Operation Market Garden was one of the largest airborne operations in history, launched by the Allies to gain a foothold in the Netherlands and outflank the German defenses on the Siegfried Line. On September 17, 1944, thousands of Allied airborne troops, primarily from the British 1st Airborne Division, were dropped into key locations around the towns of Arnhem, Nijmegen, and Eindhoven. The operation aimed to capture several vital road and rail bridges over the Rhine to facilitate a swift advance by ground forces, particularly the British XXX Corps, which was advancing from the south. The airborne troops faced mixed weather conditions and were met with fierce resistance from German forces, who were well-prepared for the assault.

Landing zones were targeted in a highly coordinated effort, yet poor intelligence and strong German defenses resulted in heavy losses. While the initial phases of the operation saw some successes, including the capture of the Nijmegen Bridge, the troops at Arnhem fell into a fierce battle against German units, ultimately culminating in a tragic standoff. The XXX Corps, despite initially making significant progress, faced delays that prevented them from reaching the encircled paratroopers in time, leading to the eventual withdrawal and establishment of a tenuous front line.

Operation Market Garden promised an accelerated route into Germany, aiming to end the war by Christmas. However, the resistance faced and eventual setbacks led to a prolonged conflict in the region, directly influencing Allied strategies in the subsequent months. This ambitious plan taught vital lessons about coordination and the challenges of airborne operations, shaping tactics used in later campaigns.