ABSTRACT

The 1st Airborne Division was based in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, but in practice parts of it were dispersed to such places as the South Midlands, Dorset, Kent and even Belgium, while their commander and most of his staff were living on a golf course just outside London. Many a local young woman's heart had fluttered with anxiety every time the lorry convoys left towns and villages. Various additions were being made to the Arnhem-bound force, all requiring accommodation in the already strained glider and parachute aircraft capacity. The airborne units had a frustrating time when there was a period of very wet weather. Brian Urquhart was convinced that the Arnhem part of 'Market' was in grave danger. A little German armour was reputed to be refitting in the Arnhem area. Most of people were straining at the leash to get into battle. Messenger pigeons were indented for from RAF lofts, and eighty-two birds would actually be taken to Arnhem.