‘C’ Squadron reaches the Rhine

52^nd (Lowland) Reconnaissance Regiment:

On 10^th March ‘C’ Squadron were ordered to advance to Menzelen (south-east of Xanten) and secure Gest and Ginderich in the Wesel pocket, the bulge of the Rhine opposite Wesel.  The enemy were now retreating across the Rhine and no opposition was met at Menzelen, although a number of prisoners were taken.  There was more resistance around Ginderich but, with infantry arriving to back them up, a force from the Squadron reached the bank of the Rhine and established an outpost.  Here they were able to observe hundreds of Germans on the east bank, working furiously to construct minefields and trenches. The enemy were rapidly bombarded by Allied artillery ensuring these defences were never completed.

(From the War Diary of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment held by the Archive and Reference Library, the Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset and the Reconnaissance Journal Vol.1. No 4 April-June 1945.)

 

Dick’s 1945 diary for March:

9^th Fri –  Travelled overnight Calais – Bourg Leopold.

10^th Sat – Met Brinner – spent day with him at B.L.

11th Sun – Day at Bourg Leopold with Brinner