Newspaper article, Liverpool Echo, 13 June 1957

From Irish Guards Journal, 1958:

The following article appeared in the Liverpool Echo dated Saturday, 13th June, 1957, and the writer of the article, ex-Lance Sergeant ROBY, J.M., No. 2723110, 2nd Battalion IRISH GUARDS, was awarded £50 for his story:-

COMING OF AGE IN THE HARDEST SCHOOL OF ALL

“The bridge at De Groote Barrier was captured. The next stepping-stone from BELGIUM into HOLLAND was ours.

This bridge across read “Joe’s” bridge, named after Colonel J.O.E. VANDELEUR, Commanding Officer of the IRISH GUARDS Group, a battalion of infantry, and a battalion of tanks belonging to the GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.

We now learnt of our next operation, which was, we were told, to be the biggest “break out” in history.

The object was to lay a chain of airborne droppings to capture the bridge across the Wilhelmina Canal, Zuid Wilhelm Canal, the River Maas, the Waal Canal, and at ARNHEM to capture the bridge across the lower Rhine.

Our job was to advance and link up with these airborne landings and then finally, after joining the 1st British Airborne Division on ARNHEM Bridge, to push on to the Zuider Zee and so cut off the German Forces in the LOW COUNTRIES.

What it boiled down to was a spearhead over 100 miles deep into enemy country, with “Joe’s boys” leading. It was called “Operation Market Garden” and “D” Day was to be September 17. That gave us six days to get ready.

The Corps Commander, Lieutenant General HORROCKS, came to see things for himself, and as Zero Hour approached he positioned himself on top of a factory building, ready to watch the fireworks.

First our artillery opened fire. Then came our Typhoons. Next came the tanks, each carrying a section of infantry, rolling forwards towards VALKENSWAARD, our first objective.

We were the reserve Squadron, and I watched this advance through my “Perrytelescope” for I was Gunner to the Troop Leader, Lieutenant Charles TOTTENHAM, M.C.

Without warning, the first nine tanks were hit.

The wireless became alive with orders, and through the “filter thro” on my head set, I could hear the Squadron Leader answering his orders to move.

We moved off the road to the right and forward, parallel to the ghastly sight of burning tanks and men. My eyes were staring into the “perrytelescope” knowing that somewhere in front the enemy could see me, but I could not see him, when over the “intercom” came the calm voice of Charles TOTTENHAM “... funny you know, chaps, but it’s my birthday to-day.” He was 21 !

 

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details