What do you think?
Rate this book
A Drop Too Many
As New Condition. No flaws or wear on either dust jacket or book. All our books are individually inspected, rated and described. Never EX-LIB unless specifically listed as such.
271 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1980
40 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
John Frost
441Ìýbooks1ÌýfollowerLibrarian note: There is more than one author in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database with this name.
See also:
John Frost, 1800-1859
See also:
John Frost, 1800-1859
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 21, 2018
John Frost's A Drop Too Many: A Paratrooper at Arnhem is an engaging personal account of the creation, development, and operations of the British parachute battalions during World War II as told by a key participant in the events described. Frost was there at the establishment of the paras, participated in the Bruneval raid, fought as a battalion commander in North Africa, landed at Primosole Bridge in Sicily and served alongside 8th Army on the Italian peninsula. During Operation Market Garden, Frost led the 2nd Parachute Battalion into the town of Arnhem to seize the road bridge over the Nederrijn. Only after a prolonged battle -- characterized by great valor, perseverance and suffering -- did the attempt to hold the bridge fail. Frost was wounded and spent the remainder of the war as a POW. The bridge over the Nederrijn in Arnhem was renamed John Frost Bridge in 1978.
Why did Market Garden fail? Frost outlined several factors. He considered the “worst mistake� was the low priority given to the capture of the bridge at Nijmegen. The essence of the Market Garden plan was to lay an “airborne carpet� over which the army could drive through Holland's many obstacles. The delay in taking the Nijmegan bridge left only a few hours to relieve the 2nd Paras at Arnhem. The relief drive proved too little, too late. Frost went on to add: “the unwillingness of the air forces to fly more than one sortie in the day was one of the chief factors that militated against success.� Add in the poorly-placed drop zones, widespread communications failures, reluctance to use intelligence ties to the Dutch underground, and the rapid and aggressive response by the German military leaders, and failure was no surprise. Frost summed up wryly: �...some of our generals were having an off-day, or several off-days for that matter. Certainly there seemed to be a lack of urgency.� The British 1st Airborne Division paid for that lack with over eight thousand killed, missing or captured.
Readers with an interest in the infancy of parachute infantry should pick up a copy of Frost's account. Frost earned a strong Three Stars in my library. Take note: the subtitle is misleading as only the last fifty pages deal with Arnhem and its aftermath.
Why did Market Garden fail? Frost outlined several factors. He considered the “worst mistake� was the low priority given to the capture of the bridge at Nijmegen. The essence of the Market Garden plan was to lay an “airborne carpet� over which the army could drive through Holland's many obstacles. The delay in taking the Nijmegan bridge left only a few hours to relieve the 2nd Paras at Arnhem. The relief drive proved too little, too late. Frost went on to add: “the unwillingness of the air forces to fly more than one sortie in the day was one of the chief factors that militated against success.� Add in the poorly-placed drop zones, widespread communications failures, reluctance to use intelligence ties to the Dutch underground, and the rapid and aggressive response by the German military leaders, and failure was no surprise. Frost summed up wryly: �...some of our generals were having an off-day, or several off-days for that matter. Certainly there seemed to be a lack of urgency.� The British 1st Airborne Division paid for that lack with over eight thousand killed, missing or captured.
Readers with an interest in the infancy of parachute infantry should pick up a copy of Frost's account. Frost earned a strong Three Stars in my library. Take note: the subtitle is misleading as only the last fifty pages deal with Arnhem and its aftermath.
October 15, 2018
This is an excellent memoir covering his time in the British Airborne Regiment during World War 2. It starts with his joining the fledgling formation in 1941 and follows through his service to the end of 1946 when the 1st Airborne Division was disbanded. During his time he led the Bruneval raid, then took part in drops in North Africa, Sicily, Italy (sea landing) and Arnhem. Arnhem is naturally the best known of the above but for me the best parts of the book were the other operations of which my knowledge was basic. This is highlighted by there only being 20 pages on the Arnhen operation in the book.
He has a subtle sense of humour. On his first combat parachute landing during the Bruneval raid (page 51). "I landed very softly in the snow. There was no wind and all was silent apart from the noise of our aircraft stealing away into the night. My first action was a natural one. It was not good drill, for now was the time that a stick of parachutists are most vulnerable and one's first concern should be to make for the weapons containers. However it had become essential and had also a gesture of defiance."
4.5 stars.
