on Operation Market Garden. This article is about the first part: “Arnhem 1944, a historic battle reviewed, Part 1: tanks and paratroopers.”
Who is Christer Bergström?
Born in 1958, Christer Bergström is known as one of the top experts when it comes to World War II. With numerous books to his name, he has already done a lot of research on various events of the war. He has brought new insights on well-known events such as the Ardennes Offensive, the Battle of Britain and the fighting on the Eastern Front. Now he turns his attention to Operation Market Garden.
The Approach
In this first part, you get a picture of the run-up to Operation Market Garden. The Germans were under pressure and the Allies were making good progress. There was a moment, known as “Dolle Tuesday,” when many thought the war would soon be over.
The Events
Between Sept. 17 and 19, 1944, the operation began. The Allies landed in the Netherlands, aiming to capture important bridges. The Germans responded quickly, but also made some mistakes. The book goes deep into the fighting, including around the city of Nijmegen.
Remarkably, the Americans captured the bridge at Nijmegen twice, but also lost it twice again. Only after a third attempt, during which they had to cross a river, did they succeed in capturing the bridge once and for all.
Why Read This Book?
New Perspective: This book offers a fresh look at a well-known historical event.
Detailed Information: You get a clear picture of the operation, from major strategies to individual actions.
Illustrations: The book includes historical photographs and maps, which helps to get a better idea of the situation at the time.
Conclusion
“Arnhem 1944, a historical battle revisited, Part 1: tanks and paratroopers” is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II. And once you’ve started, you’ll definitely want to read the second part as well, “Part 2: The Lost Victory,” which delves deeper into the end of the battle and subsequent fighting in Overloon. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge of this crucial period in history.
Photo credits cover photo: Corporal Andy Reddy RLC via Wikimedia Commons, commemorating 70 years of Market Garden.
World War II was one of the most influential events in world history, and a center of this conflict was Berlin. The city had a number of important sites, including the Reich Chancellery and the infamous Führerbunker. These sites, both of which played an important role in the final days of the war, provide insight into Adolf Hitler’s personal life and life under the rule of the Third Reich.
The Reich Chancellery: Hitler’s Center of Power
Built between 1938 and 1939, the Reich Chancellery served as the official headquarters of Adolf Hitler, the Führer of Nazi Germany. This structure was designed by architect Albert Speer, who was best known for his ambitious building projects for the Third Reich.
The Reich Chancellery was a symbol of the Nazi regime, with its large-scale architecture intended to exude the power and prestige of Hitler’s Germany. There was a courtyard, offices, a large hall and an underground bunker.
The construction of the Führerbunker
The Führerbunker was Hitler’s last refuge. Built under the Reich Chancellery, it was a safe haven designed to protect Hitler and his staff from Allied bombing raids. Construction of the bunker began in 1936 and was completed in 1944, consisting of two levels with a total of 30 rooms.
The bunker’s walls were enormously thick, designed to withstand even the most powerful bombs of the time. The interior was austere, but good enough for the Führer and his staff during sieges.
Life in the bunker
Life in the Führerbunker was far from comfortable. Despite its safety, it was a place of constant tension and fear, with limited light and ventilation. Hitler spent his final period in this oppressive environment, surrounded by his closest associates as he tried to maintain control of the rapidly disintegrating Third Reich.
The end is approaching
In April 1945, as Allied troops approached Berlin, the Führerbunker was the scene of Hitler’s final days. Hiding in the bunker, he married his long-term partner Eva Braun, and shortly thereafter they both committed suicide.
After Hitler’s death, the bunker fell into the hands of Soviet troops. In the years that followed, the Führerbunker was largely destroyed and forgotten, a silent witness to the fall of the Third Reich.
The current state of the bunker
Today, little remains of the Führerbunker. There is now a parking lot on that site, and the only reminder of its historical significance is a small sign. The physical structure is largely gone, but its history is still present in the town’s memory.
More information and books/magazines about the Führerbunker and the Reich Chancellery
The story of the Reich Chancellery and the Führerbunker is only part of the extensive history of World War II. For those who want to learn more, we recommend purchasing volume 61 of the magazine “Then and Now 40-45,” which offers a comprehensive look at the events of that time.
Nedvision Publishing also offers a wide range of books on World War II in Berlin. These books highlight the many facets of this dark period and can serve as valuable resources for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge about this time. Explore Nedvision Publishing’s collection today.