Brussels Victory Parade

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Apr 13, 2011.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    I have a few others, will add the rest (& in better quality) as and when I can.

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    Last edited: Mar 15, 2019
  2. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Cheers Di,

    Is that an Irish paper? Any idea who's marching past?
     
  3. singeager

    singeager Senior Member

    Is that a paper published by the Guards regiments?
     
    dbf likes this.
  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    It seems to have been a news sheet printed, locally in Germany, presumably by Guards Division

    The other photos are captioned as Guards regiments, so I would imagine that the uncaptioned one above is also of the Guards (you know what they say about assume :) )
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    BRUSSELS - British Pathe

    Brussels, Belgium.

    Several shots of the Mannequin Pis statue being dressed in Welch Guards uniform. Several shots of parade of British Troops through streets of Brussels. The statue is unveiled - dressed in Welsh Guards uniform.

    Regimental parade in front of the Palace of Justice. Queen Elizabeth of Belgium (Queen Mother) takes the salute. Van de Meulebroeck, Burgomaster, presents standards to the British Guards Armoured Division. Close up shot of Major General A. H. S. Adair taking the salute in return. Various shots of large contingent of Guards with their full military band marching through Brussels.

    Issue Date: 06/08/1945
     
  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    3 IG War Diary, 27-28th July 1945

    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=68069&stc=1&d=1322209151

    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=68070&stc=1&d=1322209151
     

    Attached Files:

  7. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    2IG War Diary:

    27 July 1945
    The Battalion departed for BRUSSELS during the early hours of the morning.
    It is a good six hours run from this side of the RHINE.
    The place seems quite deserted - fortunately the Russians have not realised that there are very few troops left here.
    Battalion arrived in BRUSSELS about lunchtime but not allowed to wander very far for the rest of the day.
    During the afternoon the Commanding Officers and Colour Parties had a small rehearsal for tomorrow’s Parade.
    An early bed for most.

    28 July 1945
    Brussels
    Saturday the 28th was a sunny day with a light breeze - ideal for a Parade.
    We formed up by Regiments in the Royal Park at 1230 hours, and after watching a separate contingent march off to lay a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we ourselves marched off as a Division up the Rue Royale to the Palais de Justice.
    Cheering crowds of Bruxellois greeted us as we marched onto the parade ground, and we caught something of the spirit of Liberation Day all over again.
    There followed a long and rather trying period of standing still as the various distinguished visitors arrived - the Burgomaster of BRUSSELS, the British Ambassador, the Archbishop of MALINES and Queen ELIZABETH of the BELGIANS.
    After the last arrival the General gave the word of command “Troop” which was carried out by the Massed Bands of the Division.
    The Burgomaster then presented plaques to Brigade Commanders and Commanders of Artillery, Engineer, Medical and Service units in the Division.
    The climax of the Parade came when the Escorts for the Standards marched on under command of Lieutenant CLARK of this Battalion, and received the Colours.
    After this impressive ceremony had ended with the Slow March of the Escorts back to their Regiments, the Division marched past in eights and returned to the Royal Park to be dismissed.
    In the evening a magnificent programme of entertainment was prepared for us.
    Officers were invited to a Ball in the Hotel de Ville.
    We were reminded that here, a hundred and thirty years ago, Officer of the BRIGADE OF GUARDS had danced before WATERLOO.
    Other ranks were entertained at a sumptuous party at the “21 Club”, where the General visited them and joined in the general gaiety before returning to the Hotel de Ville.
    The Belgians could not have shown themselves more kind or grateful.

    29 July 1945
    Brussels
    The day spent quietly recovering from the effects of last evening.

    30 July 1945
    Gummersbach
    Battalion left BRUSSELS about 0900 hours and after a very slow and tiring journey arrived back in GUMMERSBACH in time for tea.
    Every single person who had been on the party looked as if he had had a first class time: and from the stories one heard one was not far wrong.
     
