Valiant Miniatures BRITISH PARATROOPERS ARNHEM 1944 It is interesting to note that some of the most inspiring feats in military history are those in which the tactical or strategic objectives failed to be achieved. The Battle Honour ARNHEM, for example, ranks above all others in the Parachute Regiment, in spite of the fact that the operation was a failure. The original plan was to drop a substantial airborne force behind the German lines to seize the vital Rhine delta bridges at Arnhem and Nijmegen, and then to effect a link-up with tank forces on the ground. The landings took place on September 17, 1944 and went according to plan, but the ensuing link-up did not. Two SS Panzer Divisions suddenly materialized in the area, and the paratroopers soon found themselves fighting for their lives. For ten days they held out under appalling conditions along an ever-shrinking perimeter, but by then it had become clear that bridgehead could no longer be held, and the embattled survivors were ordered to break out. Casualties were extremely heavy; of the 10,000 paratroopers and glider pilots who had landed, barely 2,000 finally managed to reach their own lines. HOBBY KIT 9793 BRITISH BREN GUNNER, 1944 (Retail US$14.99) These are unpainted and unassembled metal hobby kits. Unless otherwise noted, these kits are in the International 54mm Collectors Scale. Standing figurines are approx. 2-1/2" - 3" tall. Valiant Enterprises Ltd 1122 O'Neill Ave - Madison WI 53704 Phone 1-608-294-1050 Fax 1-608-294-1051