On September 17, 1944, a sunny Sunday, religious services were being held across England. When worshipers knelt down to pray, the continuous hum of airplane propellers suppressed other sounds.
Starting at 9:45 a.m., at least 2,000 gliders and tow planes transporting airborne troops swarmed into the sky from 24 bases.
The 1st Airborne Division heading to Arnhem took off first because their goal was to be in the far north, literally deep behind enemy lines, so they needed the largest number of men, anti-tank guns, and jeeps.
Moreover, above, below, and on the flanks of this huge formation, there are all escort fighters, and the number is equally huge: there are Spitfires, Typhoons, and Mosquitoes produced in the United Kingdom, and there are Thunderbolts produced from across the ocean. Lightnings, Mustangs, and low-altitude diving bombers.
It was a brilliantly sunny day for the paratroopers, perfect for a walk on the country lanes and a few pints of cider in the pub.
Major General Urquhart was also in a good mood. He looked down at the Dutch countryside and saw some nuns waving to the fleet, so he waved to them too, even though the chance of being seen was very small.
In fact, this general is definitely one of the most enjoyable people in the flying formation, with a lot of entourage: Adjutant Roberts, orderlies, chaplains, signalmen, guards, and the most beloved jeep.
Oddly enough, Urquhart looked at the spacious glider in front of him and felt a sharp pain in his conscience. He thought of the soldiers under his command. Each of these men was carrying a heavy burden, carrying equipment that was almost equal to their own weight, and they were squeezed into the transport aircraft. , but he was only carrying a small backpack, two grenades, and a map box.
"Airborne Guidance Team...how are they?"
"Not sure, sir."
General Urquhart shook his head at his adjutant's answer, feeling uneasy for his own comfort——
Among the dozens of outstanding soldiers who performed the mission last night, I wonder how many will survive and whether they can successfully complete the mission.
These are all doubts.
"Look, if anything happens to me, the order of succession is: Rasbury, Hicks, Hackett."
Although it sounded very much like his last words, General Urquhart felt that it was safer to prepare for the worst in advance. He even thought that he said it a little too late and should have warned every brigadier general under his command before taking off, in case They compete for command.
"Understood, sir."
The adjutant nodded.
"By this time, the bombing force has arrived over the mental hospital in Wolfheze, and I hope it's full of Krauts."
Now that all the decisions had been made, Urquhart idly thought about what had happened before he boarded the plane. A senior officer in the American Air Force called him to get a promise: the people living there were Germans. Rather than a madman, otherwise, the United States will not be able to bear responsibility.
Because the mental hospital was very close to the assembly point and in a dangerous location, the staff unanimously believed that it was held by the Germans and could take responsibility for blowing it up.
Therefore, at exactly eleven o'clock in the morning, Lu Li and others saw the most ridiculous scene: an Allied fighter group dropped five bombs while passing by the village of Wolfheice.
And this was just the beginning. After last night, the second round of bombing came.
Over Arnhem, black smoke plumes rose into the sky, fires burned in the city, the streets were pockmarked, and rubble and shards of glass were everywhere.
None of the machine gun and anti-aircraft gun positions exposed last night were spared and all were destroyed.
The Dutch either hid in the basement or in the church and waited out the explosion.
Of course, there are also brave people who still ride bicycles on the street, or stand on the roof of their house and look around, their emotions alternating between excitement and fear.
Ignoring the German ban, the broadcaster contacted Orange Radio in London and began broadcasting news bulletins throughout Arnhem:
"I am Prince Bernhard."
"The time has almost come. What we have been waiting for is finally happening. Due to the ferocity and speed of the Allied offensive, some soldiers in the army have not yet brought Dutch banknotes. If our dearest allies bring out francs and Belgian banknotes, we hope to cooperate , accept that money when you sell something and get paid for it.”
"Farmers should finish harvesting their crops and hand over the harvest..."
"Finally, I would like to urge you that when the Allied forces arrive in the town, please do not use flowers or fruits to express joy. It is very likely that the enemy will disguise themselves as ordinary people and hide bombs or poison in these things."
Lu Li and others who were far away in the Runkum Wasteland also heard this news communication——
The radio mounted on the telephone pole played inspiring messages intermittently.
This means that the three of them finally don't have to worry anymore. As for the future battle, they can only take one step at a time.
Anyway, Lu Li was fed up with fighting alone.
In this action, personal power is too small, as small as a drop of water in the ocean. Only by integrating into it can it play its greatest role and become a legend.
At this time, the big man Miller had already changed back into his original combat uniform and put some oil paint on his face because he didn't want to be killed by his own people.
"Sir, how are you?"
As he spoke, Munch fumbled in his trouser pocket for a while, then took out half a pack of cigarettes and distributed them to the two people beside him.
"Nothing's wrong, I'm just a little hungry. Unfortunately, I've finished the last can of yellow peaches."
Lu Li took the Camel cigarette and started puffing away. Frankly speaking, he didn't know how to smoke, but the other two guys did the same, so naturally he couldn't refuse.
The two comrades he had just met but who he could rely on, the gradually recovering physical strength, and the approaching large force made Lu Li feel much more at ease.
"We will see our companions in about an hour. Which unit do you think will arrive on the ground first?" Miller turned on his telescope and scanned the sky: "Brigadier General Hicks's first airborne brigade, or ours?" 1st Parachute Brigade? Bet a military ration."
"Let the brigade be the first to land. They have to carry their luggage and should land first."
The smoke blocked Lu Li's frown. This answer was obviously obtained after careful consideration. He hoped to get a ration to allow himself to recover better——
When in wolf form, the energy drain is starving.
"Of course it's our First Parachute Brigade. I can even guarantee that that person must be from our Second Battalion." Monk unconditionally believed in his unit, and he answered without hesitation.
