Major Hibbert, Brigade Major of 1 Parachute Brigade, is very adamant (en still "angry") that Lathbury, 1 Parachute Brigade's commander, refused to divert 3 PARA to the route of 2 PARA, who had managed to get to the Rhine Bridge. "As we neared the bridge I managed to get radio contact with Brigadier Lathbury and told him that Colonel Frost, with the 2nd Battalion, was on the bridge and we (Brigade Headquarters) were about to join them. The route 2nd Battalion had taken was still clear so I suggested that he should side-step 3rd Battalion along the Southern route and bring them onto the bridge. The first priority was to get to the bridge, and not to get engaged in street fights. But he said 'No', they were too heavily engaged with the enemy and couldn't be disentangled at that time of night; they'd come through in the morning after resting. I believe that the moment that decision was made, our last chance of success was destroyed." Not unimportant: True or not? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_C0evkd03Q
I agree! At 0430, on 18 September, 3 PARA did divert - to follow Frost's route to the Rhine Bridge - via the railway crossover at Oosterbeek Laag Railway Station, so I presume that the conversation did take place. When 3 PARA arrived at the Sint Elisabeth Hospital Junction, at 0630, they found the Germans well prepared and positioned. Too well, to overcome.
