11 November 2008

Operation Amherst - 1945


Almost everyone knows that the Netherlands were liberated by Canadians, Poles, Americans and English troops. Less known is the fact that French troops played a role in the Dutch liberation too.
'Operation Amherst' is a richly illustrated book (unfortunately only in Dutch) which describes the battles of more than 700 French troops in the Dutch province of Drenthe in the spring of 1945. These French troops were part of the famous British SAS (special air service).
In the night of 7 April they were dropped behind the German lines in Drenthe and had to prepare bridges, airports, etcetera for the advancing Canadian troops.
The author, who took part in the operation, describes the clashes with the German troops and the role of the local people.

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