Arnhem Trivia Quiz

Answer: Operation Market Garden

Market Garden had two elements. An airborne carpet (market) to be laid, to allow ground forces (garden) passage through German lines. The aim was to seize a series of bridges on the Lower Rhine and then swing into the Ruhr.

Answer: XXX Corps

XXX Corps under Lt. Gen. Brian Horrocks were part of 2nd British Army. The Corps were given the task of reaching Arnhem in two days.

Answer: 1st British & 18th US

1st British Airborne Corps contained the 1st Brish Airborne Division, which included 1st Polish Parachute Bde. 18th US Airborne Corps contained the 82nd and 101st US Airborne Divisions.

Answer: II SS Panzer Corps

The II SS Panzer Corps had been moved to the area of Arnhem to rest and refit after its mauling during the Normandy Campaign, and had replaced many of their losses. Its placing was one of fate, Field Marshal Model ordered the move as his last order before relinquishing his post as OBW (Oberbefehlshaber West).

Answer: Lt. Gen. Frederick Browning, 1st British Airborne Corps

At a briefing on the 10th September 1944, Browning expressed the view that the Allies may be going "a bridge too far". This phrase has since been used to describe the Arnhem Offensive.

Answer: 6-8

These drop zones were picked due to fears of German anti-aircraft fire and the risk of collisions on the return with aircraft dropping the US 82nd. This was one of the aspects that added problems to the operation.

Answer: Lt. Gen. Wilhelm Bittrich

Kussin was Area Commandant and was killed early on the 17th September 1944, but his loss had no bearing on German movements. Orders came direct from Bittrich.

Answer: Lt. Col. John Frost's, 2nd Batt., Parachute Rgt. Arnhem

By holding out Frost's men prevented German units from getting to Nijmegen in strength. Although the bridge was not captured, by their prescence and dogged resistance the Paras prevented the destruction of the US 82nd Airborne.

Answer: True

His interrogator, a German Major said, 'I wish to congratulate you and your men. You are gallant soldiers. I fought at Stalingrad and it is obvious that you British have a great deal of experience in street fighting.'
Gough simply stared back. 'No. This was our first effort. We'll be much better next time.'

Answer: The British Paras

German Paras are usually referred to as the Green Devils. The 101st are the Screaming Eagles. In some works I have read the 82nd are referred to as the All American. The British Paras took their title from the colour of their berets and the tenacity of their combat.

Answer: 9

The plan had been to relieve them after 48 hours, Browning said they could hold for 4 days. The troops at Arnhem Bridge held for 3 days. An Airborne Division had managed a feat of arms so far unequalled. Although lightly armed they had held off a heavily armed enemy for more than a week.

Answer: John Frost Bridge

The people of Arnhem were among the first to celebrate the actions of Frost's 2nd Batt. A stone column was erected shortly after the war to honour those who had fought. A plaque describing the action was installed in a building on the bridge itself.

Answer: The capture of Nijmegen Bridge

Nijmegen was captured in a brilliant feat of arms involving the Guards Armoured Division and the 504th Parachute Rgt 82nd Airborne Div. The 504th had used open assault boats to cross the Waal enabling the seizure of both ends of the bridge.

Answer: 7

Although Arnhem was not captured during the operation, Nijmegen provided the pivot for Montgomery's drive through the Reichswald. In its way the British action at Arnhem played a vital part in the successes gained in September 1944 which has often been overlooked.

Answer: Wahoo, Mohammed!

The call had been picked up from Tunisian veterans, echoing the calls of the Arabs. It was wildly inspiring in attack, and contemptuous in defence. During the fighting at Arnhem the calls became fewer but were never silenced.