A Bridge Too Far Page #4

specially fitted

with twin Vickers machine guns.

The instant we land,

they will race ahead to the bridge...

and hold it...

until the other battalions

arrive on foot.

And they'll be quick enough

to secure both ends of Arnhem Bridge?

- Most certainly.

- Good.

My headquarters will be

in the center with 82nd.

Now, just you remember that

we're all totally interlocked.

This is a bottom-to-top operation.

on to 82nd.

to British Airborne.

If any one group fails,

it's total failure for us all.

All we need now

are three days of clear skies.

Thank you, gentlemen,

very much.

Only the weather

can stop us now.

Weather! Cristos!

What of the Germans?

Don't you think that since we know...

that Arnhem is so crucial to their

safety, they might know that too?

Now look here.

The few troops

in the area are...

second class.

They're not front-line caliber.

Not at all.

Do you understand?

You ought to have more faith

in Montgomery's intelligence reports.

He's done pretty well for us

in the last three or four years.

I will tell you

the extent of my faith.

I'm thinking of asking

for a letter from you...

stating that I was forced

to act on your orders...

in case my men are massacred.

I see.

Yes, I do see.

Do you wish such a letter?

Of course not.

In the case of massacre,

what difference would it make?

- You don't believe me, sir?

- Clearly not.

All right, boys, Naafi's up.

Take your break.

God Almighty!

Sorry about that, sir.

But what then?

I just don't believe these

damn radios are strong enough...

to carry the eight miles

from the drop zone to Arnhem Bridge.

Don't happen to have

any cigarettes, do you, sir?

They're perfectly okay.

I've used them God knows how many times.

You've already told me that

God knows how many times.

Well, I didn't have any problems

with them in the desert.

Yes, I know,

but you see, Cole...

what genuinely and truly has me more

than a bit disturbed is that Holland...

being half underwater, is soggier

than most deserts you're apt to find.

Tends to have

a lot more trees.

- Any biscuits?

- Your biscuits are in your tin, sir.

Shouldn't you tell the general

if you're so certain about it, sir?

If I were,

believe me, I would.

- What if they really don't work?

- What difference will it make?

The general will be on

the bridge himself by nightfall.

He won't have to make contact with

the bridge if he's on it, will he, sir?

Well, if anyone

rocks the boat...

it's not gonna be me.

The regular projector chap's at lunch,

sir. I'll have it in a moment.

You're doing splendidly, Fuller.

Don't worry. I don't need lunch.

Damn. Nearly there, sir.

It's really worth your time, sir.

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