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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  9. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From Irish Guards Association Journal, 1963:

    IG 1963.png

    THE MICKS RETURN TO BRUSSELS
    LIBERATION ANNIVERSARY - SEPTEMBER 1962

    On the 1st September, the Brussels Standard, which was presented to the Regiment on the Liberation of Brussels in 1944, returned to Brussels. The Standard was carried through the streets by Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant SULLIVAN and the escort was found by Company Sergeant-Major DOGGART and Sergeant ENNIS, all of them veterans of the liberation of Brussels. The Pipes and Drums of the Battalion, with the Corps of Drums of the WELSH GUARDS and the WELSH GUARDS Choir, provided the marching party.

    The welcome extended by the people of Brussels was quite overwhelming and it was not difficult for those of us who were not there in 1944 to realise what the inhabitants feel for the men who liberated them after the long dark days of the Second World War.

    The atmosphere built up from the first moment of our entry into the city when C.S.M. DOGGART said, "Ah! There's the 'Albert Hotel' where we all lived in such luxury!" R.Q.M.S. SULLIVAN piloted us very successfully to our destination but he was a bit hazy when asked how he had such a good all-round knowledge of the city of Brussels ! The party arrived at thePetit Chateau Barracks and it was really quite difficult to get ready in the face of the spontaneous Belgian hospitality, which seem to know no bounds.

    At 5 o'clock came the first parade when the Pipes and Drums massed with the Corps of Drums of the WELSH GUARDS marched from the barracks through the streets of Brussels with the Brussels Standard of the IRISH and WELSH GUARDS to the Grand Place outside the Hotel de Ville where the salute was taken by the Lord Mayor.

    Then followed a reception in the Hotel de Ville and a welcome from the city where many old acquaintances were renewed by the veterans. From the Hotel de Ville the Detachment then marched to the Mannekin Pis which was dressed in the uniform of a Regimental Sergeant-Major of the WELSH GUARDS. After a bugle fanfare had been blown to the Mannekin everyone dispersed to the Shell Building for a tremendous dinner which was produced by Mr. E.G. van BLOEME, the Belgian Manager of Shell. After dinner came the highlight of this all too short visit to Brussels when the massed Pipes and Drums of the IRISH and WELSH GUARDS beat retreat. The setting was perfect and the weather fine and the unbounded enthusiasm of the great crowd in the floodlit Grand Place made this a very splendid and rather awe inspiring occasion. Without a doubt the show was stolen by the Pipes who, standing in a circle in the middle of the square in their saffron kilts and green cloaks, had the Belgian crowd absolutely spellbound.

    The WELSH GUARDS Choir gave an impressive performance of national songs. Retreat ended with the playing of the two national anthems by the Corps of Drums and then followed a last march through the streets to the magnificent Martini Building for yet another reception. At midnight when the Micks disgorged themselves from the Martini Building the night was still young and the people so friendly and hospitable that they all had difficulty in deciding which of the many invitations showered upon them to accept.

    Earlier in the afternoon, a wreath had been laid on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior by Colonel WALLACE, WELSH GUARDS, who himself was in Brussels in 1944. He was accompanied at the tomb by Major ROBERTS, WELSH GUARDS, R.Q.M.S. SULLIVAN, C.S.M. DOGGART and Sergeant ENNIS, along with three WELSH GUARDS Sergeants, all veterans of the liberation of Brussels. It was a moving little ceremony and to all of us who were not there in 1944, it brought home the true meaning of the moving welcome which we had received. The people of Brussels were displaying their gratitude and affection to the Regiments who had liberated them.

    On Sunday morning there was a small ceremony at the Anglo Belgian War Memorial and then all the tired Micks and Taffs set off once again for Duesseldorf. For everyone this had been a most wonderful experience; for the veterans perhaps tinged with nostalgia, and for the younger soldiers a week-end never to be forgotten.

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  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    Last edited: Nov 18, 2019
  11. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    2 Household Cavalry Regiment
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    Grenadier Guards
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    Irish Guards
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    Welsh Guards
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    Last edited: Nov 18, 2019
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    Last edited: Nov 18, 2019
  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Welsh Guards & Manneken Pis
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    Last edited: Nov 18, 2019
  14. Bernard85

    Bernard85 WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    good day dbf.13 april.2011.11:07#1then on to #4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.great photo's of all the guards.i must remark on #13.it shows au bazar de manneken-pis.(the boy who pees) his statu is in antwerp.i had a souvenir for your desk.years ago.i dont know if you have seen him.everybody in belgium has,great post regards bernard85
     
  15. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    clearer photos from IWM site.


