AIRBORNE TASK

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 4, 29 September 1944, Page 6

AIRBORNE TASK

Mainly Achieved, Says Spokesman (Received September 29, 1.30 a.m.) , LONDON, September 28. Field-Marshal Montgomery himself riiado the decision to withdraw the survivors from the airborne force at Arnhem across the river. Approximately 8000 Poles and British infantrymen crossed the river from the south to give support in the withdrawal, unil most or them got back after the withdrawal operations sverc completed. A representative of General _ Mont; gomery described the complete airborne operation as 80 to 85 per cent, successful, though expensive. Lieutenant-Gen-eral Horrocks commanded the corps which led the British Second Army drive northward from Eindhoven. Berlin radio’s war reporter said : ine British paratroops at Arnhem fought like lions. They were the hardiest warriors .we have met during the invasion. Many groups split up and fought for five days without food and ammunition. Toward the end they defended themselves with jack-knives and pistols. Their commander surrendered only after lie had been wounded in hand-1 o-hnnd lighting with a German n.c.0.”