He has a subtle sense of humour. On his first combat parachute landing during the Bruneval raid (page 51). "I landed very softly in the snow. There was no wind and all was silent apart from the noise of our aircraft stealing away into the night. My first action was a natural one. It was not good drill, for now was the time that a stick of parachutists are most vulnerable and one's first concern should be to make for the weapons containers. However it had become essential and had also a gesture of defiance."
4.5 stars.
October 30, 2022
This book written by a man famous for holding the North end of Arnhem bridge for practically no reason at all is much more informative than many first-person accounts of a Battle, or for that matter the war itself.
Frost starts this book all the way back with his presence in the middle east at the start of the war. He includes the raid on a Radar Station in France, Actions in North Africa and Italy before getting to the heart of the Matter with operation Market/Garden.
He is quite scathing of the planning although one of his points on why it was so fouled up was that the HQs involved were spread so far apart. It didn't lend itself well to any changes being made or even heard quickly. He is critical of almost every part of the action and doesn't really mind saying so. His major complaint during the section where he is writing about the battle is the split days for drops and being dropped on the wrong side of the river when it should have been both sides.
Later on in the book when he is released from captivity by Patton's Third Army, he is told by the solders of the Third that they wouldn't have left the British 1st Airbone to die at Arnhem. Interestingly enough he agrees with that saying that Patton's Army always moved on time, and with force, never hesitating or stopping for Tea. Which is the most damning comment he makes about Thirty Corps in the whole book.
He sums up the lessons in the last chapter and that alone is well worth the read. A thoughtful and insightful work that should be high on the list of anyone interested in the Arnhem Battle.
Frost starts this book all the way back with his presence in the middle east at the start of the war. He includes the raid on a Radar Station in France, Actions in North Africa and Italy before getting to the heart of the Matter with operation Market/Garden.
He is quite scathing of the planning although one of his points on why it was so fouled up was that the HQs involved were spread so far apart. It didn't lend itself well to any changes being made or even heard quickly. He is critical of almost every part of the action and doesn't really mind saying so. His major complaint during the section where he is writing about the battle is the split days for drops and being dropped on the wrong side of the river when it should have been both sides.
Later on in the book when he is released from captivity by Patton's Third Army, he is told by the solders of the Third that they wouldn't have left the British 1st Airbone to die at Arnhem. Interestingly enough he agrees with that saying that Patton's Army always moved on time, and with force, never hesitating or stopping for Tea. Which is the most damning comment he makes about Thirty Corps in the whole book.
He sums up the lessons in the last chapter and that alone is well worth the read. A thoughtful and insightful work that should be high on the list of anyone interested in the Arnhem Battle.
February 10, 2019
This is John Frost's story, starting well before September 17, 1944. His career with the Parachute Brigade led him into many fights more as an infantryman than airborne. I think that was part of the problem, there were questions about what to do with the Parachute Brigade, and then they would be cancelled. He gives detailed explanations of his time at Bruneval, in North Africa and Sicily, but of course, it is Arnhem with which he will always be associated.
Some years ago, I visited Arnhem, the museum, and, of course, the bridge. I even tried to drive the 60+ miles along the route that XXX Corps took, but time and traffic prevented my making the complete trip. Even so, it was clear how difficult it would be with the enemy trying to stop their progress. My respect for those men of 1944 is without question. Mistakes were made, but they sacrificed so much as did the Dutch civilians, only to be stopped short of their goal.
I think that was Frost's intention when he called this book, 'A Drop Too Many.' He and his men had been fairly successful in most of their operations, but that last, and most famous drop was one too many. It was not meant to be.
Some years ago, I visited Arnhem, the museum, and, of course, the bridge. I even tried to drive the 60+ miles along the route that XXX Corps took, but time and traffic prevented my making the complete trip. Even so, it was clear how difficult it would be with the enemy trying to stop their progress. My respect for those men of 1944 is without question. Mistakes were made, but they sacrificed so much as did the Dutch civilians, only to be stopped short of their goal.
I think that was Frost's intention when he called this book, 'A Drop Too Many.' He and his men had been fairly successful in most of their operations, but that last, and most famous drop was one too many. It was not meant to be.
December 2, 2016
A great personal and well written personal memoir of World War 2. John Frost fought or served on most fronts in the European and Mediterranean theaters during the war and it is interesting to read how life in the lines were all over. Highly recommend this book for any World War 2 and Airborne enthusiast.
