1945 [ Content Tag ]
Below is a list of the history pages, personal accounts, extracts and photos that have been tagged with a reference to '1945'...
Tag references
Divided into content type :
1. [ history ]
Overview
In Brief
A very brief overview of the history of the 51st Highland Division.
2. [ pow ]
Johnnie Matheson
5 Escape Attempts
Johnnie Matheson retells the story of his five escape attempts from POW camps between 1940 - 1945.
He walked into wartime captivity with a haversack full of looted French franc notes of doubtful value from a bombed bank in St Valery - and more than five years later drove across a war-torn Europe heading for his Highland home in a brand new BMW car festooned with American stars and stripes, and a legitimate fortune in pounds sterling in his pocket.
3. [ pow ]
Camp 946 and 210
Elbing 1944-1945
Henry Owens describes Stalag XXb, Camp 946 and Camp 210 at Elbing, East Prussia between 1944 - 1945
4. [ history ]
Ardennes
Battle of the Bulge
Dec 1944 - Jan 1945
Just before Christmas 1944 the GOC took his commanders to carry out a reconnaissance for the next phase of operations - clearing the Germans from the River Maas to the River Rhine, which would commence in the new year. However, news of the German counter attack in the Ardennes (which became known as the Battle of the Bulge) now changed the plans and 51st Highland Division were ordered south...
5. [ pow ]
Thousand Mile March
Late 1944 - Early 1945
In late 1944, as the Russian advanced, the Germans evacuated the prisoner of war camps to prevent the liberation of the prisoners by the Russians. This resulted in more than 80,000 allied prisoners being marched west from Poland through Germany and Czechoslovakia through the first four months of 1945. Many did not survive...
6. [ pow ]
Long (Baltic) March
Jan-May 1945
Henry Owens describes the 1000 mile forced march that would become known as the 'Death March', January - May 1945.
7. [ history ]
La Roche
10th Jan 1945
With the successful advance of 152 Brigade to Ronchamps the Divisional right flank was secure and all was ready for the assault by 154 Brigade down the Ourthe valley to La Roche.
8. [ history ]
Ronchamps
10th Jan 1945
On 10th January 152 Brigade moved through 153 Brigade with the task of pushing across the Marche - La Roche road and on to take Ronchamps thus covering the right flank of the divisional advance down the Ourthe valley.
9. [ history ]
Subsequent Operations
12-15th Jan 1945
By 12th January the 51st Highland Division found that the opposition had become more determined. The reason for this was that the Division now threatened the main German withdrawal route of Champion - Erneuville - Ortho - Filly.
10. [ history ]
Reichswald
Op. Veritable
Feb 1945
After the defeat of the German Ardennes offensive the 51st Highland Division returned to Holland to recommence offensive operations. Operation Veritable was the code name for the operation which would clear the Germans from the ground between the parallel rivers of the Maas and the Rhine and drive them back over the latter.
11. [ history ]
The Plan
8th Feb 1945
Op Veritable was the code name for the allied operation to drive the Germans from the ground between the River Maas and the River Rhine. The Canadians and British would break out from the Nijmegen bridgehead clearing southeast down between the two rivers to link up with the US forces who would cross the Maas to the south and swing north.
12. [ history ]
Hekkens
10-11 Feb 1945
The town of Hekkens on the southern edge of the Reichswald lay on the important intersection of the Gennep-Cleve and Kessel-Goch roads. It was also on the Siegfried Line and was therefore heavily defended with pill boxes. The town also sat on the proposed corps axis and therefore had to be cleared.
13. [ history ]
Goch
19th Feb 1945
Goch was planned as the Divisions final objective in Operation Veritable. The task fell to 153 Brigade...
14. [ history ]
Concluding Operations
24-27 Feb 1945
With the capture of Goch it was thought that the Division had completed its part in Operational Veritable, however orders were received to advance south to clear the area south west of Goch and the next lateral road from Weeze heading east which would be the Corps axis.
