Fighting Spirit Kampfgruppe Chill and the German recovery in the West between 4 September and 9 November 1944, a case study by J.M.C. Didden, Radboud University Nijmegen, 2012, 400 pages Describes the fighting there in great detail with a lot of background information. Actually not quite my favorite playground - but a clear WOW! for the meticulous research that has been done here. And to top it all off, interesting and informatively written. Fighting Spirit. Kampfgruppe Chill and the German recovery in the West between 4 September and 9 November 1944, a case study
The basis for this excellent book: Followed up by this one: With a third one on the way (Dec 2021) http://books.stonebooks.com/book/1021090/
The first document, presented by Itdan, actually is Didden's dissertation to obtain the degree of doctor (Ph.D) in History at the Radboud University of Nijmegen. The promotion took place on October 1st, 2012. The dissertation was also printed in bookform: Fighting Spirit | De Slegte
I registered my name for a copy of Autumn Gale, whilst being written. Got regular updates and waited three years until finally published, and was immediately sold out. Never got a copy. You can find copies for around 350 Euros. I've registered with Stone & Stone for the the next one. Maybe I'll be successful this time. (Fat chance). I'm glad that Itdan posted the links to Fighting Spirit. I've been able to keep a copy to read at my leisure.. British 1 Corp's (My Dad's LAA Regiment) 102 LAA and 62 A/T went straight from France to the fighting and became an ad-hoc Infantry Brigade (Bob Force) along with another LAA units supported with some Tanks and 2 Kensington's MG Battalion. They slotted between 49 Division and 1 Polish Division and arrived at Plumbridge on 18 October 1944. They were aggressive and advanced well against the enemy. As a result German Pioneers sewed mines everywhere, blew up a Cathedral to stop the advance and there were casualties. I visited this area and attended a number of commemorations. The Belgians still do this every year. Until Covid19 that is.
Re. "Fighting Spirit"... "Part Three - The Fighting 71 3.1. Albert Canal (6-13 September 1944) 71 3.2. Geel (7-13 September 1944) 123 3.3. Ten Aard (13-20 September 1944) 142 3.4. Market Garden (11-26 September 1944) 155 3.5. Goirle (27 September – 10 October 1944) 204 3.6. Woensdrecht (24 September – 19 October 1944) 230 3.7. Western Brabant (21 October – 9 November 1944) 261" Has a bit about Geel/Gheel and the Sherwood Rangers etc.