February 24, 2025
Un relat sincer en primera persona. Des de Tunisia a Arnhem. Sense prejudicis pels enemics i sense sensacionalismes o arengues pratrioteres. M'ha agradat molt què parlés de la memòria històrica, del llibre de Cornelius Ryan i de la pel·lÃcula de Richard Attenborough.
June 6, 2014
My late father's copy of this book, complete with his personal annotations, in the margins, about his experiences as a member of the Second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.
July 17, 2016
Absolutely brilliant... though Arnhem just occupies a small part, the rest of Gen Frost's life has been most exciting and absorbingly recounted..
January 26, 2015
A well conceived and executed book following Major General Frost's career during WWII and the birth of British airborne troops. With the story coming from his perspective, it gives a great deal of insight into the planning and logistics side of the Airborne's role in Africa, Sicily, and finally at Arnhem. This book really drives home the differences in preparedness and tactical advancement between the German forces and the Allied forces. This book is well worth the time it takes to read and does not get overly bogged down at any point. The only real drawback to it is that the closing feels kind of rushed and incomplete.
July 17, 2021
The war time memoirs of Major General John Frost. He gained fame as the commander of the British 1st Airborne Division’s Second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. His unit staunchly defended the Arnhem bridge until they were overwhelmed by superior German forces. A must read if you are a fan of airborne division histories.
Read
September 30, 2020A Drop Too Many is Major General John Frost's memoir of World War II. He is most famous for being the Commanding Officer of the British 2nd Parachute Regiment during Operation MARKET GARDEN (the airborne assault to capture Arnhem); he was played by Anthony Hopkins in the film "A Bridge Too Far".
The title of this book, "A Drop Too Many" is a slightly misleading title as the book is not only that of the famous battles but his entire WWII experience from being in the Middle East to that of a POW at the end of the war. In fact, the Arnhem portion of the book is very small.
What I find interesting when reading memoirs is the author's recollections of events, what they think is important and how they perceive events, something that is very important to the author might be barely talked about in the normal history books.
I did enjoy this book but if you already have knowledge about the battle you will find that you don't learn much new information. I also think that if you don't have much knowledge about WWII you could be confused at times as he doesn't go into a lot of background details.
The title of this book, "A Drop Too Many" is a slightly misleading title as the book is not only that of the famous battles but his entire WWII experience from being in the Middle East to that of a POW at the end of the war. In fact, the Arnhem portion of the book is very small.
What I find interesting when reading memoirs is the author's recollections of events, what they think is important and how they perceive events, something that is very important to the author might be barely talked about in the normal history books.
I did enjoy this book but if you already have knowledge about the battle you will find that you don't learn much new information. I also think that if you don't have much knowledge about WWII you could be confused at times as he doesn't go into a lot of background details.
February 24, 2021
This was an engaging read and you couldn't help liking the author, who unfortunately due to the film A Bridge Too Far, you envisage as being Anthony Hopkins. Although I wanted to get to his recollection of the Arnhem operation quicker, I did appreciate his recounting of the earlier actions the 2nd Battalion had been involved in, though some of them you could appreciate why some senior officers regarded special forces as being a waste of resources (the Tunisia operation where they were dropped to attack a non functioning airstrip and then had to carry out a fighting retreat back to their own lines was painful to read about especially with the loss of lives to what appeared little purpose). Frost's writing certainly doesn't glorify war or does he have any hatred for his enemy. I think what struck me most is that he commanded the Battalion in his early 30's, for that alone he deserves respect. The book will be retained on my book shelf.
August 22, 2018
An Edit Too Few? A Story Well Told
John Frost was a professional soldier, not a professional writer. Having said that, I must say that the book he produced was of greater value to the student of warfare than many a professionally written works. Such insights as his reflections on the quality of fighting capability of Assyrian soldiers, one rarely hears about. Also, I'd never heard of German troops having a peculiar odor.
All in all, though a bit long winded, this was a valuable read, and a revealing one at that. This is not Cornelius Ryan writing. Perhaps that's what makes this, in some ways, superior.
John Frost was a professional soldier, not a professional writer. Having said that, I must say that the book he produced was of greater value to the student of warfare than many a professionally written works. Such insights as his reflections on the quality of fighting capability of Assyrian soldiers, one rarely hears about. Also, I'd never heard of German troops having a peculiar odor.
