Liberation of The Scheldt, November 1944

Zeegat, Vlissingen, Zeeland, Westerschelde Flushing Live

 

Brian: As footnote to the above I should add that our Buffalo on the way back from the patrol got marooned as we manoeuvred to avoid 'Rommel asparagus' on the pillar of a concrete bridge that could not be seen under the grubby flood water. We tried to refloat by jettisoning all non-essential heavy equipment but even then we were unable to get free. The Buffalo's wireless set WS46 woudn't work, despite having been designed for beach landings and to withstand being submerge in sea water! So we were rescued by the local Dutch Resistance in a rowing boat and the Brigade Liaison Officer and myself waded our way back to Brigade Headquarters!

 

Thanks for that Joe, certainly puts some interesting detail on my dad's (very) occasional tales on the subject. He didn't seem that impressed with the Buffalo's lack of armour, but then again, he'd been sitting in a Churchill for nine months, nor was he happy about being in a relatively exposed position to fire the gun. Again, as the Petard wasn't exactly simple to load and fire, it's all relative. I think comfort - or the lack of it was certainly a major element in his recollections - and Walcheren has definitely gone down as cold and miserable and he would most definitely have preferred dry land to the water!

 

Mr. Brown,
I will be there in a few weeks.
If there are any photo requests, please do let me know.

gpo's son. I have read Whittaker's book. a great read.

Best regards from Canada,
Randy

First, have a great trip!

Second, if you are able to post any info about memorials in the area that would be great.

Thanks!

Greg

 

Greg,
I will certainly post all the photos.

Cheers

 

Thanks!

Had preliminary meeting with TV commissioning editor yesterday about a documentary featuring Walcheren so any help as to locations to film is great.

 

Greg : Delighted to hear about that and commend Jan Wigard if you seek a local contact well versed in the Occupation and Liberation of Walcheren. Have contact address if and when you need it. Regards, Joe

 

All Allied Artillery needs for the Scheldt, Breskens, S.Bevland,Walcheren.
Positions, Fireplans, Target No's, Arty Orbats, Tasktables, AGRA Ops.

Best
Rob

 

Here is the war diary for the 80 Assault Squadron RE. For the 1st November the date that my granda's captain John Holland Saunders died and his best mate Sapper George Frederick Charles Hicketts.

Michael.

 

Greg : Delighted to hear about that and commend Jan Wigard if you seek a local contact well versed in the Occupation and Liberation of Walcheren. Have contact address if and when you need it. Regards, Joe

Have sent Jan an email, Joe. Rob gave me his address.
Many thanks though
Greg

 

Update: Have booked travel to take former 41 Commando veteran to Sword Beach and Walcheren Islands in June for upcoming TV doc.
Going to link up with Jan Wigard.
Will keep everyone informed. Thanks for your help!
Greg

 

Dear Greg,

That is good news! I am sure it will prove to a memorable visit. If you find time to spend in Flushing, be sure and look at my website which has an excellent 'plot' of the battle for the Grand Hotel Britannia which when captured brought about the surrender of the Fliushing Garrison Commander and an end to fighting in Flushing. The aerial in the section dealing with battalion intelligence shows the Hotel, it's supporting pillboxes and the location of the gap in the sea wall which caused the flooding of Flushing.

Keep in touch. With warm regards.

Joe brown

 

Thanks for the info, Joe. I'll have a good look at the website.

Greg

 

WWII 1944 Scheldt Estuary Report- 21 Army Group report



Including operations:


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Vitality I & II

Infatuate I & II

 

Update: Have booked travel to take former 41 Commando veteran to Sword Beach and Walcheren Islands in June for upcoming TV doc.


Greg, I knew a guy who was in 41 RM Commando at Sword and Walcheren. Ask your companion if he remembers Warwick Nield-Siddall. Warwick is sadly no longer with us, but his daughters and son would be happy to hear from anyone who knew their dad. And have a great trip, too, Warwick said that the people of Walcheren were still grateful to the British.

 

Thanks for putting up the 21st Army Group Report. First time I have seen and was pleased to see how they reacted to the battle. Also interested in the official distribution list.

It is, as it should be, clinical in its facts and recording of the progress of the operation.
For those taking part, it misses so much of the reality that men faced and as I read it tonight some 67 years after these momentous events I am sad that it somehow does not convey to the researcher the fears, dangers and anxieties of the battlefield. I hope the pages of the War Diaries that we wrote will help in some way to bring that aspect to life.

Joe Brown

 

Can someone please explain the term: Tarbrush Party.

It is used in the 21st Army Group Report, page 18, Sec 72: 'Some nights previous to the Westkapelle assault, special recce parties inspected the beach.'

Joe Brown

 

Operation Tarbrush - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Thanks Wills. I had never heard the term before! Great guys who carried out that task . . .

Joe Brown

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIber1VFkn4&feature=related


Norwegian Commandos Walcheren