Rifles Heritage 70Years Ago - 1944 The Battle of Overloon was a Second World War battle between Allied forces and the German army which took place in and around the village of Overloon in the south-east of the Netherlands between 30 September and 18 October 1944. The battle, which resulted in an Allied victory, ensued after the Allies launched Operation Aintree. The Allies went on to liberate the town of Venraij (Venray). The battle of Overloon ensued as the Allies in Operation Aintree advanced from nearby positions south toward the village of Overloon. After a failed attack on the town by the U.S. 7th Armored Division, the British 3rd Infantry Division and the British 11th Armoured Division took over. Suffering heavy losses the Allies captured the town and moved towards Venraij. This advance resulted in heavy losses, especially around the Loobeek creek, which was swollen due to heavy autumn rains and was flooded and mined by the Germans. During the fighting, the village of Overloon was destroyed and some 2,500 soldiers died, making it one of the bloodiest battles in the Netherlands during the Second World War. It was also the only major tank battle ever fought on Dutch soil. Dozens of tanks, mainly British, were destroyed. The following actions were fought by antecedents of The Rifles as part of Operation Aintree. Aam 1-4th October 1st Dorsets Opheusden 5-7 October 5th DCLI Venraij 12-18th October 2/4th KSLI & 1st HEREFORD During the fighting in Venraij, acting Sjt George Eardley VC & MM of 4th KSLI was awarded his VC for his conspicuous gallantry on the 16th October. Today often overlooked the Battle of Overloon was some of the most intense fighting in NW Europe and the only major tank battle fought in Holland. The battle ground today is a memorial park and museum. Lest we forget.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 09:16:57 +0000
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