    The Burgomaster of Brussels presents colours to the Guards Armoured Division during the victory parade.


    [​IMG]
    ALLIED VICTORY PARADE IN BRUSSELS. © IWM (BU 9488)IWM Non Commercial Licence


    Belgian civilians and Allied soldiers watch the passing of the victory parade.

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    ALLIED VICTORY PARADE IN BRUSSELS. © IWM (BU 9478)IWM Non Commercial Licence


    Outside the Palais de Justice British troops from the Guards Armoured Division form up in the Place Poelaert during the victory parade.

    [​IMG]
    ALLIED VICTORY PARADE IN BRUSSELS. © IWM (BU 9482)IWM Non Commercial Licence


    The first contingents of British Guards regiments pass down the Rue de la Regence during the parade en route to the Palais de Justice.

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    ALLIED VICTORY PARADE IN BRUSSELS. © IWM (BU 9474)IWM Non Commercial Licence
     
  16. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    To go along with the photos, an article from the same publication, published in a separate issue:



    The NEWS GUARDIAN
    Vol. 2, No. 20
    Tuesday, 31st July, 1945
    Today’s Weather - Unsettled

    The first “News Guardian” Picture Supplement of the BRUSSELS Parade will appear on Friday.
    Tomorrow's Issue will contain the full story of Mannekin Pis.

    “HAIL! GUARDS DIVISION”
    Brussels’ Great Ovation
    BRUSSELS, Saturday

    In glorious weather today the people of BRUSSELS turned out to pay tribute to the men of the GUARDS ARMOURED who, one September evening nearly a year ago, had fought their way into the centre of the city, bringing with them the gift of freedom. Many ties of affection have linked the friendly people of the Belgian Capital with the men of the DIVISION, and that these ties still live vividly in their memories was demonstrated today by the warmth of the welcome accorded to our troops by the tens of thousands of citizens who lined the city’s boulevards.

    Several hours before the parade was due to arrive in the great open space in front of the majestic PALAIS DE JUSTICE, crowds were taking up their positions along the route and behind the barriers erected by the Military Police. From a balcony high up in the Palais I could see little groups packing the window spaces of every surrounding building. From the next balcony Godfrey TALBOT recorded his decryption of the ceremony for the B.B.C. Before the first strains of the Bands had been faintly heard in the distance, far-off figures had appeared on the roofs. A chef in white apron and hat sat on the slates of a restaurant; groups of girls squatted on chimney stacks; boys climbed as high as they dared in the trees.

    Picture the solid mass of the PALAIS DE JUSTICE, perched high on a hill, towering over every other building in BRUSSELS. Along the long rows of steps which lead into the building, hundreds of spectators face the parade ground. In front of them, at the foot of the stairs, a dais is filled with red plush, gilded chairs. To the left three giant flagstaffs - two Union Jacks flanking the Divisional Emblem. To the right the broad highway along which the cars of the Belgian Queen Mother, the Burgomaster of BRUSSELS, the British Ambassador will drive up to the dais. Straight ahead the Rue de la Regence up which the parade is now marching.

    While the crowd waits an announcer explains to them the details of the ceremony they are to witness, naming the regiments one by one, recalling the events of that historic 3rd of September. The HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY, whom they greeted in armoured cars, are the same regiment whose magnificent uniforms and splendid horses many of them saw before the war in WHITEHALL. The WELSH GUARDS are those whose tanks suddenly appeared at 8 p.m. at the GARE DU MIDI, the reminds them. Then, as he concludes with a tribute to the contingent from the BELGIAN BRIGADE, already in position behind the memorial on the left, the great broad column of the Bands comes in sight. We can hear the first cheering, the handkerchiefs are waving wildly. The liberators of BRUSSELS have come back to receive the tokens of gratitude and honour which the Burgomaster is to present on behalf of his people.

