a PIAT antitank weapon waits for enemy armor on
teh outskirts of Arnhem as the Germans close
in on the British

A British paratrooper in cover on the outskirts of
Oosterbeek. The failure of XXX Corps to cross
the Neder Rijn doomed the airborne operation

September 21
Politics, Yugoslavia
The partisan chief Marshal Tito meets the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. They reach agreement on the 'temporary entry of the Red Army into Yugoslavia.'

Italy, Adriatic Sector
The Eighth Army takes Rimini after a week of heavy fighting. Since the beginning of its offensive against the Gothic Line, it has lost 14,000 men killed, wounded, and missing, plus 200 tanks. The Italian campaign has not lived up to being the 'soft underbelly of Europe. 'a more accurate description would be 'tough old gut.'

September 22
Western Front, France
Boulogne surrenders to the Canadian II Corps; its garrison of 20,000 men is taken into captivity.

September 22-25
Western Front, Holland
Outside Arnhem, the British XXX Corps' advance is slowed by German resistance. The Polish Brigade drops south of the Neder Rijn near Driel. On the 23rd, attempts by the Poles and advance troops of XXX Corps to cross the river are driven back, and so the evacuation of the surviving paratroopers begins two days later, leaving 2500 of their dead comrades behind.

September 23
Air War, Germany
The RAF makes a night precision raid on the Dortmund to Ems Canal, the inland waterway that links the Ruhr with other industrial centers. A total of 141 aircraft are involved, the canal is breached, and a section drained. The RAF loses 14 bombers.

September 23-30
Western Front, France
The Canadian 3rd Division invests the port of Calais, which is defended by 7500 men. Following heavy artillery and bomber attacks, and the use of specialized armor, Calais surrenders on the 30th.

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