Flutist played by Andrew Branch assume is based on L/Bdr. James F. Jones, 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Regiment (14251086)
I think my opinions of both the book and film have changed over time. I first read the book when I was 12 (I still have a photo of myself reading the book whilst on holiday at my Uncle's) and I thought it was amazing. I was 12 and reading only my second book about the war. I watched the film the first time it was televised. Again as a teenager it was superb. Now, at 60 and having read so many more books about Market Garden I can see the flaws in both.