15. [ history ]
Rhine Crossing
Operation Plunder
Mar 1945
The Operation to cross the Rhine was to be called Operation Plunder. The Plan for Operation Plunder was to cross on a two corps front with 51st Highland division on the left leading 30 Corps. The Divisional objectives on the other side of the Rhine were Honnepel and Rees.
16. [ history ]
Victory in Europe
Apr - May 1945
After a brief rest in Isselburg orders were received on the 3rd April for the 51st Highland Division to concentrate at Enschede. The Divisional advance from Enschede would be to Salzbergenm, Lingen, to Quakenbruck, Vetchta, Wildeshausen, Delmenhorst, Bremen and finally Bremerhaven. Germany was now collapsing...
17. [ battalions ]
5/7th Gordon Highlanders
Regaining Drum
Set of photos showing American Forces conducting a ceremony to hand over a drum of the 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders which had been lost in 1940. (c. Photo 1945/46, City unknown).
Photo is part of a set sent to us by Dave Clark who's Father was 320391 Lieutenant James Henderson Clark of 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders.
The set show the 5/7th Gordons on parade as part of the ceremony as well as the hand-over itself.
1. [ account ]
Brigadier James Oliver
A short biography from 'The Red Hackle'
Brigadier James Oliver : A short biography - an extract from 'The Red Hackle' - the Regimental magazine of The Black Watch.
2. [ account ]
Major (tmp. Lt. Col.) James Oliver : DSO Citation
October 1942, North Africa
Citation for the first of two DSO awarded to Major (temporary Lieutenant Colonel) James Alexander Oliver MBE of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment). This first DSO is in recognition of his 'outstanding example' in the attack on the Miteriya Ridge on the night 23/24 October, 1942
3. [ account ]
PIOBAIREACHD
51st Highland Division Newsletter
PIOBAIREACHD was the name given to the 51st Highland Division newsletter which was produced from 14 June 1944.
4. [ account ]
Account By Major Pilcher, 5th Black Watch
The Ardennes, January 1945
An Account By Major Pilcher, Officer Commanding C Company, 5th Black Watch of action during the later part of the action seen in the Ardennes. Major Pilcher MC, is now a Trustee of the 51st Highland Division and Ross Bequest Fund. His account picks up events starting on 12th January 1945.
5. [ account ]
Account By Private Tom Renouf - Attack on Hubermont
The Ardennes, January 1945
An account by Private Tom Renouf - 'A' Company, 7th Platoon, 5th Black Watch - of the attack on Hubermont. His account picks up the operation on the 12th January 1945. (The Ardennes, Subsequent Operations)
Dr. Tom Renouf is the Secretary of the 51st Highland Division Veterans Association.
6. [ account ]
2nd Seaforth Account of the Reichswald Battles
February 1945
This account was attached to the 2nd Seaforth's War Diary - covers the part taken by the 2nd Battalion in the Operations of February 1945 which resulted in the clearing of the West bank of the Rhine from Nijmegen. (Reichswald)
7. [ op order ]
152 Brigade Op. Order No.12 - OPERATION 'VERITABLE'
Reichswald, 4th February 1945
Operation Order No. 12 (Operation 'Veritable') listed in full - dated 4th February 1945 (Reichswald)
8. [ account ]
Attack on Goch, 5 Black Watch
Goch, Reichswald, 18th February 1945
John McGregor's account of the attack on Goch (Reichswald) by 5th Black Watch on the 18th February 1945 - taken from "The Spirit of Angus" by John McGregor.
