Battle Report: Grabner's Assault on Arnhem Bridge

The British open fire on the approaching Germans

The morning sun cast long shadows over the battle-scarred town of Arnhem. The British Paratroopers from 1st Airborne Division lay in wait within the damaged buildings, their eyes trained on the bridge that was key to the entire operation. The once picturesque town had turned into a formidable stronghold, with every window and ruin potentially hiding a defender ready to unleash fury on the approaching German forces.

The calm before the storm was shattered as the rumble of German vehicles echoed across the bridge. The British soldiers tightened their grips on their weapons, nerves taut. As the first German units began to cross, the signal was given. A hail of fire erupted from the British positions, sending bullets and shells raining down upon the advancing troops.

Chaos on the bridge!

German soldiers found themselves pinned down by the relentless and precise fire. The sound of gunfire was deafening, and the air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of cordite. Despite their initial shock, the Germans tried to return fire, but their attempts were largely ineffective against the well-concealed British positions.

Amidst the chaos, Lance corporal Harry Styles of the british flamethrower team saw an opportunity. Harry and his assistant dashed from their cover, their flamethrower aimed at a German Hanomag half-track. The intent was to turn the vehicle into a blazing inferno, but in their haste, the flames went wide, missing the target. The Germans, now fully aware of the immediate threat, swiftly retaliated. A volley of bullets cut down the brave flamethrower team before they could retreat to safety. 

The Sd.Kfz. 234 fires onto the British 6pdr

German vehicles raced across the bridge and began swerving wildly through the streets past the paratrooper with the intent of making a break through the city. In anticipation the British 6pdr gun spun around to pick off the vehicles as they roared across the fields skirting Arnhem. Meanwhile, down the street, a German Puma armored car had found its mark. The Puma's pintle mounted machine gun roared to life, sending a hail of bullets down the street towards the British 6pdr anti-tank gun crew. The fire was near enough to send debris flying and pinned the gun crew, preventing them from returning effective fire. 

In a desperate bid to break through, a German Kubelwagen made a mad dash for safety. The small vehicle sped across the open field, drawing the attention of the British Vickers MG team. The machine gun opened up, its staccato fire tearing into the Kubelwagen's engine. The vehicle sputtered and came to a halt, smoke billowing from under the hood. The German crew, realising their situation was untenable, abandoned the immobilised vehicle and sought cover.

 

The wagon immobilised inches from the table edge.

Grabner's assault had been fierce but ultimately unsuccessful. The British paratroopers' determination and tactical acumen had proven too much for the Germans. In the chaos of the battle, SS-Hauptsturmführer Viktor Grabner was lost. While the British presumed him dead on the bridge amidst the wreckage of his assault, the uncertainty lingered—no body had been confirmed, leaving a shadow of doubt over his fate. Nevertheless, Arnhem bridge, a crucial link in Operation Market Garden, remained a bastion of resistance, thanks to the bravery and sacrifice of the men of the 1st Airborne Division.

 

 

Another cracking game of bolt action with an interesting scenario from the Operation Market Garden Campaign book. While it was a British victory the game was much closer than it seemed with the Germans poised to get the Kubbel, Motorbike and Puma off the table in the next turn (thus sealing a victory!) given the British could not immobilise the car. Looking forward to our next battle for the campaign where we will play out the capture of Nijmegen!