Major Fred Tilston's Victoria Cross at the Hochwald

Discussion in 'NW Europe' started by stolpi, Sep 27, 2014.

  1. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    Incidentally ATB Magazine No 172 (August 2016) has a comprehensive account of the Battle for the Hochwald Gap.

    There is a similar victorious photograph to stolpi's avatar included, displaying a trophy Nazi flag by 5 Canadians in Xanten which was taken in Klever Strasser with the severely damaged Mittel Tor in the background.I wonder if the same army photographer took the said photographs.

    Also included is a very good article on the background,service career,brave exploit on the day and active post service life of Major Fred Tilson,VC.
     
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  2. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    We had the great pleasure of Stolpi's company back in May and walking over the terrain where Tilston won his VC. We also spent time in Xanten on the Klever Strasser. There is nothing like walking the ground with someone who has an encyclopedic knowledge of those events.
     
  3. Sailormannn

    Sailormannn Active Member

    Some great pics and info. We're planning a trip and looking for more info on exactly where Stolpi's pics were taken. I can see the new Hotel on google but where exactly were the pics taken in relation to the hotel and the farmhouse across.
     
  4. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    I'm sure that Stolpi will have a more definitive answer and likely precise photos but my recollection from May is that the area of interest is almost directly across the road from the Schmachdarm (Nagtigall). Essentially, the forest line just north of the junction of the Am Hochwald and the Marienbaumer Str.
    • Latitude: 51° 40' 43.9" (51.6789°) north
    • Longitude: 6° 20' 6.5" (6.3351°) east
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2016
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  5. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    Canuck, excellent, you've been paying attention during our tour!
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2016
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  6. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    When Stolpi talks, people listen!
     
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  7. Sailormannn

    Sailormannn Active Member

    From Stolpi's pics earlier in the thread, this looks like the point in the woods where the german lines were located. Can one of you guys confirm.

    Latitude: 51.680053 | Longitude: 6.336338
     
  8. Bedee

    Bedee Well-Known Member

    Sailormann,

    Thats the location of the German lines.. From the crossing allong the tree line.
     
  9. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    You can stand in the remnants of the German trench line today and as Stolpi has so well photographed, clearly see the open ground the Essex attacked over.

    Schmachdarm
     
  10. Sailormannn

    Sailormannn Active Member

    Thanks all for the info.
    I had a look at ATB Magazine No 172 (August 2016) and it has a very good article with similar pics of same. If we get over there this spring I'll share more pics.
     
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  11. canuck

    canuck Closed Account


    Enjoy! Assuming you will also visit Mooshof? It's less than 10km away.
    blockbuster.jpg
     
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  12. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    IMG_0993.JPG IMG_0994.JPG
     
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  13. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Nov 20, 2016
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  14. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    These new inhabitants stand very little chance of a Sherman knocking down the corner of the house.
     
  15. Sailormannn

    Sailormannn Active Member

    Now the place is occupied, do the owners mind visitors having a look at the plaque?
     
  16. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    The owners replaced the plaque after the building was renovated so if they are renting it, probably ok. If it has new owners and they have left the plaque in place then that would seem positive as well.
     
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  17. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    It's on the wall, near the road. We went into the yard to have a look at it. There was nobody around to ask permission, so technically we were tresspassing.

    Germans in this area are kind people, so I am sure they don't mind; though I believe 17thDYRCH won't agree with that, he had a 'row' with a German farmer near Kranenburg on our first visit to the Reichswald.
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2016
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  18. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    In fairness to Randy, he felt he was just mopping up after the 15th Scottish.
     
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  19. 17thDYRCH

    17thDYRCH Senior Member

    Stolpi, I do remember the incident with the German farmer. None too polite was he. The good news....no MG42's present.

    Canuck, amazing that we stood on the exact ground where Tilston saved the day but lost his legs doing so.

    One helluva tour, Lads.
     
  20. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From Illustrated London News 02 June 1945
    F A TILSTON VCIllustrated London News 02 June 1945.png
     
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