9. [ account ]
The Capture of Goch, 1st Gordons
Goch, Reichswald, 18th February 1945
Martin Lindsay's account of the attack on Goch by 1st Gordons on the 18th February 1945 - from 'So Few Got Through' by Martin Lindsay. (Goch, Reichswald)
10. [ account ]
Capture of Goch, concluding operations
Goch, Reichswald, 20th - 28th Feb 1945
Capture of Goch and concluding stages of Operation Veritable - taken from "The history of the 154 Infantry Brigade in North West Europe". (Goch, Reichswald)
11. [ account ]
153 Brigade - Operation Plunder - Rhine Crossing
March 1945
153 Brigade Operations during Operation Plunder - the Rhine Crossing, March 1945.
12. [ account ]
154 Brigade - Operation Plunder - Rhine Crossing
March 1945
An account of 154 Brigade's crossing of the Rhine in Operation Plunder, March 1945. This extract is taken from the 154 Brigade History.
13. [ account ]
Clearing Gennep and Goch
Operation Plunder, Rhine Crossing, March 1945
"Notes on Town Clearing", written by Lt Col JA GRANT-PETERKIN, DSO, O.C., 1 GORDONS, on the experiences of a Battalion which took part in clearing two large towns, GENNEP and GOCH, against a determined and organised enemy...
14. [ account ]
Extracts from Op Plunder Planning Notes
Rhine Crossing, March 1945
Notes written on the experience of a Battalion which took part in the clearing to two large towns during Operation Plunder (Rhine Crossing) March 1945.
15. [ account ]
Rhine Crossing - Albert Bellamy Account
March 1945
An account of the Rhine Crossing by Albert Bellamy; Published in a local newspaper and kindly provided to us by Trooper Bellamy's Daughter.
16. [ account ]
Main HQ comment on "Town Clearing"
Gennep / Goch, Rhine Crossing, March 1945
Additional note from Main HQ relating to "Notes on Town Clearing" written by Lt Col JA GRANT-PETERKIN, DSO, O.C., 1 GORDONS which detailed operations to clear Gennep and Goch during Operation Plunder, Rhine Crossing, March 1945.
17. [ account ]
5/7th Gordons - Operation Plunder
Rhine Crossing, 17th - 28th March 1945
Operation "Plunder" - The Rhine Crossing. An extract from 5/7th Gordons War Diary.
18. [ account ]
152 Brigade - Operation Plunder - Attack on Groin
Late March 1945
152 Brigade Operations during Operation Plunder - the Rhine Crossing - and the attack on Groin
19. [ account ]
Attack on Groin, 5th Seaforth
Late March 1945
An account of the attack on Groin (Rhine Crossing - Operation Plunder) by 5th Seaforth Highlanders, taken with kind permission from "Battalion" by Alastair Borthwick.
20. [ account ]
Appreciation of Major General Rennie
The Rhine Crossing, March 1945
Appreciation of Major General T. G. Rennie, C.B., D.S.O., M.B.E. written on 31 March by the Commandeer of the 2nd Army, Lieutenant-General Sir Miles Dempsey. Major General Rennie was killed by a shell during Operation Plunder - The crossing of the Rhine. March 1945.
21. [ account ]
Advance to Bremen - Div COMD's Policy
10th April 1945
DIV COMD's Policy from McMillan (Major General Commanding) 10 April 1945 (Victory in Europe, 1945)
22. [ account ]
154 Brigade - Final Brigade Operations
1st - 5th May 1945
154 Brigade account - 1st May 1945 to 5th May 1945.
23. [ op order ]
Op Instr. No 60, May 1945
3 May 1945
Dated 3 May 1945, this is the last Divisional Operation Instruction before the German surrender.
2. [ photo ]
Route of 1000 mile March
taken by Henry Owens
The marking (green) shows the route taken my Henry Owens during the forced 1000 mile march of January - May 1945.
3. [ photo ]
Area of Operations - Ardennes
10-15 January 1945
Map detailing the Highland Division's area of operations during 10-15 January 1945 in the Ardennes.
4. [ photo ]
Map - Attack on Hubermont
12-13 January 1945
Map showing the details of the 5th Black watch attack on Hubermont. The attack took place the night of 12-13 January showing the initial (1) and final (2) company positions.
