CAPTURE OF BRIDGE

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22460, 22 September 1944, Page 3

CAPTURE OF BRIDGE

BATTLE LASTS FOUR DAYS ENEMY’S TOUGH RESISTANCE (Received Sept. 22, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 21 The bridge over the Waal river (the Dutch Rhine) at Nijmegen, which is a mile and a half long, was captured intact last evening, says the National Broadcasting Corporation's Brussels correspondent. The fact that the Germans did not blow it up shows their complete ignorance of tne situation which began to develop on September 17. American airborne forces landed in the vicinity of the bridge on September 17 for the purpose of capturing it if possible, but the enemy resistance proved tough. After a fourday battle for the bridge a plan was devised which was made possible by the rapid advance of the British armour. The American airborne troops which landed on the southern bank of the Waal were ferried to tne northern side and by last evening were ready for the assault. Simultaneously British tanks moved up to the southern approaches of the bridge. Pressure was applied from the north and south against the German garrison holding the bridge and soon afterwards British tanks passed over the bridge to link up with the Americans coming from the north.

The bridge has been captured, but fighting is still going on in and around Nijmegen. A few tanks are supporting the defenders of the town, but our superiority in men and tanks is overwhelming. The airborne landings proved a complete success. Every bridge between the Escaut Canal bridgehead and Nijmegen was captured intact except one, the reconstruction of which caused a delay of five hours. Good News for Airborne Men

Goods news came on Wednesday night to hearten the airborne men in the Arnhem area, who had been fighting so desperately and sleeplessly, ringed round by Germans during the last three days and nights.

A correspondent with them reports that at 6 p.m. word was flashed round that British Army patrols hacl been sighted over the river. Other reports said that the Second Army was not more than five miles away. Nothing was confirmed but certain Germans round them were in range of the Second Army guns. More supplies came by parachute that evening. The sky had cleared and there was no doubt that they were dropped in the right place. Tne packages came crashing down through the trees. The troops had fine fighter support from Spitfires and Thunderbolts. Rocket Typhoons dealt with the enemy 88 m.m. and anti-aircraft guns which put up a tremendous barrage against the supply planes. There is still tough fighting. The general feeling is that the worst is over for the airborne troops and the worst is in store for the Germans. It is stated in London that at least 11,500 Allied aircraft sorties were made in the airborne operations in Holland.