'Nothing Bigger Than A Bren'(Arnhem)

Martin Bull · #1 (**permalink**) December 19th, 2007, 07:09 AM

A nice surprise just came through the mail - a little, self-published book by the Hartenstein Museum's tireless UK representative, Neil Cherry.

Entitled 'With Nothing Bigger Than A Bren Gun', it examines in as much detail as possible the actions at the Van Limburg Stirum School building which was situated right next to the ramp of the Arnhem bridge.

The story has previously been told ( most notably in Ryan's 'A Bridge Too Far' ) mainly from the viewpoint of Captain E Mackay who originally published his account in 1945. It became clear from some interviews in Martin Middlebrook's Arnhem 1944 that some veterans felt Mackay's version of events to be biased. ( I'd always wondered at the veracity of the description in ABTF of six paratroopers escaping the ruined building, 'each carrying a Bren gun' and firing from the hip ).

With the benefit of vivid descriptions from veterans ( some who are sadly no longer with us ), Niall has pieced together the story of the small group of soldiers who defended the building . Make no mistake, it's a dramatic story; it reminded me of the defence of the hospital at Rorke's Drift in Zulu - this is real close-quarters action.

Although it's a specialist book, by focusing on one part of the battle it tells the Arnhem story in microcosm ; all the elements are here including the renowned 'Graebner attack' in which the defenders of the School played a significant part.

This is no cut-and-paste job, either. The book ( or booklet...) is well-produced and laid-out, with clear maps and photos.

I literally couldn't put it down - reading it through in one go. Highly recommended and it has to be a bargain at only £6 !

( Oh - and my question was answered. Cornelius Ryan got it wrong - they were Stens, not Brens....)

uksubs · #2 (**permalink**) December 19th, 2007, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Bull

A nice surprise just came through the mail - a little, self-published book by the Hartenstein Museum's tireless UK representative, Neil Cherry.

Entitled 'With Nothing Bigger Than A Bren Gun', it examines in as much detail as possible the actions at the Van Limburg Stirum School building which was situated right next to the ramp of the Arnhem bridge.

The story has previously been told ( most notably in Ryan's 'A Bridge Too Far' ) mainly from the viewpoint of Captain E Mackay who originally published his account in 1945. It became clear from some interviews in Martin Middlebrook's Arnhem 1944 that some veterans felt Mackay's version of events to be biased. ( I'd always wondered at the veracity of the description in ABTF of six paratroopers escaping the ruined building, 'each carrying a Bren gun' and firing from the hip ).

With the benefit of vivid descriptions from veterans ( some who are sadly no longer with us ), Niall has pieced together the story of the small group of soldiers who defended the building . Make no mistake, it's a dramatic story; it reminded me of the defence of the hospital at Rorke's Drift in Zulu - this is real close-quarters action.

Although it's a specialist book, by focusing on one part of the battle it tells the Arnhem story in microcosm ; all the elements are here including the renowned 'Graebner attack' in which the defenders of the School played a significant part.

This is no cut-and-paste job, either. The book ( or booklet...) is well-produced and laid-out, with clear maps and photos.

I literally couldn't put it down - reading it through in one go. Highly recommended and it has to be a bargain at only £6 !

( Oh - and my question was answered. Cornelius Ryan got it wrong - they were Stens, not Brens....)

Is there a link where you can buy this Martin

Can't see it on Hartenstein Museum's shop

airborne medic · #3 (**permalink**) December 22nd, 2007, 09:57 AM

This booklet came out on the 14th December 2007 and whilst I expect the Hartenstein will be selling copies via my Dutch 'agent', it may take some while to get on their website....if at all.....there were only a limited number printed and some copies have gone to Holland...and they have arrived but my Dutch agent will not be getting down to markting till after Christmas....
It does have an ISBN and if anyone wants details for ordering for the UK, Europe or the RoW please contact me

airborne medic · #4 (**permalink**) February 6th, 2008, 12:46 PM

Is now available via the internet....the Airborne shop at Aldershot and Paul Meekins Books of Stratford in the UK have it on their websites......also on amazon.co.uk

uksubs · #5 (**permalink**) February 7th, 2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airborne medic

Is now available via the internet....the Airborne shop at Aldershot and Paul Meekins Books of Stratford in the UK have it on their websites......also on amazon.co.uk

Its sold oout at Amazon

airborne medic · #6 (**permalink**) February 8th, 2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uksubs

Its sold oout at Amazon

I guess this is amazon not wanting to do any work......there are 300 or so copies left.....they certainly haven't ordered any!

airborne medic · #7 (**permalink**) February 8th, 2008, 11:18 AM

Just had a look at amazon.....they also charge a sourcing fee of £1.99!!!!!

Absolutely outrageous.......