The story
April 19, 1945. Without disabling, the companies consolidate their new positions, while the pioneers continue their work of mine clearance and fill the enormous craters which strew the roads. In the south, the 1st Battalion undergoes many artillery fires. During a patrol, the soldier Frans DEWAET is wounded; he will not survive his wounds and will die on July 12 1945. The B company counts casualties and acts of bravery are announced. Are distinguished there in particular, the sergeant Gerard BALLIN, casualty, and Corporal Marius VILAIN who succeeds in saving the soldiers Edouard MOURETTE and CORDIER, also wounded. The bell-tower of RENEN, which, in the north of LEK (NEDERRIJN), is used as observatory to the enemy, is hits by British artillery.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.