Books for 30th Corps (capturing Bremen) in April 1945?

Discussion in 'Books, Films, TV, Radio' started by Chris C, Nov 5, 2022.

  1. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Hi all,

    I am wondering if there are any books that cover 30th Corps' operations in April 1945 in a little detail? (A chapter at least?) I am interested in the events leading up to and the actual capture of Bremen but not just the actual capture if you see what I mean.

    "Obviously" I can look at the different divisional histories (I think they had under command to some extent the 3rd, 43rd, 51st, 52nd, and Guards Armoured?).

    Horrocks' books give a very brief overview but really with little detail

    Speaking of Horrocks, in both A Full Life and Corps Commander he tells a story of getting a visit from Monty, explaining the problems and then Monty telling him "we will do A, B, C, and D". Does anyone know what those were?
     
  2. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    I note that the 51st Division history says where units went but really doesn't give any explanation why.
     
  3. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    Chris - I do have the pertinent chapter from he Divisional History of 51nd Lowland Div (Victory at Bremen). It has a couple of good maps & aerials of Bremen. I know it's not 51st Div, nor 30 Corps, but it might be of help.

    Will 'beam' it over to you per We Transfer
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2022
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  4. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    You can sometimes find something via...

    "30 corps" Bremen - Google Search : with the "google books" tag / tab "on"

    Often the most obvious references, but occasionally things rather more obscure that can contain interesting things.
     
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  5. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

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  6. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Thanks very much!
     
  7. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Thank you very much! It wasn't that I needed 51st Div in particular so much as all of them.

    I needed the part about Dreirwalde for a bit where they lost a bunch of Archers in that area - quite tragic. I feel sure that I copied that chapter myself but where my photographs of it are, I do not know. Certainly not in the right place.
     
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  8. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Thank you Ramiles! You're right, there are bits from Delaforce's book on 43rd Div amongst others. It also pointed me to Club route in Europe : the story of 30 Corps in the European campaign which I can access at the reference library along with A Short History of 30 Corps in the European Campaign and the div histories of 3rd and 15th divs.
     
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  9. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    An amazing book. I think it's too low level for what I want right now, but I think I will have to say something about the horrible blue on blue incident in the "Stabbed in the Back" chapter. Incidentally Andy Aitcheson on Twitter has done a bit of research related to that incident. (He's on the forum too but hasn't posted much.)

    Map locations and photographs taken recently: https://twitter.com/AndyAitcheson/status/1588079587786952704

    Mention in 4KOSB war diary: https://twitter.com/AndyAitcheson/status/1588462327585976320

    Incidentally the "We Have Ways" podcast guys are aware of the book now and Al Murray has apparently been providing his reading of chapters - audiobook form - to patrons. I don't say that as a "you should support them" plug, just to note it with approval.
     
  10. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    Chris - I also have Essame's book "The 43rd Wessex Division at War", which as I now see, also was involved in the capture of Bremen.

    If you wish I can sent the chapter on "The Bremen Operations". Just let me know.
     
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  11. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Thanks but not to worry Stolpi, I can access a library copy this afternoon.
     
  12. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    By the way if anyone wants the chapters of the two above books let me know and I can share them with you.

    I'm surprised that there were two books made shortly postwar by and about 30 Corps. I'm not sure where and when A Short History was produced but it was apparently limited to 2000 copies, and Club Route was produced in 1946 in Hannover.
     
  13. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    Not sure if "Bloody Bremen" is worth a look, it's been 20+ years since I read it so I can't really give an opinion and the fact it was written by Charles Whiting who was being roundly criticised on here about a week ago may mean it's one to be written off
     
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  14. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    I'll pass thanks.
     
  15. horsapassenger

    horsapassenger Senior Member

    I had a look at this booklet, published in 1945, but it is more of a soldier’s guide than a history of 30 Corps
     

    Attached Files:

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  16. Dubman

    Dubman Well-Known Member

    if you can wetransfer it to antitank73@hotmail.com thank you
     
  17. JDKR

    JDKR Member

    Hi Chris - not sure if you are still wanting info on the capture of Bremen but I have eventually found what I hold. Unfortunately I can't give you a reference; it is a type-written account of Second Army's operations in the final weeks but has no title. I was given it some years ago and regrettably never asked for its origin. My bet is that it comes from a National Archives document - possibly a Cabinet Office summary. Anyhow this is what it says:

    From this time onwards [mid-April], 30 Corps mounted a series of attacks to clear the approaches to Bremen. Guards Armoured Division had left the corps and crossed the river Weser to come up on the left flank of 12 Corps and operate temporarily under its command.

    51 (H) Division attacked north during the next few days and steadily cleared the enemy from the villages to the SW of Bremen until on 20 April Delmenhorst was found to be clear of enemy.

    3 British Division completed the capture of Brinkum on 17 April but very stiff opposition was met to the NW of the village during the next few days.

    On 19 April 52 (L) Division, who were north of the River Weser, came under command of 30 Corps. The division approached Bremen along the north bank of the river but resistance here was no leas than in the south and it was not until 22 April that Achim was captured by 155 Brigade, and not until the following day that Oyten was clear.

    On 18 April, 130 Brigade of 43 Division crossed the front of the corps and passing over the bridges across the river Weser came under command of 52 (L) Division. 214 Brigade was relieved NW of Wildeshausen on 19 April by 2 Canadian Corps. By 24 April the remainder of the division had crossed the river Weser and was operating on the right flank of 52 (L) Division.

    The situation on 25 April was therefore as follows:

    30 Corps was investing Bremen with 51 (H) Division to the SW and 3 British Division to the south and SE. North of the river 52 (L) Division were approaching the town directly from the east with 43 Division on the right flank.
    Let me know if you want the document's summary covering the capture of Bremen. Hope this is of help.

    Best

    John
     
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  18. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    That's about what I have, so I don't think I need it, but thank you!

    I think I'm now done my chapter of April stories - it's not a full and complete narrative, but focused on where I had detailed Archer-related information. Two engagements with 52nd Div on April 5, 51st Div in the middle of the month, and then Bremen.
     
  19. Andreas

    Andreas Working on two books

    I have no book recommendation, but wanted to note that I applaud your Corps numbering.

    All the best

    Andreas
     
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