[img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/a57e44b0a9ccb6f27dab4d6a008d66a5da5172b4.png[/img] Community members! In this blog, we will continue a tradition that has existed since before we released Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront. The tradition is that we introduce you to a mission from the upcoming SP campaign in detail while briefly diving into history. Are you interested in history? Keep reading! [h2]Operation Market Garden[/h2] September 17th, 1944. [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Market_Garden][b]“Market Garden”[/b][/url], the largest airborne operation the world has seen to this day, takes place. The strategic idea behind the operation is to cross several rivers, including the Rhine River. With the allies crossing the last natural barrier in this section of the frontline, the Germans would be faced with the possibility of an Allied offensive straight into the heart of Germany. For this purpose, the 1st Allied Airborne Army must seize at least nine bridges. These bridges must then be held until the British XXX Corps arrives to take over. Its commander, Brian Horrocks, has orders to cover over 100 Kilometers (over 60 miles) in 48 hours. The plan is ambitious, and everyone knows it. At Nijmegen, the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/82nd_Airborne_Division][b]US 82nd Airborne Division[/b][/url] is tasked to take several bridges; the fighting in this region will become known as the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Nijmegen][b]“Battle of Nijmegen”[/b][/url] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/2b94995b19b98cdbe7eb9093115bcdd82bb8d895.jpg[/img][i]Nijmegen was bombed in February 1944[/i] [h2]The crossing of the Waal river[/h2] Of the nine bridges, the road bridge at Nijmegen is the biggest. It spans the Waal River and has a total length of over 600 meters and elevated ramps on either side. In other words, it’s enormous! The 82nd Airborne Division is to take this bridge and four smaller bridges south of Nijmegen. The 82nd's drop zones are around Groesbeek and Grave. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/88b5bbeb975343234ab52b20b28b0a19441f9abc.jpg[/img] [i]A Flak 88 in Valkhof Park, Nijmegen, near the southern bridge ramp[/i] The idea is first to capture the four smaller bridges and an elevated ridge in the area, followed by a move on the Nijmegen bridge. To reach the bridge, part of the 82nd moves through Nijmegen. However, the Allies bombed Nijmegen, and the city was heavily damaged, so the 82nd could not move freely. The ruined city is not the only obstacle to overcome; the Germans are also here! After a few days of heavy fighting, the decision was taken to cross by canvas boat; after a very costly crossing, the Germans at the north end were finally overcome, and the bridge was taken. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/430e5d1dcefda2eeb441e4f0023b10c2c7e0c046.jpg[/img][i]After the battle[/i] [h2]The mission in Gates of Hell[/h2] In this mission (the 7th mission in the storyline), which plays out on the 20th of September 1944, it's been a few days since the bridges to the south were taken (or blown up by the Germans). You’re with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment on this occasion. Earlier, you and the 508th PIR entered the city, moving through Nijmegen to get to the bridge. The ruined city is a very challenging setting, and the Germans will not give up the bridge just like that! Wouldn’t it have been better to go around the city on the east side? Well, it’s too late for that now… You have orders to clear out the Germans. But they’re everywhere, and the streets are littered with the rubble of the bombed city, which doesn’t help. Approaching the bridge, you will be in awe of its size (it’s the largest map asset ever made in the GEM engine franchise), and you’ll find out that it’s well-defended; simply crossing the bridge to the other bank would be pretty risky. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/dc5ffdc28c06a59ee8397eff3664ee3d85989d14.png[/img][url={STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/dc5ffdc28c06a59ee8397eff3664ee3d85989d14.png]HD Link[/url] The solution is to cross the Waal river somewhere upstream by boat. In doing so, you would be able to flank the enemy. You will receive a British convoy delivering some canvas contraptions called the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goatley_boat][b]“Goatley Boat”[/b][/url], which can carry ten soldiers at a time. The crossing will occur somewhere west of the bridge, but to everyone’s horror, there are no paddles or oars! These were not included in the delivery; the men had to use their rifle butts to row across (If you are thinking that this British convoy might be a hint at our next faction, you are right. We can confirm the British Commonwealth as the next faction, and the first DLC for it will feature British and Commonwealth content from the Western Front). [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/880cc57b02ab09dab934d381145f267ff7162baf.png[/img][url={STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/880cc57b02ab09dab934d381145f267ff7162baf.png]HD Link[/url] When you arrive on the other river bank, there is still plenty to do; it’s far from over. You must make do with whatever number of men you have left. You must work your way to the north ramp of the bridge, eliminate the German flank cover, drive them all away from the bridge, and secure the area. What could possibly go wrong? Well, you will see that when you get there. Just make sure you give it absolutely everything! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/7eae560c0b08f6e12f80123cc65401a12260b7e9.png[/img][url={STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/7eae560c0b08f6e12f80123cc65401a12260b7e9.png]HD Link[/url] [h2]Epilogue[/h2] That’s the real story and the GoH version of the Nijmegen battle side by side: a tale of heroism, unbelievable sacrifice, and perseverance. Even though Operation Market Garden essentially failed, the 82nd Airborne made itself immortal in the process, at least in the eyes of the Dutch population. The 82nd's crossing of the Waal is commemorated by a monument erected at the location of the crossing. This is one of the many monuments in the region that commemorate Market Garden. Do you think you can re-enact the battle victoriously as well? If you want to know the answer to that question, you should really wishlist Airborne: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2904660/Call_to_Arms__Gates_of_Hell_Airborne/ [h2]Did you know?[/h2][list] [*] The British called Highway 69 “The Club Route” but the US name “Hell’s Highway” stuck [*] The bridge the Germans blew up at Son was repaired with wood beams the local resistance provided [*] The 2nd Battalion of the 506th PIR was just 50 meters (150 ft) away from the bridge when it was blown up[/list] That’s it for now. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you on the battlefield! [url=https://discord.com/invite/zyRrWbDV2F][img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/10379584/199e04efee454ca9eca8491d8f1d0299ad146a8e.png[/img][/url]