Hochwald Gap

This is definitely a first!
A Canadian battle (mostly) being highlighted on the U.S. Military Channel this week.
Although I've never thought of the Hochwald as a great example of armoured warfare.

Feb 09, 7:00 pm
(60 minutes)


Greatest Tank Battles
The Battle for the Hochwald Gap
TV-PG, CC

In February 1945, Canadian forces launch an attack to cross the Rhine and enter the German heartland. This is the story of the struggle for the Hochwald Gap - the final obstacle blocking the Allies, which the Germans are determined to hold at any cost.

 

The Canucks getting some recognition at last!!!!
Whatever next!!
Artillery

Best
Rob

 

Rob,
I suspect that you've been up late and drinking heavily?:p

 

I did watch this.
A little heavy on the computer generated graphics and light on the strategic aspects but otherwise not too bad. I especially liked the veteran interviews.

 

HyperWar: The Victory Campaign [Chapter 18]

 

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Another perspective:

A Question Of Command: Army, Part 45 | Legion Magazine

 

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"The battle for the Hochwald Forest was over. Now the objective for the 4th Canadian Division was to move south and east to Veen, Germany. The task was given to the 10th Infantry Brigade and, in particular, a combined battle group led by C Squadron, South Alberta Regiment and C Company of the Argylls"

Infantrymen of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada lining up for dinner in a barnyard near Veen, Germany,
Date: 9 March 1945

 

Hochwald and Xanten

https://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcon...le.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1197&context=cmh

 

An illustrative photo of the Hochwald terrain I had not seen before:

 

For an aerial of the Hochwald 'Gap' see: Major Fred Tilston's Victoria Cross at the Hochwald

... and: Tour of Northeast Holland

 

A little trench comfort for the Fort Garry Horse in the Hochwald.

 

Are there any good books with first hand accounts regarding this fight and the capture of Xanten as well? Looking for both Canadian, British, and German.

 

Very belatedly, there might be some first hand stuff in Rhineland by Whitaker. I can check.

I have a question for any German speakers. Does "Hochwald" itself include the meaning of "Forest"? Is writing "Hochwald Forest" sort of like saying "Hoch Forest Forest"? alberk

 

Yes, "Wald" is the German word for forrest.

 

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Sherman / Hochwald