Thru Netherland and Belgium - 1940.

[ljadw]

Interesting information,but,one little correction :the official name is Zelzate

[tigre]

Hello to all ; thanks for that tip ljadw . I took the name from the maps.......but I'll write the official name from now on. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; something more follows...............

Zelzate - May 1940.

The sappers dragged their dinghies up to the shore of the Ghent Canal, at that time from the enemy side was shooting a machine gun so we must seek cover. Three of our machine guns returned fire. A Feldwebel of the sappers crawled out of his cover and was wounded, we managed to drag him back but he was bleeding profusely.

Four men carried the boat downstream a few hundred yards beyond the bridge and managed to put it in the water and cross. Later came a messenger reporting that the adjacent company was attacking. Under hostile fire we moved to the crossing point and by evening we finally crossed the channel; then we marched down the road and took the city.

Sources: 47. Army Photo Album - 256 Inf Div_archivos. Historical Media, LLC. Sábado, 09 de Febrero de 2008, 08:10:04
http://www.stappenentrappen.be/zelzatet ... senpad.htm
Gesicht unterm helm. 1941.
http://www.deuzie.be/artikels/19-2-03.htm
Cav. Motorisée Belge. Vol 5.
Das Grüne Regiment: Der Weg d. 256. Infanterie-Division aus d. Sicht d. Regiments 481. Barbara Selz.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; last part...............

Zelzate - May 1940.

At 20:00 hours the 2nd Guides Regiment had retreated to Assenede and then by truck towards Aardenburg, where they arrived on May 24, 1940 at 05:00 hours. The Belgian casualties were 12 men dead (including three officers), while the 256 ID had to mourn 36 dead (including 3 officers) and 150 wounded.

Sources: 47. Army Photo Album - 256 Inf Div_archivos. Historical Media, LLC. Sábado, 09 de Febrero de 2008, 08:10:04
http://www.stappenentrappen.be/zelzatet ... senpad.htm
Gesicht unterm helm. 1941.
http://www.deuzie.be/artikels/19-2-03.htm
Cav. Motorisée Belge. Vol 5.
Das Grüne Regiment: Der Weg d. 256. Infanterie-Division aus d. Sicht d. Regiments 481. Barbara Selz.

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to All ; Here is the story of another unit in their march to the Channel .................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

The 56 ID (Generalmajor Karl Kriebel) was part of the IX AK (General d. Inf. Geyer) subordinated to the 6 AOK of General d. Art v. Reichenau, when on May 9, 1940 at 13:45 hours received codeword for the alarm. To the left of the division it was to attack the Generalleutnant v. Briesen's 30. ID, while to the right opened a gap of about 30 kilometers to the area of Gennep, where was to attack the 256 ID, located on the south wing of the 18 AOK.

On May 10, 1940 the 56 ID crossed the Dutch border in a front of 25 kilometers, organized into three battle groups: On the right the IR 171 (Oberst Gottfried von Erdmannsdorff) advancing on Arcen, with support from the II. / AR 156, to the left the IR 192 (Oberst Ludwig Wolff) with main effort on Velden, with support from the I. / AR 156 (Hauptmann Theodor Friedmann). While the III. / IR 234 (Oberstlt. Gonell) was to lead a surprise attack on Venlo in order to seize the bridge over the River Meuse. The rest of the IR 234 (Oberstleutnant Adalbert Kratz) would continue as division reserve.

Source: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; Here is the story of another unit in their march to the Channel .................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

The Infanterie Regiment 171 (IR 171) was organized after the German mobilization on August 26, 1939 in the WK IV as a unit of the 2nd wave. After taking part in the Polish Campaign in September 1939, it was transported to the Eifel on October 2, 1939 and then went to Issum-Geldern.

On May 10, 1940 at 05:35 hours the 56 ID began its march towards the border. Under a clear blue sky the Unit pierced the border by the sector Grubbenvorst -Venlo - Venlo-bridge, which unfortunately was blown, despite the surprise attack planned for its capture. The division quickly crossed the Meuse in Velden, where at 09:00 hours the AA 25 resumed the march and headed towards Beringen.

