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The attempt of the Dorsets – doomed to fail


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In the night of 24 to 25 September 1944, after two earlier failed attempts by the Poles, a final operation was undertaken to reinforce the British troops in Oosterbeek. Unfortunately, the soldiers of The Dorsetshire Regiment also failed to reach the other side of the Rhine. This time the Poles did not take action, because the intended boats were not there.

In the night of 24 to 25 September 1944, a last attempt was made to reinforce the British troops in Oosterbeek by the Poles and the troops of The Dorsetshire Regiment. The Poles did not come into action, as the intended boats were not there. The Dorsets tried to cross the river at the opposite side of the Westerbouwing, which was located on high grounds. During a meeting with British officers in Valburg, Sosabowski had advised against crossing at this location because the German troops occupied this hill. The attempt to cross the river failed and Sosabowski’s objections to the chosen location, proved to be right.

De Polen van Driel