Arnhem enthusiast Simon Haines has self-produced a quite superb book about the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regt at Arnhem, called ' The Holland Patch ' .

A true 'home' effort, the book is constructed around Simon's own interviews with veterans and is very 'readable'. It also includes rare photos, excellent maps and full Roll of Honour, etc.

Before you ask ' Who are the South Staffs ? ' , remember that this regiment had the great honour of winning TWO of the 'Arnhem VCs' - so the story is highly dramatic !

The price is incredibly cheap when you think how much work has gone into the book and not only that, Simon is donating much of the proceeds to the Arnhem 1944 Veterans Club to help these splendid gentlemen.

Buy a copy now !

You can contact Simon Haines at : -

Warhound45@aol.com

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

Thanks for that post, Martin!

Sounds like an exciting book/read!

E-mail is on its way....Another Must-have!

Are you familiar with Fairey's(?) book about the reconaissance battalion?

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

You won't regret it, Stevin - Simon's book is a super read. It's a real 'WWII Forums' type of book....

Yes indeed, John Fairley's 'Remember Arnhem' is generally considered to be one of the very best of the 'specialised' Arnhem books.

It follows the fortunes of the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron in amazing detail, with maps which allow you - if you visit Wolfheze and Oosterbeek - to follow the action in minute detail.

One of the things which prompted Fairley to write was the prtrayal in the movie 'A Bridge Too Far' - which stated that 'none of the jeeps arrived'. As the book shows all too clearly, this was total b*llsh*t ! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

Batallion...Squadrom...what's the difference...

Thanks for that, Martin. I got the Fairley book a while back. It is on my to-read list. I am reading an interesting book on the Battle for the Rhineland now. After that, it is back to Arnhem...

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

Received Simon Haines's book today!

BIG thumbs up! I have only been reading quickly through it and it cetainly is the kind of book that gives this Battle of Arnhem a face.

Can't wait to start in it!

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

Glad you like it, Stevin - and some of your money will go to the veteran's organization...

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

Martin, This is EXACLY the kind of book/manuscript I have a strong interest in; The self published accounts of veteans and/or research of a particular battle or unit. This book fits the bill perfectly. I love reading the quotes of the veteans in the text, very much like Cornelius Ryan. (and others).

Recently I have been reading some books on Strategy, but my main interest remain the story of they guys actually slugging it out...

A proud addition to my library, Martin!

Still haven't been to the museum, but will do in the next few weeks.

Oh!And the fact that a portion of the proceeds will go the the veterans asso. removes ANY doubt anybody might still have to buy it.

[ 24. July 2003, 09:01 AM: Message edited by: Stevin Oudshoorn ]

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

If you're off to the Hartenstein, be sure to also buy a copy of 'B Company Arrived'....

Will this be your first trip there, Stevin ? ( Surely not, you being Dutch and all.... [img]tongue.gif[/img] )

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

That is a given. Will go through the family cookie jar just before I leave so I can get as many books and videos as possible.

No, I have been to Arnhem several times. I haven't visited the museums or cemetery or walked the battlefields there in the last few years however. Been in Arnhem, but only for business, not fun.

Martin, off the top of your head; are there a lot of festivities planned for coming Sept. 17 rememberance? (Yes, I have checked their site.) Are you coming over for any of the festivities?

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

Then you have a real treat in store at the Museum - allow at least one full morning or afternoon ( don't miss anything..! [img]smile.gif[/img] ).

This year's commemoration will include ; -

17 September : Wreath-laying at Airborne Monument, Oosterbeek
19 September : Wreath-laying at Airborne Monument, Arnhem.
20 September : Parachute drop on Ginkel Heath
Wreath-laying at Polish Monument, Driel
Tattoo on Town Hall Square, Oosterbeek
21 September : Service at Old Church, Oosterbeek followed by Memorial Service and laying of flowers at Oosterbeek Airborne Cemetery.

Having only just returned from Arnhem, I shan't be going in September. BUT, , next year of course is the 60th Anniversary and apparently this will be a very special occasion : it will be probably the last significant commemoration which a good number of veterans will be able to attend. So this year is a little 'low-key' in preparation for the major commemoration in 2004.

And yes, by hard work my father has managed to secure a room at the Bilderberg for that weekend so I will be there....

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

You mean to say you have already a room reserved for next years commemoration??? [img]smile.gif[/img]

Well, staying at the Bilderberg you won't have to venture far to do some "archeology"...

Next year will be a big one. I will try and visit this year memorial as well. Watched the parachute drop last year as a former army buddy was jumping with the Dutch Army contingent. Didn't get to meet any veterans or was otherwise involved in the festivities though. This year I do intend to visit several festivities.

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

And believe me, it was very difficult to find anything available for next year !

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

Martin,

"B Company Arrived" was everything promised.

It's brilliantly detailed and produced, and answers so many questions. The "you're there" excitement. I found the account of the 6th Plt action at the bridge particularly thrilling.

Now I'm just so sad that I've nearly finished it!

Wonderful Arnhem publication.

All the best,

Peter

( [img]redface.gif[/img] Blush [img]redface.gif[/img] ) glad you liked it, Peter !

Actually, although I may sound rather 'OTT' at times, I only recommend something to Forum members if I honestly think it's really worthwhile - which the 'B Company' book surely is....

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

Just finished Simon Haines THE HOLLAND PATCH. Great read! I LOVE these personal accounts that fill in yet another few pieces of the puzzle and make the overall picture of "Arnhem" more complete.

He could have eased on the '.' but the read itself was great. It is a South Staffs story, so you kinda miss the overall picture, but any Arnhem reader won't have a problem fitting this story into the bigger one.

I myself had to cross reference a couple of times...

Martin, Thanks for pointing my attention to this manuscript. It is EXACTLY what I am interested in!

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

Now, where's that commission cheque....

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

Martin -do you know the author of the Staffs book? I emailed him and never got a reply?!

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Paul Reed
Webmaster - Battlefields of WW2- http://www.ww2battlefields.info
D Day Ancestors: The British Army in Normandy - http://www.ddayancestors.com

That's most unusual, Paul - Simon Haines is usually very punctual about replying ; maybe there was a 'glitch' somewhere ?

Try again, it's Simon Haines :

Warhound45@aol.com

And his snail addy is ; -

77 Ackroyd Street
Openshaw
Manchester M11 1NT

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

Theirs Is The Glory is out on DVD and only for sale at the Hartenstein Museum!!!! www.airbornemuseum.com

This is a MUST SEE, Gentleman. I'm already upset if you don't know what I am talking about!

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson

Stevin's right - this is 100% essential viewing !

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

BTW Martin, do you know if The Holland Patch has been 'officially' published or is Mr. Haines producing a "deluxe" version ? I think I saw one on Ebay or something with a distinctly professional looking cover.

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"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" - Homer Simpson