Ep 2. Strike from the Sky

In the second episode of WWII's Greatest Raids season 1, titled "Strike from the Sky," viewers are taken on a journey to explore one of the most daring and dangerous covert operations of the Second World War. The episode covers the story of the British airborne mission carried out to destroy the Arnhem bridge over the river Rhine in September 1944, known as Operation Market Garden.

The episode begins by highlighting the key role played by Field Marshal Montgomery, who was the architect of the Operation and was convinced that a swift thrust across the Netherlands could end the war before Christmas. The plan of the Operation was a massive coordinated airborne assault by three airborne divisions, the British 1st Airborne Division, the US 82nd Airborne Division, and the US 101st Airborne Division, which would be flown behind enemy lines to capture nine key bridges leading to the heart of Germany. The first wave of the assault would be dropped on the ground near the border with Germany, while the second wave would reinforce and secure the area. The third wave would consist of the supplies required to sustain the Airborne units, which included food, ammunition, and medical equipment.

The episode focuses on the challenges faced by the British 1st Airborne Division, which was tasked with capturing the key bridge over the Rhine River at Arnhem. The forces were dropped near their target area, but the landing did not go as planned, with the troops scattered across the area, facing resistance from the German forces, which were able to mobilize quickly. The paratroopers had to regroup and fight to secure the area near the Arnhem bridge while they waited for the arrival of their supplies.

The episode highlights the bravery of the British paratroopers who fought relentlessly against the German forces, despite severe casualties and little hope of reinforcement. The episode features interviews with the veterans who were part of the mission, which provide insight into the challenges they faced; how they managed to adapt and overcome every obstacle thrown in their path.

The episode covers the failed attempts by the Royal Air Force to drop supplies by parachute, which fell into German hands. The paratroopers had to rely on the resources they could get their hands on, which included ammunition and radio equipment captured from the German troops. The episode showcases the intense fighting that took place, with the paratroopers launching countless attacks against the German forces and holding out against waves of enemy assaults.

Viewers are taken through the final moments of the mission, as the British paratroopers were forced to retreat under the strict order to leave no man behind. The episode covers the tragic losses suffered by the British forces, with thousands of soldiers taken prisoner by the Germans, and the destruction of the British 1st Airborne Division.

"Strike from the Sky" is a thrilling and poignant episode, which showcases the bravery and determination of the British paratroopers, who faced the impossible in their attempt to capture the Arnhem bridge. The episode provides insight into the challenges they faced, and the sacrifices they made in the name of freedom, making it a must-watch for history buffs and fans of military history.