The First British Soldiers into Germany

Discussion in 'NW Europe' started by Drew5233, Mar 29, 2009.

  1. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    A rather nice story from ATB's OMG.
    Beek lies right on the Dutch-German border and on September 21 the Sherwood Rangers' recce troop under Captain Ian McKay escorted a patrol of the 508th a short distance across the frontier. This gained them a spate of publicity for being the very first British unit to enter Germany. War correspondents, among them BBC reporter Frank Gillard, flocked to Beek to interview members of the unit. Three days after the event, the 'historic crossing' was re-enacted for the AFPU cameras, Sgt 'Slim' Hewitt taking these pictures on the 24th.

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    Paratroopers of the 508th obligingly mount Captain McKay's tank.

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    While Sgt Nelson of the Sherwood Rangers acts out his part from behind the sentry box.

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    The Stuart, driven by Trooper Vin Cantrill, passes the first cafe on the German side of the border. On the left Paratrooper Sgt. Leoleis of the 508th adds to the action. (Note the two Sgt's have switched arms)

    Several other British units have claimed the distinction of being the first into Germany. One was an armoured car troop from D Squadron of the Royal Dragoons which had accompanied the Sherwood Rangers into Germany. Another was a tank and carrier patrol of the 1st and 5th Coldstream Guards under Lieutenant I. L. Jardine which crossed the frontier near mook, also on the 21st. However, the rightful claim goes to Captain R. Williams' troop of Q Battery of the 21st Anti-Tank Regiment of the Guards Armoured, who were sent to support the 508th near Wyler at 1400 on the 20th and on their way they crossed into Germany.

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    Sergeant Leoleis, on the Dutch side of the frontier, shakes hands with Sergeant Nelson on the German side.

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    Captain McKay shaking hands with a Dutch women on the steps of the German cafe. Note the white flag of surrender.
     
  2. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    Andy,

    I was just reading an account of that last week in a Recce Book. I wonder what the soldiers thought about having to re-enact their initial actions?

    Nice pictures (of the re-enactment I think).

    Regards
    Tom
     
  3. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Andy, I know myself and others find this interesting, but just putting my Mods hat on for a mo, there are potential copyright issues in posting so many ATB images. Can we ask you to bear that in mind, or seek permission from ATB?
     
  4. sapper

    sapper WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Shame ! I Looked across into the Reichswald in Germany. but never got there,The dirty dogs got me first
    Sapper
     
  5. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

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