Fuente: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

On May 10, 1940 the IR 171 pressed inward and crossed the Meuse by Arcen. After breaking through the line of bunkers continued its progress westwards. Elements of the AA 25 and advanced parts of the infantry collided with a barricade on the road two kilometers east of Mejel and engaged in the first fight. Patrols were detached in order to get information about the occupation of the Deurne Canal and identify potential crossing points. While swimming across the canal fell in action Leutnant v. Both and Uffz. Panne of the 1./Radfahr-Schwadron 156.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

During the night of 10 to 11 May 1940, the AA 25 was assembled in Beringen securing toward Deurne canal. On 11 May 1940 the AA 25 was assembled in Körte. At 09:00 hours the aerial reconnaissance reported that the enemy was retreating, therefore General Geyer personally ordered Oberstleutnant Rodt (Commander of AA 25) to drive toward the Peelheide.

Pictures below: Crossing by Meyel. 11.5.1940.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

The AA 25 quickly advanced from Korte through Peelheide overcoming without resistance several barricades and antitank obstacles. At 11:00 hours the AA 25 reached America and an hour later was at Helenaveen. Shortly afterwards also Deurne and Sevenum were conquered without a fight.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M 8).

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

At 11:50 hours the IR 192 reached Asten, a place which also arrived the Commander of the 56th ID at 12:20 hours. A battalion was headed towards Zuid-Willemsvaart (east of Someren) and after heavy fighting reached Someren at 13:20 hours. At 18:45 hours the 5. / IR 192 reached Leende, where it fought hard struggles house by house; as Dutch sources said the fighting was against the demolition team in the 'Witte Brug' (White Bridge) on Groote (great ) Aa near Zevenhuizen.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

At 16:00 hours the spearhead of the Radfahr Schw. 156 reached Helmond and received fire, being wounded Leutnant v. Buchwaldt. The resistance was quickly reduced and the city taken, that night the Detachment secured towards Mierlo. In Leende during the night from 11 to 12 May 1940 at 04:30 hours there was a battle with some disperse Dutch troops, in which, Leutnant Richter, Leutnant Naumann, Leutnant Hoinka and eight soldiers of the regimental staff and two armored vehicles of the AA 25 managed to capture a lieutenant colonel, 8 officers and 250 men as well as 30 trucks, five guns and two anti-tank cannons; Leutnant Henks was seriously injured.

The IR 171 crossed the border between Netherlands and Belgium.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

On May 12, 1940 at 04:00 hours the AA 25 went by Mierlo, Geldtrop, and reached Eindhoven unopposed. While Radfahr-Schwadron 25 was rejecting hostile elements located northwest of Westhoven the advance proceeded toward Stenzel and continued by Fersel - Hapert - Bladel - Renzel to Mierde Hooge. There the AA 25, together with the MG Btl 6, cleared the surrounding wooded area. The Reiterschwadron rejected a French counterattack with tanks towards Mierde Hodge and Gefreiter Lehmann destroyed 4 tanks, being the first soldier to be awarded with the EK II.

On May 13, 1940 failed the crossing over the Turnhout Canal. The AA 25 reconnoitered toward Grysenberg, for that purpouse it advanced along the route Poppel-Rethy reinforced with the 2. / AR 156 (Leutnant Knote) and the 1. / Pz Jäg Abt 156 (Leutnant Waisbeck). The channel was heavily defended by the enemy.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

On May 14, 1940 the 56. ID crossed the canal by Arendok over a bridge built by the engineers. The AA 25 was relieved by the MG Btl 6 and crossed the bridge as the vanguard of the division. During the night from 14 to 15 May 1940, the AA 25 bivouacked on the eastern edge of Turnhout.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

On May 15, 1940 the IR 171 reached the Albert Canal and that very day the bulk of the 56. ID crossed the Canal by Herenthals with the AA 25 in the lead. On May 16, 1940 the advance continued toward Berlaer with patrols towards Grobbendonk and Nyler.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.................

The advance of the IR 171 to the English Channel - Summer 1940.

On May 17, 1940 was conquered Mechelen. The AA 25 spent the night from 17 to 18 May 1940 East of Malines.

Sources: Ich Kämpfte Mit. eBay auction. martes, 23 de marzo de 2010, 11:49:32
Geschichte der 56. Infanterie-Division 1938 – 1945.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Infanteriedivisionen/56ID.htm
Leende in en rond de Tweede Wereldoorlog. (c) Piet Willems Eikenlaan 9 5595 AG LEENDE
040 206142930 juli 1996.
http://www.kavallerie-regiment18.de/aa25.html

Cheers. Raúl M .