September 18th, 1944*
0900*
Best*
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Yesterday large American airborne forces from the 101st Division have landed just north of Eindhoven, apparently intending to secure a number of bridges in the area. This is part of a larger operation stretching all the way to Arnhem.*
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We managed to blow up the bridge at Son before losing it to the allies, but the bridge at Best is still contested. This town is critical because it contains an important railway line. Elements of the 59. Infanterie Division have arrived there and are in contact with the enemy right up to the bridge. With British forces advancing from the south to reach their allies, it is important to keep control of the bridge and demolish it, if it proves necessary.
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Objectives: Keep control of the bridge, the town of Best and the crossroads.*
Push back American airborne forces from the road and the Zoonsche forest.*
If possible, advance towards the American landing zones.*
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Enemy: Units of the 101st Airborne Division were pushed back from the bridge and crossroads by hastily assembled forces. Since then, skirmishes have gone on through the night. We believe that a depleted battalion of Americans are dug in the Zoonsche forest, controlling the road to Eindhoven. There is still occasional firing heard near the bridge itself. American reinforcements might arrive from the direction of the landing zones. As any airborne force right after landing, they are lightly equipped and without significant heavy weapons support. However, they are crack troops with high morale.
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You command an improvised Kampfgruppe made from remnants of the 59. Infanterie-Division. Important objects in the area, including the bridge, are secured by members of the Tilburg Military Police Battalion, the combat value of which is limited. Your infantry is generally quite demoralized after weeks of retreat from France. Your big advantage against the enemy is your artillery support, both by the divisional howitzers and various Flak units that have been moved to the front. Further reinforcements will arrive as retreating units from Eindhoven in the south or at the trainstation in Best.
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Everything BETTER than a draw will count as a victory. Due to the failure to sufficiently delay XXX Corps by units to our south, a loss here means that we won't have enough time to fortify the Nijmegen bridge. This will mean a campaign loss.


