with the reconnaissance unit, Urquhart disappeared once again in

search of them. At the same time, the squadron was also looking for him,

and in the confusion he was out of contact for some time, whereabouts

unknown. Eventually he reached Lieutenant-Colonel John Frost’s

2nd Battalion headquarters, where he also came across Lieutenant-

Colonel Fitch’s 3rd Battalion and Brigadier Lathbury. Concerned that the

Utrechtseweg road might already be in German hands, Urquhart and

Lathbury chose to remain overnight with Fitch and the 3rd Battalion.

Both commanders were increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of the

1st Brigade’s advance toward the bridge, though little could be done

to hasten events. Lathbury’s decision to halt his brigade that evening

would prove to have major consequences, shaping the desperate,

house-to-house ghting that erupted in Arnhem the following day.

18 September – Advancing Towards Arnhem

Confusion escalated on the next day as Major General Urquhart

remained missing. He had neglected to properly communicate the line

of succession to his ofcers, sharing the information only with his Chief

of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mackenzie. As a result, when

Urquhart didn’t return on the morning of September 18, Brigadier Hicks

took command of the 1st Airborne Division. This decision caused friction

with Brigadier John Hackett, who felt his commission date entitled him

to the position. Unbeknownst to them, Urquhart’s actual choice was

Brigadier Pip Lathbury, who was still with the 3rd Battalion. At the same

time, increasing German patrols forced Urquhart and his companions,

Taylor and Cleminson, to seek refuge in a nearby house (shown below).