5. [ photo ]
Men of 5th Camerons in snow suits
14 January 1945
Men from the 5th Camerons wearing snow suits inspect the weapons of two GIs from the American 87th Division during the allied link up at Champlin. 14 January 1945
6. [ photo ]
Captured German half track
January 1945
Men of 5/7th Gordons paint the 51st Highland Division badge on a captured German half track. 16 January 1945
8. [ photo ]
Men of the 5/7th Gordons on the move
8 February 1945
Men of the 5/7th Gordons Highlanders move up to take part in the first attack. 154 Brigade. Sgt Silverside 8 February 1945
9. [ photo ]
Maps - Hekkens
Feb, 1945
The providence of this map is not known and hence the pencil marks cannot be dated. However, the objective axis and start line are clear.
10. [ photo ]
Mud hampers progress
10 February 1945
Even tracked vehicles find it hard going and have to be dug out. 154 Brigade between Brunhard and German border. Sgt Silverside 10 February 1945
11. [ photo ]
2nd Seaforth, Reichswald Forest, 11th Feb 1945
11th Feb 1945
Men of the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders advancing through the Reichswald Forest. In close support of them are flame throwing Churchill Tanks. So far no heavy concrete emplacements have been encountered so the flame throwers have not been in action but they advance with the forward troops so they can be called on for instantaneous action. 152 Brigade. Sgt Silverside 11 February 1945
12. [ photo ]
Bren Gunner, Feb, 1945
14 February 1945
Bren gunner in action from a window of a house when they were observing and giving covering fire for their comrades advancing below. C Coy, 5 Black Watch, 153 Brigade. Sgt Silverside 14 February 1945
13. [ photo ]
Underground HQ, Gennep
14 February 1945
"Life for the most part is underground in Gennep. The Germans are still making the town, which was a key place in their water defence line, an unhealthy place to live in, and shell it regularly. 'C' Company Commandeer, Major GA Pilcher MC of GOWS, Invergowerie, nr Dundee (centre) utilises one of the German built cellars as his HQ. With him is his 2nd in command, Captain AL Campbell of 9 Woodburn square, Douglas, Isle of Man (right) and 13 Pl Commander, Lt D P Smyth of 38 Herriot Row, Edinburgh. C Coy, 5 Black Watch, 153 Brigade" - Words and Photograph by Sgt Silverside, 14th February 1945.
14. [ photo ]
1st Gordons attack on Goch
18TH FEBRUARY 1945
This detailed sketch map accompanies the account from "So Few Got Through" by Martin Lindsay
15. [ photo ]
Map, Battle of Goch
February 1945
This detailed map taken directly from "The Spirit of Angus" illustrates the actions of the 5th Black Watch.
16. [ photo ]
Manoeuvers in Goch
21 February 1945
Tanks and Bren carries manoeuvre in the streets in Goch. Taken by Sgt Christie. 21 February 1945
17. [ photo ]
A Buffalo comes ashore, Rhine, 1945
Rhine, March 1945
1st Black Watch, Buffalo comes ashore.
18. [ photo ]
At ease around a dug out, Rhine, Mar 1945
Rhine, 23rd March 1945.
Men of 2nd Seaforth, 51st Highland division, at ease around a dug out on the west bank of the Rhine. 23rd March 1945.
19. [ photo ]
Black Watch and Kangaroo
23rd March 1945
On the night of 23rd March 1945 men of the three Black Watch battalions in the 51st Highland Division were ferried across the Rhine under cover of artillery barrage and a massive smoke screen. They are seen here moving forward in 'Kangaroos'. The HD 69 signifies the 7th Battalion. Little opposition was met before they were established on the far bank. The credit for being the first British troops across the Rhine fell to this battalion. The term 'Kangaroo' was applied to converted tanks and gun platforms like the hulls of Shermans and Priests which were converted into infantry armoured personal carries from Normandy onwards.
