Liberation of Winterswijk - a mystery...
This print was recently discovered and sent to me from the memorabilia belonging to the grandson of Gunner Pat Wade of 81 Battery. The inscription on the reverse is intriguing and reads as follows:
“The church of the village of Winterswijk, where we was very glad to see you. Which many thanks for your help to the liberation of our dear county. Mrs De Bruijn & Mr & Mrs Reynders. Delistraat 9, Winterswijk, (Holland). Our best wishes of us for the future are with you”
The town of Winterswijk was liberated on 31st March by elements of the 53rd Welsh Division. There was a sharp tank battle outside the town with some casualties (now buried in Winterswijk cemetery). 9th Medium did not take part in this battle as they had been stood down and ceased firing on the 29th March. They concentrated in Ginderich, near Xanten alongside the Rhine river. However, a column of transport was formed from the 9th and all available drivers were called on to assist the tank units in their rapid advance by delivering supplies up to the front. I wonder if this column or some forward recce for this column reached Winterswijk ahead of the tanks and infantry? It is entirely possible as the situation was very fluid and confused with the enemy tending to leave scratch forces to defend key points - there being no continuous front line as such.
“The church of the village of Winterswijk, where we was very glad to see you. Which many thanks for your help to the liberation of our dear county. Mrs De Bruijn & Mr & Mrs Reynders. Delistraat 9, Winterswijk, (Holland). Our best wishes of us for the future are with you”
The town of Winterswijk was liberated on 31st March by elements of the 53rd Welsh Division. There was a sharp tank battle outside the town with some casualties (now buried in Winterswijk cemetery). 9th Medium did not take part in this battle as they had been stood down and ceased firing on the 29th March. They concentrated in Ginderich, near Xanten alongside the Rhine river. However, a column of transport was formed from the 9th and all available drivers were called on to assist the tank units in their rapid advance by delivering supplies up to the front. I wonder if this column or some forward recce for this column reached Winterswijk ahead of the tanks and infantry? It is entirely possible as the situation was very fluid and confused with the enemy tending to leave scratch forces to defend key points - there being no continuous front line as such.
