Today we commemorate Victory in Europe
remembering those who fought for our freedom (and don't we know what that means just now!), the celebrations and all those who lost their lives or loved ones.
I've just had the lovely privilage of a chat with Eric Postles, a veteran of the 61st Reconniassance Regiment and a hero of this blog:
Eric was transferred to the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment when 61st Recce disbanded in February 1945 , after fighting in the Ardennes (the Battle of the Bulge). He returned to the dreaded 'Island' between the Waal and the Rhine, where the front-line had been stuck at Arnhem since Operation Market Garden failed to hold the town and river crossing in September 1945.
"The worse thing was going over Nijmegan bridge, constantly shelled at both ends" says Eric.
49th Division (known as the Polar Bears) liberated Arnhem as it's last contribution to the Second World War, after a series of ferocious battles.
Having captured another crucial bridge 49th recce were preparing to cross, rushing vital food supplies to the starving inhabitants of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, when there was news of the forthcoming surrender. Anticipating the cease-fire the Canadians took over the food relief and 49th Recce, returning to Bronbeek? (near a former Royal Palace) where they listened to the King's Speech on VE Day and organised a dance with the locals. The celebrations were held outside, the Recce circling the grounds with their heavy armoured cars to illuminate it with their spotlights.
After the dance the Germans were surrendering to them all day long, delivering up their arms. The war was at last over, but not Eric's life in the army. He went on to a successful career with the army and then the prison service, accompanied by his wife Gladys, who he'd met just before he took part in Operation Overloord on D Day.
Nowadays Eric lives quietly near Wigan.
Thank you Eric.
Recent Comments