| Abstract: |
Why did Operation MARKET GARDEN fail? Was it due to poor
decision making, faulty planning, or bad intelligence? After outlining
the operation's plan and objectives, this paper evaluates several
theories about one of the most famous military failures of World War
II. Each theory is examined in light of historical records and biographical
accounts that detail what MARKET GARDEN planners and commanders knew,
and when they knew it. The paper concludes that, while intelligence
analysts could have done a better job, it is unfair for them to shoulder
most of the blame. Strategic and operational planners were also at
fault for pressing forward with the operation, in spite of known risks,
in order to test airborne operations before the war ended. Furthermore,
Field Marshal Montgomery, the operational commander, must take responsibility
for dismissing intelligence reports that contradicted his situation
assessment and challenged the wisdom of his decision to execute Operation
MARKET GARDEN as planned. |
