Battle at Best Scots take over page 1

Battle at Best - Scots take over!

Spearheading the ground forces of Market Garden, XXX-corps paved the way north towards Arnhem. On the left flank supported by XII-corps and on the right flank VIII-corps. The troops on the flanks of XXX-corps had the assignment of widening the corridor so that XXX-corps could concentrate on getting to Arnhem, relieving the 1st Airborne Division paratroopers. (click for an

overview)

As a part of XII-corps, troops from the 15th Scottish Division ended up in the Best area. The troops crossed the border, arrived in Eindhoven on September 21st and continued travelling north towards Best via the Boschdijk. The 2nd Glasgow Highlanders and the 7th Seaforth Highlanders arrived at the remains of the Best bridge just after noon. The units were sent forward to assess the situation in Best. They were supposed to see a bridge that was still intact and to meet up with the American paratroopers of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. But the bridge was destroyed and the Americans nowhere to be seen. The Scots also discovered that the other bridge over the Wilhelmina canal, the railroad bridge just a mile to the west of the road bridge, was also destroyed.

The 7th Seaforth Highlanders were able to cross the canal and were able to create a bridgehead on the north bank of the canal. But with no bridge to get the vehicles and supplies across, Brigadier General Villiers decided to hold back the 2nd Glasgow Highlanders on the south side of the canal until a bridge over the canal was erected.

Night patrols reported that there was no enemy activity detected in the center of Best. High command concluded that the Germans must have left the area and retreated further north. The commander ordered his troops to enter the center of Best and set up positions there. D Coy of the 7th Seaforth Highlanders were assigned with this task. While moving into the center of Best, the troops were lured into an ambush set up by German forces and D Coy retreated losing 33 officers and enlisted men. The same day, the 2nd Glasgow Highlanders attempted another attack on the center of town but they were massacred. The Germans set up a frontline following the railroad tracks from the canal all the way up north towards the railroad crossing. They also used the brick factory just east of the railroad tracks and converted it into a fortress. The 2nd Glasgow Highlanders were first to experience the strong German resistance in town and paid a heavy price. The Germans raged havoc among the Scottish troops. The Scots only option was to dig in and stay put. After a hard battle, only D Coy had been able to reach town center.

Photos: Top: Bren Carriers and Scottish infantry make their way to Best.

Bottom: The brick factory in Best. This factory proved to be the most difficult building to capture during the fighting in and around Best.

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