Operation Plunder & Varsity: The British and Canadian Operations (Battleground The Rhine Crossing) - Softcover

Saunders, Tim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1844152219 ISBN 13: 9781844152216

Publisher: Pen and Sword Military, 2007

Synopsis

By late March 1945, Second British Army and Ninth US Army were poised to carry out an assault crossing of the Rhine. In the British part of the operations, Montgomery’s best assault divisions were assembled to carry out the British and Canadian part of the attack between Emmerich and Wesel.

A commando brigade and two Scottish divisions carried out the initial assault under cover of darkness and a tremendous bombardment on the evening of 23rd March. Despite the best efforts of the German first Parachute Army they had established a bridgehead by dawn. During the following morning 6th British Airborne Division dropped around Hamminkeln, in the immediate rear of the Germans, in an operation codenamed VARSITY.

By 27 March, after some heavy combat, the Allies were prepared to launch their final drive to the Baltic. The Rhine crossing, though by no means the final battle, sealed the fate of Nazi Germany.

About this title

About the Author

Tim Saunders served as an infantry officer with the British Army for thirty years, during which time he took the opportunity to visit campaigns far and wide, from ancient to modern. Since leaving the Army he has become a full time military historian, with this being his sixteenth book, has made nearly fifty full documentary films with Battlefield History and Pen & Sword. He is an active guide and Accredited Member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides.

Review

“...a thoroughly researched account...well illustrated, includes may photos of the forces involved, maps and aerial images...” (JAPCC Journal)

Edition details

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1844152219
• ISBN 13: 9781844152216
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192