During the war GSGS books called "Town plans" were published containing town plans for various places and cities in France, Belgium, Holland and France. Could any one tell me where to find digital copies of these plans, and especially the one for a town in Holland called Vlierden. Although I am sure I will want some more in relation to some research I am doing. Looking forward to any replies!
Hello 8RB, I live in Vlierden, which is a small village with about 1600 inhabitants. I've done some investigations about 8th Rifle Brigade which liberated our village. I have a copy of a 1944 US map of the area and modern ones too. What are you looking for? Last september we organised a detailed battlefield tour of the attack of 11th Arm Div on 21 - 25 sept 1944. Asten - Ommel - Vlierden - Deurne - De Rips - St Antonis
Goedenavond Rinus, From here on I will continue not in Dutch but in English, for the benefit of other readers. I am working on an autobiography of an 8th RB veteran (member of H Coy's 13 (scout) platoon). He passed away in 2009 but together in 2000 we did a 3 day battle field tour visiting Vlierden, Deurne and De Rips and the cemetery at Nederweert. Two members of his platoon were killed at Vlierden and lie buried at Nedeweert. Vlierden therefore is an important part of his story. For which so fase sadly I have not been able to find a publisher. At the time we could not find the spot but since last July I think I have figured out where it all happened. For this I have used a GSGS map and CWGC data on temporary graves. It all matches quite well with Don's story and also with a contemporary sketch I have. I have attached the relevant pages of the book, including the map and sketch. I would be very interested to know if you recognize this story and even more if you could provide any additional information or maybe even photos of their temporary graves or of the buildings mentioned where the attack with the 2" mortar. I would also be very interested in anything you have found in your own research. Kind regards, Ronald.
Hello Rinus, Being curious: anything to add to the Vlierden part of the story? I would for example love to know the exact houses where the mortar attack or the attack on the SS-men took place. Also things to add to the story would be welcome. Who for example was the woman (Mrs. Carola Verhaegen) that apparently adopted "Binnie" Barnes grave and why did she do so? Thought you also might like photo below taken at De Rips, to which your battlefield tour also took you. Apparently there was a temporary fighter base there used by Canadians. Regards, Ronald.