    The dais is filled with distinguished people, thought the three most notable are yet to come. His eminence the Archbishop of MALINES, Cardinal van ROEY, stands out in his scarlet clerical robes. Lieutenant-General Sir Charles LOYD, Brigadier N.W. GWATKIN, Colonel SHERMAN, Lieutenant-Colonel H. ABEL SMITH, DSO, and many others are there. Prominent Belgian figures include Mme. la Comtesse de CLERVEAUX, Comte G. de HENRICOURT de GRUNNE, M. l’Echevin CATTEAU, M. l’Echevin C. VERHEEGHE de NAEVER, Mme. C. Van der STRAETEN-BEST. The hereditary Grand Duke of LUXEMBOURG, is also present.

    Lying on drums in front of the dais are the standards which are later to be presented. The bamboo poles are surmounted with a wreath of laurels and the proud figure of the Belgian lion. The standards, the work of craftsmen, show the Belgian coat of arms in yellow on a red background, the whole surrounded with a broad green border. Above the coat of arms is the crest of each regiment, and below the regiment’s name, the simple words: BRUSSELS, 3rd September, 1944.

    The plaques, lying in red cases depict the gothic pinnacles of the HOTEL DE VILLE, with the smoking summit of the PALAIS DE JUSTICE in the background. The top left-hand corner bears the city’s crest - St. Michael triumphant over the Devil - while in the lower right-hand corner the Union Jack and the Belgian flag fly side by side. The inscriptions are worded in this manner: “Presented by the people of BRUSSELS, with grateful thanks for their liberation, to the Officers and men of the ‘X’ Company, SCOTS GUARDS, GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION, September 3, 1944.”

    LOUD CHEERING
    A spontaneous burst of cheering and clapping marked the progress of the parade down the Rue de la Regence, then the bands came into view, followed by the HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY contingent who led the parade. They were commanded by Major E.J.S. WARD, MC. The remainder of the parade stretched far up the broad road, eight straight columns of marching men, with row upon row of arms swinging in time. The whole parade seemed to be split up with khaki and black blocks, as the armoured and infantry units swung into view. At one time it seemed as if the parade would never fit in the tremendous open square, but with the precision that is attached to the BRIGADE OF GUARDS the world over, the parade was formed up, facing the dais with the HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY, being the senior regiment on parade, taking the right of the line. On their left were the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the GRENADIER GUARDS, 2nd and 3rd Battalions IRISH GUARDS, ‘X’ Company SCOTS GUARDS, 1st and 2nd Battalions WELSH GUARDS, 1st and 5th Battalions COLDSTREAM GUARDS, 84th Medium Regiment, ROYAL ARTILLERY, 21st Anti-Tank Regiment, ROYAL ARTILLERY, 94th L.A.A. Regiment, 55th Field Regiment, ROYAL ENGINEERS, ROYAL SIGNALS, units of the ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS, ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS and ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CORPS. Drawn up on the left of the GUARDS DIVISION were men of the 1st BELGIAN BRIGADE looking extremely smart in their battledress, and webbing belts, commanded by Major P. PONCELOT. This Brigade supported the GUARDS DIVISION in practically all its operations including the fastest advance in the history of armoured warfare to BRUSSELS. They received a tremendous ovation from their countrymen as they marched to their allotted position on the parade ground.

    AWAITING THE GUESTS
    The G.O.C. then took his place at the head of the parade, and the whole DIVISION awaited the arrival of the distinguished guests. A car suddenly swung into view, and the trumpeters of the HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY heralded the arrival of the Burgomaster of BRUSSELS (M. J. Van de MEULEBROECK) with a fanfare that echoed around the walls of the ancient Palais. The next arrival was the British Ambassador to BELGIUM, Sir Hugh Montgomery KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN, KCMG, who was preceded by two outriders from the Divisional Provost Company. As the car rolled to a halt the massed bands played the British National Anthem, and the Division came to ‘attention’ as if one man.

    There followed a pause in the proceedings while the arrival of H.M. QUEEN Elizabeth of the BELGIANS was awaited. The pipes of the IRISH and SCOTS GUARDS played two marches, the tune of which had hardly died away before the Royal car appeared. The G.O.Cs command cracked across the parade ground, and as the Queen Mother alighted from the car, the strains of the National Anthem of our Ally crashed out.