20. [ photo ]
Map of Operation Plunder
March 1945
Photograph of an original 51st Highland Division map for Operation Plunder
21. [ photo ]
Self Propelled Gun on Raft
24th March 1945
An Archer 17-pdr self propelled gun of Highland Division Anti Tank Regiment being loaded onto a raft. An RAF balloon winch is seen in the foreground. Sgt. Palmer 24th March 1945.
22. [ photo ]
Royal Artillery Battery
27th March 1945
The 5.5 inch guns of 235 and 336 Medium Batteries Royal Artillery line up to fire in support of the Rhine Crossing. 27th March 1945.
23. [ photo ]
Sketch Map of Groin, March 1945
March 1945
Sketch map showing key features of the attack on Groin
24. [ photo ]
Enschede to Bremen, Apr 1945
Apr 1945
Route taken by 51st Highland Division from Enschede to Bremen, April 1945
25. [ photo ]
J.Matheson in US uniform, 1945
May 1945. J.Matheson in US uniform with new (German) BMW. An American star is painted on the body work and an American Flag is attached to help identify the vehicle as 'friendly' to Allied forces.
27. [ photo ]
Men relaxing around Piano
May 1945
Men of the 51st Highland Division celebrating around a piano after the final victory in Europe was announced.
28. [ photo ]
Pipers in St. Valéry
May 1945
Pipers play in the town square of St. Valéry-en-caux after liberating the town.
29. [ photo ]
Pipe band of the 51st
May 1945
The pipe band of the 51st Highland Division play during the ceremony to mark the handover of Bremerhaven by British to American forces in Germany under allied occupation.
30. [ photo ]
J.Matheson, letter from US Capt.
19th May 1945
This is a photo of the letter, dated 19th May 1945, given to Johnnie Matheson by US Army Capt. Judson B. De Loach to help explain how he came to be in possession of US Army Shirt, Helmet and Boots, in addition to a confiscated German BMW "bearing the American Flag"...
31. [ photo ]
5/7th Gordons Drum
Lost in 1940
Photo shows a member of the American Force handing over a drum of the 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders, lost in 1940. (c. Photo 1945/46, City unknown).
Photo is part of a set sent to us by Dave Clark who's Father was 320391 Lieutenant James Henderson Clark of 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders.
Other photos in the set show the 5/7th Gordons on parade as part of the ceremony.
32. [ photo ]
5/7th Gordons Parade c.1945/46
On Parade c.1945/46
Photos showing the 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders on parade (c. 1945/46, City unknown).
Photo is part of a set sent to us by Dave Clark who's Father was 320391 Lieutenant James Henderson Clark of 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders.
It is understand the parade was part of a ceremony to return a drum of the 5th Gordon Highlanders lost in 1940.
33. [ photo ]
5th/7th Gordon Highlanders on parade
c.1945/46
Photos showing the 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders on parade (c. 1945/46, City unknown).
Photo is part of a set sent to us by Dave Clark who's Father was 320391 Lieutenant James Henderson Clark of 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders.
It is understand the parade was part of a ceremony to return a drum of the 5th Gordon Highlanders lost in 1940.
34. [ photo ]
5th/7th Gordon Highlanders on Parade
c.1945/46
Photos showing the 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders on parade (c. 1945/46, City unknown).
Photo is part of a set sent to us by Dave Clark who's Father was 320391 Lieutenant James Henderson Clark of 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders.
It is understand the parade was part of a ceremony to return a drum of the 5th Gordon Highlanders lost in 1940.
35. [ photo ]
American 5/7th Gordons Drum
American forces conduct ceremony c.1945/46
Photo shows a member of the American Force conducting a ceremony to hand over a drum of the 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders, lost in 1940. (c. Photo 1945/46, City unknown).
Photo is part of a set sent to us by Dave Clark who's Father was 320391 Lieutenant James Henderson Clark of 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders.
Other photos in the set show the 5/7th Gordons on parade as part of the ceremony.