Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Hello All
Don't know if this was ever used , but some (coast) defense used also in earlier wars . ( NARA )
Regards Jos
Don't know if this was ever used , but some (coast) defense used also in earlier wars . ( NARA )
Regards Jos
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Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Bonjour
A document published by 716.Inf.Div on December 20, 1942 (Aufstellung der minenfelder noch dem stand vom 15.10.42) mentions the presence on the Minenfeld Nr 2a (1.9 km north of Longues), the presence of 6 Beh .-Min.) Distributed over a front of 150 by 50 meters. For me, these are bombs of French origin and generally positioned in cliff areas. Note that in March 1944 (date of your document), this sector was occupied by 2./Gr.Rgt.726 of Oberleutnant Gehardus de VRIES.
Regards
Romain
A document published by 716.Inf.Div on December 20, 1942 (Aufstellung der minenfelder noch dem stand vom 15.10.42) mentions the presence on the Minenfeld Nr 2a (1.9 km north of Longues), the presence of 6 Beh .-Min.) Distributed over a front of 150 by 50 meters. For me, these are bombs of French origin and generally positioned in cliff areas. Note that in March 1944 (date of your document), this sector was occupied by 2./Gr.Rgt.726 of Oberleutnant Gehardus de VRIES.
Regards
Romain
Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Thanks Romain
The name of the officer looks very Dutch .
The name of the officer looks very Dutch .
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Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Yes, but sadly killed on June 6th in Arromanches at the head of his kompanie.
Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Dutch naval personnel (Flores) inspecting the area shortly after the invasion came across his grave and wondered if he had been a collaborator. As far as I've been able to determine he was born in Germany and a German national. The grave marker was located at the front of the only gun positioned in the open of battery "Arromanches III"
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Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Born August 14, 1908, he was a high school teacher until August 1939 before switching as an aspiring mobilization officer. Leutnant on January 1, 1941 (1330), we find him Zugführer at 5./Inf.Rgt.726 on September 1, 1942. Since the 7th of the month, he has been in training (Kp.Führer Lehrgang) at the Auvours camp ( AOK.7 Ia Nr 3702/42 of August 28), training which will end on October 3. He was transferred from Stab I./GR 726 at the head of 2./726 on March 1, 1944 (Rgt.Tag.Nr 130). Currently rests in the English military cemetery of Bazenville (German square).
I didn't know about his grave marker on D.Day, an interesting aspect that I will keep in my research work.
I didn't know about his grave marker on D.Day, an interesting aspect that I will keep in my research work.
Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
I take it that his parents are Dutch and moved to Germany before his birth?
Nice documents Jos!
Nice documents Jos!
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Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Maybe, I didn't find anything about his birthplace but as he was a member of this division since at least 1942, I think he was probably from Westphalia like most of the officers.
Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Born in Oldenburg (not sure if there are more than the one in Niedersachsen)
Re: Mines in rocks against landed troops in Normandie
Yes you are right Emmanuel