Tidying Up WTO (id:#67400)

(ASL Journal #17 ID: J280)   [next]   [previous]

Wesel, Germany 1945-03-25 (8 others)

Overview:

Operation PLUNDER was the name given to the long-awaited assault across the Rhine River. The British 21st Army Group with the attached American XVI Corps would force the crossing in an area between Rees and Wesel. The 1st Commando Brigade was ordered to seize Wesel, the southern anchor of the operation. The crossings began at 2130 on 23 March, covered by a massive artillery barrage. At 2230, 250 RAF Lancaster bombers hammered Wesel, damaging most of the buildings and touching off several fires. By dawn, all four Commando squadrons were in the town, having beaten back. several hasty counterattacks from the north and were set to the task of clearing out the last defenders.

Defender: German (Wesel Garrison Headquarters, Infanterie-Division 84)  

Errata (source)