Operation Archway was the codename for one of the largest and most diverse operations carried out by the Special Air Service during the Second World War.
Archway was initially intended to support Operation Plunder and Operation Varsity, the crossings of the River Rhine at Rees, Wesel, and south of the Lippe River in North Rhine-Westphalia by the British Second Army, under Lieutenant-General Sir Miles Dempsey. It went on to support the three British Armoured Divisions in their advance into Germany until the end of the war.
The Archway force was under command of Lieutenant Colonel Brian Franks and comprised two squadrons, one each from the 1st and 2nd Special Air Service regiments.
Read more about Operation Archway: Background, Mission, Aftermath
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