I came across an old post concerning maps of operation overlord, are there maps that show troop movements into Belgium, region of Brussels, Antwerp . My town is called Wolverthem, liberated on the 3th of September by the 23rd hussars. Is it possible to find out who came to our area when the 23rd hussars went to Antwerp? I know from my mom (96) that several troops stayed in barns after the liberation, but I can not find any trace of them. She also told me that in my village there was a field kitchen for these troops. So, if by any chance you have got more information it would help me a lot, because at the moment I am a little bit stuck. Best regards , Jan
rectifying previous post: - troops were staying in barns in period april/may 1940. probably Belgian (French) - the field kitchen was not British but German ,period unknown . "After 75 years things are not so easy to remember" , says my mom.
I`m not sure if Wolverthem is Wolvertem or a completely different place but this may be of use if they are the same ? If not please ignore. The War Events 1940 - 1945 Meise ,Oppem ,Wolvertem by Jef Heyvaert and Jef Van den Brande Kyle
Hello Sir, They are the same and i know Jef very well, he has seen the fight the 23rd hussars had on the towns square on 3th of sept. Jan Are you from Belgium?
Hello Jan, If I were you I would try the War Diaries of September 1944 of the 23 Hussars ( National Archives). Secondly. Do you have in Wolvertem ( or Meise) a local group of historians ( Heemkundige Kring)? It is likely a lot of other units will be billeted in in Wolvertem. Maybe they know which units.where in your village. Those people of the "Heemkundige kring" will also have acces to the archives of your village/town. Succes! Kind regards from West Flanders ( another) Jef
Thanks , i have been in contact with those people of the historian club, but they are not ager to share information , that's a petty.
I know that kind of people. They ask everything/anything. But if you ask something, they cannot help you. When this coronacrisis is over try the archive yourself. The War diary 8RB posted here is helpfull, I must say. kind regards, Jef
Hello Ronald , Thanks for reply, but i think we know each other, don’t you remember me Jan , Belgium ?
Hi Jan, Story did indeed sound a bit familiar, but I am not sure how and when we corresponded, through WW2talk, FB or via my website. I do hope, in time you will find out more! Good luck, Ronald.