    TROOP
    The G.O.C. then gave the order “Troop” and the massed bombs, their instruments flashing in the blazing sun marched in slow time across the parade ground to the marital melody of ‘Les Huguenots’ as the band slowly moved across the square, the drums crashing out the time, the amount of applause and cheering reached tremendous heights, its climax being as the bands counter-marched with precision, the colours of the kilts of the SCOTS and IRISH Pipe Bands blending with striking effect. Centre of admiration were the two Warrant Officers leading the band, C.S.M. K. HOOPER, COLDSTREAM GUARDS, and Drum-Major GRAHAM of the SCOTS GUARDS.

    On the downward beat of the Drum Mace, the music ceased, only to break into a march in quick time, and the band smartly resumed their former position. The beat of rolling drums floated across the arena, and recipients of plaques came forward for the presentation. The G.O.C., Commander 5TH GUARDS BRIGADE and Officers commanding ‘X’ Company, 2nd Battalion SCOTS GUARS, 153 Field Regiment, ROYAL ARTILLERY, 55th Field Regiment, ROYAL ARTILLERY, 21st Anti-Tank Regiment received the plaques from the Burgomaster. By this time the standard bearers and their escorts armed with rifle, and bayonet fixed, had formed up at the head of their respective regiments. The colour parties consisted of one Officer, one Warrant Officer and two sergeants. In the case of the HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY however the standard was carried by the Regimental Corporal Major, and in this case, R.C.M. T. POUPART received the Colours. His escort was composed of one Squadron Corporal Master (S.C.M. J. BERESFORD), Corporals of the Horse J. NEIL, and J. JENKINS. The contingent represented the two regiments, the LIFE GUARDS and the ROYAL HORSE GUARDS that were together at the teime of the Liberation of BRUSSELS. The LIFE GUARDS have now left the DIVISION, but the contingent contained representatives of the regiment.

    THE PRESENTATION
    The Colour parties then marched to the Dais, where the Burgomaster made the presentation. In a brief speech in halting English, he said the standards demonstrated the deepest gratitude felt by the Belgian people, especially those resident in BRUSSELS, for their liberation by the men of the GUARDS DIVISION on that memorable day in September, the day that not one Belgian would forget. Moving to orders given by the G.O.C. the Colour parties, their standards fluttering bravely in the slight breeze “about turned” and faced the parade. Once more the escorts moved like machines as the oder “Present Arms” was given, and the Belgian National Anthem was played. Then with the rifles at the slope once more, the Colour parties slow marched across the square and rejoined their regiments.

    Once more the order was given, and the rifles seemed to leap to the “Present” and the strains of the British National Anthem swelled across the parade ground.

    Major General ADAIR then took his place at the head of the DIVISION and gave the order “Guards Division and Belgian Brigade will march past in quick time”; this order was taken up by the officer commanding 2nd HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT detachment and the parade moved forward wheeling to march past the saluting base, each unit giving “Eyes right”.

    Once past the saluting base the Division marched through the crowded streets where the cheering crowds having seen the procession by, raced through the back streets in an endeavour to see it through once again. Large bands of enthusiastic ATS amateur photographers snapped the parade from every angle, one even scrambling on top of the “News Guardian” scout car to obtain a snap of the GRENADIERS wheeling in to the Royal Park.

    G.O.C. TAKES SALUTE
    In the park itself the G.O.C. took the salute, and after the Colours had been shown to the men the DIVISION received the order to “Dismiss”, their ears stil full of the ringing cheers from the people of BRUSSELS demonstrating their affection for the liberators, who they affectionately calle “the Eye soldiers”.

    In the evening an Other Ranks’ Dance was held at the 21 Club. The band of the GUARDS DIVISION was in attendance, and during the evening Major General ADAIR, accompanied by Mrs. ADAIR visited the Club, and watched the Cabaret.

    The floor was packed, and ‘The Lambeth Walk’, and all the popular dances of the season were enjoyed. An excellent running buffet and bar was in great demand.
     

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