All in all, though a bit long winded, this was a valuable read, and a revealing one at that. This is not Cornelius Ryan writing. Perhaps that's what makes this, in some ways, superior.
August 7, 2020
A memoir of John Frost throughout World War II. This is his observation from each of the engagements he was part. It is a compilation of battles and engagements of the British 2nd Parachute Regiment and the 1st Parachute Brigade. Their are chapters of his time as a P.O.W. and as the consultant for the filming of the movie A Bridge Too Far. An easy to read, excellent story.
November 14, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from the start. While Frost will always be remembered for the battle at Arnhem, this book also covers other raids he was involved in, which I found equally fascinating .
He describes the battlefield & what he was thinking at that time really well. You also get a sense of his dry humour.
A great read and I highly recommend it.
He describes the battlefield & what he was thinking at that time really well. You also get a sense of his dry humour.
A great read and I highly recommend it.
July 25, 2020
Not a bad book per se, but Frost is neither a particularly engaging author nor is most of what he documents particularly interesting. This is a solid historical account, but readers interested in what airborne drops were actually like would do well to look elsewhere.
December 1, 2020
Great Book after reading the book there are numerous movies and documentaries of the final campaign. No hints on the movies read the book and you will be surprised when you come to the final chapters on which one it is.
November 26, 2021
This is about Colnel Frosts entire experience of the war, so Arnhem (despite the title) only takes up one chapter. Nevertheless, its and interesting read, though it is dated by some of his hobbies and attitudes.
January 18, 2021
Remarkable auto biography of one of the heroes of Operation Market Garden at Arnhem in 1944. he tells his story though the army until he surrenders at Arnhem. A gripping account.
July 25, 2023
As many will know, John Frost was leading the British paratroopers that were dropped near Arnhem and succeeded in reaching Arnhem bridge. So yes, Arnhem does play a role in this book. But contrary to what one might expect, Arnhem does only play a minor role in this book.
John Frost describes his pre-war experiences and how he became a paratrooper. Not an easy task, but as the reader will experience reading this book, once one got committed to this there was no way back. The drive to get the paratrooper's beret was strong.
The author also became known by his first operation, the raid on the Bruneval radar station. But he also served in Tunesia, Italy and finally ended up at Arnhem and in a POW camp. The way he describes his experiences makes this a very good read. Personally I found the Tunesian parts well worth reading, because generally we only get to read very little of it. I also liked him describing his connection with the 'A bridge too far' movie.
Overall another good read.
John Frost describes his pre-war experiences and how he became a paratrooper. Not an easy task, but as the reader will experience reading this book, once one got committed to this there was no way back. The drive to get the paratrooper's beret was strong.
The author also became known by his first operation, the raid on the Bruneval radar station. But he also served in Tunesia, Italy and finally ended up at Arnhem and in a POW camp. The way he describes his experiences makes this a very good read. Personally I found the Tunesian parts well worth reading, because generally we only get to read very little of it. I also liked him describing his connection with the 'A bridge too far' movie.
Overall another good read.
October 22, 2008
A personal viewpoint of a true hero of this particular conflict. The book feels a little as if it was written to cash in on the popularity of the conflict, rather than as a commitment to tell the history. But hey... that's no major criticism.
His personal insights are real... although you do question the memory of the man after some 40 years. I understand that this was a key time in the lives of those that participated in them, but all the same. I can recall my wedding day... but not every detail. Some blanks are filled in by photos, friends, anecdotes etc... and you therefore wonder how much of his tale was the same.
The best way, with all conflicts, is to record the information straight after the battle has ended and then update this data as new info becomes available.
But what do I know?
His personal insights are real... although you do question the memory of the man after some 40 years. I understand that this was a key time in the lives of those that participated in them, but all the same. I can recall my wedding day... but not every detail. Some blanks are filled in by photos, friends, anecdotes etc... and you therefore wonder how much of his tale was the same.
The best way, with all conflicts, is to record the information straight after the battle has ended and then update this data as new info becomes available.
But what do I know?
February 5, 2016
About Major General John Frost who was part of A Bridge Too Far, that is, Operation Market Garden, crossing the Rhine and capturing bridges at Arnhem and Nijmegen and so forth, which cost precious manpower in terms of soldiers killed or captured. The author, Frost, was part of the paratroopers captured who spent the rest of the war as pow; worth reading .
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.