Page 82 - Bugle Spring 2023

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BATTLEFIELD STUDY
RHQ sent Edward Howe, a member of its Engagement Team to Holland in October on a battlefield study of the failed 1944 OPERATION MARKET GARDEN.
History has long been a passion of mine, so having the opportunity to visit Arnhem and the famous bridges that I had read about and seen in the famous film” A Bridge too Far”, was an unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to learn how military communication can be more effectively practised after learning about the many examples of comms failures during the operation.
Even after nearly 80 years there are valuable lessons to be learnt, not least about sharing information. The codebreakers at Bletchley Park’s failed to share decrypted information about the disposition of German forces and it was a decisive factor why the final airborne plan unravelled. This failure should serve as a cautionary tale for any modern military force as the presence of two refitting SS panzer divisions stationed adjacent to the Paratrooper’s drop zone at Arnhem was not considered a danger to the chances of a successful mission.
had been tasked was brought to light during the trip and left many of us speechless. The poor use of radio comms by British Forces during the battle also serves as a helpful example of how innovative technology should not be used when its limitations are not fully understood. The faulty radio net at Arnhem led directly to an inability to organise effective improvisation when the initial plans disintegrated under enemy pressure.
The most beneficial aspect of this trip
employment of military future communication technology. The use of social media, and its future role as an information asset to the British Army was discussed and examined.
Studying what went wrong during Market Garden, should enable The Rifles tradition of
The shear bravery of how so many units and individuals courageously persisted with the overly ambitious and risky objectives they
was the opportunity to interact with other Regimental engagement teams and exchange new and interesting ideas about the useful
communication innovation to be maintained as those who do not learn the lessons from history may be condemned to repeat it.
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