Joe’s Bridge

To capture the bridge, the 2nd Household Cavalry used a route not marked on British maps. This route allowed the Household Cavalry to observe the bridge effectively and then launch a successful attack. The photo below shows the area around the bridge, highlighting several key points. The photo was taken on September 11, 1944.

Here’s a description of the key points on the photo taken on September 11, 1944:

1. The photo clearly shows where the original bridge, which was blown up in 1940, was located. The wooden emergency bridge, captured on September 10, 1944, is also visible but is not aligned with the road.

2. This is the zinc factory used by British Lieutenant Cresswell as an observation post. During reconnaissance, he utilized the factory’s elevated position to assess whether the bridge was still intact and how it was defended. The factory was also used to coordinate the attack. On September 17, 1944, at the start of Operation Market Garden, General Horrocks would oversee the attack from this location.

3. From this street, British tanks fired upon German troops as they stormed the bridge.

4. From this intersection, British tanks charged at the German forces. It was also where the Irish Guards parked their vehicles after the bridge’s capture. On September 11, 1944, during the German counterattack, these vehicles became an easy target.