Figure 1.-- |
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The Allied D-Day opened the way for the liberation of Western Europe (June 6, 1944). The Germans managed to bottle the Allies up in Normandy, but could not dislodge the beachhead or prevent an enormous build-up. The Allies found it difficult to fight in the Bockage country, but finally Operartion Cobra succeeded in breaking out led by Patton's 3rd Army (July). The German 7th Army was largely destroyed. The Allies liberated Paris and crossed the Seine. The Germans retreated to the West Wall and prepared to defend the Rhine while the Allies raced for the Rhine. Unfortunately for the Dutch, much of the country was north of the Rhine and the NAZIs decided to use the Rhine as the major defensive line in the West. After the Allies liberated France (August 1944) they reached the Belgian border (early-September). The Dutch, including those north of the Rhine knew of the Allied drive through Belgium. Many seeing how rapidly Belgium was liberated assumed that they would also be quickly liberated. Then the Allies reached the Dutch border, stting off celebrations. As a result, September 5 is now known as Dolle dinsdag (mad Tuesday). A reconnaissance-patrol of the U.S. 113th Cavalry Group Red Horse crossed the Dutch border in the west near Maastricht (September 9). The American 30th Infantry Division "Old Hickory", entered the southern Netherlands in force at Zuid-Limburg (September 12). The British and Canadians also moved toward the Netherlands. The fast moving British 11th Armored Division charged north toward the Netherlands. Making a night move and advancing 60 miles in one day, the Division liberated Amiens in northern France (September 1). On that same day it also captured General Eberbach, commander of the German 7th Army. The Division reached Lens and then Tournai with little opposition (Belgium). At this point the Division was committed to the fight further north for Antwerp near the Dutch border. Antwerp was liberated (September 4). The Division then attempted to cross the Albert Canal, but was beaten back by the Germans. The Division was forced to cross further east at Beringen in northern Belgium. It then liberated Helchteren, Peer, and Bree close to the Dutch border. This essentially cleared the area between the Albert Canal and the Meuse (September 12). Thus by the middle of September the allies were well established in Belgium and on the border of the Nerherlands. Thet also possessed the vital port of Antwerp. The Dutch at this time concluded that their long-awaited liberation was at hand.
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