ABSTRACT
The formation of a defensive perimeter around the area where the remainder of the division's battle would be fought had started in the middle of the previous afternoon - Tuesday the 19th - when the survivors of the battalions attacking in western Arnhem streamed back towards Oosterbeek. The main defensive force was the almost intact 1st Border, which was in position among the fields, woods and lanes between a quarter and half a mile from the centre of Oosterbeek, stretching northwards from the Westerbouwing hill overlooking the Rhine. The survivors of the units falling back from Arnhem would have to turn and form the beginnings of what became the defence line on that side of the perimeter. The western face of the perimeter became established in a more orderly manner and under less pressure. In particular the Germans made a determined push against the forward force on the lower road, which was under the command of Major Lonsdale.
