Joe Brown

Britannia Hotel, Flushing

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Britannia Hotel, Flushing
Joe Brown, Apr 21, 2013
    • Joe Brown
      7th/9th Royal Scots part in the capture of the German Command Post located in the Britannia Hotel in Flushing was originally planned as a diversionary role: a prelude to No. 4 Commando approaching from the sea to the gap made by the RAF six or seven hundred yards west of the Britannia Hotel. It was hoped the enemy positions on the south shoulder of the gap would be concentrating on a threat from the town, rather than watching for a seaborne landing. However, No. 4 Commando were unable to undertake this sea landing but the 7th/9th Battalion Commander told the Brigade Commander he was prepared to put in the attack without seaborne assistance.

      Briefing on the enemy by the Brigadier and the Brigade I.O. indicated to expect German strength at the Headquarters to be around 50. Acting on this information the C.O. briefed three of his rifle companies and the dismounted carrier platoon on a plan of attack; the fourth rifle company was not available having already been committed to duties at the Flushing Docks to enable civilians, our wounded and P.o.Ws. to be evacuated to the mainland.

      The night attack required advancing through tidal flood water, life jackets had to be worn and weapons and wireless sets carried shoulder high. The battle was fierce lasting from H-hour 0330 hrs until midday. We faced a heavily reinforced defence position manned by Germans withdrawing back from the town for the defence of their headquarters. They were manning well-prepared concrete positions of pill boxes and trenches which defended the approach into the area of the hotel which had on its roof a 20mm gun supported by MMGs which covered all the landward approaches with deadly fire.

      After a gruelling and bravely fought battle, with sections and platoon of the three rifle companies and the two sections of the dismounted carrier platoon persistently and relentlessly forcing their way forward by sheer courage and determination, they brought about the surrender of the Flushing Garrison Commander Oberst Reinhart and 600 prisoners; 50 Germans lay dead on the battlefield. Ever mourned 20 Royal Scots killed.
    • Joe Brown
      Dear Bernard,

      This is a special photograph, reminding me of a horrific few hours in my life but mainly because it recalls the faces and personalities of four men I knew who served in the first Platoon I commanded in the 7th/9th. They now rest in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Bergen-Op-Zoom. I have warm memories of each; indeed I still have my Platoon Notebook notes I made about each lad. One who stands out is the Joker of the Platoon, who could be counted on to raise morale when ever we needed uplifting. Around the Platoon bonfires in the Cairngorms many happy nights were spent despite the snow and rough conditions we lived. His kindly humour, often at the expense of myself as Platoon Commander, was enjoyed by all. He died suffering horrendous wounds in the ruins of the Hotel Britannia but sadly I was not there beside him as I was then Battalion Intelligence Officer and by the side of my Commanding Officer. But I would have liked to have shared and comforted him in that final moment.


      With warm regards, yours aye,

      Joe
    • Bernard85
      good afternoon joe brown.yesterday.08:31am.thank you for your reply re:the britania hotel.and your horrific few hours,i am sorry for those who did not make it home,may they rest in peace,you must carry many sad memories of the battlefield,the britania hotel ,flushing,that is what is left of itat the time.and the forshoreafter the battle.the fighting must have been fierce,the fact you and your men took 600 prisoners,shows the odds you and your men fought against.i am glad you were on our side.stay well.bernard85
    • Bernard85
      good day joe brown april 23rd 2013.08:31 pm.re:britania hotel flushing.just reading old post's.i posted to you before,but i find your story of the advent very moving.and how brave you and your troops were. a great post.regards to you and family,bernard85
    • Joe Brown
      Dear Bernard.

      Thanks for your very kind remarks.

      It was a major battle. As I have said, originally the Commandos were to have landed by sea and attack the front of the Britannia Hotel, and we were to be diversionary attack.

      Brigade Intelligence briefed me that they anticipated that the Headquarters was only being defended by around 50 Germans. They forgot that as the Germans were being driven from the rest of the town of Flushing they probably had instructions to fall back to defend their Garrison Headquarters.

      That is why the battle was fierce and why we took so many prisoners and why we lost so many officers and men.

      Regards,

      Joe
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