The Roertriangle
January 1945: the frontline in the southernmost province of Holland (Limburg) had stabalized along several natural barriers. The most difficult barrier to cross was the River Maas (running along the Dutch/Belgian border). The next barrier was the river Roer (running from the German Eifel area, through Heinsberg toward Roermond). From Heinsberg southwards, the famous Siegfried Line or "West Wall" was formed along the banks of the river Roer.
The southern part of the province of Limburg was already liberated in september 1944. But the area above the Sittard-Geilenkirchen line was still in German hands. Here the front had settled along a small creek forming another, seemingly immense, obstacle. These obstacles formed a triangular area. it was referred to as the Roertriangle, which protruded like a small bulge into the frontline.
before the allies could move on ti the Rhineland, they had to clear the Germans from this area. A task that fell tot the British XII Corps.
Operation Blackcock
The codename for this operation was "Operation Blackcock". The operation took place between January 15 and January 27 1945.
The operation was carried out by XII Corps. They had two infantry and one tank division at their disposal: the 7th Armoured Division "Desert Rat", the 43rd Wessex Infantry Division and the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division. These divisions were supported by the 6th Guards Tank Brigade, 8th Armoured Brigade, 1st Commando Brigade, some sections of the 79th Armoured Division "Hobart's Funnies", the 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment and several artillery divisions.
The German defence was made up out of the 176. Infanterie Division, 183. Volksgrenadier Division and the infamous paratroopers of the Fallschirmjäger Regiment Hübner.
The terrain with numerous creeks and the adverse weather conditions and extreme cold were to the advantage of the defenders.
Program
During this full day battlefield tour we follow the advance route of the 7th Armoured Division and the 1st Commando Brigade. They were responsible for clearing the Roertriangle on the Dutch side.
Via the villages Susteren, Sint Joost en Linne, we arrive in Sint Odiliënberg. On january 27th 1945, troops of the 7th Armoured Division reached the Roer in Sint Odiliënberg and therefor ending Operation Blackcock.
We end the day with a visit to the British military cemetery in Nederweert, the final resting place for some of the soldiers who were killed during the battle for the Roertriangle.
Price:
€ 52,50 per person
Included:
*Coffee or tea during introduction
*Transport per luxury coach
*Lunch
*Special handout with background information
*Tour guide during the entire program
Not included:
*Any other food or beverages
*reservation fee (€ 16,50 per group)
Please note;
*Duration program 09.00 - 17.00 hrs
*Price is based on a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 50 persons
For more information or reservations please contact
LimburgGroepsuitje
E: groepsuitje@hartvanlimburg.nl
T: + 31 (0)475 330289
WOII Battlefield Tour 'The battle for the Roertriangle'
Broen Café & Eetcafé 'Biej De Vogel' en Feestzaal 'Le Village'
Markt 21
6065 AV
MONTFORT
A full day battlefield tour per luxury coach. During this tour we will visit many places where the battle for the Roertriangle took place during the harsh winter of 1945. Along the route we will stop regularly and take a short walk to visit a special location. The guide will explain the course of the battle both in the bus and on location.