Joe Brown

Buffalo 'A' Sqn 11 RTR

Buffalo 'A' Sqn 11 RTR
Joe Brown, Apr 21, 2013
    • Joe Brown
      The Buffalo was a tremendously useful amphibious track vehicle which proved its worth during the assault on Walcheren. The Johnston Force that surprised the German Garrison were transported by A Squadron 11th RTR. Their appearance on the west flank of Middelburg was to convey to the Germans they were now being attacked by tanks full of Jocks.

      Prior to this operation by Johnston Force, as Battalion I.O. along with the Brigade Senior Liaison officer we were briefed by the Brigadier to reconnoitre the possibility of this force using a route to the west of Middelburg through the heavily flooded and mined area linked with overhead explosive devices connected to each other, and we were required to report whether it was possible to get into a position to attack the city. We carried out this recce in a Buffalo; unfortunately on the way back to confirm it was possible, provide they carefully followed our route, our Buffalo trying to dodge the overhead explosive devices got one of its tracks jammed on a concrete bridge that was totally submerged and unseen under the grubby flood water.

      The Brigade L.O. and myself had to be rescued by the Resistance taking us to nearby Kouderkirke by rowing boat and then we had to be guided back by negotiating a crossing point close to the gap in the sea wall in order to return to Flushing. The Resistance had had made the crossing before and knew how to attempt it, directing our efforts in handling three lengthy pieces of wood which enabled us to reach an area of submerged ground. The four us could just about manage to stand and we were then half-way across, clutching one another to keep balance for if we slipped we would have been swept into the Scheldt Estuary. Thanks to the Resistance and three valuable lengths of wood we made it.

      Joe Brown.
    • Bernard85
      good afternoon joe brown.yesterday.06:45pm.re:the buffalo.you certainly had your share of close calls.as the saying goes.every picture tells a story.and yours certainly do.thank you for sharing,bernar85
    • FormB200d
      Joe Brown Thanks for the picture my Dad was in 11 RTR and drove them at the Scheldt and Crossing of the Rhine. His unit had the name of Durham Pit Villages written on them. Ive visited the Tank Museum and seen one close up.
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