The story
A 'Ghent Force' was formed, comprising, the Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, 5th RTR, 5th RHA, 1/6th Queens, 'A' Company the Rifle Brigade, 22nd Brigade HQ and of course it was to be led by 11th Hussars.
The force started off at 04:30 on the morning of 4th September and met no real resistance, crossing into Belgium two hours later, meeting a tumultuous welcome. The Cromwells were fast enough to keep up with the half tracks and lorries, with the ground they raced over shaking as they went. Soon the vehicles were full of flowers, fruit and bottles of wine and brandy.
Some men received unique injuries for modern warfare, from bunches of grapes thrown by the well meaning locals! It was not a good idea to stop in the towns as any vehicle that did was instantly surrounded by jubilant locales, but by nightfall 'Ghent Force' halted near Audenarde (or Oudenarde), after an advance of nearly 50 miles.
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.