I looked at purchasing this book when it first come out in December 2024, but was put off somewhat by the price, however after a recommendation from Peter Anthony on the CoC Facebook page I took the plunge last week and ordered the book direct from Marcel at https://www.einsatz-arnheim.com. I placed my order on the 14th September and received it here in the UK a week later on the 21st.
Einsatz Arnheim
Marcel Zwarts
MZS Publishing
ISBN: 987-90-834813-0-2
This is a might tome of 536 pages in a sturdy hardback cover. Its sub title is "German Armoured Units and their Opponents at Arnhem and Oosterbeek, September 1944" which describes exactly what the book covers. The book is split into four chapters, and includes appendices A-H.
Chapter One - Armoured Units
This chapter covers the overall situation in the Netherlands on the eve of Market Garden, and details each of the armoured units that would be involved. Those familiar with Marcel's previous book "German Armoured Units at Arnhem: September 1944" will recognise the pictorial organisation charts detailing the vehicles and guns available for the various units.
please note images are of low quality to protect copy write.
Chapter Two - Rückmarsch
This covers the withdrawal of 9th and 10th SS-Panzer Divisions from France during the period 21st August 1944 though to the eve of Market Garden on 16th September providing context for the state of these units at the start of the operation.
Chapter Three - The Battle
This is the largest chapter in the book and provides a day by day breakdown of the actions as the Germans react to the British Airborne units attempt to reach, hold and reinforce the bridgehead at the Arnhem Road bridge from 17th September until the bridgehead is eliminated on the 20th.
Chapter Four - Hexenkessel
Covering the period 21st September until the 26th this chapter details the operations of the German armoured units and the British and Polish defence in the Oosterbeek area as the perimeter is squeezed and eventually collapses when the Allied forces withdraw to the south bank of the Rhine.
There are then a further eight appendices with these covering among other things German armoured vehicle and Allied anti tank-gun loses, and a detailed look at the composition of Gräbner's SS-Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 9.
It is immediately apparent on turning the pages that this was a labour of love for the author and that he has attempted to provide the definitive book on the actions of the German armoured units in the Arnhem and Oosterbeek areas, and of the British and Poles in opposition. In my opinion he has been wildly successful in this regard.
The book has over 500 high quality photos, many of which I had not seen before, and these are often crossed referenced to the detailed maps included and descriptions of key events. There are 55 maps and numerous diagrams detailing TOE and unit composition particularly from the German perspective.
The main reason for my purchasing the book was to assist with my Arnhem Bridge Perimeter project and it has already answered a great many queries I had in this regard despite not yet having fully read it. The aerial photos of the bridge area are of such high resolution that I can make out individual building details and pre-war photos are also included of the bridge area showing specific key buildings and locations. Exactly what I was hoping for.
Pairing this book with the redoubtable "Arnhem 1944 - The Airborne Battle" by Martin Middlebrook provides a very comprehensive overview and in many cases minutely detailed view of the actions in and around the landing and drop zones, Arnhem and Oosterbeek.
I would thoroughly recommend this book if the wallet allows. While it is not cheap I do believe its contents are of such quality that its does provide great value for the money if you have an interest in the events of September 1944.
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